August 8th, 2024 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Bell tops Bush in contentious Congressional primary

Bell: "The voters have made their voices heard.”

By Ashley Winters St. Louis American

St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell won the Democratic nomination for the 1st Congressional District in a race that became the second-most expensive House battle in history.

Bell spoke at the Marriott Hotel in downtown St. Louis after he was declared the projected winner..

With bells ringing throughout the ballroom, Bell said, “I believe that running a positive message is the way to win. Running a campaign on the issues is what I do.

“We have to pay attention to the political discourse and pay attention to what we say and how we say it.”

Speaking on his accomplishments, Bell said he expanded diversion programs for mental health and substance abuse and created a conviction incident review office unit to review wrongful allegations.

Bell ended his speech by saying, “At the end of the day we need to move this region forward and we gone do it together, y’all.” Bell made history in 2018 when he became the first African American to

See BELL, A6

Cori Bush on Tuesday night in downtown St. Louis.

Story Stitchers, artists honor Brown Jr. legacy

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

On Aug. 9, 2014, the St. Louis region was rocked to its core after the killing of Michael Brown Jr. at the hands of former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson. Communities across the city and county lines were faced with the truth about systemic racism that had boiled over into the streets of the small North County suburb of Ferguson.

n Over the years artists have built an archive of Black voices from 2014 about Ferguson and Michael Brown Jr.’s death.

For 10 years, grassroots organizations and local activists have put their boots on the ground – literally and figuratively –to undo decades of systemic oppression that have crippled Black and brown communities across the region.

Local youth organization Story Stitchers is honoring Michael Brown Jr. at its 10th annual Youth Empowerment Summit from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. August 9 at the Zack Theater.

Over the years artists have built an archive of Black voices from 2014 about Ferguson and Michael Brown Jr.’s death.

The summit, which is for ages 15 through 25, is a four-hour program that celebrates the five pillars of Hip-Hop–the five pillars are MCing, DJing, Graffiti,

‘Love of skin’ is a STL Contouring

Story Stitcher’s John House IV, Brandon Willis and Keith Brown were on the turntables on Monday July 29, 2024 in preparation for the 10th annual Youth Empowerment Summit on August 9 at the Zack Theater.

Knowledge, and Breaking, Graffiti with Stan Chisholm, MC-ing with DJ Ntegrity, DJ-ing with BlueBeatz, and Breaking with Domo and Rich Grzelka.

The knowledge part of the program is dedicated to Michael Brown Jr. and his family. There will be an over-

view of what happened on Aug. 9, to explain to the teens who were young kids 10 years ago how Brown’s death helped shape the narrative of living in a post-racial era. Keith Brown, a Central Visual

Bush: "There’s some other work I need to do."

By Sylvester Brown, Jr. St. Louis American

“Hey, hey, the Blues is alright…” It seemed local bluesman Marquise Knox’s decision to sing Little Milton’s “The Blues Is Alright” was the right choice at the right time of the evening. Knox served as entertainment for Congresswoman Cori Bush’s election night watch party. By 10:00 pm, the buoyant atmosphere where attendees enjoyed free drinks, a soul food buffet and impromptu line dancing had transformed into a somber affair with those same participants dabbing napkins at moist eyes, shaking disappointed heads or simply standing in a crowd of stunned silence.

By 10:15 p.m., the Associated Press had called the race for Bush’s opponent, Wesley Bell. Unofficial results with all precincts reporting showed the St. Louis County prosecutor had won about 51% of the vote or about 63,000 votes. Bush had been trailing Bell all day but by late evening, she jumped to about 56,500 votes or 46%, but wasn’t able to diminish Bell’s lead.

Kamala Harris to dance with Walz

By Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis American

Kamala Harris’ presidential campaign reported that it raised $36 million in the 24 hours after Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) was added to the ticket. Campaign officials called it “one of our best fundraising days of the cycle and a reflection of enthusiasm among Democrats about the vice president’s choice of Walz as her running mate.” Walz is a former teacher and football coach, which Harris hopes appeals to voters throughout America – especially in the Midwest.

“Coach Walz and I may hail from different corners of this great country. But our values are the same,” Harris said during a rally in Philadelphia on Tuesday. Tim has continued to fight for working families. He secured paid leave for workers in Minnesota. And he refused as governor, to allow any student in their public schools to go hungry, so he made school breakfast and lunch free for every child.” Walz used his first national platform energize supporters and lace into Donald Trump.

See HARRIS, A6

Photo by Sophie Proe / St. Louis Public Radio

St. Louis Prosecutor Wesley Bell hugs Rabbi Jeffrey Abraham after finding out he defeated U.S. Rep.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Are Devin Booker and Suni Lee an Olympics couple?

Suni Lee and Devin Booker sparked romance rumors after the Team USA athletes were spotted on a night out in Paris together, reports The Mail Online.

The gymnast and the NBA star, who are both competing in the 2024 Olympic Games, were all smiles while posing for a snap together in the City of Love.

Booker shared the pic to his Instagram Story on Monday, which showed him wrapping his arm around the gold medalist.

The 27-year-old Phoenix Suns player cut a casual figure in a white tee, black trousers, dress shoes and a black beanie.

He tagged Lee in the photo, and added a goat emoji.

‘Please let this be a thing,’ one fan

commented.

‘I NEEEEED THEM TO FALL IN LOVE,’ another chimed in.

‘omg omg i am totally manifesting this !!!!!love it,’ a third wrote.

‘How cute are they?!’ another fan added, while someone else echoed the sentiment, ‘oooohhh they look cute together!’

Chris Brown reunites with his singer ‘twin’ Kehlani after their suicide attempt

Despite backlash after alleging singer Kehlani attempted suicide for sympathy, Chris Brown has now proclaimed her his “twin” in a recent selfie together.’

Only the accusation was explicit. The reasoning for chiming in was not. It is speculated Chris Brown

denounced her to show his faulty interpretation of support for his friend Kyrie Irving. The day before Kehlani’s suicide attempt, rumors spread that she had an affair with an ex.

“There is no attempting suicide,” Brown posted on X in March 2016. “Stop flexing for the gram. Doing s–t for sympathy so the comments under your pics don’t look so bad.”

“Today I wanted to leave this earth,” she wrote in a since-deleted Instagram post. “Being completely selfish for once. Never thought I’d get to such a low point.”

Kehlani was hospitalized and placed under a psychiatric hold.

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Simone Biles sends crushing crticism to MyKayla Skinner

Olympic legend Simone Biles brought her exchanging jabs with her ex-United States teammate, MyKayla Skinner, to the forefront when she posted on her social media pages, “Lack of talent, lazy, Olympic champions.” The

posts quickly went viral and became one of the most liked posts on social media that week on X. Skinner threw a jab in a since-deleted YouTube video without justification, rhyme, or reason. “Besides Simone, I feel like the talent and the depth just isn’t what it used to be,” she said. “I mean, obviously, many girls don’t work as hard. The girls just don’t have the work ethic.”

The backlash toward Skinner’s words came flooding in. Therefore, the backtracking was imminent, and she posted an apology to her social media pages.

Despite Skinner’s attempt to isolate Biles from the criticism, retired silver medal winner Skinner made her profile not visible to Biles.

When Biles became aware, she posted on X, “Oop, I’ve been blocked,” which received more than 680k likes.

Predictably, the official Wendy’s account stepped in.

“Her feed is just gonna be empty… she’s blocked everyone,” @Wendy’s posted.

Fellow gymnast McKayla Maroney reacted to Biles’s post.

“She f’d around n found out fr.” MetroUK

Suni Lee & Devin Booker

Kehlani

“There’s so much great potential in north county.”

- Shalonda Webb, STL County Council chair, following her re-election victory over Rochelle Walton Gray

A new club for St. Louis: Books & Bonnets

By Ashley Winters The St. Louis American

Growing up as an only child LaParis Hawkins had a lot of time to herself and reading was one of her favorite pastimes. For Hawkins, reading wasn’t just something to do because she was bored – it was truly a treat.

As founder of Books & Bonnets, Hawkins is looking forward to hosting this month’s book club meeting at the St. Louis County Library Florissant Valley branch conference room where she’ll continue her mission to make reading a treat for kids and adults.

“The book club is expanding so much,” Hawkins said. “I’ve always been an avid reader, I’ve always been into literature. It’s your treat for an hour or so for the day.’’

The Books & Bonnets founder wants to provide an escape for bookworms. Her hobby carried her into high school where she was the school’s newspaper and yearbook editor. She attended the University of Missouri to pursue her degree in English. Soon after graduation, she moved to New York where she worked at Essence Magazine in the beauty department.

“Literature has always been a part of my trajectory,” Hawkins said. This month’s read is a steamy hot girl summer manual, ‘ Curvy Girl Summer,’ by Danielle Allen. Readers will see a full picture of Aaliyah, a young woman looking for love before her 30th birthday. Compared to previous book choices for the book club ‘Curvy Girl Summer’ is a little more risque but she’s thrilled to hear everyone’s take on the book.

Hawkins started Books & Bonnets in February of this year looking for her people – bookworms who can get lost in a book for hours. The actual journey that led up to her book club began during the COVID-19 Pandemic when she stepped out on faith and started her business making custom-made bonnets. Her initial plan for Tailored Pieces was to create a community around her brand. Moving back to St. Louis she noticed she wasn’t reading as much as she did in New York. That downshift was likely because she no longer

n “And it took some faith to do so because when she told people about her idea she was met with nay-sayers telling her ‘Black people in

don’t read.’”

had the one-hour train rides on her daily schedule. She longed to connect to a community that felt like her, that was tailored to her.

“So I created Books & Bonnets;

it just makes sense,” Hawkins said.

Her willingness to step out on faith wasn’t without nay-sayers who kept telling her that “‘Black people in St. Louis don’t read.’’ But she set that negative noise aside and did what she needed to do to successfully launch Books & Bonnets.

“This is the most fulfilling I’ve felt in the last five years,” said Hawkins. At her book club meetups, women share their personal stories and how they resonated with the characters in the book. Reminiscing back to

the beginning of the year, “Every month the book club kept growing and growing,” she said. Her childhood was filled with books and conversations about Terri McMillan, who Hawkins has met many times. Her mom and aunts read McMillan’s books, and she remembers the community the famed author’s books brought together. “I remember how much Black women championed her; they felt heard and seen in her books,” she added. “Having a book club is woven into the fabric of who I am today.”

The Books & Bonnets book club founder wants to replicate that same energy for Black women today. Bringing in that same energy includes not policing Black women who wear bonnets. “Black women are so connected to our hair, it’s a right of passage,” she said. She wants to break the negative narrative about bonnets being ghetto. “This is my way of telling people to come as they are. As Black women, we are so used to people policing us that we have started to police other individuals,” she said. Hawkins hopes Books & Bonnets will continue to grow and she plans to incorporate Black sci-fi authors like Octavia Butler. “I want to explore different genres,” she said. Also, she wants Books & Bonnets to expand into a non-profit to have a program for the St. Louis Public School District, creating a safe space for Black women and girls.

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

Photo By Wiley Price I St. Louis American

LaParis Hawkins the founder of Book & Bonnets book club photographed at the main library downtown Thu. Aug. 1, 2024.

St. Louis on eve of 2014 uprising anniversary Commentary

Ferguson 10 years after the police killing of Mike Brown

“For the Sake of All,” was a troubling and depressing landmark report issued in May 2019 that was led by Dr. Jason Q. Purnell, then a professor at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University. The health and well-being of African Americans in St. Louis economic, education, and health disparities and their impact were considered together in the report. In a story by Chris King, who was then an editor at the St. Louis American, the report was cited as “a canary in the coal mine of the Ferguson uprising that erupted less than three months after the release of the report, mostly poor, mostly grieving, mostly Black people took to the streets of Ferguson unexpectedly stayed there for more than a year.”

This activism made many more people aware of and angered by the many persistent inequalities in the St. Louis region. It was these protests and the unrest in Ferguson that created a new generation of Black activists. Thousands took to the streets as these young activists, whose parents and even grandparents were born after the Civil Rights Movement of the 1960s, awakened what seemed to be a thing of the past.

The response to the killing of an unarmed teenager, Michael Brown and its aftermath became a pivotal point in how the country talks about race and policing. Ferguson was where Black Lives Matter evolved from a Twitter hashtag into a potent political movement, beyond a single moment in the news story around the Brown killing and its grimy details that unfortunately were not that unusual. However, it was the Ferguson story and the community’s enraged response that changed how the media ecosystem dealt with stories about police violence in working class Black neighborhoods. An extract from On the Other Side of Freedom by Deray McKesson reflects a perspective that explains the intention and determination of those courageous young people. “We chose protest as a matter of survival. When we protest, we are simply

individuals coming together to use power and activate hope. I have yet to meet a protestor rallying against a reality that she didn’t think she could change. From those first days in Ferguson to today, that is what the protests have done all over the country. People have been reminded that they have power, that they must stand in their power and when they do, they can change the world.”

In her recent report “Ferguson Then Now and Hope for the Future,” St. Louis American reporter, Ashley Winters writes that, “10 years after the unrest that faced the small North County suburb, Mayor Ella James has indelible scars. Of course there are scars, that’s the way of life. You are going to fall but you must determine how you’re going to get up and brush yourself off. That’s what Ferguson is in the process of doing,” Jones said.

She believes Ferguson’s story is a story of resilience, hope, and progress.

Anissa McCaskill, Forward Through Ferguson executive director, says, “that for the St. Louis region to achieve racial equality we must continue with the process of dismantling generational systemic oppression. Ferguson brought to light how isolated that community was so it’s an ongoing process even though progress has been made and the complete shift won’t happen in 10 years. Since the killing of Michael Brown and the subsequent community response, there are still demands unmet.

Still, we can take pride and feel hope in the community’s refusal to accept continued injustice and inequality. Black Americans have endured these burdens far too long. While we have seen some modest changes, the long shadow of the Ferguson tragedy lingers on. Dr. Purnell maintains that despite the wide acclaim for the report’s findings in 2014, little has changed. Moreover, he feels that in many ways things have gotten worse.

Since there is so much that remains to be done, there continues to be a need for a plan of action to ensure more is done to bring racial justice and equality to Ferguson and similar Black communities across this country.

