August 31st, 2017 Edition

Why put up barricades before the Stockley verdict?

Protestors accuse authorities of proactive aggression

By Rebecca Rivas

The St. Louis American

The family of Anthony Lamar Smith, activists and clergy stood on the Carnahan Courthouse steps on Monday, August 28 to question why it is taking so long to hear a verdict in the murder trial of Jason Stockley.

Stockley, then a St. Louis city police officer who is white, is accused of first-degree murder in the 2011 killing of Smith, a 24-year-old black St. Louis resident. His trial ended on August 18, and Stockley waived his right to a jury trial. The verdict will come from St. Louis Circuit Judge Timothy Wilson.

Festival of kisses

n “I’m not following Trump. I’m speaking on behalf of the 152 sheriff deputies that you’re going to face. They obey my orders.”

– St. Louis Sheriff Vernon Betts

“The evidence is overwhelming,” said Niecey Smith, Anthony Lamar’s mother, in a statement. “It

‘I get to develop a young mind’

Michele Lemee is 2017 PNC Early Childhood Educator

By Rebecca Rivas

n “Many of her peers, parents and children have grown to admire and respect her.”

– Mary Hairston

Calls prosecutor’s statement on Marcellus Williams part of a pattern of injustice

By Jessica Karins For The St. Louis American

The St. Louis County chapter and Missouri conference of the NAACP are condemning St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch for his handling of the Marcellus Williams case, calling on prosecutors to more fairly apply justice across racial lines. Nimrod Chapel Jr., head of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, and Kenny Murdoch, head of the St. Louis County chapter, held a press conference on Monday, August 28 at the St. Louis County courthouse in Clayton protesting what they see as an overstep by the prosecutor. Williams was set to be executed for the

Of

Of The St. Louis American

Michele Lemee will receive the PNC Early Childhood Educator of the Year at the Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala on Sept.23.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

On Tuesday, August 29, St. Louis police erected barricades around court buildings downtown and police headquarters after protestors entered a courtroom the day before. Tensions are high as a verdict is anticipated in the murder trial of former Police Officer Jason Stockley.

Photo by Wiley Price

Are Keyshia Cole and Floyd Mayweather an item?

The New York Daily News claims Keyshia Cole and boxing champ Floyd Mayweather Jr. have been a romantic item for the better part of a year – and that Cole changed the time on a performance, and cut the gig short, so she could be by her man’s side.

“Keyshia Cole, who’s been linked to Mayweather over the past year or so, performed a 35-minute concert at Philadelphia City Councilman Kenyatta Johnson’s Community Appreciation Day in the City of Brotherly Love on Saturday afternoon, and then

hightailed it to Las Vegas on a private jet, we’re told,” The New York Daily News said. “Cole couldn’t wait to get to Vegas, and “drove (everyone) crazy” in Philly, where, we’re told, she did everything she could to reschedule her show, before eventually getting the performance time changed from 7 p.m. to 2 p.m. so that she could make it to the desert for fight night. She then got a police escort to the airport, according to our sources, who said she was wearing ‘head-to-toe Chanel’ and carrying a matching bag.”

Singer Tweet hospitalized in serious condition

right arm! Doctors can’t trace it but God is a healer! Prayer still works…”

Master P. denies Tiny dating rumors

A day after popular Atlanta blogger Sandra Rose claimed that Tameka “Tiny” Harris and rap mogul Master P. were dating, the rap mogul came forward via Instagram to deny the claims.

Tweet is in the hospital with blood clots in her lungs and right arm. Missy Elliott broke the news via social media. “Sending prayers up for my sis @Tweet_ who has blood clots in both lungs… We are asking for your prayers for healing… Amen,” Elliott said via Twitter. Tweet’s boyfriend, Baltimore pastor Jamal Bryant, echoed Elliott’s sentiments, saying, “I need your prayers for @Tweet_. She’s been admitted in hospital for blood clots in both lungs &

“Social media is a gift and a curse. Let’s kill this body language rumor right now,” Master P. said “No I’m not dating Tiny. I met her for the first time at a GMGB conference and took a picture. Just for the record we’re doing business she’s the owner of a team and I’m an owner of a team. People must be bored and have no life to entertain this false accusation. The lady that created this rumor…stop it! The truth shall set you free! You owe everybody an apology. I gotta lot of respect for T.I. I wish him and his family nothing but the best. People should use their voice for positive things like hurricane Harvey. Our people need water, shelter and food.” Rose claimed on her blog that she had known Harris and Master P. were an item for

SHOP BREAKFAST

two years and that he showers her with gifts and recently gave her a new house.

Angie Stone spills Usher Raymond tea on morning radio show

Earlier this month pop star Usher Raymond was slapped with a $20 million lawsuit from an anonymous accuser claiming he infected her with the herpes virus. R&B singer Angie Stone stood by the anonymous accuser’s account during a morning radio program.

According to Angie Stone, the victim’s ex-publicist stole the info from her phone and sold it to the tabloids.

“She was downloading something [from the victim’s phone] to a computer, the ex-publicist ratchetly took everything and started selling information that she had stolen off of this young woman’s phone,” Stone told Streetz Morning Takeover. “They had text messages going back and forth between her and Usher [about herpes].”

Sources: New York Daily News, Instagram, SandraRose.com, Twitter.com, CNN.com

Keyshia Cole Tweet

HBCU grad behind NOAA solar eclipse imagery

Jamese Sims works for

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration

By Tiffany Hoyd Howard University News Service

WASHINGTON — Well before the nation’s first total solar eclipse dominated the headlines of every news organization in America, it was affixed to the mind of Jamese Sims.

Sims, a native of Meridian, Mississippi, graduate of two historically black universities and one of the few AfricanAmerican women in the field of scientific engineering and meteorology, is part of the reason you and millions of Americans could see the stunning images of the eclipse on broadcast news stations, web pages, Facebook and Twitter feeds.

A graduate of Jackson State University in Jackson,

Mississippi, and Howard University in Washington, D.C., Sims is the product manager for the groundbreaking GOES-16 Satellite that provided the images of the eclipse millions of Americans saw. She supports the development and implementation of Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite, commonly referred to as GOES, R-Series satellite weather products by overseeing GOES-R Series Product Systems Development and Implementation projects and funding Sims came to the world of weather and satellites almost by happenstance. She recalls how growing up as a young girl in Mississippi, her grandmother would predict the

weather based on how she felt. Meanwhile, Sims marveled at how the weather was so different from her hometown when she visited her family in Indiana. Initially, however, weather and science was not a career choice. Sims began college

Normandy Class of 1987 spruces up alma mater

The entrance at Normandy High School has a new look thanks to some dedicated alumni. Members of the Normandy Class of 1987 volunteered to spruce up the entrance by adding a new landscaping bed under the brick school sign at the corner of Lucas and Hunt & St. Charles Rock roads on Friday, August 4. The community service

project was one of several events taking place that weekend to commemorate the Class of 1987’s 30-year reunion. A volunteer contractor prepped the landscaping bed and installed brick edging the day before.

Two of the alums, Rev. Cedric Portis and Pamela Westbrooks-Hodge, are also members of the Normandy Joint Executive Governing

Board. The JEGB members and their classmates started work early Friday morning, tilling the ground and planting shrubs. They added the final touch –an engraved stone donated by the Class of ‘87. Farther along Lucas and Hunt Road, other members of the Class of 1987 removed weeds and added mulch to three landscaping beds at the renovated main parking lot entrance.

with plans of becoming an accountant, but a persistent algebra teacher at Jackson State, “Ms. Brookins,” started her into the lane that would essentially set her life on a different track.

“One day, she called me up to her desk and she said, ‘Sims,

Jamese Sims, a graduate of two historically black universities who works for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, is the product manager for the groundbreaking GOES16 Satellite that provided the images of the eclipse millions of Americans saw.

Photo: Howard University News Service

what’s your major again?’ And so, I said, ‘Ms. Brookins, my major is accounting.’ She said, ‘No, you need to go across the hall to the physics department, because I can tell by the way that you think, and the way that you answer your questions, that you are a scientist, and that’s what your major needs to be.’”

It wasn’t long afterwards that Sims worked as an intern at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) during her undergraduate years as part of a NOAA’s scholarship

program. Later, while working on her doctorate degree at Howard, Sims did another NOAA internship, this time in Miami, Florida, at the Hurricane Research Division. Her internship led to a fulltime position at NOAA studying the Gulf Stream that runs through Atlantic from Caribbean past Africa. She also studied hurricane patterns. In 2016, she joined the GOES team.

Sims was recently named a NOAA 2017 employee of the quarter. According to NOAA, she “champions and supports the development and implementation of weather satellite products to meet customer needs within cost and schedule of project plans.” Sims said her education at historically black universities was important to her success.

“I have two HBCUs under my belt, and I am definitely a promoter of HBCUs,” she said. “I gained not just academic expertise, but HBCUs go the extra mile in teaching our students about professional development and pushing the students to pursue internships.”

Editorial /CommEntary

Legislature and governor make Missouri worse

August 28, when bills from the state Legislature’s most recent legislative session went into effect, was a bad day in Missouri. On that date, it became more difficult for people in this state to prove employment discrimination. Missouri state legislators –overwhelmingly white men, like the governor who signed this bill into law – are not likely to be hurt by this new law, but many women, minorities and disabled people now find themselves less protected against employers who discriminate against them for personal attributes beyond their control.

Also on that date, most people in St. Louis working for the minimum wage saw the value of their labor plummet from $10 an hour – the new city minimum wage, thanks to an ordinance passed by the Board of Aldermen and signed by then-Mayor Francis G. Slay – to the state minimum wage of $7.70. (Commendably, some city employers are nobly holding fast to $10 an hour.) State legislators and Governor Eric Greitens (who makes more than $133,000 a year of our money, or about $64 an hour if he worked 40 hours every week of the year) will not be affected, but thousands of hard-working people will feel a sharp pinch – and have one more good reason to distrust and resent their government. What we see in these (and many other) legislative actions in Missouri are shameful, insensitive, shortsighted policies that further isolate and undermine low-income citizens. The Legislature and governor – and the very wealthy people who mostly fund Republican candidates – act as if such people do not matter. However, they do matter, and not only in and of themselves. If we continue with policies that further inhibit better futures for the poor and further marginalize the already marginalized, then we will eventually find ourselves in an ungovernable state and nation. People need a living wage. They need to feel some degree of trust in the justice system. A stable, functioning democracy depends upon a critical mass of people who are invested enough in the system to work within it, rather than turn against it and its official representatives.

If we find ourselves in an even more inward looking and backward state, we can look back at August 28, 2017 as a decisive day that hastened our slide into greater inequality and hopelessness.

Treasurer holds Post ‘accountable’

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial board resumed its apparently personal vendetta against St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones in an editorial claiming she is an “unaccountable” ruler of a “dark domain” who “hoards” revenues. Sounds like a bad monster movie or a dragon fable, but that truly was the voice of an allegedly

Photo by Wiley Price

A protestor mocked Gov. Eric Greitens in St. Louis on July 10 for announcing crime-fighting efforts in St. Louis while enabling the state Legislature to eliminate a raise in the city’s minimum wage.

major metropolitan daily opining on a public official.

Jones, who certainly can handle herself when attacked by the Post, responded this week in our Political EYE, citing evidence in both the editorial board’s own newspaper and state law that she is acting both legally and transparently in her efforts to help fund various regional initiatives with the revenues her office is empowered to collect. We agree. If anything of substance can be said in defense of this Post editorial, it is that the editorial board resents the statutory powers granted to the office and is using this resentment to wage (yet another) personal attack on the office-holder. The newspaper has abandoned both logic and moral principle to continue a petty feud with an elected official who consistently has demonstrated forward thinking, competence and energy in attempting to address our region’s many problems.

As for the treasurer being “unaccountable,” we direct the Post editorial board to study how electoral democracy works. Elected officials – you can look it up – are held accountable by voters. The treasurer was last held accountable by voters when she ran for reelection last year. In a Democratic stronghold like St. Louis, citywide elections are won and lost in the primary. Voters were so upset with Jones – so fired up to hold her accountable for the malfeasance the Post sees everywhere around her – that no one filed against her in the Democratic primary. Voters were so willing to punish her that more than 36,000 people voted for her. No candidate on the city ballot got more votes. In the recent uphill mayoral primary race, she lost to a much more highly resourced candidate by a mere 888 votes. The Post editorial board writers can look that up

Commentary

After Charlottesville: the world we want to create

By Ed Maggart and Vincent Flewellen Guest columnists

At The College School, we are united in our commitment to stand for racial equity and social justice for all people. Each of us brings different experiences and perspectives into our community. The work of building authentic relationships and bravely and safely examining our ideas around race, and other ways in which individuals identify differently isn’t easy, but it is crucial. It is work we are committed to doing.

The events in Charlottesville were antithetical to all we stand for as a school and all we strive to become. Hate speech, bigotry, anti-Semitism, and persecution on the basis of sexual identity have no place in the community we want to be. We were deeply disturbed by the events that took place in Charlottesville, and we unequivocally denounce perpetrators of hatred.

At The College School, one of our core values is that “we believe in the richness and power of an inclusive, transparent, diverse community” which is equitable for all. The College School renews its responsibility to stand together and work passionately and intentionally for equity, inclusion and justice for all people. Under the leadership of Vincent Flewellen, our director of Equity and Inclusion, we are examining racism and biases – in our day-to-day lives, our own institution and the larger community. Examining race and unpacking concepts of individual and institutional

racism is an ongoing goal for our school. Our work for this year is outlined below.

This past summer, our faculty and staff read Everyday Antiracism: Getting Real About Race in School. Throughout the school year, Vincent and Emily Figley, second grade teacher, will facilitate our discussions of the book’s essays and how as educators, we need to discuss the relevance of race in school with our students, families, and each other and its implications for our lives each day. We will explore such questions as: How do we build curriculum that is more comprehensive and inclusive in content and perspective? How do we work with students to explore questions about race that come up for them and do so in way that is authentic, brave, and age appropriate?

Over the summer, board member and Board Level Equity and Inclusion Committee Chair Andrew Yee and we attended and deeply engaged in a training workshop facilitated by Crossroads Antiracism Organizing and Training that had us examining institutional and systemic racism. This fall, Board

President Kathy Casso and Emily will attend and engage in that same two and half-day Crossroads training workshop. Also, we have partnered with the YWCA of Metro St. Louis and have formed two Witnessing Whiteness groups, to facilitate the exploration of race from the perspective and life experience of being white. There is one group for our faculty and staff and another for our families. These Witnessing Whiteness groups will meet 10 times from August through December.

If you are interested in joining a Witnessing Whiteness group in the broader community, please directly contact the YWCA or if you have an interest in joining our TCS group for families, please contact Vincent at vflewellen@thecollegeschool. org.

Finally, on September 10, The College School will host We Stories! as they launch the next cohort of their Family Learning Program. To learn more about We Stories! Family Learning Program or to register for their September cohort launch, visit http://www. westories.org/programs/. Now more than ever, we recommit ourselves to this important work of understanding and dismantling racism. We ask that you join us in these efforts. We invite you to learn more about The College School’s racial equity and inclusion initiatives, and consider some of the resources listed here: https:// tinyurl.com/ycrhbau4

Ed Maggart is head of school and Vincent Flewellen is director of Equity and Inclusion at The College School.

Commentary

Confederate statues must come down

It’s not surprising that we seem to be refighting the Civil War, since it never properly ended in the first place.

It might have, had Southerners listened to Robert E. Lee. The defeated general believed that erecting monuments to the Confederacy – such as his equestrian statue in Charlottesville, now shrouded with a black tarp in mourning of Heather Heyer –would be wrong.

“I think it wiser … not to keep open the sores of war but to follow the examples of those nations who endeavored to obliterate the marks of civil strife, to commit to oblivion the feelings engendered,” he wrote in 1869 about proposed memorials at Gettysburg.

As soon as they got the chance, Southerners ignored Lee’s advice. After the last federal troops were withdrawn from Southern capitals in 1877, whites began the process of re-subjugating African Americans. It didn’t take long: By the 1890s, blacks were being deprived of voting rights and terrorized by the Ku Klux Klan as the scaffolding of Jim Crow oppression was erected.

The Confederate memorial in Orangeburg, South Carolina, my hometown, was dedicated in 1893. It was one of the early ones; most throughout the South were built after the turn of the century. They were symbols of defiance, intended to let African Americans and the federal government know who was back in charge.

My great-grandfather, Maj. John Hammond Fordham, was among the many black Southerners who were able

to take advantage of the brief window of opportunity known as Reconstruction. Born in Charleston in 1854, he became a lawyer and held a series of government jobs, working at the imposing Custom House near the port. He was called “Major” because he was one of the founders of the Carolina Light Infantry, described by the Orangeburg Times and Democrat as “the first colored brigade organized in the South.” He was active enough in Republican politics to correspond with Theodore Roosevelt.

Maj. Fordham moved to Orangeburg and built the house I grew up in. He and his wife had nine children, eight of whom survived to adulthood, and he was able to give them the education and resources they needed to build on the foundation he had laid.

But the children’s options, and those of the following generation, were deliberately and systematically limited by Jim Crow. The Fordhams achieved much, but only in spite of the circumstances the white power structure imposed.

The triumph of the Civil Rights Movement eliminated legal oppression, but in many ways the states of the old Confederacy never fully rejoined the union. The South remained a region apart, after the Lyndon Johnson years becoming as solid a Republican

Letters to the editor

Grateful to Greitens

I am extremely grateful that Gov. Greitens has stayed the execution of Marcellus Williams in light of the additional questions raised by new DNA evidence. The State of Missouri owes it to the families of Lisha Gayle and Marcellus Williams to finally find the answers that have eluded them for so many years, and I appreciate the governor appointing a Board of Inquiry to further investigate this tragic loss of life.

State Senator Jamilah Nasheed St. Louis

World is watching Americans across the country have raised concerns about Missouri’s justice system, as recently exemplified by Marcellus Williams’ fight for justice against his criminal convictions. Williams’ execution previously had been stayed, only to be rescheduled, despite the lack of physical evidence.

We thank Governor Greitens for not only reviewing the detailed factual record involved in this case but also for addressing the concerns about going forward with an execution in a judicial system in which people have lost confidence. Greitens’ review was well reasoned and promotes justice and accountability in the criminal justice system. We thank Governor Greitens for sparing the life of Marcellus Williams. This stay is symbolic of the moral and ethical leadership Missouri needs.

Missouri’s eyes will continue to be opened to the structural injustices that exist in our legal system. We look to Governor Greitens for the moral and ethical resolve to protect the most vulnerable and those who have been historically disenfranchised, to stand for justice and fairness in both the criminal and civil judicial systems, and to fight for the genuine reform Missouri so

bastion as it once had been for the segregationist “Dixiecrats.” Now, however, the South is becoming a different and more complicated place. One of the biggest and most important changes is a widening urbanrural split. Cities have become increasingly cosmopolitan, home to growing numbers of minorities, immigrants and transplants. On maps showing party affiliation, cities such as Dallas, Birmingham and Atlanta are bright blue dots on fields of red. And cities are where some of the most prominent Confederate statues and other memorials happen to be. So it was inevitable that those monuments to a lost war fought in defense of slavery – symbols of the birth of Jim Crow segregation – would come under critical scrutiny. The United Daughters of the Confederacy intended Jefferson Davis Highway, which begins in Arlington, Virginia, to stretch through the South and beyond, all the way to the Pacific. It exists today in many disconnected segments. Alexandria, Virginia, has been working to rename its part of the road for some time. A plaque in a San Diego park designating the western terminus was quietly removed last week. And the statues? As societies have done for millennia, we erect and prominently display likenesses of figures we admire. When citizens no longer admire the person being honored, they should haul the statues down. They can go to museums or onto the scrap heap of history, where the Confederacy belongs.

