August 31st, 2023 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Embroidery shop owner stitches new life together

By Sylvester Brown Jr. St. Louis American

Demond Harris, 31, had grown weary…of himself.

“I got tired of sitting in prison with people telling me when I can eat or when I can take a shower,” Harris said emphatically.

“I got tired of having to call mom or dad and other relatives asking them to send me money so I can eat. I got tired of coming home then starting it all over again. It took me a minute to get a hold of it all, but I finally did.” Harris and his “best friend” and business partner, Maurice Thomas, will soon celebrate the first anniversary of their business, “No Cap Embroidery,” in North County.

The duo prides themselves on stitching about any image on different fabrics including T-shirts, ball caps, bath towels, jackets, purses and more. If there’s a portable network graphic (PNG) or a joint photographic expert’s group (jpeg) file to feed into the embroidery

See SHOP, A6

Jacksonville still reeling after racist shootings

By Tacuma Roeback Chicago Defender

Rage, sorrow, frustration and a yearning for emotional healing and support. Those are the sentiments of the Black Jacksonville, Florida, community “New Town” as it continues mourning a racist mass shooting within its boundaries on Saturday, August 26, 2023. “The tone is very somber. It’s som-

‘Our governor is a racist’

ber and full of rage,” said Florida State rep. Angie Nixon, who represents the Jacksonville district where the shooting occurred.

21-year-old Ryan Christopher Palmeter entered a Dollar General store in the predominantly Black neighborhood and shot and killed 52-year-old Angela Michelle Carr, 19-year-old Anolt Joseph “AJ” Laguerre, Jr., and 29-year-old Jerrald De’Shaun Gallion. Palmeter also chased a woman through the store before firing at her and missing. Carr was an Uber driver dropping off a passenger at the Dollar General store parking lot when Palmeter shot and killed her. Laguerre was an employee at the discount retail store and Gallion was a devoted father. After shooting them, Palmeter reportedly turned the gun on himself,

St. Louis homicide rate down through August

‘One life lost is too many’

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

When the sun rose on Wednesday, August 30, the 242nd day of the year, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department reported 106 homicides in 2023. There were 136 at the same time last year, meaning as September neared there had been a 22.6% drop in the city’s homicide rate.

“One life lost to gun violence is one too many, and while we acknowledge and accept this progress, we still have a long way to go,” Mayor Tishaura Jones said during a press conference last week when asked about the homicide decline.

“This progress is due to an all-handson deck strategy I have been talking about for years. It is our community violence intervention program. It’s our Cops and Clinicians program [working] with social workers and communities. “It’s funding intervention programs in 11 of our most

See HOMICIDE, A7

‘Now is the time’

March on Washington addresses familiar woes

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Yolanda King, the 15-year-old granddaughter of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., stood where her grandfather did when he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech, and she certainly made him proud with her remarks during the 60th commemoration of the March on Washington on August 26, 2023.

“If I could speak to my grandfather today, I would say ‘I’m sorry we still have to be here to rededicate ourselves to finishing your work and ultimately realizing your dream,’” she said.

“Today, racism is still with us. Poverty is still with us. And now, gun violence has come for places of worship, our schools, and our shopping centers.”

See MARCH, A7

A pair of dancers moved to the tunes of Cameroonian singer, rapper, and songwriter Naomi Achu during the Festival of Nations in Tower Grove Park on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

No Cap Embroidery owner Demond Harris works at an embroidery machine with the help of co-worker Maurice Thomas in his north county shop Tuesday, Aug. 29, 2023.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

Martin Luther King III, center left, and the Rev. Al Sharpton, center right, helped the 60th commemoration of the March on Washington on Saturday, Aug. 26.

Photo courtesy of AFP

Summer lovers

Kelis and Bill Murray call it quits

Kelis, 44, and Bill Murray, 72 have reportedly broken up after two months of dating.

Sources say Kelis called it off.

The unlikely pair first caught the public eye at summer’s start in early June after Murray flew in to one of Kelis’ shows in London.

Sources revealed that they were staying together at hotels.

“Kelis and Bill were — and still are — very fond of each other but things just ran their course,” an insider said.

“They hope to remain friends but

also plan to get on with their lives.”

Love & Hip Hop stars got ‘cuffed after things got rough

Three reality stars from the Love & Hip Hop franchise were arrested on the night of August 25, 2023 after allegedly brawling with security guards at an Atlanta Entertainment confirmed on its web

Police were called to the Lucca Lounge in Buckhead and Erica Mena and Addie “Bambi” Richardson of Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta Rodney Shaw (a.k.a. Zellswag) of Love & Hip Hop: Hollywood throwing down physically with security personnel.

Reportedly, a cop tried to calm folks down, but the trio of reality stars and a fourth individual became “physically aggressive towards the officer.”

The suspects were held at the Fulton County

Jail, the same slammer where former President Trump was booked a day before, and all were charged with willful obstruction of law enforcement. Mena and Shaw were charged with simple battery, and Mena with simple battery against a police officer.

Rapper Saucy Santana, a Love & Hip Hop: Miami star and Shaw’s partner, later said in an Instagram video, he was at the scene but split when the fists started flying. He said Shaw was trying to defend Mena and Richardson from security staff.

“I was out with him and his friends. Erica was very belligerent. I don’t know, maybe she probably got too drunk, or whatever the case is. She was real wild [Friday] night,” he said.

nearly 1 million Instagram followers in August, according to a recent Instagram post.

“Seeing all these people unfollow makes me feel like I’ve defeated a large beast holding me down for so long,” Doja Cat said. “It feels like I can reconnect with the people who matter and love me for who I am and not for who I was.”

The following day Doja Cat said, “People pleasing is unacceptable.” and followed up the post by limiting Instagram comments.

Doja Cat’s claws are out out after losing 1 million followers

The self-proclaimed controversial rapper Doja Cat (Amala Dlamini) claims she is ‘more free’ after losing

The backlash follows Dojo Cat mocking some fans for creating a fandom name (like Taylor Swift’s ‘Swifties) without her explicit permission. Many Doja Cat fans want to be know as ‘kittenz.’ She deemed it ‘jobless behavior,’ and asked that the name be scratched.

“My fans don’t name themselves s**t,” she wrote on July 23. “If you call yourself a ‘kitten’ or f**ing ‘kittenz,’ that means you need to get off your phone and get a job and help your parents with the house.”

Sources: Entertainmentweekly.com, pagesix.com, TMZ.com

“He targeted a certain group of people, and that’s Black people.”

- Jacksonville (Fla.) Sheriff T.K. Waters on racist shooter who killed three people.

‘Straight’ outta St. Louis

“Straight Facts” creator founds Transform 314

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

McGowan’s

Kelly

animated series “Straight Facts” helps fine tune the workings of local governments including development, zoning, and school board decisions for its readers.

The St. Louis city resident isn’t shy about sharing her support, concerns, or opposition to some elected officials and respective policies, and her drive led her to create the Transform 314 foundation.

McGowan serves as executive director of the non-profit. Community members meet at 10 a.m. every fourth Saturday at Julia Davis Library to discuss neighborhoods that have been the most neglected.

Infrastructure, abandoned residential and commercial properties, gentrification, public transportation, and housing are concerns shared by many St. Louisans, according to

McGowan.

“These are the things that are the fabric of our neighborhoods that make St. Louis, St. Louis,” said McGowan.

“We have a whole lot of problems in the city and north county. There is so much work that needs to be done to make St. Louis a better place.”

The non-profit’s mission “is to engage and empower Black St. Louisans to drive the policy changes at the local level needed to create thriving communities.”

McGowan said the three highest priorities of Transform 314 are based on discussions at monthly meetings. The top concern is “people being scared of being displaced.”

She says they notice nearby development in and around their respective neighborhoods and the increased cost of living in areas experiencing drastic changes.

Residents are grateful, but they want to remain

in a neighborhood that is growing, and not be pushed out of a place that they may have lived in for 20-plus years.

“I hear them say all the time, ‘We deserve to be invested in too,’” said McGowan.

Another priority is the city’s budget and the impact that ward reduction will have on expenditures north of Delmar.

Lack of access to healthier food options is also a topic, with many residents tired of seeing multiple fast-food restaurants in an area, and convenience stores that rarely offer healthy food.

“We shouldn’t have to go outside our neighbor-

hoods to get quality food, which strengthens other communities’ tax and revenue,” said McGowan.

According to McGowan, transparency and accountability are necessary for the region to prosper.

“The St. Louis region is collectively responsible for the current state we are in,” she said.

“This includes elected leadership, the business and philanthropic communities, schools, residents, and other stakeholders. We have to work together and not point fingers. Agreement and understanding are imperative to move St. Louis in the right direction.”

She said the region must also deal with the consequences that follow “when we as a city don’t follow through with commitments for the betterment of our communities.’

Transform 314’s work is grounded in ensuring that St. Louisans have the information and understanding necessary to influence the processes that impact our communities.

McGowan explains Straight Facts is the foundation of Transform 314, adding that the organization is “trying to figure out how to center the voices of communities to make those decisions to address the issues.” She is building aware-

ness of Transform 314, letting people know community meetings are open to everyone.

“A transformed 314 looks like this: All residents’ needs are met, and all neighborhoods and people are invested. There is no more division. St. Louis has a diverse economic structure, and young people are involved with the betterment of our communities,” McGowan said.

“Now it’s time to do the work and transform our region.”

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

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Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Straight Facts creator Kelly McGowan in front of St. Louis City Hall where the idea for the series started Fri. Oct. 14, 2022.

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial

“There is nowhere I feel safe. Do you know how it feels to have the president of the United States target you? The president of the United States is supposed to represent every American. Not to target one.”

- Ruby Freeman

Black women are saving us all

By Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier

Malcolm X’s declaration that the most disrespected and unprotected person in America is the Black woman continues to be a prophecy.

We need only look at the example of Fulton County, Georgia, District Attorney Fani Willis, who is leading the criminal investigation into Donald Trump’s — and 18 other people’s — alleged attempts to overturn the 2020 election results in Georgia. Or recall the treatment of Shaye Moss and her mother, Ruby Freeman, the two brave election workers in Georgia who Trump’s lawyer Rudy Guillani falsely accused of committing voter fraud.

Their courage reflects the long tradition of Black women leading the charge for civil rights, particularly the right to vote— and doing so in the face of intense harassment and violence.

Who can forget how Fannie Lou Hamer was brutally beaten in 1963 after being thrown in a Mississippi jail for trying to register Black voters? She never fully recovered from the beatings and suffered permanent kidney damage — but after being released, she went back to register folks again.

There are Trump’s not-so-subtle remarks on Truth Social in early August. “They never went after those that Rigged the Election,” Trump wrote.

“They only went after those that fought to find the RIGGERS!” (We all know what that rhymes with…)

Then there is the Trump campaign’s lie that Willis is having an affair with a gang member. And in its Aug. 15 “The Truth About Fani Willis” email, the campaign made sure to point out that Willis’ father was a Black Panther.

The result? Supporters of the former President have flooded Willis’ office with threats of violence against Willis and her family.

However, Willis continues to show up and lead this historic investigation. Her clear message: No one is above the law.

Then there’s the example of Autherine Lucy, who endured mobs of white students threatening her life and throwing rotten eggs, produce, and rocks at her as she desegregated the University of Alabama in 1956. After three days, the school suspended her, claiming it was for her own safety. She was subsequently expelled.

Rosa Parks refusing to give up her seat on the bus — which led to Martin Luther King gaining national prominence. Diane Nash organizing sit-ins and Freedom Rides. Anna Arnold Hedgeman planning the March on Washington. Eleanor Holmes Norton tirelessly advocating for D.C. statehood, and Stacey Abrams and other Black women registering hundreds of thousands of new voters in Georgia and beyond.

And now we have Willis who has assembled a legal team to determine whether than abiding “by Georgia’s legal process for election challenges, the defendants engaged in a criminal racketeering enterprise to overturn Georgia’s election results,” Willis said on Monday.

The vitriol and threats aimed at Willis for doing her job reflects the broken soul of a nation steeped to its core in anti-Blackness.

As for Freeman and Moss, they gave courageous testimony before the January 6th committee, exposing the danger of Trump’s “big lie” about the election being stolen. In their testimony, the mother and daughter sat, voices steady, backs straight, and described being afraid to leave their homes, even to go to the grocery store because of the intensity of the death threats and harassment. They recounted the terror of having armed protesters showing up at their homes, attempting to shove their way in.

“There is nowhere I feel safe. Nowhere,” Freeman said. “Do you know how it feels to have the president of the United States target you? The president of the United States is supposed to represent every American. Not to target one.”

These courageous Black women have put their personal safety, the safety of their families, and their reputations on the line to protect rights — not just for Black folks, but for all Americans. They have loved this nation, even when it refuses to love them in return.

The history books may not reflect that Black women have long been at the helm of democracy’s ship — and that we are still steering this nation to safety. But that does not prevent us from telling the truth and lifting up our sisters during this crucial moment. Let their dedication to justice be the story that gets told. Let that be what endures.

Liz Courquet-Lesaulnier is Word in Black managing editor

Building democracy 60 years after March on Washington

By Tamieka Atkins

On August 28, 1963, more than a quarter of a million people descended upon the National Mall for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, making a stand for freedom and equality. Black people, women, and poor people had been treated like second-class citizens for too long, and it was time to demand justice.

The March led to unprecedented federal legislation addressing the systemic racism and economic injustices that had plagued Black people through slavery and the Jim Crow era.

Within a year, the Civil Rights Act of 1964 was signed, followed by the National Voting Rights Act of 1965 a year later. Sit-ins, protests, and other demonstrations set the stage for change, but the March on Washington set a new standard for civic engagement and exemplified the impact that could be accomplished when we organize broad coalitions toward a common goal.

Those lessons will stand the test of time. The march remains a call to action for social justice advocates to continue the fight against discrimination, voter suppression, police brutality, and wage disparity. It is also a platform to elevate the greater narrative on racial injustice.

and consistent civic engagement.

“Change happens at the speed of trust,” says author Stephen M.R. Covey.

The Rev. Jennifer Bailey, Faith Matters Network founder and executive director, says “relationships are built at the speed of trust, and social change happens at the speed of relationships.”

Thus, longstanding, systemic, and generational change is built over time by creating meaningful relationships. It’s not enough to rally folks for a single election or campaign. You must give people a real reason to believe that their voice and vote matters.

Even more, you must show them how to engage in the democratic process regularly, beyond election cycles, and remind them that our systems are only as strong as the people who run them. We need more brown, Black, queer, and differently-abled people as activists, organizers, candidates, policymakers, judges, district attorneys and lawmakers. Even as we strive toward greater inclusivity, we must also embrace and elevate the ideals and actions of young people.

Now, following the August 26, 2023, commemoration, we understand that while progress has been made, we have so much more work to do. Our democracy is fragile, and we face new threats each day.

