December 17th, 2020 edition

‘Bleu’ debunks myths surrounding mental health, trauma See page A16

St. LouiS AmericAn

“If you are an elected official or nonprofit entity and you wrote a letter or signed a resolution or posted on social media that we should postpone this vote, then it is your moral responsibility to follow it up with a concrete plan of action that you can take ... to help this school district. — SLPS Board President Dorothy Rhode-Collins

St. Louis School Board postpones vote on closing 11 schools

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

The St. Louis Public Schools Board on Tuesday night postponed a vote on whether to close 11 schools next year. The Board followed the recommendation of Superintendent Kelvin Adams to wait 30 days for additional feedback and brainstorming.

The Board met at Clyde C. Miller Academy,

As the pandemic takes hold, Misha Marshall shifts her caregiving into overdrive

By Leyla Fern King For The St.

American

where members voted 6-1 to move the vote about closings to their Jan. 12 meeting. Board President Dorothy Rhode-Collins, was the sole vote against postponement. The public was able to watch the meeting on YouTube, as is the practice during the coronavirus pandemic. Adams said he believed his team and the Board did all they could to come up with a school consolidation plan, but he noted that based on overwhelming feedback since the list

of endangered schools was made public, the community disagrees with that assessment.

“But even with that disagreement, I think it makes some sense to pause and this is my recommendation to the board tonight,” he said, adding that the postponement would allow him and his team to meet with community members

Restrictions stay put as first vaccine begins shipping across country

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

As the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine began shipping across the nation this week, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page addressed the public Wednesday and focused on the impact the pandemic has had on small businesses in the region. He encouraged the federal government to pass another stimulus that would provide more financial resources for small businesses.

“We know that there are small businesses that have been hurt by this pandemic, and through a small business relief program we have awarded grants to 1,663 business, totaling $19.6 million,” he said during the news conference. “We are in the process of getting out the door another $4.75 million to restaurants and other small businesses through a rapid deployment fund as this pandemic continues to tighten its hold on this country.”

He also confirmed that he’s signed an extension through April of the indoor dining restrictions that

Vicki Hodges, a Mercy Hospital housekeeper, on Monday, Dec. 14, receives a coronavirus vaccine from nurse Lisa Finley at Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur.

looms for Workhouse closure — but its fate on Jan. 1 remains unclear

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

See the commentary on page A4

It’s been five months since the St. Louis Board of Aldermen unanimously passed a bill to close the Workhouse by the end of the year, yet what will happen come Jan. 1 at the jail remains unclear. St. Louis’ Medium Security Institution, more widely known as “the Workhouse,” has operated on Hall Street near the Mississippi River since 1966. Board Bill 92 passed unanimously on July 17 and was based on the Close the Workhouse Campaign’s plan, while also establishing two funds of $7.6 million to address neighborhood safety and re-entry

See Essential, A6

Misha Marshall

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

St. Louis Public Schools Board member Donna Jones on Monday walks to Clyde C. Miller Academy ahead of a closed/virtual board meeting to read over her notes and pray before the board was to vote on whether to keep the high school open or close it

COVID snatches Verzuz battle between Ashanti and Keyshia Cole

The much-anticipated Instagram live Verzuz battle between R&B singers Ashanti and Keyshia Cole that was supposed to take place Dec. 12 has been rescheduled until January 9, 202 to allow Ashanti to recover from COVID-19.

recast anyone as the Black Panther, portrayed by the late actor Chadwick Boseman, who died August 28 at age 43 from colon cancer.

“(Boseman’s) portrayal of T’Challa the Black Panther is iconic and transcends any iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel’s past, and it’s for that reason, that we will not react the character,” Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios said during his presentation at Disney Investor Day, as reported by CNN.

“However, to honor the legacy that Chad helped us build, we want to continue to explore the world of Wakanda and all the rich and varied characters intro duced in the first film.”

“Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 beforehand, and we cannot put anyone at risk in the process. First time this has struck us so close to showtime. We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti. Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community,” the Verzuz team posted.

Black Panther character will not be recast

Marvel Studios announced it will not

Work gets underway for Black Panther sequel directed by Coogler year and the sequel is expected to be released in 2022. The first movie made more than $1 billion worldwide in less than a month after its 2018 release.

‘Friday’ star Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister dies at age 62

Hollywood and fans of the “Friday” and “Next Friday” movies mourn the death of Tommy “Tiny” Lister, who played the beloved bully character “Deebo” in the comedy franchise, alongside actors Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. He also played President Lindbergh in “The Fifth Element,” and Zeus in “No Holds Barred.” The 6’5” college shotputter turned-actor was born blind in one eye, also had a brief professional tag-team Lister was found dead in his home in Marina Del Ray, California. He as 62. After having COVID a few months ago, in the days before his death, family members report he was experiencing deteriorating COVID-like symptoms again.

Haddish turns down pre-Grammy hosting gig

Tiffany Haddish turned down a not

NOW HIRING ESSENTIAL

so funny offer to host a 3-hour, livestreamed, pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony for the 63rd Annual Grammys Awards set for January 31, 2021, because not only would she not get paid for the gig, Haddish would have to pay all of her own costs, including wardrobe, hair and makeup. Haddish is a comedian –not a fool, and now organizers know it too. Haddish told Variety, “I don’t know if this might mean I might not get nominated ever again, but I think it’s disrespectful.” Variety noted Haddish is nominated this year for her second Grammy for best comedy album for her Netflix special, “Black Mitzvah.”

The Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr. agreed with and apologized to her, saying Haddish’s deal was handled by a talent booker without him knowing the specifics. Mason said, in a video posted on TMZ, “I apologized to her personally, and I apologized from The Academy. I expressed to her my regret and my displeasure about how this went down and was handled.”

Sources: CNN, Instagram, Smart News, People, The Grio, TMZ, Variety

Judge dismisses St. Louis

Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner from McCloskey case

By Christine Byers KSDK

A St. Louis judge has disqualified Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner and her office from prosecuting Mark McCloskey’s case, saying campaign fundraising emails she sent before and after issuing charges against the couple and his wife, Patricia “raise the appearance of impropriety and jeopardize the defendant’s right to a fair trial.” Circuit Judge Thomas Clark’s ruling comes about six weeks after the attorneys for Mark and Patricia McCloskey argued their motion to disqualify Gardner and her office from the case, saying her emailed solicitations for campaign contributions demonstrated she and her office have a personal interest in the case and jeopardized Mark McCloskeys’ right to a fair trial.