All letters are edited for length and style.

desperately needs. There is an awareness that anticipates change in our system of jurisprudence. The world is watching and we are woke.

Nimrod “Rod” Chapel Jr., president Missouri State Conference of the NAACP Jefferson City

Saddened and disturbed

We are utterly disturbed by the events that took place in Charlottesville and saddened by the simple fact that decades of sacrifice and civil rights progress continues to go down the drain. It appears as though our nation is experiencing déjà vu in that the horrific images of racism and injustice we have archived from our troubled past mirror the devastating reality we face today.

The right for individuals to peacefully protest has clearly been taken advantage of and utilized for the promotion of the bigotry and ignorance. Counter-protesters who courageously stepped up and spoke out against this protest fell victim to an attack of violence and blatant hatred. The injuries of these individuals and even more disturbing, the murder of one is deplorable and testament to the great amount of work we still have to do in this country.

The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus grieves and stands in solidarity with those individuals who were negatively affected by this horrendous behavior and will continue to denounce, speak out and fight against prejudicial behavior and injustices.

State Rep. Alan Green chair, Missouri Legislative Black Caucus

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

Masons host golf tournament

The Prince Hall Masons of Missouri Charitable Foundation will host its 18th annual Golf Tournament on Saturday, September 2 at The Golf Club of Florissant, 50 Country Club Lane, Florissant MO 63033. The proceeds from this tournament will go to benefit St. Louis Children Hospital Foundation Sickle Cell Clinic, Prince Hall Masons of Missouri Charitable Foundation Inc., and the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge Scholarship Fund.

In the 17 years since the inception of this tournament, the foundation has donated in excess of $120,500 total to these organizations.

The Prince Hall Golf Tournament was established in 1999 as an event of the Most Worshipful Prince Hall Grand Lodge of Missouri, a Masonic fraternity with a long history of furnishing scholarships, supporting and contributing to youth programs, and assisting those in need. In January 2009 it became an event of the foundation. In May 2009, after the death of Past Grand Master William H. Graham, it was renamed in his honor. For more information, call Daryl A. Neal Sr. at (314) 583–4933 or Michael Shelton at (314) 750–8250.

Lincoln University reaffirmed of its accreditation

Lincoln University received reaffirmation of its accreditation from the Institutional Actions Council of the Higher Learning Commission (HLC) at its July 31.

Lincoln University is on the standard pathway for accreditation with HLC, which requires evaluations in Years 4 and 10. The Year 4 comprehensive evaluation was completed and submitted to HLC by the university on February 20. The evaluation included evidence of compliance with HLC’s five criteria for accreditation, federal compliance and student survey results. In addition, a fourperson peer review team conducted an onsite visit in March.

The university is accredited through the 2022-2023 academic year. The next comprehensive evaluation will be completed in Spring 2023.

Phillip Harris watched the solar eclipse on August 21 with his amazed twins Darrell and Cathy Harris, both first graders at Jackson Park Elementary School in the University City School District.

By Cassandra Walker Columnist

Last year I turned 50. Yes, 50!

I still remember being a senior in high school back in 1984, talking to my friends about the year 2000. We all added up the years and realized we would be soooo OLD in 2000, because we would be 34 years old.

Wow! Really?? That seems so laughable to me now at the wonderful age of 51! When I was a kid and I would see an older person, I remember saying, “That man is so old!” To which my aunt Frankye would inform me, “Keep on living and you will be ‘old’ one day too!” She was right, although I am not calling 51 “old.”

Cassandra Walker

However, I do realize that I have lived over half a century and there are a few key lessons that I have learned. I thought this would be a great place to “share” those lessons.

You really do only live once!

Kids truly do grow up fast!

You can waste your life away if you do not work at making your life count.

Laughter may not be the BEST medicine but it sure works WONDERS!

Read to your kids ... A LOT!

Listen when someone talks to you, do NOT keep looking at your phone.

Education is so very important!

You really can fulfill your dreams if you are willing to sacrifice.

My husband really is my best friend.

If you do not keep your muscles toned, they will leave you.

Prayer changes things!

I am not as young as I used to be.

Life can be so much fun.

Life can be tough sometimes.

It is truly more blessed to give than to receive.

Everyone wants to be loved and valued.

Reading opens up your world and knowledge.

Fat just appears on your body after age 40.

I CAN eat unhealthy food if I want to, but I will pay the price.

St. Louis American readers are some of the most loyal people ever!

Sometimes you have to let your children fail.

Porch swings are one of the best inventions.

Buying shoes that look cute but hurt your feet is foolish!

(Keep reminding me)

You can if you think you can!

Jesus is my Lord and savior and He keeps his promises!

Photo by Wiley Price

STOCKLEY

Continued from A1

should be enough to get justice for my family. We have waited over five years to see my son’s killer convicted. Stockley should get life without parole, just like my son would have gotten if he had murdered a police officer.”

Ferguson activists and several prominent black clergy members surrounded the family and promised to stay united in their response to a potential not-guilty verdict.

“There is nothing we have seen in the last three years that allows us to believe that the system will give this family justice,” said Ferguson protestor Tory Russell. “And we are fully prepared to shut down the entire metro area to let this city and country know that this movement is definitely ready to take it up a notch.”

Russell promised 100 days of protest if the judge finds Stockley not guilty.

At the same time as the press conference, another group of about 20 activists entered Courtroom Three down the street at the municipal courts to stage a protest. They sang, “We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes,” in the middle of a trial and handed a list of demands to reform the St. Louis justice system to a judge. After the press conference, the group that had entered the courthouse and those at the Carnahan Courthouse met up on Market Street and sang again, “We who believe in freedom cannot rest until it comes.”

The next day, waist-high metal barricades – the ones often used during parades –started going up in front of the courthouse and city police headquarters on Olive Street.

In a statement, the police department said that it has not received any information about when the verdict in the Stockley case will be announced.

“Barricades have been placed at various locations

that have been the site of recent protests or have planned protests later this week,” according to the statement. “Due to recent events around the country, we are being proactive in ensuring the safety of citizens.”

A spokesman for St. Louis Sheriff Vernon Betts said that the barricades are part of a plan that the police chief and sheriff came up with together to address potential protests. However, the sheriff did not know the barriers were going up on Tuesday.

On Tuesday night, protest organizers and clergy held a “mass meeting” to talk about police brutality and a potential response to a not-guilty verdict. A diverse group of 200 people were present at the beginning of the meeting, including some elected officials, and more came through the doors throughout the night.

Members of the media were informed of the meeting but asked to leave after the initial prayer. Sheriff Betts attended and prayed with the group, but he left at the same time as reporters.

However, Betts hung around outside to talk to anyone who had questions about the barricades – and the consequences for crossing them. Betts said that anyone who crosses the barricades during a protest will be arrested and locked up for more than just five hours. The jail time will be severe, he said.

“On the day of the protest, the courts are going to shut down,” Betts said. “The barriers are going to be closed. No one is going to be able to come and go. You won’t be able to come out and go over the barriers.”

Young Ferguson activist Cheyenne Green had plenty of questions for him – questions that many community members had been expressing after the barricades went up.

“Why is all of our money going towards barriers during protests?” Green asked Betts. “It’s not like we’re sitting there punching a cop or anything. What’s different this week?” She explained that they’ve

been peacefully protesting for the past few months.

“So when people come to rally and protest against injustice – or a not-guilty verdict, which we already know 100 percent that it will be – what’s so bad about that?” Green asked him.

“Nothing,” Betts said.

“So what is the point of making more conflict with police officers and government officials by already saying, ‘Oh, we’re going to intimidate you. Let’s put barricades up’?” Green said. “That’s where the conflict starts.”

Betts said that he’s been watching the recent protests across this country, and of course, he saw the burning buildings during Ferguson.

“I’m not going to allow the courthouse to get burned down,” Betts said. “You may not be the one to set the fire. And I’m not accusing you, but I’m going to protect those courts and keep whoever has those intentions from doing

that.”

Ferguson protests were joined at times by local anarchists and out-of-town arsonists affiliated with the Revolutionary Communist Party, who taught local youth how to make Molotov cocktails. More recent protests of President Trump, such as the one Sunday in Berkeley, were joined by groups of masked anti-fascists (Antifas) who acted aggressively.

Green asked if being arrested is the only thing that will happen if protestors cross the barriers.

“What else is there to do?” Betts asked.

“Taze, shoot, everything,” Green said.

Betts told her that wouldn’t happen, but Green has seen her share of law enforcement officers become “militarized” in an instant and was unconvinced, she said.

“I’m not following Trump,” Betts said. “I’m speaking on behalf of the 152 sheriff

deputies that you’re going to face. They obey my orders.”

Betts said that everyone has a right to march and protest.

“I’m sympathetic,” Betts said. “I was marching before you were born. I come out of Beaumont High School, 1971, walked out of high school protesting. Protesting isn’t nothing new to me. I marched for Trayvon and Rodney King.”

Green asked him about any other rules that people should follow other than not crossing the barricades.

For his part, that’s all there is, he said.

“I’m going to be on this side of the barricade in front of the court,” Betts said.

“What you do on that side, that’s between you and the police.”

Green challenged that Betts is placing his priority on “protecting buildings over bodies.” Betts said that many people in the mass meeting

Floods in Texas kill at least 28

At press time, at least 28 people were reported dead and tens of thousands displaced from their homes as Tropical Storm Harvey continued to flood cities in Texas. Port Arthur Mayor Derrick Freeman declared his “whole city underwater.”

were like family to him, and he “ain’t going to let nothing happen to them.” But not all people in the crowds will have the same intentions they do, he said, and some are only interested in “tearing something up.”

“I believe he has good intentions,” Green told The American after finishing her conversation with Betts. “But he still doesn’t get the wrongness of property over people. To me, barricading is intimidating. They are coming off as aggressors.”

The American asked Mayor Lyda Krewson to comment on Green’s sentiment, and her spokesman said, “The mayor’s office had nothing to do with the barricades.”

However, the police chief reports to the director of public safety – who reports to the mayor. And St. Louis city owns the barricades. Sophie Hurwitz contributed to this report.

Photo: CNN NewsWire

NAACP

five-member board appointed by the governor.

McCulloch, who did not prosecute the case, issued a statement affirming his confidence in the court rulings.

“I am confident that any board and the governor, after a full review of all evidence and information, will reach the same conclusion reached by the jury and the various courts,” McCulloch’s statement read. He also told the Associated Press he sees “zero evidence” that Williams is not guilty.

people who are paying the ultimate penalty are actually guilty before we ask them to pay that penalty.”

Murdoch praised Greitens for taking the step of staying Williams’ execution.

n

“We should make sure that the people who are paying the ultimate penalty are actually guilty before we ask them to pay that penalty.”

– Nimrod Chapel Jr., NAACP

Chapel said the statement is part of a pattern for the state of Missouri.

“It’s not all prosecutors, but there are those who we believe are not living up to their ethical obligations to seek justice,” Chapel said. “They’re merely looking for a conviction. We should make sure that the

LEMEE

Continued from A1

“We applaud that, but then to be betrayed by a prosecutor, that brings fear back into the community,” Murdoch said. “We’re trying not only to ease racial tensions, we’re trying to give hope that this community can stay together.” McCulloch was the prosecutor in the case of Darren Wilson, the Ferguson Police officer who killed Michael Brown Jr. He drew controversy for leaving the decision to prosecute Wilson to a grand jury, rather than bringing the charges himself, and for his handling of the grand jury. The national leadership of the NAACP called for McCulloch to be replaced, but he was not and Wilson was not indicted.

requirement for the board or the governor to release any information.

“What [witnesses] get in exchange is a guarantee that the information is in confidence,” Wolff said. Wolff does not see the governor’s’ actions as an inappropriate check on the court’s power, but as a counterbalance that is applied appropriately in this case.

“I think serious doubt is enough to make the governor say, ‘Wait a minute, we’re not executing someone about whom there’s serious doubt,’” Wolff said.

Nimrod Chapel Jr., head of the Missouri State Conference of the NAACP, and Kenny Murdoch, head of the St. Louis County chapter, held a press conference on Monday, August 28 at the St. Louis County courthouse concerning statements made by St. Louis County Prosecutor Robert McCulloch.

Chapel said he does not know if McCulloch’s stance on the case is based in racism, but it is part of a pattern of unfair treatment. Most black jurors were excluded from the pool in Williams’ trial, resulting in a jury with only one black members. Williams is black, while the victim, Gayle, was white.

“It sure brings up the specter of injustice and inequality in our criminal justice system, and that’s something we can’t

Hairston said. “She has shown a commitment to diversity and supports organized activities that encourage communitybuilding and helps to create a collegial and positive work environment.”

The federal Head Start program was founded on the “social emotional” aspects of a child’s development, Lemee said. And she believes the curriculum gives children the tools that they need to be successful.

“Many of her peers, parents and children have grown to admire and respect her,”

Continued from A1 mind and be a part of someone’s foundation and be a part of who they are and where they’re going, it’s a wonderful feeling,” Lemee said. On September 23, Lemee will receive the PNC Early Childhood Educator of the Year at the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala. The proceeds from the event, held at the America’s Center, benefit the foundation, which distributed more than $700,000 in minority scholarships and grants last year. Lemee has been with the Urban League Head Start program for 16 years, since its doors opened in June 2001. It was the first application she turned in after she graduated from Lindenwood University with a bachelor’s degree in early educational studies. She believes that the Urban League gave her a “head start,” even though she never attended the preschool program herself. Mary Hairston, assistant director of the Urban League Head Start, said they feel equally lucky to have her as part of the team.

“I’m passionate about children,” Lemee said. “They speak to me. I liked to see the different personalities and being challenged by those different personalities. It keeps me on my toes.”

afford,” Chapel said.

The case has been referred to a five-member of inquiry with members chosen by Greitens. This power is created by a rarely used statute allowing the governor to step in when he or she feels the courts have decided wrongly in a criminal case.

Michael Wolff, a former Missouri Supreme Court chief

A single mother, Lemee has a four-year-old daughter named Ryleigh, who also attended the Urban League Head Start program and loved it.

Lemee, a St. Louis native, graduated in 1996 from Hazelwood East High School, where her school counselor urged her to attend Lindenwood to earn a degree.

“In my earlier years I struggled with my studies,” Lemee said. “This made me feel discouraged at times. Fortunately, I was blessed to have many influential teachers at school, home and my overall environment. Their relationships, positive feedback, listening ears and support helped encourage me

justice who also served in the administration of Governor Mel Carnahan, said the statute contains no guidance or requirements for who should sit on the board or what they should consider. In a previous case Wolff dealt with, the members were retired judges.

The membership and proceedings of the board are also confidential, with no

to do my best and strive to be a life-long learner.”

Feeling grateful for her support system, Lemee began to understand that her calling was to empower others.

“It was clear to me at that moment I also wanted to be a teacher,” she said. “I could now intertwine the things I enjoyed most: children and learning.”

The greatest teacher in her life is her mother, Janice Robinson. Lemee remembers her mother as constantly moving and “having an answer for everything,” but now Robinson is now terminally ill.

Lemee said her mother would never want her to slow down because of her illness.

In Williams’ case, DNA evidence has thrown doubt on the initial verdict, but Wolff said the other evidence may also be less incriminating than it seems. A main witness for the prosecution was a former cellmate of Williams’ who said he confessed the crime to him. Wolff said imprisoned witnesses are some of the most unreliable, as many of them are testifying in hopes of having their own sentences reduced.

“Jailhouse snitches are notoriously unreliable,” Wolff said.

Jessica Karins is a St. Louis American editorial intern from Webster University.

“Even though you have other things going on around you, I try to remain positive and have a positive outlook on life,” she said. “A lot of things I’ve encountered in my life have made me stronger rather than tearing me down.” The 2017 Salute to Excellence in Education Gala will be held at 6 p.m. Saturday, September 23, 2017 at the America’s Center Ballroom, following a reception at 5 p.m. Tickets are on sale now. Individual tickets are $85 each/$850 table, and VIP/ Corporate tickets are $1,500 table. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www. stlamerican.com and click on Salute to Excellence, or call 314-533-8000.

Photo by Jessica Karins

Garth Reeves inducted into NABJ Hall of Fame

Photo by Fred Sweet

Armetta Givens Whitmore, educator

Armetta Givens Whitmore was one of four children born to Henry Sr. and Catherine Givens on October 17, 1929, in the city of Saint Louis. She is preceded in death by both parents and her brothers Robert and Leon Givens.

Armetta was a product of the St. Louis Public Schools and is listed as a distinguished member of the Sumner High School Hall of Fame. She earned her Bachelor of Arts Degree at Harris Teachers College, and her Master’s Degree in Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

It was at Harris-Stowe Teachers College that she met and fell in love with Artie Vernon Whitmore. They married in 1948 and shared 61 years of marriage actively involved in the lives of their four children: Vernon, Arthur, Deborah and Michael. She continued as matriarch of the family until her passing.

Armetta was preceded in death by Artie and Michael. As a pair of devoted parents, Artie and Armetta shared a life -long love of learning and instilled this in the lives of their children, grandchildren, greatgrandchildren and children of their many friends and neighbors. Armetta was inducted into the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. She remained active and supportive of the Delta mission and goals throughout her life.

Armetta’s long and distinguished career teaching and working as an administrator in the St. Louis Public Schools and at Harris-Stowe Teachers College lasting almost five decades, until her retirement in 2008. Her administrative roles at Harris-Stowe Teachers College

include the following: director, Urban-Rural Teacher Renewal Program; assistant dean of Instruction; Title III Project coordinator; director of Student Teaching; Pathways to Teaching Careers Program supervisor and director; Special Academic Program director. Armetta was active in the West Side Missionary Baptist Church for more than 60 years. She experienced great joy as a youth counselor for many years and enjoyed studying the Bible and attending Bible study classes regularly. West Side Christian Academy selected Armetta to receive the first “Distinguished Service Award.”

Armetta received several recognitions and honors from professional and academic organizations, including: Governor’s Awards in Excellence in Teaching; Kappa Delta Pi International Honor Society in Education; Distinguished Alumni Council of Harris Stowe State College; Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter; Board of Directors, Learning Tree Intergenerational Center; Harris-Stowe State

College Alumni Association and included in the fifth edition of “Who’s Who Among America’ Teachers.”

Armetta treasured the time she spent traveling with her husband Artie. They visited many exotic places such as Madrid, Paris, Bermuda, Rome, St. Croix, Athens, London, Vancouver and the Caribbean Islands. She also enjoyed trips with her Couples Club to many cities in the United States. She loved visiting family in California, Las Vegas, Texas and Canada.

Armetta departed this life on August 11, 2017, and will be missed.

She leaves to cherish her wonderful memories her loving children Vernon Whitmore (Linda), Arthur Whitmore (Geri) and Deborah Whitmore Robinson; her grandchildren Stanley Whitmore Davis, Esq., Kimberly Whitmore Lee, Adriel Whitmore, Aisha Whitmore-Love, William Robinson II, Andrew Whitmore and Christopher Whitmore. She is also survived by six great -grandchildren; Jada Davis, Jena Davis, Jelani Whitmore, Jalen Whitmore, Mitchell Whitmore, Dominic Whitmore and a host of nephews, nieces, cousins and many close friends.

Our children seek to make sense of a world that makes no sense

By Charles J. Pearson Guest columnist

Will a bee suit protect against radiation poisoning?

How does a nuclear bomb actually work? What happens if we all die?

These were the questions on the minds of seventh- and eighth-grade students after their third day of school this year.

The third day of school – amid teaching routines, having activities to get to know students, working to begin adult-child relationships that are critical to the learning process, helping students new to a building to find their way, remembering locker combinations, solving clothing and uniform questions – these were questions on their minds.