In Georgia and many other states, threats against democracy linger around every corner. Georgia has always been a hotbed for civil rights and social justice, but recent years have shown just how far some people will go to suppress the will of the people. The needs of real people too often take a backseat to partisan jockeying, rampant mis- and disinformation, and wholesale agendas reversing decades of legal precedent promoting equity.

At this moment, we cannot afford to view the 1963 March as a thing of the past. The fight for our most basic civil rights never ended. We need urgent action

At the time of the March on Washington, Martin Luther King, Jr. was 34 years old, and Georgia’s own senior statesman, John Lewis, was just 23 and a fierce advocate for justice. Young people have always been at the heart of movements for civil rights and social justice, and real progress requires that we continue to amplify their efforts.

So, the 60th anniversary of the March on Washington represents a commemoration and a continuation of the work that’s already been done to make America live up to her promise. As Anna Hedgeman wrote in her memoir The Trumpet Sounds: A Memoir of Negro Leadership, “We will not rest until there is justice in our beloved country, and we know that as justice comes to all Americans, it will come in increasing measure to the rest of the world.”

Tamieka Atkins is the executive director of ProGeorgia, a nonprofit dedicated to strengthening democracy in the state.

Commentary

Racist attacks don’t phase Fani Willis

By Marc Morial

With Trump, you don’t need to look for a dog whistle. It’s a bullhorn when it comes to race. And I do think that’s deliberate. We’ve seen the — I mean, slanderous attacks that he has put out against Fani Willis, you know, alleged things I won’t even repeat. So, he’s not really hiding that he’s going to lean into that element, and this is, you know, taking place just outside of Atlanta. When you saw the courtroom, it was a lot of Black men and women who are serving in that courtroom. … It’s textbook Donald Trump but it comes as no surprise.” — Alyssa Farah, former White House director of strategic communications

If anything illustrates the depths to which Donald Trump and his supporters have sunk in responding to his racketeering indictment in Fulton County, Georgia, it’s his reference to those he falsely accuses of voter fraud as “riggers.” MAGA extremists, who have been using the word as a substitute for the N-word on far-right social media sites, responded with racist delight.

charged. Fulton County’s indictment of 18 co-conspirators — and reference to 30 more unnamed, un-indicted co-conspirators — illustrates the far-reaching scope of the massive scheme to overturn the 2020 presidential election.

Trump’s alleged criminal enterprise operated not only in Fulton County, but “elsewhere in the State of Georgia, in other states, including, but not limited to, Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, and in the District of Columbia.” Its members engaged in “various related criminal activities including, but not limited to, false statements and writings, impersonating a public officer, forgery, filing false documents, influencing witnesses, computer theft, computer trespass, computer invasion of privacy, conspiracy to defraud the state, acts involving theft, and perjury.”

Trump has put a dishonest, racist and misogynistic spin on the old legal adage: If the law is against you, pound the facts. If the facts are against you, pound the law. If the law and the facts are against you, pound the table and yell like hell.

But no amount of pounding and yelling can obscure the breathtaking lawlessness outlined in the sweeping indictment Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis filed last week against Trump and his 18 alleged co-conspirators. By charging them under Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act Willis has at last cast their brazenly corrupt conduct in the proper legal light.

While the narrowly-focused federal indictment that special counsel Jack Smith filed against Trump earlier this month acknowledges six alleged co-conspirators, they are neither identified nor

Omitted from the federal indictment was an alleged conspiracy to breach voting equipment and access voter data. “In Georgia, members of the enterprise stole data, including ballot images, voting equipment software, and personal voter information. The stolen data was then distributed to other members of the enterprise, including members in other states.” Nor does the federal indictment refer to a bizarre plan, advocated by Trump lawyer Sidney Powell, to use the military to seize voting machines around the country and rerun parts of the election.

Future historians will rely on Fulton County’s case, not the federal government’s, for the full story of one of the darkest chapters in American history. The meticulous work of Willis and her team is all the more remarkable given the constant abuse and threats of violence, incited by Trump, that his supporters have hurled at them. Regardless of the outcome, Team Willis, as well as the witnesses and grand jurors whom MAGA extremists also have targeted, will emerge as the heroes. Morial is president/CEO of the National Urban League.

Guest Columnist Liz CourquetLesaulnier

Tamieka Atkins

Columnist Marc H. Morial

SLU ‘Black in STEM’ program honored

St. Louis American staff

St. Louis University (SLU)’s “Black in STEM Celebration & Awards” event received a 2023 Inspiring Programs in STEM Award from INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine.

The Inspiring Programs in STEM Award honors colleges and universities that encourage and assist students from underrepresented groups to enter the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM). SLU will be featured with other recipients in the September 2023 issue.

“From improving our understanding of how the body works to shedding light on life-saving surgeries and treatments, Black researchers have been at the forefront of discovery in science throughout history,” said Aubra Ladd, program coordinator for SLU’s Division of Diversity and Innovative Community Engagement (DICE) and an organizer of the event.

“Despite the push to be acknowledged, Black people continue to be underrepresented in STEM due to barriers brought on by racism and other inequities.”

INSIGHT Into Diversity magazine selected SLU because the “Black in STEM Celebration & Awards” event empowered Black people in STEM at SLU and commemorated the unique experiences and contributions made by Black STEM professors, researchers, and students. It also assisted Black students in building connections with Black STEM professionals in the region, according to organizers.

“What began as a one-day event turned into an annual event and has become a movement,” said Michael Hankins, Ph.D. assistant professor of chemistry and special assistant to the VP for recruitment in STEM for SLU’s DICE. “It’s nice to know that our work matters, and that the university supports our efforts.”

Trump’s antics won’t work in court

By E. Faye Williams

Many of us have been consumed with the antics of Donald Trump for far too long. It’s clear that those won’t end soon, but he seems to be in good hands now for us to believe justice will be served. He’s in good hands with Judge Tanya Chutkan, who is overseeing Trump’s case in Washington, D.C. She was appointed to her position by President Barack Obama. She doesn’t seem to be planning to keep us wondering how she will handle the trial. I don’t think his antics will work with her.

He will have his day in court with no-nonsense District Attorney Fani Willis in Fulton County, Georgia. When Ms. Willis says she and her team are ready, she makes me feel that she has left no stone unturned. With the way Trump has been trying to taunt her with his lies about her, I have no doubt about her readiness.

When these two sisters have completed their job, Trump will have to face New York State Attorney General Tish James, who has been ready! Trump will have to go back to New York to see District Attorney Alvin Bragg. I don’t think his bat will help him there. E. Jean Carroll was awarded $5 million, finding that Trump sexually abused her, and she stands to receive $10 million more from Trump for his sexually abusing her and for battery and defamation.

If none of that has yet put him in jail, let’s start with his uncontrollable tongue repeatedly calling special counsel Jack Smith a deranged individual and a sick puppy. It seems that sometime next year, Mr. Smith will have the opportunity to get him through the jailhouse door!

That’s what people I know are waiting for every time they hear Trump denigrating everybody, and almost daring them to appropriately punish this man as he continually taunts us with his ability to walk down 5th Avenue, shoot somebody, and get away with it. He’s got double digits of charges, and with all his bravado, he appears to be sweating up a storm these days.

Our justice system seems to be darned harsh for ordinary citizens — especially for Black people. There is no way to explain why Trump is not already locked up! We continue to hear, “no one is above the law,” yet many go on television and say things that make us wonder if they really think a former president shouldn’t be sent to jail or not be punished for such craziness.

Some even say Trump should be pardoned. I just heard somebody say he probably won’t be jailed because of the expense of his being entitled to lifetime Secret Services protection and we, the taxpayers, will have to pay for it! Give me a break!

This man has done so much damage to this country that he deserves a life sentence. He’s even cheated so many MAGA followers who continue to send him money they can’t afford to send, but he has incited their ignorance so much that they would rather be broke and white because they think their whiteness makes them better than any person of color!

As for the rest of us, let’s treat everybody fairly. Let’s work for peace, for love, and pray for justice for not only Trump but for all of those involved in betraying the nation and for stirring up more hate and more ignorance than we’ve experienced in modern times.

Williams is president of The Dick Gregory Society (www.thedickgregorysociety.org).

From left are Michael Hankins, Ph.D., Donald Lawrence, Ph.D., Zenae Cherry and Rhea Caldwell of the SLU Black in STEM Celebration, which has been honored by INSIGHT into Diversity.

Photo by Cristina Fletes / Saint Louis University

E. Faye Williams

Continued from A1

machine’s built-in computer, Harris said “barely nothing is impossible.”

When asked if the phrase “No Cap” in his business title gave potential customers the idea he didn’t do ballcaps, Harris admitted it has been an issue.

“Yes, I’ve had people who think we don’t do hats, but the word ‘embroidery’ in our name, I think, gives them a clue we do everything.” Harris admitted.

The term, he said, is simply a nod to younger people who know it denotes something that’s “fresh, no playing around, ‘no faking.”

“We’re real with this and we’re going to get the job done,” Harris added matter-of-factly.

For Harris, his business anniversary is much more than a recognition of a promising endeavor; it’s an acknowledgment of a revamped, promising life.

Harris was vague about the crime he committed at the age of 18 while a senior at McCluer North High School, but he insists it was the only one. His inability to listen or “play by the rules,” led to probation violations and recur-

Jacksonville

Continued from A1

dying of a self-inflicted wound.

Jacksonville Sheriff T.K. Waters announced Palmeter’s motive for the shooting after reviewing some of the suspect’s writings.

“He hated Black people,” Waters said.

“He was just completely irrational. But with irrational thoughts, he knew what he was doing. He

ring stints in “the system,” he said. After 10 years of not living his best life (with five of those behind bars) Harris said he’s reversed his life’s trajectory and finds encouragement as an entrepreneur in charge of his own destiny.

“Sometimes I give myself praise because I’ve been dealing with a lot of mental challenges since I was young. But I got past that rebellious attitude and now I’m doing what I want to do.”

After his prison release, Harris got a job at Lids, an embroidery shop located in area shopping malls. He learned to operate various embroidery machines and worked his way up to store manager. But, he said, the job was not satisfying.

“I didn’t like how an employer could put a cap on how much I could make. I didn’t like the idea of making someone else rich,” Harris said.

Harris attributes his sentiments to his parents whom he defined as “do-for-self hustlers.”

“My parents have always been entrepreneurs so it’s kinda built into me to be on my own. I like the idea of eating what you kill and doing the hard work.”

Harris’ father, Kenneth Hughes, is a deputy chief fire marshal with the

was 100% lucid.”

Palmeter’s attack has left a community reeling, said Jacksonville City Councilwoman Ju’Coby Pittman.

“Everything is still fresh. It’s a very emotional time for our community, especially in the neighborhood where it happened,” she said.

State Rep. Nixon and Councilwoman Pittman spoke to The Chicago Defender on Monday, and Nixon said she is working to get Carr, Laguerre and Gallion’s family

Robertson Fire Protection District in Hazelwood. His parents also owned about 25 properties, he said, while he was growing up.

His mother, Lacha Hughes, has operated a home healthcare agency, Divine Hands Homecare, for about 13 years. It’s located next door to No Cap Embroidery.

Little did Harris know that his parents were tracking his progress. His father had frequent conversations with managers at Lids who sang his son’s praises.

He was told Harris had managed the Lids store in South County, and opened

members connected to grief counseling and to help organize community members to take action to impact change.

“We put out a call to action to our leaders — local, state and federal — to try to help us raise $100,000 for the families,” Pittman said. As of Monday afternoon, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis had committed to providing that sum to the families, but Pittman said she hadn’t received anything yet.

Before his attack, Palmeter had left behind

and managed The Galleria location. Management, the father was told, was considering sending Harris out-of-town to open other stores.

Noting his success in the embroidery business, Harris’ mother, Hughes, asked him the cost of purchasing a machine to operate his own business. Embroidery machines run the gamut from $250 at-home-versions to $50,000+ commercial varieties.

Harris said his parents invested about $40,000, which allowed him to purchase two highly-ranked, refurbished commercial

writings detailing his hatred of Black people.

According to local officials, he made them available to family, federal law enforcement and at least one media outlet. He had also legally obtained the two guns used in his rampage, a handgun and an “AR-15style” semiautomatic rifle covered with swastikas. He acquired these guns despite being involuntarily declared for a mental health examination and placed under temporary detention under

embroidery machines and open his business.

“It was one of those things,” his mother, Hughes, said. “We wanted to spend our money wisely, so we took what we had on the side and invested in him.”

His parents invested because they recognized something about him, Harris insisted.

“If they hadn’t seen the change in my life and my mindset, believe me, they wouldn’t have invested in me. They would have considered it a waste of their money.”

After almost a year in business, Harris said he’s

Florida’s Baker Act

Before heading to Dollar General, Palmeter had stopped at the nearby Edward Waters University, a historically Black college. A TikTok video showed him wearing a bullet-resistant vest.

Pittman and Nixon said that Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis’ policies and rhetoric play a role in helping to perpetuate racist violence toward the Black community.

“This weekend was an example of those policies and how it continues

considering offering classes so other young entrepreneurs can get into the business.

“It’s something cool to do even if you don’t plan on doing it full-time,” Harris explained. “You can get a small embroidery machine and do things for friends and family part time. If you can get a couple of customers, maybe an organization or business that needs uniforms, you can make a few dollars and it’s fun…it’s good business.”

Harris’ mother proudly said her son is a chip off her block.

“I hear him on the phone talking to people about helping them learn the trade,” Hughes confessed, adding: “I’m sure he got that idea from his mom because I’ve helped several people start their own home healthcare agencies.”

Thanks to his parents, Harris said he’s found his true niche.

Hughes salutes her son’s enterprising spirit.

“I’ve never seen anyone who has been through so much but keeps a smile on his face,” Hughes said, adding: “His attitude is, ‘hey I gotta work harder.’ He’s been focused on doing an amazing job and running his store.”

to perpetuate and continue violence in our community,” Pittman said.

Nixon says DeSantis contributed to an environment that encouraged Palmeter to engage in his violent rampage.

“I don’t mince my words ever,” Nixon said.

“Our governor is a racist. He has had this infatuation with targeting Blacks ever since running against [former Black gubernatorial candidate] Andrew Gillum,” she said.

Richard Cuff, owner of Blood Don’t Make You Family (BDMYF) clothing line, wears a jacket done by No Cap Embroidery owner Demond Harris, son, Jimmy Demond Hughes Jr.; mom, Lacha Hughes; dad, Kenneth Hughes, and Maurice Thomas at their north county location Aug. 29.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

March

Continued from A1

Her message of continued civil rights abuses, racism, gun violence and poverty was shared by many speakers during the five-hour event on the Washington Mall, where an estimated 25,000 people had gathered.

“We need us all to be engaged. Dad would probably say, ‘Now is the time,”’ said Martin Luther King III.

“We must preserve, protect and expand democracy. We must ensure that voting rights are protected for all people. We must ensure that our women and children are treated fairly. We must end gun violence. Then maybe one day we will be a great nation.”

