December 12th, 2013 edition

By

Going hard for God

July 18, 1918 – December 5, 2013

Remembering Mandela

St. Louis, world mourns

‘gentle giant’ of South Africa

a

Johannesburg before he was imprisoned. She and a group from St. Louis also walked outside the walls of the home where he passed away on December 5, 2013 at 95.

Nelson Mandela, July 18, 1918 –December 5, 2013

“We knew Mr. Mandela was terminally ill,” Cook said. “It was important for us to experience his museum with the reflections of his families, the correspondence he sent and received. The more you learn about him, the more he helps us refocus the importance of our freedom and our ability to love one another.”

Now the walls of the Mandela House and his current home are stacked high with shrines, flowers, candles and messages. On Sunday night, the streets of his home in Houghton, an affluent district of Johannesburg, were closed off and packed with people who came to mourn his death and celebrate his life.

On Tuesday, President Barack Obama spoke at his memorial, along with many world leaders. He reflected on the life of a man who was born during World War I, “far from the corridors of power.” As a boy, Mandela raised herding cattle and was tutored by the elders of his Thembu tribe, Obama said.

“Madiba would emerge as the last great liberator of the 20th century,” Obama said. “Like Gandhi, he would lead a resistance movement – a movement that at its start had little prospect for success. Like Dr. King, he would give potent voice to the claims of the oppressed and the moral necessity of racial justice.”

Norman Seay, veteran civil rights activist and former director of the Office of Equal Opportunity at University of Missouri – St. Louis (left), will deliver to President Barack Obama the UMSL Chancellor’s Medallion bestowed by UMSL Chancellor Tom George (right). Betty Van Uum, senior officer for public affairs at UMSL, and Timothy M. Wolfe, president of the University of Missouri System, observe in this file photo.

Photo by Wiley Price

Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Less than

month before Nelson Mandela died, Harris-Stowe State University Board Chair Thelma Cook visited the museum called the Mandela House, the home where Mandela lived in

Future South African President Nelson Mandela danced with girls from a middle school during a campaign rally on April 16, 1994 in Ladysmith, South Africa. Mandela died Thursday, December 5, 2013 at age 95.

Photo by Michael S. Williamson/The Washington Post

Kerry’s bump clips Scandal season

Bad news for the gladiators – this season of Scandal has been cut short because of Kerry Washington

According to reports ABC has cut Scandal season 3 from 22 episodes down to 18 because they won’t be able to hide Washington’s pregnancy much longer.

Washington, who married professional football player Nnamdi Asomugha in a secret ceremony back in June, has yet to officially confirm she is actually pregnant.

Beyoncé not big on

Mama Tina’s new boo

According to Star Magazine Bey is not feeling his faith.

“He’s a nice enough guy, but she’s freaked out by his association with Scientology,” an inside source told the magazine, adding Beyoncé is worried her mother will get sucked into the cultish religion.

The source also says that Tina Knowles shut Bey’s concerns completely down.

“Tina did not take kindly to her daughter micromanaging her love life,” the source said.

Evelyn Lozada becomes a baseball baby mama

“Basketball Wives” star Evelyn Lozada says she’s in love with her baby daddy-to-be LA Dodger Carl Crawford.

Late last month Evelyn Lozada shocked her fans by revealing she was six months pregnant.

After confirming widespread rumors that Carl Crawford was the baby’s father Evelyn told OMG Insider’s Nina Parker,

Back in October Tina Knowles went public with her boyfriend, actor Richard Lawson after turning up together on the red carpet in New York.

Sources say Beyoncé is less than thrilled about her mother’s new romance.

“Yes [I’m in love] and I’m very happy. I’m not going to sit up here and say, ‘Oh my God everything is so perfect,’ but everything just feels good and I’m in a good space.” Crawford has a six month old son with the mother of his 9 year old son.

Porsha refused gag order

After Kordell Stewart filed for divorce from his wife Porsha he tried to get her to sign a gag order. She said no. According to TMZ, Kordell asked Porsha to sign a confidentially agreement shortly after slapping her with surprise divorce papers but she refused. What happened next? Porsha used “Real Housewives of Atlanta” to imply Kordell was gay and did the same thing in a highly publicized interview with Wendy Williams

DJ Envy stared down the barrel of Nas’ strap

Power 105.1 personality DJ Env an attempt to give Nas a mixtape at the start of his career was taken as the ultimate threat by the Queens rapper.

“This was when mixtapes was big. And I was—and this was when nobody would take my mixtapes,” Envy said during VladTV’s “True Hip-Hop Stories” segment. “I mean, I was trying to sell mixtapes to everybody. So, I remember coming out the Coliseum and I seen Nas and I think it was a Lexus. So, I seen him I was like, ‘Oh [expletive], that’s Nas.’

So, now I got my mixtapes and I’m running up the block. I’m like ‘Yo Nas, hold up. I got something for you.’ So Nas, he stops and he looks at me and he tells the girls to get in the car. He says ‘What you got for me?’ I go in my bag and when I come up [from] my bag, Nas has a gun on me,” DJ Envy said. “‘What the [expletive] you got for me?’ I’m sitting there like—I dropped my bag and everything. I’m like, ‘A mixtape. It’s just a mixtape. I swear it’s just a mixtape. Look, look, look.’ And Nas gave me the look…He did one of these ‘Yo, you know [expletive] is real out here, man. You don’t come up to nobody and say ‘you got something for me,’ man. Gimme that mixtape.’ He took the mixtape, put the gun back in his pants, went in his car, and drove off.’ And after that I’ve never approached another artist with, ‘I got something for you.’ Never

Sources:

Third-grader honored as a hero

Riverview Gardens surprises life-saver Jesse Dixon with assembly

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Jesse Dixon, a third grader at Highland Elementary, walked into school on Dec.

3 to find a surprise school assembly honoring his bravery the previous night, when he saved his uncle from a potential house fire.

Had Dixon not sought help so quickly, his uncle could have died, Riverview Fire Protection District Fire Chief Joe Bommarito said at the assembly.

“That’s the main thing I was glad about because I would be homeless, and my favorite uncle could have been gone,” Dixon said. The incident occurred after school let out at 3:05 p.m. on Dec. 2. Dixon walked a few blocks to his home in the Glasgow Village neighborhood. His mother told him the back door would be unlocked, but when he got there, it wasn’t. He said he banged on the door, but got no response. He knew his uncle, who is in his early 20s, was supposed to be at home.

“All of the sudden, I smelled smoke,” he said. “I looked in the window, and I could barely see because it was all smoky. And I heard the fire alarm going off.” Dixon ran back to school and found his sister, fifth grader Ayanna Dixon, in cheer club practice. They went to the school office and told the secretary about the fire. The school staff then called the fire district.

“That’s when superhero number two came along,” Jesse said, pointing to Principal Jeannie Roberts. “She drove us home.”

“You’re going to make me cry,” said Roberts, who was sitting next to Dixon in the interview with The St. Louis American When they arrived at the house, the firefighters were already there and getting

to work.

“They had to kick in the door, and I thought, ‘My mom is going to be so upset,’” Jesse said. The firefighters looked around the house and found his uncle asleep in the playroom. He had accidently fallen asleep while cooking chicken nuggets, Jesse said.

“Once they came out, they said if I didn’t get help in time, he could have died,” Jesse said, frowning. “When I need him, my uncle is always there for me. We play games together. We do everything together.”

Before the firefighters left, Roberts asked the fire team to attend their school assembly on Friday, but they only work on Monday and Tuesday. So Roberts asked if they would come the next morning, and she got to work on planning

a surprise assembly.

“We really emphasize safety, respect and responsibility,” Roberts said. “We really wanted to take this opportunity to show all of our students just what it means to be safe – not only in the school but also in the community.”

Jesse said he was completely surprised.

“Once they announced my name, I had tears coming down from my eyes,” he said. “I never felt like that ever in my life.”

He said he is inspired to continue making a difference and changing lives.

“I just don’t want to make Highland a better place,” he said. “I want to make the whole entire world a better place. Any person can do this – no matter how old, how tall, or how short.”

From prisoner to president

By Pres. Barack Obama

At his trial in 1964, Nelson Mandela closed his statement from the dock saying, “I have fought against white domination, and I have fought against black domination. I have cherished the ideal of a democratic and free society in which all persons live together in harmony and with equal opportunities. It is an ideal which I hope to live for and to achieve. But if needs be, it is an ideal for which I am prepared to die.”

And Nelson Mandela lived for that ideal, and he made it real. He achieved more than could be expected of any man. Today, he has gone home. And we have lost one of the most influential, courageous, and profoundly good human beings that any of us will share time with on this Earth. He no longer belongs to us – he belongs to the ages.

Through his fierce dignity and unbending will to sacrifice his own freedom for the freedom of others, Madiba transformed South Africa – and moved all of us. His journey from a prisoner to a president embodied the promise that human beings – and countries –can change for the better. His commitment to transfer power and reconcile with those who jailed him set an example that all humanity should aspire to, whether in the lives of nations or our own personal lives. And the fact that he did it all with grace and good humor, and an ability to acknowledge his own imperfections, only makes the man that much more remarkable. As he once said, “I am not a saint, unless you think of a saint as a sinner who keeps on trying.”

I am one of the countless millions who drew inspiration from Nelson Mandela’s life. My very first political action, the first thing I ever did that involved an issue or a policy or politics, was a protest against apartheid. I studied his words and his writings. The day that he was released from prison gave me a sense of what human beings can do when they’re guided by their hopes and not by their fears. And like so many around the globe, I cannot fully imagine my own life without the example that Nelson Mandela set, and so long as I live I will do what I can to learn from him.

To Graça Machel and his family, Michelle and I extend our deepest sympathy and gratitude for sharing this extraordinary man with us. His life’s work meant long days away from those who loved him the most. And I only hope that the time spent with him these last few weeks brought peace and comfort to his family.

To the people of South Africa, we draw strength from the example of renewal, and reconciliation, and resilience that you made real. A free South Africa at peace with itself – that’s an example to the world, and that’s Madiba’s legacy to the nation he loved. We will not likely see the likes of Nelson Mandela again. So it falls to us as best we can to forward the example that he set: to make decisions guided not by hate, but by love; to never discount the difference that one person can make; to strive for a future that is worthy of his sacrifice.

Delivered at the White House on December 5.

Riverview Fire Protection District Fire Chief Joe Bommarito honored thirdgrader Jesse Dixon for preventing a house fire and saving his uncle’s life on Dec. 2. The ceremony took place at a surprise school assembly at Highland Elementary on Dec. 3.

President Barack Obama

Pattonville team named Rookie of the Year

The World Quest team from Pattonville High School won the “Rookie of the Year” award and placed 10th out of 25 teams during the recent St. Louis World Quest competition. Team members include Trystan Alexander, Andrew Czopek, Ryan Moser, Mark Raymond and Jared Roberts. Dr. Janet Baldwin is the team’s sponsor. World Quest is a competition offered by the World Affairs Councils of America. In more than 30 cities annually, teams from local high schools compete to test their knowledge of current affairs and other subjects of global importance.

Muny announces audition schedule

The Muny has announced its audition schedule for the 2014 season.

The audition dates are:

January 31, 2014: St. Louis local non-Equity adult singer auditions

February 1: Adult open call: Singers

February 2: Singer callbacks

February 3: St. Louis local Equity adult principal auditions

County Library listed as ‘Star Library’

February 8: Adult open call: Dancers

February 9: Dancer callbacks

February 22: Teen open call

February 23: Teen callbacks

March 1: Children open call

March 2: Children callbacks And for the first time: December 1-15, 2013: Singer video submissions accepted Adult singers looking to

St. Louis County Library has been designated a star library by the Library Journal, a publication that covers the newest developments in libraries and library science. St. Louis County Library (SLCL) is one of only five libraries in Missouri to receive the designation this year. This is the first year SLCL has been considered a star library Library Journal (LJ) uses data reported by public libraries to their state library in determining star libraries. This year’s star libraries were ranked by data reported in 2011. To determine star libraries, LJ considers four per capita output statistics: library visits, circulation, program attendance and public Internet computer use. Public libraries are compared to others with similar annual expenditures.

To learn more about St. Louis County Library, visit www.slcl.org or call-314 9943300.

audition for the 2014 Muny season can now submit a video audition online. Complete information on times, locations and descriptions of each audition will be posted on muny.org on December 16.

Women of Achievement calls for nominations

Women of Achievement is calling for nominations for the 2014 Class of Honorees.

Eligible individuals are women from the St. Louis metropolitan area, including the Metro East, who have demonstrated outstanding commitment to the betterment of the St. Louis region through voluntary contributions and volunteer leadership.

Nominations of women representing diverse cultures, roles and accomplishments are encouraged. Self-nominations are accepted.

The deadline for receipt of nominations is Monday, January 13. Nominations may be submitted online or via email, mail, fax or hand delivery to MAC Meetings and Events. Online submissions and printable nomination forms with full details are available at www.woastl.org/ nominate.php. Online submissions are preferred.

The 10 honorees will be recognized at the 2014 Women of Achievement Luncheon on Thursday, May 15 at the Ritz-Carlton. information about the awards, visit www.woastl.org. For specific questions about the nomination process, contact Women of Achievement President Nanci A. Bobrow at 314-361-5567 or nanci.bobrow@gmail.com and/or Sarah Thorowgood at 314-421-2005 or sthorowgood@macmeetings.com. For more information, visit www.woastl.org.

Return of the dormant virus

By Jacquelyn B. Garrett, M.D. Guest Columnist

Shingles (also known as zoster or herpes zoster) is a painful blistered skin rash caused by the reactivation of the virus that causes chickenpox – the varicella-zoster virus.

After a person recovers from chickenpox, this virus remains dormant in the body for life. Many years or decades after a childhood chickenpox infection, the virus reactivates in approximately 1 million Americans every year. The virus then travels along a single sensory nerve that supplies a zone of skin on one side of the body called a dermatome.

The onset of shingles typically involves one to three days of pain, burning, tingling or itching, then blister formation along the affected dermatome. Because pain precedes the rash, the pain may be mistaken initially for some other painful situation. The blisters typically dry up, crust and heal over seven to 14 days.

The varicella-zoster virus is only contagious to people who have never had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, and a newly infected person’s rash would be chickenpox – not shingles.

Shingles can occur in anyone with a history of chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, and the majority of people with shingles are relatively healthy. Those at highest risk are people over 50 years of age and people with a decline in immune function. Most people who have shingles will not get it again, although on rare occasions, it can reappear.

The individual lifetime risk of developing shingles is one in three, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

The most common complication of shingles is post-herpetic neuralgia, defined as chronic pain and abnormal sensation that persists long after the rash resolves. Individuals who have more severe initial symptoms and advanced age are more prone to this painful complication. Post-herpetic neuralgia occurs in 40 percent of people with shingles who are older than 60. If you have shingles around an eye or near the tip of the nose, your doctor will likely refer you to an ophthalmologist to evaluate whether the virus is adversely affecting your eye for aggressive intervention to preserve vision. Other possible complications of shingles include secondary bacterial infection of the skin rash and scar formation.

The CDC recommends a single dose of the live attenuated zoster vaccine known as Zostavax in adults aged 60 or older, whether or not they have had a previous episode of herpes zoster. Zostavax decreases the number of people who get shingles by about 50 percent. Of the people who still get shingles even after the vaccine, two-thirds fewer will be affected by the postherpetic neuralgia pain.

Call and visit your doctor if you think you may have shingles. Prescription anti-viral oral medication like acyclovir, valacyclovir or famciclovir can shorten the length and severity of the acute episode and may help to decrease the likelihood or severity of postherpetic neuralgia if administered in the first 72 hours after symptom onset. The earlier anti-viral treatment is started, the better it works.

Jacquelyn B. Garrett, M.D. is a dermatologist in private practice at Christian Hospital

Jacquelyn B. Garrett, M.D.

MANDELA

Continued from A1

Though enduring a brutal imprisonment from 1962 to 1990, Mandela emerged from prison without the “force of arms,” Obama said.

“He would – like Abraham Lincoln – hold his country together when it threatened to break apart. And like America’s Founding Fathers, he would erect a constitutional order to preserve freedom for future generations – a commitment to democracy and rule of law ratified not only by his election, but by his willingness to step down from power after only one term.”

Mandela served as president of South Africa from 1994 to 1999, making him the first black South African to hold the office and the first elected in a fully representative democratic election. Under his leadership, he dismantled the legacy of apartheid.

For many in St. Louis, Mandela’s fight to end apartheid inspired them to support his brave effort.

“My understanding of social justice and honor for humanity was born on the campus of the University of Michigan with the fight against apartheid,” said Lannis Hall, M.D., director of radiation oncology at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes–Jewish Saint Peters Hospital. “We protested the university on their continued investment in South Africa.” Hall said the collective effort of millions across the world and within South Africa helped propel President F. W. De Klerk’s regime to end Mandela’s incarceration after 27 years. Hall was overwhelmed with how Mandela handled his release from the Robben Island prison.

“His truth and reconciliation averted mass bloodshed and set the tone for the rest of the world in the correct way to deliver leadership and manage power after years of a violent segregated past,” she said, “not with a hateful heart and mind but a forgiving and just spirit.”

Jamala Rogers, longtime local activist and St. Louis American columnist, remembers when the U.S.’s anti-apartheid movement really started “heating up” in the mid-1980s. On the day Mandela was freed from prison, activists who had worked together for nearly a decade gathered at a community center, she said. “It was electric!” said Rogers. “The anti-apartheid struggle was a great model for how a global struggle could result in a strategic coordination on multiple levels – from divestment of corporations propping up the racist South African regime to the cultural boycott of artists performing in Sun City.”