In her rebuttal, Gardner argued she sent the emails merely to respond to criticisms from the governor and president.

In his 22-page ruling, Clark disagreed.

Kimberly Gardner

“Ms. Gardner has every right to rebut criticism, but it appears unnecessary to stigmatize defendant — or even mention him — in campaign solicitations, especially when she purports to be responding to others,” Clark wrote. “In fact, the case law and Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit it.”

Should Clark’s ruling stand, a special prosecutor will be appointed to handle the case. In St. Louis, the presiding judge picks the special prosecutor. Clark has scheduled a status hearing on the case for Jan. 7, 2021.

“(Gardner) is accountable — not just to the voters, but to the rule of law,” Clark wrote. “The court is similarly obligated to follow the law …

“These email solicitations aim to raise money using the defendant and the circumstances surrounding the case to rally Ms. Gardner’s political base and fuel contributions.”

Christine Byers is a reporter for KSDK, a reporting partner of the St. Louis American.

Appeals Court rules for St. Louis County, against indoor dining

The Missouri Court of Appeals has sided with St. Louis County in a lawsuit challenging the County’s restrictions against indoor dining. The County’s indoor dining protocols were designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus, while still allowing restaurants to serve customers through outdoor, carry-out, curbside or delivery services.

The Circuit Court in Clayton ruled recently for the county, leaving the protocols in place. On Friday, Dec.11, the Missouri Court of Appeals agreed and allowed St. Louis County to continue enforcing

the restrictions against indoor dining.

Almost all restaurants in St. Louis County are following the restrictions that were designed to protect customers and the public from the virus, also known as COVID-19. Several of the nearly 5,000 restaurants in St. Louis County filed a lawsuit challenging the indoor dining protocols.

“St. Louis County’s indoor dining protocols are based on the latest scientific research and expert advice from the Pandemic Task Force and public health professionals, St. Louis County Executive Dr.

Sam Page said in a statement released Friday.. “And they are holding back the spread of COVID-19 throughout the county “We will continue working to limit the pandemic’s spread so we can get back to normal as quickly as possible. We will continue our open and respectful conversations with the restaurant community so that indoor dining can reopen when it is safe.”

This is the sixth court to rule in favor of the County’s public health orders since the beginning of the pandemic in the spring of 2020.

St. Louis County Executive appoints Banks to police board

St. Louis County Executive

Dr. Sam Page has appointed attorney Richard E. Banks, of Pasadena Hills, to the Police Board of Commissioners.

Banks is a personal injury lawyer. He will serve a threeyear term. His appointment fills a vacancy left by Dr. LJ Punch.

“Richard comes highly recommended from a diverse group of community leaders,” Page said in a statement

released Friday, Dec. 11. “He is committed to serving on the police board as we work to build upon the relationships between law enforcement and the community and to ensure that our department is representative of those it serves.” Banks grew up in St. Louis. He serves on the Missouri Supreme Court Advisory Committee, which oversees the disciplinary process for

all Missouri lawyers. He also serves on the boards of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Fontbonne University. He is a past regional director of the National Bar Association. Banks is a graduate of Howard University and Texas Southern University, where he received his law degree.

It takes all of us

We all have a history. A story. We bring with us life experiences that shape who we are and make us better.

At Spire, we know our individual stories only make us stronger as a whole. That’s why we’re committed to an inclusive work environment where all that makes us unique is embraced, encouraged and valued.

Because it truly takes all of us our backgrounds, our perspectives and our experiences to move forward.

Abolish the death penalty

The federal government executed 40-year-old Brandon Bernard last week, making him the ninth man killed by our federal government in 2020, after 17 years of no federal executions at all. In the weeks before he is possibly dragged kicking and screaming out of office, President Donald Trump is engaging in what many commenters have called a “spree” of killing. As of this writing, he has rushed to take 10 human lives before leaving office, and is on track to authorize the killing of three more people. Six out of these 13 people are Black.

His Justice Department is giving itself a wider latitude in how it can execute federal inmates who face death sentences, including nitrogen gas, electrocution or firing squad.

Brandon Bernard, was convicted in 2000 of two counts of murder. He committed these crimes at the age of 18. He leaves behind a teenage daughter who personally begged the president to spare her father. He leaves behind the death-row crocheting group he started, in which inmates shared patterns for making sweaters.

Bernard wanted to live. Even the prosecutor who once pushed for him to be put on death row for a crime he committed at 18 argued this year against his execution.

Petitions adorned with pictures of his smiling face circulated all over the internet. And yet, despite this public outcry, Bernard was killed by the government.

The point of the death penalty is not, and has never been, to “keep dangerous criminals off the streets,” or to deter further crime. A 2001 U.S. Department

of Justice report found that the average murder rate per 100,00 people in 1999 among death penalty states was 5.5, and the average murder rate among non-death penalty states was 3.6 — meaning that as a deterrence tactic, the death penalty has never been effective. It does not make us safer.

The point of the death penalty is to terrorize the people of the United States, and to terrorize Black people in particular, who make up a disproportionate number of those executed.

Capital punishment as it exists today is the direct descendant of the public lynchings used in this country to terrorize and kill Black people and uphold white power.

The death penalty, like the lynchings of this nation’s past, is a blunt and evil instrument. It was never designed to bring justice, and as such, it is long overdue that we abolish it.

Until this public bloodsacrifice is purged from our nation’s judiciary system, there will always be more people on death row, waiting in their cells for the day that it is their turn to enter that sterile execution chamber, where anonymous prison workers will pump their bodies full of killing chemicals.

The cruelty is the point.

On the national level, President-elect Joe Biden could end federal executions — which, according to a report from the Death Penalty Information Center, made up 59% of all executions in the United States this year — with the stroke of a pen

This same report noted that Missourians can count ourselves as residents of one of only five states that have performed executions in 2020. The ShowMe state also holds the shame-

Commentary

ful title of first state to execute someone during the coronavirus pandemic with the execution of Walter Barton in May.