King III used his father’s words from six decades ago when he asked, “How long?”

“Not long. Because the moral arc of the universe is long but bends toward

Homicide

Continued from A1

dangerous neighborhoods.”

Jones also saluted the “hard work of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the leadership of Chief Robert Tracy.”

Tracy said in a statement to the St. Louis American, “While we have seen a significant decrease in homicides this year compared to prior years, we still have much more work to do because there are still too many shootings and homicides.”

“I would not say there is a single reason for the decrease, but factors like our overall comprehensive crime strategy and the real-time sharing of timely and accurate intelligence certainly play a role.”

Tracy said those are “key components of the CompStat methodology that I have been implementing since taking this position in January 2023.”

“We also have some of the most dedicated police officers and civilian staff I have had the privilege to work alongside, and they work day in and day out to make our city safer

justice.”

“How long? Not long. Because God Almighty is still on the throne. Let’s not give up. Let’s not give in. Let’s not give out. We must move forward to make this nation the nation that it ought to be for all of God’s children.”

Arndrea Waters King, the daughter-in-law of Martin Luther King Jr. said, “We are here to liberate the soul of the nation, the soul of democracy from those forces who would have us all go backwards and perish rather than go forward as sisters and brothers.”

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries of New York said, “We’re here today to fight for voting rights.”

“We’re here today to fight for civil rights. We’re here today to fight for reproductive rights. We’re here today to fight for workers’ rights.”

The event was co-hosted by the National Action Network and Drum Major Institute.

“Sixty years ago,

through implementing these proven crime prevention strategies.” According to a report released on July 20, 2023 by the non-partisan Council on Criminal Justice, the number of homicides in 30 U.S. cities declined in the first half of 2023 compared to the first half of last year. The homicide rates in many of the cities have remained above pre-pandemic levels. In the 30 cities examined, homicides declined 9.4% in the first half of this year compared to the first half of last year, with about 200 fewer homicides in that period.

Richard Rosenfeld a criminologist at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Crime Trends Working Group of the Council on Criminal Justice chair, was a co-author of the report.

In a commentary for USA TODAY, Rosenfeld wrote that a homicide spike occurred in America at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic and during massive protests against police violence after George Floyd was murdered by a Minneapolis officer in May of 2020.

“The sheer stress and

Martin Luther King talked about a dream. Sixty years later, we’re the dreamers,” said Rev. Al Sharpton, National Action Network founder.

Rosetta Manns-Baugh knew the answer: Keep fighting.

strain of the pandemic, coupled with the disruption of needed services, might have pushed homicide rates up, even as the alteration in daily routines reduced opportunities to commit other crimes,” Rosenfeld said.

“Public confidence in the police fell to a record low after Floyd’s murder. When people do not trust the police, they are more

“I think we have accomplished a lot, but I also think we lost.” said Manns-Baugh, who was a Trailways bus counter worker in 1963 when she left her seven children and husband at home in Virginia to come to D.C. Now

likely to view private violence as acceptable.”

Rosenfeld connected homicide rates and the economy because the increase “occurred in the midst of a huge rise in unemployment, followed by a spike in inflation.”

“During the past year, the unemployment rate has fallen to below 4% and inflation has dropped to 3%. Better times could

Prayers were a part of the afternoon during the 60th commemoration of the March on Washington on Saturday August 26, 2023, in the Nation’s Capital. Many of those that attended found shady areas to combat the 90-degree temperature.

down to her 18-monthold grandchild. “I think that’s why we all are here because we do expect the world to get better,” Manns-Baugh said. “We can’t stop working at it that’s for sure.”

The original March on Washington, a cornerstone of the civil rights movement, drew approximately 250,000 participants in 1963. Its influence paved the way for significant legislative milestones, including the passage of federal civil rights and voting rights laws in the 1960s.

The erosion of voting rights, recent Supreme Court rulings that impact affirmative action and abortion rights, and the rise of hate and violence against marginalized communities, however, punctuated the commemoration.

she’s so disillusioned she’s stopped singing “We Shall Overcome,” the anthem of the civil rights movement. But even at age 92, she returned to Washington for the 60th anniversary, bringing three generations of her family, all the way

be contributing to the homicide drop.”

According to the Labor Department, the AfricanAmerican unemployment rate through July was 5.8%.

Rosetta Manns-Baugh was at the 1963 march and shared her story with ABC News during the commemoration 60 years later.

NNPA Newswire contributed to this report

Tracy said police “will continue to work with state and federal prosecutors to help address the few individuals responsible for driving the majority of the violent crime in our community.”

Jones said during the press conference, “We are going to continue on the platform we are currently on.”

“We recently had a regional crime summit [and] we’re going to continue that work, along with East-West Gateway and other regional leaders, because crime is a regional issue, not just a city issue.”

Photo by Lucian Perkins / St. Louis American

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Soak up the last days of summer

Photo courtesy of Music at the Intersection

Music at the Intersection returns to the Grand Center Arts District.

September 9th and 10th.

By Barry Draper

With the remaining dog days of summer, celebrate the 50th anniversary of the birth of hip-hop, see an original play about Black life and music in St. Louis in 1899, cheer on Tigers football and more. Find more festivals and events to add to your calendar at explorestlouis.com.

The Culture Until January 1, 2024

In honor of hip-hop’s 50th anniversary, the Saint Louis Art Museum’s upcoming exhibition, The Culture: Hip Hop and Contemporary Art in the 21st Century, will present a sweeping art history of hiphop culture and its myriad expressions across the globe. The multidisciplinary and multimedia exhibition will encompass everything from the genesis of hip-hop as a way to amplify marginalized voices to its resounding impact on contemporary art and culture.

Japanese Festival

September 2 to 4

Spotlighting and celebrating the history, culture and people of Japan, the Japanese Festival at the Missouri Botanical Garden is one of the oldest and largest of its kind in the U.S. Every year, thousands of visitors flock to the garden to absorb the traditional Japanese art, food and entertainment on display.

Saint Louis Art Fair

September 8 to 10

An explosion of color in the streets of Clayton, the Saint Louis Art Fair attracts a variety of high-quality artists and enthusiastic art-lovers – plus, some of St. Louis’ best restaurants, including Clementine’s Naughty and Nice Creamery, Pappy’s Smokehouse and Steve’s Hot Dogs. Whether you’re looking for a piece of fine art to fill your home or a fun-filled day in the sun, you should stop by this three-day event.

Music at the Intersection

September 9 and 10

Music at the Intersection returns to the Grand Center Arts District. Presented by the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, the annual music festival tells the story of St. Louis’ musical heritage and celebrates the region’s imprint on the Great American Songbook. The festival’s diverse, genre-bending and decades-spanning artist lineup – including headliners such as The Fearless Flyers, Herbie Hancock, Masego, Smino, Snarky Puppy and Thundercat – will dazzle audiences with everything from blues to R&B and rock ‘n’ roll to hip-hop. The festival footprint will also include artist activations, local vendors, a skate ramp and a food truck court – don’t miss the juicy fried chicken from Grace Meat + Three!

The St. Louis Attitude

September 14 to 17

Set in The Gateway City in 1899, The St. Louis Attitude spotlights Black life and music in the Chestnut Valley. Legends were born here, and the original play – with original music – tells the true stories of two. Writer and producer Angela da Silva is bringing the production back after 32 years. “There are new generations who know nothing about this Black history,” she said in a recent press release. “[They] don’t know the important role that St. Louis played in music, American folklore and early Black prosperity.” She hopes to change that with The St. Louis Attitude.

The Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race

September 15 and 16

Don’t miss the Great Forest Park Balloon Glow and Race – event organizers say that it’s the oldest and best-attended hot air balloon race in the world! This September, the idyllic event will also feature food trucks, live music, wagon rides, a fireworks show and more free family fun!

Fright Fest

September 16 to October 29

With thrills both on and off the rides, Fright Fest at Six Flags St. Louis is one of the spookiest events of the season.

During the day, family-friendly attractions abound, but at night, all the creatures that go bump in the night haunt the park. Expect rides in the dark, haunted houses and other scare zones.

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Annual Forest Park Concert September 21

At this annual concert in Forest Park, you can experience the sounds of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra under the stars. Find a spot on Art Hill, sit back and enjoy the music, from classical tunes to modern scores. The event also includes fare from local food trucks for purchase and a stunning fireworks show.

Mizzou To The Lou September 23

As part of the new Mizzou To The Lou series, the Missouri Tigers will play the Memphis Tigers in a football game of epic proportions. Held at The Dome at America’s Center, this will be the Missouri Tigers’ first appearance in St. Louis since 2010. The game against the Memphis Tigers will kick off a partnership between the University of Missouri and the St. Louis Sports Commission that will bring multiple Mizzou athletic events to the St. Louis area during the 2023-2024 season.

September Events at the Missouri History Museum

By the Missouri Historical Society

Ahead of the Paint Louis 2023 graffiti and music festival this Labor Day weekend, the Missouri History Museum will celebrate public art with a Thursday Nights at the Museum program on public art on Thursday, August 31 (5:30–8:00pm). This program is presented in collaboration with Paint Louis and Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis. At 6:30pm, MHS Librarian Emily Jaycox will share the history of murals in St. Louis that were commissioned by the Works Progress Administration in the 1930s. Artist Robert Fishbone will give an overview of his 50-year career designing large-scale public art across the region and how the tradition has changed over time. Paint Louis cofounder John Harrington will share the origin story and evolution of this annual celebration of graffiti and mural art. And Vanessa Cooksey, president and CEO of Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, will dive deep into conversation with contemporary artists Brooklyn, norm4eva, Luisa Otero Prada, and Adam Sherman.

Get your night started at happy hour beginning at 5:30pm, with food and drink for purchase from the Key Bistro; learn more about St. Louis’s murals at the historians’ corner; talk with local arts organizations; and create your own mural right on the walls of the Coloring STL exhibit or on the community graffiti wall. Before happy hour ends, check out the murals by Cbabi Bayoc in the History Clubhouse and join a friendly competition to see who can identify the most St. Louis sites and symbols.

The Museum will offer hands-on activities, giveaway bags, face-painting, and more at the festival’s Paint Littles Village, located at 1000 S. Wharf Street, on Saturday, September 2 (10:30am–2:00pm). Street art storytelling sessions will be held at 10:30am and 12:00pm.

Street art will also be the theme of a special Storytelling in the Museum session on Friday, September 1, presented in collaboration with Paint Louis. Storytelling in the Museum programs are recommended for children ages 2–6 and their families and take place every Tuesday and Friday from 10:30am to 11:00am. Bilingual Cuentos en el Museo programs featuring Spanish-English story

times are offered on the second Saturday and the fourth Friday of each month. Storytelling in the Museum programs are sponsored by PNC Grow Up Great.

The weekly Museum Babies program returns on Tuesday, September 5 (10:10–10:25am). Before the 10:30am Storytelling in the Museum program on Tuesday mornings, bring babies and toddlers ages 2 years and younger to the History Clubhouse for a short program featuring songs, board books, and movements for children and caregivers. Monthly board book themes range from colors to food, animals, travel, shapes, family, and more. The theme for September is colors, with different books featured each week.

The Museum’s History Exploration Days series resumes on Friday, September 8, and Saturday, September 9. This month’s theme is School Days: Education in St. Louis. This event is free and open to all families and educators who are teaching and learning at home or at school. Registration is no longer required for History Exploration Days, but families should check in at the Welcome Desk.

From 10:00am to 2:00pm, stop by the Grand Hall for a touch table and crafts with Nine PBS, St. Louis Public Library, and Parents as Teachers; visit the AT&T Room for sensory play; go on a scavenger hunt through the Museum’s galleries; and travel back to 1873 in the Karen Goering Classroom to learn about Susan Blow’s first kindergarten classroom at Des Peres School.

As part of the Storytelling in the Museum series, back-to-school-themed storytelling sessions will take place in the Grand Hall from 10:30am to 11:15am on Friday and Saturday, with American Sign Language interpretation by DEAF Inc. on Friday and a bilingual story time on Saturday morning. Families can also explore the culture and science of school in interactive workshops in the Schnucks Classroom (10:30–11:15am) and learn some techniques for teaching history with artifacts in a museum or at home in the Grand Hall (11:30–11:45am).

The Museum’s north plaza is under construction and will remain closed until late spring 2024. Visitors should use the south entrance facing Forest Park.

Memorialize and celebrate your loved ones in The St. Louis American!

For more info contact Angelita Houston, ahouston@stlamerican.com or call 314-533-8000

The Missouri History Museum’s History Exploration Days series returns on September 8–9.

United Way annual campaign makes its first pitch

Funds more than 160 local nonprofits

American staff

United Way of Greater St. Louis has officially kicked off its annual United Way Campaign, one of the nation’s largest annual giving campaigns.

Since its inception, United Way of Greater St. Louis has raised nearly $3 billion dollars to support and invest in the St. Louis community.

“This is perhaps the most exciting time of the year for us at United Way, the outpouring of support and generosity we see from the community is outstanding,” said Michelle Tucker, United Way of Greater St. Louis president and CEO.

“We’ve built strong relationships and partnerships with companies, individuals, unions and foundations and we look forward to them uniting with us to fulfill our mission to help people live their best possible lives.” Tucker joined Campaign Chair, President and Chief Executive Officer of Ameren Corporation Marty Lyons and Campaign Co-Chair, Commercial Banking Leader, and Market Executive for Regions Bank Scott Hartwig in announcing the campaign’s launch during United Way Night at the Ballpark on

Tuesday August 29, 2023, at Busch Stadium.

“My wife, Leslie, and I have been working with the United Way for more than 25 years, so we’ve gotten to know about the agencies it supports,” said Lyons.

“Professionally, I understand that our business won’t thrive unless our region thrives. The United Way is helping the community be successful.”

United Way equips more than 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources focused on basic needs, early childhood and youth success, health and well-being, jobs and financial mobility and community and crisis response.

The impact of collective giving through the annual campaign allows United Way to help more than 1 million people annually.

“My son was born with a serious heart condition,” said Hartwig.

“Spending time at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, I saw so many families that didn’t have the resources or support that ours did. The United Way helps local families through crises. It helps people get back on their feet and find a sustainable way to thrive.

That’s why I decided to get involved.”

United Way of Greater St. Louis serves a 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. In addition to

funding a network of local nonprofits, United Way also manages and administers the region’s Volunteer Center which is celebrating its 90th anniversary

this year, and United Way 211, a 24/7 helpline and navigation center that connects people to resources and support near them.