This commentary concludes the threepart series “Ferguson 10 years after” by St. Louis American staff. Read the entire series at stlamerican.com.

Walz brings ‘Big Dad energy’ to campaign

By Keith Boykin

I was in Philadelphia for Kamala Harris’s campaign rally where she introduced running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, and the energy was electric. Harris made Walz’s choice official on Monday and I couldn’t be more excited. Who is Tim Walz? He’s a small-town boy who grew up working on a farm. A patriot who joined the National Guard and served for 20 years. A high school social studies teacher. A high school football coach. A veteran. A hunter, a gun owner, and a skilled marksman. A Midwesterner who knows rural America. He’s the type of man Republicans claim to love, but unlike the men who lead today’s Republican Party, Walz has a heart.

Walz is pro-union, supports a strong minimum wage, and voted for President Obama’s Affordable Care Act when he served in Congress. And unlike the coach stereotype, he had the courage to serve as the faculty adviser for the student LGBTQ group on campus. He’s funny on the stump, but he’s a great attack dog. And he means business. Walz appointed Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison to prosecute Derek Chauvin, the Minneapolis police officer who murdered George Floyd. But even though progressives love him, he doesn’t come across as threatening to middle America.

“And in 91 days,” as Harris said today, “the nation will know Coach Walz by another name: Vice President of the United States.”

As soon as Walz was announced, independent progressive Bernie Sanders endorsed him on the left, and conservative Joe Manchin endorsed him on the right. Do you know how hard that is to get those two to agree on anything? That’s like a Nobel Peace Prize in Democratic politics. Heck, even AOC endorsed him.

Walz helps heal the party and avoids a big conflict at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago over Gaza. He keeps the momentum going for Harris, and he matches her joyful energy.

But isn’t he another old white guy?

Um, hello. Tim Walz, Kamala Harris, and I are all about the same age. We were born 16 months apart. And all of us are younger than Barack Obama. So, in my biased opinion, he’s still a young guy. Yes, he looks a lot older than Kamala and me, but we all know black don’t crack. And actually, his avuncular appearance and relatable life story make him much more appealing to the voters Harris needs to win the battleground states like Michigan, Wisconsin, and Pennsylvania. Comparing JD Vance to Walz is like a “matchup between the varsity team and the JV squad,” Harris said today. I know some people wanted other candidates, and they all had different assets. Mark Kelly is an astronaut. Pete Buttigieg is a great communicator. Josh Shapiro is hugely popular in the critical state of Pennsylvania. And originally, I wanted Andy Beshear, the youthful governor of Kentucky. But in the past few weeks of watching him campaign for Harris, Walz won me over. “You’ve legalized recreational marijuana, you passed universal background checks on guns, you expanded LGBTQ protections, you implemented tuition-free college for low-income Minnesotans. There’s free breakfast and lunch for school kids,” Jake Tapper said to him in a recent CNN interview

Walz didn’t skip a beat. “What a monster,” he said. “Kids are having full bellies so they can learn.” He didn’t shy away from his record. He firmly defended it. Walz balances the ticket, and his energy matches Kamala’s. As Walz said in Philadelphia, “Thank you for bringing back the joy.”

Many of you don’t know who Tim Walz is, but trust me, when you see him in the next few weeks, you will not be disappointed. Kamala Harris made a bold choice in picking Walz. Now let’s go win.

“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between St. Louis native Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.

Commentary

A blueprint for Democracy’s demise

By Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson

Trump is “America’s Hitler.”

Those aren’t my words. They’re the words of Donald Trump’s running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance.

That’s what he and many others used to say about Trump before they succumbed to his influence. Now, they’re proclaiming their loyalty by bowing down and kissing the ring of an insurrection inciter, a racist, a sex predator, a twice-impeached, fourtime indicted, now convicted felon, and former disgrace of a President.

Journalist and historian Anne Applebaum aptly noted, “Often, for autocrats, the second time in power is worst.” That’s a chillingly accurate description of what we’d face with Trump, especially with the tyrannical policies in Project 2025.

Project 2025 is a 920-page blueprint for a second Trump term, straight out of a dystopian novel. It’s packed with the horrifying policies MAGA Republicans dream of imposing.

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educator and school principal, I find this vile and inexcusable.

Project 2025 also wants students in public high schools to take a military entrance exam in an effort to draft them into the military. However, it leaves private school kids untouched.

The cherry on top? They’re hell-bent on banning abortion and restricting access to birth control and Plan B. As someone who knew life before Roe v. Wade and almost died from a stillbirth, we simply cannot go back.

It’s the MAGA Republicans’ plan to take control of this country and our lives.

It demolishes checks and balances, tramples personal liberties, and outlines a Trump power grab ripped from a dictator’s playbook.

Trump wants to fire up to one million people in the federal government and replace serving with a bunch of extreme MAGA Republicans who would do Trump’s bidding instead of the American people and the Constitution.

And let’s talk about your wallet because you can forget about that with Project 2025. MAGA Republicans want to increase taxes on the middle class, gut social security for young Americans, slash Medicare, let employers stop paying overtime, and more.

They also aim to obliterate the Department of Education and eliminate the Head Start program. As a former Head Start

Trump knows this plan is insane and unpopular, and has recently tried to distance himself from Project 2025, claiming he knows nothing about it.

But Project 2025 is crawling with former Trump officials and cabinet members.

All MAGA Republicans are trying to do now is lie about Project 2025 so they can win the election and begin to implement this draconian plan—just like authoritarians in other countries did when trying to grab onto power. But we cannot ignore their true vile intentions.

So, what’s next?

Trump used his first term to destroy the guardrails of democracy, stack the courts with loyalists, and make the truth seem like “fake news.”

While our democracy survived a first Trump term, it won’t survive a second one.

Don’t take my word for it. Trump said he will become “a dictator on day one.” This isn’t just a scare tactic by Democrats; it’s simply what Trump has already told us will happen if he wins. So, believe him when he says he’ll be a dictator. There is simply too much at stake to focus on anything other than the choice we have in this election: democracy or dictatorship.

I’m choosing democracy every day.

Congresswoman Frederica S. Wilson represents Florida’s 24th Congressional District.

Guest Columnist Keith Boykin

Photo by Lawrence Bryant | St. Louis American

Raptivist Tef Poe with a group of young protesters during the National March on Ferguson Saturday morning, Aug. 30, 2014.

Guest Columnist Frederica S. Wilson

room on Monday August 5, 2024, in Maryland Heights, Missouri. The region’s blood supply is ‘dangerously low’ because of the extreme heat and that donors are traditionally busy with summer activities.

Black blood donors needed in region, nationwide

St. Louis American

The American Red Cross announced on Monday August 5, 2024, that St. Louis and the nation are experiencing a critical blood shortage. According to the Red Cross, the national blood supply had a staggering decrease of over 25% in July.

Factors for the blood shortage include the extreme heat and storms in this region and other parts of the country leading to blood drive cancellations.

The seasonal drop in blood donations because prospective and repeat donors are busy with summer activities is also contributing to the shortage.

Black blood donors are particularly important to patients with rare blood types who often need blood donated by someone with a similar race or ethnicity.

For example, one in three African American blood donors are a match for people living with sickle cell disease.

Donors with Type O blood are the most needed right now, according to the Red Cross. Type O is the most common blood type, meaning that most people in need of blood will need type O blood.

Also, those with an O negative blood type are “universal donors,” meaning their donations can be used in transfusions for any patient with any blood type.

Donors can schedule an appointment through the Red Cross Blood Donor App, by visiting redcrossblood. org or calling 1-800-RED CROSS

(1-800-733-2767). Volunteers who donate before Sept. 1, 2024, will receive a $20 Amazon.com gift card via email. For more information, please visit RedCrossBlood.org/Help

Keeping innocent people in prison

By Kenya Brumfield-Young

On Tuesday, July 30, 2024 Christopher Dunn walked out of a courthouse in St. Louis a free man after serving 34 years for a murder he did not commit.

A week prior, Dunn was only 50 feet from freedom, dressed in a suit he picked out for himself, after a St. Louis Circuit Court judge ordered his immediate release. However, he remained incarcerated as Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey fought to keep him in prison. This situation raises critical questions about the attorney general’s commitment to ensuring true justice for all Missourians.

Dunn was convicted in 1991 of first-degree murder based mainly on the testimony of two eyewitnesses, age 12 and 14, who have since recanted, claiming they were coerced. Despite mounting evidence of his innocence and a judge’s order citing “actual innocence,” the Missouri Attorney General’s Office vehemently opposed his release. This opposition is not an isolated incident but part of a troubling pattern of practice in Missouri’s criminal justice landscape. The case of Sandra Hemme highlights the same issue. Hemme was released after 43 years in prison when her conviction for a deadly stabbing was overturned.

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office repeatedly challenged her release, leading to a judge reprimanding the office for instructing prison officials to defy court orders. Judge Ryan Horsman criticized the Missouri Attorney General’s Office for calling the warden and telling prison officials not to release Hemme after he had ordered her to be freed on her own recognizance.

In Dunn’s case, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office attempted to file an appeal. The Missouri Supreme Court ultimately ruled that while the circuit court could cancel Dunn’s conviction, it couldn’t let him go without giving prosecutors the chance to retry him. St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore then dropped the charges against Dunn, resulting in his immediate release.

This resistance from Missouri’s attorney general is nothing new.

In 2003, the Missouri Attorney General’s Office, under the direction of Democrat Jay Nixon, argued that Joe Amrine, a man fighting for his innocence, should be executed in the name of finality. When asked by state Supreme Court Justice Laura Denvir Stith if Amrine should be executed even if found actually innocent, Assistant Attorney General Frank Jung affirmed that stance.

Amrine was eventually exonerated and released.

The Attorney General’s Office must focus on upholding justice, not merely securing and maintaining convictions. Upholding justice means ensuring the innocent are freed and the actual perpetrators are held accountable. When people are wrongly convicted, there is no justice for the original victims, whose cases remain unsolved. True justice for victims includes acknowledging judicial errors and recognizing that those wrongfully imprisoned are victims, too.

These types of legal gymnastics prove even more dire for people like Marcellus Williams, who is scheduled to be executed on Sept. 24. The St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney reviewed new DNA evidence and filed a motion to vacate Williams’s conviction, believing the results proved by clear and convincing evidence that Williams did not commit the crime that put him on death row.

The Missouri Attorney General’s Office must ensure justice for all Missourians. Clinging to convictions in the face of clear evidence of innocence undermines the duty of the office. It prioritizes past decisions over present truths, erodes public trust in the justice system, and fails to correct miscarriages of justice.

Achieving justice means more than upholding convictions. It means righting wrongs and ensuring that the wrongly incarcerated and victims of unsolved cases see true justice.

Kenya Brumfield-Young is an assistant criminology and criminal justice professor at St. Louis University.

Red Cross blood manufacturing technician Delaysia Henry files blood samples in a nearly empty

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

Kenya BrumfieldYoung

Continued from A1

“We need you, each and every one of you,” Walz said.

“You came here tonight to sit at the very top [in the stands] because you love this country, and you’re not going back.” Walz then went on the offensive, and his remarks received thunderous applause.

Bush

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supporter said before exiting the event.

The anguished enthusiast was obviously referring to Bell receiving an estimated $10.7 million in campaign donations and solicitations from the American Israel Public Affairs Committee (AIPAC), a powerful pro-Israel lobby that targeted Bush for her views on the Israel-Hamas war. The battle between Bell and Bush was one of the

Bell

Continued from A1

serve as the St. Louis County prosecuting attorney unseating 28-year incumbent Bob McCulloch.

Bell is immediately a heavy favorite over Republican Andrew Jones.

Bell has stated he plans to “work across the aisle,” to bridge the community with law enforcement.

The prosecutor told Missourinet that Missourians need more

Brown

Continued from A1

“Trump weakens our economy to strengthen his own hand. He mocks our laws. He sows chaos and division, and that’s to say nothing of his record as president. He froze in the

most expensive primary races in the nation’s history.

The two other Democrats running in Tuesday’s race, former state legislator Maria Chappelle-Nadal and educator Ron Harshaw, garnered about 3% of the vote. Because the 1st District is heavily Democratic, the primary winner is expected to win on Nov. 5.

The 1st Congressional District covers St. Louis city and parts of north, central and west St. Louis County. Last night, NBC News’ Steve Kornacki

people in Washington D.C. and Jefferson City who are willing to work together, adding that compromise shouldn’t be “a dirty word.”

Bell said that Cori Bush does not own the District

One seat, her constituents do. Bush was very outspoken on her opinions about the war in Gaza calling the Israeli Prime Minister a “war criminal”, however, in that same interview Bell said that Bush’s comments were uninformed and dangerous.

Records show that Missouri’s First

Performing Arts High School senior, loves the music and dance programs Story Stitchers offers. He describes it as a place where he can express his art. The aspiring Hip-Hop and Jazz dancer thinks there is a disconnect

face of the Covid crisis,” Walz said.

“He drove our economy into the ground. And make no mistake, violent crime was up under Donald Trump — that’s not even counting the crimes that he committed.”

Walz provides the ticket with a diverse and extensive background.

broke down the demographic differences in St. Louis that may have contributed to Bush’s loss.

Bush won in high single digits in the city with 52.7% (or 25,902 votes), whereas Bell captured 44.3 of those votes (or 44.3%). In the county, which includes several suburban municipalities, Bell won 55.7% (or 44,554 votes) compared to Bush’s 41.0% (or 30,590) according to Kornacki’s estimates.

Bush is the second member of the so-called “Squad” of progressive democrats who lost reelections largely due to mon-

Congressional seat, representing the St. Louis region, is home to a large Jewish population.

Supporters at the watch party Johnny King and Adrianne King are in agreement with how Bell plans to improve the 1st Congressional District. “He did a major reform in Ferguson,” said Johnny King. Johnny King believes Bell having a seat in Washington D.C. can help St. Louis lower crime rates and implement policies to help those with mental illness. Adriane King feels that Bell is

between Black youth and the police. He was taught not to interact with law enforcement, that they wouldn’t protect him, and that he couldn’t trust them.

“I know not all police

His career spans over two decades in the Army National Guard, including deployment overseas after the 9/11 attacks and a dedicated period as an educator and coach. His political journey began with a surprising victory over a six-term Republican incumbent in 2006, during a Democratic wave year.

etary support from pro-Israeli political groups. In June, New York Rep. Jamaal Bowman was defeated by almost 17% by Democrat George Latimer, who was heavily supported by AIPAC.