‘Strongest gentle giant’

In June 1990, Fred Sweets, then an assistant picture editor at the Washington Post, had the honor of meeting Mandela when he visited the newspaper. Mandela had just been released from prison.

“Nelson Mandela had a way of making everyone in the room feel like a million dollars,” Sweets said. “I will never forget the firm handshake, the eye to eye contact, and the sincerity of the small talk about the value of daily exercise.”

Sweets, now a contributing editor at The American, knew that Mandela had gone out for an early morning stroll in D.C. Mandela told Sweets that his exercise program was left over

from his boxing days in prison.

In his autobiography The Long Walk to Freedom, Mandela writes, “Boxing is egalitarian. In the ring, rank, age, color and wealth are irrelevant.”

Mandela told Sweets that the boxing workouts he used as a stress reliever in prison remained extremely important to his health.

“Not only was I chatting it up with the world’s greatest freedom fighter ever to wield a moral compass, but he cared enough to tell me to get daily exercise to stay strong,” Sweets said. “I’ll never forget that brief exchange with the strongest gentle giant of my generation.”

On Oct. 7 1994, St. Louis native Wayman F. Smith III, then board chair at Howard

University, bestowed on Mandela an honorary Doctor of Laws degree. Smith’s daughter, Kymberly Smith Jackson, remembers talking with her father about his experience.

“The opportunity to give a tribute to such an icon was something that my father took very seriously,” Jackson said, especially given his personal experience growing up in racial segregation as part of a black family in North St. Louis.

Smith deeply admired how Mandela never let his experience of racism get the best of him, she said. Jackson, who also met Mandela that day, said that Mandela’s presence was infectious.

“His presence was so positive and so large, you could

feel the energy of all the things he stood for,” she said.

“Mr. Mandela came across as such as humble person. He was genuinely as glad to meet us as we were to meet him.”

‘Depth of his empathy’

In his memorial speech, Obama said Mandela understood the ties that bind the human spirit. Mandela’s greatest gift was his recognition that we are all bound together, Obama said, and Mandela showed that in many unexpected ways.

A year after Mandela’s election, South Africa hosted the Rugby World Cup. At the time, the nation’s black majority loathed the Afrikaner’s beloved Springbok rugby team. Rather than dismantling a team that represented apartheid for many, Mandela asked the country to unite and rally behind the players. Before the final game where the Springboks won the championship, Mandela went out onto the field, before a 95-percent white crowd, wearing the green Springbok jersey – widely known as a symbol of oppression. The white crowd showed their new acceptance for his leadership by chanting, “Nelson, Nelson!”

“We remember the gestures, large and small – introducing his jailers as honored guests at his inauguration; taking a pitch in a Springbok uniform; turning his family’s heartbreak into a call to confront HIV/ AIDS – that revealed the depth of his empathy and his understanding,” Obama said.

Obama also referred to Mandela by his familiar nickname, Madiba, in bidding him farewell.

“It took a man like Madiba to free not just the prisoner, but the jailer as well,” Obama said, earning a loud applause. “Madiba’s passing is rightly a time of mourning, and a time to celebrate a heroic life. But I believe it should also prompt in each of us a time for self-reflection.”

St. Louis American Contributing Editor and St. Louis native Fred Sweets greeted Nelson Mandela during Mandela’s visit to the Washington Post in June 1990. At the time Sweets was an assistant picture editor at thew Post

Photo by Bill Snead

On October 7 1994, St. Louis native Wayman F. Smith III, then board chair at Howard University, bestowed on Nelson Mandela an honorary Doctor of Laws degree.

Photo courtesy of Kymberly Smith Jackson

Community plays role in public health

Policy brief finds good news in health data on blacks in region

SEAY

Continued from A1

Seay has suffered two strokes in the past five years. In a video interview presented at the ceremony, Seay explained that he was not well enough to attend Obama’s inauguration.

“He started to cry, and it was a touching moment,” Van Uum said. “We decided that we could help with that.” Seay’s friends at UMSL contacted U.S. Sen. Claire McCaskill and asked if she could arrange an opportunity for Seay to meet Obama. McCaskill came through in a big way and secured an invitation to attend the White House holiday party.

By Robert Joiner

Of The Beacon

Sherrill Jackson is a 21-year breast cancer

survivor.

Shermane Winters-Wofford is a two-time stroke victim. Isadore Wayne and Mellve Shahid are coping successfully with prostate cancer. All four are known for sending uplifting messages to black communities, dispelling myths about their illnesses and encouraging people to take advantage of medical screenings and other programs that can save lives.

Jackson is founder of the Breakfast Club, which educates the public about breast cancer.

Winters-Wofford is one of a dozen people chosen last year to speak with community groups on behalf of the National Heart Association’s Go Red campaign against heart disease-related conditions among women. Wayne and Shahid founded the Empowerment Network, which seeks to combat the high incidence of prostate cancer among black men in St. Louis.

Researchers credit some of the work by these and other individuals and community groups, along with institutional policies, for helping the region make progress in reducing death rates from three chronic medical conditions: diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Progress was measured by changes in death rates for the three conditions between 2000 and 2010, based on goals set by the federal Healthy People program. Information on the changing death rates is contained in the

last in a series of briefs from a report called “For the Sake of All,” funded by a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health. Authors of this final brief are Bettina F. Drake, an assistant professor of surgery at the School of Medicine at Washington University; and Keith Elder, chair of the Department of Health Management and Policy at Saint Louis University.

The two scholars noted that blacks in the region are more likely to suffer from chronic diseases and related complications, but they also found a glimmer of hope in the data.

“The health of African Americans in St. Louis has improved over the last 10 years, but there is still much work to be done,” the researchers say, noting that the region and state had met the federal Healthy People benchmark of reducing the heart death rate by at least 20 percent between 2000 and 2010. The rate dropped by 24 percent each for blacks and whites in St. Louis, and it dipped more for blacks than for whites in St. Louis County and across Missouri.

Drake said the death-rate reductions mean “something is happening. That’s why I say community-based activities are important.”

Community groups she praised included the Breakfast

Club and the Empowerment Network.

Jackson, president and founder of the Breakfast Club, recalled that she was 46 when diagnosed with breast cancer. Now, she said, “the thing that I am seeing is that younger AfricanAmerican women are being diagnosed with specific types of breast cancer that are difficult to treat.”

third of all deaths nationally are due to three behaviors: smoking, lack of exercise and poor nutrition.

“Each of these can increase your risk of developing many chronic diseases,” according to the brief.

A certified pediatric nurse practitioner, Jackson said she used to think there would be less of a need for groups like hers over time.

“But even in 2013, there is still a lack of education,” she said.

“There are still women who are afraid to talk about breast cancer.”

While the Breakfast Club started in 1997, the Empowerment Network is much younger, beginning about six years ago through a meeting between Wayne and Shahid. It hosts about 60 events a year aimed at encouraging more men to make use of testing and screening for early detection of prostate cancer.

Winters-Wofford, the twotime stroke survivor, said that education continues to be important, adding that many unhealthy habits among blacks stem from culture. “All we have to start doing now is taking little bitty steps to make lifestyle changes,” she said.

The scholars point to research that says that one-

The scholars says it’s in the region’s interest to reduce chronic diseases for many reasons, including the impact of illnesses on the economy. In 2011 alone, the region’s cost for hospital care for diabetes, heart disease and cancer was $1.1 billion.

The report says the region should pay more attention to chronic disease prevention and management and invest in new or existing recreation centers, parks and places for exercise and play.

Other strategies, according to the report, should include luring stores that sell healthy foods into communities that are considered food deserts. In addition, the report advises that the region take health issues into account in decisions made by business leaders, policy makers and community organizations.

Elder said, “We need to increase our effort, enhance what we are doing through community partnerships with hospitals and public health agencies, and continue the effort through appropriate funding.”

Edited for length and reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org

From 1987 to 2000 Seay directed the UMSL Office of Equal Opportunity, where he started EEO programs for Asians, Native Americans, women and women faculty. The School of Medicine at Washington University has a lecture series named in his honor.

n “This is indeed an honor for me to meet him in the White House.”

– Norman Seay

Seay is a founding member of the legendary Congress of Racial Equality (CORE). He spent three months in jail for participating in protests that sought jobs for African Americans in St. Louis banks and financial institutions. The protests included the monumental Jefferson Bank & Trust Co. pickets in 1963. UMSL Chancellor Thomas George felt that Seay should have something significant to present to Obama – something that reflects Seay’s life work as well. George decided to award the president with the Chancellor’s Medallion, the highest award the university can bestow, for the president’s achievements in civil rights.

“It’s not something we do lightly,” Van Uum said. “The chancellor wanted to say ‘thank you’ to the president for all of the work he has done in diversity.”

It will be Seay’s first time meeting a U.S. president, but his second invitation to the White House.

His first invitation to the White House came in 1978 during Jimmy Carter’s administration. Seay’s brother, Ken Webb, said they were both in Washington, D.C. attending a conference for the organization called Blacks in Government. To their surprise, secret service officials interrupted the conference to invite the members to the White House’s rose garden the next day for a midday reception.

However, Webb remembers that he and Seay were busy working with a top education administrator in D.C. to get more funding to historically black colleges and universities (HBCUs).

“We had to have the budget there before noon in order for the HBCUs to take advance of some money that was discovered available at the last minute,” Webb said. “We had to make a choice. We decided that getting money for the colleges was much more important.”

Webb ended up not attending the White House reception and continued working, but Seay was able to break away and attend.

Seay’s recent invitation came at a time when he could use some good news. The storm on Nov. 17 severely damaged his house, ripping away the roof and a portion of the wall of his 1896 brick home. He has been living in a hotel since then. Seay said he is proud that his sister, Barbara Webb, will attend the reception with him. And he looks forward to presenting the Chancellor’s Medallion to the president, and to tell Obama, “I am proud of him.”

Bettina F. Drake Keith Elder

Chapman Society celebrates more than $2.1 in giving

The United Way of Greater St. Louis held a thank you event last week at the Saint Louis Art Museum, congratulating members of the African American – Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society which raised more than $2.1 million toward United Way’s overall fundraising goal. The Society has more than 850 members, and each member donates $1,000 or more to the United Way. Brenda and Maurice Newberry served as the 2013 co-chairs for the Society.

United Way’s Yinka Faleti presents Brenda and Maurice Newberry with a placque for being this year’s Co-Chairs

Alishea Carter, Arica Evans and a guestJulian Harris and a guestStarsky Wilson, Dwight Bosman and Lamar Small

Edmond Brown, Patricia Parker Brown, John Shivers and Karen Drake

Courtney Bond, Kevin Sullivan and Taylor CalvinTyrell Rodgers and Keith Williamson

Flint Fowler and Calvin StewartKel Ward, Erika Williams and Carlton AdamsMonica Stewart, D’Anne Shelton and Dorris WalkerMcGahee

Ed Adams and Larry ThomasRobyn Coan, Delores and Undrey Clay, Adrian Bracy and Michelle TuckerJared and Tiffany Boyd

Pat Smith-Thurman, Dr. Stefan Bradley and Danielle Smith Lena Hampton, Octavia Thomas and Victoria Harris

Vernon Bracy and Anthony Beasley

Obituaries

Frank Jasper Reed Sr.

Sunrise: May 14, 1927

Sunset: November 18, 2013

Frank Jasper Reed Sr., nicknamed “Step” in his younger years due to one leg being slightly shorter than the other when diagnosed at birth. Born in Parkdale, Arkansas May 14, 1927 to his parents Jasper Reed and Ester Woods, he was their first born of 6 kids. His siblings John, Hazel, Lois, Peter and Mike all preceded his death. The family later migrated to St. Louis, where he was raised in the Carr Square Village area. Frank served as treasurer for his Vashon Alumni class from 1947 until the final meeting in 2013. He looked forward to meeting with his classmates and attending all of their gatherings. After his high school years, he met a beautiful intelligent young lady, Mamie Odessa Wilburn at the neighborhood grocer. They enjoyed each other so well,

that after leaving to serve in the Army, they stayed in touch via letters and phone calls, and married on June 21, 1953. Within this union, born were two children, Frank Jr. and Sheila.

While in the Army, Frank traveled to Fort Polk, Louisiana, other exciting US cities, as well as Germany, where he learned their language fluently. He was trained and skilled in math and excelled in engineering. Frank graduated from Harris-Stowe College, and Mastered at Washington University. He went on to work for the Joyce Engineering Firm, where he was the first African American Civil Engineer. He later was employed with the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), where he was one of their top Civil Engineers until his retirement in 1992. Frank continued with his own engineering consulting business, and served many clients.

Frank loved and was very active with his church family of New Salem Missionary Baptist Church, where he was a devoted member, Deacon, and taught Bible school and enjoyed hearing his wife Mamie singing in the church choir and his

COMMUNITY BRIEF Steward funds seniors in motherin-law’s honor

David

daughter Sheila reading the church announcements.

Frank was an avid golfer, trained as a very young man by the late Duke Reed. He won numerous tournaments and trophies, liked by many and was very well known as one of the first African American golfers in the City of St. Louis.

Frank departed this life on Monday, November 18th, 2013. He is survived by his children, Frank Jr. (Delois), Sheila (James), sister, Lula Graham, grand-daughters Leslie (Tim), Carolyn Nance, greatgrandchildren (Jordan, Jayden, Sean, Jasmine, Jaheer), and a host of nieces, nephews, family and friends.

Dr. James Wilbert Hayden Sr. 1924—2013

God called Dr. James Wilbert Hayden Sr. home to eternal rest and glory on Wednesday, November 20, 2013. His presence will be missed by a wide circle of family and friends.

James, known as Wilbert to those close to him, was devoted to his family first and foremost. He was genuinely kind and generous to all that knew him. He helped many people overcome obstacles and/

the

or pursue their dreams with financial and moral support. Most of his professional life was spent at the Myrtle Davis Comprehensive Health Center providing services to those in need. Wilbert was highly educated with a “down home country” disarming character like charm that drew people to him. Wilbert was a man for all seasons with many attributes. He was many things to many people throughout his life: Son, Brother, Uncle, Husband, Father, Grandfather, Cousin, Nephew, Brother-in-Law, Dentist, Black Historian, Friend, Mechanic, Handyman, Pilot, Motorcyclist, Boat Enthusiast, Student, Teacher, Soldier, Music Lover, Character, Benefactor, Mentor, Gardner, Farmer, and a Good and Decent Man. He was passionate about planes, trains, photography, and music. He instilled a love for those hobbies with his children and grandchildren.

James W. Hayden was born January 3rd, 1924 in Owensboro, Kentucky to D.J. and Grace Hayden. He was one of seven children (Aurelia, Vivian, Sallye Mae, Harold,

honor will be used to provide financial assistance designed to give less fortunate seniors the opportunity to remain living at Brooking Park Retirement Community. St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation assists in bridging the gap between what seniors and their families can afford and what seniors need. Each year, the organization serves over 5,000 people and provides more than $1.5 million in charitable care. For more information, call 314-726-0111 or visit www. standrews1.com/giving.

Lavonia, and Doris). He graduated from Western High School. Wilbert was a soldier in the Armed Forces during WW2 and was stationed in France. He went on to graduate from Xavier University (LA), Meharry College of Dentistry (TN), and St. Louis University (MO) gaining his Dental Degree and License. He went into private practice at Goodfellow/MLK Dr. and later joined an old Meharry school mate, Dr. Benjamin Davis Sr. at MLK Dr./Euclid Ave. He also worked at the Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Center until his retirement. He received a Commendation from the Missouri Dental Association and Proclamation from the Missouri Congress for his 50 plus years of dedication and service. He married Pauline Turner and to that union, he was blessed with two children; James W. Hayden Jr. and Stephanie Hayden. They were the center of his universe. He proudly talked about them and

their accomplishments to all. He was raised in the Catholic faith and remained a staunch Catholic, attending Church at the Cathedral Basilica and/ or St. Rock Church every Saturday/Sunday until his health failed.

Dr. James W. Hayden leaves to celebrate his life a devoted and loving wife of 55 years, Pauline Hayden; son James W. Hayden Jr.; daughter Stephanie Hayden; sisters Doris Huff (John) Ohio and Sallye Mae Hayden D.C.; grandson Sheay Walker and Stephon Hayden; granddaughter Tonya Hayden; Special Sister-in-Laws Doris Turner and June McCann; and a host of relatives and friends that were near and dear to him. He was preceded in death by his parents D. J. and Grace Hayden: brothers Aurelia D. Hayden and Harold Hayden and sisters Vivian Lawton and Lavonia Taylor. Although he will be missed, we know that God loves him best. We will forever cherish the memories.

Attention St. Louis American Readers

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

Frank J. Reed Sr.

Dr. James Hayden Sr.

Steward, founder and chairman of World Wide Technology, and the Steward Family Foundation recently made a special donation to

St. Andrew’s Charitable Foundation in honor of Steward’s mother-in-law, Dorothy Willis, of Chesterfield, who recently celebrated her 80th birthday. The donation made in Willis’

Dorothy Willis

Five new airmen from St. Louis

Five new airmen from the St. Louis area recently graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas. The airmen completed an intensive, eight-week program that included training in military discipline and studies, Air Force core values, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. Airmen who complete basic training earn four credits toward an associate in applied science degree through the Community College of the Air Force.

Noelle A. George

Air Force Airman 1st Class Noelle A. George is the daughter of Antoinette George of St. Louis. She is a 2009 graduate of Gateway Institute of Technology.