To donate or learn more about United Way go to Helpingpeople.org

Photo courtesy of United Way

From left Mike Claiborne, St. Louis Cardinals broadcaster; Scott Hartwig, Regions Bank Commercial Banking Leader/Market Executive and United Way Campaign co-chair; Michelle Tucker, United Way of Greater St. Louis president and CEO; and Marty Lyons Ameren Corporation chair, president and CEO and United Way Campaign chair, in the KMOX broadcast booth at Busch Stadium on Tuesday August 29, 2023

Eta Boulé Foundation’s 5th Annual Salute to Fathers and Mentors

The oldest Black Greek-letter fraternity is Sigma Pi Phi fraternity. The Eta Boule´ chapter in St. Louis established its foundation (EBF) in 2016 as the non-profit arm to assist in raising funds to support its community outreach activities. Fraternity members help EBF by providing annual leadership donations from $1000 to $50,000. Since 2017 EBF has funded 60 college scholarships, granted $115,00 to youth, family and health organizations and granted $100,000 toward family Covid relief efforts.

The gala held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at Sheldon Concert Hall was an elegant celebration, an awards dinner program and fund raiser. Event MC KMOV news anchor Samantha Jones and The Phillip Graves Band, featuring Justin Hoskin and Adrianne Felton-King, started things off after the first recognition ceremony during dinner in a ballroom exquisitely decorated by Jeanetta Hill’s Personal Touches Design Firm. Jazz veteran Gerald Albright closed the program in the Sheldon Concert Hall auditorium after the lifetime achievement award was given to St. Louis American Publisher Donald Suggs. Both Albright and Suggs received St. Louis City proclamations from Mayor Tishaura Jones. Savory and sweet treats and beverages fueled the hustle to the dance floor after the program concluded. A good time was had by participants of every age and as a stylish visiting Angelino put it, “Nobody gives a better party than St. Louis.”

Choreographer and educator Heather Himes (left) with husband St. Louis Black Repertory Founder and Producing Director Ron Himes

Left to right: Carla Pace, Gail Holmes, Dr. Lannis Hall, Arica Harris, Nikki Bolden, Mayor Jones, Susan Smith and Karen Gordy

Left to right: Archon Melvin and Pat Sanders and Gerald Albright

Left to right: Archousa Adrian Bracy, Lee Haynes and Archousa Minga Furr

Eta Boulé Archousai

Eta Boulé Archons

Left to right: Chair of Eta Boule´ Foundation and Victor Julien Volunteer Honoree Johnny Furry, Jr., Sire Archon Steven Harris, Grand Boule Percy Sutton Honoree David Steward II and Archon Vito Bracy.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones proclaims August 19, Eta Boule´ Foundation, Inc’s 2023 Community Service Honoree Archon Donald M. Suggs’ day.

Left to right: Archons Darryl Jones, Vito Bracy, Donald M. Suggs, Johnny Furr, Jr. and John Moten III

Eta Boule´ Foundation, Inc’s 2023 Community Service Honoree Archon Donald M. Suggs’ day holds his award flanked by his granddaughter Delali Maxine Suggs-Akaffu (left) and her mother Dawn Suggs (right).

Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier (7th Ward) and St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell.

Gerald Albright

‘Taking Care of You’

‘A checkup from neck up’

National Alzheimer’s organization brings educational conference to STL

Civil rights attorney and Harvard professor Charles Ogletree shared his Alzheimer’s diagnosis with the world after he learned he had the disease in 2016. His wife, Pamela, was his primary caregiver until his death on August 4, 2023. Before he passed, he emphasized the importance of early detection. Screenings will be available during the Alzheimer’s & Caregiving Educational Conference on Wednesday, September 13 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel.

By JoAnn Weaver St. Louis American

After being diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, civil rights attorney and Harvard University Law professor Charles Ogletree shared his fate with the world.

His goal was inspiring others to be screened for the disease – especially African Americans.

Early detection and diagnosis is key. The most important thing is to not be afraid to talk about it, because talking about it will encourage other people to open up,” Ogletree said in an Alzheimer’s Association interview in July 2017.

“In every speech I give – sometimes on a weekly basis – I have been talking openly about my Alzheimer’s diagnosis. I’ve spoken to people with the

disease and people who love someone with the disease.

“In a way, we are all in the same boat. It is amazing how many people are affected; something has to be done to slow this epidemic. We all have to tell our stories to keep the lines of communication open.”

The disease would claim Ogletree’s life on August 4, 2023, and he passed knowing that Alzheimer’s disease is more prevalent among African Americans than white people.

Estimates range from 14% to almost 100% higher, according to the Alzheimer’s Association.

Research also shows there is a greater familial risk of Alzheimer’s in Black people, in addition to genetic and environmental factors that may work differently to cause the higher rate of Alzheimer’s disease.

With these facts in mind, national and local organizations will offer a free educational opportunity for individuals to learn more about the degenerative disease.

The Alzheimer’s Foundation of America (AFA) will host the Alzheimer’s & Caregiving Educational Conference on Wednesday, September 13 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, as part of its 2023 national Educating America Tour.

“Knowledge is a useful and powerful tool that can help make any situation easier to navigate, especially something as challenging as caring for a loved one with Alzheimer’s disease,” said Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr., AFA president & CEO.

A15

Fighting the good fight of faith with you

By Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois

We are experiencing a disturbing trend.

Legislators are exerting their influence across the country, and in our region, to create roadblocks to accessibility, impeding the civil liberties of minority people.

Rev. Bethany Johnson-

n For the past 14 months the U.S. Supreme Court has been tactically rolling back legal protections for the right to provide access to reproductive healthcare.

Instead of using the positions that have been granted to them by the people and to honor the inherent dignity of us all, they are using their positions to disparage it. Many would have you believe these matters are insular, when in fact they impact each one of us. It is not simply about gender, sex, and race. It’s about our collective humanity and well-being. For the past 14 months the U.S. Supreme Court has been tactically rolling back legal protections for the right to provide access to reproductive health care. It has upheld discriminatory precedents targeting the LGBTQ+ community, and gutted affirmative action, effectively ending race-conscious admission programs in colleges and universities. There are broader implications from this ruling on the horizon.

In the wake of Supreme Court decisions, state legislatures, including Missouri’s, are rushing to further restrict access to health care and pass discriminatory laws.

In June 2022, Missouri was one

Missouri among most aggressive in Medicaid cuts

Many children being purged

By Nada Hassanein

Despite federal warnings to slow down, both red and blue states have cut off Medicaid coverage for nearly 4 million people because they lack the proper paperwork. In at least four states, half of all the people who have lost coverage for any reason are children. Missouri is one of the most aggressive in purging people from Medicaid rolls, with the majority being children.

Of the 15 states that reported total removals by age group, Texas reported the highest percentage of children removed, at 81%, followed by Idaho, Kansas, and Missouri, where at least

n Missouri is one of the most aggressive in purging people from Medicaid rolls, with the majority being children.

half of those removed were children, according to KFF. During the pandemic, the federal government directed states not to remove anyone from Medicaid, the joint federal-state health care program for low-income and people with

See MEDICAID, A15

Photo courtesy of the Charles Hamilton Houston Institute

See ALZHEIMER’S,

See JAVOIS, A15

Javois

Photo by Tess Vrbin / Arkansas Advocate

Protesters march to the Arkansas Capitol on Aug. 22, 2023 to deliver a letter to Republican Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders’ office detailing the difficulties they have had with the state’s Medicaid program.

‘Taking

Care of You’

Updated COVID-19 vaccines expected to come in September

By Jennifer Shutt Missouri Independent

The Biden administration is gearing up for a fall vaccination campaign that not only includes updated COVID19 boosters, but the annual flu shot and the newly approved RSV vaccine.

“We know that covid19 vaccinations are the safest protection to avoiding hospitalization, long-term health outcomes, and death, and that is why we are going to continue to encourage Americans to stay up to date on their vaccines,” White House Press Secretary Karine

Alzheimer’s

Continued from A14

“Connecting families with useful, practical information and support that can help them now and be better prepared for the future is what this conference is all about.”

Fuschillo said the conference and AFA services help insure that “caregivers of [people] with dementia and Alzheimer’s don’t need to go on a journey alone.”

Fuschillo called his main objective “empowering people who attend.”

“We want them to be empowered with greater knowledge about Alzheimer’s disease and

Medicaid

Continued from A14

disabilities. But states were cleared to resume eligibility and paperwork checks starting April 1.

As of Wednesday, nearly three-quarters of the roughly 5.4 million Medicaid recipients who’ve lost coverage were terminated because of “procedural” reasons, according to an analysis from KFF, a health care policy research organization. (Results were based on the responses from 39 states and the District of Columbia.) Those removals happened due to an incomplete renewal process, whether because of missing paperwork, outdated contact

Javois

Continued from A14 of the first states within 24 hours of the Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization decision to severely restrict access to abortion absent of a medical emergency. This is about so much more than abortion rights. The variability in the standard of care is jeopardizing maternal health where traumatic experiences, including miscarriages, ectopic pregnancies, and other complications are now being scrutinized, postponed, even denied.

This past June, Missouri’s governor signed into law bans on gender-affirming medical care for minors and trans athletes in women’s sports. Both laws

Jean-Pierre said during a Monday press briefing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is recommending COVID19 vaccines in addition to annual flu shots, as well as the immunizations for RSV for people who are over the age of 60 as well as for infants

The Biden administration hopes to provide access for uninsured and underinsured people to get the booster once the updated COVID-19 vaccine is approved. The vaccines should be available in September.

Once the FDA approves

caregiver tips and strategies,” he said.

“We will also be offering free memory screenings at the conference as well, and that is a checkup that we call, ‘a checkup from a neck up.’”

A confidential screening that takes 10 to 15 minutes will be provided during the conference.

“You get to test your language, thinking and memory skills, and you obtain a baseline score,” Fuschillo said.

“Like any other test we do on an annual basis with our primary care physician, receiving a baseline score is important because not all memory loss is attributed to Alzheimer’s disease; some are attributed to vitamin deficiency, a

information or a renewal form not sent by a specified date.

This month, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) mailed letters to every state, saying long wait times and high procedural termination rates might violate federal regulations to keep those who are eligible enrolled. The letters came weeks after federal officials raised concerns about overzealous efforts to purge the rolls and gave states extra flexibility to re-enroll patients. Some states, such as Maine, paused removals. The process has proven confusing for many patients, such as those whose first language isn’t English or those who don’t have computers.

will become effective later this month. In addition to denying access to care for youth and families, these actions diminish the rights of parents to make decisions in context of their child’s unique life experience while also exacerbating a dire youth mental health crisis where suicidal ideation is on the rise among LGBTQ+ youth. It is each of our birthrights to live freely, joyfully, and wholly and to be embraced, respected, and cherished for who we are. We have a responsibility to recognize and respond to hate while protecting the rights, lives, and dreams of the LGBTQ+ community. A vibrant democracy and a just society depend on it.

The Supreme Court’s recent decision on affirmative action will lead to

one or several updated COVID-19 vaccines this fall, the first official said the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices plans to meet quickly to make its recommendations

thyroid issue, sleep apnea or depression.”

The free conference is open to everyone and will allow participants to learn from experts in the field of Alzheimer’s disease, brain health, and caregiving.

Sessions during the AFA conference will include The Aging Brain and the Elimination of Alzheimer’s Disease, and Cognitive Stimulation Therapy for Persons with Dementia.

for clinicians. Getting the updated COVID-19 vaccine into nursing homes and longterm-care facilities will be a priority for the Biden administration, according

and co-president of the Caregiver Club, will provide a general overview of Alzheimer’s disease and its symptoms at the conference.

“My mom was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s in 2017; I was her secondary caregiver obviously,” she said.

“My dad, who’s still alive, was her primary caregiver.”

Her mother passed away at the end of April this year from Alzheimer’s.

Jodie Finney, DPT, CGCP, co-founder

Experts and advocates say grassroots efforts are needed to reach former recipients and help people re-enroll, stressing that lack of coverage threatens the health of vulnerable communities, including people of color, who make up a disproportionate number of Medicaid enrollees, as well as rural residents and children.

Public health professionals know poverty often leads to poor health, and the pandemic impeded critical and preventive care.

“Care got delayed, screenings got put off, therapies got interrupted,” said emergency medicine physician Dr. Georges Benjamin, executive director of the American Public Health Association, an advocacy group that represents public health

future attempts to roll back laws and policies designed to ensure that historically marginalized and excluded people have equitable access to educational, employment, and generational wealth-building opportunities.

The decision is reckless and disregards the truth of America’s history– that this country was built on the foundation of systemic racism and dominance and fueled by a gross mischaracterization of the Christian faith.

The consequences will be immediate and reverberating, as past evidence has shown, with some colleges, universities, and graduate and professional schools admitting fewer Black and Brown students leading to a less representative community of students and ultimately a less

Finney will be one of the speakers to explain

professionals. Now, “they don’t have a mechanism to pay for their care. Their care is delayed even further.”

Texas has terminated coverage for more than half a million people, more than any other state, out of about 5.9 million Medicaid recipients, 80% of them were removed for procedural reasons, according to the KFF analysis. About 408,000 Floridians have lost coverage out of about 5 million, more than half for procedural reasons.

Texas and Florida are Republican-dominated states that have declined to expand Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act, also known as Obamacare. But Democratic strongholds that have opted for expansion also have

representative workforce. This matters most when representation (or the lack thereof) influences the outcome of a life-or-death situation.

This decision attempts to chill and choke racial equity and inclusion efforts in the public and private sector alike – from corporations to not-forprofit organizations to philanthropic organizations.

If left up to those who have a pre-Civil War vision of America, there will be a fearbased response to sunset anti-racism resolutions and commitments to racial equity made following the murder of George Floyd. Health disparities will exacerbate, and we will move further from achieving health justice for all.

I’m glad to know with

to the first official.

Once approved, the updated mRNA COVID19 vaccines for people aged 12 and older will be fully licensed this fall, though the vaccines for people 11 and younger will still be under the emergency use authorization, according to the second official.

The protein-based COVID-19 vaccine from Novavax will also remain under the emergency use authorization framework, according to the second official.

Some of the updated vaccines may come with a cost, unlike during the

why motor and gate changes occur in individuals living with dementia; and discuss risk factors in the session: Fall, Burnout, and Isolation–Tips and Tricks for Caregivers by the Caregiver Club at the conference.

“We need to talk about it and educate caregivers,” Finney said.

“We need to educate secondary caregivers along with everybody in our community that these wonderful individuals are still living among us and still have so much joy and value to the community. They just need adaptive ways of communicating with them as well as interacting.”

pandemic when all the COVID-19 vaccines were free.

Moderna, for example, announced earlier this year that it would increase the price of its COVID19 vaccine from $30 to $130, leading to a bipartisan condemnation of the decision at a U.S. Senate hearing.

COVID-19 hospitalizations and deaths have begun to increase, according to CDC data Between Aug. 6 and Aug. 12 the number of hospital admissions increased by nearly 22% bringing the total weekly admissions to 12,600.

Finney said the event is important for the St. Louis region.

removed tens of thousands of people for procedural reasons.