A bit after Knox reassured the crowd “The blues was alright,” Bush and her entourage took the stage underscoring that theme. After a laborious introduction from her husband, Cortney Merritt, Bush, dressed in a white pants suit, defiantly vowed to fight on.

“Pulling me away from my position as congress-

more present with the community, he will take this position seriously not just be on TV. Johnny King said once Bell is elected to that seat he will have more access to better resources to help those he will serve in his district.

“When you look into the layers of what’s being done in St. Louis he’s delivering for St. Louis and I know he’ll do that when he gets into office,” said Bell supporter Terry Watkins Jr. When talking about Cori Bush’s record the Wesley Bell supporter said that during her time

are bad, but some of my peers don’t understand that,” he said. Brown added he wants to help bridge that gap between police and young people.

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Walz maintained his seat in a typically red district until he ran for governor in 2018, after which the seat reverted to GOP control.

As governor, Walz’s accomplishments include ensuring tuition-free meals at state universities, enshrining abortion rights into state law, banning conversion therapy, and protecting gender-affirming healthcare. Recently, he defended those measures against right-wing criticism, emphasizing the importance of accessible healthcare and education.

woman…all you did was take some of the strings off,” Bush declared to responsive cheers. “Now what they gonna see is this other Cori. What happened means it was supposed to happen. What happened means there’s some other work I need to do.”

Pacing the stage like a Gucci-dressed panther on the prowl, Bush said she’s been radicalized even more. “I ain’t scared. The issue is my people not getting what they need and at the end of the day-whether I’m congresswoman or not-I’m still taking care of my people.”

in office, she has missed over 180 important votes, Bush has voted against party platforms nearly 10 percent of the time and, lastly, he said that her stance on the infrastructure bill raises eyebrows. Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones said, “Bell has always been the type of person who cares for others.”

In May, Walz expanded voting rights for an estimated 55,000 formerly incarcerated residents.

Although she denounced the staggering “Republican and Super Pac money” that contributed to her defeat, Bush implored the audience to not let the primary race “rip the community apart.” “We have to be one St. Louis and I just hope [Bell] actually takes the time to learn about our Palestinian, and our Arab and our Muslim communities. I just want to put that out there as some homework (for Bell).”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

“He’ll take care of our most vulnerable communities,” she added. If elected to the seat Jones hopes Bell will have the chance to fix the infrastructure in St. Louis City and county.

Story Stitchers invited local law enforcement to the summit. The Knowledge section of the program will be a live, recorded episode of StitchCast Studio with Officer Rodney Hickman from St. Louis Metropolitan Police and Dr. Julie Gary, City of St. Louis Department of Health, and a Q&A with youth.

“This will help both sides get a better understanding of the rights, roles, and responsibilities of both citizens and police officers,” said Youth Artistic Coordinator, Branden Lewis. After seeing what happened to Micheal Brown Jr. and George Floyd, this gave John House IV a negative impression about police officers. The recent Metro Academic and Classical High School graduate grew up around police officers and knows there are good ones out there.

“But the bad ones mess it up for the good cops,” he said, describing his relationship with law enforcement. To help bridge the gap between law enforcement and youth, House would like to see police officers in something like a Youtube show to highlight their everyday lives and demonstrate that they are also regular people.

Story Stitchers has helped Brown navigate his feelings about police violence by having open and honest conversations about his feelings and express-

Dr. Kendra Holmes CEO and President of Affinia Healthcare during her speech at the watch party said, “I just want you all to look around this room and see the diversity and the power of the diversity and how strong we are when we work together,”

“And the voters have made their voices heard,” she added.

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

ing those feelings through his art. Lewis says it’s a healthy way for young artists to express their emotions, it teaches them how to confront their feelings.

“We believe artistic expression is therapeutic,” he said. Lewis felt overwhelmed during those times of unrest in Ferguson, paraphrasing activist and artist Nina Simone he said, “ I think an artist’s duty is to reflect the times they’re in.” He knew the best way he could do that was by writing a poem. “Mike Brown Jr. wasn’t the first Mike Brown Jr. and he’s not the last,” he said, referencing the continued killings of unarmed Black and brown people. His poem ‘Worthless’ highlights how society views Black and brown bodies.

“Art is our form of resilience and strength,” said Lewis. Story Stitchers have collaborated with artists on music storytelling, neighborhood block party performances, public service announcement campaigns, and multi-year signature projects focusing efforts on high-quality art and innovative youth violence prevention programs. In 10 years, Story Stichers brought in $792,795 national dollars home to St. Louis to support young artists and artists of color in building bridges to peace for all.”

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

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URBAN

LEAGUE CELEBRATES GRAND OPENING OF CENTENE CONNECTED COMMUNITY CENTER

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis proudly celebrated the grand opening of the Urban League Centene Connected Community Center yesterday. This milestone event, made possible by Centene Corporation’s historic donation, marks a new chapter in our mission to empower and uplift the residents of North County. The new center, located at 2900 Pershall Rd., is a state-of-the-art facility designed to provide essential services and transformative programs. From childcare to housing, financial education, and empowerment initiatives, the center is set to be a cornerstone for positive change in the community.“We are thrilled to expand the Urban League’s footprint with the opening of the Centene Connected Center,” said Michael P. McMillan, President & CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. “This incredible facility enhances our ability to deliver vital services, fostering a brighter and more equitable future for all.”Centene Corporation’s CEO, Sarah London, added, “Centene is committed to partnering with local institutions to build vibrant, healthy communities. We’re excited to work with the Urban League to open this center, which will improve the well-being of North County residents for generations to come.”We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our partners: The Little Bit Foundation, Youth in Need, Heat Up, Cool Down, At Home Care, Health Care Agency, and Enterprise Bank. Their collaboration is vital to our mission’s success. For more information about the Urban League and our initiatives, please visit www.ulstl.com.

Photos by: Marcus Allen, Richard K. Davis and DavisProject.com

Care of You’

She nails it

Monet Taylor puts her touch on medicinal nail care

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Faith Monet Taylor says the nailcare profession was saturated when she was 13 years old and, even as a young teen, she sought ways to set herself apart from the more experienced technicians.

She chose a path less-traveled, and became a medical nail specialist. The journey led her to the world of entrepreneurship when she launched Monet’s Touch.

Taylor trained under Dr. Tracy Reed, a local podiatrist who serves diverse, low-income communities, and

n “One small knick can cause an infection and if not treated properly can lead to amputation.” – Monet Taylor

took online courses offered by the Nail Care Academy. With Reed’s guidance, she learned to treat abnormal nails due to medical conditions and side effects caused by medications. Taylor learned a great deal about the condition of someone’s health just by looking at their nails.

According to her, patients with very thick nails on their toes are usually diabetic. Data shows about one-third of people with diabetes are affected by a fungal infection. This infection can lead to yellowing, brittleness, and other

See TAYLOR, A11

‘Rising’ above

Biles’ Olympian effort a boost for mental health care

By Anissa Durham Word in Black

Simone Biles came back with a vengeance.

The 27-year-old has officially become the most decorated U.S. gymnast in world championships history after earning three gold medals and one silver at the 2024 Olympics in Paris. Her incredible return to the sport is not just about her physical prowess. Biles’ comeback puts the resilience of Black athletes in overcoming significant mental health challenges back in the spotlight.

Biles is commonly called the GOAT because she is the greatest of all time. But the toll it takes to perform at an Olympic level is heavy and can quickly become dangerous. The

n The struggles she faced are detailed in the new Netflix docuseries, “Simone Biles Rising.”

The struggles she faced are detailed in the new Netflix docuseries, “Simone Biles Rising.” In the four-part series, which aired its first two episodes in July, Biles says she struggled with the twisties for years after her 2020 withdrawal. And she revealed how she dug deeper into the root of her mental health block.

Kensa Gunter, a clinical and sport psychologist in Atlanta, says watching Biles set that boundary in 2021 was an example of an athlete saying ‘yes’ to herself.

question then becomes: would she still be the GOAT if she hadn’t prioritized her mental health? With the alarming rates of anxiety, depression, suicide, and opioid overdoses rising in the Black community, the need to prioritize mental health is even more pressing. In the Tokyo Olympic games, held in summer 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Biles withdrew from competition because an ailment commonly called ‘the twisties.’ Despite immense pressure to compete, Biles prioritized her mental health and safety. See BILES, A11

Getting mental health help “didn’t stop (Biles) from continuing her journey to cement her greatness, but that was a necessary part of her journey,” Gunter said.

“Seeing and hearing athletes talk about their mental health … helps to demystify this notion that excellence

‘Rest’ A revolution Black women need

By Stephanie Boyce

The Communities Foundation of Texas hosted an event entitled, “Grown Woman Talk,” where Dr. Sharon Malone shared her expertise on perimenopause, menopause, and the impact on women’s health as they age.

Seeing so many women starting to normalize these conversations about menopause, from local stages to national social media platforms, feels like the kind of progress women need to raise awareness about successfully navigating life-changing milestones and improve the overall health and wellness of Black women collectively.

A recurring theme emerged when considering the medical research.

Black women are more likely to start menopause earlier than other groups of women, and experience more severe symptoms when they do.

n Black women are more likely to start menopause earlier than other groups of women.

This seems to be the same type of phenomenon that we also see when it comes to a host of other medical conditions that disproportionately affect Black women, including, but not limited to: problems with fibroids and maternal health outcomes. Even when controlling for variables like education level, class, and access to healthcare services, Black women continue to remain more likely to experience these health issues that drastically impact their quality of life.

Boston University is credited with having the longest-running study of Black Women’s health, to date, when it comes to understanding these horrific health disparities. Based on their study of 59,000 Black Women that started in 1995, researchers report, See BOYCE, A11

Three years after departing the

and

Tokyo Olympics

confronting her mental health issues, American Simone Biles dominated the Paris Olympics, winning three gold medals and a bronze. She is the most decorated gymnast in international history.

Medical nail specialist Monet Taylor, owner of Monet’s Touch, in her Creve Coeur salon Monday, Aug. 5.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of USA Gymnastics

Stephanie Boyce

Biles

Continued from A10

doesn’t include managing adversity or challenges.”

Biles also confronted the sexual abuse she experienced from Larry Nassar, the former USA Gymnastics team doctor. Nasser sexually abused hundreds of gymnasts, including Biles, and was sentenced in 2018 to 40 to 175 years in prison for seven counts of sexual abuse.

Dozens of women, alongside Biles, testified before the Senate Judiciary Committe in 2021, a month after the Tokyo Olympics took place. It’s clear Biles had a lot on her mind.

“I didn’t get the proper care before, because I just thought I was OK,” she said in the Netflix doc. She admits her mind and body were the first to catch up with her.

Not only was she reeling from Nassar’s abuse, the pandemic was raging in 2021. The Tokyo games required strict COVID-19 measures and were held with no in-person audience.

“I was immediately thinking about the social isolation, the lack of emotional and social support,”

Dr. Onnie Willis Rogers,

Taylor

Continued from A10

nail changes, and can also contribute to secondary bacterial infections, necrosis, and the risk of amputation. Other nail conditions that can affect people with diabetes are Periungual telangiectasias, which can cause erythema and telangiectasias around the proximal nail folds, along with ragged cuticles and fingertip tenderness.

One of Taylor’s clients has a thyroid condition which is readily apparent to the medical nail specialist’s trained eye. Her client’s nails are thin and brittle and don’t grow well. To combat this condition, she uses IVX, a keratin treatment to help repair nails.

“It’s like a hot oil treatment for nails,” Taylor said. She said incorporating fresh fruit and vegetables into your diet and drinking lots of water will help maintain healthy nails. “Nails are a part of the integumentary system, which is the largest organ and outer layer” Taylor said. “Taking care of your

Boyce

Continued from A10

“Black women are more likely than other racial and ethnic groups to die from cardiovascular disease, hypertension, stroke, lupus, and several cancers. They are twice as likely than white women to develop diabetes over age 55 or have uncontrolled blood pressure. Black women also face greater challenges in accessing affordable and quality healthcare, including a lack of health insurance, higher medical debt, and longer travel times to hospitals.”

These dismal modern-day numbers are not just an indication of a recent phenomenon, but a larger American cultural tradition of valuing capitalism and White

professor of psychology and NCAA gymnastics champion said in the Netflix series.

In a series of surveys conducted by the Pew Research Center, 58% of young adults between the ages of 18 to 29 and 42% of Black women reported high levels of psychological distress between March 2020 to September 2022.

Biles isn’t alone in speaking up.

Sha’Carri Richardson, a U.S. track and field athlete, was stripped of her qualifying Olympic team spot for the Tokyo games after testing positive for THC. Richardson was candid about her mental health struggles and coping skills following the death of her biological mother.

Naomi Osaka, a tennis star, withdrew from the French Open two years ago also after revealing her struggles with depression and anxiety.

Pro skater Christiana Smith, 27, is founder of A Positive Seed, an organization focused on including more girls in skateboarding and mental health awareness. The Detroit athlete says she got into the sport when she was 11 and was oftentimes the only girl in those spaces. Smith describes the experience as isolating. “I dealt with depres-

‘Taking

Christiana Smith, founder of A Positive Seed, an organization focused on including more girls in skateboarding and mental health awareness, said that often being the only girl in competition led her to bouts with depression. “It can be hard when you’re in a mental health episode to enjoy doing things you love.

sion. It can be hard when you’re in a mental health episode to enjoy doing things you love,” Smith says. “I remember the baby steps I took to overcome a mental health battle … I think being active helped me a lot, even just to step on my skateboard.”

As a Black woman, she says without prioritizing

your mental health, everything else will falter. At the end of the day, “we’re all just human,” Smith says, and not getting proper mental health care can negatively affect Black women and girls.

Nicole Humphrey, 35, is the founder of Black Girls Shred, an organization she started to increase

safety practices and develop safe spaces for Black and Brown youth skaters in Chicago. As a basketball and track and field athlete throughout high school and college, she says watching Biles take a step back was a defiant — and brave move.