Vincent T. Lang Marquise D. Harris

Air Force Airman Marquise D. Harris is the son of Nicole Harris-Brooks and Demeatrius Brooks, both of St. Louis. He is a 2011 graduate of North County Technical High School.

Akeem E. White Theodore P. Williams

Air Force Reserve Airman

Vincent T. Lang is the grandson of Geneva Powell of Kirkwood. He is the nephew of Sam and Diane White of Ashburn, Va.

Art Museum Celebrates Winter Festivals From Around the World

By Sherri Williams, Sunday Family Programs Manager

Air Force Airman 1st Class

Theodore P. Williams is a 2007 graduate of Ritenour Senior High School, St. Louis. He earned a bachelor’s degree in 2011 from Southern Illinois University, Carbondale.

Air Force Airman Akeem E. White is the son of Cassandra Henderson of Berkeley. He is a 2012 graduate of McCluer High School.

ESL retires bond debt

You would have thought that a church revival was taking place at East St. Louis City Hall, recently, amid shouts of joy by City Councilman Roy Mosley Sr. at Mayor Alvin Parks’ announcement that the city had fully repaid $21 million in bonds issued 20 years ago to save the city from bankruptcy. Attended by city leaders and dignitaries (including Olympian Jackie JoynerKersee and former Mayor Debra Powell), Parks’ news that the city had retired their bond debt a year early was welcome news to a struggling community with little to celebrate in recent years. That news also means the end of the state-appointed East St. Louis Financial Advisory Authority (FAA), which has overseen ESL’s spending since 1990. Jennifer Wilson, operations director for the FAA, confirmed the news, stating that “we will be abolished by the end of the year.”

However, East Boogie, given its pile of unpaid bills, diminished revenue from the Casino Queen (which provides approximately 50 percent of ESL’s revenues)

may still be in a world of trouble despite the jubilation of Mayor Parks and his minions.

At a recent FAA meeting, the auditing firm of E.C. Ortiz Co. reported that while ESL has about $17 million available, it still needs to pay about $44 million in liabilities, leaving a $28 million deficit.

According to E.C. Ortiz auditor Ryan Gadia, the city must avoid spending more than it earns in 2013 and 2014.

Gadia’s report also described the City of ESL as having “lacked proper controls” in a multitude of areas including TIF loans, Community Development Block Grants, ESL Public Library and ESL Board of Election Commissioners.

In addition, Gadia’s report described inadequate policies and procedures for monitoring any related party transactions and potential conflicts of interest.

The report even described seven purchases of $10,000 or more which were done without competitive bidding, as well as six purchases of more than $500 but less than $10,000 that were made without getting three quotes from prospective vendors. And, to make matters worse, the city failed to submit required financial information to the Illinois

Office of the Comptroller in a timely manner and, as a result, received a letter of delinquency from the comptroller as recently as 2013.

In short, ESL’s financial house is still a hot mess, despite Mayor Parks’ implications that the city is some financial paragon of virtue.

That is why I predict, regrettably, that within one year citizens will be begging for the FAA to return to East St. Louis. Recall that it was the FAA that prevented Mayor Parks from laying off 16 ESL firefighters back in September, forcing the city to negotiate a deal which ultimately kept all 53 firefighters on the job. It was the FAA that forced ESL to belatedly submit balanced budgets, devoid of nepotism, unnecessary personnel or excessive increases in salary.

In fact, East St. Louis City Hall is already an amalgamation of the children, spouses and extended family of those who are elected. And with a 42 percent poverty rate in the city of ESL, it’s not hard to predict that this trend will continue. I hope that I’m wrong, but I wouldn’t bet on it.

Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com; Twitter@ JamesTIngram.

Sunday, December 15, Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe

Sunday, December 22, Christmas

Sunday, December 29, Kwanzaa

Every Sunday afternoon in December, the Saint Louis Art Museum hosts a multicultural winter celebrations for the whole family! Through a variety of fun activities visitors learn about cultures from around the world through the winter celebrations of Diwali, Hanukkah, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Christmas, and Kwanzaa. Family Sundays are free and open to the public and, for this celebration during the month of December, special program hours are from noon4:00 pm.

Each week visitors are invited to take part in a selection of activities including an art project, scavenger hunt, and performance in The Farrell Auditorium with culturally inspired treats to follow. The first two Sundays of December celebrated Diwali and Hanukkah. On Sunday, December 1 the Saint Louis Art Museum celebrated Diwali, commonly known around the world as the Festival of Lights. Visitors of all ages enjoyed an art activity making traditional Indian torans (door hangings), received henna tattoos, and delighted in a spectacular auditorium performance featuring The Center for Indian Cultural Education- Bal Vihar of St. Louis and Dances of India. The Jewish holiday of Hanukkah took center stage last week with the Epstein Hebrew Academy Choir, storytelling with Barbara Raznick, and a rousing musical performance featuring Will Soll’s Klezmer Conspiracy. Join us for upcoming Family Sunday Programs which include celebrations of the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, Christmas, and we’ll conclude the month with

the Museum’s annual Kwanzaa celebration. The Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe is a holiday observed in the Catholic Church and across Mexico honoring the Virgin Mary. On Sunday, December 15 the Museum will host students from Our Lady of Guadalupe School as they retell the story of Our Lady of Guadalupe, accompanied by Father Jack Schuler, and traditional Mexican Matichines dancers.

On December 22, you are invited to see a non-traditional take on a Christmas classic, the Endless Forest Nutcracker as performed by Dance Project St. Louis. Families can also enjoy Christmas Carols sung by the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association and the Snowflake Lady, Marion Nichols, will pay us a visit.

The multicultural winter celebration will conclude with our annual Kwanzaa program.

The Art Museum’s Farrell Auditorium will be filled with the sounds of traditional African music and drums.

Visitors are invited to take part in a scavenger hunt featuring the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa and an art activity to make their own zawadi (gift). The performance begins at 2:00 pm and will feature African drumming by Baba Tunde and dance with LIVETY-Ingenious Dance. This program is presented in collaboration with the St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Due to popular demand, advance and same-day tickets will be available for the Kwanzaa celebration. Please call 314.655.5444 for ticket information. The Saint Louis Art Museum Multicultural Winter Celebration takes places every Sunday in December from noon to 4:00 pm. All activities are free and open to public. For performance information and program details, please visit www.slam.org or call 314 655-5444. Family Sundays programming is sponsored by Wells Fargo Advisors.

James Ingram

Nicastro: change agent or abuser of power?

December is often a quiet month in politics, when politicians rightly figure that voters are too absorbed in their holiday plans (and getting through a rapid series of fragmented work weeks) to get too excited, one way or another, about politics or public policy.

Chris Nicastro, Missouri’s commissioner of elementary and secondary education, must be wishing this were a more typical December.

Nicastro’s goose has been cooking since the Missouri chapter of the National Education Association, the teachers’ union, requested emails between Nicastro and school choice advocates via Missouri’s Sunshine Law. These emails, provided to The Associated Press, revealed Nicastro working directly with school choice advocates on their initiative petition to change teacher tenure and evaluations. Tenure is a sacred cow of the teacher’s union.

This led two Democratic state legislators, state Sen. Paul LeVota of Independence and state Rep. Genise Montecillo of St. Louis County, to call for Nicastro’s head. In a letter printed in The American last week, they called for Nicastro’s resignation, claiming her collusion with school choice advocates was only the latest example of “a troubling tendency to abuse power.”

“This incident comes months after a state judge found Nicastro and her staff provided false and misleading information to the state Board of Education that led the board to order the closure of the Gordon Parks charter school in Kansas City, a decision the judge overturned,” they wrote.

“When there is so much at stake for the future of public education, this is not the type of leadership DESE needs. The General Assembly must believe that the state education commissioner will be forthcoming with accurate and credible information. But Nicastro’s actions to date have created a lack of trust and confidence in her leadership among lawmakers, education professionals and the public.”

Star startles

Another such example would emerge in short order.

On Sunday, the Kansas City Star published a startling story by Joe Robertson about Nicastro’s meddling with the Kansas City Public School District, also based on Nicastro’s Sunshined email correspondence.

The electronic trail exposes a rushed bidding process, now criticized, that ultimately landed Indianapolis-based CEE-Trust a $385,000 contract to develop a long-range overhaul for the district’s failing schools,” Robertson reported.

Meaty contracts to overhaul troubled school districts are sure to spark public anger, as anyone in St. Louis will recall from Mayor Francis G. Slay’s intervention in the St. Louis Public Schools a decade ago. But Robertson uncovered a wider and potentially more disturbing Nicastro project.

“Summer discussions in emails reveal Nicastro’s wish for a statewide district to gather poor-performing schools under new leadership, with an office for innovation and charter school expansion,” Robertson reported.

“In mid-August, days before the state’s district report cards were to be released to the public showing a surprisingly

high score for Kansas City, a CEE-Trust partner shared his talking points with Nicastro and staff debunking the performance of a district where 70 percent of the students still perform below proficiency.”

Robertson then cuts to a kill quote from Kansas City Superintendent Steve Green: “It suggests a conspiracy against our success.”

‘Abuse of power’

Immediately, LeVota and Montecillo had company on the Nicastro hater train. They were joined by another Democratic state senator, state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal and five more Democratic state representatives – State Rep. Ira Anders, State Rep. John Mayfield, State Rep. Bonnaye Mims, State Rep. Judy Morgan, State Rep. Joe Runions – in calling for Nicastro’s resignation or ouster.

“Given the latest instances of abuse of power by Dr. Chris Nicastro exposed Sunday by The Kansas City Star, it is imperative that she resign immediately as state education commissioner or, if she fails to do so, be removed from her post by the Missouri State Board of Education,” the legislators wrote.

“In addition, we are asking the State Board of Education to open an internal investigation into potential bid-rigging by Dr. Nicastro to ensure that an education department contract was granted to an organization she favors, despite the fact that its bid was more than three times more costly to taxpayers than the bid of the next closest competitor.”

AFT-Missouri President John Hamilton was right behind them, adding more sizzling rhetoric to his denunciation of Nicastro.

“Every Missouri taxpayer expects state officials to carry out their duties with integrity and good ethical values. It is, therefore, unacceptable that we see an electronic paper trail that reveals Missouri Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro has been running a tainted organization that relishes secrecy over transparency and ideology over what’s best for students,” Hamilton writes.

“Nicastro clearly had a secret plan from the start to wipe the slate clean in Kansas City by using no-bid consultants favoring privatization and create a statewide school district –possibly using charters – of low-performing schools. This is not the way to run a state agency or improve the public schools of our state.”

‘Change agent’

Missouri Board of Education President Peter Herschend was anything but persuaded by the Star’s reporting or the firestorm it sparked. He wrote that the buck stopped with the board, not Nicastro, in selecting CEETrust after what he described as “an open and competitive bid process.” He also insisted that CEE-Trust was not being handed a wrecking ball to knock flat Kansas City Public Schools but only asked to provide a set of “recommendations” that “will be one proposal among several other useful approaches” to turning around the district.

As to the chorus of charges that Nicastro is a secretive abuser of power, Herschend is silent. Instead, he takes the pompous high road, lecturing

Dooley announces bid

critics of Nicastro and the board as if they are children afraid of changing to a new school. “Change is always hard and many will oppose change,” he notes. He also insists that – whatever email correspondences Nicastro may have been conducting in what she thought was private – eventually all of these matters will receive a full public hearing. “All of the recommendations for school system transformation will be debated by teachers, parents, students and community leaders,” he writes.

He then shifts blame away from Nicastro and onto the overall poor performance of the Kansas City school district, despite recent improvements, reciting dismal data that was never in dispute. The EYE is quite certain that his attempt at a kumbaya moment –“We must lay aside political differences and allegiances and come together to make schools work better for our kids” – will not convince Nicastro’s critics. But then, Herschend seems to have mistaken Nicastro for Nelson Mandela. He told the Springfield News-Leader that Nicastro is “the best agent for

positive change for Missouri’s school students and Missouri’s schools in my 22 years on the state Board of Education.”

‘Blank sheet’

As for Nicastro herself, like Mark McGwire when faced by the U.S. Congress wanting to hear about his past, she is not here to talk about the past.

“We’re after new ideas,” Nicastro told the Star. “It’s hard when people look backward. We have to rethink how we teach children. What if we could start with a blank sheet of paper?” But it’s really hard to start with a blank sheet of paper when you leave behind email trails like Nicastro’s. What does Nicastro’s ultimate boss, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon, make of all this? When asked about Nicastro during a news conference Monday in Fulton, he said that the state Board of Education should “monitor and evaluate” concerns raised about her, The Associated Press reported. With Herschend guzzling the Nicastro Kool-Aid, that seems unlikely without an intervention from the governor.

St. Louis County Executive Charlie Dooley announced his reelection bid Thursday night at the Hilton Garden Inn flanked by former mayor Vincent C. Schoemehl Jr., St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay, U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay and other officials, including county Assessor Jake Zimmerman and state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed. Photo by Wiley Price

OCTOBER 19 - JANUARY

Get a bug’s eye view of their world.

Exercise

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow! Slip Sliding Away...

Ice can be dangerous for several different reasons.

Nutrition Challenge:

We often hear people talk about how hard it is to eat healthy on a budget. Let’s look at some ways to be successful at this challenge!

> Cook from “scratch” whenever possible. This is the best way to know exactly what ingredients go into a dish. And it is usually cheaper than buying pre-packaged products.

> Use coupons and buy the healthy items in bulk when they’re on sale.

Now that we’ve had some snow — let’s look at ways to get in some exercise with all of that powdery white mix! Some ways to you can burn calories and have a good time include:

> Snow shoveling.

> Sledding.

PRESENT:

Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! presented by Terminix® is a multisensory experience that immerses you into the world of bugs. Harry the Chinese Praying Mantis and his bug friends will lead you through freestanding and interactive habitats in a hands-on, fun way!

Healthy Kids Kids

> Comparison shop — use the grocery ads found in The St. Louis American to compare prices for similar, healthy food choices at different stores.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 7, NH 5, NH 7 RightEating on a Budget

> Buy fruits and vegetables that are in season. These will be the lower-cost options.

> Think about packaging. For example, a head of lettuce will make more salads than a smaller, more expensive bag of lettuce.

> What are other ways that you can save and shop smart?

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

> Building a snowman — or fort.

> Ice skating.

> Any other ideas?

Remember to stay safe during all winter activities. As a class, discuss the different “hazards” that you should avoid when sledding, skating or building snow forts and how you can stay safe.

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

> NEVER walk on a “frozen” pond, lake, river or any other body of water. Just because it looks frozen does not mean it is safe.

> If you are with someone that falls through the ice, first run (or call) for help. Do not try to go out onto the ice to help your friend. You can fall through the ice too.

> When walking on ice-covered roadways or sidewalks, take baby steps. Walk carefully and slowly.

> Also — remember to look up! Icicles injure numerous people every year. If you see large icicles forming over your front steps, ask your parents to use a broom handle to knock them off to the side before they break loose from your gutters.

> What other ice hazards are there?

Where do you work? I work at Stix Early Childhood Center. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Jones Commercial High School in Chicago, Illinois and St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. To become a nurse for St. Louis Board of Education, you must have a bachelor’s degree.

What does a school nurse do? I treat injuries, contact parents, give medications and educate. I am responsible for the collecting of medical information and entering it into the computer system. I schedule services with our community partners who provide free vision, hearing and dental services.

Why did you choose this career? I chose to become a school nurse after working many years in the hospitals because I wanted to make a difference in the lives of children. As a school nurse, many times we are the first person to alert the parent to a health issue.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? The most enjoyable part of my job is the children. I love seeing them arrive the first day of school and watching them as they evolve throughout the years.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Presented By

Presented By

slsc.org/hbanie2

CLASSOOM SPOTLIGHT

SCIENCE CORNER

What Is Ecology?

Shirley Malcom had a PhD in ecology. What is ecology, you may ask. Ecology is the relationship of living things to each other and to what’s around them. So, if you are learning about what kinds of relationships fish have with other plants and animals in their neighborhood, then you are learning about ecology. Did you know the word “ecology” comes from Greek words meaning “study of the household?” That means that ecology is the study of the “household” of living things, which includes their neighbors and their neighborhood (their habitat). Ecology includes not only how living things interact with each other, but how they interact with their physical environment: things such as climate, water, and soil.

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Shirley Malcom was a zoologist, who studied animals and their behavior. In this experiment, you will see a process that simulates the method an animal uses to clean its fur.

Materials Needed:

Cotton Ball • Fingernail File • Pencil

Process:

q Rub the side of the sharpened end of a pencil across the end of your finger to collect a layer of graphite (pencil lead) on your fingertip.

w Gently rub a fingernail file back and forth across the graphite layer on your finger.

e Observe your fingertip and the file. Which has the most graphite present?

r Rub the fingernail file back and forth across a cotton ball.

MATH CONNECTION

Scientists are excellent problem solvers. Use your problem solving abilities to answer these ecology based word problems.

q You are planting 48 flowers and want them to grow in rows. If there were 8 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? _______ If there were 4 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? _________ If there were 12 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? __________

Ecologists are scientists who study ecology. They learn about living things by observing them and analyzing what happens. They apply the scientific method. There are many different jobs in ecology. Some ecologists study a specific species or habitat. Some study the behavior of a species to see how it interacts with other organisms and the environment. They might study many different species that either depend on each other or compete with each other for food and space.

To Learn More About Ecology, Check Out: http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/index.cfm.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to find main idea and supporting details to learn about a topic.

t Observe the surface of the cotton ball and the file. What happens?