New Mexico (97%), Washington (90%), Connecticut (87%), Minnesota (85%), California (85%), Rhode Island (73%), Colorado (67%), Vermont (66%), Maryland (65%) and New York (53%) are among the 34 states plus the District of Columbia (90%) where more than half of people were removed for failing to file the proper paperwork. California, New York, and Washington are among the states that have terminated the most people since April. In California, 255,000 people were removed from the rolls for procedural reasons. In New York, about 179,000 remov-

conviction that we hold a bold and inclusive vision for this country. Despite the barrage of attacks and reversals, we will persist and win.

We see this persistence demonstrated in the coalition of faith leaders who are suing Missouri to challenge its abortion bans and restrictions on the basis of religious freedom. We see lawmakers in states including Illinois extending legal protections and increasing access for those seeking reproductive healthcare and gender-affirming care.

We are at a turning point. Which America will we, our children, and our children’s children live in?

Deaconess Foundation, side-by-side with our funded and community partners, are covenanted to sharpen our advocacy for

“I think it’s fantastic because the more people talk about dementia, the more people realize that it’s in our community [and] it’s an epidemic as baby boomers are rapidly passing 65. The rate of dementia is increasing so significantly, not only in the St Louis area, but across the country,” she said.

“It still can be a wonderful experience for both the individual with dementia and the people within the community, and that only happens if we educate about the different types of dementia, the different symptoms and how to interact and best ways to communicate to keep everybody safe.”

als were procedural, and in Washington, 247,500 removals were for administrative reasons. In a handful of states, most people were removed from the Medicaid rolls because they were no longer eligible, not for technical reasons. In Michigan, for example, only 17% of more than 23,000 removals were procedural. The state’s Department of Health and Human Services said in a statement it has also simultaneously renewed enrollment for 121,000 recipients, and that it is reinstating people who remain eligible for the program but were removed for procedural reasons.

Nada Hassanein is a health care reporter for Stateline with a focus on inequities.

health, racial, and social justice toward our vision of America. We honor and cherish the inherent worth and dignity of every person and work to protect the rights of every person to live fully and freely in our democracy. And, we are committed, more than ever to using our platforms, resources, and power to build an inclusive society where opportunities and resources are equitably accessible for those who need us most. Keep fighting the good fight of faith. We are in this together.

Rev. Bethany JohnsonJavois, MSW, is president & CEO of Deaconess Foundation, pastor of Monument of Faith Church, a commissioner with the St. Louis Regional Health Commission

Photo courtesy of Missouri Independent

Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr.

Is Missouri falling into authoritarianism?

We’ve got a big prob-

lem in Missouri, as it would appear that our state Republicans have fully embraced authoritarianism in their never-ending quest to seize control of the personal lives of St. Louisans. From enacting laws that bar adults and children from accessing vital healthcare services to attempting to block local governments from enacting gun laws that best fit their communities, we are beginning to see very little difference between our state’s GOP and historical totalitarian governments.

Recent events alone would show many of the hallmark characteristics of authoritarianism taking place, right here in the Show-Me State, including a clear disregard for human rights; “otherizing” to create an enemy based on gender identity, race, religion, or political affiliation; and an obsession with crime and punishment.

We’ll start with Exhibit

1: On Monday, a new state law took effect, restricting both adults and children from accessing gender-affirming care. The new law prohibits healthcare providers from prescribing or administering hormones or puberty blockers to patients under 18 unless they were already prescribed those medications before the law took effect.

For adults on Missouri HealthNet, our state’s Medicaid program, their healthcare will no longer be covered under their

insurance plan. Enacted in response to debunked claims made by a St. Louis woman, the law represents the Republican super-majority interfering with a person and the life-saving conversations that they have with their doctor and parents. Unfortunately support for this law has major public support. This law is a clear disregard for human rights, in that a group of politically opportunistic people have decided that cruelly legislating a very personal aspect of a person’s life (their gender identity), at any age, is a higher political priority with popular support than everything else, including reducing gun violence, early childhood education, and actual policy that would improve the lives of our children. In other words, Missouri Republicans have chosen culture wars over prudent governance and openly wield their governmental power to advance an extreme, ultra-conservative political agenda rather than fact-based social and economic policy.

Perhaps one of the most concerning Republican patterns of behavior to surface has been the lawsuits attempting to block a ballot petition that would enshrine abortion access into the state constitution. The very transparent efforts to interfere with democracy - rather than put energy and resources into electoral politics - is another trait of authori-

tarianism and should be a wake-up call to all of us. The actions taken by the Missouri GOP signal that they do not believe that voters are capable of casting our ballots and making our own decisions. Through trifling litigation and blatant disinformation campaigns, state legislators like State Senator Mary Elizabeth Coleman and State Representative Hannah Kelly would prefer that Missourians have no choice at all rather than allow us to vote on the issue. They and like-minded Republican politicians fear what an aroused electorate in Kansas and Ohio did at the polls might be replicated in Missouri. Widespread sexism is also a hallmark of authoritarianism.

That brings us to Exhibit 2. Also on Monday, twice-failed St.

city suffers from gun violence that could be better addressed, but state law restricts the city from enacting common-sense policies. Instead, our governor and our state legislature would rather force us to tackle gun violence with one arm tied behind our backs and shackles on our feet, so that they have an excuse to step in, flex the National Guard’s muscle (since they can do that now), and seize power. Using fear as a motivational tool to control people is part of an obsession with national security - a sign of authoritarianism.

Louis County Republican county executive candidate Paul Berry, III, filed a lawsuit - by himself and without an attorney - would suggest that his constitutional rights are violated, but his suit is unclear as to what rights are being infringed upon. Rather, the nonsensical word salad filed as a petition indicates that Berry has as strong a grasp on the law as he does political campaigns, and perhaps his energy is better spent addressing his grievances through the electoral process rather than clogging up the courts.

As a pragmatic resident of this State, the EYE understands that sometimes, the only way to pass a law here - that is both wanted by and beneficial to the people - is through the ballot petition process. After all, that’s how we expanded Medicaid in Missouri under the Affordable Care Act and passed both medical and recreational cannabis. We did pass campaign and finance ethics reform under Clean Missouri, but Missouri Republicans came back in a later session to ultimately get rid of it. Our state legislature has shown itself to be not the most trustworthy when it comes to legislating in the best interests of its people. How dare Berry - or an elected officialinterfere with our most sacred right as Americans? It is no secret that our

Let us also recognize the recent revelations of Exhibit 3, when the Missouri Department of Corrections announced a ban on family and friends from mailing books to loved ones who are incarcerated in state prison facilities. This follows the Department of Corrections’ decision last year to ban physical mail from being sent to state prisons, with an exception carved out for attorney mail. However, we’ve been told that even attorney mail is monitored and oftentimes opened by corrections staff outside of an inmate’s presence.

According to the state, the necessary “oversight” of the mail coming into prisons is due to the sheer volume of drugs entering the prison system and an unquestionably large number of overdose-related deaths. By one advocacy organization’s count, there have been 32 suspected drug-related deaths in the Missouri prison system so far in this year alone. Clearly, the ultra-restrictive policies enacted by the state have been ineffective in curbing the widespread use and abuse of drugs inside of prisons, and attorneys have told us that corrections staff do not walk through security checkpoints, like attorneys, clergy, family, and other visitors must. Because of this massive loophole, we could see why the Department of Corrections’ policies have

done little to reduce drug trafficking inside of their facilities. The inhumane treatment of inmates and detainees is oftentimes indicative of authoritarianism.

Finally, Exhibit 4: Monday’s announcement by St. Louis County Republican and State House Speaker Dean Plocher, declaring that the state would be forming a commission to look at dismantling the City’s 1% earnings tax, which would cost us an estimated $66 million every year in lost revenue used for police, fire department, and other vital municipal services. Anyone who has followed St. Louis politics in the last five years knows that the invisible hand of the quest to nix the city earnings tax is not so invisible - in fact, billionaire Rex Sinquefield has been very open about his personal vendetta against the city’s 1% earnings tax. For decades, Sinquefield has claimed without any evidence that the earnings tax has “slowed growth” in St. Louis. But in a postTrump era, he’s going to have to produce some evidence for his claims because, from what the EYE has observed in the last few years, the city has experienced a boom in job growth, especially in the health care industry and the science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

Sinquefield’s ideas, based on his personal ideology, - like Better Together, privatizing Lambert Airport, and most recently, trying to ignore sexual assault allegations against the Saint Louis Chess Club grandmaster - have consistently lost with St. Louis City voters. We can’t help but wonder why so many Missouri Republicans continue to carry water for Sinqfield’s losing agenda. Then again, corporate protection - like what Sinquefield seeks by interfering with residents who live in the city, where he is not a legal resident - is an attack on representative government.

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Public Radio

Paul Berry, III

A bank shot

Gateway to Banking a path to financial services industry

Ty Schuldt (center) is Enterprise Bank and Trust Retail Development vice president and a co-founder of its Gateway to a Banking Career program. She is joined by recent graduates Tamara House and Marisa McRoberts, who both say the financial industry preparedness training changed their lives.

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

The Enterprise Bank and Trust Gateway to a Banking Career Program is celebrating the graduation of 12 inspired, career-oriented class of 2023 cohorts. The introduction to the world of banking included an eight-day financial services industry job skills training course, through partnership with St. Louis Community Credit Union and Carrollton Bank.

Ty Schuldt, Retail Development vice president said Enterprise Bank & Trust empowers privately held businesses to succeed, helps families secure financial futures, and invests in communities to advance quality of life for its residences.

“We are blessed to have such an amazing partnership between the sponsors and local social services agen-

cies,” said Schuldt, who is a co-founder of the Banking Career program which was launched in 2018. She is also a member of Enterprise’s African American Business Resource Group (AABRG), which focuses on building community, culture, and careers. It brings together associates who help create opportunities for engagement at Enterprise. The group was also instrumen-

See BANKING, B2

Women entrepreneurs setting pace in Black business growth

They are overcoming several obstacles

By Bria Overs Word in Black

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Women’s Business Center graduated 82 women from its 14-week Ready, Set, Launch! entrepreneurship program last year, and some are now part of a dramatic increase in Blackwomen business owners, according to a Brookings Institute report.

Mike McMillan, Urban League president and CEO, says the program “provided them with tools and motivation needed to start or grow their own businesses.”

“We welcome St. Louis’ next crop of new business owners,” he said.

Nationally, Black women entrepreneurs have increased their numbers to 52,374 businesses in just three years, according to a report from the Brookings Institute Brookings states, “Though far from equitable, the rate of business See WOMEN, B2

PeoPle on the Move

Theolus joins Kwame

Kwame Building Group has added Junior Theolus as project administrator and diversity monitor. In his role, Theolus’ responsibilities include tracking contract changes, submittals and RFIs, creating presentations, managing, and maintaining project document control systems and processing invoices for several projects such as the St. Louis Convention Center and St. Louis Community College. In addition, Theolus is responsible for monitoring, tracking, and reporting the active involvement of minority, women, and/or emerging small business firms to ensure project compliance for the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District.

David Noble named Paramount Bank president

David R. Noble has been named president of Paramount Bank. He has more than12 years of banking experience and will provide oversight to the team’s commercial loan portfolio, establish and maintain ongoing relationships, and support cross-functional relationships that promote customer relationship development, including business connections to consumer and wealth management product sets. He is also responsible for developing the bank’s Corporate and Regional Community Economic Development Plans and Community Reinvestment Act and Fair Lending strategies.

Hicks appointed to advisory board

Christopher Hicks was recently sworn in as a member of the Health and Hospital Advisory Board for St. Louis County. Hicks is an environmental, health, and safety consultant. He earned his masters of science degree from the University of Central Missouri and his bachelors of science degree from Indiana State University. Hicks is a graduate of the prestigious Leadership St. Louis program. Hicks received the President’s Award from the American Society of Safety Professionals (ASSP) and the Safety Professional of the Year (SPY) award from the St. Louis Chapter of the ASSP.

McDowell named team member of the month

Daniel McDowell, an environmental program supervisor with the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ Division of Energy, has been selected as the department’s Team Member of the Month for August 2023. McDowell was selected for his service to the department and for taking on additional duties to keep the weatherization program up and running in the absence of a program director. McDowell has only been with the department for a short time and was promoted to a supervisor role in 2022.

Junior

Junior Theolus

Christopher Hicks

Daniel McDowell

Photo courtesy of Enterprise Bank

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

David Noble

Women

Continued from B1

ownership for Black women is growing rapidly. Black-womenowned employer businesses increased by 18.14% between 2017 and 2020—outpacing women-owned businesses (9.06%) and Black-owned businesses (13.64%).”

“This boost is despite a lack of access to capital, expensive student loan debt, the COVID-19 pandemic, and historical traumas around Black business ownership.”

“We know that Black people aren’t lower in their entrepreneurial spirit,” Andre Perry, senior fellow at Brookings Metro and a co-author of the report, says. “We have people who want to start businesses. But they’re certainly not capitalized or incentivized to do so.”

While the entrepreneurial spirit is alive in Black communities, only 3% of those owned by Black women maturate or last beyond five years. But Black folks need these businesses to survive and thrive.

If growth stays at its current rate and significant gaps in established businesses persist, reaching equality with the number of Black people will take about 256 years. Brookings’s report claims this will leave the racial wealth gap entrenched.

For example, in Atlanta, Georgia, there are about 8,663 Black businesses, accounting for 7.4% of employer businesses. If Black businesses accounted for 36.3% of companies with employees, which is equivalent to the Black population, there would be 57,796 more Black businesses for a total of 66,459.

“The goal of our report is not just to point to the economic benefits of

business ownership,” Perry says. “It’s about selfdetermination, agency, and community development, not just building more capitalists. It’s to give agency to people who were historically denied opportunities.”

The Brookings report found that in 2020, Black business owners employed 1.3 million people, created 48,549 new jobs, and added $1.7 billion in aggregate payroll to the economy.

Going from being a solopreneur to an official business that can afford employees is a wall to get over for Black businesses, especially for Black women.

Black women and their companies account for slightly less than 1% of all American employer businesses, bringing in 0.3% of overall revenue in the U.S., according to Brookings. This means there aren’t enough Black women offering employment opportunities.

Part of the problem is most of these companies are stuck in certain revenue brackets. The largest share of Black women’s businesses have mid-level revenues between $100,000 and $250,000 per year. Less than 15% make more than $1 million each year.

The report also found that Black women are “over-represented in the lowest earning categories” of $50,000 or less annually.

Black women do and

continue to face a lot of adversity on their path to reaching entrepreneurial goals. High-interest rates, inflation, and the restarting of student loan payments will affect owners and consumers alike.

“Anything which is constraining the wealth, or creating additional debt is going to have a negative outcome on those individuals, households, and communities they’re part of, which includes all of those businesses,” Manann Donoghoe, senior research associate at Brookings Metro and fellow report co-author, says.