The Strong Black Woman stereotype is

nails, both on your hands and feet, is a necessity.’’ Taylor has witnessed her clients walking in pain from soreness, squeezing their feet into their shoes

Supremacy over the physiological well-being of Black bodies. When it comes to studying and understanding the impact of self-care on quality of life and longevity, research on the culture and practices of White women is necessary. Journalist Karima Sorel urges Black women to begin pausing when preparing to make important decisions and asking themselves, “What would a white woman do?”

This may seem like an oversimplification at first glance; however, it may be just the reframing Black women need to save their lives. In a society accustomed to Black women saving presidential elections for political parties, starting the most small businesses, shouldering the most single-parent households

because their toenails are too long. With tears in her eyes, Taylor said it was heartbreaking for her to see.

“With diabetic people,

there is a growing movement for Black women to save themselves by resisting the programming of the past and centering themselves as worthy of care, consideration, rest, and restoration. With trending social media movements finding more and more Black women leaning into their #softgirlera (stepping away from business and hustle culture in exchange for a slower pace and boundaries that preserve self care), perhaps the recommended solutions can be found by invoking Karima Sorel’s question, “What would a white woman do?” While the intention here is not to generalize to White women (as no group of people are a monolith), it is to acknowledge that, by the numbers, White women have privileges afforded them by way of

you have to be careful, their toenails grow thick and sometimes curve into their toes,” Taylor said. “One small knick can cause an infection and if

the societal privileges bestowed upon them, that Black women may be able to learn from, if they are ever to allow space in their lives for the regenerative rest they need to thrive and ensure the quality of their health and wellbeing.

Taking time for care

In addition to outsourcing, White women have given a masterclass on the self care and wellness practices that have alluded many Black women for generations. In her book, “Nice White Ladies,” Jessie Daniels explains, “Purveyors of the wellness industry create white-only spaces, and construct a specific normative identity, namely the white-hetero-lady who is in need of care. In creating and orienting itself around this identi-

systemically endorsed as Black women who can overcome all obstacles, remain strong through any trial, and sacrifice themselves for others. The trope played out in its expectation of Biles to never quit, or immediately return to the center stage. “You’re supposed to just put your head down, suck it up, and do it,” Humphrey says. But at what cost?

“Being a Black man, Black woman, going through life is so triggering,” she says.

“When you get to a point of elevating and success … it’s very easy to fall into these oppressive systems and all the things that keep us on this treadmill of productivity. As Black people, that’s how we were introduced to this landscape of American society. If we continue to fold into that, we’re almost the oppressors to ourselves.”

Despite the demons Biles faced, she was outstanding on her Paris Olympics “redemption tour. She is truly the Greatest of All Times in female gymnastics.

“It’s an incredible testament to who (athletes) are as people. It’s truly a profound statement about their humanity.” Gunter says. “It’s everything.”

Monet Taylor makes house calls for clients who don’t have transportation or live in a nursing facility.

calls for clients who don’t have transportation or live in a nursing facility. When talking about her grandmother, Taylor remembers giving her her first pedicure. “I was the first person to ever care for her feet,” she said. “And I thought how many other people are out here not experiencing proper care for their hands and feet. So that became my why.” Her clientele quickly changed. Fifty of her customers are medical clients.

“These people needed more than just a fancy design; they needed treatments,” she said. Taylor hopes to connect with more podiatrists to build her medical clientele. She’s been working on navigating how to get health insurance to pay for the services she provides.

“It’s been difficult trying to bridge that gap since most podiatrists only see me as a cosmetic nail tech,’’ Taylor said. “But Dr. Reed has helped me so much by sending me some of her clients.”

not treated properly can lead to amputation.” Many of her clients are diabetic and require special care to treat their toenails, she said. Taylor makes house

ty, the wellness industry excludes communities of color and obscures the reasons for their struggles. Wellness is portrayed as a product for consumption, instead of something that is contingent upon larger structural issues like systemic racism and poverty.” From the world-class spa treatments to sunrise yoga classes, Black women must begin to both hold space and create safe spaces for radical self care.

Mind and body connection

Prioritizing the mindbody connection may look like holding space for prayer and meditation, depending on your spiritual practice, or morning yoga by yourself in your living room, a morning run around your neighborhood through nature

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

with the sun kissing your face, or a monthly check in with your therapist to talk through what you’re currently living through. Internalizing this work is the first step for many Black women, as society may have them feel such practices are selfish or luxuries they can’t afford to focus on for fear of losing an hour away from corporate productivity, but it’s the first step in fortifying the body and mind in a world that continues to look to Black women as superwomen.

Stephanie Boyce is a professor and director of the Paul Quinn College writing program, and lecturer of African American Studies at the University of Houston. This commentary was originally published at dallasweekly. com

Photo courtesy of USA Gymnastics

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Body sculpture

‘Love of skin’ is a STL Contouring and Health staple

By Devored A. Horton Jr.

St. Louis American

Michelle Davis created STL

Contouring and Health Consulting because she wanted to help people eager to make their bodies look better. Two years into her still-growing business, she’s doing just that.

“The love of skin is basically what I am,” Davis said. “I love skin. I love people that want to nourish their skin

in a non-invasive way. I am finding that a lot of products were causing the body to have a disease. Because putting different lotions and creams are causing changes in people’s bodies because of different chemicals.”

STL Contouring and Health Consulting specializes in treatments that will enhance the overall look and appearance of the area that is being targeted. The focus at 11581 West Florissant Ave., Suite 1A, is on nutri-

tion, health and wellness.

Davis mentioned that a huge part of her quest for health and nutrition comes from her father, Leon Harris, a veteran Biochemist who is trained in nutrition science. He’s in control of the health consulting portion of the business.

Davis is all about maintaining healthy skin. Invasive treatments like liposuction, laser cavitation, and radio frequency

Black farmers begin receiving discrimination payments

St. Louis American

Black farmers reaped a “monumental victory” this week as many began receiving payments from the $2.2 billion Discrimination Financial Assistance Program (DFAP).

Following decades of advocacy and struggle, John Boyd, National Black Farmers Association (NBFA) president, declared the day “a huge win.”

President Biden signed the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) Section 2200 into law in 2022, authorizing compensation for farmers who faced racial discrimination in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) farm lending practices before 2021.

This week, around 43,000 farmers will receive payments of up to $500,000, with the average award being $82,000.

Reflecting on this long-awaited achievement, Boyd recounted his journey, which began almost 40 years ago when he first experienced these injustices.

“No matter how it is sliced, the $2.2 billion in payouts is historic,” Boyd said. This follows previous settlements, including a $1 billion payout in 1999 and a $1.25 billion settlement in 2013.

The NBFA’s relentless efforts

PeoPle on the Move

Maggir Brown-Peoples a SLAM Bearden Fellow

Maggie Brown-Peoples has joined the Saint Louis Art Museum as the 2024-2026 Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow.

The two-year, paid fellowship provides direct experience working throughout the museum on specific assignments tailored to fellows’ backgrounds and interests.

Brown-Peoples holds a master’s degree in museum studies from the University of Kansas. She previously received a bachelor’s degrees in communication and psychology, along with a minor in Black studies, from the University of Missouri-Columbia.

Dr. Ronald C. Griffin, People’s Health Centers chief operating officer, and Mario D. Alexander, Metrobus Facility Operations director for Bi-State Development, have been elected to the Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS) board of directors.

Established in 1998, ARCHS provides grant funding and business consulting services to support area notfor-profit human service agencies. It strives to be a premiere builder of strategic community partnerships, known for advancing the human potential throughout the St. Louis region.

Ciera L. Simril, MA, has been promoted to project manager at US Bank Impact Finance.

A valued member of the US Bank team for nearly a decade, Simril brings extensive experience and dedication to community empowerment, along with her background as a former intern at the St. Louis American

White named AGC Vice President of DEI Terron White

Terron White has recently been appointed as the vice president of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for the Associated General Contractors of Missouri (AGCC). His career includes service as Care STLHealth director of facilities, and The UP Companies business development leader. White was recognized as a 2023 St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Young Leader awardee and is a co-founder of The Young Business Professionals of St. Louis. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Applied Management from Ranken Technical College.

Maggie Brown Peoples Griffin, Alexander elected to ARCHS board

Ronald C. Griffin

Michelle Davis, owner of STL Contouring & Health Consulting, a company that specializes in treatments that will enhance the overall look and appearance of the area that is being targeted.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

See BODY, B2

Photo courtesy of National Black Farmers Association

Boyd Jr., a fourth-generation Black farmer, businessman and founder and president of the National Black Farmers Association, called the start of $2.2 billion in payments to fellow Blak farmers based on USDA discrimination in lending “historic.”

Ciera Simril gains promotion at US Bank

Ciera Simril

Mario D. Alexander

Farmers

Continued from B1 ble, but for me, the fight was about justice,” Boyd emphasized. Midtown Group, an unbiased third-party administrator, oversaw the DFAP’s administration to ensure a fair adjudication procedure for each farmer’s case. Although the 40-page application process and long wait times added to the farmers’ pain, the payments represent a bittersweet victory. Boyd acknowledged that issues such as banks denying operating funds or farm ownership loans persist, as do recent allegations of racial discrimination against companies like John Deere.

For those denied assistance through the DFAP, there is no appeal or review process, a reality Boyd profoundly regrets. Many Black farmers have died waiting for justice, but today’s announcement brings some closure. Boyd reflected on his tireless efforts, from lobbying Congress to protesting with his mules “Struggle” and “Forty Acres,” and riding his tractor,

Body

Continued from B1 may be popular ways to enhance the body, but they also can produce unhealthy side effects, Davis said.

The approach she takes is in direct contrast to the well-known “Brazilian Butt Lift”(BBL), which is an invasive procedure where fat is moved to a different part of a person’s body. The non-invasive approach is Davis’ calling card.

“Justice,” to Washington. Listening to Senior White House Advisor Stephen Benjamin detail the award notifications and check disbursement made it all worthwhile. “Today is a huge win for the NBFA,” he declared. In October 2022, civil rights attorney Ben Crump announced a class action suit against the United

Davis business really attracts a diverse group of customers, many of whom use contouring as a routine.

“My clientele is really diverse,” she said. “A lot of Caucasian women … for them this is their regular routine to maintain their body and maintain fat reduced in targeted areas. I do understand that Black women do receive this type of treatment, but within my community it is not as much, it is not as vast.

Pamela Current is a cli-

States government on behalf of the NBFA. The lawsuit came after findings that Black farmers lost approximately $326 billion of land due to discrimination during the 20th century. Crump and the farmers argued that the federal government breached its contract with socially disadvantaged farmers under the American Rescue Plan

ent who considered getting the BBL until she found out about STL Contouring and Health Consulting.

“I found out about STL Contouring and Health Consulting from long-time friend, and former parent, Michelle Davis herself,” Current said. “Michelle reached out to me back in June, and wanted to offer me a free session as well as consultation on non-invasive lipo body contouring procedure. Without hesitation, I agreed. From someone who had considered having a BBL I was

Act.

Despite these challenges, President Biden reaffirmed his commitment to addressing inequities in farming.

“Farmers and ranchers work around the clock to put food on our tables and steward our Nation’s land. But for too long, many farmers and ranchers experienced discrimination in

all in.”

Current also expressed that the experience of her treatments were great.

“My experience with STL Contouring and Health Consulting was absolutely amazing,” Current said. “I was made to feel comfortable, as well as safe. Prior to the appointment, Mrs. Davis and I had a 90-minute consultation where she explained the procedure as well as a plethora of other pertinent healthy habit conversations. The overall experience has been

farm loan programs and have not had the same access to federal resources and support. I promised to address this inequity when I became President. Today that promise has become a reality,” Biden stated.

A 2022 study published in The New Republic estimates that Black farmers in the U.S. lost at least $326 billion as a result of

great, and my body has been releasing the toxins as well as the melted fat in the manner in which it’s supposed to. I cannot wait to complete the entire session.”

Davis has a website https://stlchc799.my.canva. site/stl-contouringhc that she created and maintains on her own. Her website is a way to book appointments and browse the prices of the packages she offers.

Davis expressed that even though the approach is contouring the body, a

USDA discrimination.

Discriminatory lending left many Black farmers unable to maintain their land, forcing them to give it up. That, along with discriminatory heirs’ property laws, contributed to the massive economic loss.

“That’s a large number,” Dania Francis, professor of economics at University of Massachusetts-Boston and lead researcher told NPR in 2022.

“That’s the size of the GDP of Hong Kong.” Researchers used nominal land values at the time and compounded those values up to 2020. Francis call it “a conservative estimate,” as it doesn’t consider any multiplier effects for how the land might have been reinvested.

The economic loss over the past century to Black farmers has contributed to the racial wealth gap we see in this country today, Francis said.

“During a time in this country where the middle class was growing and wealth was rapidly accumulating, these farmers didn’t have that opportunity because their source of wealth was taken away,” she said.

huge focus is the health & wellness/nutrition side.

“We want to be sticky. I always use the word sticky when I talk to my clients. I want them to know that I’m here to help them beyond getting an initial treatment with me,” Davis said. “Health & Wellness, structuring what works for your body, how to eat, what to eat, will only compliment the services that I do.’’

Devored Horton is The St. Louis American’s Comcast/NBCUniversal WIB fellow

Participants With Heart Failure Are Needed for a Research Study!

The purpose of the study is to look at the impact of potassium nitrate (KNO3) on exercise performance in patients with heart failure and to see if it improves physical exercise capacity.

1.Participants must be 18 to 80 years old 2.Participants must have diagnosis of heart failure with reduced ejection fraction

Participation includes 3 study visits that will take up to 5 hours each. Participants will be randomized to receive either KNO3 or placebo (in a gelcap). Up to $400.00 is provided. Contact 314-996-3847 or dhaley@wustl.edu for more information.

Attorney Ben Crump filed a discrimination lawsuit on behalf of minority farmers in October 2022.

From left on Capitol Hill when the suit was announced were Kara Brewer Boyd, Association of American Indian Farms president, John Boyd Jr., National Black Farmers Association president, and Crump.

Photo courtesy of National Black Farmers Association

n “It means everything.”

– Sophia Smith, whose goal propelled the U.S. women’s soccer team to a 1-0 win over Germany

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Myrle Mensey is headed to World Masters Championships

The track and field competition is in full swing at the Summer Olympics in Paris and American athletes have been performing brilliantly.