Instead of bearing this statewide shame, we in Missouri could do things differently. We could and should become the 29th state to abolish this unspeakable act. The last bill suggesting this was submitted in 2016, and never made it past the state Senate, while our neighbors in Illinois, meanwhile, have prohibited the death penalty since 2011.

Of course, death in the U.S. prison system is not limited to the formal death penalty. Lack of decent food, health care, and social and mental support kills people in our jails every day, making many life sentences death sentences by default.

This year, that fact is particularly obvious: according to data from the Marshall Project, 20% of Missouri inmates are or have been infected with COVID-19.

So, if we want to truly say we have ended the death penalty, we must also commit to examining whether the horrific conditions we allow in our prison system are truly any better than death.

But in order to start walking down the road to an effective and humane justice system, there are certain basic things that can and should be done now: most importantly, ending the cruel uncertainty forced upon the more than 2,600 people currently on death row in the U.S. There has been enough senseless death this year due to plague and due to violence. There is no moral or political good to be found in adding to that list of dead.

Ask the wrong question, get the

You never get the right answers when you ask the wrong questions, and you always ask the wrong questions when you don’t understand the problem.

Peter Drucker advised, when considering a situation, you should ask yourself: knowing everything I currently know, if I was starting today is this how I would do it?

If the answer is no, you need to ask yourself, then why am I continuing to do it this way?

When I began writing these columns I made a decision not to opine on local political issues because they’re usually intramural personal disputes that have more to with personality than policy. And I don’t believe in offering people unsolicited advice about how they should handle their business.

But I have made an exception when an issue raises to a level of strategic importance for the Black community, and I have an experience that gives me perspective that’s not widely available to the Black community. The buildings of the St. Louis Public Schools at one time supported a student population of 100,000, in a city where the population exceeded 700,000 people.

Today the SLPS has a student population of 18,000 in 68 buildings, and there are currently 11,000 students housed in 34 buildings in charter schools. That’s 29,000 students in 102 buildings, all funded by the SLPS for a city where the population is a tad over 300,000.

Let’s look at three St. Louisarea school districts that are comparable to SLPS: Rockwood has 22,000 students in 31 schools.

Ferguson-Florissant has 11,000 students in 24 schools. Hazelwood has 18,000 students in 29 schools.

All three of these districts

occupy a larger physical footprint than SLPS and none has more than four high

wrong answer

schools or six middle schools. By comparison, SLPS has 14 high schools and eight middle schools.

If a six-foot man weighed 300 pounds and reduced his weight to 175 pounds, none of his clothes would fit. Now he could go to a tailor and ask the tailor to alter the clothes to fit his current size, but the tailor would tell him that’s impossible. “These clothes were made for a man who weighed 300 pounds, you weigh 175 pounds, you need a completely new wardrobe,” the tailor would say. This is where the SLPS is.

There’s nothing you can do with current SLPS building infrastructure and make it fit the needs of today’s school system. You have too many buildings, in too many places, often the wrong places.

While many of these buildings are architecturally significant and should be preserved, they are structurally obsolete for the needs of 21st century students. No matter how much time, money and energy you spend on downsizing, you’ll always be on fool’s errand. Which schools to close is not the question the St. Louis Board of Education should be asking. The question they should be posing is what’s the school system we need to build today in order to meet the educational needs of children who will attend tomorrow?

They should also suggest the answer. They should advocate what a modern school system needs to look like, how many buildings it needs, and where they should be located to achieve the highest possible educational outcomes. They should go further and

Defund the Workhouse

By The Close the Workhouse Campaign For The St. Louis American

On July 17, the 28-0 unanimous vote by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen and the subsequent signing of Ordinance 71217 by Mayor Lyda Krewson was a historic moment. This was a moment when the people of St. Louis, a coalition across age, race, and class, joined together to demand the closure of a hellhole jail that has terrorized generations of Black and Brown people.

For decades, this jail, commonly referred to as “the Workhouse,” has been know for inhumane, unconstitutional conditions, that strip humanity and dignity from people, destroy families and even take lives. The demand to close the Workhouse remains, as does the demand for our elected officials to finally re-envision what public safety looks like and invest in our communities in a meaningful way.

In the 5 months since Ordinance 71217 was signed into law, Krewson has failed to hold her administration accountable for refusing to take the three necessary steps to close the Workhouse by Dec. 31.

The first step is for Corrections Commissioner Dale Glass to prepare a detailed, good-faith plan to close the jail.

The second is for Dr. Frederick Echols, St. Louis acting director of health, to prepare a report on staffing and roles in the new Division of Supportive Re-entry.

The third is for the Board of Public Service to prepare a report on the layout and efficient use of space in the St.

consider a curriculum and teaching methods for this 21st century school system. The buildings should be imagined as more than just schools, but as cultural and community centers that anchor and enhance the communities in which they’re located.

Responsible leadership would use this infrastructure as the foundation and catalyst of our long-term development strategy, anchored by a citywide housing strategy that produces economically integrated neighborhoods.

That would be layered with a public transportation policy designed to support both housing and education. In fact, the entire policy focus of the city would be directed at supporting the implementation of this new educational infrastructure.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen’s resolution opposing the school closing is just political pandering.

Now everyone will say we can’t afford this. My question is how much money do you spend every year on failure? You may very well fail at something this audacious, but you already know you’re going to fail doing what you’ve always done.

So the only real financial question is: what’s the incremental cost of success? Just remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take

To attempt something like this requires serious leadership, and serious leadership is a function of vision, courage and political skill.

When archeologists of the future discover the St. Louis equivalent of the Cahokia Mounds and ponder what happened here to these people, they’ll find their answer in Proverbs, the leaders had no vision.

But I’m just saying. Then again nobody asked me, and besides what do I know?

Louis City Justice Center. Though Krewson is not running for a second term as mayor, she still needs to fulfill the obligations set out by Ordinance 71217 that she signed into law. Because the Board of Aldermen has failed in their oversight role to ensure the Workhouse closes, we demand President Lewis Reed and the Board support Board Bill 167, a supplemental appropriation bill introduced two weeks ago. The bill would end all funding to the Workhouse and redirect all of those funds to programs the city needs desperately, like winter shelter for the unhoused and funding for services offered in a newly-created Division of

n Though Lyda Krewson is not running for a second term as mayor, she still needs to fulfill the obligations set out by Ordinance 71217 that she signed into law.