Our children posed these questions after weeks of rhetoric between the leader of North Korea and our own leadership with both threatening mutual annihilation. Their concerns came after the recent events in Charlottesville, Virginia, where young people witnessed adults fighting in the street in a prolonged broadcast, full of racial slurs and overt hate from those who would take the country back to the era of “Jim Crow.”

the four girls were killed in the Birmingham church bombing. I remembered practicing drills where I ducked and tucked under a desk preparing for a possible nuclear attack. I also remembered my teachers and other caring adults who helped comfort me through these traumatic events.

As superintendent of schools in the Normandy Schools Collaborative, those children’s questions put a lump in my throat. Children should not have to wonder about such things, but they do. So, I am writing to reaffirm our commitment to our children amid these times.

Guest Columnist

Charles Pearson

They wanted answers after watching adults – who touted degrees and other impressive titles – begin a dialogue on television about Charlottesville, which quickly digressed to yelling and screaming at each other, talking over each other as they argued their viewpoints. These questions came as children saw those who oppose hatred and bigotry face down those who advocate for racial superiority and the destruction of other human beings.

Our children are seeking to make sense of a world that makes no sense. I confess that their questions made me remember all of the questions I had when John F. Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and Robert Kennedy were killed. I remembered the fear I felt when

We are committed to creating a school system where all children have access to a quality education. And we are doing that, while the world they live in becomes more and more contentious each and every day. Yes, we recognize the impact of the environment on the lives of children. We remain committed, however, to creating safe spaces for children to interact with caring adults — adults who are knowledgeable about their role in the district; adults who hold each other accountable to serving our students.

As adults – teachers, support staff, administrators, service providers, parents and families – we must determine what our role is to equip our students for this world. We are identifying resources to support teachers in helping students during these days. We will also share information for parents to help them discuss these current events with children at home. Please take time in the next few days to think about your personal response to current events. How we respond, what we say, how we openly reflect will matter to a child. After all, we are in this together. Charles J. Pearson is superintendent of schools in the Normandy Schools Collaborative.

Armetta Givens Whitmore

Tishaura tells Post editors to read

state law – and their own paper

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch editorial board is after St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones. During her recent run for mayor, the Post attacked her in editorials for traveling for professional development – often, on her aldermenapproved city travel budget – and for doing city business with a highly regarded banker who a lifetime ago served time. Now the Post editorial board describes her office as a “dark domain” with “minimal accountability” that “hoards a majority of revenue from the city’s parking operations while the city struggles to balance its budget.” So, here we go again. During the campaign, Jones’ rebuke of the Post went viral as something that was palpably more true and relevant than the paper’s attacks on her. Let’s see how it goes this time.

Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones writes: The latest Post-Dispatch editorial about the Treasurer’s Office makes one thing clear: the Post editorial board obviously does not read its own paper. Because if they did, then they would know that the Comptroller’s Office contacted me about helping with financing the Scottrade upgrades. But since the editorial board doesn’t read its own paper, they claim that I was “asserting myself as a hero who saved Scottrade.” Even though their own paper reported the opposite, both in an article by Celeste Bott that was published in June,

and a column written by Tony Messenger that was published two days before the Post published its editorial.

However, if being a hero means getting the best deal for the citizens who elected me, then I’ll be that hero.

The Board of Aldermen was still in session when discussions about Scottrade financing began. There was plenty of time to repeal the ordinance and replace it with a new one, which was one requirement of my participation. My office’s participation would have prompted a change to the original ordinance due to the source of funds.

Another condition for my participation in the Scottrade deal was a community benefits agreement. But the mayor’s office told me that a CBA was not going to happen. If the Board of Aldermen were serious about my office’s participation in the Scottrade deal, they could have fasttracked a new ordinance. It happens all the time. I’ve done bond deals before and sometimes conditions change, which require amendments to change according to market or other conditions. But no one was interested in negotiating. They simply wanted money. However, my hands are tied when it comes to assisting with the Scottrade financing, thanks to the passage of Board Bill 92 and frivolous lawsuits filed against my office. Until we get clarity on the city’s legal position, we cannot proceed with making any major decisions regarding financing

Treasurer’s Office and the five other citywide offices were created by state statute, not city ordinances. That structure was put in place during the “Great Divorce.” It’s nothing new.

A simple internet search would also remind the Post editorial board that state statutes trump city ordinances every time. It’s called the supremacy clause. The same clause that Mayor Lyda Krewson used when she refused to sue the state for rolling back the minimum wage.

The Post editorial board could learn a lot, if they would only read their own paper.

The EYE notes: Tony Messenger – former head of the editorial board – at this point has gone rogue from the grouchy conservative white Archie Bunker Democrats who control the Post’s editorial board and news editor positions, frequently sounding like a voice from another newspaper – even, this one.

Clay slams Trump on

militarizing police

In the ongoing undoing of just about any good done in response to Ferguson on issues of police accountability and restraint, President Donald Trump issued an executive order undoing President Barack Obama’s move to limit the sale of cast-off military gear to local police departments.

public safety. In response, I worked closely with former President Obama and former U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel to place reasonable limits on the distribution of military surplus items to local law enforcement. That was in keeping with key findings and recommendations of the President’s Taskforce on 21st Century Policing.

President Trump’s decision to rescind these limitations will allow local police departments to receive grenade launchers, bayonets, tracked armored vehicles, sniper rifles and military grade ammunition; along with other surplus Department of Defense equipment that was intended for use on the battlefield, not in neighborhoods.

President Trump’s reckless decision to remilitarize local police is another shameful step backwards as he continues to deepen divisions across this country while appeasing hate, bigotry and intolerance.

Neo-Nazis

and Missouri Republicans

Scottrade Center renovations.

But the Post editorial board would know this, if they read their own newspaper. Instead, they chose to state that I’m not transparent and that I waste funds. Only in St. Louis is cutting $2 million from a department budget considered wasteful. Only in St. Louis is saving millions of dollars by refinancing debt and updating city contracts considered wasteful. Only in St. Louis is modernizing an archaic office and making it people-focused and efficient considered wasteful. Only in St. Louis is starting a children’s savings program for thousands of kids in public schools considered wasteful.

The Post editorial also mentioned that I “declined to answer questions from

this editorial board” during the mayor’s race. But they conveniently forgot to mention why. Because I’ve challenged their past coverage of myself and my office, I don’t expect fair treatment from the Post editorial board. But I do expect them to at least read their own paper. Since the Post editorial board can’t be bothered to read its own paper, I guess I shouldn’t expect them to do a simple internet search about how the City of St. Louis government works. But if they did, they would learn that the

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-St. Louis)) was not pleased.

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay writes:

Three years ago, as the tragedy in Ferguson unfolded, I personally witnessed local police in armored vehicles pointing military-style sniper rifles with night scopes at my constituents who were peacefully exercising their constitutional rights. That over-militarization increased tensions, incited more violence and established a deadly perception that local police officers had become warriors instead of guardians of

As Republican officeholders in Missouri declined to criticize President Trump by name for his comments refusing to condemn neo-Nazis, the Missouri Republican Party came under fire for taking a tone deaf step in the other direction by actually praising Trump’s press conference about Charlottesville, saying “way to go.”

Party Chair Stephen Webber added that the need for Missouri’s Republican officeholders in DC and Jefferson City to speak out specifically against Donald Trump’s comments refusing to side against neo-Nazi’s still stands: “Just because the leader of the Republican Party is too weak to condemn neo-Nazi terrorism on American soil doesn’t mean our Republican officeholders in Missouri should give him a pass.”

Ronald E. Jackson

Photo by Wiley Price

St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones speaking at the opening plenary of the National Urban League’s 2017 Annual Conference in St. Louis on July 27.

Vaccines for all ages

College students and older adults need immunizations too

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

Living in student dormitories is an exciting time for young college students –and provides an optimal environment for infectious diseases to spread.

In order to reside on campus, proof of up-to-date immunizations against childhood and certain communicable illnesses are required. That includes vaccines against measles, mumps, rubella, tetanus, diphtheria, varicella (chicken pox), meningitis and tuberculosis skin tests.

“The State of Missouri has mandated that every public institution of higher education require all students who reside in on-campus housing to receive the meningococcal vaccine unless a signed

n The need for immunizations and booster shots does not end when you finish school. Adults can immunized against certain vaccinepreventable illnesses.

statement of medical or religious exemption is on file,” said Roslyn Harvey, director of health services at Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU). “If a TB test is required, we refer them to the local health department if they don’t have insurance.”

HSSU refers students in need of vaccines to their primary care physician, federally

qualified health centers or the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.

If a student does not have ready access to his or her immunization records, Harvey said, a health care professional can access that information through Show Me Vax, Missouri’s immunization registry, if the student attended school in Missouri.

Additional vaccines that are recommended for teens and young adults include Hepatitis A/B, HPV (human papilloma virus) and a tetanus diphtheria acellular pertussis (Tdap) immunization within the past 10 years.

The need for immunizations and booster shots does not end when you finish school. Adults can immunized against certain vaccinepreventable illnesses, including pneumonia and

Planned Parenthood offers teen program for sexual health

Deadline is September 7

Teens across the St. Louis area are advocating for comprehensive, evidencebased sex education through a program sponsored by Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri.

The Teen Advocates for Sexual Health (TASH) program, which began in 2000, provides teens in grades 9-12 with up-to-date, inclusive and medically accurate educational information about sexual health. Teens in the TASH program become ambassadors of sexual health in their schools and neighborhoods.

“The knowledge and skills I gained

See TASH, A11

Living healthy with food

By David Eugene Mosley Guest columnist

Food plays a big role in health. It’s important to eat different kinds of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. Make food tasty and healthy by using seasonings without sodium, such as paprika, cumin, chili powder, basil, oregano, or a bottled mix that does not have salt in the ingredient list. If the name includes “salt,” such as “seasoning salt” or “garlic salt,” then it will have sodium. Added sodium is harmful to your health, especially if you have high blood pressure or a heart condition.

Not only focusing on what you eat, but how much of it helps keep your body healthy.

One way to help control portions is to use something called the Plate Method.

David Eugene Mosley

Half the plate should be full of non-starchy vegetables like greens, broccoli, carrots, and tomatoes. Roasting vegetables in the oven brings out the flavor. The other half is divided in half again. You can fill one section with protein like chicken, turkey, lean beef, fish, eggs, or low-fat cheese. The last section you can fill with a starch, like potatoes, corn, peas, pasta, rice, beans, or bread. Avoid high carb foods like sweets and chips. Instead try fruit with non-dairy whipped topping or crunchy vegetables.

If you would like, add small servings of dairy or fruit.

For your drink, choose water, which you can flavor with lemon or lime, or unsweetened tea. Patients are often surprised how much sugar soda, sweet tea, juice and energy drinks all have.

n Patients are often surprised how much sugar soda, sweet tea, juice and energy drinks all have.

See the picture below to help you decide how to fill your plate.

A quick and easy reference for proper portion size is your hand. A cupped hand is a half cup, about the serving size of starchy foods. Your thumb is one to two tablespoons, the serving size of peanut butter or cheese. Your thumbnail is a teaspoon, the serving size for butter.

Also, it’s important to know what to look for on a nutrition label. First, look at the serving size and how many servings are in the package. The amounts on the labels are how much is in each serving. Many times there is more than one serving in a package. Try to eat food with less fat and sodium (salt) and watch the carbohydrates if you have diabetes (one serving of carbs is 15 grams). The “% Daily Value” is based on a 2,000-calorie diet, which is more than most people should have – another reason to focus on serving size. Don’t be fooled by packages that say “natural” and other words that sound healthy. Read the ingredient list to know for sure. Look for “whole” in the list, like whole wheat instead of “enriched.” Usually “processed” foods have ingredients you don’t recognize such as hydrogenated oil or fructose corn syrup. It’s best to avoid these foods. Read the nutrition information at restaurants. Often meals out have as many calories as you should eat in a whole day – 10 or more teaspoons of fat, 35 or more teaspoons of sugar and a half teaspoon of salt. Imagine your plate piled with all that

Jewell Allen received a vaccine on Monday, August 28 at the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.

Photo by Wiley Price

Caregivers Conference

Sept. 26 at Christian Hospital

Tips on giving healthy care – and self-care

By Sandra Jordan Of The St.

American

Louis

Although caregivers sometimes feel isolated, they are not alone. For individuals who have taken on that responsibility, there is an upcoming free Caregiver’s Conference in North St. Louis County to connect them with resources and to others with shared experiences.

Christian Hospital Auxiliary, the Christian Hospital Foundation, and AARP Missouri are presenting the Caregiver’s Conference on Tuesday, September 26 from 10 a.m. until 2:30 p.m. in the Christian Hospital Detrick Atrium, located at 11133 Dunn Road, 63136. Caregivers and the person they care for are both welcome; however, both persons must be registered to attend. At the conference, caregivers can meet those who assist with transportation, shopping, personal needs, meal preparation, housekeeping,

paperwork, medication, companionship or safety supervision. For example, a physical therapist from Christian Hospital will demonstrate the safe and proper way to move someone from a wheelchair into an automobile.

n “If you don’t take some time to deal with the stress of the day, it will get to you.”

– Ellen Lutzow, Christian Hospital Foundation

“If you don’t do it right, the caregiver can hurt themselves or they can end up hurting the person they are caring for if they are not doing properly,” said Ellen Lutzow, a conference organizer and board member of the Christian Hospital Foundation. Caregivers will also get tips on safe places to store medications and on hazard-proofing the home for persons with health conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease.

“They may not recognize anymore the things to do that are safe practices,” Lutzow said. “You can do little things in the home just to make it safer.”

An emphasis on self-care is also part of the program for caregivers.

“We’re going to have a

VACCINES

Continued from A10

meningitis, both of which can be life-threatening.

Dr. Fredrick Echols, director of Communicable Disease Control Services for the St. Louis County Department of Public Health, said the department adheres to immunization guidelines for adults of all ages. They also offer vaccines to both city and county residents.

“Individuals that are over the age of 55, we would highly recommend they receive the influenza vaccine annually,” Dr. Echols said, “as well as receive a dose of Tdap or TD, and get a booster every 10 years.” For pregnant women, the CDC recommends one dose of Tdap during every pregnancy to help protect the baby.

If you had chicken pox as a child, that virus could reactivate in older adults in the form of blistery, painful and contagious shingles. Echols said there is a vaccine for that.

“Individuals over the age of 60, we recommend they receive the herpes zoster virus vaccine to protect themselves as well. That is the shingles vaccine,” he said. “It can help prevent them from getting shingles, or if they do develop shingles, the course will be less severe

MOSLEY

Continued from A10

shortening, sugar and salt. I hear from patients who think eating healthy is too expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. Try frozen or canned fruits in water or juice (rather than syrup) and vegetables with no salt added or low in sodium. Beans are cheap, and you can rinse them to lower the amount of sodium. The same can be done for canned veggies. Canned tuna and chicken as well as eggs provide low-cost protein.

than if they hadn’t received the vaccine.”

The legions from shingles rash can be contagious in the blister phase, Dr. Echols said, if there is direct contact. He said it’s important not to expose children or infants who haven’t received the chicken pox vaccine or had the disease.

At age 65 and up, a pneumococcal vaccine is recommended to protect against pneumonia, depending on your age and health condition.

There are vaccine restrictions for persons with certain health conditions, Dr. Echols said.

“For individuals who are immune-compromised, we typically make sure they are avoiding any live vaccines, which includes the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine. However, they can still receive the inactivated vaccine,” he said. “The most common inactivated vaccines would be the pneumococcal or the inactivated influenza vaccine given annually.”

For the 2017-2018 flu season, Dr. Echols said St. Louis County Department of Public Health will offer a community flu shot clinic at each of its health centers in September. He said influenza viruses are constantly changing, and each year the flu vaccine is updated to match circulating flu viruses. This year there will be no live nasal spray vaccines.

For more information, see your registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator. David Eugene Mosley, MD, is a physician specializing in internal medicine at Mercy Clinic in Hazelwood.

relaxation exercise,” Lutzow added. “If you don’t take some time to deal with the stress of the day, it will get to you.”

The conference keynote speaker is Amy Goyer, a caregiver, consultant and

author. An AARP Home & Family expert, she will address the day-to-day issues a caregiver experiences and how to deal with those emotions.

“It’s a balancing act –tremendous amounts of stress

“Based off the data that was collected in 2015 influenza season, when they did an assessment of the live

TASH

Continued from A10

could not have come at a more crucial time,” said Sasha Mothershead, who participated in TASH all four years of high school and will be attending Brown University this fall. “Not only did I learn about healthy sexuality and contraception but also important, unexpected things: community, confidence and the knowledge that, even as a teen, my voice is powerful. “

“My daughter found a place to develop her leadership and

vaccine during that time, it was determined that the live vaccine was not as effective as they thought it was going to

advocacy skills, and learned how to speak up about the importance of comprehensive sex education,” said Melissa Krause, whose daughter Zoe was in the TASH program from 2008-2012.

“She took her concerns to the school board, to Jefferson City, and all the way to Washington, D.C.” Krause’s son Noah was also in TASH from 2014-16.

“My son developed

… and rewards,” Lutzow said. Other speakers represent the Mid-East Area Agency on Aging, VOYCE advocacy services’ Memory Care Home Solutions and Christian Hospital Palliative Care.

Caregiver’s Conference

Registration is required for the Caregiver’s Conference for each person attending. Register at https://aarp.cvent.com/ MOcaregiversconf2017 or by calling 1-877-926-8300.

There will also be information on veterans’ benefits and resource tables from nonprofit, for-profit and government entities. Resource table sponsorships are available at http://christianhospital.org/ caregivers or by calling 314653-5162. A complimentary lunch will be served to all attendees and valet parking is available, compliments of Clayton Valet. Registration is required for the Caregiver’s Conference for each person attending. Register at https://aarp.cvent. com/MOcaregiversconf2017 or by calling 1-877-926-8300.

Flu shot clinics

The St. Louis County Department of Public Health will offer flu shot clinics:

• Saturday, September 9 at the North Central Clinic at 4000 Jennings Station Road in Pine Lawn (63121).

• Saturday, September 16 at the John C. Murphy Clinic at 6121 N. Hanley Rd. in Berkeley (63134).

• Saturday, September 23 at South County Health Center, 4580 S. Lindbergh in Sunset Hills (63127).

Each of the clinics will run from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

be,” Dr. Echols said. Flu shots at the St. Louis County clinic locations are free for uninsured children from age 2 to 18. Children must be accompanied by a parent or a guardian. Uninsured adults will be charged $25 for flu shots.

If you have health insurance, bring your insurance card.

n “My kids taught me the importance of having open conversations about sex and sexuality – something not available to me as a teen.”

– Melissa Krause

an understanding of how he, as a male, has an important role in advocating for healthy sexuality, healthy relationships, accurate sex education, and serving as a role model to his peers,” she said.

“Both my kids taught me the importance of having open, honest conversations about sex and sexuality – something not available to me as a teen.”

“We want to make sure we provide each area of the county with an opportunity to get the influenza vaccine,” Dr. Echols said, “but most importantly we want to make sure that community that we are serving is protected. And the best way to do that is by making sure they have access to the vaccine prior to the season actually starting.”

For more information about CDC immunization recommendations by age and by certain health conditions, visit http://bit.ly/2wFvT97 and click the link for “Adult Vaccinations.”

The first flu shot clinic takes place on Saturday, September 9 at the North Central Clinic at 4000 Jennings Station Road in Pine Lawn (63121). The second clinic is on Saturday, September 16 at the John C. Murphy Clinic at 6121 N. Hanley Rd. in Berkeley (63134). The third clinic is on Saturday, September 23 at South County Health Center, 4580 S. Lindbergh in Sunset Hills (63127). Each of the clinics will run from 9:30 a.m. until 2:30 p.m.