Nikki Porcher, founder of the non-profit Buy From A Black Woman says Porcher says there are many ways to support these businesses and their founders, including swapping out everyday items to Black-owned or supporting organizations that help these companies. For owners and founders, she says, consider starting businesses with unique ideas and customers. Because while there might be room at the table, it’s also beneficial to uplift existing companies and firms.

“Whenever you see one Black woman, you’re not just seeing [them],” Porcher says. “She has a whole community that she’s standing in for, standing up for, and standing with. It doesn’t just stop with her.”

As part of its community outreach, Enterprise Bank and Trust co-hosted the annual free Housing Resource Fair in April 2023, alongside Realtist of Metropolitan St. Louis. In partnership with local vendors, the event offered workshops and consultations aimed at empowering people with the resources needed to explore paths to homeownership.

Banking

Continued from B1

tal in helping shape the bank’s activities to celebrate African American History Month.

Schuldt said the Gateway to Banking goal is breaking down barriers for those who want to explore careers as tellers, customer service representatives, and other professional fields of interest in banking.

The program teaches job interview skills and provides job placement assistance. These experiences give participants from underrepresented groups sustainable career transitions and form mentorships important to their personal and professional success.

Training topics include banking basics, industry products and services, and keys to personal financial wellness.

Resume writing, business etiquette, and networking skills are also part of the training.

Tamara House, a 2019 graduate, works at an Enterprise branch in Olivette. When she

became a cohort, she was a single mom who was pregnant with her second child and facing housing insecurity.

“I was in a really difficult time in my life,” said House, who was previously a door-to-door salesperson.

She has received three promotions with Enterprise Bank and serves as a bank teller.

“It’s been amazing since I have completed the class,” said the bank teller.

Former nursing student Marisa McRoberts was an unemployed full-time student at UMSL and a single mom when she learned about the program through Mission St. Louis, a non-profit organization that says its mission is to “empower people for social and economic growth through relationships and opportunities.”

“I needed steady employment while looking to go back to college and continuing my education,” said McRoberts

“I knew I needed a career and financial stability for my son and myself.”

McRoberts said the program taught her how to build credit and the benefits of networking with

other professionals, adding that she thought working at a bank was an unattainable goal.

“This program remains successful because participants leave with not only useful information and viable skills, but also access to professional mentors before classes start, during instruction, and after graduation,” said Schuldt.

“All involved share a commitment to truly making a difference in our community by acknowledging and actively addressing obstacles to financial literacy and gainful employment.

“I am so proud of all 57 graduates [since 2018]. I want each student to graduate leaving the program better than when they started. I’m hoping all that we provide helps them in their life.”

If you are interested in participating in the Enterprise Bank and Trust Gateway to a Banking Career Program, please contact Ty Schuldt at (833) 896-2850 or cso@enterprisebank.com

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

Photo courtesy of Enterprise Bank

prEp Football NotEbook

By Earl Austin Jr.

Opening week set a torrid pace for area prep football

The opening weekend of area high school football included steamy temperatures Friday and a bevy of exciting games and excellent individual performances.

In the top matchup of the week, Chicago Mount Carmel defeated East St. Louis 36-33 in a battle of Illinois state powers.

SLUH defeated St. Mary’s 38-21, while CBC traveled to Indiana to post a 55-38 victory over Carmel High School.

Here is a look at some of the top performers from Week 1.

Ryan Wingo (SLUH): The senior wide receiver had nine catches for 143 yards and an interception on defense in the Jr. Bills’ 38-21 victory over St. Mary’s.

Marco Sansone (SLUH): The senior quarterback passed for 291 yards and two touchdowns and scored two rushing touchdowns in the Jr. Bills’ 38-21 victory over St. Mary’s.

Trevion Taylor (Parkway Central): The junior running back scored five touchdowns on runs of 1, 17, 28, 56 and 58 in the Colts’ 49-28 victory over Parkway South.

Dierre Hill (Althoff):

The junior running back rushed for 149 yards on 11 carries and scored two touchdowns. He also added a third TD on a 77-yard kickoff return in the Crusaders’ 49-13 victory over John Burroughs.

Martez Stephenson (Lutheran North): The sophomore running back rushed for 128 yards on just four carries and scored two touchdowns on runs of 80 and 36 in the Crusaders’ 54-0 victory over Hazelwood Central.

Corey Simms (CBC): The junior wide receiver had nine receptions for 152 yards and a touchdown in the Cadets’ 55-28 victory over Carmel (IN).

Anthony Rayner (Gateway STEM): The junior quarterback threw two touchdown passes and rushed for another in a 42-0 victory over Wood River.

DeJarrion Miller (Cardinal Ritter): The junior wide receiver had eight receptions for 121 yards in the Lions’ 52-6 victory over McCluer.

Kishon Hill (Lift for Life): The junior wide receiver hauled in three touchdown passes in the Hawks’ 58-0 victory over Duchesne.

Cody McMullen (Wentzville Liberty): The junior quarterback com-

pleted 18 of 24 passes for 249 yards and four touchdowns in a 37-19 victory over Timberland.

Gateway Scholars Classic set for Saturday

The Gateway Scholars Classic, a top early-season high school football event in the Midwest, will be held on Saturday at Clyde C. Jordan Stadium in East St. Louis. The first game features several projected future stars as the East St. Louis Jr. Flyers will take on the St. Louis Bad Boyz in a battle of top youth teams. Kick-off is at noon. In Game 2, Missouri power DeSmet faces Glenbard West from sub-

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Coco pop!

While Coco Gauff enters the U.S. Open in Flushing Meadows, New York as the No. 6 seed, she enters the final Grand Slam event of 2023 as hot as any player on the Women’s Tennis Association tour.

Gauff opened the tournament on Monday night with a victory over Laura Natalie Siegemund of Germany. She is fresh off claiming the Western & Southern Open in Cincinnati, her third tournament victory of the season and second on a hard-court surface.

St. Louis University High receiver Ryan Wingo (1) pulls away from St. Mary’s Darron Perkins after making one of his nine catches for 143 yards during the Jr. Bills’ 38-21 win over the host Dragons on August 25, 2023.

urban Chicago at 3 p.m.

In the featured game, host East St. Louis will battle national power Baltimore St. Frances. Admission for the event is $10.

On Tap for Week 2

Friday, September 1 Timberland at SLUH, 6 p.m. Cardinal Ritter vs. Vashon at Gateway STEM, 6 p.m. CBC at Bryant (AR), 7 p.m. O’Fallon at Troy, 7 p.m. Lutheran St. Charles at Summit Christian, 7 p.m. Marquette at Summit, 7 p.m. Kirkwood at Pattonville, 7 p.m.

Gauff in a groove as U.S. Open quest continues

2014, 2013, 2012, 2008, and 2002.

Gauff’s last attempt to capture an elusive Grand Slam title was in July at Wimbledon – when she was beaten by fellow American Sofia Kenin in the first round on the tournament’s first day. Not only did Gauff not immediately leave London after the disappointing loss, but she also remained in her hotel room for two days.

“I got my food ordered to the room,” Gauff told The Associated Press.

The 19-year-old topped Karolína Muchová 6-3 6-4 in the W&S final, after beating world No. 1 Iga Świątek in the semifinals.

Her goal is to become the first American woman to win the U.S. Open since 2017 – which is also the last time a Black woman won. Sloane Stephens beat Venus Williams, who won the U.S. Open in 2000 and 2001, in a semifinal match and then beat Madison Keys in the finals.

Serena Williams was U.S. Open champion in

“Those two days were necessary, because I got time to reflect and just allow myself to be sad. A lot of times on tour, we don’t have time to allow ourselves to be sad, so then those emotions build up into the next match. I think that those two days, honestly, probably helped me.”

Gauff has come close to a Grand Slam win. She was the French Open runner-up against Swiatek in 2022.

“Obviously the goal is to win a Slam, but I’m not [thinking], ‘OK, well, I’m supposed to be the

U.S. Open champion,’” she said.

“That’s not the mindset that I have. And when people put that on me, I have no choice but to accept it and just know that it comes from the heart.”

The late Arthur Ashe, who honed his tennis skills in St. Louis before becoming a professional, won the U.S. Open in 1968 and remains the first and only African American man to accomplish the feat.

In fact, two decades

have passed since an American male player won the tournament – Andy Roddick in 2003. Frances Tiafoe reached the semifinals in 2022, coming within two wins of matching Ashe’s achievement – and ending America’s 20-year drought.

“I was close to changing that narrative last year,” said Tiafoe, the world’s No. 10 ranked male.

“It would change the whole scope of it. It

would be a huge day in America. People would be super excited. It would be sweet.”

In 2021, Tiafoe posted an open letter to the late Ashe on tennis.com, thanking him for his courage in taking on racism and his social activism. Near its closing, Tiafoe wrote:

MICDS at Chaminade, 7 p.m.

Saturday, September 2

Lift for Life at Westminster Christian, 1 p.m. Jennings at John Burroughs, 1 p.m. Parkway West at Hazelwood Central, 1 p.m.

Preseason

showcase events

• Former Saint Louis U. basketball standout and area coach Corey Frazier will host the inaugural Elite High School Girls Clinic from 3-6 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 7 at the Chesterfield Sports Complex. The event is presented by Lady Brad Beal Elite. For more information, contact elitegirlsbballclinic@gmail.com

• Prep Hoops Missouri and Prep Girls Hoops Missouri will be putting on four showcase events for boys and girls. The Prep Hoops Missouri Top 250 Expo will be held on Saturday, September 23 at Principia. The girls showcase will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. with the boys to follow from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. The Freshman Showcase will be held on Saturday, October 7 at Principia. The girls showcase will be held from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Go to prephoops. com/missouri/ to register. When you do, enter AustinHoops2023 in the coupon code area to get a discount.

The Reid Roundup

Simone Biles not only won her record 8th U.S. Gymnastics all-around championship on Sunday, August 27, 2023, she was dominant. Biles posted the best scores on balance beam, floor exercise and vault to win the title… Shrewd move by the Dallas Cowboys landing quarterback Trey Lance for a fourth-round draft pick in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers…Jerk move by Cowboys owner Jerry Jones not informing quarterback Dak Prescott and head coach Mike McCarthy about the pending deal… Bronny James, the 18-year-old son of LeBron James, has a congenital heart defect which caused cardiac arrest during a basketball workout last month. “We are very confident in Bronny’s full recovery and return to basketball in the very near future,” the family said in a statement. As a father of two, I do not understand the basketball urgency.

“Obviously, I want people to remember me as a great tennis player, too. I want to have the whole package, on and off the court. I was lucky enough to have people like you prove that it is possible.” Tiafoe began a possible journey to the U.S. Open title with a win over fellow American Learner Tien.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Coco Gauff, of the United States, celebrates with the Rookwood Cup after defeating Karolina Muchova during the women’s singles final of the Western & Southern Open tennis tournament, Sunday, Aug. 20, 2023.

Photo courtesy of the AP

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Mark named to major utility company board

Sempra announced that it has appointed Richard Mark to the company’s board of directors. Mark is the former chairman and president of Ameren Illinois. He brings 20 years of experience in electric and gas utility operations, customer service, public policy and regulation, as well as broad

knowledge and experience with advanced utility technologies and safety and reliability programs.

Sempra is a North American public utility holding company based in San Diego, California. The company is one of the largest utility holding companies in the United States with

nearly 40 million consumers. Sempra’s focus is on electric and natural gas infrastructure. As of 2022, Sempra reported more than $78 billion in total assets and 20,000 employees.

Mark, 68, served as

Richard Mark

chairman and president of Ameren Illinois from 2012 to 2022. He first joined Ameren in 2002, where he held a series of increasingly responsible management positions for both Ameren

Missouri and Ameren Illinois, including senior vice president, customer operations, and vice president, governmental policy and consumer affairs. Before joining Ameren, Mark served as president, chief executive officer and chief operating officer of St. Mary’s Hospital

in East St. Louis, IL. He currently serves on the board of directors of Tenet Healthcare Corporation. Mark holds a bachelor’s degree from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in management from National Louis University.

NPower, Urban League launch Community Help Desk to provide free IT support

NPower recently launched the Community Help Desk in partnership with Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and supported by AT&T. The goal for the Community Help Desk is to provide no-cost IT support to underserved communities while also giving underrepresented talent from those communities the tech skills training and paid work experience to launch corporate tech careers.

“We are excited to partner with NPower and AT&T to bring this critical service to the community,” said Michael McMillan Urban League president

and chief executive officer. “Customers will receive first-class service in their neighborhood from highly-trained specialists. It’s a win for everyone.”

“We’re all too familiar with the digital gap impacting communities that need the most help around technology.” said Ben Kesler, executive director of NPower Missouri.

The Community Help Desk will have a team of highly-trained digital navigators committed to helping customers at every step of the way.

Populations who will be served by the

Community Help Desk include: local K-12 families (relieving strained school IT departments); low-income adults and youth, community college students; non-profit employees; job seekers; small businesses; adult learners and seniors. If you’re looking for tech help, you can contact the Community Help Desk at (314) 3101031 or email support@ npowerchd.zendesk. com The physical office is located at 1408 Kingshighway Blvd., Ste. 109 St. Louis, MO 63113, and the hours are Monday-Friday, 9AM-5PM.

Jordan more than doubles his wealth after selling Hornets

According to Black Enterprise, after selling his majority stake in the Charlotte Hornets, NBA legend Michael Jordan’s net worth has reportedly skyrocketed to

$3.5 billion. According to the Bloomberg Billionaire Index, that figure makes Jordan the richest NBA player in history. Black Enterprise reported that Jordan could pocket an

estimated $2.7 billion from the deal to sell the Hornets to a group led by Gabe Plotkin and Rick Schnall.

Jordan now retains a minority stake in the team, which Bloomberg estimates

at around 5%. Jordan’s business acumen goes back to when he brokered a deal with Nike in 1984 that led to the establishment of the Jordan Brand, which now

generates roughly $5 billion annually for Nike. Jordan receives 5% of all sales profits, which puts his take at around $256 million a year. In September 2020

Jordan became the first Black owner of a NASCAR team, 23XI Racing; the team employs the only Black driver in the Cup Series, Bubba Wallace.

It

‘A good day’ at Evolution Festival

One of the best-known records from rap legend and Evolution Festival featured performer Ice Cube’s catalog of classics could sum up the consensus for those who attended the inaugural event this weekend. He performed the track for people as far back as the eye could see on Sunday in Forest Park.

“Today was a good day,” Cube said. He didn’t have to cue or prompt them to catch the vibe. They immediately began singing along. It was a good two days as 25,000 poured in over the weekend –making the first-ever Evolution Festival a resounding success.

“This the loudest crowd we had all year,” Cube said about his Evolution Festival audience. He has been making his rounds as a featured artist at concerts representing the West Coast as the commemoration continues for the 50th anniversary of hip hop.

“St. Louis…there is no place I’d rath-

Inaugural two-day music event in Forest Park draws 25,000

er be right now,” Cube said. “I just love how y’all do it out here.”