Think About It: This experiment might remind you of how one of your pets keeps itself clean. Which animal uses its tongue to clean its fur?

Explanation: This experiment demonstrates how a rough surface can be used to clean another surface. Cats use a rough surface (their tongue) to lick their fur and clean it. A cat’s tongue feels rough because of the coarse pieces of skin (papillae) on its tongue. The papillae are similar to the fingernail file used in this experiment. When the cat rubs its fur with its tongue, the papillae remove dust, dirt, and loose hair.

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and analyze results.

w During the summer, you earn money by mowing lawns. If you mow 6 lawns an hour, and you have 21 lawns to mow, how long will it take you? ______________

e If you want to build a fence to enclose your flower garden, and your garden is 6 feet wide and 9 feet long, how many feet of fencing material do you need?

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

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN ZOOLOGIST & ECOLOGIST: Shirley Malcom

Shirley Malcom was born on September 6, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama. As a young child she knew she wanted to be a doctor. She worked hard in school and graduated as one of the top students in her class. Malcom earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and her master’s degree in zoology from the University of California at Los Angeles. Then, she earned her doctorate degree in ecology from Pennsylvania State University.

Malcom taught biology at both the high school and university level, working at the University of North Carolina. After teaching, she became a program officer for National Science Foundation. In 1994, she was appointed to the National Science Board by President Bill Clinton and became a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. From 1994 to 2001, she was named to the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology. From there, Malcom went to work for the American Association for the Advancement of Science, working to increase opportunities for women, minorities, and those with disabilities in the STEM professions.

She has won many awards, including the Alumna Summa Laude Dignata Award from the University of Washington and the Public Welfare Medal of the National Academy of Sciences. Malcom has fifteen honorary degrees and has participated in many national committees that focused on scientific education and literacy. Finally, she has authored several reports on engaging women and minorities in science.

Discuss:

Malcom has worked as an administrator of education and has a background in zoology. What do you think a zoologist does? What topics does a zoologist study? Dr. Malcom also received her Ph.D in ecology. How is ecology different than zoology? How would you describe the ecology of your neighborhood? Learning Standards: I can read a biography to learn about a person who has made contributions to the fields of science, technology, and math.

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Activity One —

Examine Dialect:

As a class, talk about your area’s dialect. Look for examples of local dialect in the newspaper. Pay special attention to local news stories and advertisements. Discuss examples found.

Activity Two —

Meeting People’s Needs: Locate pictures of groups and organizations that help meet people’s needs. Cut and paste the picture on a piece of paper. Write an explanation that explains how each group or organization meets the needs of the people.

Learning Standards: I can state a claim and support it with evidence. I can use the newspaper to locate information.

St.

Malcom addresses Ridhwaa Seminary students in Dar es Salaam, in 2010.

Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy, Dar es Salaam.

SLPS names STEM Teacher of the Year

Public attention on public education

It’s been a while since education dominated the local news headlines. All of it is not necessarily good news, but what’s good is that people are fully engaged in discussing the complex issues of public education.

Glen Vest, math teacher at Gateway STEM High School, recognized

American staff

Glen Vest, a math teacher at Gateway STEM High School, has been recognized as the St. Louis Public School District’s 2013 Gateway STEM Teacher of the Year for his ability to show students how math and science are used daily in the “real world.”

I felt it was a valid question. Since corporate school reformers like to talk about schools using a business model, there’s little evidence in the world of business mergers where two failing companies come together in a successful partnership.

“As an educator at Gateway STEM High School, Glen Vest embodies the teaching philosophy that drives the STEM initiative in American education today,” said John Everson, chair of the Mathematics Department at Gateway STEM High School. “Glen promotes the study and application of mathematics in the real world to bring more students to engineering fields in the future.”

Joshua Lake wrote of Vest. “He also likes to find new ways of teaching the class that some students might grasp easier, like through technology. I can relate to Mr. Vest in more ways than most teachers. Even if you don’t like him as a teacher, it’s hard not to learn from the way he teaches. He is one of the best, if not the best, teacher I have ever had.”

Vest started his teaching career in 1987 as a science teacher at the U.S. Air Force Academy Preparatory School in Colorado Springs. He has taught in several schools in the St. Louis area and started at Gateway STEM High School in August 2010. Along with serving as a math teacher, he has also taught night school science (2011-12) and chemistry (2012-13) at Gateway STEM. Vest is also an adjunct math teacher at the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Webster University. “He is a humorous and personable teacher,” student

To earn the 2013 Gateway STEM Teacher of the Year Award, nominees must explain how they implement the teaching of STEM, be recommended by two professional colleagues and a student, and provide a resume. Vest was honored with an awards reception at the Danforth Plant Science Center and presented with a $1,000 award from the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation. In addition, he received a trophy and a plaque.

Ferguson-Florissant Superintendent Art McCoy Jr. has been benched. The student transfer fiasco is out of control. State education commissioner Chris Nicastro’s resignation has been demanded. It is important that concerned citizens stay focused until these major issues get resolved.

A few weeks ago Normandy Superintendent Tyrone McNichols made his presentation to the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) at a public forum. In the midst of trying to turn around a failing school district, Normandy is on the brink of financial disaster as a result of the ill-conceived payment plan for student transfers to accredited districts.

At the public forum, I remember a parent asking why the failed Wellston School District was merged with an already troubled Normandy district instead of a stronger, accredited district. Her question was met with a few boos and hisses because the audience thought it was a put-down of Wellston.

McCoy was summarily suspended by the Ferg-Flor school board for reasons not completely stated. What has been slowly leaking since that suspension seems to be politically motivated – or, at least, personally motivated vendettas by his own board members. District parents, teachers and students are waiting for the transparency of this situation to reveal what’s really going on and how the district intends to move forward – with McCoy at the helm.

Nicastro, as education commissioner, is ostensibly the protector of public education for the Missouri’s kids. Through documents acquired through the Sunshine Law, it has been revealed that Nicastro has been working with school choice advocates on the latest ballot initiative to add some more nails to the coffin of public education.

Mayor Francis G. Slay showed his disdain for public education with the support of the Alvarez and Marsal demolition team headed by Bill Roberti. The St. Louis Public Schools have never really recovered from their $5 million wrecking ball that was unleashed on it nearly a decade ago. The well-financed strategy to erode public education has continued on all fronts since then.

Slay’s cousin, Laura Slay, heads up Rex Sinquefield’s Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri, which intends to be the premier charter school group in the state. In the last legislative session, state Senator Jamilah Nasheed introduced a bill that opens the door for the termination of “incompetent” tenured teachers in a 30-day period. Nasheed received a chunk of money from Rex for her last election. Speaker of the House Tim Jones got $100,000 from Rex and President Prom Tem Tom Dempsey received $50,000. Jones and Dempsey are powerful deciders of which bills get the green light and which get the legislative trash can. Public education is the one of the cornerstones of a true democracy, a system that gives every young citizen a superior set of skills and knowledge to compete in the world. I am committed to preserving that right. I’m also committed to holding people accountable. For those whose salaries we pay, taxpayers need to address incompetency on all levels. I don’t’ know of one school district that DESE has turned around once it discredited it. For legislators, judges and others who are making decisions that represent corporate interests and not their constituencies, they either need additional guidance or the collective public boot. For starters, we need to bid farewell to Chris Nicastro.

Jane Donahue, executive director of the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation; John McDonnell, chairman of the board of the Danforth Plant Science Center; Elizabeth Bender, principal at Gateway STEM High School; Glen Vest, recipient of the 2013 Gateway STEM Teacher of the Year Award; and Rachel Seward, deputy superintendent of the St. Louis Public Schools Office of Institutional Advancement

Jamala Rogers

Business

IKEA, Whole Foods come to St. Louis

City minority workforce goals apply to new construction, retail projects

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St.

Louis American

Swedish furniture-giant IKEA announced last week that it will set up a 380,000-square-foot store by fall 2015 in the city of St. Louis, right along the northern side of Interstate 64 near the Vandeventer Avenue exit.

n “As the retail comes, they bring jobs for the citizens in the area.”

– Otis Williams, St. Louis Development Corporation

IKEA has gained worldwide popularity for its relatively inexpensive furniture and flexible designs that can fit into a variety of living or work spaces. The company grosses $36.4 billion globally and $4.1 billion in the United States. According to the St. Louis Business Journal, IKEA’s projected annual sales in St. Louis will be more than $100 million, with land acquisition costs at about $30 million and construction costs at $80 million.

Otis Williams, executive director of the St. Louis Development Corporation,

said all of the 38 U.S. IKEA locations draw customers from far beyond the cities they are located in.

“It has always been successful,” he said. “It’s significant that a major name retailer is locating in the city. It gives us the energy for getting other major retail stores to locate here. As the retail comes, they

Still No. 1

bring jobs for the citizens in the area.”

IKEA leaders expect to create more than 500 jobs during the construction phase and about 300 positions when the new store opens.

IKEA will locate within the CORTEX Innovation District, a $2.2 billion research-park project.

Being within the bioscience district, IKEA will receive a portion of CORTEX’s $168 million tax-assistance from the City of St. Louis. However,

See IKEA, B2

PeoPle on the Move

Gerald L. Early

Gerald L. Early has been appointed to the National Council on the Humanities, the 26-member advisory board to the National Endowment for the Humanities, by President Barack Obama. Early is Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis and a widely published author and public intellectual. The National Council on the Humanities meets three times a year to review grant applications and to advise the NEH chairman.

Zekita Asuquo has been named diversity liaison for NextGen Information Services, Inc. She will work with NextGen clients throughout the country to collaborate on their diversity initiatives, fulfill their diversity objectives and track diversity spending. NextGen is a national staffing, recruiting and consulting firm specializing in IT and professional services. The company has more than 300 billable consultants in 35 states and revenue of more than $70 million.

St. Louis remains national leader in black giving to United Way

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

The African American –Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society brought in more than $2.1 million toward United Way of Greater St. Louis’ overall fundraising campaign of $72.3 million to help people in the region.

The society has more than 850 members, and each member donates $1,000 or more to the United Way every year.

“We made history and accomplished something that other cities can only dream about,” Brenda Newberry, 2013 society co-chair and CEO of Nesher LLC consulting services company. “For the third year in

n “The Charmaine Chapman Society again remains No. 1 among all United Ways in the country for the highest contributions among African Americans.”

– Maurice Newberry

a row, the Charmaine Chapman Society raised more than $2.1 million to support the needs of the community.”

About 250 leadership givers attended the 2013 African American Leadership Society thank you event held at the St. Louis Art Museum on Dec. 4. The event was underwritten by Ameren.

“This was an extraordinary campaign,” said Maurice

Newberry, 2013 society co-chair and COO of Nesher LLC, “and the Charmaine Chapman Society again remains No. 1 among all United Ways in the country for the highest contributions among African Americans.” At the event, United Way leaders gave four awards to companies for their efforts in growing the society. The Top Dollar Amount Award went to Worldwide Technology with

$353,673 raised through the society for the United Way. Wells Fargo received the Top Percentage Increase Award with a 2,755 percent increase from last year.

Edward Jones received two awards, including the Top Number of Total AfricanAmerican Givers Award and the Top New African-American Givers Award. Edward Jones garnered a total of 78 givers, adding 17 new givers to the society this year. Founded by Donald M. Suggs, publisher of The St. Louis American, in 1994, the society is now the top philanthropic program for African Americans

See UNITED WAY, B6

Denise Gardner was recently recognized as a Hospitality Super Hero for exceptional service provided by hospitality industry employees by the St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission (CVC). She is security director at Parkway Hotel. This recognition program honors front-line workers who best exemplify the region’s commitment to great service. Nominations were solicited from management of hospitality companies and judged by a panel of customer service experts.

Joshua Randall has been appointed to the Board of Directors of COCA-Center of Creative Arts. He is president of Kwame Building Group and is responsible for the dayto-day operations and market development of the entire organization. He also serves on the Board of Commissioners for the Saint Louis Science Center, the Young Professional Network Steering Committee for the St. Louis Regional Business Council, and the Board of Trustees for his children’s school.

Business Briefs

Chamber calls for Missouri to expand Medicaid

Last week the Missouri Chamber called for the Missouri Legislature to expand Medicaid, citing a new study by the Commonwealth Fund that reports Missouri stands to lose $2.2 billion a year in federal money by 2022 if it does not expand Medicaid.

Under expansion, The Beacon reported, Missouri would likely add close to 200,000 people to its Medicaid rolls by increasing eligibility requirements to match those mandated by the Affordable Care Act – 138 percent of federal poverty level. Missouri’s maximum eligibility for adults now is 19 percent of the poverty level.

“Now hospitals are looking at significant cuts, without receiving the additional Medicaid funding if state lawmakers choose not to expand it,” said the chamber’s chief executive Dan Mehan.

Legislature approves incentives to entice Boeing

In a special session called by Gov. Jay Nixon, the Missouri Legislature approved as much as $150 million in annual incentives (as much as $1.74 billion over a 23 year period) for Boeing to locate a new plant in Missouri. Nixon released a cost-benefit analysis citing that the Boeing incentives could generate more than $50 billion in economic activity in the state over 23 years. Several other states are also competing for the plant.

Kwame signs two-year contract with ESL Housing Authority

The East St. Louis Housing Authority has signed a two-year contract with Kwame Building Group to provide construction administration services on various public housing renovation projects. Kwame assists the housing authority in developing scope of work, estimating, scheduling, inspections, quality control and punch lists. Kwame is the construction administrator on Phase II of the Villa Griffin townhouse renovation, which includes 22 of the 64 units. Other projects include a new boiler system for the Lansdowne Towers apartments, a wastewater pump station repair and renovations of several single-family homes.

Zekita Asuquo

Denise Gardner

Joshua Randall

Brenda Newberry listens as her husband and 2013 Charmaine Chapman Society co-chair, Maurice Newberry, congratulates some 250 leadership givers who attended the United Way of Greater St. Louis’ thank you event held at the St. Louis Art Museum on Dec. 4.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Over 70½? don’t forget mandatory IRA withdrawals

By Jason Alderman

With final holiday preparations looming, the last thing anyone wants to think about is next April’s tax bill. But if you’re over 70 ½ and have any tax-deferred retirement accounts (like an IRA), put down the wrapping paper and listen up: IRS rules say that, with few exceptions, you must take required minimum distributions (RMDs) from your accounts by December 31 of each year – and pay taxes on them – or face severe financial penalties. Here’s what you need to know about RMDs: Congress devised IRAs, 401(k) plans and other taxdeferred retirement accounts to encourage people to save for their own retirement. Aside from Roth plans, people

generally contribute “pretax” dollars to these accounts, which means the contributions and their investment earnings aren’t taxed until withdrawn after retirement. In exchange for allowing your account to grow taxfree for decades, Congress also decreed that minimum amounts must be withdrawn –and taxed – each year after you reach 70 ½. To ensure these rules are followed, unless you meet certain narrowly defined conditions, you’ll have to pay an excess accumulation tax equal to 50 percent of the RMD you should have taken; plus you’ll still have to take the distribution and pay regular income tax on it. You can delay or avoid paying an RMD in certain cases, including:

Bankers build for Habitat

Personal Finance

• If you’re still employed at 70 ½, you may delay starting RMDs from your work-based accounts until you actually retire, without penalty; however, regular IRAs are subject to the rule, regardless of work status.

• Roth IRAs are exempt from the RMD rule; however, Roth 401(k) plans are not.

• You can also transfer up to $100,000 directly from your IRA to an IRS-approved charity. Although the RMD itself isn’t tax-deductible, it won’t be included in your taxable income and lowers your overall IRA balance, thus reducing the size of future

David Noble of Midwest BankCentre and Chairperson of the Metropolitan St. Louis CRA Association Board of Directors (back), was among area bank executives who participated in the CRA Association’s recent BUILD in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis. Habitat has a homeownership program that builds and sells its homes to low-income, diverse partner families. These families partner by contributing 700 hours of sweat-equity (350 hours for individuals) to build their homes and the homes of others, and then pay a zeropercent interest mortgage. The mortgage proceeds go back into building additional homes for other hard-working families.

“The CRA Association BUILD is a opportunity for our members to work together while showing our support for an organization that does vitally important work in St. Louis by helping people get into affordable home ownership,” Noble said.

Some of the other member banks involved in the BUILD include Carrollton Bank, Citizens National Bank, Commerce Bank, Commercial Bank – StL, Enterprise Bank & Trust, First Bank, First County Bank and First Collinsville Bank, First National Bank of St. Louis, Great Southern, Heartland Bank, Montgomery Bank, PNC, Regions Bank, Southern Commercial Bank, Stifel Bank and The Business Bank.

RMDs.

Another way to avoid future RMDs is to convert your tax-deferred accounts into a Roth IRA. You’ll still have to pay taxes on all pretax contributions and earnings that have accrued; and, if you’re over age 70 ½, you must first take your minimum distribution (and pay taxes on it) before the conversion can take place.

Ordinarily, RMDs must be taken by December 31 to avoåid the excess accumulation tax. However, if it’s your first distribution you may wait until April 1 the year after turning 70 ½ – although you’re still must take a second

distribution by December 31 that same year. Generally, you must calculate an RMD for each IRA or other tax-deferred retirement account you own by dividing its balance at the end of the previous year by a life expectancy factor found in one of the three tables in Appendix C of IRS Publication 590:

• Uniform Lifetime Table if your spouse isn’t more than 10 years younger than you, your spouse isn’t the sole beneficiary or you’re unmarried.

• Joint and Last Survivor Table when your spouse is the sole beneficiary and he/she is more than 10 years younger than you.

• Single Life Expectancy Table is for beneficiaries of accounts whose owner has died.