Applications will be accepted through Thursday, Sept. 7. For more information about the program and to apply, visit https://tinyurl.com/ y9gj2gb6. Email Judy Lipsitz, program director, at judy. lipsitz@ppslr.org

Apply for TASH by Sept. 7

Applications for Teen Advocates for Sexual Health will be accepted through Thursday, Sept. 7. For more information about the program and to apply, visit https:// tinyurl.com/y9gj2gb6. Email Judy Lipsitz, program director, at judy.lipsitz@ppslr.org

My plate for Diabetes

Healthy Kids Kids

Careers

Color Your World!

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

How Healthy Are Your Lungs?

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

One way to find out how “in shape” you are —is to see how long you can run (or hop, or skip) until you run out of breath. If it only takes a couple of minutes before you can’t breathe well, then you probably need to make some healthy positive changes in your daily activities.

Write

It Out!

Mental Health Tip — If you don’t already have one, start a journal today. This is a great way to express your feelings and think about ways to change/improve your life. You can use any kind of notebook or a computer. But journaling does not mean “blogging.” Always be cautious about revealing personal information online.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, NH 4

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,

Exercising regularly strengthens the muscles around your lungs. This allows you to run and play longer before you feel tired or winded and will help you feel better too!

Discuss with your classmates different kinds of activities you could do every day.

Standards: HPE 1, NH 1, NH 5

Yogurt Grapes

What

Directions:

I

Why did you choose

because it is my

help patients to achieve a healthier life and to see the students I have trained in their new career as a medical assistant, while making the doctors and patients happy.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? The best part about this job is making a difference and showing others how to do the same, by putting smiles on all the patients’ faces.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

Learning

Don't miss this special evening celebrating the awarding of more than $840,000 in financial support for deserving students andhonoringeducators

Scholarship & Awards Gala

AMERICA'S CENTER BALLROOM

General Reception: 5pm ~ Dinner & Awards Program: 6pm

Post-Gala Entertainment: 9pm ~ Attire: Black Tie

STL County aims to diversify police department

Police Officer Ricardo Franklin recruited applicants for the St. Louis County Police Department at a career affair organized by U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay at Harris-Stowe State University on June 5. The department’s staff is currently 16 percent black, compared to the county being 24.4 percent black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

Department offers higher salary, alternate paths to employment

By Jessica Karins

For The St. Louis American

In St. Louis County, the police department encounters a number of obstacles when looking to recruit more minority candidates. A new ballot measure and the efforts of Police Officer Ricardo Franklin may change that. In the aftermath of the fatal shooting of Michael Brown Jr. by a white police officer in Ferguson, Missouri, a common criticism levied at Ferguson’s police department was that, in a majority-black community, officers were 95 percent white.

The St. Louis County Police Department told The American that of its approximately 850

n “You might have an applicant that’s interested, but is afraid to apply, because of the influence of others – ‘why would you want to be a police officer?’”

– Police Officer Ricardo Franklin

police officers, 133 are black, 17 are Hispanic, 11 are mixed-race, eight are Asian and two are Indian, while 679 are white. That makes the

department 16 percent black, compared to the county being 24.4 percent black, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

The St. Louis County Police Department is making a variety of efforts to increase its pool of applicants. One is the recent passage of Proposition P, which will increase the starting salary of police officers, which is currently $48,265, in January of 2018. The amount of the increase is still being decided through negotiations with the Fraternal Order of Police.

In the past, the department has required 64 hours of college credit or two years of active duty military service for new applicants, but it’s

See POLICE, B2

Benjamin Crump opens national law firm

‘This will give me the scale to help individuals on a much greater level’

By Sophie Hurwitz

For The St. Louis American

Benjamin Crump knew he wanted to be a lawyer starting in the fourth grade.

“Thurgood Marshall is my personal hero,” he said. “In the fourth grade the schools were integrated in my small town of Lumberton, North Carolina, and I got to see how good they had it on the other side of town, across the tracks, with the new school books and the new technology, and how challenging we had it on the south side of the tracks.” Marshall helped to change that.

“And I remember my mother telling me that the reason why we got to go to the new white school with all the new equipment and books

See CRUMP, B6

Derwin Broughton was promoted to deputy director of Architecture at KAI. He previously held the position of senior project architect/ project manager, having joined KAI four years ago. Now he will be more closely involved in the formulation of architectural plans and management, while acting as a steward of all work entrusted to the architectural department and promoting corporate excellence.

Carolyn Pryor, MD, was appointed to the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery Advisory Board. She is an obstetrician/ gynecologist with SSM Health Care. She has practiced in North County for over 18 years and is dedicated to serving women in the community in which she lives. She received the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Health Care award in 2001.

Jayson Tatum, 19, was announced as the 2017-18 spokesperson for Imo’s Pizza. Tatum, a graduate of Chaminade College Preparatory School, was the 2017 NBA Draft’s third overall pick, going to the Boston Celtics. In pre-draft interviews and commentary, he declared Imo’s Pizza to be his number 1 pick in the “food draft.” He said he will “crave Imo’s like crazy when I’m away from St. Louis!”

Keli Khristine Singleton started her own business, The Fashion Network Agency and the St. Louis HBCU Alumni Association, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. She also presents Hats, Gloves & Pearls, an etiquette tea party for girls and women. She is a business professional seeking to teach the importance of etiquette and first impressions in social settings.

Attorney Benjamin Crump greeted John Gaskin III of the St. Louis County NAACP at its leadership brunch held August 7, 2015 at St. Louis Community CollegeFlorissant Valley. Crump recently established a new national firm, Ben Crump Law, with offices in Washington, D.C., Tallahassee, Florida, and Los Angeles.

Kwame Mensah was promoted to site director over the Preferred Family Healthcare outpatient and DETOX center located in the city of St. Louis. This site is the largest state funded medical detox in the city of St. Louis. Formerly he held the position of manager over the adolescent substance abuse program housed in the St. Louis County jail.

Alma Austin Davis a retired teacher from the FergusonFlorissant School District has become a published author. After spending 34 years teaching, she has written and published two books about her family, entitled, “A family-Present and Connected” and “ The Legacy Continues; What Happens when Austin Nation Prays.” Visit her website, www.austinfamilybook.com. She is an active member of Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church. On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican. com

Derwin Broughton

Jayson Tatum

Keli Khristine Singleton

Alma Austin Davis

Kwame Mensah

Photo by Wiley Price

Carolyn Pryor

Photo by Wiley Price

Consumer Fraud Task Force warns consumers to be careful when shopping online

Better Business Bureau

While it has never been easier to shop online, the Consumer Fraud Task Force is advising consumers to take precautions against becoming victims of fraud or poor business practices.

The National Retail Federation expects e-commerce sales to reach more than $400 billion in 2017. Last year, a Pew Research study found that nearly 80 percent of shippers use online platforms to buy goods.

Better Business Bureau

(BBB) ScamTracker statistics compiled during 2016 put online purchase scams as the fourth-highest scam for the year. Just over six percent of more than 30,000 ScamTracker reports made last year were consumers reporting they were ripped off while shopping online.

Consumers in the St. Louis region and across the nation have been victimized in a number online scams. The Task Force warns that it is simple for an online retailer to set up shop. If consumers use a merchant they don’t know, they should research the business to make sure they are trustworthy. Too often, consumers realize after the sale they just gave their hard-earned money to an unscrupulous business.

Here are some recent cases investigated by members of the Task Force:

A St. Charles County based business that sells custom-painted video game controllers continues to receive complaints from consumers who say the company fails to deliver product for which they have paid. The business has been the focus of two BBB consumer alerts in the last three years and complaints continue to be filed against the company to both BBB and the Missouri Attorney General. Several customers filed

complaints with BBB and the Missouri Attorney General against a Columbia, Mo.based online business that sells women’s clothing and fashion accessories, saying they waited months for their orders. Some of the complainants said they

eventually received their merchandise, but only after repeatedly reaching out to the business.

The Federal Trade Commission in March charged a group of online marketers with deceptively luring consumers with “free” and “risk-free” trials for cooking gadgets, golf equipment and access to related online subscription services.

According to the FTC, the businesses asked people for credit card information to cover shipping and handling and then charged the consumers for products and services without consent. The case is pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.

The Task Force offers these tips for shopping safely online:

Protect your computer. Install a firewall, anti-virus and anti-spyware software. Check for and install the latest updates and run virus scans regularly.

Check a site’s security settings. If the site is secure, its URL (web address) should start with https://.You may also see a picture of a small closed lock in the lower right hand corner of the screen.

POLICE

continued from page B1

now offering a new option.

“As we push to hire more minorities, of course, we’ve incorporated programs to assist those that don’t meet those requirements,” said Franklin, a newly appointed recruiter, who is African-American.

“And part of that program is, if they accept a professional staff position with our department, such as security services or a dispatcher, they can spend one year with that unit and they will then qualify for a police officer’s position. So you can work your way up.”

Franklin visits local colleges and military bases to seek out applicants. Another option, the Police Cadet Program, is available to some high school students. The program, for 18to 21-year-olds, provides paid training for those interested in a future law enforcement career.

“The cadet program gives the younger generation a visual on what we do within the department,” Franklin said. “It is a paid position – it’s part

Know your rights. If goods aren’t shipped on time, shoppers can cancel and demand a refund. Consumers also may reject merchandise if it is defective or was misrepresented.

Do your homework. Go to bbb.org to check out a company or to register complaints. To learn about scams reported in your area and to report if you were a target, go to BBB’s ScamTracker.

The Task Force is a coalition of local, state and federal government agencies and nonprofit business and consumer groups in Missouri and Illinois that work together to protect consumer and donor rights and guard against fraud. The group has tackled predatory payday loan offers, tax scams, timeshare reselling fraud, credit repair and foreclosure scams, bogus sweepstakes, Internet sweetheart scams, phony grant scams, home remodeling, air duct cleaning schemes and a variety of other issues.

Confirm the online merchant’s physical address and phone number. If a website doesn’t have contact information, that increases the likelihood of the site being illegitimate.

Beware of too-good-to-betrue deals. Offers on websites and in unsolicited emails may offer free or very low prices on hard-to-find items. There may be hidden costs or your purchase may sign you up for a monthly charge. Look for and read the fine print.

Always pay with a credit card. Under federal law, you can dispute the charges if you don’t receive an item. Shoppers also have dispute rights if there are unauthorized charges on the card, and many cards have zero-liability polices if someone steals and uses your card number. Check your credit card statement regularly for unauthorized charges. Never wire money to someone you don’t know.

Confirm shipping dates. Federal law requires that orders made by phone, mail or online be shipped by the date promised or within 30 days.

time, but it’s a paid position. They get to visit every division within the department and get to see what we do on this side.”

Franklin said one obstacle in recruiting minority officers is the “outside noise” potential recruits encounter when they discuss wanting to apply for the job.

“You might have an applicant that’s interested, but he’s afraid to apply or she’s afraid to apply, because of the influence that others are putting into that applicant,” Franklin said. “The whys –‘why would you want to be a police officer?’ And that’s my job to clear that up.”

Once people meet the leadership of the St. Louis County Police Department, Franklin said, they won’t see a stereotypical, white-run police department. Lieutenant Colonel Troy Doyle, who leads special operations, and Lieutenant Colonel Kenneth Gregory, who leads the division of criminal investigation, are both black, as is the chairman of the police board, Roland Corvington, a former FBI special agent in charge of the St. Louis field office.

Franklin reports to a white sergeant in the Personnel Unit,

BBB is a nonprofit, business-supported organization that sets and upholds high standards for fair and honest business behavior. Most BBB services to consumers are free of charge. BBB provides objective advice, free BBB Business Profiles on more than 5.3 million companies, 11,000 charity reviews, dispute resolution services, alerts and educational information on topics affecting marketplace trust. Visit bbb.org for more information.

Consumer Fraud Task contacts

To obtain information, or to report a scam, you may contact members of the Task Force: Better Business Bureau Serving Eastern and Southwest Missouri and Southern Illinois – (888) 9963887; www.bbb.org. Federal Trade Commission –(877) FTC-HELP (3824357); www.ftc.gov. Illinois Attorney General –(800) 243-0618; www. illinoisattorneygeneral.gov. Missouri Attorney General –(800) 392-8222; www.ago. mo.gov. U.S. Attorney, Eastern District of Missouri – (314) 539-2200; www.usdoj.gov/ usao/moe.

U.S. Postal Inspection Service – (877) 8762455; postalinspectors.uspis. gov.

U.S. Secret Service – (314) 539-2238; www.secretservice. gov.

Sergeant Craig Higgenbotham, but Higgenbotham reports to a black lieutenant, Lt. James McWilliams, who reports to a black commander of the Bureau of Staff Services, Captain Norman Mann.

“If you walk down the hall and take a look at our department photo, or look at the command staff photo, you’ll see a wide array of talent there,” Mann said. “And that’s something that is easily recognizable.”

Mann said national news coverage of police shootings shows some people are unhappy with police departments, but he has not seen it influence an individual’s decision not to become an officer.

“I personally have not talked to someone who has said, ‘I don’t want to be a police officer in light of what’s going on in the world,’” Mann said. “But I’m sure that makes some angst with individuals. But once those individuals talk to our recruitment officers – to Officer Franklin, or myself, or anybody in the department –those myths can be dispelled immediately. It is a very fulfilling job.”

Fort Zumwalt North enjoyed a breakthrough season in 2017 when it advanced to the state championship game for the first time in school history. Despite a loss to Vianney in the Class 5 Show-Me Bowl, the Panthers sent a clear signal that they have arrived as one of the area’s top programs to watch. That success has carried over into this season, where the Panthers have opened up with two impressive victories over Ladue (42-21) and Fort Zumwalt West (45-35). The Panthers featured an excellent junior two-way prospect in 270pound Jaylin Vaughn. On offense, he is a bruising running back with four touchdowns, all coming in the win over Ladue. Vaughn is also the Panthers’ top tackler on defense from his linebacker position.

Senior quarterback Jack Ederer has rushed for 213 yards and four touchdowns while passing for 182 yards. He is filling the big shoes of graduated do-it-all performer Cade Brister. Sophomore Cairo Payne provides some outside speed at running back with 171 yards and one touchdown. Seniors Jacob Triplett and Bryce Rowles are also stalwarts on the Panthers’ defense.

Bounce-back wins

Ladue and Soldan both suffered one-sided losses in Week 1, but

Last Tuesday, a blockbuster NBA trade was announced that involved the Cleveland Cavaliers sending Kyrie Irving to the Boston Celtics for Isaiah Thomas, Jae Crowder, Ante Zizic and the Brooklyn Nets’ first round draft pick in 2018. As fans and sports pundits enthusiastically debated which team came out on top in the deal (I deemed it a win/ win), the Cavs front office was apparently stricken with buyer’s remorse. After conducting Thomas’ physical examination, which players are required to pass before a trade is finalized, Cavs doctors made a shocking discovery. Thomas has an injured hip. Thank goodness for checks and balances. How else would the Cavs have discovered that Thomas suffered a right femoral-acetabular impingement with labral tear?

Sure, they could’ve paid attention during the Eastern Conference Finals when Thomas suffered the injury

Fort Zumwalt North opens 2-0

against Cleveland and was forced to miss the final twoand-a-half games of the series. They also could’ve checked NBA.com or any other number of sports news sites that listed the injury and his return prognosis. They also could’ve listened to Celtics GM Danny Ainge during trade talks, when he surely provided Cavs GM Koby Altman with the latest health reports from Celtics doctors and outside hip specialists that Thomas has seen. It’s hard to believe that Ainge or the Celtics would’ve misled the Cavaliers on Thomas’ outlook. After all, Altman could’ve simply pulled out his magic veto pen and nixed the deal if he was given bad information. Thomas refutes the idea that he is damaged goods. “I’m going to be back, and I’m going to be the same player again,” Thomas told ESPN “No doctor has told me anything different than that.”

Earl Austin Jr.

Sistrunk

Photo By Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Make Jim Brown great again; did Burroughs ‘shelter’ Elliott?

The Sporting News was still going strong with headquarters in the St. Louis area when it sponsored a reception at a swank Century City (L.A.) hotel during the 1990 National Association of Black Journalists convention.

NFL Hall of Fame member and civil rights activist Jim Brown was speaker, and he asked during his presentation if attendees would rather be called “black” or “African \-American.” While most people answered, the response was, at best, muted. Brown chastised us as he asked again. I shouted, “Black!”

I introduced myself later that evening, and he told me, “That’s how it needs to be said.” It’s one of my proudest moments.

Like millions of black Americans, I have tremendous respect for Jim Brown. I did not lose any this week, but I sure am disappointed in his attitude about players sitting or kneeling during the national anthem.

“I want to be in (Colin Kaepernick’s) corner, and I do think, ‘God bless him,’” Brown said during an interview.

“I’m going to give you the real deal: I’m an American. I don’t desecrate my flag and my national anthem. I’m not gonna do anything against the flag and national anthem. I’m going to work within those situations. But this is my country, and I’ll work out the problems, but I’ll do it in an intelligent manner.”

Brown is suggesting that the simple act of refusing to stand for the national anthem is unintelligent. Give me a break. This is the most absurd sentence uttered by Brown since his hilarious role in “I’m Gonna Git You Sucka.” He went on to say, “If you have a cause, I think you should organize it, present it in a manner where it’s not only you standing or sitting on one knee, but a lot of people that is gonna get behind each other and do something about it.”

As I proposed two weeks ago, the kneeling/sitting discussion would be entirely different if all – or at least a majority – of black NFL players didn’t stand for the national anthem. Brown would have been better served by orchestrating that effort rather than saying those that choose to protest are doing something “unintelligent.”

If sitting or kneeling in protest is unintelligent, what is

NFL Hall of Famer Jim Brown recently made this comment regarding Colin Kaepernick and athletes refusing to stand for the national anthem, “I’m going to give you the real deal: I’m an American. I don’t desecrate my flag and my national anthem. I’m not gonna do anything against the flag and national anthem. I’m going to work within those situations. But this is my country, and I’ll work out the problems, but I’ll do it in an intelligent manner.”

blocking a street or highway in civil disobedience?

Naturally, FOX News was eager to report Brown’s remarks. The nation was also reminded us that Brown met with President-elect Donald Trump shortly after his election. I wonder if he now regrets that move. I’m not alone in being critical of Brown’s comments.

“It’s disappointing because all it takes is one big-name person of color to really almost throw a wet blanket over the fire that’s being sparked with what Colin Kaepernick and others with the Black Lives Matter movement (are doing)

n “I’m so, so disappointed in him...I wholeheartedly disagree with everything he said.”

– Shannon Sharpe

— the positive people who are trying to change and have an impact,” said Shannon Sharpe on the FOX Sports show “Undisputed.

“You’re talking about Jim Brown, a guy who was a huge part of the 1967 (black athlete) sports summit, saying that Colin Kaepernick went about this wrong. That gives them all the credibility they

need. That hurts the most, and it’s so disappointing. I’m so, so disappointed in him. … I wholeheartedly disagree with everything he said.”

The summit that Sharpe refers to led to Lew Alcindor and other top athletes boycotting the 1968 Summer Olympics in Mexico City and the famed black power salute on the medal stand by sprinters John Carlos and Tommie Smith

These acts were considered un-American and unintelligent by many people.

Meanwhile, Jim, Kaepernick is still unemployed and obviously being blackballed.

We’re eagerly awaiting you to tell us what should be done for him that is, as you say, “intelligent.”

Blasting Burroughs

Mac Engel, a sports columnist for the Fort-Worth Star Telegram, wrote last week that Ezekiel Elliott’s off-field problems can be traced back to before he was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys or played at Ohio State.

Engel said the reckless behavior began “in a wealthy, predominately white, private high school in a western suburb of St. Louis. In the St. Louis suburb of Ladue is John Burroughs School; actor Jon Hamm and actress Ellie Kemper are distinguished John Burroughs alums, as is Zeke.”

“If you are serious about wanting to know how Zeke is on the fringe of blowing it, start there.”