Groundbreaking rap group The Sugar Hill Gang – whose record became the first rap single to play on mainstream radio when it debuted on the St. Louis region’s own WESL – also got the crowd in the hip hop spirit over the course of the festival.

Headlined by The Black Keys, The Black Crowes, Brandi Carlile and Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals, The Evolution Festival also included a nod to the brightness of hip hop’s future by way of St.

See Evolution, C8

Down to business

Entertainment Business Academy brings industry knowledge to local talent

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

The Entertainment Business Academy will take center stage on September 12, 2023 as the city’s newest art and entertainment school.

Located at 999 North 13th Street, the EBA will offer courses in stage performance, media training, and music management. The two-course accelerated program is $499 per class and each class is a month-long session.

Local rap artist Byron “Zeus Rebel” Waters will teach stage performance and media training.

Local producer Mark “Tar Boy” Williams’ courses will delve into the business side of the music industry, including revenue streaming, tours, merchandise, and contracts.

Keith Wiggley, EBA owner, wants to give artists a leg up in the music industry, providing them with the knowledge needed to navigate through the profession.

“ I don’t want to see these artists taken advantage of, especially because there is so much they don’t understand,” said Wiggley.

“What they are learning is coming from experts.”

Wiggley, Zeus, and Williams all share the same sentiment—a lot of music artists are going down before they really get started.

“These lessons are invaluable,” said Wiggley.

Williams said his curriculum will teach artists how to use their music as a brand, and create residual income through other business avenues.

He referenced how Diddy used his rap career to create Ciroc Liquor and

Chance The Rapper selling his popular ‘Chance 3’ baseball caps.

Williams is a graduate of the Art Institute of Atlanta and he hopes the academy can be a source for regional artists which helps them remain in St. Louis.

“I want them to have easy access to this information. A lot of young people call me because they simply don’t have the answers. And it’s really important that we have this school because our city

See Business, C8

‘Ink’ pens portraits of unique American heroes Emotional exhibit at SLUMA

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

Local artist Marlon West says the first view of some portraits in his “Ink Tributes” gallery were blurred.

“I drew a lot of them with tears in my eyes,” he explains.

St. Louis University Museum of Art SLUMA is displaying West’s art exhibit through November. West, an award-winning animator who serves as head of effects and VFX supervisor at Walt Disney Animation Studios, wanted the pieces in Ink Tributes to display American comic-style art - but the superheroes are victims of racial or gender identity crimes.

Ahamd Aubrey, George Floyd, and Sandra Bland are subjects in the gallery. Other portraits honor those who were looking for some “good trouble,” including the late John Lewis and Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

n “It’s kind of cathartic for me to draw them, it feels like they are staring back at me.”

- Artist Marlon West

West said his work is rooted “in the pursuit of illuminating a multifaceted narrative encompassing both those who have endured such traumatic events and those who played a vital role in addressing such injustices.” When videos of Floyd’s murder at the hands of a former Minneapolis police officer flooded the nation, West said he created his first portrait “in a moment of despair.”

He memorialized Floyd, making him more than his death.

West said Mike Brown, Breonna Taylor, and Tamar Rice “deserve to be comic book elevated.”

“It’s kind of cathartic for me to draw them, it feels like they are staring back at me,” said West.

“It felt good to see them in a heroic stance”

West grew up in University City and says he loved Marvel comic books. He resonated with the main characters including Spider-Man because they were misunderstood.

“Or they were on the right side of history but were always chased down for doing the right thing. The cops were always chasing Spider-Man,” West said.

“For many of us Black nerds, Marvel’s characters are particularly relat-

St. Louis American Staff

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Artist Marlon West at his opening on the campus of St. Louis University Friday Aug. 25, 2023 speaking with a patron.

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American Mark “Tar Boy” Williams and Zeus in their central west end offices Mon. Aug. 21, 2023.

Photo by Dusana

Ice Cube at the Evolution Festival in Forest Park on Sunday, August 27, 2023.

St. Louis American Calendar STL Sites & Sounds

COMMUNITY

SLATE’s Find a Job Friday Series

9/1/2023 10:00am SLATE Job Center

St. Louis, MO Free

Civilian Review Board Meetings (CRB)

9/4/2023 6:00pm Ferguson, MO

Dog’s Day at the Pool

9/5/2023 5:00pm

All dogs must be current on DHLLP and rabies vaccines, must present proof at the door. Dogs must be recently bathed, have an ID tag on at all times, and always be accompanied by an adult human.

White Birch Park, White Birch Bay Aquatic Center

1186 Teson Road, Hazelwood, MO

Voices of Jubilation, an UMSL Community Gospel Choir

9/5/2023 7:00pm

Join Voices of Jubilation, the new UMSL Community Gospel Choir, directed by Maria A. Ellis. Beginning after Labor Day, VoJ will meet every Tuesday at the Touhill PAC from 7-9pm. Special performances include a Tribute to Robert Ray, Jazz for the Holidays, and UMSL Choir concerts. Fee per semester: Students $10; UMSL Faculty, Staff, Alumni, and Community Members $30

Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, Whitaker Room One University Blvd, St. Louis, MO

$10.00 - $30.00

City Council Meeting in person at City Hall

9/5/2023 7:00pm Black Jack, MO

Farmers Market Commission Meeting

9/6/2023 6:30pm Ferguson Community Center Wabash Room) 1050 Smith Ave Ferguson, MO

Plan Commission Meetings

9/6/2023 6:00pm

Meeting may be cancelled if there are no items for review Ferguson City Hall

110 Church Street, Ferguson, MO

Residential housing & Zoning

9/6/2023 6:30pm Nodiff Marvin 500 Skinker Blvd, St. Louis, MO

CONCERTS AND LIVE MUSIC

Free BBQ Concert: Polyphony Marimba

8/31/2023 6:00pm Greg Freeman Park

6008 Kingsbury, St. Louis, MO

50th Anniversary of Hip Hop Celebration 9/1/2023 5:30pm St. Louis County Library is celebrating the 50th anniversary of hip hop with special programming. The celebration will culminate in an outdoor Hip Hop Block Party with food trucks, a live DJ, a graffiti wall, and other activities on Friday, September 1 from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at Bangert Park in Florissant. Bangert Park 275 S New Florissant Rd Florissant, MO Free

Chrisette Michele

9/1/2023 8:00pm • 9/2/2023 7:00pm

She’s released over 100 songs and collaborated with everyone from Jay Z to

George Duke, Natalie Cole to Nas and John Legend to Drake…

City Winery St. Louis

3730 Foundry Way, Suite 158

St. Louis, MO

$60.00 - $75.00

Desi Banks: The Purpose Chaser Tour (Comedy)

9/1/2023 7:30pm

The Pageant

6161 Delmar Blvd St. Louis, MO

Toosii: Naujour Tour

9/2/2023 8:00pm The Pageant 6161 Delmar Blvd St. Louis, MO

$34.50 - $49.50

TownsendX3 Agency presentes Dylan Triplett (Blues)

9/3/2023 7:00pm City Winery St. Louis 3730 Foundry Way, Suite 158 St. Louis, MO $25.00

Trippie Redd - Take Me Away Tour 9/4/2023 7:30pm

Hollywood Casino Amphitheatre - St. Louis, MO 14141 Riverport Dr St. Louis, MO

$34.50 - $109.50

Great Artists Series ‘23 Augustin

Hadelich, violin at E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall 9/6/2023

Washington University in St. Louis 1 Brookings Dr St. Louis, MO

Edison Box Office: 314-935-6543

CeCe Winans Believe for it Tour (Tickets still available) www.cecewinans.com

10/19/23, 7pm Chaifetz Arena 1 S Compton Ave St. Louis, MO

An Evening with Al Green Live & Bettye LaVette 11/25/23

Family Arena - St. Charles 2002 Arena Parkway St. Charles, MO

FAIRS, FESTIVALS AND MARKETS

One Africa! One Nation! Farmers Market 9/2/2023 10:00am

This market season is all about buying from each other and selling to everyone, to bring commerce back into the Black commnity

O’Fallon Park Boathouse-West Florissant and Harris Ave

Wilbert Long Senior Drive St. Louis, MO Free

Tower Grove Farmers’ Market

9/2/2023 8:00am - 12:00 pm.

Tower Grove Park 4257 Northeast Drive St. Louis, MO

Tower Grove Farmers’ Market 9/5/2023 4:00pm -7:00 pm.

MUSEUMS AND ART EXHIBITS

Art to Make You Smile - a juried art event 9/1/2023 12:00pm Soulard Art Gallery St. Louis, MO

Voices of Jubilation, an UMSL Community Gospel Choir

9/5/2023 7:00pm

Free

First Friday 9/1/2023

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

This First Friday celebrates the last looks at our Spring/Summer exhibition season. 3750 Washington Blvd St. Louis, MO Free

Nothing to Hide: Mental Illness in the Family Photography Exhibition 9/1/2023

Presented by Family Diversity Projects

This exhibit seeks to dispel harmful misconceptions and myths about mental illness. On display at the Cliff Cave Branch. All Ages. Cliff Cave Branch 5430 Telegraph Rd., St. Louis, MO

Work in Progress: Justin Favela 9/5/2023 6:00pm

View upcoming exhibiting artist Justin Favela’s major mural installation in its final days of completion and join the artist in conversation with CAM Associate Curator Misa Jeffereis.

Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis

3750 Washington Blvd St. Louis, MO Free

TALKS & LECTURES

9/7/23, 9am - 4:30pm Music At The Intersection’s

Intersessions conference, in conjunction with the Kranzberg Arts Foundation! School of Communications

Webster University - Sverdrip Building 8300 Big Bend Blvd., Webster Groves Free to attend Register at Metrotix.com

(SPIRITUALITY AND RELIGION)

The Bible and The Black Man & Black Woman Seminar Tour

9/2/2023 1:00pm

Eyeseeme African American Children’s Bookstore 6951 Olive Blvd

University City, MO Free

Continued from C1

able. They are often hated and hunted by the powers that be. They are aliens, or born different, or have to deal with harsh cards dealt to them.

“They are feared, despised, shunned, and misunderstood. There isn’t a more American form of portraiture than black ‘inks’ over white, to honor those that faced this nation’s fear and loathing of the Black body.”

West wanted to create four portraits, beginning with George Floyd, and ending with Christian Cooper, an African American bird watcher in New York who was harassed by a white passerby who threatened to call the police for simply enjoying his hobby.

- Artist Marlon West

“That was going to be my ‘happy ending.’ That’s how I envisioned it,” said the animator.

“But more and more news stories about racial violence or sexually identity motivated killings were coming down the media pipeline one after another.”

West, who has a transgender son, shared how the death of Tony McDade, a transgender man, affected him. The artist could see the hurt, fear, and pain his son was experiencing. West created a portrait of McDade in honor of the LGBTQ+A community.

“That was my motivation, to sit with these images and stare at them, it was like bearing witness to what they went through,” said West.

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

Nerdy Diva is a boutique, Black woman-owned business offering world-class research, design, training, and

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Paula Coleman speaking with her cousin artist Marlon West at his opening on the campus of St.

Louis University Friday Aug. 25, 2023. The Saint Louis University Museum of Art (SLUMA) opened a provocative new exhibition by Disney Animation artist Marlon West, featuring individuals who have experienced police brutality.

Marcus Jordan is ‘dancing’ up the gospel music charts

St. Louis American staff

Gospel artist Marcus Jordan’s single “Dance” has reached the Top 20 on the Billboard Gospel Airplay list and continues a steady rise to the Top 10.

“I am truly humbled and grateful for the overwhelming support that ‘Dance’ has received,” Jordan said in a release.

“This achievement is a testament to the incredible power of music and its ability to touch the hearts of listeners. As an artist, I pour my heart and soul into every song, and to see ‘Dance’ reach #29 on the chart is a dream come true.

Jordan’s 10-year career was interrupted in January 2021 when he battled COVID-19 and pneumonia. He would spend almost two weeks in an intensive care unit “fighting for my life.”

He said despite the uncertainty that followed the near-death experience, his trust in God never wavered.

“His healing and continuous blessings serve as an inspiration for everyone to dance in praise of all that God has done,” Jordan said. Jordan released “I Will Bless the Lord,” in 2018, and his second album, “Call On the Name,” dropped in 2021 following his health scare.

The album featured his first Billboard Gospel Airplay No. 1 single, “Call On the Name,” and the song also topped the Mediabase Gospel chart.

In February 2023, Jordan released a six-song EP entitled, “My Life.” It featured his

vocals on heartfelt ballads including “Finally (The Wedding Song)” and the soulful title track “My Life,” featuring Terrance James.

Before its release, Jordan described “Dance” as a highenergy track with the intensity and excitement of high praise.

“Dance is a huge song for me,” he said.

“I challenged myself to come up with a different sound and I'm so pleased with the outcome. I hope when people hear Dance, it immediately boosts their mood and makes them want to celebrate all God is doing.

“I want to thank everyone who has been a part of this journey, from my amazing team at Marcus Jordan Music to the fans who have embraced the song with such love. This success only fuels my passion to continue creating music that inspires and uplifts, and I am excited for what the future holds.”

Marla Frederick to lead

Harvard Divinity School

Marla F. Frederick, a professor of religion and culture at Emory University, will serve as the next dean of the Harvard Divinity School, becoming the first woman to lead the school in its 207-year history, University President Claudine Gay announced Thursday afternoon.

Frederick served as a professor in Harvard’s African and African American Studies Department for 16 years before departing for Emory in 2019 where she served as a professor of religion and culture. Her Harvard tenure begins on Jan. 1, 2024.

Frederick first joined Harvard’s faculty in 2003, before receiving tenure in 2010. Her

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departure came as several Black faculty members opted to exit Harvard for peer institutions.

“It is a place bustling with conscientious faculty, staff, students, alumni and friends, who are committed to the work of justice and human flourishing informed by deep study,” Frederick told the Harvard Crimson.

“I look forward to joining the

Newly

HDS community in developing religious and civic leaders for our increasingly complex and diverse society.”

Frederick previously served as interim chair of Harvard’s Committee on the Study of Religion and as director of graduate studies and chair of the admissions committee for the Department of African American Studies.

Photo courtesy of Marcus Jordan Music

Marcus Jordan’s release “Dance” is quickly moving up the Billboard Gospel Airplay chart.

CHIEF ENGAGEMENT & BELONGING OFFICER

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is recruiting for an exceptional and inclusive leader to serve as the Chief Engagement & Belonging Officer. The CEBO will support the mission of the GSEM Council by working with the CEO and other key stakeholders to promote a strong sense of belonging for all. Apply at https:// www.girlscoutsem.org/en/ discover/our-council/careers.

html. We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

UNITED STATES PROBATION OFFICER CAREER OPPORTUNITY #2023-16ILSP

Location: East St. Louis or Benton, Illinois Closing Date: September 8, 2023

The United States Probation Office for the Southern District of Illinois has a full-time vacancy for a United States Probation Officer. Please visit the U.S. Probation and Pretrial Services Office website at http://www.ilsp.uscourts. gov and access the Human Resources tab for complete details of the position announcement and how to apply.