Supportive Re-entry. It would also transfer employees of the Workhouse to lateral positions within the city resulting in no job loss, with the added benefit of filling empty positions in the city.

Time and again, when our elected officials have been given an opportunity to do the right thing, to do what is best for our city, too many have failed. Upon passage of the ordinance in July, Reed emphasized that “this is not a symbolic gesture, this is as real as it gets.”

Letters to the editor

COVID-19 aid needed now

The article “Movement on coronavirus vaccine not fast enough for fatigued mask wearers, frustrated business owners” reminds us that we have a long way to go before a vaccine is distributed to everyone. People struggling here and around the world have been waiting for months for Congress to pass an emergency COVID-19 response bill. They need help now.

In St. Louis, our best bet to curb the spread of the coronavirus is to comply with “safer at home” policies. Yet people in poverty worry about making rent to even have a home to keep them safe in coming months.

Missouri’s U.S. Senators Blunt and Hawley should prioritize passing an emergency COVID-19 package that includes at least $100 billion in rental assistance for Americans and $20 billion in funding for global health and nutrition to help lower-income countries.

Cynthia Changyit Levin Town and Country

A historic figure worth recognizing

Six months ago, the statue of Christopher Columbus was removed from Tower Grove Park. A few years earlier a confederate statue was removed from Forest Park. Clearly, some believe that such statues should come down because they represent racist tributes. Others believe these statues should stay up because they represent history.

St. Louis recently observed the 250-year birthday of Alexander Von Humboldt, one of the

If that is true, it is beyond time for him to reassert his commitment to closing the Workhouse in 2020 and rally board members to get this done. It’s time for him to put his money where his mouth is. The people of this city demanded change. We will not be stopped or ignored, we will not let up the pressure. We will continue to hold our elected officials accountable and demand that they honor their promise to close the Workhouse immediately.

Shame on them for standing in the way of progress for St. Louis by keeping millions of dollars from our communities when these resources are so desperately needed.

We thank those aldermen who have shown their commitment to re-envisioning public safety, who fight for the will of the people, and who believe in building the future we deserve.

We thank our supporters and affected members. We will continue to unapologetically fight for the liberation of our family still in the Workhouse and for resources for communities most impacted.

The Close the Workhouse campaign aims to attack mass incarceration, without legitimizing or justifying the continued caging of people as punishment. The campaign calls for the closure of the Medium Security Institute, aka ‘the Workhouse’, an end to wealth based pretrial detention, and the reinvestment of the money used to cage poor people and Black people into rebuilding the most affected neighborhoods in this region. Follow Close the Workhouse on social media and online at www.closetheworkhouse.org. #ClosetheWorkhouse

for

and style.

most celebrated scientists during the 19th century. His statue is prominently displayed in Tower Grove Park. His accomplishments as an explorer of the connection between science and human life moved the world closer to what we call ecology today. No one argued that his statue should come down nor did anyone celebrate the fact that this world renowned scientist spoke loudly and wrote passionately against slavery in America. What an opportunity was missed in bringing attention to this man to people who

feel they have no allies and to scientists who balance their work with their humanitarian interests. When we miss opportunities to show the multifaceted nature of scientists, educators and others we miss the opportunity to build acceptance and connection. Today many people do not believe in science because they do not see scientists as multifaceted people with broad interests, including racial equality.

Ceclia Nadal St. Louis

Guest Columnist Mike Jones

Report for America selects St. Louis American as host partner

By Sam Kille Report for America

Report for America has announced the selection of 64 local news organizations, including The St. Louis American, as host newsroom partners, enabling the national service program to place more than 300 journalists in the field in 2021. The program also opened the application window for reporters to apply to become corps members in 2021.

Report for America’s support is adding more than 100 reporting positions and expanding to more than 200 newsrooms across the country, at a time when the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has decimated local news economically. The newly-selected newsrooms and beats include:

• Southwest Times Record — Food insecurity around Fort Smith, Ark.

• St. Louis American/Type Investigations — African-American businesses in the St. Louis area

• WFYI Public Media — Criminal justice in central Indiana

• Granite State News Collaborative — Statehouse coverage for 20 local newsrooms

• Bozeman Daily Chronicle — Photographer covering rural Montana

• Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting — Agribusiness and workers’ status in Illinois

• Tampa Bay Times — Mental health and health care

• WBHM — Education in Birmingham, Ala.

• Atlanta Journal Constitution — Asian and Latino communities in the Atlanta area

• Wausau Pilot & Review — Hmong and other immigrants in Marathon County, Wis.

• California News Deserts & Trust Initiative — five newsrooms, two foundations, fielding reporters in Butte, Kern, Madera, North Siskiyou, San Bernardino, Tulare, Yolo and Yuba counties

The selections were made mostly on the basis of which newsrooms defined the most compelling gaps in coverage and plans to deploy corps members well.

Report for America doubled the number of host newsrooms owned by people of color.

The program supported more locally-owned for-profit news organizations than news organizations owned by private equity firms or hedge funds

More than one third of the beats are covering communities of color, reflecting a surge in demand from newsrooms to address previously neglected beats

“With the local news system shrinking, it’s important that we both put more and more reporters in the field — and that we help newsrooms that are working toward becoming more sustainable, and more grounded in the community,” said Steven Waldman, president and co-founder of Report for America.

Report for America, which is an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, is a two-year program (with an option for three) that delivers a wide-range of benefits to its corps members. Beyond paying up to half of the journalists’ salaries, it provides ongoing training and mentorship by leading journalists, peer networking, and memberships to select professional organizations.

Applications are being accepted until Jan. 31. Last year, more than 1,800 applications were received. Those hired become employees of their respective newsrooms and will begin their employment June 1, 2021.

“Report for America provides a unique opportunity for journalists to really sink their teeth into local, issue-oriented reporting that is missing from so many newsrooms today,” said Norman Parish, recruitment director, Report for America. “Beyond talented reporters and photojournalists, we are looking for individuals who see journalism as a public service and want to make a difference within their communities.”

About Report for America

Report for America is a national service program that places emerging journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered topics and communities.

Map to relieving student debt

By Charlene Crowell Guest columnist

Although the year 2020 has been dominated by continuing news coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic’s rising death toll that has now claimed the lives of nearly 300,000 Americans, it is not the only challenge facing the nation.