Engel reports that a former classmate who attended school with Elliott from seventh grade through Burroughs graduation used the terms “free pass” and “sheltered” to describe Elliott’s high school career.

The source also “begged” to remain anonymous.

If this is true, it certainly isn’t unique. There are other Catholic, private and public schools that somehow keep star players eligible, off the suspension list and on the field when their off-field and/or academic performance call for action. Engel did not include a response from Burroughs – and he also didn’t say if he tried to contact the school. The story has been out for a week now and, as of Tuesday morning, I could not find a rebuttal of any kind from the school.

Elliott’s father, Stacy, has been quite vocal in support of his son. Elliott’s appeal was scheduled for Tuesday. Maybe the Elliotts are waiting to respond until after the hearing is complete.

My guess is that the NFL upholds the six-game suspension Elliott faces for allegedly roughing up his former girlfriend. The legal challenges will then begin and Elliott’s behavior at Burroughs will be overshadowed. But it’s worth Burroughs’ while to defend itself, former head coach Gus Frerotte and administrators. Otherwise, we’re almost forced to take the source’s word and accept the fact Elliott was given a “free pass” and “sheltered” during his years at the school.

Cowboys on KFNS

During the summer of 2016, I contacted a representative of the Dallas Cowboys radio network to suggest that the team’s games should air on a St. Louis-area radio station. The L.A. Rams had split town, and this lifelong Cowboys fans saw an opportunity to listen to games on radio that would not be aired on a national television outlet. I didn’t keep the email I received in response, but there was genuine interest. I offered him contact numbers at several local stations, including 590 The Fan.

I’m not taking credit – or shame – but if you want to give it to me, that’s fine.

While we won’t get the radio network Cowboys coverage that features Brad Sham and Babe Laufenberg, KFNS will carry Compass Media Networks’ presentation of Cowboys games. Former Cowboys quarterback Danny White joins play-by-play host Kevin Ray and studio host Jerry Recco

For those of you – like me – who tune in to parts of the Boomer & Carton sports talk radio program that airs on the CBS Sports Network weekday mornings, you’ll recognize Recco as the in-studio sports news update guy.

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows, including Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box” on KFNS. His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

From The easT side

With Maurice Scott

Flyers set to soar on Saturday

Defeated 10-time state champion New Lenox Providence Catholic in opener

If the opening game of the season is any indication what’s to come for the East St. Louis Flyers, we should all be in store for a lot of excitement.

Head coach Darren Sunkett and his staff should have the “street patrol” in the City of Champions again making a trip north on Thanksgiving weekend playing for a state championship. The Flyers got off to a flying start last Saturday afternoon, defeating 10-time state champion New Lenox Providence Catholic 40-28.

East St. Louis came up with the big victory despite losing all-state running back Jerrel Anderson on the first play of the game. Anderson broke through the Celtics line of scrimmage and

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

first-round pick to complete the trade, the Cavaliers tried to engage the Celtics in a game of chicken. If the deal falls through for Cleveland, Irving still retains his value. It’s unlikely that another team will give up as much as Boston did, but they can still command a high value for the 25-year-old star. The Celtics find themselves in a more precarious situation. If the deal falls through, especially due to injury concerns, Thomas’ trade value could plummet. Furthermore, Thomas’ feelings were undoubtedly hurt by the trade. If he were to remain in Boston, there’s a good chance the team chemistry would crash and burn.

It appears that Ainge has rebuffed the Cavaliers’ extortion attempts and will not sweeten the pot. There’s a chance that Boston will offer a second-round pick to get the deal done. Anything more would be foolish. Regardless of what happens, the drama from this deal will make the opening day matchup between the Cavs and the Celtics must see TV.

PREP

Continued from B3

came back to post impressive victories in Week 2. After dropping a 42-21 decision to Class 5 contender Fort Zumwalt North in the opening week, Ladue came back with a huge 24-14 over Class 6 SLUH on the road. Quarterback

P.J. Hensley connected with receiver Dale Chesson on three touchdown passes of 24, 34 and seven yards. Hensley also kicked a 30-yard field goal. He has done an excellent job of filling in for injured starter Jordan Jackson, who directed the Rams to the Class 4 semifinals last season. Soldan took a 47-6 pasting

rambled 65 yards when his knee gave away. Anderson rushed for 1,477 yards with 21 touchdowns last year in helping the Flyers to the Class 7 state championship. At press time the severity of his injury was unknown. However, his teammates stepped up big-time. Senior quarterback Christian Perez, who has committed to the U.S. Naval Academy, was 20-26 passing for 332 yards and five touchdowns. Wide receivers Eric Rogers ll, Perez Hall Jr. and super sophomore LaWaun Powell Jr. all had touchdown receptions, with Powell Jr. leading the way with touchdown receptions of 53, 15 and five yards. Running back Jigg Brown was a workhorse, rushing for 80 yards on 26 carries.

On defense, the Flyers have a couple of big-time players who are getting bigtime Division I attention in linebackers Eric Owens, Terrion Williams, and defensive back Antonio “AJ” Johnson and Davion Towers.

If the Flyers are to run their winning streak to 16 games in a row, they will have to get by a talented Evangel Christian Academy (LA) team in the second annual Gateway Scholarship Football Classic on Saturday at Clyde C. Jordan Stadium in E. St. Louis. Kickoff is scheduled for 7 p.m.

They will have to contend with senior quarterback Will

Johnson, who is one of the top shortstops in the country in baseball, and has several Division 1 scholarship offers in football as well. In addition, the Eagles have middle linebacker Micah Baskerville (6’2 215), safety ArDarius Washington (5’8 175) and four-star recruit nose tackle Davin Cotton ( 6’1 262). They have all committed to SEC powerhouse LSU.

“They are a wellcoached team with a lot of good athletes,” Sunkett said. “We feel like we have some great athletes that won’t be intimidated by anyone coming into our house in front of our fans. We enjoy practice every day and to be involved in

Mayweather stops McGregor

Last week I called the matchup between Floyd Mayweather Jr. and Conor McGregor a circus. While I stand by that assessment of the bout, I’m glad that circuses can still be entertaining. Mayweather vs McGregor exceeded expectations, mainly thanks to Mayweather’s revised tactics. The usually cautious and defensive fighter

from Cardinal Ritter team to open the season, but the Tigers came back with an impressive 20-19 victory at Lutheran South last Friday night. Junior quarterback Torre Dyson had a big night as he passed for 304 yards and three touchdowns. His favorite target was receiver Donmonic Perks, who had seven receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns.

Deandre’s pick party

Parkway Central’s Deandre Campbell enjoyed a big night with three touchdowns in the Colts’ 36-20 victory over Parkway South. The senior defensive back scored two of those TDs on defense on interceptions returns of 50 and 30 yards. He also scored on a 14-yard reception.

stayed true to his word and came forward as the aggressor for much of the fight.

McGregor was able to land punches and win the first few rounds of the fight. That’s generally the time that Mayweather secedes rounds as he analyzes his opponents in order to gain a feel for their timing and strategy. After the first three or four rounds, Mayweather took control of the fight.

To McGregor’s credit, he never appeared to be as over-

Earl’s Pick Game of the Week

CBC (1-1) at Edwardsville (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m. – A first meeting between two area powerhouse programs from both sides of the river. Both teams are coming off tough losses last weekend. The Cadets dropped a close road contest to CBC at Memphis while Edwardsville shockingly lost a 42-0 lead to in a 53-49 loss to Naperville North. Both are hungry to get back on the winning track.

Floyd Mayweather Jr. lands a hard left hand to the face of Conor McGregor en route to a 10th round stoppage. The fight may have scattered the PPV record set by Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao.

these types of games and high football atmospheres.”

Last year’s game in the inaugural Gateway Scholarship football Classic was a barn burner in front of 10,000 plus against CBC. And this year’s organizers expect the same sort of atmosphere and crowd this weekend.

East St. Louis will open up conference play next Friday night when rival Edwardsville pays a visit to the “House of Pain.”

Scott’s notes

The triple header of the Gateway Scholarship Football Classic will kick off at 1 p.m. when the Cahokia Camanches take on Camden New Jersey. At 4 p.m. Belleville West

White suggested the fight shattered PPV records with 6.5 million buys. If those numbers hold up, McGregor’s take will be more than $100 million while Mayweather could earn upwards of $300 million. Not a bad take for a glorified exhibition fight.

plays Timber Creek out of New Jersey. East St. Louis plays Evangel Christian Academy out of Shreveport, La. at 7 p.m. Tickets are $10 for allday session (games Only) and a $20 fee for tailgating privileges.

Former East Side standouts and brothers Kenny and James Knight will

matched as many predicted. He did run out of gas. Once he did, he was target practice for one of the most precise punchers in the sport.

McGregor was never knocked down, but he wobbled and staggered around the ring after every connected punch during the 10th round until referee Robert Byrd graciously called a halt to the bout.

Though the official PPV numbers have yet to be released, UFC President Dana

Other Top Games of the Week

Trinity (2-0) at Cardinal Ritter (2-0), Friday, 7 p.m. Webster Groves (2-0) vs. Ladue (1-1) at Kirkwood, Friday, 7 p.m.

Chaminade (1-1) at SLUH (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m. Fort Zumwalt North (2-0) at Troy (1-1), Friday, 7 p.m. Belleville East (0-1) at Highland (1-0), Friday, 7 p.m. Lindbergh (2-0) at Hazelwood Central (2-0), Saturday, 1 p.m.

very proud of my two cousins. They are honor roll students as well as top football players.

Some say there are no moral victories. McGregor’s solid showing, enhanced public profile and game of tax bracket leapfrog put a gigantic grin on his face despite the defeat. Does the victory, which pushes Mayweather’s record to 50-0, do anything to

The sT. Louis american PreP aThLeTe oF The Week Torre Dyson

Soldan – Football

The junior quarterback enjoyed a big performance in leading the Tigers to a road victory at Lutheran North last Friday night. The 6’1” 215pound Dyson completed 18 of 28 passes for 304 yards and three touchdowns in the Tigers’ 20-19 victory. His touchdown passes were 67,

77 and 11 yards. Dyson is coming off of an excellent sophomore season, where he completed 114 of 190 passes for 2,231 yards and 20 touchdowns.

Soldan (1-1) will visit Cleveland Naval Jr. ROTC in a Public High League contest on Saturday at 11 a.m.

Maurice Scott

CRUMP

continued from page B1

was because of Thurgood Marshall and the Brown vs. the Board of Education case,” Crump said.

“And I said, from that day, ‘I want to be like Thurgood Marshall,’ because I want to try to make it better for people in my community, people who look like me.”

Crump rose to national prominence over the past several years as he took on a series of high-profile civil rights cases, including those of Trayvon Martin and Michael Brown Jr. Now he’s taking his work one step farther by establishing a national law firm. Staffed by a team of “approximately 400 lawyers” and supported by the Morgan and Morgan law firm, Ben Crump Law “will focus on civil rights, employment law, personal injury, workers’ compensation, medical malpractice and wrongful death cases, as well as mass torts and class action,” according to a press release.

Crump is optimistic about this opportunity to create change on a larger scale.

“I think that certainly I will be able to affect more people, be able to try to address more cries for justice from so many people who I have traditionally served, but have been limited by the amount of manpower and resources,” he said.

“This will give me the scale to help individuals on a much greater level, to be able to affect the critical issues that I think are so germane to minority communities, that I haven’t been able to do so far.”

He established Ben Crump Law, he said, because “We really want to try to even the playing field, really want to try to help the--as my mother would call them, in the Bible, the least of these, the people who are most often marginalized.”

His new offices will be in Washington, D.C., Tallahassee, Florida, and Los Angeles, because the legal injustices he

hopes to fight are “everywhere in America.”

“When I would travel to different cities all across America, you would hear a lot of the similar stories of injustice,” Crump said. “And they all needed help. They all needed somebody to be a voice for them, somebody to take a stand for them. And so what occurred to me is, I’ve got to find a way to be able to do more to help. What good is having influence if you don’t use it where it matters most?”

The cases he takes on are numerous, and they are emotional – often involving a grieving family and a court system that refuses to give them the justice they deserve. To keep himself going throughout it all, Crump focuses on his own family.

“The thing that keeps my compass focused is that I have two adopted cousins that I’ve raised,” he said. Chancellor is 19, and Marcus is 23.

“They were the same age as Trayvon Martin, and Michael Brown, and you know, I remember looking at my own boys and saying, ‘But by the grace of God, there go I,’” Crump said.

“Every person of color in America can understand and connect with what these parents go through, because every time my children leave the house, we pray that they make it home safe, and that they’re not killed or hurt by the very people who are supposed to protect and serve them. Because we see it happen so frequently in our community that we know none of our children are safe.”

Along with his two adopted cousins, Crump is raising a daughter, Brooklyn, who is four (“though she would tell you she’s four and a half”).

“She helps me focus on what’s important. And I think about these cases, and they are all gut-wrenching,” he said.

“But I look at my family, and I think about the future I want for them, and I say, ‘It would be selfish of me to just say I want a bright future for my children.’ I want a bright future for everybody’s children! Black, white,

Hispanic, Asian – that’s what keeps me focused, even when I go in courtrooms, and I’m fighting for the civil rights of some black or brown person, and the only thing black in the courtroom is me, my client, and the judge’s robe.”

Crump believes the lessons learned in Ferguson will continue to carry forward into the future.

“One of the biggest things about the Michael Brown tragic killing and the Ferguson uprising, certainly, was the response of the young people, who refuse to remain silent – the birth of Black Lives Matter,” he said.

“And you can see that, since Michael Brown, all over America, no matter what happens, the young people are replicating in a large degree, some in an even more productive and effective manner, these large-scale demonstrations and protests as to the obvious injustice that they believe has occurred.”

He equates these millennial youths to civil rights figures from an earlier generation, like John Lewis and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

“I believe so greatly in those young people,” Crump said. “Those young people who are marching, and protesting, and so forth. The battle is not necessarily for me to battle, it’s for them.”

In creating Ben Crump Law, he hopes to help with that struggle that he sees young people engaged in, and use his national influence to assist all over the country.

This law firm is “not just about law,” Crump said.

“It really is about the struggle for, the perseverance of people who have been downtrodden, have been oppressed, have been persecuted falsely – but, yet, we continue to go forward.” he said.

“And so this national law firm takes on a larger scope, it takes on a larger mission. And that’s why it has to be national, because it’s happening everywhere in America. Everybody is getting these consequences.”

Living It

Music and spirits in the name of Miles

Grammy Award-winning trumpeter and Ferguson native Keyon Harrold.

Keyon Harrold headlines

Alton’s inaugural Wine and Jazz Festival

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Last year, Keyon Harrold’s sound for the first-ever Miles Davis biopic “Miles Ahead” was the best thing about the film. While Actor Don Cheadle (who also directed the film) was charged with embodying the man, it fell upon Harrold to recreate the genius Davis produced through his horn. It was said that even Miles Davis subject matter experts couldn’t tell the difference. Not bad for someone who originally learned Davis’

music by recording his favorite songs via cassette tape from the radio while growing up in Ferguson. “By the time I was in the 10th grade, I pretty much knew exactly what I wanted to do,” Harrold told The American in 2014.

His work with Robert Glasper on the soundtrack for the film, entitled “Everything is Beautiful,” earned him a Grammy Award.

Harrold will continue his practice of paying tribute to Davis, one of his musical heroes, as headliner for the inaugural Alton Jazz and Wine Festival. The festival will take place at Liberty

See JAZZ, C8

A song for Mathews-Dickey

Crooner and 16-time Grammy Award nominee Brian McKnight brought down the house during the 2nd Annual Martin L. Mathews Awards Program and Benefit Concert Saturday night at The Fox Theatre. The concert was the culminating event for the Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club Family Reunion Weekend and also featured a performance R&B veteran Ginuwine.

Black women on the frontlines

Keona K. Ervin to discuss ‘Gateway to Equality’ at History Museum

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Keona K. Ervin admits in the introduction of her newly released book, Gateway to Equality: Black Women and the Struggle for Economic Justice in St. Louis that the work started out as a biography of labor organizer Ora Lee Malone. Once Ervin dug in, she realized that Malone was part of a continuum.

“Malone died at age 93, having lived a long life of engaged struggle that was less a departure from and more an extension of a black women workers’ dynamic labor organizing the Gateway City during the first half of the twentieth century,” Ervin said in the book.

n “Gateway to Equality” carries the reader from the labor strike led by Smith and Lewis in 1933 to the rent strike spearheaded by Jean King in the late 1960s.

Prison Performing Arts founder passes suddenly at 70

By Nancy Fowler Of St. Louis Public Radio

(St. Louis Public Radio) – Agnes Wilcox, founder and longtime artistic director of a St. Louis organization that brought theater to prison inmates, has died. Wilcox, who founded Prison Performing Arts (PPA) in 1999, died suddenly on Monday in Ontario, Canada. She was vacationing with her husband, local theater critic Bob Wilcox. Wilcox, 70, formed the prison-focused organization as an outreach program of her first St. Louis theater company, The New Theatre. She retired from PPA in 2014. Christopher Limber, one of three people who now head PPA, was shocked to learn of her death. Limber recalled how Wilcox pushed

against regulations that might have kept others from bringing drama to those behind bars.

“Agnes is unstoppable,” Limber said. “She walked in and said ‘I want to do this’ and made it happen, and convinced everybody that it would be advantageous not only to the creative

Prison Performing Arts founder Agnes Wilcox died suddenly on Monday while vacationing with her husband, local theater critic Bob Wilcox. She retired from PPA in 2014.

process of the individuals involved but would also be highly educational.”

Funny, charming, witty and creative

Wilcox went swimming on Monday, according to Gerry Kowarsky, Bob Wilcox’s partner in their “Two on the Aisle” theater program on HEC-TV. She stayed out longer than her husband expected and he began searching for her, but it was the police who found her body. It was a complete shock, Kowarsky said.

“She was in very good health,” Kowarsky said.

Wilcox surprised many when she chose Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” as the first

She will discuss Gateway to Equality: Black Women and the Struggle for Economic Justice in St. Louis, next Thursday at the Missouri History Museum. The talk is part of the robust companion programming for the exhibit

#1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis Out of the biography of Malone, who is relatively unknown outside of those with in-depth knowledge of black history and the black presence in labor movement, came a comprehensive chronology of black women’s front line role in the movement for equal employment –and civil rights in general – and how their actions can be linked to movements for equity, rights and justice across the nation.

“Gateway to Equality” carries the reader from the labor strike led by Smith and Lewis in 1933 to the rent strike spearheaded by Jean King in the late 1960s.

Twenty years before Malone came to St. Louis from Arkansas as part of the last waves of the Great Migration, Carrie Smith and Cora Lee Lewis – described by Ervin as “black working-class radical women” – led a strike of two thousand black female industrial workers.

“They staged one of the most important episodes of labor militancy and economic justice struggle in St. Louis since the 1877 General Strike, when thousands of mostly

Gabrielle Hurd, a fifth grade student at Central Christian School, was recently selected as a Time for Kids news reporter. Time for Kids is a branch of Time magazine that provides news articles for students in Kindergarten through Grade 6 and is present in many schools across the

Photo by Vincent Lang

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Fri., Sept. 1, 8 p.m., 95.5

The Lou District Rhythms presents Johnny Gill. Ballpark Village, 601 Clark Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sat., Sept. 2, 7 p.m., Voce presents Smooth Jazz feat. Kenya. 212 S.Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, call (314) 488-4196.

Sat., Sept. 9, 4 p.m., Alton Jazz & Wine Fest. Performances by Ptah Williams Quartet, Keyon Harrold and more. Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater, 1 Henry St., Alton, IL. 62002. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sept. 9 – 10, Loufest 2017. Performances by Snoop Dogg, Smino and more. Central Field – Forest Park, 5300 Wells Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www.seatgeek.com.