Although you must calculate the RMD separately for each IRA you own, you may withdraw the combined amount of all RMDs from one or more of them. The same goes for owners of 403(b) accounts. However, RMDs required from other types of retirement plans must be taken separately from each account. To learn more about RMDs, read IRS Publication 590 at www.irs.gov.

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

IKEA

Continued from B1

Williams said he won’t know exactly how much tax assistance IKEA will receive until after the Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Commission hearing on Dec. 17.

As part of CORTEX’s TIF agreement passed in December 2012, the city has approved $37 million in TIF assistance for the redevelopment area that will include IKEA and a future residential/retail project. The store is expected to generate $250 million in tax revenue over the TIF’s agreement 23-year time period.

Because it will receive city funds, IKEA must abide by the city’s minority participation and workforce goals for construction. The project will follow to the mayor’s executive order (#28) goals of hiring 25 percent minority business enterprises (MBEs) and 5 percent women business enterprises (WBEs).

IKEA must also follow the city’s 2009 ordinance (68412), which sets forth workforce goals on city-funded public works contracts of 25 percent minority, five percent women, 20 percent local workforce and

n IKEA must abide by the city’s minority participation and workforce goals for construction.

15 percent apprentices.

The new Whole Foods and City Walk building in the Central West End must also follow the city’s workforce guidelines. The $60-million seven-story mixed use development at 10 North Euclid began construction last week. The City Walk development received $10 million in city tax assistance.

The building’s first floor will feature Whole Foods, a high-end natural and organic foods store. On the upper six floors will be about 177 apartment units. The building also includes a 445-space garage for residents and customers, as well as a club/ fitness center.

With the two new retail stores comes entry-level jobs for local residents, said Williams.

St. Louis city has a law on the books that requires companies who receive tax incentives to provide “permanent

employment opportunities for the unemployed” and “economically disadvantaged.”

Few people know about the 1987 “First Source Jobs Policy” ordinance (60275) because it had been waived on every TIF application from 2002 to 2012, according to a NAACP study. The ordinance requires these companies to hire “entry level” applicants from a “first source” list – and that list is held by SLATE. The TIF Commission did not require the policy to be included in the TIF agreements for CORTEX or North Euclid. Williams said he could not remember if he had spoken with IKEA or CORTEX about following the First Source Jobs Policy.

IKEA spokesman Joseph Roth said, “We have participated in a variety of types of programs aimed at ensuring under-served communities have access to opportunities resulting from IKEA coming to town. And we plan to do so in St. Louis as well.” When asked if the CORTEX district is following the policy, Karin Hagaman, director of project development, said “CORTEX is working closely with SLATE to implement the policy in the district.”

n “I’m just insanely critical. There’s a bunch of things that I completely messed up on.”

The Roosevelt Rough Riders powered their way past Sumner Tuesday night at Clyde Miller CVareer Academy.

PreP BasketBall NoteBook

With Earl Austin Jr.

‘Word’ up

State champs Incarnate Word return top players

– Kobe Bryant, on his return to the Lakers’ lineup last Sunday The high school girls’ basketball season got underway last week. Defending Class 4 state champion Incarnate Word Academy will field one of the top teams in the country this season. As we begin another season of girls’ basketball, here are some of the top players to watch as well as some of the top teams of note.

Players to watch

Gwen Adams (Incarnate Word): Powerful

n Defending Class 4 state champion Incarnate Word Academy will field one of the top teams in the country this season.

6’0” senior forward who has signed with SIUE.

Alli Ball (Principia): Versatile 6’1” senior forward who has signed with Akron.

Nakiah Bell (Incarnate Word): Outstanding senior point guard who has signed with Iowa State.

Tiara Bramlett (Hazelwood East): Excellent

Terrible weekend for STL sports

n The most magnificent of the failures was that of the Mizzou Efense (no ‘D’) which was gashed for a trillion 545 rushing yards Saturday night in an embarrassing 59-42 loss to Auburn.

Mizzou Efense (no ‘D’) which was gashed for a trillion 545 rushing yards Saturday night in an equally exciting and embarrassing 59-42 loss to the Auburn Tigers. For some strange reason, Gary Pinkel and his coaching staff decided to use three defensive linemen against Auburn. The strategy failed miserably when Tre

Mason romped to 195 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, yet proud Pinkel and his crew decided to stay the course and ride with the three-man front – which, in turn, was ridden straight out of the national championship game. To make matters worse, just like in 2007, the Tigers’ humiliating conference championship loss left them snubbed by the BCS and left to settle in the second-tier Cotton Bowl.

5’11” senior forward who averaged 14 rebounds a game.

Napheesa Collier (Incarnate Word): Talented 6’1” junior forward who is one of the top players in the country.

Jesheon Cooper (Belleville West): Improving 6’5” senior who is starting to become a force inside.

Aaliyah Covington (Edwardsville): Excellent 5’11” senior guard who has signed with Saint Louis U. Zhanesha Dickerson (Miller Career Academy): Senior 5’9” forward who is one of

See PREP, B5

Officially eliminated

Maybe next year for the Rams

Last week I ended my column asking a question about which St. Louis Rams would show up for the upcoming game against NFC West division foe the Arizona Cardinals. The answer was loud and clear.

It was another one of those games that I’ve seen before. Excuse me. What I meant was it was one of those games we’ve seen before.

For the second week in a

n Last week the Rams said they were embarrassed after losing. I wonder what the feeling is after this loss.

didn’t have it in a 30-10 loss against the Arizona Cardinals. The heart and soul of the Rams, which is the defense, looked lost and unsure. They couldn’t get to Cardinals quarterback Carson Palmer, who just wore the Rams secondary out. His favorite receiver, Larry Fitzgerald, was targeted 12 times by Palmer. And wouldn’t you know it? Fitzgerald caught all 12 passes. So it has become official that Rams are eliminated from the playoffs, sporting a record of 5-8 and facing Drew Brees and the New Orleans Saints this weekend. Now that the Rams are out of the playoffs, it’s time to start looking ahead at what the Rams are going to need to make this team better for years to come. And thanks to the Washington Redskins doing a great job of imploding, the Rams are still in good shape to add some more pieces. They need help so badly in the secondary. Trumaine Johnson is their best player, no doubt. TJ McDonald is not far behind, and Roshod McCleod has shown some promising signs at both safety positions. Janoris Jenkins’ play this year has fallen off tremendously; he hasn’t been a real difference-maker. What I’m saying isn’t groundbreaking, but the Rams’ biggest need in the off-season is cornerback. Grab a couple in the draft and

The loss was a shame, considering how well the Mizzou defense played for a vast majority of the season. Quarterback James Franklin led an explosive offense to an impressive showing in his last time suited up in the black and It was clear that

See RAMS, B4

Palmer L. Alexander

Photo by Wiley Price

Earl Austin Jr.

Mizzou’s defensive strategy would fail miserably after Tre Mason romped to 195 yards and two touchdowns in the first half.

With Palmer Alexander

Claib’s Call

With Mike Claiborneî

Another season we should not forget

Normally, at this time of the NFL season, you would ask your team to take a step forward and be counted as moving in the right direction. Normally. This may not apply to the St. Louis Rams.

As the season winds down, the best they can do this year is finish at .500. That would not be considered an improvement.

Before you start reminding me that they do not have Sam Bradford, I should remind you that backup Kellen Clemens is the least of their problems. Clemens is taking full advantage of being perhaps one of the best backups in the league this season.

There are several problems with the Rams, which is why they are flirting with an 8-8 record. Trust me, 8-8 creates a lot of things when it comes to assessing teams. Here are just a few that look the Rams square in the eye.

Let’s look at the offense first. After the retirement of Torry Holt, the Rams are still looking for a game-breaking receiver. Oh, by the way, Holt left the Rams in 2008.

The list is too long on receivers who have come and gone, and they were either too small, too slow, too hurt or too bad. The Rams have taken players in the first and last rounds and even guys off the street, and none of them have lived up to the hype.

Enter the latest in Tavon Austin, the Rams’ first-round pick who has dazzled fans twice this year on three running plays, a few pass plays and on special teams. Every excuse has been used on why he cannot get the ball more, and some are

failing grade.

As for the offensive line and running game, they were average at best. Rookie Zach Stacey has shown more than

promise, but the team has very few players behind him who have proven they deserve more playing time.

a hard time doing anything else with consistency. The run defense has been up and down, and the pass defense has done more talking than covering and tackling. No team in the league runs their mouth more with so little result on the positive side, and yet their biggest problem is bad penalties. Is there promise in the secondary? Only time will tell. As for special teams and coaching. the Rams have shown the propensity for making bad plays or taking a bad penalty each week. It’s getting better, but it is now too late.

n The Rams have taken players in the first and last rounds and even guys off the street, and none of them have lived up to the hype.

Coaching has to be better, especially at this time of the year. No playoffs to play for, so what will they do to get this team ready and motivated to play against New Orleans? Forget motivation – the players are responsible for that, as they get a paycheck they should try to earn. When it comes to preparation, it will be a challenge as you have to get players to pay attention first. This has been a season we should not forget, as we have seen enough of them in St. Louis over the last 10 years, no matter who the coaches and players are. Yet for some reason, I believe that they are closer now to turning the corner than they have been in a long time.

As for play-calling, I am sure you remember when many were convinced that the Rams were going to unveil some secret offense that was going to be the talk of the league, if not reduce the national debt. We got neither. So much for believing what you hear and read. This Rams offense, even with Bradford, has struggled on most Sundays.

The defense, you asked?

Glad you did. The Rams and their followers felt that the pass rush would be very good.

Robert Quinn has been a very good pass rusher, and he leads the team in sacks. The Rams have shown they can rush the passer. They also show they have

General Manager Les Snead and Head Coach Jeff Fisher are on the right track. They have to find enough good players to create true competition for jobs. Many Rams players make the same bone head mistakes and take bad penalties with no threat of punishment, as the players on the sidelines are not really good enough to make the team that much better. There is a lot of work to be done for this Rams team between now and next year, so why not get a good start on eliminating the mistakes and, if need be, those who continue to consistently make them? The act is getting old, and all who care deserve better.

Continued from B3

add a season veteran. Just like pitching in baseball, where you can never have enough pitching – in football, the same applies with cornerbacks. Nobody knows if Courtland Finnegan will be back and whether the injury was a reason for his decline in play. Next year will be Jeff Fisher’s third year as head coach. The expectation level will be even higher for him. In Pete Carroll’s third year

game last season with the 49ers. We just saw what Bruce Arians is doing with the Arizona Cardinals, and this is his first year out there. Will Fisher be next? I’ll address that and more on our weekly Rams Roundup on the St. Louis American YouTube channel. Please feel free to

Mike Claiborne

Rashard Mendenhall of the Arizona Cardinals scores a irst-quarter touchdown on Sunday against the St. Louis Rams during the Cardinals 30-10 victory in Glendale, Arizona. The loss dropped the Rams to 5-8 on the season and eliminated them from the playoff hunt.

PREP

Continued from B3 the best in the Public High League.

Kortney Dunbar (Edwardsville): Talented 6’2” swing who can shoot the 3-pointer. Signed with Tennessee.

Braennan Farrar (Miller Career Academy): Excellent senior point guard who led Phoenix to the PHL title.

Khalia Miller (North Tech): Talented guard who led North Tech to the Class 3 Final Four last season.

Lauryn Miller (Kirkwood): Talented freshman forward

CLUTCH

Continued from B3 gold. Sadly, it wasn’t good enough, and a phenomenal season is now tainted with a spectacular defeat.

Alexander loses title Prospects were good for a reversal of fortune later Saturday night as two boxers with STL ties fought on Showtime Championship Boxing in Brooklyn. Sakio Bika, who represents St. Louis by way of Australia, won a tough fight against Andre Dirrell to bring his supermiddleweight title back to the Midwest.

Devon Alexander wasn’t so lucky. Alexander dropped a close but decisive decision to childhood nemesis Shawn Porter in a rough and bloody battle that left both men with facial lacerations by the end of the bout. Despite being the more naturally gifted fighter in the

who is already making a big impact this season.

Taylor Miller (Metro): Versatile 5’11” forward who does everything for the Panthers.

Jordan Roundtree (Parkway West): Smooth 5’9” sophomore guard who is averaging 17 points a game.

Alesia Sutton (Parkway North): Outstanding sophomore point guard who is one of the best in the state.

Brittany Thomas (Parkway South): Talented senior guard who scored 36 points in a game last week.

Rachel Thompson (MICDS): Hard-working 5’9” sophomore who is one of the top young players in the area.

ring, Alexander decided to stand and trade with his strong and stocky opponent. There were times when Alexander showed flashes of the crisp combination punching and excellent lateral movement that helped make him a multidivision champion. However, his decision to stand toe-totoe with his foe, despite his trainer’s pleas against it, cost him his crown. The loss was the second of Alexander’s career. Still, he should be able to bounce back with a renewed focus on his natural style.

Rams shut down by Arizona D

The only thing consistent about the St. Louis Rams this season has been their inconsistency. The same team that ran the playoff-bound Indianapolis Colts out of town was thumped 30-10 by the Arizona Cardinals. At 8-5, the Cardinals now occupy the third wheel status the Rams were expected to fill in the NFC West. Sure, Sam Bradford’s

St. LouiS AmericAn

Gabby Walker (St. Charles): A 6’0” sophomore who led the Pirates in scoring and rebounding as a freshman.

Zoe Wallis (Parkway Central): A 6’3” senior post player who led the Colts to a district title last season.

Teams to watch: Incarnate Word, Edwardsville, St. Joseph’s Miller Career Academy, Parkway North, MICDS, Kirkwood, Parkway South, Mater Dei, Belleville West, Hazelwood Central, Webster Groves, Fort Zumwalt West, Cor Jesu, Breese Central, North Tech, Lutheran (St. Charles).

Midwest Showdown Shootout

Eight games with teams from four states

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

Many of the region’s top basketball players and teams will be in town this weekend to play in the Rameybasketball Midwest Showdown Shootout, which will be on Saturday at McCluer North High. The eight-game event features teams from four different states. It is being presented by Terrell Ramey of Rameybasketball.com. Here is the schedule of games for Saturday:

Hazelwood East vs. Whitfield, 10 a.m.

– Hazelwood East has one of the top teams in the Suburban North Conference. Whitfield is led by senior frontcourt players Dimitri Rucker and Jacob Ekstrand.

St. Mary’s vs. Alton Marquette, 11:30 a.m.

Two of the area’s top senior guards will be

n A phenomenal Mizzou season is now tainted with a spectacular defeat.

injury deserves some of the blame, but the Rams are the youngest team in the NFL and it shows.

Carson Palmer and Larry Fitzgerald had a field day against the Rams’ struggling secondary, connecting 12 times for nearly 100 yards. Offensively, the Rams’ running game was shut down by the Cardinals and the passing game was pedestrian.

With the loss, the Rams were officially eliminated from playoff contention, although that term hasn’t been seriously used in St. Louis since the year Facebook was invented. Sunday’s loss was another bitter reminder that playoff football is still far away.

Blues lose too

Even the St. Louis Blues, who have been off to a fast and encouraging start this season,

Prep Athletes of the Week

Brittany Thomas

Parkway South – Girls Basketball

The 5’6” senior guard averaged 24 points a game to lead the Patriots to a 2-1 record at the Gerald Linneman Parkway Tip-Off Classic last week.

Thomas had 20 points, seven rebounds, four steals and two assists in South’s 52-48 victory over Parkway West. She scored a seasonhigh 36 points and had five rebounds in South’s 80-66 loss to a strong Parkway North team. She also had 17 points in the Patriots’ 52-48 victory over Parkway Central.

For the season, Thomas is averaging 24.3 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 46 percent from the field and 70 percent from the free throw line.

As a junior, Thomas averaged 15.1 points and four rebounds a game. Thomas led the Patriots to the Class 5 state quarterfinals as a sophomore in 2012.

Sean Clancey

Cardinal Ritter – Boys Basketball

The 6’3” senior guard enjoyed a big week in leading the Lions to two victories in the Whitfield Round Robin Tournament.

Clancey had 28 points and six rebounds to lead Ritter past host Whitfield 55-40. He added 27 points, eight rebounds, four assists and five steals to lead the Lions past DeSmet 62-40.

For the season, Clancey is averaging 25.5 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 steals a game in leading Ritter to a 5-1 record. He also scored a game-high 29 points against highly-regarded McCluer North in a 72-70 overtime loss in the championship game of the St. Francis Borgia Thanksgiving Tournament.

As a junior, Clancey averaged 15.6 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.3 steals in leading Ritter to a berth in the Class 3 district finals.

on display. St. Mary’s is led by high-scoring guard Josh Robinson, who is headed to Austin Peay. Marquette is led by 6’3” senior Deion Lavender, who is also a Division I prospect.

St. Charles vs. Ensworth (TN), 1 p.m. – St. Charles is one of the top Class 4 teams in town, led by junior guard Casey Teson. Ensworth is led by nationally-ranked 6’5” junior Andrew Fleming.

Fort Zumwalt North vs. Plainfield East (Ill), 2:30 p.m. – North is led by 6’2” senior guard Chaz Glotta, who has signed with Southern Illinois. Plainfield East features 6’5” junior Aaron Jordan, who is one of the top players in the state of Illinois.

Jennings vs. Willard (MO), 4 p.m. – Jennings is led by 6’6” senior athlete Brandon Hollins. Willard comes to town led by 6’5” athlete Chris Kendrix, who has signed with Missouri State.

Hazelwood Central vs.