Amid rising unemployment and food insecurity, an estimated 45 million Americans struggle at the same time with the crushing weight of more than $1.7 trillion in student debt.

A disproportionate amount of this financial burden is carried by Black people and other people. These racial disparities in student debt cannot be ignored. Massive debts delay, if not if deny, wealth-building opportunities for Blacks people and others who believe higher education remains the bridge to a financially secure future.

Before the coronavirus pandemic and its resulting recession, one of every four student loan borrowers was in either default or serious delinquency. Black students experience default at a much higher rate (37.5%) than their peers who are Latino (20%), or White (12.4%), according to an independent report by the Brookings Institution. Even after 20 years of loan repayments, the typical Black borrower still owes 95% of the original cumulative balance.

nerable borrowers and communities.” Harrington said. “The time to cancel student debt and provide student borrowers with significant relief is now.”

While student loan debt cancellation and the other proposed reforms would provide much-needed relief to borrowers, it would also bring the opportunity to redirect these dollars to better participate in the nation’s economy. Starting a business or transitioning from renters to homeowners are but two examples of ways to build wealth and financial security.

Other major research reports have also connected lengthy student debt and its restrictions to economic mobility and lifetime wealth-building. Research has established that student debt can prevent borrowers from buying homes, starting businesses, going to graduate school, and even starting families.

A new research report, jointly released by the National Consumer Law Center and the Center for Responsible Lending, outlines the financial toll taken by this unsustainable debt and pinpoints remedies to systematically address the crisis.

In part, the report states: “Pursuit of education in America should not be such a high stakes gamble … Borrowers who took out loans to access an education should not have those debts follow them to the grave.”

Ashley Harrington is the federal advocacy director and senior counsel for the Center for Responsible Lending. Harrington spoke directly to the racial equity implications.

“For many, especially Black and Latino borrowers, repayment has been too onerous and too long, preventing them from achieving financial security even under normal circumstances,” Harrington said.

“Short-term payment suspension alone will not help struggling borrowers who have lost their jobs or who were already in default or serious delinquency before the public health crisis started.

“To address our current recession and stimulate economic recovery, we urge President-elect Biden to immediately follow these simple steps and prevent further financial devastation for vul-

For example, a 2019 research report by Brandeis University’s Institute on Assets and Social Policy found that after 20 years of student loan repayments, the median debt of White borrowing students has been reduced by 94 percent — with almost half holding no student debt — whereas Black borrowers at the median still owe 95 percent of their cumulative borrowing total.

“It is clear that in the context of existing inequalities in wealth and assets by race/ ethnicity, the privatized system of higher education financing serves to further exacerbate the racial wealth gap among young people,” the Brandeis report said.

“It has saddled young borrowers of color, particularly Black borrowers, with debt that creates economic insecurity for decades and limits new wealth-generating opportunities such as homeownership.”

Despite noble contributions and achievements, there is no doubt that as a people we continue to be financially short-changed. Now as we approach a New Year and a new White House, systemic changes are both needed and possible.

Canceling student debt and reforming the repayment system are vital for Black borrowers and communities.

But targeted actions in other areas of concern are also necessary before this and future Black Americans can secure financial stability or build wealth. An even longer road map to relief — beyond student debt — must address other root causes of the racial wealth gap. Access to affordable credit, including safe and responsible mortgage loans, and an end to all forms of predatory lending are representative of these “other” reforms.

Lifting the trillion-dollar debt of student loans is an important first step to financial equality.

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

Charlene Crowell

and her Uber driver neared the hospital, they encountered a stalled car blocking traffic on Ballas Road. Misha saw an older woman inside looking panicked as other motorists grew impatient and began honking their horns.

Misha mentally shifted into caregiver mode and asked her driver to stop. Braving the elements, she got out of the car, tapped on the woman’s window, and said she would try to help.

Misha decided the disabled car simply needed a push to put the driver on her way. But as she worked her way to the back of the car, Misha slipped. As she remembered the moment in a recent interview, “I was like, ‘Oh my God, my leg is broken’ and I am lying in the middle of Ballas Road.”

The Uber driver managed to get Misha back in the car and complete the drive to Missouri Baptist where X-rays confirmed that Misha had suffered a break in two places in her leg, along with a dislocated ankle.

“From that one night, I was out of work for five months,” Misha recalled. “I was supposed to be living my best life. And here I am lying in the street with ice and thinking, ‘Don’t help nobody no more.’”

Of course, that’s never going to happen. As a healthcare professional, primary caretaker of her sister with cerebral palsy, and a guiding hand in the lives of her parents and her two children, Marshall has focused her life on helping others.

“Anyone that I have had a hand in caring for, I’ve done it to the best of my ability as well as with compassion and care for that person,” she said.

Fragile life in a vulnerable neighborhood Marshall and her family live in a neighborhood just north of downtown St. Louis that has

long been in need of compassion and care. The Marshalls live in zip code 63106, which has become iconic in this region and not in a good way.

Researchers at Washington and St. Louis universities in a widely cited study have identified 63106 as the region’s most vulnerable when it comes to the social determinants of health.

Lots of data go into that assessment, but here’s one way it boils down: A child born in 63106 in 2010 had a life

expectancy of 67; a child born in 63105, six miles away in suburban Clayton could expect to live to age 85. An 18-year differential. And this was before the pandemic

The Marshall family’s story is part of the 63106 Project, organized by Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson, a non-profit, racial equity storytelling collaborative that provides stories to St. Louis media about the region’s most vulnerable residents in the time of the pandemic.

Eight families in 63106 have participated in the project to date. As part of this effort, The St. Louis American will follow the Marshall family throughout the pandemic, providing new chapters as circumstances dictate through 2021.

Marshall’s parents are John and Cathy Marshal, ages 76 and 74 respectively. Cathy Marshall has heart disease, John Marshall is diabetic. Misha’s sister, Maya Marshall, has a congenital brain disorder. So they may be more vulnerable than most to coronavirus and the havoc it leaves in its wake.

Add to all this, a cousin, Ebony, 37, another resident of 63106, who underwent a heart transplant and more recently had another open-heart surgery. Misha has been taking Ebony to her doctor appointments and picking up her 4-year-old son, Clayton, at daycare.