While we are all paying attention to what’s going on in France, there is another track and field athlete from St. Louis who is used to doing big things on the world stage.

Myrle Mensey, 75, has been a star on the national and international stage in Masters track and field for more than 20 years. I first started following Mensey back in 2005 when she was preparing for the World Masters Games in Canada.

is an individual sport. It’s you against you. I am also amazed at how I’m able to continue to throw and train at such a high level. I feel good. As God continues to bless me with the ability to do it, I will do it. When I’m feeling stressed, I go throw.”

The latest step for Mensey will be the World Masters Championships, which will be held in Sweden from August 19-26.

She was 58 years old then and on the front end of what would become a remarkable career in the throwing events in Masters track.

At 75, Mensey has shown no signs of slowing down as she continues to compete at a high level while also running her own “Throwing and Growing” Foundation. Mensey is still going strong as she moves up in age group while winning medals and setting new records along the way. Each time she moves into a new age division, she leaves behind a brand new set of records and standards for the athletes that follow her.

“I love to throw,” said Mensey, when asked about maintaining such a high level of performance for two decades. “Throwing

Mensey prepared for her upcoming trip to the World Championships with a smashing performance at the recent USATF Masters Championships in Sacramento, CA. She won three gold medals while setting three American records and two world records in the process.

Competing in the Women’s 75-age division won the hammer throw with an effort of 41.25 meters (135 feet 4 inches), which were new American and world records. The following day, she set a new American record in the shot put with a throw of 9.42 meters (30 feet 10 inches).

On her final day of competition, she set the new American and world records in the weight throw with an effort of 16.24 meters (53 feet 3 inches). She broke the American record by 14 feet and world record by five feet.

At the World Championships, Mensey will be competing in the

weight throw and the throws pentathlon, which is a combination of the shot put, discus, hammer, weight and javelin throws. She has set lofty goals for herself in Sweden.

“My goal is to win the weight throw and the throws pentathlon and set a world record in the hammer, weight, throws pentathlon and American record in the shot (put). I just have to relax and let it fly and don’t try to

overdo.”

USA teams advance in Paris

The USA men’s and women’s basketball teams have both advanced to the semifinals at the Summer Olympics in Paris, France with perfect 4-0 records.

St. Louisans Jayson Tatum and Napheesa Collier turned in solid performances in helping the USA cruise to victories

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Tommy Pham’s return to the St. Louis Cardinals brings a toughness and enticing personality that the team sorely missed.

His no-nonsense style of play blends well with a hold-no-punches honesty when speaking with the media, opponents –and his own teammates. Last week I was lamenting that the Cardinals didn’t land Jazz Chisholm in a trade. During the past week, Pham has proven he was the guy to get at the trade deadline. On Tuesday night, Pham crushed a two-rum home run in a needed 4-3 victory over the Tampa Bay Rays.

during pool play last week. Both players have been starting for their respective teams during the past three games.

Tatum, the former Chaminade College Prep All-American, had 10 points, 10 rebounds, three assists and two steals in the USA’s 104-83 victory over Puerto Rico in the final game of pool play. He also added four points, five rebounds and two assists in a victory over

Tommy Pham has a fantastic return to Cardinals

near the trade deadline and provided an immediate spark for his new team, which would go on to win the National League Championship Series over the vaunted Philadelphia Phillies.

Could history repeat itself in 2024, when it comes to Pham and a new team?

In his six games with the Cardinals, Pham has two home runs (including a grand slam against Texas), nine RBIs, and a robust .379 batting average. You can add an epic .759 slugging percentage to his impressive run.

Pham was dealt from the Mets to the Arizona Diamondbacks last season

One thing is for certain, Pham finds himself in a much better place than in Chicago playing for the woeful White Sox. A win on Tuesday snapped a 21-game losing streak for the Southsiders. In classic Pham form, he told Joel Sherman and Jon Heyman on a New York Post podcast that GM Rick Hahn and manager Pedro Grifol aren’t to blame for a calamitous season.

“It’s Wrong to single out the manager or GM. That team was bad as a group. You just can’t pin it on one person,” he said.

After playing six games with the Cardinals in 2014, Pham settled in

and became a dependable Cardinal until he was dealt to the Rays in 2018 –again near the trade deadline. He delivered a .343 batting average with seven

just

22

him play for the

San Diego Padres (2020, 21), the Cincinnati Reds and Boston Red Sox (2022), the Mets and Diamondbacks (2023) and then the White Sox and Cardinals this season.

Following his latest trade, Pham told the New York Post “the fans make it special” in St. Louis, and that he was surprised he ended up back where his career started.

He received a standing ovation before his first at-bat upon his return to Busch Stadium, then ripped a pinch-hit grand slam.

“Definitely my best moment here,” Pham said. “One of the top moments of my career.” Pham will again be a free agent at the end of the season. Whether he is a Cardinal will be up to his current front office because he is not conceding any cash in negotiations.

“Playing at a significant discount is disrespectful,” he said on the podcast. “I want to play next year. I still love the game.”

Myrle Mensey, 75, set a new American record in the shot put with a throw of 9.42 meters (30 feet 10 inches) at the recent USATF Masters Championships in Sacramento, California. She is now headed to the World Masters Championships, which will be held in Sweden from August 19-26.

South Sudan. The USA women advanced through group play undefeated with victories over Japan, Belgium and Germany, then blasted Nigeria in the quarterfinals on Wednesday. In the victory over Belgium, Collier had seven points and eight rebounds. She followed up with eight points, seven rebounds, two assists and two steals in the victory over Germany on Sunday.

The Reid Roundup

Victor Scott II returned to the St. Louis Cardinals from Triple A Memphis last week following an injury to centerfielder

Michael Siani. Scott delivered a two-run home run, his first in the Majors, in the 4-3 win over Tampa Bay with his parents in attendance…Devin Booker tallied 18 points and was the star of Team USA’s 122-87 men’s basketball victory over Brazil in a Paris Olympics quarterfinal game. The US will take on Serbia in a semifinal game on August 8… Jayson Tatum’s up-anddown Olympics continued against Brazil. He played 20 minutes but scored only five points… …Hockey Hall of Fame member Jarome Iginla, regarded by many as the best NHL player of color in its history, is ranked No. 20 on ESPN’s newly released Top 25 Players of the 21st century. Iginla’s son, Tij Iginla, was selected sixth overall by the Utah Hockey Club in the 2024 NHL Draft.

home runs and

RBIs in

39 games. Pham played another season in Tampa, then began a tour of teams that saw

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Photo courtesy of Myrle Mense

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American St. Louis Cardinals Tommy Pham reviews his last bat on a I-Pad during the third inning against the New York Mets at Busch Stadium in St. Louis on Monday, August 5, 2024.

Urban League honors St. Louis Department of Personnel

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis City has recognized the city’s Department of Personnel for its efforts in hiring and recruitment “and helping to provide employment to thousands of people in our community.”

During the Urban League’s inaugural Employers Appreciation Luncheon at the Marriott Hotel on August 2, 2024, Michael P. McMillan, Urban League president and CEO, presented Anthony Byrd Sr. with an award to acknowledge the personnel department’s “significant contributions to boosting the workforce of the City.”

The department was acknowledged for its community job fairs and partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. With over 5,000 employees, the city is one of the largest employers in the region, and its departments play a significant role in the lives of residents every day.

“We are deeply grateful to the Urban League for this recognition and for their unwavering partnership,” said Sonya Gray, director of personnel.

“The Urban League’s dedicated initiatives, events, and people bring instrumental change and development to our community. By working together, we aim to provide employment opportunities, improve livelihoods, and make St. Louis a better, more equitable place to live, work, and play.”

Gray said the department is continuously hiring, with hundreds of available positions offering a wide range of opportunities to work for the city.

“We encourage anyone interested to explore our job listings and apply.,” said Gray.

For additional information or to apply for a job with the city of St. Louis, please visit www. stlouis-mo.gov/jobs

Based on data from the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the St. Louis job market continues to grow and has reached nearly 1.5 million jobs.

With the addition of 31,000 workers over the past year, St. Louis now

Inclusive growth key to St. Louis jobs surge

is in the nation’s top 10 regions for job growth.

The return to the top 10 is the first ranking this high since 1990, according to St. Louis Public Radio

The St. Louis metro’s rate of employment growth came in above Indianapolis, Charlotte,

Houston, Austin, Chicago, and most other metro areas.

“Driving job creation is at very heart of the STL 2030 Jobs Plan and the work we do to shape inclusive economic growth,” said Jason Hall, Greater St. Louis, Inc. CEO.

“This news shows the rest of the country that the momentum building in St. Louis is real and demonstrates the positive impact of working collaboratively and speaking with a unified voice in support of inclusive economic growth.”

The BLS report shows St. Louis’ rate of job growth surpassing the national rate by a significant margin. The leisure and hospitality industry leads the charge with the addition of 12,000 employees, and the region’s tech sector is

seeing positive momentum as well.

Throughout the metro, Madison County in the Metro East saw the highest growth numbers, adding nearly 4,000 people to the workforce, according to Greater St. Louis Inc. release.

Photo courtesy of ULMSTL

The St. Louis Department of Personnel was recently honored by the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis for its economic impact in employment in the city. From left are Michael P. McMillan, Urban League president and CEO, Anthony Byrd, Department of Personnel chief of staff, Tydrell Stevens, Save Our Sons director, and Michael K. Holmes, Urban League regional executive vice president of workforce & economic development.

Living It

30 years of UniverSoul

St. Louis is next stop for anniversary tour of popular circus

By American Staff

UniverSoul Circus founder and CEO

Cedric Walker fell in love with the circus the first time he attended as a small child in his hometown of Baltimore. And yet as he soaked in every moment of the life-changing joy of his first experience, he noticed something was missing – people who looked like him. The only Black person he saw was the man who cleaned up.

Many years later, he was working as a successful producer of urban plays. He looked around at the crowd and saw multiple generations attending the performance, even though the production was geared towards only a particular segment of the audience. Walker experienced an “aha moment” that would fill two voids at once. In that moment, the seed was planted for him to create UniverSoul Circus.

“The Initial concept and vision was to uplift and celebrate the positive achievement and cultural contributions of African Americans through a family attraction,” Walker told The American in 2016. “UniverSoul’s blend of old-school soul and modern hip-hop sounds provides entertainment and a rich cultural experience that grandparents, parents and kids can enjoy.”

Walker had made a name for himself as a producer and a promoter who worked with the likes of The Jackson Five and The Commodores, but his idea of creating an urban circus was met with plenty of naysayers.

“They said, ‘man you are crazy,’” Walker told Rushion McDonald during an interview for the Steve Harvey Morning Show. “Black people will not go to the circus.”

He ignored the haters. In 1994, Walker presented UniverSoul Circus in Atlanta for what was supposed to be a one-time –once-in-a-lifetime – affair.

Thirty years later, UniverSoul Circus is still here touring across the nation. Next week it returns to St. Louis – which has been a staple city among the lineup that travels from coast to coast.

The UniverSoul Circus 30th Anniversary Extravaganza will take place in their signature big top across from The Dome at America’s Center from August 16-September 2. It has been dubbed the

The UniverSoul Circus returns to St. Louis as it celebrates 30 years with its ‘Family Reunion Tour.’ The circus will run from August 16 – September 2 across from The Dome at America’s Center.

n The UniverSoul Circus 30th Anniversary Extravaganza will take place in their signature big top across from The Dome at America’s Center from August 16-September 2.

“Family Reunion Tour.” Anyone who has attended will agree that the family reunion vibe is as much a draw as the acts. The audience is often enlisted to be a part of the show. Whether it is a soul train line, dance off or a hype session initiated

by the ringmaster.

“As our world is getting smaller, families are looking for ways to spend time together,” Walker said. “And appealing to all ages is no easy feat.”

The energy will be the same, but the performances have been reimagined with over a dozen culturally diverse presentations. The 30th Anniversary Extravaganza boasts influences from five continents.

Among the highlights for this year are an emphasis on world music – including AfroBeats and the accompanying dance moves that have become viral sensations

See Circus, C8

50 shades of purple

2nd Annual Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation brings awareness to types of domestic violence

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

The Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation 2nd Annual Fifty Shades of Purple Charity Gala, was held on July 27, 2024, at The Carmel Room with the theme, “Together We Can End Domestic Violence.”

Five community leaders were honored including Wilfred Pickney, deputy director of the Office of Violence Prevention, 14th Ward Alderman Rasheen Aldrige, and Tracey Berry-McGhee, therapist and founder of the Define Me movement.

“ Tracey Berry-McGhee is receiving the Global Impact Award,” said Shantasha Love, Foundation business manager, “[because] she has been such a pivotal part of our Real Men Don’t Hit program, helping to implement it in area schools.

Love said that the 14th ward alderman is the organization’s biggest cheerleader–“He supports the mission and the work of Diamond Diva Empowerment,” said Love. Funds raised will benefit the Empowerment Certification, an eight-week handson program addressing the effects of domestic violence through a self-awareness

“I decided to show people what hip-hop can sound like in 2024, you know what I’m saying?” - LL Cool J on the pending release of a new album, “The Force”

Native jazz son keeps coming home

Lawrence Fields:

‘St. Louis is exactly the right size to be inclusive’

By Chris King For The St. Louis American

When Lawrence Fields came home to St. Louis recently to teach an Artist Residency for Jazz St. Louis, it was an alumnus returning as a teaching artist. Though Fields, who released his first album as a leader (To the Surface, Rhythm ‘N’ Flow Records) earlier this year, created his own curriculum at Jazz St. Louis as a precocious high school student.

When Fields heard the pianist Cyrus Chestnut play a Jazz St. Louis educational date at a local school, Chestnut invited the avid youth to see his concert at Jazz at the Bistro. “That was the first time I’d ever been to a jazz club, and it changed my life completely,” Fields said. “I begged my parents to go back. He was there four nights – I went all four nights.”

approach. 18 participants are enrolled. Also, funds will go towards the Real Men Don’t Hit program, an online curriculum bringing awareness from the male perspective, currently implemented in 4 school districts and 5 schools, serving over 200 boys. The charity gala is a form of awareness to highlight other types of domestic violence not just the physical side.