Sun., Sept. 10, 4 p.m., National Blues Museum presents Soulful Sundays feat. The Jeremiah Johnson Band 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www.nationalbluesmuseum.

org.

Sun., Sept. 10, 8 p.m., RockHouse & Still Blessed Entertainment present Tony! Toni! Tone! The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Wed., Sept. 13, 8 p.m., Fox Theatre presents An Evening with Mary J. Blige: Strength of a Woman Tour. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Wed., Sept. 13, 8 p.m., Shabazz Palaces with special guest Porter Ray. The Ready Room, 4195 Machester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.ticketfly.com.

Sun., Sept. 24, 7 p.m., From the Soul – Unplugged Acoustic Show feat. Drew “X-Man” Exum & the X-Men Band. Dark Room, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Sept. 24, 6:30 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Black Violin. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

local gigs

Sun., Sept. 3, 6 p.m., Soul Train: The Ride of Life, Love and Happiness. Sieglinda Fox with featured artists Alli Mays and Cheron Brash. The Signature Room, 9002 Overland Plaza, 63114. For more information, visit www.thesignatureclub.net.

Fri., Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., Chamber Project St. Louis presents Faith. A program that explores the power, practice, and questioning of faith through the lens of music by American composers. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. Wed., Sept. 13, 8 p.m., Shabazz Palaces with special guest Porter Ray. The Ready Room, 4195 Machester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.ticketfly.com.

Fri., Sept. 15, 7 p.m., Tribute to Gladys Knight feat. Kim Massie. The Beale on Broadway, 701 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, call (314) 621-7880.

special events

Through Sept. 4, UniverSoul Circus. Downtown Dome Tailgater’s Lot, 1111 N. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

The St. Louis American recommends

Sat., Sept. 2 & 9, 7:30 p.m.,

CommUNITY Arts Festival

A lineup including dance, theater, poetry, and film has been assembled to speak out against violence. Sept. 2: Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr.; Sept. 9, Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Sq. For more information, visit www. communityartsfestival.com.

Sat., Sept. 2, 8 a.m., The Covering house invites you to Race for Refuge. We will have a 10K/5K/Run/ Walk. Proceeds assist us in fighting human trafficking. Tower Grove Park Sons of Rest Shelter, 63110. For more information, visit www. raceforregure.org.

Wed., Sept. 6, 11 a.m., National Career Fair. Meet top employers and to interview for several positions during the course of the day. Double Tree – Westport, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information or to register, visit www.nationalcareerfairs.com.

Thur., Sept. 7, 5:30 p.m., Prison Performing Arts 11th Annual Bash: Empowering Voices. Join us for food from Sugarfire, a silent auction, music, and more. Centene Center for the Arts, 3547 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit wwww. prisonartsstl.org.

hire people on the spot. St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Rd., 63135. For more information or to register, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Sept. 9, 12 p.m., Solidarity Economy St. Louis presents Reclaim + Sustain: A Food and Farm Weekend. Everyone should have access to healthy and affordable food. Thomas Dunn Learning Center, 3113 Gasconade St., 63118. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sat., Sept. 9, 6 p.m., St. Louis University Black Law School Association’s 15th Annual Casino Night Scholarship Fundraiser. 100 N. Tucker Blvd., 63101. For more information, email blsa@slu. edu.

Wed., Sept. 13, 10 a.m., St. Louis Partners Job Fair Several companies will be on site to provide information and assist in the hiring process. Dress professional and bring a resume. Bringing Families Together, 7151 N. Lindbergh Blvd., 63042. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

information or to register, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., Sept. 14, 10 a.m., Job News St. Louis Job Fair. In addition to have employers on scene we will have two workshops and resume review. Double Tree – Westport, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information or to register, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Tues., Sept. 19, 6 p.m., Operation Food Search presents Bake for Good Event. A culinary instructor will cook a special dish for the audience to enjoy while learning about OFS programs. 1644 Lotsie Blvd., 63132. For more information, visit www. cooklearnshare.org.

Sat., Sept. 23, 5 p.m., The St. Louis American Foundation presents the 30th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala, America’s Center. For more information, call (314) 533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

Loufest 2017 with performances by Snoop Dogg, Smino and more. See CONCERTS for details.

Aug. 31 – Sep. 3, Funny Bone St. Louis presents Langston Kerman. 614 Westport Plaza, 63146. For more information, visit www.stlouisfunnybone. com.

Sept. 15 – 16, Helium Comedy Club presents Sherri Shepard. 1151 St. Louis Galleria, 63117.

Sept. 15 – 16, The Laugh Lounge presents Tony Roberts. 11208 W. Florissant Ave., 63033. For more information, visit www. thelaughloungestl.com.

Sat., Sept. 16, 7 p.m., Nick Cannon Presents Wild’n Out Live STL. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63120. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Fri., Sept. 29, 8 p.m., The Sumner Alumni Association presents its Maroon & White Homecoming Dance, Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Road 63044. For tickets, call 314.556.3944 or 314.452.1275. For more info email: sumneralumniassn@ yahoo.com.

Sat., Sept. 9, 9 a.m., Ferguson 1000 Hiring Event. Meet employers ready to J. 1151 St. Louis Galleria, 63117. For more information, visit www.st-louis. heliumcomedy.com.

Wed., Sept. 13, 11 a.m., St. Louis Diversity Job Fair. Employers for education, finance, optical care, human resources, clerical, healthcare, and more. Ferguson Community Center, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more

comedy

Aug. 31 – Sep. 3, Helium Comedy Club presents Arnez

Wed., Sept. 6, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Tess Gerritsen, author of I Know a Secret: A Rizzoli and Isles Mystery. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org.

Thur., Sept. 7, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum, hosts author Keona Ervin, author of Gateway to Equality: Black Women and the Struggle for Economic Justice in St.

Louis 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

Wed., Sept. 13, 7 p.m., Left

Bank Books hosts author Aaron Layton, author of Dear White Christian: What Every White Christian Needs to Know About How Black Christians See, Think, & Experince Racism in America 399 N. Euclid Ave. For more information, call (314) 3676731.

Thur., Sept. 14, 7 p.m., Left

Bank Books hosts author Sally Freeman, author of The Jersey Brothers: A Missing Naval Officer in the Pacific and His Family’s Quest to Bring Him Home. A story of brotherly love, three men finding their loyalty to each other tested under the tortures of war.

Mon., Sept. 18, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author David Collins, author of Accidental Activists: Mark Phariss, Vic Holmes and Their Fight for Marriage Equality in Texas. 399 N. Euclid Ave. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.

Sat., Sept. 23, 3 p.m., Author Lewis Diuguid will sign and discuss his latest book Our Fathers: Making Black Men George B. Vashon African American Museum, 2223 St. Louis Ave.

Fri., Sept. 1, 7 p.m., HipHop and Fashion: From the Streets to the Runway. This discussion will examine the impact of hip-hop culture on fashion, art, and black masculinity. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Sept. 1 – 3, The Greater St. Louis Art Association presents the Fall Art Fair at Queeny Park. 550 Weidman Rd., 63131. For more information, visit www. artfairatqueenypark.com.

Sept. 8 – 10, Centene Charitable Foundation presents Saint Louis Art Fair We will have artists displaying their work in ceramics, jewelry, drawing, photography, and more. Forsyth Blvd. & Meramec Ave., 63105. For more information, visit www. saintlouisartfair.com.

Through October 7, The Pulitzer Arts Foundation presents Blue Black curated by Glenn Ligon, The Pulitzer Arts Foundation, 3716 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www. pulitzerarts.org.

lectures and workshops

Fri., Sept. 8, 6 p.m., Ferguson 1000 presents Empowerment Lecture Learn about technology for financial literacy, poverty, social justice and more. St. Louis Community College – Florissant Valley, 3400 Pershall Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Tues., Sept. 12, 7 p.m., Let’s Talk About What Happened. Join Stacey Newman, Rev. Dr. Cassandra Gould, and Rabbi Susan Talve, to talk about What Happened by Hillary Clinton. Left Bank Book, 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Thur., Sept. 14, 6 p.m., Sickle Cell Association presents Diversity in Clinical Trials and Research Forum. Understand clinical trials and the importance of diverse participation. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Thur., Sept. 14, 6 p.m., The Bridge: An Intergenerational Conversation with Civil Rights Leaders. Civil rights leaders come together to reveal how activism has evolved throughout history. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

Thur., Sept. 14, 7 p.m., Pulitzer Arts Foundation presents A Lecture by Dr. Mindy Fullilove. Dr. Fullilove is a Professor of Urban Policy and Health at The New School, and will discuss “root shock”. 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. pulitzerarts.org.

The St. Louis American recommends

theatre

Through Sept. 3, R-S Theatrics presents In the Heights..Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sept. 6 – 24, The St. Louis Black Repertory Company will open their 41st season with Colman Domingo’s new comedy DOT. The Edison Theatre on the campus of Washington University. For more information, visit www. theblackrep.org or call (314) 534-3807.

Fri., Sept. 15, 8 p.m., The Link Auditorium presents Through the Eyes of York: The Lewis and Clark Expedition. The story of a slave, treated as a free man, then returned to slavery. Starring Bobby Norfolk. 4504 Westminster Pl., 63108. For more information, visit www. racstl.org/event.

Sun., Sept. 17, 3 & 7:30

Sat., Sept. 2, 8:30 a.m., Ajuma’s Counseling Services, LLC invites you to Black Men & Boys Mental Health Forum. Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.ajuma.org.

Sat., Sept. 9, 11 a.m., Community Health and Wellness Day. New Sunny Mount Missionary Baptist Church, 4700 W. Florissant Ave., 63115. For more information, call (314) 3673707.

Thur., Sept. 14, 6 p.m., Sickle Cell Association presents Diversity in Clinical Trials and Research Forum. Understand clinical trials and the importance of diverse participation. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Sept. 16, 8 a.m., St. Louis Alzheimer’s Association presents the Walk to End Alzheimer’s. Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 2899990.

p.m., Priest Tyaire presents Momma’s Boy. An all-star cast unites to tell the story of a young man who takes pride in being macho but really is a momma’s boy. Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

health

Thur., Aug. 31, 6 p.m., International Overdose Awareness Day. Celebrate stories of survival, remember those lost, and discuss what is being done to save lives. Tilles Park, 9551 Litzsinger Rd., 63124. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Wed., Sept. 20, St. Louis Alzheimer’s Association presents The Basics: Memory Loss, Dementia, and Alzheimer’s. Learn about diagnosis, progression, treatment, resources and support. Monsanto Family YMCA, 5555 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

spiritual

Sun., Sept. 3, 9 p.m., James Hall Tribute feat. the Rapture Reunion Choir. Good News Baptist Church, 8850 Jennings Station Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.amosandrapture.com.

Fri., Sept. 8, 7 p.m., Believers Temple Word Fellowship Annual Women’s Conference feat. Jekalyn Carr. 2115

Chambers Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. bandsintown.com.

Fri., Sept. 8, 7:30 p.m., Chamber Project St. Louis presents Faith. A program that explores the power, practice, and questioning of faith through the lens of music by American composers. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. Sept. 9 -10, The City of Life Christian Church presents the Singles Conference 2017: He’s Able to Keep You from Falling. Speakers include Pastor Joe L. Middleton, Min. Taneika Jones, and Min. Sheri Carthan. 8333 Fullerton Ave., 63132. For more information, visit www.thecityoflife.com.

Sun., Sept. 10, 5:30 p.m., Arts & Faith St. Louis Seventh Annual Interfaith Concert: Building Bridges Featuring young talent from Christian, Jewish, Muslim, Hindu, Mormon and Sikh faith. Sheldon, 3648 Washington Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. artsfaithstl.org.

Fri., Sept. 22, 7 p.m., Kingdom Promotions hosts Tamela and David Mann’s World Tour – Concert & Comedy Show. Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church, 5553 Dr. Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. kingdomtickets.com.

film

Fri., Sept. 7, Crown Heights starring Lakeith Stanfield and Nnamdi Asomugha opens in theatres nationwide.

Sat., Sept. 9, 1 p.m., Nine Network presents The Vietnam War Preview Screening. Featuring interviews from soldiers and Vietnamese combatants and civilians. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. ninenet.org.

Nick Cannon Presents Wild’n Out Live at The Ambassador. For more information, see COMEDY.

Bank Alton Amphitheater on Saturday, Sept. 9 and it also features The Funky Butt Brass Band, Dawn Weber and Ptah Williams.

“We wanted to create a festival along the Mississippi River that honors Miles Davis and gives people the opportunity to hear some top jazz performers,” said Brett Stawar, a member of the Jazz and Wine Festival committee. “This is an event that will grow and we hope can become a signature jazz festival in the region.” Davis was raised in East St. Louis, but he was born in Alton – a fact that the city wants the world to remember.

The festival comes just two years after Alton erected a lifesize bronze statue of Davis in the heart of downtown. The sculpture, created by Preston Jackson, is the first statue in a North American city dedicated to Davis.

Next weekend they hope to provide a platform to continue Davis’ musical legacy as well. And who better to kick things off Harrold?

“Keyon Harrold is the future of the trumpet and he is one of the most sought-after trumpeters in the world,” Wynton

Marsalis told Down Beat Magazine for an article entitled “Talkin’ Trumpets.” His music education began as part of his grandfather’s Memorial Lancers Drum and Bugle Corps. Harrold went on to graduate from the esteemed School of Jazz at The New School in New York City. The seemingly endless list of people he has worked with include some of music’s biggest names – Beyoncé, Jay Z, Erykah Badu, Gregory Porter, Anthony Hamilton, David Sanborn, Fred Hammond, Janet Jackson, 50 Cent and the Count Basie

Orchestra, to name a few.

Last year he performed at The White House with rapper Common for the NPR Tiny Desk Concert series.

Though his horn has carried him into mainstream music, his heart belongs to jazz.

“Jazz is an adventure, because you don’t know what’s going to come out,” Harrold said. “All you know is you have a set, and in this amount of time you’re going to have a beginning, middle and an end.

You have these parameters and those chords, but everything else is up to your imagination and I love that.”

The Alton Wine and Jazz Festival will take place at 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 9 at Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater and will feature Keyon Harrold, The Funky Butt Brass Band, Dawn Weber and Ptah Williams. Admission to the event is free, although a VIP experience is available which includes VIP parking, drink vouchers, reserved seats and access to VIP tent. VIP tickets are 2 for $25 or 1 for $15. Tickets are available at the Alton Visitor Center, 200 Piasa St., Argosy Casino Alton or at Metrotix.com. For more information on the Alton Jazz & Wine Festival, please visit: www.libertybankamphitheater.com.

An evening with R&B’s ‘Game Changer’

District Rhythms concert series closes with Johnny Gill on September 1

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Johnny Gill was too young to get a driver’s license when he signed his first record deal.

“Everybody would say, ‘wow, look at what a big voice he has.’ But I grew up in the church and my father was a minister, so I thought everybody could sing like that,” Gill laughed. “But I knew getting signed was huge, because everybody couldn’t just get a record contract.”

Gill said. “For me, St. Louis is one of those places. The energy just rises to another level.”

He says audiences should prepare themselves for him to go deep into his catalog for a refreshing trip down memory lane, but first and foremost, plan to have a good time.

white and male railroad workers shut down the city,” Ervin said. The strike came two years before the formation of the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO), a federation of unions that organized workers in industrial unions in the United States and Canada. In the book, readers will see names synonymous with Civil Rights – both locally and nationally – like Frankie Muse Freeman and Margret

Bush Wilson. They will also learn that unsung heroes like Modestine Crute Thornton, Pearl Maddox, Myrtle Walker, Gessie Mae Myles and Annabelle Mayfield – who testified at a local Fair Employment Practices Commission hearing against several companies with practices that barred them from access to defense employment in 1944. The book reads like a required textbook from a college-level history course, understandable since Ervin is an assistant professor of history at University of MissouriColumbia. But the blunt, matter-of-fact tone details fas-

cinating moments that should be required knowledge within the spectrum of St. Louis black history.

Missouri History Museum will host author Keona Ervin, author of Gateway to Equality: Black Women and the Struggle for Economic Justice in St. Louis at 7 p.m. on Thursday, September 7 at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. The book discussion is held in conjunction with the exhibit #1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis, which runs through April 2018. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Nearly forty years later, he’s a veteran in the R&B game both as a solo artist and a member of the group New Edition. “The thought of failure never came into play. I was so green that even when the first record I did didn’t do very well, I didn’t even know it didn’t do very well,” Gill said. “I was just going, doing what I enjoy doing and grateful to be able to do it. There’s just so much more to do – and I’m far from done.”

He’s riding high on the extended shelf life of his latest album “Game Changer,” which has been in rotation on radio for three years and just released another single. But the most pressing item on his to do list is to close out District Rhythms – the annual R&B summer concert series presented by 95.5 The Lou FM at Ballpark Village on Friday, September 1. “There are certain places that you really enjoy playing and you just get pumped for it,”

Gill is actually top of mind for plenty of R&B lovers thanks to the resurgence in popularity of his group thanks to the hit BET Network Miniseries “The New Edition Story.” And just before the program aired last winter, their legacy in entertainment was cemented with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“When you’re doing what you are doing, you are living in the moment,” Gill said. “You don’t understand what impact you are going to make on the industry and the world. You just go. Then you look back and you say, ‘whoa, look at all of that.’”

Gill joined the R&B group after former member Bobby Brown famously left to pursue a solo career.

The group’s success continued with Gill as one of the group’s lead singers. Each of the members eventually pursued successful careers outside of New Edition – with Gill,

The artists reunited – which at times includes Brown in the lineup – and have become a favorite touring act. But the television series widened the group’s fan base to new audiences. Many of whom weren’t even born at the height of New Edition’s fame.

“It all came in one shot,” Gill said. “For years we didn’t get the recognition we felt like we deserved. But we stayed at it and we’ve worked hard. We did what we had to do and God made a way.

Being able to come full circle and looking at a generation that wasn’t that familiar with us – and watching social media and seeing all of these babies singing the songs and doing the routines – it’s mind blowing.”

The District Rhythms concert series presented by 95.5 The Lou FM will conclude with Johnny Gill on Friday September 1. Doors open at 6 p.m. and the show starts at 8 p.m. at Ballpark Village’s on the outdoor Busch II Infield stage. For more information visit http://www.stlballparkvillage.com/summerconcerts.

Ralph Tresvant as solo artists and the hip-hop R&B trio offshoot Bell Biv DeVoe (better known as BBD).

Johnny Gill

Keyon Harrold

Dick Gregory taught me to learn how to live

By Mike Jones Columnist

One of the things about reaching a certain age in life (polite way of saying getting old) is you regularly receive word that people who have been part of the fabric of your life have passed on. On Saturday, August 19, national media informed us that Brother Dick Gregory had joined the ancestors.

Too many young people have no idea why the world would pause to note the passing of this particular brother. This is a negative consequence of the rapid and radical economic and cultural change in American life. In spite of Facebook, Twitter and Google, we seem to be ignorant of everything.

I’m going retro to become that old man telling a story about how a man he met a long time ago changed the trajectory of his life.

It was 1968 or ‘69, the height of antiVietnam War movement and the Black Student Movement.

The Black Panther Party, led by Bobby Seal and Huey P. Newton, had formally merged with Stokely Carmichael and H. Rap Brown’s Student Nonviolent Coordinating Committee. Chairman Mao’s Little Red Book was required reading. The revolution was inevitable and eminent!

It was in that turbulence that I first encountered Dick Gregory at Forest Park Community College in a windowless, overcrowded, overheated room talking to maybe 75-100 would-be revolutionary black college students. I went thinking I was going to get the usual fire-and-brimstone storm-theBastille and slay-The-Beast speech (that’s what I came for). Instead, I got a lesson on

WILCOX

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production in which to cast inmates at Missouri Eastern Correctional Center in Pacific. Limber said she knew Shakespeare’s themes of justice, revenge and guilt are all issues incarcerated people grapple with.