“So my day has not been my day for at least the past month or more,” Misha said, sighing. “It’s a lot to take in.”

Vulnerable as they may be, the Marshalls remain calm.

John made his living working at a union job as a chemical operator, first at a Monsanto plant in Soulard, then in the 1990s moving over to the other side of downtown to Mallinckrodt Chemical Co.’s plant at 3600 North Second St.

That’s when John went looking for a home nearby and came across two side-by-side

The St. Louis American has been raising Black voices and advocating for the Black community in the St. Louis region for 92 years. In this season of giving, please join the movement to keep this community asset thriving, free and accessible to all into the future.

John and Cathy Marshall

townhomes on Hadley Street in Columbus Square, about 2 1/2 miles from the plant. John took out a mortgage, bought the units, and later renovated and combined them into a single home that is two stories with five bedrooms and three-and-ahalf bathrooms.

The Marshalls are among the very few homeowners in 63106.

Census figures from 2018 show that 16 percent of residents

SLPS

Continued from A1

and organizations to listen to recommendations for alternatives.

While most board members seemed relieved at the idea of postponing the vote, RhodeCollins expressed deep concern that the decision pandered to the desires of vocal nonprofit groups and community leaders who may not have a direct stake in the decision like students and parents do.

“So we wait for history to repeat itself,” she said. “If you are an elected official or nonprofit entity and you wrote a letter or signed a resolution or posted on social media that we should postpone this vote, then it is your moral responsibility to follow it up with a concrete plan of action that you can take — that you can take within your control — to help this school district. It is your moral responsibility to do that.”

In contrast to that sentiment, Board Vice President Susan Jones thanked Adams for the opportunity for the postponement.

“And I just want to say that for too long this discussion and actions around public education in the city have been ignored and undervalued,” Jones said.

“As a collective, it’s important that we, as leaders in the city, are more proactive in addressing issues and less reactive,” Jones said. “… Over the next 30 days, I’m looking forward to having productive conversations with our fellow community leaders that will create excellent outcomes and meaningful solutions that work in the best interest of the children in the city, family and overall community.”

within the zip code owned their residence. (That compares to an average of 69 percent across the metropolitan area.)

That they could qualify for a loan to buy the home might be considered a minor miracle, given the redlining practices among lenders that have persisted for decades and reverberate in this era.

Part Two of this story will appear in The American next week. In it, Leyla Fern King writes about how the Marshalls managed through faith and perseverance to survive and thrive in what is arguably the region’s most vulnerable neighborhood. Leyla Fern King is one of several storytellers for Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson, a non-profit racial equity storytelling project. She is a senior at John Burroughs School, and an alumna of Cultural Leadership, a St. Louis-based program that brings together Jewish and African American students to learn about and address systems of oppression through the study of African American and Jewish history.

Board member Donna Jones noted that the city has been overwhelmed with various social and economic problems, so she understands why it took some time to get the community involved in a meaningful way.

“We are in the midst of a gentrification effort and it has been put forth to move Black and Brown people from this city and it’s been very successful,” she said.

Board member Adam Layne added: “I think when the community does show up, we have to think less about how long they haven’t been here and more about how they are here now.”

Sumner High School and 10 other St. Louis public schools were on the recommended list of schools to be closed next year. The schools north of Delmar Boulevard on the list are: Clay, Dunbar, Farragut, Ford and Hickey, all elementary schools; Sumner High School and Northwest Academy of Law High School.

The other schools on the closure list are: Monroe Elementary, just south of the Benson Park neighborhood; Fanning Middle School in Tower Grove South; Cleveland High School in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood and Carnahan High School in Dutchtown.

The Board held a work session Monday evening, where they took a vote to decide whether they would vote to close schools individually or as one group on Tuesday night. Board members who voted to consider all schools at once were Rhode-Collins, Layne, Joyce Roberts and Natalie Vowell. Those who voted to consider each school individually were Nancy Fowler, Donna Jones and Susan Jones.

programs for inmates.

However, Arch City Defenders asserts the Board has done nothing since the bill has passed in regards to their oversight role to ensure the Workhouse closes. The group also maintains St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson has not held her administration accountable for failing to take the necessary steps to close the Workhouse by the end of this year.

Arch City Defender’s comments came as a more recent effort by Alderwoman Annie Rice to ensure the Workhouse closure begins.

At the Board of Aldermen’s Nov. 20 meeting, Rice, who represents the city’s 8th Ward, requested a suspension on procedural rules so that Board Bill 167 could be filed and introduced in that same meeting in order to be voted on before the Dec. 31 deadline to close the jail. She said a mistake on the

board’s agenda listed a meeting that had been canceled, creating a time constraint to get the bill to a vote. The bill seeks to defund the Workhouse’s budget and transfer those funds to the Division of Supportive Re-Entry, the City Justice Center, the Board of Public Service and the Re-envisioning Public Safety Fund.

“I’m just asking to be introduced today so that we have a chance to uphold our commitments to close the Workhouse,” Rice said during that Board meeting.

Nine members voted down Rice’s request to suspend the procedural rules, ensuring it would not be voted on by the end of the year. Those nine aldermen and alderwomen were: Lisa Middlebrook, Dwinderlin Evans, Tammika Hubbard, Marlene Davis, Pam Boyd, Joseph Vaccara, Jeffrey Boyd, Carol Howard and Brandon Bosely.

In the weeks since, the bill was assigned to the Ways and Means Committee, but there has not yet been a meeting on it. Rice confirmed Tuesday that with the board in recess until

can reopen when it is safe.”

COVID-19 data

have been in place for most of the year and the relaxation of restrictions on signs, outdoor dining spaces and temporary structures.

His comments came less than a week after the Missouri Court of Appeals sided with St. Louis County in a lawsuit challenging the indoor dining restrictions.

A release from Page’s office stated that only a few of the County’s nearly 5,000 restaurants filed the lawsuit challenging the indoor dining protocols.

The Circuit Court in Clayton ruled in favor of the County, leaving the restrictions in place. The restaurants appealed but again, the court ruled in St. Louis County’s favor.

“St. Louis County’s indoor dining protocols are based on the latest scientific research and expert advice from the Pandemic Task Force and public health professionals.