Alton, 5:30 p.m. – The Hawks are a very athletic team led by 6’2” senior Demarco Buchanan, 6’6” junior Marcus George and 6’5” sophomore Xavier Sneed. Alton is a quick and talented team led by 6’3” junior Carlos Anderson and senior guards D’Tae McMurray and Michael Williams-Bey. CBC vs. Bentonville (Ark), 7 p.m. – The Cadets feature 6’8” Texas recruit Jordan Barnett and talented sophomore guard Jordan Barnes. Bentonville has one of the nation’s top sophomores in 6’6” Malik Monk.

McCluer North vs. Chicago Morgan Park – The Stars are a talented team, led by senior guard Rashad Lindsey, senior forward Dorian Holland and sophomore guard Zeke Moore. Morgan Park won the IHSA Class Class 3A state title a year ago. They feature 6’7” senior Josh Cunningham and top junior guard Kain Harris.

Admission of the event is $10 for adults and $8 for students with a valid ID.

in the first eight minutes of the game and continued a recent tradition of slow first-period starts.

were in the festive mood last weekend when the team gave away five goals in a 2-5 loss to the Anaheim Ducks over the weekend. Goaltender Jaroslav Halak gave away three goals

Hopefully, the Blue Notes will get it back together after losing three out of four games, all to California-based teams.

Next holiday season, instead of giving up goals, try sending guacamole to the West Coast to satisfy those Secret Santa duties. Still, the Blues have plenty of season left and should finish near the top of the Western Conference.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ intheclutchstl and on Google+. Tune in to his weekly sports Hangouts on youtube.com/ stlamericanvideo.

Defending Class 4 state champion Incarnate Word Academy is ranked among the top five girls basketball teams in the country in several national polls. Coach Dan Rolfes (right) returns his top four players in Gwen Adams, Nakiah Bell, Napheesa Collier and McKenna Treece.

Ameren CEO supports JJK Center

Richard Mark, president and CEO of Ameren Illinois, recently presented the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center with a $25,000 check to support youth and senior citizen activities in East St. Louis. “Jackie’s drive, determination and vision took her from East St. Louis to Olympic gold medalist to being regarded as one of the greatest female athletes ever,” Mark says. “Through her JJK Center, she hopes to instill the same drive, determination and vision for the youth of East St. Louis, and I am proud to support her foundation.”

St. Louis native Charles Harvey, chief diversity officer and vice president of community affairs for Milwaukee-based Johnson Controls (left), recently received the 2013 Community Leader Award for his work with youth from the Fellowship Open. At right is John Daniels Jr., founder of the Fellowship Open and chairman of Milwaukee-based law firm Quarles & Brady, LLP.

Founded more than a dozen years ago by a group of business and civic leaders to inspire youngsters to aspire to careers in business and to foster community support for diversity and inclusion, the Fellowship Open is one of the nation’s largest empowerment golf tournaments attracting participants from more than 25 states.

fourth

Brenda and Maurice Newberry

UNITED WAY

Continued from B1 in the St. Louis region and throughout the country. Brenda said it has been a pleasure leading the Charmaine Chapman Society for last two years, alongside her husband Maurice. She is continuously amazed by the society’s generosity.

“These dollars will support agencies that serve the AfricanAmerican community and will strengthen their capacity to help,” Brenda said. “The St. Louis metro area should be proud of how the Chapman Society is helping neighbors in need. You truly are leadership givers.”

Leaders among leaders

Worldwide

Wells

Edward Jones – Top Number of Total AfricanAmerican Givers Award (78)

Edward Jones – Top New African-American Givers Award (17)

Maurice agreed, and added, “The Charmaine Chapman Society has the ability to influence our community in so many ways – and we are doing just

(third and

from left), 2013 co-chairs of the African American – Charmaine Chapman Leadership Society, with fellow leadership givers Reuben and D’Anne Shelton.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

St. Louis native honored for leadership

Black identity theft

The 40th Annual Bayou Classic football game between Southern University and Grambling State University was played on Saturday, November 30 at The Superdome in New Orleans. One of the major attractions was the Battle of the Bands. I watched the competition and one thing that stood out really disturbed me. All of the African-American women dancers who performed during halftime were mostly very bright, but all had long, lowing Europeanstyled hair, which by the way, they constantly accented. Each school’s routine featured their young women linging and throwing long, silky or wavy hair. Is this the new image of the race?

Is this the symbol of beauty the band directors want to use to represent the thousands of fans and viewers? They could not ind any brown-skinned women with short or natural hair or braids? What happened to the expression and importance of “Black Is Beautiful” or Black Pride? Is this the image we want our next generations to imitate?

The band directors should read W. E. B. DuBois, who believed that educated black leaders, such as themselves, should direct blacks to freedom. He further understood that African Americans could not achieve social equality by emulating white ideals and that equality could be achieved only by teaching black racial pride with an emphasis on an African cultural heritage.

People of the struggle will remind us, “Black pride was born from oppression, persecution, genocide, slaughter and persistent pain. It was not born out of selfishness or for the purpose of declaring superiority. Black Pride is a celebration of life, as though to say, ‘We’re here. We’re alive. We’re resisting.’ It is a way of honoring the past and challenging the future.” I recognize and appreciate that a woman’s hair is very personal and

Natural Night Out

Diversity Gallery’s Leslie Christian Wilson offers naturalista oasis

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“It’s kind of like a girl’s night out, but I want people to come together and have a conversation about what’s going on in this natural movement,” said Diversity Gallery owner Leslie Christian Wilson.

Next Friday, December 19 she will host Natural Night Out at the

Regional Arts Commission. There will be fashion, fabulousness and fun, but Wilson is also using the meet-up to get people talking.

“In my opinion, right now it’s a trendy thing,” Wilson said about the natural hair movement.

“But there doesn’t seem to be real

Going hard for God

Thi’sl

transitions from street life to ‘Stellar’ rap career

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“The thing that shocked me the most about being nominated for the Stellar Award is that my music is so hard – it’s so ‘hood and so raw,” said Travis Tyler, known in the music industry as Thi’sl.

“I’m always shocked when something like the Stellars –which is known for celebrating traditionally Christian music –sees something in what I do and appreciates it.”

n “The Lord took a young dude from the city of St. Louis and gave me a voice to give people hope about God’s grace.”

Last week, nominations were announced for one of faith-based music’s most coveted awards. Among the icons and household names sat a son of St. Louis’ gritty West Side. It was his second Stellar Award nomination; in 2009 he was nominated for Rap Hip Hop Gospel CD of the Year

“It’s been a beautiful journey,” said Thi’sl. “The Lord took a young dude from the city of St. Louis – in the part where some of the worst stuff in the world happens – and gave me a voice and a platform to give people hope about God’s grace through my testimony.”

As he expresses through his latest album Free From The Trap Thi’sl’s story is not nice. He speaks of his former self like an antagonist in some straight-to-DVD ‘hood drama.

– Thi’sl

“I want people to hear my music and feel like, ‘If God can change this dude, then he can change anybody,’” Thi’sl said. “I used to be a horrible person. I didn’t set out to change myself. I was having fun. I had girls, I had cars and I had respect. I was rapping. But the Lord changed my life.”

See THI’SL, C4

Leslie Christian Wilson wants to go beyond gathering for the sake of free samples of the latest in new product lines catered to natural hair.

Jilted two weeks out

A blindsided halt to my ‘happily ever after’

By Marie Williamson For The St. Louis American

The beautifully furnished contemporary living room was dimly lit, but you could see the psychologist across the coffee table from us as we settled onto the couch to discuss the wedding and all the things we had been working on for the past few months.

As our session opened up, my fiancé says to me and our counselor, “I just want you to know right now I’m still in love with my ex-wife, and I want you to consider waiting for me until I figure out what is going on. I think I want to go back to her.”

This brotha brought this to me during a marriage counseling session after a year of going back and forth making sure if this is what we wanted to do. He brings this to me two days after my wedding shower, two weeks before our wedding.

The psychologist said, “That could not be an option after the way you told me how you were treated by your ex-wife and the pain you went through for years to get over her. Why would you want to go back to that?”

At that point this warm rage began to spread all over me. I didn’t hear my fiancé’s response. I felt myself leave my body and was actually standing there in that room, looking at my shocked face, my fiancé and our marriage counselor.

After chasing me with a vengeance for months to date him, this man asked

Bernie Hayes

See NATURAL, C4

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

holiday haps

Thurs., Dec. 12, 6 p.m., Saint Louis University Black Alumni Association presents their Annual Holiday Bash Meet and mingle with fellow alumni over food and drinks. Raffle prizes will be given out throughout the evening. Il Monastero 3050 Olive St., 63103. For more information, and to RSVP to the event, visit http://alumni.slu.edu/ baaholidaybash13.

Dec. 13 – 15, 6 p.m., Cross Keys Baptist Church presents Drive Through Life Size Christmas Card Display.

Featuring life size Christmas cards with radio transmitted narration and live nativity scene. This event is free and open to all. 14255 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63033. For more information, call (314) 8310643.

Sat., Dec. 14, 11 a.m.,

Old North Saint Louis Restoration Group hosts Holiday Festival and Craft Market. Vendors will be selling crafts and merchandise, hot beverages and snacks, Mi Hungry food truck (Jamaican BBQ), FREE Pictures with Santa, face painting and children’s activities by the Magic House. If you are able, bring a toy to donate to a needy child. 2700 N 14th St., 63106. For more information, visit www.onsl.org.

Sat., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents Mannheim Steamroller Christmas. The modern symphonic arrangements of Christmas songs made famous by Chip Davis include favorites like “Carol of the Bells,” “Silent Night,” “Deck the Halls” and more. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. stlsymphony.org.

Sat., Dec. 14, 11 a.m., Old North Saint Louis Restoration Group hosts Holiday Festival and Craft

Market. Vendors will be selling crafts and merchandise, hot beverages and snacks, Mi Hungry food truck (Jamaican BBQ), FREE Pictures with Santa, face painting and children’s activities by the Magic House. . 2700 N 14th St., 63106. For more information, visit www.onsl. org.

Sat., Dec. 14, 2 p.m., Webster Groves Ice Arena presents Nutcracker on Ice 2013. This abridged one-hour version of the Nutcracker is a magical experience the whole family will enjoy. 33 E. Glendale Rd., 63119. For more information, visit www.metroedgefsc.org.

Dec. 14 – 15, The Butterfly House presents Supper with Santa. Space is limited, so please reserve your spot today! Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd., 63017. For more information, call (636) 530-0076 or visit www.butterflyhouse.org.

Dec. 17, 6 p.m., SIUE/EBR Writers Club Kwanzaa Celebration, Employing a multi-arts “Souljourn”-from Umoja! (unity) to Imani! (faith)--the Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club will present its 27th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration on the East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 J.R. Thompson Drive. The free family event will take place in Room 2083 of Building B. For more information, call the SIUE Department of English Language and Literature, (618) 650-3991, or write EBR Writers Club, P.O. Box 6165, East St. Louis, IL 62201-6165. Email: eredmon@siue.edu.

Dec. 17 – 29, The Fox Theater presents ELF the Musical. This modern day Christmas classic is sure to make everyone embrace their inner ELF. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., Missouri Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker.

Washington University’s Edison Theater. 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 621-3182 or visit www. missouriballettheatre.org.

Fri., Dec. 20, 7 p.m., Powell Symphony Hall presents Holiday Celebration. Enjoy your favorite carols, a visit from Santa and holiday music performed by the St. Louis Symphony and Holiday Festival Chorus inside a splendidly decorated Powell Hall. See why more than 10,000 St. Louisans make this a holiday tradition. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341700.

Fri. Dec. 20, 5 p.m., The St. Louis Zoo presents Dinner with Santa. Enjoy an Italian buffet dinner while overlooking the colorful lights of Wild Lights. Evening includes dinner, admission to Wild Lights, visits from costumed characters Rudolf and Frosty, photo with Santa and free parking. Reservations are required, and seating is limited. One Government Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 781-0900 or visit www.stlzoo.org/events/ calendarofevents/.

Fri., Dec. 20, 6 p.m., Diversity Gallery presents Natural Night Out, This Event is for all Naturalista’s! Naturally Beautiful! Natural Hair! Natural Diet! Simply Natural, Mind, Body and Spirit! As usual it will be a Fun filled Night with lots of Surprises! The Regional Arts

Commission, 6128 Delmar. It’s a FREE event with limited space so please RSVP soon todiversitygallery@gmail.com [mailto:diversitygallery@ gmail.com]!

Fri., Dec. 20, 9 p.m., Omega Psi Phi Nu Chi Chapter of East St. Louis present Toys for Tots. Annual Toys for Tots charitable fund raiser. Toy donations will be accepted at the door of Exo restaurant. 3146 Locust St., 63103.

Sat., Dec. 21, 8 p.m., 13 Black Katz presents A Christmas Escapade.

Kaf’e Katz, Sheraton Hotel, 400 S. 14th St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 477-4249 or visit www.13blackkatz.com.

Sat., Dec. 21, 8:30 a.m., Schlafly Bottleworks presents Schlafly Winter Market & Holiday Fair. Get everything you need for your Christmas dinner and last-minute holiday shopping. Find the perfect gift from local St. Louis craft and artisan vendors. 7260 Southwest Ave., 63143. For more information, visit www. schlaflyfarmersmarket.com.

Through Dec. 22, The Black Rep presents Black Nativity: A Holiday Celebration. Emerson Performance Center, Harris Stowe State University, 3101 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-3810.

Tues., Dec. 24, 7 p.m., Epworth Children and Family Services hosts Adopt a Youth or Family for

hotwinternights.net.

Tues., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., The Deco Fortress presents New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Ball This year’s theme: “The Great Gatsby.” Live music starts at 9 p.m. from one of the Hottest Jazz BANDS in town! Open Bars, hors d’oeuvres, Dance contest, Costume contest, CASH Prizes. 3624 S. Broadway, 63118. For more information, call (314) 5391142.

Tues., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch hosts The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party. Featuring an incredible line-up of live music including Dr Zhivegas, Smash Band and The Dave Glover Band. An open bar, food stations, party favors, Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight will help you ring in 2014. 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Christmas! For nearly 150 years, Epworth Children & Family Services has provided the St. Louis community with essential youth development services that have helped thousands of children overcome severe emotional and behavioral challenges caused by abuse or neglect. 110 N. Elm Ave., 63376. For more information, call (314) 918-3321 or visit www. epworth.org.

Fri., Dec. 27, The Holiday Jam starring Kem, Faith Evans and After 7, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com

Tues., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., The Deco Fortress presents New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Ball This year’s theme: “The Great Gatsby.” Live music starts at 9 p.m. from one of the Hottest Jazz BANDS in town! Open Bars, hors d’oeuvres, Dance contest, Costume contest, CASH Prizes. 3624 S. Broadway, 63118. For more information, call (314) 5391142.

Tues., Dec. 31, 7 p.m., Ramada Plaza St. Louis Convention hosts New Year’s Eve 2013-14 with Anthony Gomes. Anthony Gomes #1 Blues musician on Billboard will be bringing in the New Year at the Ramada Plaza Ball Room. Special Guest, St. Louis favorite will be the Wrath of Khan. All packages include party favors, food stations and midnight toast. 811 N. Ninth St., 63101. For more information, visit www.

Through Jan. 4, Missouri Botanical Gardens presents Garden Glow. Visitors will have the opportunity to stroll through the Garden at night surrounded by a spectacle of unique light installations for the Garden’s first-ever winter light display. 4344 Shaw Blvd., 63110. For more information, visit www.mobot. org/glow.

concerts

Sat., Dec. 14, 8 p.m., The Mrs. Carter World Tour starring Beyoncé, Scottrade Center. For more information, visit www.livenation.com.

Fri., Dec. 27 – Sat., Dec. 28, Jazz St. Louis welcomes Good 4 The Soul, Jazz at The Bistro, 3536 Washington. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Fri., Jan. 3, 7:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents New Orleans New Year with The Funky Butt Brass Band. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Wed., Jan. 8, 7:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents The Bad Plus. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Friday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m., Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly with Anthony Hamilton

Jazz St. Louis presents New Orleans New Year with The Funky Butt Brass Band. See CONCERTS for more information.

and Joe, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

local gigs

Fridays through December, 8 p.m., The Precinct presents R&B Saxophonist Tim Cunningham. 1900 Locust Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 588-8899 or visit www. timcunningham.com.

special events

Sun., Dec. 15, 3 p.m., Metropolitan Chapters of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. present Calling All Missing Pearls – Retention, Reclamation, Recruitment. Brentwood Recreation Center, 2505 Brentwood Blvd., 63144. For more information, call (314) 283-8213.

Sat., Dec. 21, 9 p.m., Good Movement Entertainment presents Jazz & Comedy Show. Come laugh, dance, and listen to live Jazz music. The talented and funny Louis Conphliction will host this event. Comedy features the hilarious Mike Franchize and Jazz features the always amazing D’Fynitive Soul Band. A portion of the proceeds will go to Urban Alliance for Child Development (UAACD). Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit http:// gmovementjazzandcomedy. eventbrite.com/.

Tues., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., The Deco Fortress presents New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Ball This year’s theme: “The Great Gatsby.” Live music starts at 9 p.m. from one of the Hottest Jazz BANDS in town! Open Bars, hors d’oeuvres, Dance contest, Costume contest, CASH Prizes. 3624 S. Broadway, 63118. For more information, call (314) 5391142.