Putting together a play entails teamwork and negotiation, helping prisoners learn valuable skills, according to Limber. But the process was also a way to bring joy to people behind bars, even for a short period.

“Agnes was great, great fun, very funny and charming and witty and creative,” Limber said. “And all of that makes a tremendous difference in the week of a prisoner.”

The program serves 1,000

Dick Gregory

education and life that became a North Star that has guided me for the last 50 years.

It’s been 50 years and I only heard him speak these words one time, but they remain etched in my memory; I still remember them verbatim, like it was yesterday. He spoke about why we were at a university and what was the purpose of education. I’ll summarize it like this: The purpose of an education is not to learn how to make a living, rather it’s to learn how to live a life.

He had several memorable analogies that illustrated the point he was making, but it’s the sage advice that he closed with that’s been my guide from that day to this. I quote: “If you learn how to live, making a living will be the easiest thing you ever have to do. Bar none!”

This advice has not only became my personal value system for my education, but it is the foundation of how I think about my role as a member of the State Board of Education.

You see, before there was Bill, Richard, Eddie, Chris or Dave, there was Dick Gregory. What you now take for granted, he made possible. He was the black comedian who took black humor mainstream and national. At the height of his success, he turned down the keys to the kingdom to fight for you before your parents knew you were coming.

So, my young brothers and sisters, that’s who Dick Gregory is (I purposely didn’t say was). As we prepare to celebrate the homegoing of an extraordinary man who had a life exceptionally well-lived, I give to you the gift he gave to me. Embrace it, cause like the old folks would say, he ain’t go tell you nothing wrong.

R.I.P., Dick. Mike Jones, who has held senior policy positions in St. Louis city and county government, serves on the St. Louis American editorial board and the State Board of Education.

I’ve met many smart men during the course of my life, but Dick Gregory was more than smart – he was wise. Every encounter with him, no matter how brief, made you smarter and better. He had the serenity and power that come from connection with higher truths. Like all pursuers of higher truths, he had abandoned the pursuit of commercial success that’s the shiny object of today’s shallow American culture.

inmate actors and audiences every year. Limber said a Missouri Department of Corrections study found that people who participated in PPA were 20 percent less likely to return to prison.

In 2016, St. Louis’ Arts and Education Council gave Wilcox its Lifetime Achievement Award. Of the award, Wilcox told Don Marsh of St. Louis Public Radio’s St. Louis on the Air program:

“I owe so many people so much. Whether it was the people with whom I was working or the people I was working beside or the people who supported my work in so many ways,” Wilcox told Marsh. “I owe this community, big-time.”

The news of her death shocked members of the local theater community.

On Wilcox’s Facebook page, posters called the news

“a gut punch” and called this “a sad day for the arts community.”

Black Rep founder and artistic director Ron Himes told St. Louis Public Radio, “Agnes will be sorely missed.”

“Agnes was smart and spunky,” Himes said. “I watched her work really, really hard, trying to do good work in prisons. No one else was doing that in St. Louis.”

Others across the country also mourned her passing. When Ira Glass of the “This American Life” public radio show heard the news, he tweeted about her appearance on a 2002 episode. Final arrangements are pending.

Published with permission of St. Louis Public Radio: http:// news.stlpublicradio.org/post/ prison-performing-arts-founder-agnes-wilcox-dies-unexpectedly-while-vacationing-canada

Guest Columnist Mike Jones

About Sickle Cell Disease

Spread the knowledge. No matter who you are, you can help fight sickle cell by knowing the facts and passing them on. Talk about sickle cell disease and trait with your children, your parents, your teachers, your students, your health care providers, your patients and your friends. The best way to fight sickle cell disease is to get the facts and spread the knowledge. Get educated about the disease. Get tested for the sickle cell trait. Get involved with the Sickle Cell Association. Face Facts: Sickle cell disease affects red blood cells. It makes them hard and “sickle” shaped instead of soft and round. As a result, your blood has difficulty flowing smoothly and carrying oxygen to the rest of the body. Sickle cell disease is a very serious disease. It can be life threatening. It can lead to anemia (a shortage of red blood cells), causing fatigue and possibly damage to blood vessels and vital organs. And it often causes severe pain that can last for hours or days. Millions of people have sickle cell trait. Sickle cell trait is not a disease and you usually don’t feel sick. But it means you carry one sickle gene and that it’s possible for you to pass sickle cell disease to your child. It’s important to know if you have sickle cell trait. If you and a pratner both have trait and you have a baby there’s; a 25% chance your baby will have sickle cell disease. There is a simple blood test to find out if you out if you have trait. Sickle Cell Awareness Month Partners Thank you to the many organizations and individuals supporting our work to make a difference for the St. Louis community!

Know your status. The easiest way to find out if you have sickle cell trait or disease is to take a simple blood test. This test is available in many hospitals, clinics and health centers. Talk to your health care provider or call the info line below to find out more. And make sure your partner knows about sickle cell triat and testing options, as well. Know your options . If you have trait, it’s important that you talk to your health care provider to find out what you can do to protect your health. If you and your partner both have sickle cell trait and you wish to have a baby, a health care provider can tell you about your options. You may wish to speak with a genetic counselor, who can help determine your risks for having a child with sickle cell disease. Know your risks. If you have sickle cell disease but aren’t under a doctor’s care, it’s critical that you speak with a a medical professional so you can learn about the treatment options available to you. You should also be aware of situations that can lead to a sickle cell episode. Theese situations include infections, stressful environments at home and in the workplace, dehydration, sudden temperature variations and overexertion.

What is sickle cell disease? Sickle cell disease is the most common genetic blood disease in the country, but many people don’t know much about it. Sickle cell disease is not contagious. It’s hereditary like hair or eye color. You can only get it if both of your parents carry a certain gene trait and pass it on to you. If you’re not born with it, you can’t get it later in life. The disease makes it difficult for red blood cells to do their job, causing severe chronic pain, anemia, stroke and organ damage and failure –all of which can have a severe impact on a person’s everyday quality of life. What is sickle cell trait? It’s not a disease. Millions of people have sickle cell trait, including almost 10% of African Americans. Having trait means you carry only one sickle gene and do not have the disease. Sickle cell trait will not turn into the disease later in life and usually you won’t feel sick. However, it is possible that you can exhibit symptoms of the disease under extreme conditions of physical stress or low oxygen levels. In some cases, people with trait have gotten very sick or even died during rigorous exercise or sports. There are precautions you can take to avoid this, so be sure to speak with your health care provider about risk factors. It’s in your genes. It’s possible to have trait and not know it. If someone in your family has trait or disease, you might have it, too. And that means you can pass trait or disease on to your children, as well. This is why it’s very important to know your “sickle status.” If you and your partner have trait, there’s a chance you could pass the disease on to your children. Who does it impact?

To date, there is no cure; however, in a limited number of cases, bone marrow and stem cell transplants have cured sickle cell disease. The Sickle Cell Association advocates for more participation in clinical trials to help find a cure. What can I do?

Approximately 100,000 people nationwide and with about 1,000 people in St. Louis alone. The disease is passed genetically with about 1 in every 13 African American babies being born with the trait. Knowing if you and/or your mate has the trait is highly recommended before having children. Sickle cell affects almost all races, especially people with ancestors from Africa, India, Central and South America, the Middle East, the Caribbean and Mediterranean (Italy, Greece, France and Turkey). Is there a cure?

• Training of health professionals

• Expansion and coordination of education, treatment, and continuity of care for individuals with sickle cell disease. To learn more, access resources, read about upcoming events, or find a sickle cell provider near you visit our website at https://sicklecell.wustl.edu/As part of our mission to train health care professionals in effectively treating and caring for patients with sickle cell disease, the Heartland network is hosting a continuing medical education event at the Eric P. Newman Education Center on Friday, September 15. Physicians, nurses, pharmacists, and therapists who are involved in the treatment of patients with sickle cell disease are encouraged to attend. Register online at https://wustlc-me.highmarksce.com/index.cfm?do=pln.viewActivity&plannerID=4791

• Coordination of service delivery for individuals with sickle cell disease

Sickle Cell Awareness Month –September 2017

• Genetic counseling and testing

The Heartland Sickle Cell Disease Network is funded by a grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to improve care and quality of life of people with sickle cell disease. Our network is comprised of a team of providers and experts in sickle cell disease within Missouri, Iowa, Nebraska, and Kansas and led by Washington University School of Medicine. The mission of the Heartland Sickle Cell Disease Network is to support the development and establishment of systemic mechanisms to improve the prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease and its complications, including:

Join the Sickle Cell Association to raise awareness and support of the disease

• Bundling of technical services related to the prevention and treatment of sickle cell disease

Meet Hakeem Reid

Hakeem arrived in the world rather uneventful and laid back, as he is today. Just three weeks after birth he was diagnosed with sickle cell disease (ss). His mother, already living with the painful disease, was numb at the thought of life Hakeem would possibly live. She was familiar with sickle cell, but there will still so much she didn’t know.

Under the care of Dr. Michael Debaun, Hakeem received excellent treatment as he began to experience the effects of the disease around six months of age. He endured the pain of Dactylitis (hand-foot syndrome), pneumonia, acute chest syndrome and priapism for which he received various treatments and pain interventions. A crisis in any part of the body is stressful, therefore with the help of Hakeem’s mother, he learned to cope using breathing exercises, therapeutic music, candles, hydration and plenty of rest. As Hakeem entered school, he remembers feeling different than the other kids. He was absent from school a lot and couldn’t enjoy some of the same activities as the other children. Silent strokes are always a concern for individuals living with sickle cell, often causing cognitive issues. With the various memory problems and cognitive delays, Hakeem underwent cognitive tests and MRI’s to rule out silent strokes. Ultimately, it was determined that the narcotic pain meds and missed days of school were affecting him mentally and physically. The effects of sickle cell disease meant that he needed to learn differently, using Home Bound Services and an IEP (Individualized Education Program). Hakeem has been able to overcome academically and graduate high school. His future is looking up, using his free time to write and produce music. He is now attending college courses with a goal to receive a degree in Broadcasting and Communications. Hakeem knows that it won’t be easy, but he is determined to do his best. He’s doing it for all of those affected by sickle cell disease.

n Under the care of Dr. Michael Debaun, Hakeem received excellent treatment as he began to experience the effects of the disease around six months of age.

Registration includes t-shirt, lunch and family-friendly entertainment. Register online at sicklecellassociation.org to guarantee a t-shirt! Registration also available onsite day-of, but t-shirts will only be available while supplies last. Visit sicklecellassociation.org or call 314-833-6751 for more information!

• Showing your financial support! Give a monetary donation or become a sponsor to help further the efforts of Sickle Cell Association in raising awareness of sickle cell in the community.

• Spreading the word! Stop by to get educated about sickle cell, join the bone marrow registry and learn how to donate blood to save a life.

Join us for an event designed to celebrate the lives of those with sickle cell disease and to educate the community about the disease. Whether you have sickle cell, know someone who does or would like to show your support, come stroll with us! Get involved in the Stroll by:

When: Saturday, September 9 at 9

• Showing your team spirit! Organize a team of friends, family or co-workers.

Diversity in clinical trials and research –Moving Forward

n “We need to bring together St. Louis’ academic institutions and community –acknowledging our complicated history, but recognizing that by working together towards common goals, we will be able to make important strides for people with sickle cell disease.”

When: Thursday, September 14, doors open at 6pm Where: Regional Arts Commission The Diversity in Clinical Trials and Research is a public forum designed to address apprehensions and educate patients –of sickle cell disease and other conditions –and their families on the value of participating in clinical trials and research.

–Bethany Johnson

n “Advances in health care have occurred because people are willing to participate in clinical trials. We must confront our personal fears and we must ensure that new treatments, if adopted, are effective for everyone.”

Participants will have an opportunity to voice concerns and apprehension surrounding reasons for lack of participation in clinical trials. Speakers will address historical issues regarding research, safeguards now in place to avoid these issues, stages/levels of participation in clinical trials and why diverse participation is important. Join us for an informative evening of diverse perspectives to learn about:

• What clinical trials are

–Dr. Lannis Hall

• Why clinical trials are important

• What legal protections participants in clinical trials have

When: Saturday, September 30 at 6pm Where: DK Annex 2727 S. Jefferson Registration required –cost: $60 The Sickle Cell Association presents the 2017 Committed to the Cause: Sickle Cell Gala, the first year for this charity event. Get ready for an evening of entertainment and fun! This formal event features a fabulous silent auction, cocktail reception and a superb dinner. Enjoy the sounds of Boogie Chyld and the tastes of Collective Catering in the surroundings of a historic venue. Funds raised will be used to support the mission of the Sickle Cell Association, which includes providing direct services to people with sickle cell disease. To register, visit sicklecellassociation.org.

When: Friday, September 22 doors open at 6pm Where: Atrium –Christian Hospital Northeast The Sickle Cell Town Hall Meeting is a public meeting to share information about sickle cell disease and its impact on patients and families locally. This meeting provides a platform for patients to voice their needs and concerns regarding living with sickle cell before influential agencies and community leaders. This event is best suited for adults. Hear from State Representative Cora Faith Walker, Councilwoman Rochelle Gray, along with parents and individuals living with sickle cell Disease.

Celebrations

Retirement

The National Society of Black Engineers recognized General C. David Turner upon his retirement, after a successful and decorated 20 year career in Strategic Army and Engineer Management. Gen. Turner served as Commanding General at the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, South Atlantic Division. Pictured with Ron Moore of NSBE St. Louis Gateway Chapter.

Reunions

Beaumont High Class of 1968 Reunion Committee will begin planning for our 50th Class Reunion to be held in St. Louis, Missouri in 2018. For more information contact Vanetta Cobbs, 314-869-5665, or email vanetta.cobbs@ sbcglobal.net.

Anniversary

Happy 10th Wedding Anniversary to Michael and Tamisya (Dickens) Collins on September 1! They are the proud parents of Michael III (8), Tamia (7) and Ryleigh (4). Enjoy and celebrate!

Birthdays

Happy Birthday to my daughter, Kamaletta Jackson, who celebrated her 60th birthday on August 26 with family and friends. Best wishes from your mother, Leatrice White.

Happy Birthday to mother and daughter! Beatrice Thomas celebrated her 93rd birthday on August 27 and her daughter, Carrie Lucille Jacox celebrated on August 26. The Lord has blessed our mother, who goes to church every Sunday. Fannie Thomas & Roy Thomas

Beatrice Thomas

Carrie Lucille Jacox

Beaumont High School Class of 1977 will celebrate its 40year reunion Sept. 15–17, 2017. For further information, please contact: Karen Handley (314) 330-0129, Audrey Dixon (314) 413-9202, Lois Moore (314) 315-0474, Kelvin Ellison (314) 599-6733.

Beaumont High Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296, madeshe@ sbcglobal.net.

Hadley Tech Classes of 1962-1963 are having their 55th year reunion on October 13-15, 2017 at the St. Louis Airport Marriott. For more

information, please contact Hellon (Merritt) Jefferson at 314-307-3681, Ora (Scott) Roberts at 314-222-3662, Wilhelmina (Gibson) Baker at 314-630-9647, Pearl (Tillman) Holden 314-6850466 or Virdell (Robinson) Stennis at 314-773-8177.

Northwest High Class of 1978 is planning its 40 year reunion for next year. PLEASE reach out to our classmates, tell them get ready for this. If you have any questions please contact Sly at ( 314) 397-0311 or email us at northwestbluedevils@78 gmail.com. Check us out on Facebook Northwest High School-Class of 1978.

O’Fallon Technical High School Class of 1967, will be celebrating its 50th reunion on September 15-17, 2017. If you have not received a letter or e-mail, please call 314630-8452 with your contact information, and a committee member will contact you.

Soldan High School Class of 1967 will be holding its 50th class reunion September 29-30, 2017. For additional information, please contact Nona Binion Simpkins at 314-361-3799or Melvia Forniss at 314-725-8103.

Sumner High Class of 1972 reunion will be held September 15-17, 2017 at the Airport Hilton, 10330 Natural

Bridge Rd., 63134. Please contact Earlene Brown 314226-7019/314-534-0467 or Jazelle Brown 314-954-1470 or Kathi Washington Scott 314-445-4715.

Vashon High School will celebrate its 90th anniversary October 5-7, 2017 for alumni, students and community activities to celebrate educational commitment and tradition. For additional information, go to Vashonhigh.org or contact Elvis Hopson, elvishopson@ att.net, (314) 535-0243, Pearl Lake, lakep6@aol.com, (314) 388-0743 or Cozy W. Marks, Jr., jr3810@sbcglobal.net, (314) 383-5682.

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, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

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

Salute is near. Get your outfit, shoe game, hair and makeup agenda in line; because before you know it, the 30th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards will be knocking at your door. It seems like a while off at least for everyone who doesn’t have to get started on a 21-day-get-into-this-doggone-evening-gown fitness challenge. But don’t get it twisted. This is a milestone year. And while I’m happy to see our faithful attendees, I also want to see some fresh faces to help us carry the tradition of Black St. Louis’ most glamorous night going for the next 30 years. And it’s far from being just about the opulence. Saturday, September 23 will be a celebration of the power of education – that just happens to be carried out in the most elegant manner possible. And then we tear the roof off of the America’s Center with a party for the young and old. This year DJ Kut will once again slay the tables at the Old School Party, and Diva Denise Thimes will bring the house down with her Jazz Cabaret. It’s not too late to get your tickets yet, but it will be soon. Call (314) 533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

Mathews-Dickey’s night of celebration, song and sequins. Speaking of elegance, y’all were dressed to the nines for that Soulful Serenade finale to the MathewsDickey Boys and Girls Club Family Reunion Weekend at the Fox Saturday night. For those wondering, yes – it would be too soon to repeat your outfit for Salute. My favorite looks of the night belonged to Brittany Packnett, who came through with Janelle Monae realness thanks to a black and white ensemble. I don’t usually live for floral print formalwear, but Jami Dolby made it work. And Staci Static’s sequined pencil skirt paired with a silver blouse inspired by Dorothy Dandridge as Carmen gave me life too. It was so great to see people honored for their gifts to the community and hear some good music. I also want to give a shout out to the young girl Morgan who sang The National Anthem like she should have been headlining! For those wondering, I’m leaving the performance by John Salley’s daughter out of this. Ginuwine did not consider the people already in their seats when he told the ladies to come to the front. His set was decent – but not necessarily Gala appropriate. He went all the way rogue when he low-key cussed out the soundman after he claimed he ruined his finale. He might have been in his feelings because his former wife Sole was marrying Professor Griff from Public Enemy at the time. The outburst on the sound man by Ginuwine was in fact a full circle moment for Brian McKnight, who is celebrating 25 years in music. A little birdie told me that D’ Angelo actually beat up the sound man when Brian made his first trip to the Fox. But on with the show … Brian McKnight sounded great, though folks didn’t seem to be all the way with the upbeat new stuff he started the show with. But you couldn’t help but feel it when he got into his classic stuff. That voice! And just as he was in his rhythm going down memory lane, he ran out of time. It was the makings of a great set too. A man sitting next to me said, “He cut that off faster than the electric company.” There were a few logistical hiccups, but it was still a wonderful night overall that helps shine a light on – and raise funds for – one of our institutional gems.