And they are holding back the spread of COVID-19 throughout the County,” County Executive Dr. Sam Page said in a prepared statement. “We will continue working to limit the pandemic’s spread so we can get back to normal as quickly as possible. We will continue our open and respectful conversations with the restaurant community so that indoor dining

In the city of St. Louis, as of Tuesday, Dec. 15, there were 14,570 confirmed cases and 275 deaths since the beginning of the year; in the County there were 61,500 confirmed cases and 1,175 deaths.

Dr. Alex Garza, head of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, noted during a news conference Monday that while hospital admissions and new confirmed cases have plateaued, they’re still at a high level. He did, however, express hope and optimism with the arrival of the vaccine.

“The war is really against the virus,” Garza said in the news briefing. “Throughout this year we have been on the defensive for most of the time and really all of our battle plans have been how to protect the community and then how to take care of our casualties. However, today with the vaccine arriving we can finally start going on the offensive.”

He also reminded people to continue social distancing and wearing masks when out in public.

Vaccine and testing

Nearly 3 million doses of coronavirus vaccines were delivered around the country this week. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced Monday that

January the bill will not be voted on in time for the deadline to close the institution.

Rice said it’s unclear whether the Workhouse will actually close, and if it does, how that process will occur. Nor has it been determined what would happen to the prisoners who are housed there. She said if the Workhouse isn’t closed, it would be considered an ordinance violation.

Corrections Commissioner Dale Glass declined to comment for this report through the department’s spokesperson.

Mayor Kreson also declined a request for an interview. Her spokesperson, Jacob Long, addressed the issue via email:

“This is very much a capacity and safety issue,” Long wrote.

“There are more than 100 individuals at MSI currently and CJC is currently well above operational capacity. So we are not about to overcrowd CJC even more and have detainees sleep on the floor, jeopardizing their health and safety and the health and safety of our staff. We have an obligation under the law to humanely house those who the courts and circuit attorney send to our facilities.”

the first shipments of the vaccine had arrived in the state.

On Tuesday, 9,750 Pfizer vaccines arrived at BJC HealthCare, and BJC was set to begin vaccinating employees across multiple hospital locations Thursday, Dec. 17. Page noted that the County will vaccinate health-care workers, the vulnerable and older people living in group homes first.

In addition to the vaccine, this week also brought news that the FDA has approved the first at-home COVID-19 test for over-the-counter retail sale.

The Lucira COVID-19 AllIn-One Test Kit is a nasal swab test that can be used on anyone 14 or older. It will cost around $30 and should be available in stores by January, according to the manufacturer.

Long-term care facilities

The St. Louis County Department of Public Health released a report Dec. 11, that showed a stark increase in the spread of COVID-19 through long-term care facilities.

The report stated that in November, 913 long-term care residents were diagnosed with COVID-19, the highest figure yet when it comes to new infections. This number is up from 276 new cases in October.

Officials believe the steep increase in cases is “due almost entirely to the explosive growth in transmission of the disease in the community.”

Neighborhood Leadership graduates reflect on their training

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Even after nine months of leadership training through the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows, Shavanna Spratt says she still feels like an ordinary, everyday person. The difference now is she’s prepared and ready to take action to make Ferguson a better place.

“I think that’s what makes my situation even more special, because that’s kind of where I am now, fighting for people, the everyday, average person, to speak up and be involved and to be encouraged to get in their communities and do some work,” Spratt said in an interview..

Being in the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows’ 2020 class taught Spratt about her strengths and weaknesses as a leader, and how to use both. Specifically for her, she said she is starting a pod-

n

“The

cohort itself

was amazing. Just the people in there, the connection alone goes a long way — like the people that you connect with is just awesome.”

— Shavanna Spratt, Neighborhood Leadership fellow

cast even though public speaking is something she feels is a weakness for her.

The group’s mission is to increase and amplify the voices of north St. Louis and north St. Louis County residents at civic deci-

See GRADUATES, A10

Shavanna Spratt says that after nine months of leadership training through the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows she’s prepared to take action to make Ferguson a better place.

in north

NGA-backed geospatial program aims to boost startups

By Corinne Ruff St. Louis Public Radio

As the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency continues construction of its new headquarters in north St. Louis, it’s looking to boost the number of geospatial startups in the region.

The federal agency, along with state-operated Missouri Technology Corp., is launching a startup accelerator next March. Capital Innovators has experience managing venture funds and operating accelerators — programs that offer startups funding and mentorship. It will begin accepting applications for the program this month.

Up to eight companies will each receive a $100,000 grant and participate in a 13-week business development and mentoring program with NGA employees to help scale their businesses.

The NGA is backing this program because it recognizes that connecting with startups exploring new technology and ideas could help the agency expand its projects.

receive education around selling into the government, how to manage pilot programs.”

Dixon said he’s looking for companies that fall into four technology areas: data management, advanced analytics and modeling, data integrity and security in artificial intelligence.

Accelerators like this one have become even more important during the pandemic and economic downturn, he said. During the middle of lockdowns in the spring, applications for other accelerators he helps manage increased by 44%.

n Up to eight companies will each receive a $100,000 grant and participate in a 13-week business development and mentoring program.

Brian Dixon, chief operating officer and managing director of Capital Innovators, said the program also aims to bring new companies to the area and grow local startups.

“For NGA, they’re going to have really unique new technologies that are going to help them advance their mission along with their customer needs,” he said. “And from the startup perspective, they’re going to have an unparalleled opportunity to not only engage with the government but

“What we’ve noticed is that startups need to become more efficient with their capital, so they can make it stretch during the current environment,” Dixon said, adding that support is crucial.

This summer, a group of civic, geospatial and economic development leaders released a plan to build St. Louis into a global geospatial hub over the next decade. One big priority is to increase entrepreneurship and funding opportunities for startups.

Jason Hall is the chair of the Missouri Technology Corp. Board of Directors, and he helped craft the plan. He’s also the CEO of Greater St. Louis, which will merge five civic groups in January.

Hall said startups are a critical part of growing the emerging geospatial industry.