Last year the gala focused on the physical, emotional, and financial abuse of DV–which is the meaning behind the gala, the 50 shades represent the many types of DV. The silent auction had some amazing pieces, a Louis Vuitton purse which had

n “St. Louis is exactly the right size to be inclusive. If you’re good at your instrument, you’re gonna have a lot of opportunities. That was a huge help to me growing up.”

- Lawrence Fields

Fields went back to the jazz club whenever he could. Still a child – his precocity as a student had enabled him to skip middle school; he would start college at 16 – he became a regular guest of the house, thanks to then-Executive Director Gene Dobbs Bradford and Artistic Director Bob Bennett. “I had an opportunity to go and see all these worldclass shows, essentially for free,” Fields said. Fields’ parents provided him with the tools. His dad, a physician, got him a keyboard; his mom, a stockbroker, bought him books on playing piano. The youth eventually worked himself up from the crowd to the stage at Jazz at the Bistro, playing piano behind rising local artists such as Keyon Harrold.

“St. Louis is exactly the right size to be inclusive,” Fields said. “If you’re good at your instrument, you’re gonna have a lot of opportunities. That was a huge help to me growing up.”

Fields found the friends he had been looking for since his precocity separated him from his peer group. Students who skip grades tend to struggle socially. Music spared Fields the worst of all that. “If you play music, you meet other musicians, then it’s like a little community,” Fields said.

Fields’ mother was responsible for his next breakthrough at his next school. She introduced him to the son of a friend, Daniel R. Brown (former St. Louis Amer-

Photo by Bombay Boeski

Jazz bandleader, composer and pianist Lawrence Fields worked with local jazz students during his Artist Residency at Jazz St. Louis in April.

Photo courtesy of UniverSoul Circus

Photo courtesy of Diva Diva Empowerment Foundation (Left) Founder Eddie Ross, Business Manager Shantasha Love, (Middle) Missouri State Representative Chantelle Nickson-Clark, (Right) Brandee Jelks, Program Director for Diamond Diva Empowerment Foundation.

CONCERTS AND LIVE SHOWS

Miles Davis in the Building

8/15/2024 5:00 p.m.

Miles Davis in the Building is a fictitious, musical dramedy, inspired by the tragic school shooting at CVPA High School in St. Louis, MO in 2022. Zack Theatre

3224 Locust St.

St. Louis, MO

$16.00

Kid Cudi - INSANO: Engage the Rage World Tour

8/9/2024 7:00 p.m. Enterprise Center 1401 Clark Ave St. Louis, MO

$45.95 - $155.95

Joy Oladokun - Catch Me While You Can Tour

8/13/2024 8:00pm Delmar Hall

6133 Delmar Blvd St. Louis, MO $26.00

Gateway Arch Park Foundation hosts ninth annual Blues at the Arch!

8/11/2024 10:00 a.m.

This popular end-of-summer celebration pays tribute to St. Louis’ storied blues history and showcases the talents of national and local artists.

Gateway Arch National Park

200 S Broadway St. Louis, MO Free Dru Hill

8/9/2024 8:00 p.m.

River City Casino & Hotel

777 River City Casino Blvd St. Louis, MO

$40.00 - $75.00

STL Sites & Sounds

St. Louis, MO $15.00

In the Heights

8/9/2024 8:15 p.m.

8/10/2024 8:15 p.m.

8/11/2024 8:15 p.m.

8/12/2024 8:15 p.m.

8/15/2024 8:15 p.m.

The Muny 1 Theatre Dr St. Louis, MO Prices vary

Ronnie Burrage and Holographic Principle at Xavier Hall (Jazz) 8/9/2024 8:00 p.m.

St. Louis, MO

$15.00 - $25.00

ART ACTIVITIES, EXHIBITS AND MUSEUMS

Member Lecture-Sovereign Joy: Afro-Mexican Kings and Queens 8/9/2024 6:00 p.m.

Miguel Valerio, Associate Professor of Spanish at Washington University in St. Louis and author of Sovereign Joy: Afro-Mexican Kings and Queens, 1539-1640, explores the captivating world of 16th and 17th century Afro-Mexican

MO Free

Family Sunday 8/11/2024 1:00 p.m.

Hands-on art activities and special interactive components for kids within the galleries. Each week’s activities focus on a different, family-friendly theme.

Louis Art Museum One Fine

Iconic rapper Kid Cudi brings his tour INSANO:

Engage the Rage World Tour to St. Louis’ Enterprise Center on Aug. 9, 2024.

hullabaZoo

can reporter, now a lawyer and a judge). The mothers knew their sons were both studying at Washington University in St. Louis and playing jazz. Brown, a drummer, introduced Fields to his first true jazz band. “Danny brought me into this whole other world,” Fields said.

Fields loved playing jazz so much that he could no longer tolerate computer science. “Playing jazz was so interesting, so stimulating,” he said. “And also so social, right? Which being alone with the computer writing code wasn’t.” Precocious again, he landed a full-time job as a software developer at age 18 and dropped out of college when most students his age were just getting started.

He decided that he wanted to study music at a school known for its music programs. His father drove him to Chicago to audition for the Berklee College of music, based in Boston, which was offering a national audition tour. Fields was admitted with a half scholarship that was soon upgraded to a full scholarship.

Fields decided to focus on studio production, rather than performance or composition, but he absorbed many varied musical influences. “In the practice rooms there’s one person playing country music, someone else playing gospel, someone’s doing blues, someone’s doing hip-hop,” Fields said. “So, we’ve got a blues singer and a gospel drummer and a jazz bassist and a prog rock guitarist, and we’re gonna see what comes out of it.”

Berklee also offered elite higher education’s most valuable intangible: professional networking. “There was a constant

rotation of great musicians coming through Berklee,” Fields said. “I met some of the people who would help give me my first gigs.” St. Louis also helped to show him the way forward in Boston. Fields went native in the local scene playing with icons such as Willie Akins. At an Akins gigs at Spruill’s, an audience member told Fields to check out Wally’s, a local club, when he got to Boston. Fields wasn’t old enough to get into Wally’s, but the door man there told him to go around back and listen on the fire escape. Fields was blown away. When the musicians came out after the show

they were only a little older than he was. “I never heard people around that age play like that,” Fields said, “so I got to know them.” He worked his way up from the fire escape to the stage. He played at Wally’s with Warren Wolf, a vibraphonist and drummer, who introduced Fields to the saxophonist Tim Warfield, who introduced Fields to Nicholas Peyton – who would give Fields his first touring gig overseas.

His value as a sideman has kept Fields paying the bills in his adopted city of New York – and meeting the people he would need to release his own music.

His label deal with Rhythm ‘N’ Flow Records, based in Germany, came from touring Europe with Joe Lovano, who had taught Fields at Berklee.

The touring experience as a sideman, the label connection, the production skills learned at Berklee, and his evolution as a com-

poser culminated in To the Surface. “I’ve been touring and playing with other artists and collecting my own musical ideas,” Fields said.

“How do I take all these different influences and put them into something that has a consistent sound?

I didn’t want the album to give people musical

whiplash.” As a go-to sideman now picking his own sidemen, Fields enlisted bassist Yasushi Nakamura and drummer Corey Fonville. “A large part of the sound of the record is due to them,” Fields said. “They did an amazing job, which let me focus on being creative in the recording.” Fields produced his debut at Big Orange Sheep in Brooklyn, home to a 9-foot Fazioli grand piano. “That studio has people who are extremely skilled but also very laid back and very kind,” Fields said. It was a realization of a lifelong dream when Fields performed his debut record as a leader at Jazz at the Bistro following its release in February. By the time he returned to Jazz St. Louis again to teach and perform in April, his music had evolved. “The tunes have new sections or things that weren’t there,” Fields said. “All the tunes are continuing to evolve.” Fields also continues to evolve from in-demand sideman to bandleader running his own show. “That makes this period of time fascinating because it’s not like I built up the structure of being a band leader, right?” Fields said. “The artists that I played with had managers and booking agents, but now I’m on my own. It can be intimidating, and there are a lot of talented people who are just not able to deal with it. But, I told myself, listen: This is my challenge in life.”

Visit https://www.lawrencefields.com.

Photo by Bombay Boeski

Jazz bandleader, composer and pianist Lawrence Fields warmed up on the Ferring Jazz Bistro stage during his Artist Residency at Jazz St. Louis in April.

Religion A Stellar evening in Las Vegas honors gospel greats

St. Louis American

The 2024 Stellar Gospel Music Awards show at the Orleans Arena in Las Vegas aired last weekend on BET and Tye Tribbett was the evening’s biggest winner, garnering six awards, including Artist of the Year and Song of the Year for “Only One Night Tho (Live).”

The Motown Gospel artist was also honored with the James Cleveland Lifetime Achievement Icon Award

Jekalyn Carr followed up with four awards, including the Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year award. Melvin Crispell III, Ricky Dillard, and Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers each won two awards and gave stunning performances.

Kim Burrell received the Aretha Franklin Icon Award. Kirk Franklin, Erica Campbell, and Angel Taylor also made special appearances.

Winners and nominees for the 2024 Stellar Gospel Music Awards included:

Artist of the Year

Donald Lawrence; Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; RCA Inspiration

Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc.

Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

WINNER: Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel Song of the Year

“Able” ft. Marvin Winans; Jonathan McReynolds, Major Johnson Finley, Marvin Winans & Demetrius Terrell Wilson; MNRK

“Feel Alright (Blessed)”; Erica Campbell, Warryn Campbell, Marvin L. Winans, Juan Winans & William Weatherspoon; My Block Inc.

“It’s Morning”; Latrice Pace; Latrice Pace

WINNER: “Only One Night Tho (Live)”; Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel Male Artist of the Year

Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK

WINNER: Melvin Crispell III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration

Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel Albertina Walker Female Artist of the Year

Erica Campbell; I Love You; My Block Inc. WINNER: Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music

Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK Duo/Chorus Group of the Year

Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records Maverick City Music; The Maverick Way Complete; Tribl Records

WINNER: The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc. New Artist of the Year

Adam Blackstone; A Legacy Christmas; BASSic Black Entertainment Records/Anderson Music Group/Empire

Jevon Dewand & The Trapstarz; The Change Experience; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide WINNER: Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/MNRK

Rudy Currence; Stained Glass Windows; Mike Chek / MNRK Album of the Year

WINNER: All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK Choir of the Year

B. Chase Williams & Shabach; CHASing the Next Chapter; Mellie’s Boy Muzic Group WINNER: Ricky Dil-

lard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel Vincent Bohanan & SOV; Live in Dallas; HezHouse Entertainment Zak Williams & 1AKORD; Revisited; Enon Music Group Contemporary Duo/Chorus Group of the Year

WINNER: Anthony Brown & group therAPy; Affirmations; Key of A/Tyscot/FairTrade Housefires; How to Start a Housefire (Pt. III); Housefires Music Pastor Dalton Hill & The Tabernacle Singers; Rejoice (Live from Boston); Beulah Tabernacle/Bean House Productions The Walls Group; Four Walls; My Block Inc. Traditional Duo/Chorus Group of the Year

JJ Hairston; Believe Again Vol II; Tribl Records Kevin Vasser & BLVRS; I Believe; KTV Music

Motown Gospel artist Tye Tribbitt took home six Stellar Awards during the evening of music and honors in Las Vegas.

courtesy of Ty Tribbitt.com

WINNER: Lisa Knowles-Smith & The Brown Singers; Live in Memphis 2; EvoWorld Entertainment, Inc Ron Summers; God Can; Emanuel Media Group/Ron Summers Music Contemporary Male Artist of the Year

Jonathan McReynolds; My Truth; MNRK Jovonta Patton; Established; Newton Street Entertainment/ MNRK Pastor Mike Jr.; Impossible; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide

WINNER: Tye Tribbett; All Things New (Live Album); Motown Gospel Traditional Male Artist of the Year

John P. Kee; Tribute to a Legend: Rance Allen; Kee Music Group/Tyscot Records Kelontae Gavin; Testify; RCA Inspiration

WINNER: Melvin Crispell

III; No Failure; RCA Inspiration

Ricky Dillard; Choirmaster II; Motown Gospel Contemporary Female Artist of the Year

WINNER: Kierra Sheard; All Yours; RCA Inspiration/Karew Entertainment

Latrice Pace; Exodus: The Journey of Obedience, Vol 2; Latrice Pace

Lena Byrd Miles; Brand New; My Block Inc.

Naomi Raine; Cover the Earth; Tribl Records Traditional Female Artist of the Year

Eartha Edwards; It All Belongs to God; Blockbuster Records/ Javel Music

WINNER: Jekalyn Carr; JEKALYN; Waynorth Music

Lucinda Moore; Lord, I Hear You; Nalah Music Group/New Day Distribution/The Orchard Maurette Brown Clark; He Loves Me; Nettie’s Child Music/MNRK Contemporary Album of the Year

WINNER: All Things New (Live Album); Tye Tribbett; Motown Gospel I Love You; Erica Campbell; My Block Inc.

Impossible; Pastor Mike Jr.; Blacksmoke Music Worldwide My Truth; Jonathan McReynolds; MNRK Traditional Album of the Year

Choirmaster II; Ricky Dillard; Motown Gospel Donald Lawrence Presents Power: A Tribute to Twinkie Clark; Donald Lawrence; RCA Inspiration WINNER: JEKALYN; Jekalyn Carr; Waynorth Music No Failure; Melvin Crispell III; RCA Inspiration

Photo

MAJOR GIFT OFFICER - POSITION SUMMARY:

The Major Gift Officer is responsible for cultivating and maintaining relationships with individual donors to secure financial support to advance the mission and objectives of Forest Park Forever. Interested applicants please visit our website for compete position details and to apply online at: www.forestparkforever. org/jobs.

THE PARK ACTIVATION SPECIALIST

The Park Activation

Specialist serves as a community connector and is integral to Forest Park Forever’s mission delivery to ensure Forest Park is welcoming to all. This position is interdisciplinary, community- and peoplefocused, providing strategic guidance and engagement to ensure Park spaces and amenities are activated and usership is representative of the St. Louis community.} Please visit our website at www.forestparkforever.org/ jobs for complete details and to apply online

COMMUNICATIONS

SPECIALIST

POSITION

SUMMARY:

Perform a range of communications duties on the Communications and Marketing team, including writing/editing content for newsletters, external website and employee communications, assisting with presentations for executive leadership and collaborating Forest Park Forever communications strategies. Interested applicants can visit our website for full details and to apply online at: www.forestparkforever. org/jobs.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

City of Clayton has openings for multiple positions, both full and part-time. To apply online and see full job description go to: Job ListingsCity of Clayton Jobs (applicantpro.com)

Open positions, include, Communications Manager, IT Support Specialist and Municipal Services Technician I

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 apply online and see a full job description go to https://www.developstlouis.org/careers and then click “Open Positions & Apply Online.”