Tues., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch hosts The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party. Featuring an incredible line-up of live music including Dr Zhivegas, Smash Band and The Dave Glover Band. An open bar, food stations, party favors, Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight will help you ring in 2014. 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Wed., Jan. 1, 10 a.m., Kiener

Plaza hosts Commitment Day St. Louis. Make a commitment to join us for a New Year’s Day fun run in downtown St Louis. Begin 2014 with a commitment to a healthy way of life as you enjoy scenic views of the city with family and friends. 600 Market St., 63101. For more information, call (636) 527-9700 or visit www.commitmentday.com.

Fri., Jan. 3, 7 p.m., Scottrade Center hosts The Harlem Globetrotters. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. harlemglobetrotters.com.

comedy

Tues., Dec. 31, 9:30 p.m., Just Us Social Club presents New Year’s Eve Comedy Show hosted by Willie Lynch Jr., featuring comedians Jovan Bibbs, K-Dubb and Ms. Tiffani. Free hors d’oeuvres, free party favors and free toast at midnight to ring in the New Year. The show will be held at Blackmon’s Plaza 127 Collinsville Ave., East St. Louis, IL. 62234. For more information, contact Del Hawkins at (314) 922-2104.

Sat., Jan. 4, 8 p.m., The Stratford Bar & Grill/ Ballroom presents Jimmy “JJ” Walker. 800 South Highway Dr. Fenton, 63026. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

theatre

Through Dec. 15, West End Players Guild presents Medal of Honor Rag. Two guilty survivors of the Vietnam War, a psychiatrist and an AfricanAmerican soldier awarded the Congressional Medal of Honor for his service, verbally spar as they discuss the horrors that have traumatized them both. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 361 – 9017 or visit www. mohistory.org.

Tues., Dec. 21, 10 a.m., Brown-Kortkamp hosts Girlfriends & God “The Retreat” Play Audition. God created an unexplainable bond within the sisterhood of women. In this group there is acceptance and understanding. The production, Girlfriends and God “The Retreat”, is a peek into a weeklong retreat that is open to women from all walks of life. This play is written to show the strength of God’s love through touching monologues, original music, and humor. Seeking male and

female singers / actors ages 18 and up to audition. Please prepare 32 bars of a song and a short monologue (2 min.). 4709 Delmar, 63108. For more information, visit http:// girlfriendsandgod.weebly.com.

Fri., Jan. 3, 8 p.m., The Fox Theater presents West Side Story. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit metrotix.com.

arts

Through December 17, Framations Art Gallery invites artists to enter an exhibit called “Simple Treasures”, a celebration of giftable art for the holidays and the simple ways of giving back to the community. This is an exhibit with no judge, theme, or commission. It is simply an exhibit of work priced $100 and under. There will be a drawing for the Gift Certificates at the Opening Reception on Dec 13 from 6-8pm. Framations is located at 218 North Main Street in St. Charles. The full entry details can be found on www. framations.com.

Through January 5, Missouri History Museum presents The 1968 Exhibit An ambitious, state-of-the-art, multimedia exhibit that looks at how the experiences of the year fueled a persistent, if often contradictory, sense of identity for the people who were there. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Wed., Dec. 25, 12 p.m., Kranzberg Arts Center presents Stephanie Liner: Momentos of a Doomed Construct. Stephanie

The Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club will present its 27th Annual Kwanzaa Celebration. See HOLIDAY HAPS for details.

Liner creates large orbs and beautifully upholstered egg shaped sculptures with windows that allow the viewer to peer inside the structure to discover a beautiful girl trapped inside. 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.art-stl. com.

Wed., Jan. 1, 11 a.m. (runs through Jan. 6), Washington University: Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art presents Rashid Johnson: Message to Our Folks. Steeped in individual experience while invoking shared cultural references, Johnson’s work also calls upon black American creative and intellectual figures, extending the legacy of these cultural icons. Using photography, painting, sculpture, and video, he also challenges entrenched ways of thinking about the black experience in America and, by extension, seminal issues of race in today’s society. 1 Brookings Dr., #Cb 1214, 63130. For more information, visit www.art-stl. com.

Fri., Jan. 10, Craft Alliance host fif-TEA: 14th Biennial Teapot Exhibition. The exhibition will mark the start of a year of celebrations for CA’s 50th Anniversary season. This invitational exhibition will feature over 50 artists who create innovative teapots made of clay, metal, glass, wood, and fiber. 6640 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, visit www.craftalliance.org.

Fri., Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Grand Center host I Killed Kenny. Joyce Pensato: I Killed Kenny, the artist’s first museum survey, features monumental enamel paintings and a largescale painting rendered directly

onto CAM’s gallery walls. 634 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. grandcenter.org.

lectures

Tues., Dec. 17, 7:30 a.m., City Hall hosts Affordable Health Care Briefing for Small Businesses. The License Collector’s Office invites you to a customized briefing for small businesses to address how the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will impact your business. Certified navigators will be present to answer the tough questions and simplify the process for you and your business. 1200 Market St., 63155. For more information, call (314) 622-4528.

Sat., Feb. 15 – Sun., Feb. 16, 9 a.m., The Business of Art a two-day workshop with Jason Horejs, Regional Arts Commission,6128 Delmar Blvd. St Louis, MO 63112. Select the workshop fee that best applies to you. Pay online with PayPal or Credit Card. For more information, visit http://www.art-stl.com/

health

Fri., Dec. 27, 12 p.m., St. Luke’s Hospital hosts Sitter Skills Class. This program was developed for beginning baby-sitters, girls and boys, age 11 and older to help make their baby-sitting experience a success. The class will cover: basic information needed before you start baby-sitting, safety information, firstaid and child development. Each baby-sitter receives a participation certificate, and book and bag. A light snack is provided. Class is taught by St. Luke’s health educators. 222 S. Woods Mill Rd., 63017. For more information, visit www. stlukes-stl.com.

St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Ferguson is partnering with the Muslim Community of St. Louis physicians to provide free basic healthcare to adults. The clinic is offered at the St. Peter’s UCC at no charge each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a walk-in basis Call 314-521-5694 for more information.

spiritual

Thur., Dec. 12, 7 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents Too Hot To Handel: A Gospel Messiah. Adding a jazz and gospel twist to Handel’s Messiah, this highenergy, upbeat performance with the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus and conductor Kevin McBeth will have you dancing in the aisles. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1700 or www. stlsymphony.org.

Sun., Dec. 15, 5 p.m., Southern Mission Baptist Church (SMBC)present Voices Crying in the Wilderness-Speak Up for Jesus with special guest speakers Minister Bertha M. Franks & Minister Michael Johnson , Southern Mission Baptist Church, 8171 Wesley Avenue, Kinloch, MO 63140. For more information, call 314-521-3951.

Sun., Dec. 15, 2 p.m., For God’s Glory Ministries presents I am Word Celebration. Pastor Ramona & Evangelist Brian Hoey host this event. Bring a friend, family, or guest and come out to be blessed. Be a blessing to someone, with an evening full of music, praise, fashion, and the message all for God. Event will be held at Civic Center East, 8969 Dunn Rd. Hazelwood, 63042. For more information, call (314) 731-0980.

Tues., Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m., The Healing Center hosts 21-Day Detox Group - get your health on track for 2014. New Years is a wonderful time to reflect on our health goals for the coming year. Have you made a plan to move toward Optimal Health in 2014? Do you say to yourself “After the holidays I am REALLY going to get a handle on my eating”? We are offering a program that will help you reach your health goals in the coming year, The Ultra-Simple 21-Day Detox. The program will help you release bad habits and develop a healthier lifestyle. 734 De Mun Ave., 63105. For more information, visit http://events. r20.constantcontact.com/. Sat., Jan. 18, 8 a.m., Sheraton City Center hosts American Heart Association Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Health Fair & Luncheon. The goal of the event is to increase awareness of risk factors and warning signs in the African American community. Guests will be treated to a heart healthy lunch, free CPR training and heart related education. The event is free, but pre-registration is required. 400 S 14th St., 63103. For more information, visit http://www.heart.org/ stlouis.

THI’SL

Continued from C1

The transformation was incited by tragedy.

In 1999 one of his friends murdered his cousin. Thi’sl’s cousin and his friend were also friends. The cousin’s sister was his friend’s girlfriend and so he ultimately murdered his child’s uncle.

“It kind of destroyed my

SINGLE

Continued from C1

me to wait now? I was not interested in him at first. He pushed. Then he asked me to go on this “magic carpet ride,” promising me that I would never be alone again, that I’d have nothing to worry about. He promised to protect me as long as he lived. This man made our relationship so public to family, to friends, to anyone who’d listen to him talk about how happy he was he met me. This was a person who invested financially in my business and lavished me with expensive gifts. He dropped a diamond ring on my finger in a restaurant in front of

whole belief system and foundation,” Thi’sl said. “It had me looking for answers –and the only person that could give me answers was God.”

That’s when the real work began.

“When I came out of the streets, I thought it was going to like magic, all of my problems are over,” Thi’sl said.

“But I had to work jobs I didn’t want to work. I never took orders from nobody, and here I am working

everyone and God asking me to marry him, on my birthday, no less! In that last session, I was about to lose composure and do something I’d regret. So I backed up and realized that I couldn’t afford bail or an attorney to represent me, and I really didn’t want to spend any time in prison or on death row. I know I’m not the only sister out here who has been used, abused and just treated like a disposable towel. I really have to look back and realize it was all there in front of me. The red flags were waving. I chose to ignore them because he was talking and walking the right stuff. Camouflage! He came to me the right way. I thought he was everything I had been praying

this job and people fussing at me saying, ‘Clean this and do that.’ It was crazy having to go through those situations and go from making thousands of dollars a day to making a few hundred dollars every two weeks.”

The only thing that transferred from his old life to his new life was the music.

But that transfer came later.

“When I first came out of the street, I had no desire to rap at all,” Thi’sl said. “I felt the Lord put it on my heart to rap. And I was like, ‘Man, God, If I’m gonna rap and it’s going to be positive, then it’s gonna have to be something that people like from the street because that’s what I like.’”

So that grimy sound with hard-hitting beats he honed through rhymes about the West Side now back up his verses about Christianity as a way out.

It’s truly catching on.

He was among the Grammy Award-winning team that worked with LeCrae’s latest album, Gravity (which also featured St. Louis’ own JR). He and fellow faith-based St. Louis hip-hop artist Flame joined LeCrae on a tour of 36 cities in 42 days. Thi’sl said that 88 percent of the venues were sold out and that the smallest crowd had 1,300 people.

“It’s a straight movement at this point,” Thi’sl said. “It’s dudes like us in every city – that are not only going hard for the Lord, but they are putting numbers up.”

All three of his national releases have cracked the Top 10 on the iTunes hip-hop charts.

“I feel like I’m called to be light and hope to dark places,” he said. “I can’t hide amongst the light. I want to take it to people I see hurting and looking for answers.”

For more information on Thi’sl, visit www.facebook.

for. But then something happened, and I didn’t want to see it coming.

Our marriage counselor says my fiancé suddenly had a choice. Suddenly he had a choice to get back with the familiar, and men usually do that. Yes, it was low what happened. There is no way anyone deserved that. After that session we parted ways and never spoke again. I heard four months later that my fiancé and his ex-wife remarried. The true gift is that I dodged a bullet. Keep a great sistergirlfriend network around you, sisters who are encouragers and love you and will tell you the truth. Keep your passion for life. Love yourself. Stay busy in the field. Understand that you are God’s woman first and you deserve His best!

BERNIE

Continued from C1

they have the right to wear it and treat it in any manner they choose. I also know that many African-American women grow up thinking their brown skin is unattractive and that kinky hair is “bad hair” and “ugly,” so many are transforming themselves with weaves and wigs instead of naturals, braids or locks. Many have become ashamed of the beauty with which they were born.

I also note that many African Americans have multiple identities that relect complex ancestral origins, and an increased awareness of multiracial ancestry is likely to reshape racial and ethnic boundaries in the coming decades. So why not relect all shades of the race and all textures and styles of our hair?

Remember what Malcolm X said about self-hatred: “You can’t hate the roots of the tree without ending up hating the tree. You can’t hate your origin without ending up hating yourself.”

n Many have become ashamed of the beauty with which they were born.

To make them easier to control, white slave owners systematically stripped African

NATURAL

Continued from C1

conversations going on about why, where do we go from here and what does this mean?”

Wilson wants to go beyond gathering for the sake of free samples of the latest in the seemingly never-ending launch of new product lines catered to natural hair.

“People are confused. I listen to what they say about the pros and cons of going natural, and I’m like, ‘Really, you’re focused on what a man would think of your hair. It’s not about them, it’s about you,’” she said.

“That’s what needs to be deposited in some of these ladies’ spirits. It is your crown and glory, but doesn’t have to mean anything other than what it means to you.”

She wants to encourage, empower and educate on natural hair, natural beauty and natural body, mind and spirit. All of those things will be on

the agenda – and even if the conversation gets heavy, the atmosphere will be light and festive.

Vendors will be on hand for shopping, and naturalistas will be in the building to fellowship – with open arms to any women riding the fence about making the big chop or slowly transitioning to the natural side of things.

Wilson is inviting women who aren’t natural to the party as well.

“Whatever your personal choice is, I don’t pass judgment – I just know the benefit it has for me,” Wilson said.

“You don’t have to be a slave to chemicals. If you want your hair to grow, it can grow down your back – mine is to my waist. You can have it long, short, straight or curly – whatever you desire, you can have without resorting to damaging chemicals.”

While natural hair is the hottest of topics within the black beauty industry, Wilson was natural before it even had a name. Twenty years ago, she made the decision to stop

slaves of their cultural heritage, including religion, sometimes passing laws prohibiting African religious practices. Despite these efforts, slaves managed to retain elements of their culture. In the context of religion, expressive and ritual elements included call-andresponse interactions, shouting and dance.

Cultural identity is the identity of a group or culture or of an individual as far as one is influenced by one’s belonging to a group or culture. Are we losing our identity? Are we complicit in our own identity theft?

Ladies, before you judge me, please listen to a recording I did for the Stax/Volt label in January, 1970. The title is “Tribute to a Black Woman,” and it will show the love I have for you.

Please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday night

applying chemicals to her hair.

“For me, I wanted a lifestyle of simplicity,” Wilson said. “I was tired of going to the salon and getting my scalp burned out.”

She is also a licensed stylist and creates natural hairstyles for clients at her boutique.

“People are afraid of going natural,” Wilson said, “but I’m like, ‘Why are you afraid of yourself? You’re not afraid to slap some chemicals in your head.’”

At Natural Night Out, Wilson hopes newcomers will see a room full of women in love with their natural state and be encouraged.

“You have to stop looking outside for approval for what you’re doing for yourself,” she said. “I’m coming from a place of education and empowerment – I want to help change the mindset and empower us.”

Natural Night Out will take place 6 p.m. Friday, December 19 at the Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. For more information, call 314721-3361. To RSVP, e-mail todiversitygallery@gmail.com.

by

Photos

Henry Gray

~ Celebrations ~ Birthdays Centenarians

On November 30, family and friends celebrated the 100th birthday of Mrs. Alice Burch Okrafosmart. Mrs. Okrafosmart spent her career providing physical therapy to patients who were homebound. She has been recognized as the oldest living graduate of the Homer G. Phillips School of Nursing.

Reunions

Vera Odessa Lee turns 102 years old on December 13. Her St. Paul A.M.E. Church family, along with her family and friends would like to wish her a blessed Happy Birthday!

help with the planning. Please provide your contact information to: beaumont64alumni@ gmail.com.Send your ideas as well as the best time for meetings.

Beaumont High School class of 1969 is preparing for its 45th reunion in 2014. Contact beaumontclassof1969@yahoo. com for more information.

Beaumont Class of 1964 has started planning for its 50 year class reunion. We are currently looking for participants to

Beaumont High School Class of 1984 is looking for participants to begin planning its 30 year class reunion. Please provide your contact information

to: beaumont_1984@yahoo. com.

Soldan Alumni Association Class of 1974 will host a Holiday Celebration on December 13 from 5-8 pm at After Nites, 8909 Natural Bridge Road, St. Louis, 63121.

Sumner Class Of 1974 has started planning its 40th class reunion. Meetings are held each third Saturday of the month from 2-4 pm at New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church, 4055 Edmundson Rd. 63134. Please contact Marsha

Happy Birthday to Linda Mitchell on December 10!

Happy 17th Birthday to our son Seyvon Kenney on December 12. We love you, and we are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad and your family

Brittany Saunders (30)—December 6

Regina Lovett—December 11

Claudell Lovett—December 11

Senta Perryman—December 13

Tracy Futrell—December 13

Claudette Lovett-Carson—December 13

D. Roberts-Moore at sumnerclassof1974@yahoo.com, 314-367-3159 or Joyce BushCruesoe at cruesoe2195@att. net, 314-484-1552.

Sumner Class of 1964

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If

AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108 FREE OF

Sumner Class of 1979 is looking for classmates to participate in activities leading up to its 35th Class Reunion, June All reunion announcements can be

Reunion Committee is looking for classmates we have lost contact with. Please call or email any changes to your name, address, telephone number, and/or email to Patricia Wells Sheltonat (314) 8392214 or patricia.shelton@att. net or Carol Strawbridge at (314) 524-8504 or strawu@ AOL.com.

20-22, 2014 in Lake Ozarks, MO. Please forward contact information to sumner1979@ ymail.com or call Sara at 314482-1558. Various activities are planned and we want as many classmates as possible to participate.

University City Class of 1981 cordially invites you to its “Pre-Holiday Dinner Dance”, Saturday, December 14, 2013 at the Airport Hilton Hotel. Tickets are $35 per person and this event is open to All U-City Alumni and Staff. For tickets and more info contact Denise Weatherford-Bell at 314-4846318 or msdenise38@yahoo. com. Tickets will be sold from November 4-December 2.