Must see Marlon Wayans. Say what y’all want about his silly movies and onscreen antics as the over the top comic relief on TV, but Marlon Wayans the comedian is a monster. I saw for myself Thursday night for his special engagement weekend run at Helium. I’m telling you, it was hilarious. Newcomer Sydney Castillo kicked it off and he was funny as all get out too. I think what has me riding for them both is that neither Sydney or Marlon used any of the urban comedy trends for 2017 – the most popular being a bit about dating an elderly lady. The night was almost ruined for a few of us in the back – this rowdy pair of soccer moms who refused to act like they had some sense. They became so obnoxious that I began to think, “Is Marlon secretly filming a scene for a ‘White Girls’ sequel?” We will know sooner or later. But back to the show … I’m telling you, Marlon dropped the mic. Roasting racists with Roy Wood Jr. Speaking of favorites in comedy, I got a double dose because one of mine was at the Funny Bone this weekend. I know 90 percent of y’all have never heard of Roy Wood Jr. Well, he’s been a featured commentator on “The Daily Show with Trevor Noah,” so perhaps 80 percent. He did not disappoint in the least either. The host called him “one of the biggest names in comedy.” Wood said, “Well, why am I playing across the sidewalk from a Panera?” I died. And what gave him even more street cred as a comedian was that he played to a crowd that was clearly about 60 percent conservative and had them rolling. His bit about the bandwagon racists Trump has brought won them over. He likened them to those people who root for the winning team after their championship victory – and how infuriating it must be for the OG racists. “I see you walking around with these [expletive] Make America Great Hats and holding Tiki torches and [expletive],” Wood said doing a spot on ‘good ol’ boy’ impersonation. “But where were y’all when we were blocking the schools back in ’62?” The opening act was not quite as fortunate. He was funny, but for the life of me I can’t remember his name. And the audience couldn’t wait to forget.

Props for Poetic Justice. I was still riding high from the epicness (yes, I made that word up) that was the 5th Anniversary of Poetic Justice last month when I stopped through 2720 Cherokee to kick it with my boy Corey Black on Sunday. It was cool, but I believe to my soul that folks who would normally stop through stayed home in the name of “Insecure.” I had to talk myself out of watching the show fresh because of all the social media spoilers. But this is about Poetic Justice. I enjoyed myself as usual. I’m glad Corey checked the crowd for talking through the dude in the Migos blouse who sang Reggae and played guitar. He was actually quite good.

Kris showed his support for Neah’s performance at Poetic Justice Sunday night @2720 Cherokee

Dr. Nicole Robinson was supported by Linda as she raised money for Hatz4Hearts Sunday @ VOCE

Vikkie, Tasha and Bri enjoyed a chill and chat girls night @ HG on Saturday

Tyiana, Jocelyn, Bre and China supported SIBA’s 70 anniversary fashion production behind the scenes Thursday @The STL Fashion Fund

Lamar and Kevin @ The Marquee Saturday

Brittany Packnett, a 2017 Martin L. Mathews Award recipients, with R&B vet Ginuwine Saturday night @ The Fox

Hailey and cousin featured artist AJ McQueen both came out to perform during PoeticJusticeOpenMic Sunday @ 2720

Photos by V. Lang

Chris and Toni showed their support for Mathews-Dickey during their annual awards and benefit concert Saturday @ The Fox

Tameca and JacQ as they celebrated @ SIBA Thursday evening

Comedian and actor Marlon Wayans with fan Cheryl after his sold-out show Thursday night at Helium Comedy Club. Wayans, a star of the big and small screen, has been honing his standup comedy chops over the past few years – following the footsteps of older brothers Damon and Keenen Ivory Wayans.

Mathews-Dickey co-founder Martin L. Mathews, CEO Wendell Covington and R&B star Brian McKnight @ Martin L. Mathews Awards Saturday @ The Fox

YOUTH

IN NEED JOB FAIR

WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 6TH

If you love working with children, Youth In Need is looking for you!

We will be having a job fair on September 6th from 2pm-6pm.

Youth In Need Early Learning Center Academy Neighborhood 5183 Raymond Avenue St. Louis, MO 63113

Youth In Need has current openings for: Lead Teacher, Teacher, Assistant Teacher, Support Teacher, and Assistant Cook (Part-Time)

Minimum qualifications are 18 years of age and a high school diploma or equivalent.

Bring plenty of resumes and be prepared for an on-the-spot interview! You do not need to complete an online application prior to attending, however it is recommended. Child care will be available for job fair participants!

Youth In Need provides our full-time employees with an excellent benefits package, including 401K, vacation, sick time, paid holidays and floating holidays, tuition assistance, paid dental, life, and disability insurance, and an affordable health insurance premium. Youth In Need strives to be an inclusive workplace. To apply: Please visit our website at www.youthinneed.org, go to About Us, then go to Career Opportunities, and click on the position you are interested in to complete the online application and to attach your resume.

Job Posting Deputy City Clerk

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for the full time position of Deputy City Clerk. The duties of the position entails providing administrative, clerical, and human resource functions to assistance the City Clerk.

The Deputy City Clerk shall complete the City clerk’s duties when the City Clerk is unavailable to or unable to perform the duties of the position.

The duties of the Deputy City Clerk will include working Monday – Friday and some evenings based upon the meeting dates of the City Council, City Committees and Commissions. The starting annual salary is $36,036 (GS14C).

Applications available at Jennings City Hall or online at www. cityofjennings.org. All Applications should be returned to Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave., 63136 or to jobs@cityofjennings. org. NO RESUMES ARE ACCEPTED WITHOUT AN APPLICATION! Applications accepted through Friday, September 15, 2017.

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

BOYS HOPE GIRLS HOPE OF ST. LOUIS

Boys Hope Girls Hope of St. Louis, a partner in education and a bridge to opportunity for 40 years seeks a dynamic Executive Director. With our Board of Directors will ensure fiscal and programing excellence to help academically capable and motivated children-inneed. Learn more, and submit your resume at http://www.boyshopegirlshope. org/stlouis/.

CARE CONSULTATANT

GENERAL SUMMARY:

The Care Consultatant assists persons affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders in accordance with the mission of the Association. The position goal is to significantly scale up the Chapter’s ability to serve persons affected by Alzheimer’s disease and related disorders to achieve growth outlined in the strategic plan.

Demonstrated success providing quality clinical support to individuals with Alzheimer’s and their families with solid knowledge of dementia, dementia-related resources, constituent needs and best practices, working with diverse populations, volunteers, staff, and external partners to increase service utilization in communities that have had low participation; demonstrated success generating referrals to services through, success in training, supervising and evaluating student interns, deliver short-term consultations by phone, email or in person; increase program utilization by 15% in 3 years (with emphasis on increasing participation among populations that typically have low involvement) to assist Alzheimer’s families in understanding dementia, planning for future care needs, ability to cope. Assist in expanding delivery of chapter services throughout the 96 county chapter service area ((with emphasis on increasing participation among populations that typically have low involvement), Cultivate and recruit supporters for chapter fundraising events like Walk to End Alzheimer’s and Longest Day. Generate leads for Development team. Attend chapter meetings and events as scheduled; serve on Alzheimer’s Association and community workgroups/committees as assigned. Maintain monthly and quarterly reports, case histories, service statistics and grant-related paperwork.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: Master’s degree in Social Work; License preferred.

• Clinical experience: 4+ years’ clinical services experience providing care consultation or case management; dementia care experience preferred

• Demonstrated experience in quality program delivery/ development/management/quality evaluation

• Strong public speaking skills, training and teaching skills, and experience in volunteer management

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (especially Word & Excel) and Google; ability to learn donor and service user software

Please email your resume to lofficer@alz.org.

DEACONESS SEEKING INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT

Deaconess Foundation is requesting proposals from qualified individuals, firms or teams to serve as an Information Technology Consultant to provide comprehensive IT services for the new Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being. Desired services include telephony, networking, data management (copiers, printers, fax), and audio visual. For more information visit www.deaconess. org. Proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. Central Time on September 5, 2017.

COMPUTER OPERATOR

REJIS is currently seeking a Computer Operator to provide basic PC troubleshooting, hardware/software knowledge and server skills. Excellent customer service skills.

To see our benefits or apply for this or other jobs, please visit: www.rejis.org

EOE/Minorities/Females/Vet/Disabled/ Sexual Orientation/Gender Identity

The REJIS Commission has developed an EEOP Utilization Report as required by the United States Department of Justice. It is available for review on our website at:rejis.org/employment.

MISSOURI COALITION FOR THE ENVIRONMENT SEEKS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR

Protect Missouri’s environment by raising $ from major donors, grants, members, direct mail & events. 2 years fundraising experience required;

For full job description see http://www.moenvironment.org/get-involved/job-openings

AFFIRMATIVE ACTION AND EEO MANAGER

The University of Missouri Office for Civil Rights & Title IX invites applications for Affirmative Action & EEO Manager. This position will take a leadership role in the development, implementation & management of the Affirmative Action Program for MU, align the plan with the MU’s inclusive excellence framework, & assist with other reporting related to EEO. For the full announcement & to apply, visit http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/staff/ index.php, enter job ID 23254.

BUSINESS TECHNOLOGY SPECIALIST

Webster University has an immediate opening for a Business Technology Specialist in Information Technology. Please apply online at http://webster.peopleadmin.com/postings/2644. No phone calls please. No phone calls please. Webster University provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, national origin, ethnicity, age, protected veteran or disabled status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

SEALED BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking sealed bids for one (1) Four-door crew cab, one half ton 4x4 pickup truck. Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/jobs-bids/ and submit by September 8, 2017.

SEALED BIDS for RenovationsMontauk Lodge, Montauk State P a r k , S a l e m , Missouri, Project No. X1609-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 8/3/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

COLDWATER CREEK WWTF FINAL CLARIFIERS REPLACEMENT

CONTRACT LETTING NO. 12504-015.1

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for the Coldwater Creek WWTF Final Clarifiers Replacement under Letting No. 12504015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, October 10, 2017, at a place designated.

A general description of the Work to be performed under these Contract Documents is as follows:

Demolition of existing Final Clarifiers No. 1 through No. 4 and replacement with new Final Clarifier No. 8 and associated facilities. Demolition includes removal of cast-in-place rein forced concrete structures, mechanical equipment, piping, and associated site, electrical, and instrumentation and control Work. New facilities include cast-in-place concrete structures, miscellaneous metals including hatches, grating, and weirs, final clarifier equipment, pumping equipment, buried and above grade piping, valves, fabricated slide gate equipment, valve and gate electric actuators, electrical facilities and wiring, instrumen tation and control equipment including large diameter magnetic flow meters, heating and ventilating equipment for an existing building, and site work including excavation, backfill, finish grading, seeding, sodding, sidewalks, and paving.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for:

Building Construction

Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid conference will be held at 9:00 a.m. local time on Thursday, September 21, 2017 in the District office at 2350 Market Street, St. Louis Missouri 63103 in Conference Room 109. (There is an overflow parking lot on Market St., East of the District office, between the Marriot and FBI buildings.) A site tour of the Coldwater Creek WWTF at 13798 Old Ferry Road, Florissant, Missouri 63033 will immediately follow the Pre-Bid conference.

MWBE Pre-bid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Pre-bid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on MSD’s University City I & I Reduction-East (Hanley Hills & Bel Nor) Contract Letting No. 11991-015.1

A pre-bid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members:

Fred M. Luth & Sons J.M. Marschuetz

4516 McRee Ave 15 Truitt Drive

St. Louis, MO Eureka, MO 63025

636/938-3600

314/771-3892

The meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. September 14, 2017 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

Project plans are available from MSD. For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on September 25th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Scanning Services.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9140 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on September 25th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Scanning Services. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9140 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

LETTING # 8648

2017 TERMINAL 1 BAGGAGE

At St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on October 3, 2017 then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). ). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, September 12, 2017, at 10:00 AM in the Ozark Conference Room at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

BID NOTICE

Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003661 for Data Center Relocation Services will be received until 2:00 p.m., local time, Friday, September 15, 2017, Purchasing Dept., 300 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, and immediately opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing. Call (314) 539-5225 for additional information. EOE/AA Employer

BID NOTICE

is 90 calendar days.

Solicitation documents will be available for pick up at the Saint Louis Housing Authority, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106; Attention Tamara Servick – Contract Specialist (Phone: 314-286-4360, Fax: 314-289-7360) after 2:00 p.m. (Local Time) on Tuesday, August 29, 2017. There will be a $35.00 non-refundable fee, by cashier’s check or money order, charged for each set of bid documents.

A pre-bid conference will be held at 1:00 p.m. (Local Time), Tuesday, September 5, 2017, at the James House Apartments, 4310 St. Ferdinand, St. Louis, MO 63113. A site visit will be conducted immediately following the pre-bid conference.

The St. Louis Housing Authority will receive sealed bids for this project at 3:00 p.m. (Local Time) on Thursday, September 21, 2017, at the St. Louis Housing Authority, Board Room A, 1st Floor, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106. At which time and place, all qualified bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. All bidders must comply with Section 3 requirements and MBE/WBE requirements.

Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003508 for Sign Language Interpreting Captioning Services will be received until 3:00 p.m., local time, Thursday, September 14, 2017, Purchasing Dept., 300 S. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, and immediately opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www. stlcc.edu/purchasing. Call (314) 5395226 for additional information. EOE/AA Employer

BID REQUEST

KCI CONSTRUCTION REQUESTS

SUBCONTRACT PROPOSALS FOR THE MSD COLDWATER CREEK CLARIFIER REPLACEMENT. PROPOSALS ARE DUE IN OUR OFFICE BY 10 A.M. ON OCTOBER 10, 2017. PLANS AND SPECIFICATIONS ARE AVAILABLE FOR VIEWING IN OUR OFFICES AT: 10315 LAKE BLUFF DRIVE, ST. LOUIS, MO, 63123. 314-894-8888. A PRE-BID MEETING WILL BE HELD IN OUR OFFICE AT 10:00 AM ON SEPTEMBER 25, 2017. KCI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby

of

MOKAN

The Bid Documents may be reviewed at those locations or may be

a period of 90 days subsequent to the specified time for receipt of Bids. Bidders must be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Fair Employment Practices Commission. The Construction Manager for this project is S. M. Wilson & Co. and the Pre-construction Director is Mr. Brian Nuehring, (314-633-5738 phone, brian.nuehring@smwilson. com email, or 314-645-1700 fax.) or the Project Director is Mr. Dean Foth (phone 314633-5763, email dean.foth@smwilson.com or 314-645-1700 fax). S.M. Wilson & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employee

or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for 2017 CRS Mill and Overlay Program, St. Louis County Project No.CR-1703, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on September 6, 2017

Plans and specifications will be available on August 21, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Lackland Road Bridge No. 217 over Fee Fee Creek, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1284, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on September 13, 2017.

Plans and specifications will be available on August 21, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (the “Partnership”) is soliciting proposals from qualified contractors to develop a Customer Relationship Management System to maintain and expand its contact and opportunity database within a system that can be shared amongst multiple users.

To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, September 15, 2017. Proposals should be sent by e-mail to dallison@stlpartnership.com, or to St. Louis Economic Development Partnership, ATTN: Dustin Allison, General Counsel, 7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2300, St. Louis, Missouri 63105. DBE, MBE, and WBE firms are encouraged to bid.

The Request for Proposals may be obtained from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership.com. The Partnership reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Any questions should be directed to Dustin Allison, General Counsel, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership at (314) 615-7663 or dallison@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race,color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference,limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.” Call Angelita at 314-289-5430 to

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for 2016 ITS Program – Chesterfield Valley (St. Louis County Project No. AR-1590), and 2016 ITS Program –Airport/Westport (St. Louis County Project No. AR-1591), will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on September 13, 2017

Plans and specifications will be available on August 21, 2017 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

SEALED BID

The Message

Okay, so you’re saved. Now what?

Faith is a verb. It requires that “do something” thing. This doing thing can be confusing, especially for a new Christian, one who is struggling to understand where he or she fits in God’s kingdom.

One of my more knowledgeable friends always lets me know that God’s plan for us is never complicated. We bring complexity to it and the devil revels in our self-imposed mental frustration. How often do we question our role, our mission, our duty to the Lord?

I sometimes wind up doing nothing in the name of the Lord because I have confused myself by merely questioning what I should be doing. Now y’all know the devil loves this stuff. This perpetual questioning keeps me from doing anything, and I’m the one asking me the questions.

The answer to this self-imposed inertia is clearly stated in Ephesians 2:10. “For we are God’s workmanship, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” So the answer to your confusion is simple. Do good works. This is the playbook for every Christian. Do good works. Be what God made you to be.

I think we can all distinguish between good and bad works or no works at all. To top that, this scripture also reminds us that this work is indeed prepared in advance for us. It is our spiritual destiny if we accept the Word of God as the will of God. And the Word of God demands that we do good works particularly for each other. It’s that whole love your neighbor as yourself thing.

“Be very careful, then, how you live, not as unwise, but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore, do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 5:1517. So my job on a daily basis is to do good works. My mission as a Christian is to do good works. My destiny as a man of God is to do good works. Boy, this is becoming easier and easier. God is truly not a God of confusion. Now if I just stay out of my own way, I’ll be just fine. My Christian game plan starts to take shape when I get up in the morning and think “do something good for somebody.” That singular thought should produce a singular mindset to take advantage of the opportunities life presents. Hopefully, I am now programmed to do rather than not do. My steps are divinely ordered and, even though I may fall short at times, I will not fall off.

The Religious Right and Donald Trump

How can the righteous stand

with a man who stands with Nazis?

By State Rep. Joshua Peters For The St. Louis American

There was a time, not so long ago, when the Republican Party was firmly in the grip of the religious right. They supported the likes of U.S. Senator Ted Cruz right up to the 2016 Republican Convention. Then they allowed their leaders to convince them that Donald Trump wasn’t all that bad. All they had to do was hold their noses and vote for someone they knew in their hearts wasn’t fit to be president. They listened to false prophets then and are listening to them now. Evangelical ministers who were his strongest supporters in the fall election now are defending him in the face of his hate-filled racist and anti-Semitic rant. In supporting the neo-Nazis and white supremacists who marched, caused mayhem and murder in Charlottesville, Trump showed his true anti-Jewish, anti-African American, and antidemocratic beliefs. It was laid bare for all the world to see and reel in revulsion. But not the Reverend Franklin Graham, son of famed evangelist Billy Graham. He chose to rush to trump’s defense. Like Trump, Graham gave lip service to non-violence, while excusing those jack-booted Nazi thugs who marched into Charlottesville specifically to incite violence. He and Trump tried to put Nazis and the Ku Klux Klan on equal footing with those who oppose their hateful rhetoric. So too did the Reverend Jerry Falwell Jr., the head of Liberty University, who tweeted his continuing support for the worst president in modern history and his defense of racist

ideologies and those who expose them – the so called “very fine people” among them, to use Trump’s turn of phrase.

These are the religious profiteers of the Republican Party who delivered up their flocks to be slaughtered should Obamacare, Social Security, Medicaid and Medicare be dismantled. Would Jesus recognize these as men of God or would he drive them from the temple precinct?

What of the prominent Jewish members of the Trump administration? Gary Cohn, the former chief operating officer at Goldman Sachs and now Trump’s top economic adviser, was reported to have been “very upset” with Trump’s remarks about Charlottesville. What about Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin who rushed to Trump’s defense? Or the deafening silence of the president’s own son-in-law Jared Kushner?

Seeing hundreds of Nazis marching by torchlight, chanting their anti-Jewish slogans

in the night, had to be a wake-up call to not only the Jewish community, but to every person of conscience. How can any person of the Jewish faith, knowing what the words “never again” mean, have anything to do with supporting this administration or President Trump?

There are a few voices starting to emerge among Republican senators, congressmen and governors. A few voices questioning what should be obvious, that this president is no president. That Donald Trump is unfit to serve. You can’t hear those voices very clearly here in Missouri as yet. Our Republican leaders are still holding their noses while feigning respect and trust in Trump. They will find it ill-placed as he continues to embarrass our great nation, divide our people, and encourage those who espouse the evils our fathers and grandfathers fought to extinguish in World War Two. Joshua Peters (D-St. Louis) represents Missouri House District 76.

Columnist

James Washington

President Donald Trump and Jerry Falwell Jr.

Guest Columnist Joshua Peters