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY

CURRENT JOB OPENINGS!

SR DATABASE ADMIN

HUBS in St. Louis, MO.

Perform monitoring, health checks, storage & capacity planning, patching, upgrades, & security for comp dbs. Provide tech support for db dev., oversee schema, structure, & transactional processing. May work from home up to 2 days/ wk. Must have at least bach or its equiv. in Comp Info Sys, Comp Sci, or rltd fld & 6 yrs progressive exp as SQL DB Admin or rltd role. Must have 4 yrs exp w/: managing & supporting SQL Server in Azure (IAAS, PAAS); SSIS, SSAS, & SSRS; at least 2 yr exp w/: Ideara & PagerDuty DBMS monitoring & tools; Windows Server OS admin; DBMS maintenance tools. Apply at https://www. hubbell.com/careers (Req. #95604).

LIBRARY ASSOCIATE

Washington University in St. Louis offers rewarding opportunities in various fields at all levels, with positions in engineering, nursing and health care, research, administration, technology, security and more.

Behavior Technician – Full-time Days Pediatrics (Toddlers)

COME PLAY WITH US! Making a difference in the life of a child with special needs and supporting parents is a rewarding opportunity. This is a dynamic new Washington University School of Medicine Pediatric program (Early Strides) supporting Black toddlers (12-36 months) diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder.

Early Strides embeds learning into daily activities and our teaching looks like play which is fun for toddlers. Patience, compassion, creativity and attunement are the recipe for success in providing high-quality teaching. We are seeking several individuals whom have the art of developing quick rapport with children and teaching strategies for highly individualized learning plans, assist with day-to-day play activities, collect and record data on children’s progress, and communicate with parents. The role involves providing 1:1 ABA therapy to children aged 3 years and younger. Prior ABA experience is not required

Our aim is to provide high-quality, high-frequency, interventions to toddlers who may otherwise not have access to this caliber of service. Early Strides uses a combination of Naturalistic Developmental Behavioral Interventions that are rooted in Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) to help support children’s learning. This blend embeds learning into activities that are appropriate and fun and our teaching looks like playing. New hires will receive training and will be required to complete Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification within 12 weeks.

Primary responsibilities of this role include providing one-on-one Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) therapy to children aged 3 and younger. Prior ABA experience is not required. The therapy is conducted through play-based activities, with a focus on enhancing relationships and social motivation while building developmental milestones. The role involves teaching specific skills and implementing behavior plans using positive and strength-based strategies based on the principles of ABA. Additionally, responsibilities include data collection, session recording, and communication with caregivers. Daily progress notes are to be documented in the EPIC system. The role also involves supporting positive interactions with parents or guardians.

Required qualifications include a high school diploma or equivalent certification. The ability to complete RBT training and registration within 90 days of employment is necessary. A background in child development, such as being a parent, teacher, or daycare worker, is preferred. Other preferred qualifications include previous experience working with children diagnosed with Autistic Spectrum Disorder and familiarity with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and its application.

Salary Range is $16.40 - $23.70 / Hourly and benefits include up to 22 days of vacation, 10 holidays, sick time, health insurance with lower copays/ coinsurance, retirement Savings Plan with contributions, tuition assistance and so much more!

Apply online: https://jobs.wustl.edu (job# JR83190) For a full description of these positions and other career opportunities, please visit https://jobs.wustl.edu/

The Missouri Historical Society is actively hiring for the following positions:

Campaign Coordinator – Full time Early childhood and Family Programs Museum Educator –Part time Housekeeper – Full time Objects Conservator – Full time Resource Protection Officer –Part time

Visitor Experience AssociatePart time

Please visit www.mohistory.org under the “Current Openings” at the bottom of the home page for position details and to apply.

An Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer Services Provided On A Non-Discriminatory Basis

The St. Louis County Library is seeking qualified applicants for a full-time Library Associate at the Cliff Cave Branch. Responsible for performing a variety of circulation duties to meet the needs of Library customers and other clerical duties as assigned. High School Diploma or GED required. Hours: 40 hours per week, evenings and weekends are required. Salary $36,445, plus paid vacation, sick leave, paid parental leave, pension plan and other benefits. Apply online at: https://www.slcl.org/ about-us/employment Equal Opportunity Employer

ADVERTISEMENT/ NOTICE

Bids for New Laboratory Campus Multi-Agency, Project No. O2301-01 will be received by McCownGordon Construction at the office of OA/ FMDC, State of MO UNTIL 2:00PM, August 27, 2024. Project location is 135 N Chestnut St, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Bid Package 5 Scopes of work includes the following: Above Ground Plumbing & Mechanical.

Bid Package information available at: https://app.buildingconnected.com/ public/565cdb606895000f004164f2/ projects/66b13eb692d3b50042c9760d

MBE participation goal of 10% and WBE participation Goals of 10% and SDVE participation goal of 3% are included.

OA/FMDC reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive all informalities in bids. McCownGordon Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

PARIC Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: ST. CHARLES COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS 3RD FLOOR, located at 301 N. 2nd St., St. Charles, MO 63301.

The project consists of the renovation of existing kitchen and housing space on the 3RD Floor of St. Charles County Department of Correction’s to become new substance abuse and behavioral health housing units and includes construction of a new mezzanine.

Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link. If you do not receive a bid invitation, please send your company information to tlalexander@paric.com.

A PREBID meeting will be held on Tuesday, August 13th at 10:00am at 301 North 2nd Street, St. Charles, MO 63301.

Questions / RFI’s are due to PARIC by Wednesday, August 21, 2024.

BIDS WILL BE DUE ON September 5th, 2024 @ 2:00pm.

Send all questions to Grant Whitson (gwhitson@paric.com).

This project will have prevailing wage requirements.

The construction phase of this project shall have a Supplier Diversity participation goal of subcontracting with MBE of 10%, with SDVE of 3%; and WBE, DBE, and/or VBE of 10% of the GMP. The Construction Manager at Risk is strongly encouraged to include minority and women owned firms. CMRs are also strongly encouraged to include Missouri-based firms on the team.

All bids should be delivered to PARIC via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

BOARD OF DIRECTORS AND ADVISORY COUNCIL ELECTIONS

Manchester, MO., [August 5, 2024] –Aging Ahead will hold elections to fill five seats for the Board of Directors: three representing St. Louis County, one representing St. Charles County, and one representing Franklin County. There are two seats to fill for the Advisory Council representing Franklin County and one seat representing Jefferson County.

Elections will be held at select Agency senior centers located in St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin counties on Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2024. See website for specific in-person voting locations and more information.

If interested, reach out to your local senior center, call 636-207-0847, or email kwillcoxson@agingahead.org for an Application for Candidacy and more information. Completed applications are due to senior centers or at Aging Ahead’s central office, 14535 Manchester Rd, Manchester, MO 63011 by Friday, August 16, 2024 no later than 12pm via mail, email or in person.

In addition to operating 19 community locations, including 15 self-operated centers, in its four-county service area of St. Louis, St. Charles, Jefferson, and Franklin counties, Aging Ahead provides supportive services to persons 60 and over, family caregivers and adults with disabilities.

Candidates are encouraged to contact their local senior center for more information.

ST. LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES HOUSING RESOURCE COMMISSION FY2025 GRANT

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services – Supportive Housing Program is seeking proposals for the Housing Resource Commission FY2025 Grant Bid Number 1997. The total funding available is approximately $444,383.43. Proposals are due electronically by 2:00 p.m. on August 28, 2024. Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained at the St. Louis County Bids and RFPs webpage located at https://stlouiscountymov endors.munisselfservice. com/Vendors/VBids/ BidNotificationLandingPage. aspx?BidId=2745

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

Great Rivers Greenway qualificationsrequestingisfor Pre-construction and Construction Management for Gwen Giles Park Trailhead. Go to www. greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by August 28,2024.

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals for Window Cleaning for the Civil Courts Building (10 N. Tucker, St. Louis MO. 63101) and the Carnahan Courthouse (1114 Market Street, St. Louis, MO. 63101).

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on October 1, 2024.

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposal for CCB Ceiling Repairs under the direction of the Circuit Court in the Civil Court Building, 10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63101;

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on September 24, 2024

BIRD HOUSE SEWER LINE REPLACEMENT RFP 2024

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 8/7/24 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership requests proposals for high-quality exterior painting services at the West County Business Incubator, located at 743 Spirit 40 Park Drive, Chesterfield, Missouri 63005. Interested parties are encouraged to observe the facility. A copy of the RFP is available at https:// stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfq/. To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 3 PM CT on August 30, 2024.

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposal for Wood Bench Repair under the direction of the Circuit Court in the Civil Court Building, 10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63101;

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on September 17, 2024

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Sealed Proposals for B24-1228 Facilities Management Services will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg., JC, MO 65101 until 2PM CT on 06SEP2024. Download Proposal Request at “https://www.lincolnu.edu/ about-lincoln/purchasing/ bid-information/index.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Renovate Interior & Exterior Readiness Center Building, Mexico Readiness Center, Project No. T2318-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 8/27/24. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

ADVERTISEMENT/ NOTICE

Bids for New Laboratory Campus Multi-Agency, Project No. O2301-01 will be received by McCownGordon Construction at the office of OA/FMDC, State of MO UNTIL 2:00PM, August 28, 2024. Project location is 135 N Chestnut St, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Bid Package 03 Scopes of work including: Site Concrete; Masonry; Fireproofing; Roofing; Metal & Specialty Wall Panels; Joint Sealants & Waterproofing; Interior Glass and Glazing; OH Doors, Loading Dock Equipment, Fire Curtains; Drywall & Ceilings; Walk in Coolers / Freezers; Shooting Range Equipment; Projectile Recovery Tank; Laboratory Casework & Equipment; Elevators; Overhead Hoist Rail; Fire Suppression; Site Modular Retaining Walls; Landscaping. https://app.buildingconnected.com/ public/565cdb606895000f004164f2/ projects/664e10d6f7dd580035b287cb

MBE participation goal of 10% and WBE participation Goals of 10% and SDVE participation goal of 3% are included.

OA/FMDC reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive all informalities in bids. McCownGordon Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ADVERTISEMENT/ NOTICE

Bids for New Laboratory Campus Multi-Agency, Project No. O2301-01 will be received by McCownGordon Construction at the office of OA/ FMDC, State of MO UNTIL 2:00PM, August 27, 2024. Project location is 135 N Chestnut St, Jefferson City, MO 65101. Bid Package 4 Scope of work includes the following: Underground Plumbing & Mechanical. Bid Package information available at: https://app.buildingconnected.com/ public/565cdb606895000f004164f2/ projects/66b0d89407b2360048101878

MBE participation goal of 10% and WBE participation Goals of 10% and SDVE participation goal of 3% are included.

OA/FMDC reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive all informalities in bids. McCownGordon Construction is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Crime Lab-Exterior Renovations Troop-H Headquarters Building, Project No. R2338-01will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 10, 2024. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

OA-FMDC, State of MO will have the following MO National Guard projects that will be open for public bid through September 2024, subject to available funding. When released, bid documents will be available at https:// oa.mo.gov/facilities/ T2329-01 AVCRAD HVAC Repairs, Blade & Paint Shop T2333-01 Joplin Readiness Ctr Construct Addtn T2336-01 Ike Skelton Training Site Construct Addtn T2407-01 St Joe Rosecrans Bldg 25 Renovs

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Concrete Dock & Entryway, Regional Office Building, Project No. M2408-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 9/12/24. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

OFFICE SUPPLIES

RFP 2024

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 8/7/24 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS MASS FATALITY EXERCISE SERIES FOR UASI PROGRAM

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking submittals from consultants to provide a Mass Fatality Exercise Series Program for the UASI Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security/ FEMA. Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on September 4, 2024. D/S/W/MBEs are encouraged to submit proposals. Find submittal details at www.ewgateway.org

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

URBAN SEARCH & RESCUE TASK FORCE LEADERSHIP TRAINING SERIES

East-West Gateway is seeking submittals from consultants to provide an Urban Search & Rescue Task Force Leadership Training Series, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security / FEMA. Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on September 4, 2024. Submittal details can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of Crestwood, Missouri Department of Parks and Recreation is requesting sealed proposals for a prefabricated restroom structure delivered to and installed at Whitecliff Park. Sealed proposals are due Thursday August 8, 2024, at 10:00 am CST. For more information and the complete RFP package please see the Bids and RFP’s section of the City of Crestwood website (https://www.cityofcrestwood.org/Bids.aspx)

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for 24-162 – Culvert Cleaning Program will be received by the City of St. Peters, Purchasing Department, City Hall, One St. Peters Centre Boulevard, P.O. Box 9, St. Peters, Missouri 63376 until 2:00 PM local time, August 23, 2024 and then opened and read aloud.

Contract Documents will be available on August 8, 2024 and may be obtained from the City of St. Peters website www.stpetersmo.net/bids.aspx

All questions regarding this project shall be submitted to the City of St. Peters Purchasing Department in writing to Bids@stpetersmo.net under the subject line 24-162 – Culvert Cleaning Program before noon local time, August 15, 2024.

The City reserves the right to waive any informality in bidding, and to accept the bid most advantageous to the City.

INVITATION FOR EQUIPMENT BIDS

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking bids for portable x-ray systems, tactical robot, night vision and tactical camera equipment. Bids are due 09/04/2024. Funding is provided by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. D/S/W/MBEs are encouraged to submit bids. Find details at www.ewgateway.org

SERVICES

900 N 1st Street St. Louis, MO 63102

The City of St. Louis Port Authority will receive Sealed Bids on 8/16/2024 For more info. Visitstlouis-mo.gov/https://www. government/ departments/sldc/ procurement/index. cfm

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

HOSTAGE RESCUE TRAINING

East-West Gateway is seeking submittals from consultants to provide a Hostage Rescue training course for a regional law enforcement team, funded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security / FEMA. Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on September 4, 2024. Submittal details can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org

PUBLIC NOTICE

Donald Maggi Inc. is accepting bids from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises for subcontracting opportunities on the Route E Sidewalk Improvements, Rolla MO 65401 Project No.: TAP-9901 (532)

Bid Date and Time: 11:00 am on Wednesday, August 21, 2024

Plans/Specification is available via Dropbox or google drive or https://www.rollacity.org/bids.

shtml

Contact Donald Maggi Inc. at 573-364-7733 or email maggiconst@gmail.com

Donald Maggi Inc.