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com?

Lau’Shell Yvonne Harvey turns four on December 11. Happy Birthday, big girl! We love you! From, Mom & Dad

A pope’s pointed message

‘The culture of prosperity deadens us,’ says Pope Francis

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

“Some people continue to defend trickle-down theories which assume that economic growth, encouraged by a free market, will inevitably succeed in bringing about greater justice and inclusiveness in the world. This opinion, which has never been confirmed by the facts, expresses a crude and naive trust in the goodness of those wielding economic power and in the sacralized workings of the prevailing economic system. Meanwhile, the excluded are still waiting”” That passage is not from some Occupy Wall Street manifesto. It was written by Pope Francis in a stunning new treatise on the Catholic Church and its role in society – and it is a powerful reminder that however tiresome the political trench warfare in Washington may be, we have a duty to fight on.

The full implementation of Obamacare matters.

Raising the minimum wage matters. Reforming a financial system “which rules rather than serves,” Francis noted, matters. Hearing the anguished voices of those left hopeless by poverty matters; answering their pleas with education, health care and employment matters even more.

a passage likely to make libertarians want to hide amid the dense thickets of Ayn Rand’s prose, where no light can penetrate, Francis writes that “the private ownership of goods is justified by the need to protect and increase them, so that they can better serve the common good; for this reason, solidarity must be lived as the decision to restore to the poor what belongs to them.”

The basic positions Francis takes on economic and social justice are not new; all recent popes have expressed a similar critique of modern capitalist society, including John Paul II, whose views on poverty and the need for community are often conveniently overlooked by those who would paint him as Ronald Reagan in robes.

“The ravens brought him bread and meat in the morning and bread and meat in the evening; and he drank from the brook. And it happened after a while that the brook dried up, because there had been no rain in the land. Then the Word of the Lord came to him saying, Arise, go to Zarephath, which belongs to Sidon and dwell there. See, I have COMMANDED a widow there to provide for you.” – I Kings 17:6-9

Webster’s dictionary says refinement means to purify by removing unwanted substances. To improve. People of God in some cases the Lord will MOVE you in order to IMPROVE you! There may be some areas of your life you never thought you could disconnect from but the Lord will move you out of a horrible pit, out of misery, out of an abusive marriage, out of darkness into His marvelous light because He loves you!

Francis, the first Jesuit and first non-European in the modern era to be named pope, clearly intends to make a real difference in the world – too much of a difference, it appears, for some conservatives. Sarah Palin, a born-again Christian who attends a nondenominational church, said recently that Francis’ open-arms attitude on social issues “has taken me aback.” Would that a few more words might take her all the way aback to the obscurity from which she came. Francis’ remarks on economics and poverty came in a 50,000-word Apostolic Exhortation that gives the clearest vision to date of how he sees the church and how he intends to reshape it. In its boldness, the statement suggests that just as John Paul II played a political role in the fall of communism, so might Francis try to help shape events by obliging the faithful

to recognize, and resist, a growing pattern of inequality throughout the world.

“To sustain a lifestyle which excludes others, or to sustain enthusiasm for that selfish ideal, a globalization of indifference has developed,” Francis wrote. “Almost without being aware of it, we end up being incapable of feeling compassion at the outcry of the poor, weeping for other people’s pain, and feeling a need to help them, as though all this were someone else’s responsibility and not our own. The culture of prosperity deadens us; we are thrilled if the market offers us something new to purchase; and in the meantime all those lives stunted for lack of opportunity seem a mere spectacle; they fail to move us.”

Francis explicitly calls for “financial reform,” though he wisely does not lay out a policy agenda. But in

But no recent pope has been so forceful in denouncing the “idolatry of money” and making the inexorable rise of inequality one of the church’s central concerns. Francis intends his message to be heard. I hope leaders everywhere, and especially in Washington, are listening.

Jesus commanded his apostles to give to the poor. Yet many elected officials who claim to follow Jesus’ teachings are determined to keep the poor from receiving health care, food assistance, housing subsidies and a host of other benefits. Inequality is celebrated as a virtue. Life, we are told with a shrug, is sometimes unfair.

But for Christians, Francis reminds us, life is supposed to be as fair and compassionate as we can make it. Money is a false idol, a golden calf. Our sacred responsibility is to one another.

Amen, Your Holiness. Amen.

Elijah experienced a drought in his life where the brook he was receiving from had dried up. Beloved, you may have already experienced a relationship drought, a job that has dried up, resources that seem completely dry but stay focused – don’t let your praise become ashy! Lubricate your worship because God has commanded provision for you!

God will cause a set up for the set back. He already said that nothing can separate you from His love – not persecution, not distress, not tribulation (Romans 8:35).

So if the circumstance cannot separate you, it must be a set up to bring you closer to His presence!

He told Elijah to get up and go to Zarephath, which means a place of refinement.

If He can gather the wind in His fists (proverbs 30:4) then he can stop turbulent winds that are blowing in your direction. Elijah’s blessing was already commanded, and so is yours! He told you in Psalms 16:5 that He is your portion, your inheritance, your cup and He is maintaining your lot – in other words he is guarding your stuff! Heaven is preserving what belongs to you and you have a good inheritance nobody can claim but you! You may have already experienced favor to where you’ve been told “I don’t know why I’m giving you this but..” That’s because God has already ordered the blessing for you and nobody can stop it! Stay encouraged – His best is yet to come!

The American is accepting Inspirational Messages from the community. Send your column (no more than 400 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg ile. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

Alisa Cromwell

Pope Francis’ stunning new treatise on the Catholic Church and its role in society read like some Occupy Wall Street manifesto.

Friday

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Stevie J in the STL. That’s right, the one and only Steebie was in the building Friday night for the launch party of the Live Above Wealth Fashion Line. And while I said I was going to be nice in the spirit of the holiday season, if that half-leather blouse and kung fu pants he was wearing were part of the line, I’ll stick to Jaclyn Smith – even though some of the LAW crew had some stuff that the “girl, you so different/glowstick” population is sure to catch life from. But my “ehh” about the fashion didn’t stop me from catching life from my visit to the Coliseum – even before Mr. Love and Hip-Hop had entered the building. If I had to pick a theme song of the night it would be Luey V’s “Do Ya Own Dance,” because there were some kick-ball-change/two step/dougie/ wobble-like combinations that my uncle Leon could only dream of turning the family Christmas party out with. That young man in the “Don’t Bro Me if you Don’t Know Me” tee was doing some sort of savage life electric slide with a dip that had me practicing it on my way back to the ride. Anybody that will do their singular signature move all.night.long in the face of “what the…” expressions deserves a nod. But I know y’all came to hear about Steebie, so I’ll carry on. He would be thrilled to know that while it was quietly empty boots in there, he had twice the draw of his other, other half Joseline. As far as his looks go, Steebie gives me the secret love child of Mike Tyson and the baby from the Rugrats, but after seeing him in action I can see why he can snag a wife, a girlfriend and a mistress or two. He’s quite charming. He grabs hands, gazes in eyes and flashes smiles at hello. He was fun to watch – acting just like I assume he does when the cameras are rolling.

Celebrating silver with African Alert. It seems like only yesterday I was spraying my stacks and my beauty supply gold plated bamboo earrings to keep from them from tarnishing with white rain and getting ready to get into something __________(insert 1988 slang for hoodrat stuff). And while I was preparing to be about that quietly ratchet life, my radio was tuned in to the KDHX for conscious and empowering hip hop brought to the airwaves by the one and only Gee Wiz. And Saturday night I was able to tip my messy high bun to him 25 years later for being a pioneer of hip-hop within the STL city limits as the folks came to 2720 to celebrate the anniversary of the groundbreaking show. Needles, Nato Caliph, Lyfe Stile, Wiz’s former co-host Honey, Brandon Hinkle and Finsta were among the hip-hop influentials who came through to show Gee Wiz and African Alert love. It wasn’t as crowded as I had hoped, but it didn’t matter because the energy was on awesome. Actually it should have been packed to the gills because I know for a fact St. Louis radio as we know it wouldn’t exist without the efforts of Gee Wiz on the end of the dial back in the day.

Homage to the high priestess of neo soul. I’ve already seen Coco Soul put her whole ankle into a rendition of “Danger,” so I wasn’t the least bit worried about her being tapped to dig into “Mama’s Gun” and other classics by the one and only Erykah Badu in a special showcase by DELUX Magazine and The Rustic Goat. The sound was a hot mess, but Coco hunched her way through the technical difficulties and gave the crowd an offering featuring plenty of Badu b-sides that nobody could really be mad about. Some of the city’s most stylish and influential were in the building to watch her do it. I saw the lovely plussized model MiMi Hood, Majic 100.3’s Tammie Holland, The P-D’s Kevin Johnson, Shadzilla of The Vaporz and the flawless face of male model Christiaan Coffield to name a few as I made my rounds through building. I caught life, especially when Corey Black took the stage and they re-enblacted the classic BET Awards performance of Badu and Kendrick Lamar for “Don’t Kill My Vibe.”

Good eatin’ after dark. Since I’m already talking about The Rustic Goat, I might as well let the folks know that they are open till the sun comes up (well almost) on Friday and Saturday for “The Other Side of Midnight” – which features a late night menu that will make you ride right by the White Castles, the Waffle House, Denny’s, IHop or any of the other late night meal spots you’re used to. I had the pizza and had I gone on a Friday instead of a Saturday, I would have been right back the next night. The kitchen opens from 12 – 5:30 a.m. and it’s a hop and a skip from the nightlife scene.

Faith finally lands in the Lou. I can’t tell y’all how thrilled I am that one of my top five vocalists of ALL TIME is coming to town later this month as a part of the Holiday Jam line up at Chaifetz Arena on Friday, December 27th When I tell you that I’m fit to be tied waiting for this show to get here, please understand. I know Kem and After 7 come every other Sabbath, but I can’t remember the last time Faith Evans was here…no seriously, I can’t. But know this, she’s going to sing her face off and I will be her backup singer inside my head.

Soulful Christmas Sunday do over. Since I’m on the subject of holiday shows, I might as well remind y’all that the STL all-star benefit concert that will give back for the Christmas season was postponed because of that crazy weather last week. But A Very Soulful Christmas Benefit Concert is going down this Sunday (Dec. 15) at Lola and 100% of proceeds to benefit Gateway 180 - A valuable resource for homeless women and children .(http://www. gateway180.org/). Festivities will be hosted by Will Robinson and the talent roster includes, Tish Haynes – Keys, Chuck Flowers, Tiffany Elle, TBII, Olivia Neal, C. Jay Conrod, Karla White, Justin Hoskin, Kelvin Saxman Evans, Giovanni, Stephanie Songbird Ivy & Jason Gupton. I’m going to claim in advance that it will be the most EPIC midday musical experience that one could imagine. There is a $15 donation ($10 with an unwrapped toy), but know you are going to leave with at least your money’s worth as you pay forward to a great cause just in time for the holidays.

The December edition of Mocha Latte’s Simply Sexy monthly set was all about the men of Omega Psi Phi

night @ Soho

Wise and Brandon Hinkle came out to pay tribute to Gee Wiz for the African Alert 25th Anniversary Celebration Saturday night @ 2720

Raven, Star, Toni, Daphne and LC were some of lovely ladies who stopped through Friday night @ Soho

Nyla Lee of Love and Hip Hop was eager to meet and greet with fans like Stephany Thursday night @ Club 270

Allison with Robert, one of many Ques in the house for Simply Sexy Friday night @ Soho

Elizabeth and Holly were Simply Sexy personified as they stopped through the monthly set Friday night @ Soho

Dennis and Nephari came from for the grown folks vibe, the good music and great eats Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

STL hip-hop love ran deep as Gee Wiz commemorated the 25th Anniversary of his KDHX show African Alert Saturday night @ 2720

Alana and Candess came through to hear STL songstress Coco Soul serve a musical tribute to Erykah Badu Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

St. LouiS AmericAn

Edward Jones invests in students

Internship program introduces STLCC students to workplace

American staff

After a summer interning in the Marketing Services department at Edward Jones, Abigail Langworthy recently returned to work in the Online Client Support department.

She is one of six St. Louis Community College students who have parlayed their internship into opportunities for full- and flex-time work. The Edward Jones Internship program began in summer 2012, and STLCC-Forest Park’s Business Administration department has placed interns there every semester since. All were offered and accepted employment after their internship ended.

“I worked five years on putting this internship together,” said Jeffrey D. Jones, professor of business administration at STLCCForest Park. “The paid internship is a full-time, 10-week internship providing the student with an intimate look inside the financial services industry.

Edward Jones is one of the largest brokers in the United States, serving nearly 7 million investors.

“When we started, Edward Jones allowed me to place one student intern per semester. After one year, the program was so successful that they agreed to accept two students per semester,” Jones said. “I am happy to report that last week three students were offered and have accepted positions as interns for the spring 2014 semester. This is due to the high quality of students we have placed in the past.” Because Edward Jones is a broker/dealer, each student must pass a complete Securities Exchange Commission background check, which is more intensive than a standard employee background check, Jones said. They must undergo a criminal background check and a drug test, in addition to having at least a 3.0 grade-point average.

“We have really good students, have had really good candidates. The vast majority just need a chance, and once they get the chance, they do great things,” Jones said. “The support of Rodney Gee and others has made such a difference.”

Gee, president of the STLCC Foundation Board of Directors, is a principal for financial advisor diversity performance for Edward Jones. He joined the company in 2000 as a department leader for the human resources function for the Information Systems division, with responsibilities including IS training and the day-to-day recruitment, benefits and compensation administration, and management of more than 1,000 associates. Prior to his current position, Gee served as director of human resources for its Service division. He was named a principal in the firm

in 2002.

At STLCC’s Commencement ceremonies this past spring, Gee received the college’s Honorary Degree Award, presented by Kevin Gomez, who interned at Edward Jones with Gee, while earning his associate degree in general transfer studies.

College to study business.

“Mr. Gee has been a role model for me,” he said.

n “They invest a lot of time in these students.”

– Jeffrey D. Jones, professor of business administration at STLCCForest Park

“I am living proof that all things are possible if you work hard and persevere,” said Gomez, a member of the 2013 AllMissouri Academic Team. Gomez now attends the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ Pierre Laclede Honors

Gee was interested in setting up the internship with community college students, for previously, only four-year institutions had established internships with the company.

“We started talking about this about six years ago,” Jones said. “We had it put together, and then the financial crises happened. To their credit, they didn’t forget about it. When things settled down, we got back at it.”

During the internship,

which pays on average $15 an hour, students keep a journal, and must submit it to their professor. They also make a presentation at the company, and Jones is present for it.

“It’s about what they have learned, how they have improved, what they are taking away from the experience. It really is an awesome opportunity,” he said.

Langworthy said they receive one-on-one attention with a mentor, and meet every two weeks.

“They tell us, ‘Here’s what you need to do to succeed.’ Lots of people in leadership roles help us. It’s fantastic,” she said.

Langworthy, who interned there for two months, described the experience as “incredible.” She has decided to transfer to Middle Tennessee State University, so she is taking general education courses here in preparation this fall. Originally from Fulton, Mo., Langworthy, at 23, she said she was ready to take the necessary steps to build her career.

“Everyone at Jones was so nice. They really have a great culture there – everyone is easily accessible,” she said. “There are so many people willing to help. They operate one of the best companies to work for. I loved the (summer) job. I believe you are the driver of your own success. If you are willing to put in the work, things will happen.”

Langworthy has had to juggle jobs with school to

advance her education, and during her internship also worked at McGurk’s in Soulard and took several classes.

Interested in staying at Jones while taking classes, Langworthy applied for the flex program, which is similar to a temp position in that individuals work when there is a demand in a department. Flex-time employment includes up to 29.5 hours per week with a set schedule for three months. After the third month, Edward Jones evaluates the need for the next three months and sets the schedule based on anticipated workflow. Flex-time positions typically pay between $17.50 and $20 per hour. New fulltime hires often come from the flex-time pool. She began training this week.

Five of the six STLCC students worked in a flextime position. Recently, Taran Zahara, a spring 2013 intern, was promoted from the flex-time pool, and she will be starting next month as a full-time employee. Another intern, Jonathan Ellis, was offered and accepted full-time employment at the end of his internship.

Students from any field, not just business, can apply for the internship. The application is available through all the Business Administration departments in the district. In addition, a transcript, resume, two letters of recommendation from faculty members, and a three-page essay stating why you want to participate and what makes you a qualified candidate are necessary. The student must have at least 18 hours of college credit.

“We vet them here and then they get vetted again,” Jones said. “They get a phone interview with Edward Jones, and go from there. They invest a lot of time in these students. What an experience, and they get their foot in the door.” The students work either at the north campus, at I-270 and Dorsett, or at the south campus, at I-270 and Manchester.

Langworthy said her accounting teacher, David Juriga, suggested that she apply, and was instrumental in helping during the application process, as was Jones.

“In my career at the college, I have headed many programs and committees. This is the one of which I am most proud, as I know it will have the most lasting and positive effect on these students’ lives,” Jones said.

“The Edward Jones Internship program elevates the mission of the community college and truly expands the minds and changes the lives of our students.”

For more information, contact Jones at jdjones@ stlcc.edu or 314-644-9080.

Gee, president of the St. Louis Community College Foundation Board of Directors, is a principal for financial advisor diversity performance for Edward Jones. He was instrumental in setting up the Edward Jones Internship Program at St. Louis Community College.