CHIEF FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER

Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri is recruiting for a Chief Financial Administrative Officer to join our talented team. The CFAO provides overall financial leadership and direction to the organization and is responsible for providing effective stewardship, control, and oversight of GSEM’s finances. Apply at https:// www.girlscoutsem.org/en/ discover/our-council/careers. html. We are a proud Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to apply.

LIBRARY CLERK

The St. Louis County Library is seeking applicants for a Full-time Library Clerk at our Oak Bend Branch. Responsible for shelving books and other library materials, and other clerical duties as assigned. High School Diploma or equivalent required. Schedule: Monday and Tuesdays: 1:00pm-9:15pm, Wednesday-Friday: 8:00am-4:30pm, every other Saturday and one Sunday per month. Salary $32,261, plus paid sick leave, vacation, pension plan and other benefits. Apply at https://www.slcl.org/ about-us/employment Equal Opportunity Employer.

PART TIME CHRISTIAN MUSICIAN

Bible Way Baptist Church, would like to hire a part time Christian musician to play the keyboard. The hours will be Sunday mornings and Thursday evenings. If interested please contact (217)-502-2205 or (314)-496-9616

LEGAL COUNSEL (CLERK’S OFFICE –21ST CIRCUIT)

The St. Louis County Circuit Clerk’s Office (21st Circuit) is seeking a professional individual to provide legal research, analysis, technical support, representation in hearings, and interpretation of law to Judges, Commissioners, Circuit Clerks, or other administrators, in one of the largest judicial circuits within the Missouri State Court System. Work involves the performance of a variety of legal services and technical research duties in facilitating the smooth operation of a large circuit court or division thereof. Work includes preparation of memoranda or orders for Judges or Commissioners concerning cases before them or review of court procedures, rules, or statutes for a Circuit Clerk or other administrator. Work is performed under the general supervision of a Judge, Commissioner, Circuit Clerk or administrator and is reviewed through conferences and written reports. Note: All selected individuals will be required to submit to a background check. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume, Attention: Human Resources (Legal Counsel), Circuit Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105 or apply online at: https://mocareers.mo.gov/hiretrue/mo/osca/index.html. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 314-615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format

SLDC IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is eagerly seeking candidates to join our team as we endeavor to bring economic justice to St. Louis City residents and communities that were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

There are multiple 2-4-year limited term positions available, term of employment will vary for each position.

These positions will assist in the administration and implementation of various Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Programs targeted for households, small businesses and communities adversely impacted by the pandemic.

All positions will be funded in whole or in part through an allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the US Department of the Treasury and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration.

To see the full job description of positions available and to apply online go to: http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc/ and click on “Careers at SLDC.” SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

Manager Patient Accounts Position manages account posting and/or receivable and collection activities of department to maximize income from services rendered. Provides reporting on accounts reimbursement and/or accounts receivable activity, income budget forecasting and implements service orientation for patient accounts office. Required qualifications include: Equivalent of Bachelor’s degree in related field with five or more years of experience in supervision. To apply, visit: Join WashU! (myworkdayjobs.com)

JR76711 Research Lab Supervisor - Neurology

Dr. Randall Bateman seeks a Research Lab Supervisor to oversee the Bateman Lab and SILQ Center’s lab and staff. Dr. Bateman’s laboratory focuses on the causes, diagnosis and future treatments of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and directly measures the pathology and pathophysiology of AD in humans using multiple techniques. The lab discovered and developed the first blood tests for Alzheimer’s disease now being used in the clinic and is helping to develop the next generation of treatments for AD by measuring the effects on the biology of the disease. This position encompasses multiple supervisory responsibilities including oversight of laboratory personnel, research projects, equipment and laboratory processes.

JR76589 Senior Manager Medical Education Programs - Orthopedic Surgery Manages department’s educational activities in conjunction with department administrative leadership, Program Director and/or Vice Chair for Education to advance the department’s strategic goals regarding clinical and scientific education. Provides oversight, training and education of administrative team which may include managers, residency /fellowship coordinators, assistants, etc. Ensures departmental coordination with institutional resources/stakeholders (GME Office, DBBS, etc.). Participates in professional education societies, identifies trends in educational programming and provides subject matter expertise to leadership.

JR76354 Privacy Compliance Educator - Faculty Practice Plan

The position is responsible for the development and implementation of a compliance education program which fosters privacy awareness and compliance with applicable regulations, standards and policies. Position also facilitates privacy incident reporting and investigation and assists in the prevention of breaches. Oversees, develops and delivers initial and ongoing privacy education and training to the workforce. Facilitates and promotes activities to foster privacy awareness and compliance. Provides compliance advice and guidance to all departments on privacy matters to ensure compliance with applicable regulations, standards and policies. Manages privacy incident reporting, response, mitigation and investigation processes; prevents breaches of protected health information.

JR76286 Director of Business Operations (Finance) - Pediatric Central Administration Position is responsible for managing and directing the financial affairs of all financial and system support activities within the Department of Pediatrics including management of accounting and finance personnel. Also oversees payroll operations. Prepares, creates, coordinates and prioritizes financial operations for the entire Department operating budget. Oversees the process for annual budget preparation as well as monthly and quarterly financial reporting. Compiles annual Operating and Maintenance Expense Report. Develops standard practices and procedures for finance.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR ARCHITECTURAL/ ENGINEERING ANALYSIS OF FAÇADE AND STRUCTURE OF THE COMPTON HILL WATER TOWER. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, SEPTEMBER 15, 2023 through the Bid Express online portal at: https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home?

agency=true. Request for Qualifications (RFQ) may be obtained from BPS website https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/ public-service/, under BPS RFQ and RFP Announcement, or email Board of Public Service at bryanth@stlouis-mo.gov 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

HYDRAULIC SERVICES VENDOR OF RECORD RFP 2023

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Hydraulic Services Vendor of Record RFP 2023. Bid documents are available as of 8/30/23 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace HVAC System, Project No.

E2319-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 21, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bronze Door Restoration, MO State Capitol Building, Project No. O2203-01. Statements of Qualifications by firms specializing in bronze door restoration will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, Sept. 22, 2023

Pre-qualification is required prior to bidding. Pre-qualified restoration specialists may bid the project as a General Contractor if able to perform the work of a General Contractor. General Contractors must subcontract with a pre-qualified restoration specialist. Bids will be received UNTIL 1:30 PM, Oct. 10, 2023. Specific pre-qualification and bidding documents and information regarding mandatory pre-qualification/ pre-bid meeting available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

INVITATION TO BID

Forest Park Forever, Inc. is accepting bids for the Forest Park Basketball Courts Construction Project at Forest Park Forever’s Offices, 5595 Grand Drive in Forest Park, St. Louis, Missouri 63112 until 1:00 P.M., September 29, 2023, at which time they will be opened and read aloud. Bids must be in a sealed envelope marked “Forest Park Basketball Courts Construction Project”

Bid documents are posted on Forest Park Forever’s website at https://www.forestparkforever.org/bids Forest Park Forever, Inc. reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Thursday, September 7, 2023, at 10:00 a.m. at the Project Site, located on the north side of the Visitor and Education Center at 5595 Grand Drive in Forest Park.

Questions regarding the bid documents should be directed to Russ Volmert, Capital Projects Manager at Forest Park Forever. All questions to be sent electronically to rvolmert@forestparkforever.org Phone calls will not be allowed nor returned.

REQUEST FOR BIDS UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – ST. LOUIS WELCOME AND ALUMNI CENTER

Interface Construction Corporation is seeking Subcontractor/Supplier bid proposals for UMSL Project Number SC008238, Welcome & Alumni Center. The project consists of extensive renovations and an addition to the existing building as well as enhanced parking, landscape and site amenities. Bids for this work are due to Interface Construction by 12:00 noon on September 20, 2023. For further information or to receive an electronic version of the bidding documents please contact Mr. Jim Quindry of Interface at 314/522-1011 or email (preferred) at jimq@interfacestl.com There is a Supplier Diversity Participation goal of 25% MBE; 10% WBE,DBE and Veteran; 3% SDVE for this project.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St.

INVITATION TO BID

E.M. Harris Construction Company (EMH) seeks subcontractor bids for Marquette Homes Part 4 located at 3600 S. Grand, St. Louis, MO 63118. Scope of work involves renovation of a 3-story historic building, including, but not limited to, selective demolition, masonry restoration, roofing, carpentry, MEP, drywall, interior finishes, and appliances. Minority and Women Business Enterprises and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to bid. All workers must be OSHA 10 certified. EMH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Project plans and specifications are available for viewing online through an invitation to bid. All bids due to EMH office by 5 pm, Friday, September 15, 2023. Project contact: Phil Krull pkrull@emharris.com or fax 314-436–6691.

PARTY RENTAL VENDOR OF RECORD RFP 2023

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Party Rental Vendor of Record RFP 2023. Bid documents are available as of 8/30/23 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

PARIC Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: BADEN SCHOOL APARTMENTS located at 8724 Halls Ferry Rd. St. Louis, MO

The project consists of the renovation of the historic building into 50 Apartments. We are currently soliciting bids for the following scopes: DEMOLITION, CONCRETE, CEMENTITIOUS FILL, MASONRY RESTORATION, STONE, STRUCTURAL STEEL, WATERPROOFING, ROOFING, SHINGLES, FIRESTOPPING, SHEET METAL FLASHING AND TRIM, LATH AND PLASTER, INTERIOR FINISHES, EARTHWORK, PAVING, FENCES AND GATES, PLANTS / LANDSCAPING, SITE UTILITIES. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link. If you do not received a bid invitation please send your company information to tlalexander@paric.com.

A PREBID meeting will be held on 8/8/23 at 1:00pm at the project site Questions / RFI’s are due to Paric by August 25th, 2023 BIDS WILL BE DUE ON September 6th, 2023 @ 11:00am

Send all questions to Andrew Kalicak (AKalicak@paric.com) or Michael Skalski (MSkalski@paric.com)

Job will have prevailing wage requirements

Goals for Construction Business Enterprise

• 21% African American

• 11% Women

• .5% Asian American

• .5 2% Hispanic American

Goals for Workforce (field) participation

• 25% Minority

• 7% Women

• 20% Apprentice

• 23% City of St Louis Resident

All bids should be delivered to PARIC via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636561-9501).

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Paved Trail Repair, Weston Bend State Park, Weston, MO, Project No. X211701 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 9/14/23 Bidders must be registered to bid. This is an equal opportunity bidding event and MBE/ WBE firms are encouraged to respond. Federal funds are being used in the project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply. Projectinformation available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Hanley Hills is requesting bids for concrete patch replacement of its streets. Sealed Bids are due September 29, 2023, 4:30 pm.

Bid packages are available at Hanley Hills City Hall, 7713 Utica Drive, Hanley Hills, MO 63133 and on Hanley Hills’ website, Thevillageofhanleyhills.com

REQUEST

FOR PROPOSALS FOR THE STLCC MERAMEC MO

PROJECT

Clayco, Inc. is seeking bids for the MECHANICAL / ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT BID PACKAGE (this is for equipment only)

Please contact John Sabo, saboj@claycorp.com to request a set of plans/ specifications and/or more information about this project.

BIDS DUE ON 08/31/23 @ 10:00 AM.

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership and its affiliates (the “Partnership”) issue a Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) from architectural and engineering firms for various projects in 2023- 2024, including projects at the Helix Center and MET Center. This is an “Open” RFQ to which the Partnership may refer as projects become available but shall not obligate the Partnership to issue a contract. The Partnership will accept submissions on a rolling basis. The RFQ may be obtained at https://stlpartnership.com/ rfp-rfq/ St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

ROOMS FOR RENT

$400-$440/mo Utilities, Cable, Internet Included, Near Busline 314-327-3042

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 Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

Evolution

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Louis duo The Knuckles. They were featured among the lineup that also included Brittany Howard and Punk Lady Apple.

The stunning attendance numbers of the festival – which was produced by Joe Litvag and Steve Schankman – are even more impressive when the storm with heavy rains that delayed the first night of performances is factored in.

“The most important goal in our first year was to build a sense of community that our entire city and state could rally around,” said Schankman following Sunday’s close.

“I know we accomplished that, but we’ve only just begun. There will be even more to look forward to when Evolution Festival returns in 2024.”

Business

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is growing musically,” said Williams.

Waters said, “What we are offering is needed right now right here in St. Louis.”

He added he wants to give students the kind of training Berry Gordy provided for artists at Motown, and “groom them into musical superstars.”

He calls stage presence “a must,” and the former athlete applies the same energy on stage as he would on the football field.

“I go big, I go hard. If I’m not hurting after my performance then that

One moment proved that the objective of the Evolution Festival was accomplished – and exceeded expectations.

As The Knuckles concluded their set, the crowd roared thunderously with applause. It is fair to say that their set served as an introduction of the duo to a vast majority of festival goers. And yet, they were greeted with headliner energy with respect to engagement and applause for the duration of their performance.

“The different types of music that they have here is bringing out a whole big group of diverse people, festivalgoer Chi Chi McDonald told KSDK.com.

The Knuckles member Aloha Mi-Sho was so overwhelmed by the audience’s gesture that once she hit her last note, she turned around to face the DJ booth, put her hand over her heart and whispered, “oh my God,” signaling a moment of

means I didn’t give it my all,” he said.

He says Beyonce “is by far not the best singer in the industry, but she is one of the top performers, and that is what gives her superstar status.

He wants students to bring that dedication and stamina to the stage.

Media training is essential because “so many young artists don’t have [it] or use [it.].”

“Many cause their own demise because they simply don’t know what to say or do when interacting with the media. Social media is such a powerful tool, one mistake can go viral in a matter of minutes,” he said.

Williams said he has seen the good, the bad, and

utter disbelief. She was so moved that she hopped over and wrapped her arms around bandmate Rockwell Knuckles for a quick, but tender embrace as they took their final bow.

“We did what we wanted to do, which was give something to St. Louis,” Schankman said. “Tishaura Jones, the mayor of St. Louis, said this is a gift to St. Louis.”

Litvag said the two days of Evolution accomplished the event’s mission.

“We all had one vision in mind, which was to create an atmosphere that had a great vibe to make people feel welcome and part of a family,” he said.

“Walking around the site both days and talking to fans, the positivity was really palpable.”

Alvin Reid of the St. Louis American, and content partners KSDK.com and St. Louis Public Radio contributed to this report

the ugly of the industry.

“Music over the years has turned into a marketing tool. There is no such thing as bad publicity, what I’m going to teach is how to take that mistake and learn from it while making money off of it,” he said.

“Everybody’s journey in the music game is different, there is no blueprint to this, to making it big.

“But my hope is to make sure that we teach each artist that walks through that door the things I had to learn the hard way so they won’t make those same mistakes.”

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.