AUCTION NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the following individuals are indebted to Mi-Box Storage for past due rent and other charges. Auction will be conducted at 1444 N Warson Rd. on August 16 2024 at 11AM. Mi-Box Storage reserves the right to bid on any unit. Sale of a unit is subject to cancellation in the event of a settlement between Landlord and obligated party. Tomaka Jackson #581: Clothes, Shoes, TVs, Furniture, Misc. Household Franchot Cunningham #544: Furniture Items

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Install Pedestrian Bridge At Pleasant Hill Over Union Pacific Railroad, Project No. X2311-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 10, 2024. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Renovate Cabins 1-4, 14, & 19, Sam A Baker State Park, Project No. X2319-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 10, 2024. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Renovate Interior & Exterior at St. Clair Readiness Center, Project No. T2326-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 12, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of University City is requesting sealed proposals for the redevelopment of 8008 Olive Blvd. Proposals are due Wednesday, September 11, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. CST. For more information and the complete RFP package, please see the Business Page for the City of University City at https://www. ucitymo.org/64/ Business.

Bids for Minor Renovations for Infection Control at Warrensburg Veterans Home, Project No. U2302-02, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, September 10, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

A public meeting for the Jennings Station Road–Chain of Rocks Drive Resurfacing project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1855, Federal Project No. STBG9901(683) will be held on Thursday, August 15th, 2024, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at the Bellefontaine Neighbors Community Center located at 9669 Bellefontaine Road, St. Louis, MO, 63137.

The goal of this meeting is to inform the public and local stakeholders of St. Louis County’s plans to preserve Jennings Station Road from New Halls Ferry Road to Bellefontaine Road and Chain of Rocks Drive from Bellefontaine Road to the St. Louis City limits. Based on community feedback received, we’ve revised the project design. Please join us to learn more.

The following QR code will link to the in-person meeting information on the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works website:

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.”

at

The Caribbean Carnivale remains a popular feature of the UniverSoul Circus, which is celebrating its 30th year. The Carnivale is a combination of fire, dance and drum performances, complete with dazzling costumes.

Walker told The Houston Chronicle

The segment features a never-before-seen 18-person flying trapeze act from China.

on social media.

“Our special presentation of ‘Cousins Around the World’ celebrates a global community that connects us all in a more inclusive society,”

“Our show is about bridging generational and cultural gaps,” Walker said.

The UniverSoul Circus 30th Anniversary Extravaganza will take

everyone buzzing about it, and a painting of St. Louis by local artist Dexter Silvers. Diamond Divas hopes everyone at the gala saw the work it takes to have an initial DV organization. A lot of people fleeing these types of situations leave with no money, housing, car, etc.

Some leave with just the clothes on their back.

place from August 16-September 2 across from The Dome at America’s Center. Tickets are available through Ticketmaster.com at all Ticketmaster outlets or by calling (800) 745-3000. For more information, visit www. universoulcircus.com.

Co-founder and Director of Programs, Dr. Brandee Jelks said 52% of DV victims fleeing from their homes will eventually end up homeless, Diamond Divas Pathway to Housing program helps survivors with housing by paying first and last month’s rent. Also, the organization helps with emergency safe haven housing for up to two weeks. Their Pathway to Prosperity Program helps survivors who want to become an entrepreneur. According to Jelks, 30% of the individuals that come to Diamond Divas have some type of side hustle, “an entrepreneurial spirit,” she said, describing them. They offer courses to help legitimize their business so they can become financially independent.

Eddie Ross, founder and

CEO of Diamond Divas, said St. Louis is ranked 7 in the country for DV, the Real Men Don’t Hit Program teaches self-regulating and coping skills.

“We started as a grassroots organization, we started with our boots on the ground.”

Ross and other team

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

members of the organization would visit shelters to figure out where they could help fill in the gap with much-needed services.

“This is why this gala is so important,” said Love. “This year the experience is better, and my goal is to help raise the funds needed for our programs.”

Circus

Continued from C1

Diva

Continued from C1

Photo courtesy of UniverSoul Circus

Photo courtesy of Diva Diva Empowerment Foundation

Top photo : Radio host 100.3 Beat (right) Melaine Montgomery interviewing Director, Office of Violence Prevention, Wilford Pinkney

Bottom photo: (bottom left) Leslie Gill, President & Chief Executive Officer of Rung For Women, Alderwomen Shameem Clark Hubbard, (Top Left) KMOV News reporter Melanie Johnson, Alderman Rasheen Lamont Aldridge.

Urban League Head Start secure $1M federal grant

2024-25 enrollment is open

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis is partnering with local organizations to make new investments in lowand moderate-income neighborhoods.

The Urban League announced on Saturday August 5, 2024 new partnerships with Connections To Success and St. Louis Community Credit Union, and also a $1 million federal grant for digital infrastructure improvements from the federal government for Head Start facilities across the region.

“When you look at low to moderate income communities where individuals do not have the money for WIFI every month, do not have the capability to buy laptops and other devices and there are students who are trying to learn virtually

but don’t have the capability to do so, this is an evening of the playing field,” said Urban League President and CEO Michael McMillan.

“What that does is give people in these communities the ability to have the best equipment in their neighborhoods where they live and to have some pride and dignity in facilities that are right there in the community with them.”

McMillan added that the goal of each partnership is to make everyone independent.

Head Start is a national program that provides early childhood education to

See Urban, Page 5

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Head Start kids from the Jennings location stole the show with a charming performance during the grand opening of Urban League Centene Connected Community Center on Tuesday July 30, 2024, in Ferguson.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Back to School 2024 • Page 4

Back-to-school health tips for a successful school year

Immunizations are essential

A new school year brings with it fresh opportunity, excitement, and, sometimes, anxiety for parents and students. Medical experts say that addressing health-related issues can help make for a stress-free back-to-school season.

“Opening the lines of communication with your child and their physician to talk about nutrition, physical activity, and the steps you can take together to have a healthy and rewarding school year can help ease some of those back-to-school jitters you may be feeling,” says Bruce A. Scott, MD, president of the American Medical Association (AMA).

For a healthy and successful school year, follow these doctor-approved tips from the AMA:

Annual physicals. Visit your child’s physician every year. Annual physicals are critical to ensuring children are growing and developing properly.

Talk to your child’s pediatrician about vaccines. For the U.S. poplation in 2019, childhood vaccines prevented more than 24 million illnesses. Vaccines are safe, effective and save lives.

Routine childhood immunization is highly effective at preventing disease over a lifetime, reducing the incidence of all targeted diseases, including measles, mumps, rubella, polio and varicella (chickenpox). And if your child turns 11 or 12 this year, it’s time to get the HPV vaccine, which protects against the HPV virus – a virus linked to six types of cancer.

Healthy students are better learners. School meals should include fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains. If you pack your child’s lunch and snacks, try to pack at least two-thirds of their meal with plant-based foods. Strive to include lean protein, or plant-based protein, and avoid processed meats and sugary drinks like soda and juice.

are just as needed for African American students as all others.

Exercise is key. Children need at least 60 minutes of exercise daily, so check their schedule to make sure they’re getting enough physical activity. Strive to build time for bike riding or walking as a family into the end of each day.

Watch what your child eats at school.

Be smart about sunscreen. From gym class and school sports to recess and waiting for the school bus, kids of all ages spend a good portion of their day outside. It’s important to take steps to protect your child from damaging UV rays. Look for a broad spectrum sunscreen of at least SPF 30 and apply it before sending your kids to school. And as you’re shopping for back-to-school apparel, look for UV protective clothes. These recommendations

e-cigarettes and tobacco products. Make your children aware of the dangers of tobacco products and talk to them about how to resist peer pressure. From 2022 to 2023, the number of middle school-aged children using tobacco products overall increased by nearly 50%, with e-cigarettes being the most commonly used product.

With a focus on good health, wellness and nutrition, you can help prepare your child for a healthy and happy school year and a lifetime of good health.

Back to School 2024 • Page 5

Urban

Continued from Page 3

low-income children and families. It is a locally operated and federally funded program.

Enrollment is now open for the upcoming 2024-25 school year and following summer.

The Urban League Head Start (ULHS) provides educational opportunities for children ages 3-5 years and their families. A special focus is placed on school-readiness: early childhood education, family and community engagement, and health services. The program has teachers with degrees in early childhood education, child development or a related field.

ULHS places significant emphasis on parents’ involvement in the program. It encourages them to become active participants in their children’s learning by volunteering in the classroom and serving on Head Start committees. Staff and parents work in partnership to help children succeed.

The Urban League Head Start program has been recognized as a Missouri Eat Smart Child Care Center by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services and Bureau of Community Food and Nutrition Assistance.

All Urban League Head Start Centers are fully accredited by the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC).

Eligibilty:

• Children must be 3 years old by July 31st

• Families must meet the federal income guidelines

Documents needed for enrollment:

• Child’s Birth Certificate

• Parent’s Proof of Income

• Proof of St. Louis City Residency

• Up-to-Date Shot Record

• Child’s Social Security Card, Insurance or Medicaid Card

• Child’s Current Physical and Dental • Exam Results

Head Start locations

Head Start Headquarters 8964 Jennings Station Rd. Jennings, MO 63136 (314) 867-9100

Martin Luther King, Jr. Center 1437 Laurel St. Louis, MO 63112 (314) 389-8800

Magnolia Center 2725 Alhambra Ct. St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 584-6298

Mt. Zion Center 1440 S. Compton St. Louis, MO 63104 (314) 773-0733

North Spring Center 911 N. Spring St. Louis, MO 63108 (314) 652-2406

For additional enrollment information, please contact Pamela Williams, Head Start director at (314) 867-9100 or send email to pwilliams@urbanleague-stl.org Ruby Sims, Parent Involvement Coordinator (314) 867-9100 or send email Rsims@Urbanleague-Stl.Org

Back to School events dot calendar in coming weeks

Fun and free supplies for the taking

St. Louis American

As the first day of school nears for districts throughout the St. Louis area, many school districts, organizations and churches have Back to School events planned as the summer ends.

It’s not too late to take advantage of Back-to-School blasts in all corners of the area.

Upcoming events include:

Beyond the Backpack event in North County

Beyond the Backpack is happening from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday August 10 at the Normandy Early Learning Center and Lucas Crossing Middle School, 7859 Natural Bridge Rd., Pine Lawn, MO, 63121.

All parking will be available across the street at UMSL.

Join the Normandy Schools Collaborative and Beyond Housing to get all your student back to school needs. Parents and students can receive free backpacks, school supplies, physicals, dental screenings and immunizations

In addition, new shoes, haircuts and lunch will be provided. New this year will be petting zoo, and kids can also enjoy a bounce house, DJ, and a lot more fun activities.

Better Family Life event offers free school supplies

Better Family Life is partnering with Annie Malone Children & Family Ser-

vices and the YMCA to present one of the region’s largest Back 2 School events from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday August 10 at 5415 Page in St. Louis.

The event will feature giveaways of backpacks and school supplies, free haircuts, live performances on the main stage, carnival rides, a diverse range of vendors, and more.

Back to School bash at The Sanctuary

Join The Sanctuary for our Back-toSchool Bash at 11 a.m. Sunday August 11 at 965 Anglum Rd., Hazelwood, MO, 63042

The church service and event are designed to equip and uplift our students and teachers as they prepare for the new school year.

We’re giving away backpacks and school supplies to ensure every child has what they need to succeed. In addition to the giveaway, there will be an inspiring kids’ service where we will come together

to pray for our kids and educators, asking for guidance, protection, and blessings in the year ahead.

Whether you’re a member of The Sanctuary or a member of our community, everyone is welcome to join in this celebration and show support for our students. Don’t miss this opportunity to start the school year off right.

Kyddie Cares 5th Annual Back to School Bash

Florissant Church of Christ will present its Kyddie Cares 5th Annual Back to School Bash from noon to 3 p.m. Saturday August 17 at 16460 New Halls Ferry Rd., Florissant, MO, 63031

Parking at the church is limited, and drivers are asked to park across the street at St. Norbert and use the free shuttle.

The day will include free backpacks, diapers & wipes, school supplies and uniforms, haircuts and styles.

Get ready for fun during a foam and

Back to School 2024 • Page 7

bubble party, petting zoo, and pony rides. Along with plenty of popcorn and cotton candy will be a hula hoop performer, caricature artist, food truck, bounce house, henna tattoo artist, a stilt walker, face Painting, balloon artist and more.

Life Point Church holds first Back to School event

LifePoint Church Florissant invites you to its first free back-to-school bash to kick off the school year from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday August 17 at 424 Graham Rd., Florissant, MO, 63031

Free backpacks and school supplies will be available, along with popcorn and lemonade.

DJ music will be provided by James A. Miller Music.

Back to School celebration at Church of the Living God

A Free back-to-school event will be held from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday August 17 at Church of the Living God, 1610 S. Florissant, Cool Valley, MO, 63121. There will be games, food, backpacks,

school supplies, hair stylists, and lots of fun.

KidSmart’s Push for Pencils continues through August

KidSmart’s Push for Pencils, a community-wide school supply drive is continuing through August

The grassroots supple drive includes more than 150 participating businesses, 50,000+ employees and individuals throughout the community. Each year, 500,000 essential school supplies are collected, and then directly distributed, to tens of thousands of local children through the KidSmart Free Educational Supply Store.

More than 90,000 local, school-aged children live in poverty and often attend school without basic supplies. Since opening in 2002, KidSmart has distributed more than $30 million worth of free school supplies and educational materials to 100,000+ St. Louis children in need.

To make donations or get involved, visit 12175 Bridgeton Square Dr., Bridgeton, MO, 63044, call (314) 291-6211 or send an email to info@kidsmartstl.org.