“We have a lot of jobs. A lot of those jobs are in applied geospatial, but

See NGA, A10

Gateway Arch National Park names Armstrong deputy superintendent

Gateway Arch National Park announces National Park Service veteran Tarona Armstrong as its deputy superintendent. Armstrong comes to St. Louis from the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site in Hope, Arkansas, where she has served as superintendent since 2014. Armstrong will assist in managing all park activities while serving as the direct supervisor in preparing and executing park programs, spearheading improvement initiatives, and enacting park policies and regulations. Armstrong has held multiple leadership roles within the National Park Service, including assisting in the development of three new units: the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas; the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in Little Rock; and the Clinton Birthplace Home. A native of Marianna, Arkansas, Armstrong earned her bachelor of science degree in parks and recreation from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and has earned two graduate degrees from Webster University in St. Louis in human resource management and management and leadership.

Operation Food Search HR, diversity, equity, inclusion manager

Kristen Frazier was recently hired by Operation Food Search as its human resource and diversity, equity, inclusion manager. Her responsibilities include attracting, motivating and retaining qualified team members for the nonprofit hunger relief organization. She also will develop and implement the organization’s diversity initiatives and strategies to cultivate a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees. Frazier has more than 10 years of experience in human resources, having served in various management positions in the education and corporate sectors. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in Human Resources Management from Fontbonne University.

Williams is external affairs manager at Missouri American Water

Samantha

Samantha Williams has been hired to manage external communications and community outreach efforts for Missouri American Water’s eastern service areas. Williams previously worked for Congressman William Lacy Clay as a community liaison, public relations manager for LaunchCode and communications specialist for the Illinois State Senate. She received her BA in political science at the University of Missouri — St. Louis. Williams lives in St. Louis and serves on the local advisory board for iHeartMedia.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is connecting with geospatial startups through a new program that offers funding and mentorship. Construction continues on the NGA’s western headquarters

St. Louis, pictured here in a rendering.

Tarona Armstrong

Kristen Frazier

Williams

UMSL set to honor more than 2,700 students in virtual commencement ceremony

Ferguson Mayor Jones will deliver the commencement address at her alma mater

For The American

The University of MissouriSt. Louis will celebrate more than 2,700 graduates on Dec. 19 in virtual commencement ceremonies, recognizing all students who earned degrees in May, August and December of 2020.

The university is conferring more than 1,000 degrees to students this semester, while honoring 1,231 who earned degrees in May and 495 who did so in August. Spring commencement ceremonies were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“All of these graduates deserve praise for their resilience as they have faced the challenges of this unprecedented time and continued to thrive while earning their degrees,” UMSL Chancellor Kristin Sobolik said.

Graduates

Continued from A9

sion-making tables in order to produce more equitable regional policies for neighborhoods.

But quite possibly the most important thing it does, according to Spratt and others who have gone through the class, is provide the opportunity to net-

The Dec. 19 celebration will include virtual ceremonies for each college with streaming broadcasts featuring speeches, the conferral of degrees and the presentation of UMSL’s 2020 graduates. Each participating graduate will be given individual, on-screen recognition, including an information slide with a photo as their name is announced.

Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones has recorded a commencement keynote address to be incorporated into each ceremony. Jones made history in June when she became the first woman and the first Black resident to be elected mayor in the St. Louis County municipality.

Before Jones entered politics, she enjoyed a long career as a chemist with a degree she earned at UMSL in 1986.

The 2014 shooting of Michael Brown and the civil unrest in its aftermath helped motivate her to seek elected office, first as a member of the city council before this year’s

“Though we are not able to gather in person as originally planned, we are no less excited to celebrate them and all they have achieved while expanding their knowledge and unlocking opportunities for the future. We congratulate them and are eager to watch their success in the years ahead.”

work with other change-making St. Louisans.

Making connections

“The cohort itself was amazing,” she said. “Just the people in there, the connection alone goes a long way — like the people that you connect with is just awesome. But on top of that, the history that they go back and teach you — the his-

mayoral run.

Along the way, she returned to UMSL for training in municipal leadership at the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life. Since taking office, she’s been looking to empower her constituents and working with the Urban League on a housing initiative in Ferguson.

The schedule for the Dec. 19 ceremonies is as follows:

• College of Arts and Sciences: 9:00 AM

• College of Education/ SUCCEED: 11:00 AM

• College of Business Administration: 1:00 PM

• College of Nursing: 3:00

PM

• UMSL/Washington University Joint Engineering Program: 5:00 PM

• School of Social Work: 5:00 PM

Here is a small sample of the students who are graduating this semester at the University of Missouri–St. Louis:

Hannah Williams is among 95 December graduates in the College of Nursing. Williams, who is graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of

tory of your neighborhood and the neighborhoods surrounding your community. So that was awesome, you know, finding out how things happened in the past that leads up to what’s happening now and especially around the policy part of it.”

Lisa Potts, who has lived in the Central West End neighborhood for 17 years, was in Spratt’s group. Her plan was to work on reducing road rage

Science in Nursing degree, was chosen to be a student marshal for the commencement ceremony. But that will only be part of an unforgettable day for Williams, who is also getting married on Dec. 19.

Kei Pang, the CEO and vice chairman of Nidec Motor Corporation, is among 12 students making up the first cohort complete their Doctor of Business Administration degrees at UMSL. The terminal business degree is tailor-made to help experienced business professionals research answers to real-world problems that impact businesses’ daily operations, crossing lines between disciplines in order to find solutions.

Carmen Palencia, a native of Colombia, is earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration eight years after moving to the United States with limited knowledge of English. She took ESL classes at St. Louis Community College before enrolling at UMSL. She currently has an internship with the Boeing Company and will

and speeding on Hamilton Avenue.

She is also working on a comprehensive, resident-driven, community development plan for the area after she and three other residents received an Invest in St. Louis Grant in partnership with Cornerstone Corporation, a nonprofit that restores properties.

“I was able to meet people from across the metropolitan area and learn about what their challenges were in their neighborhoods and make new friends and build future collaborations, because what’s great about this class, is that we will forever share the bond that we are the NLA class of 2020,” Potts said. “And I think they will be able to kind of stay together as a cohort for future training and future opportunities for leadership and opportunities to partner on various efforts in the community.”

2021 Class

The members of the 2021 Neighborhood Leadership Fellows class were announced recently. They are: Leia Burroughs, Shameem ClarkHubbard, Keith Crawford, Patricia Dees, Angela Drake, McFarlane Duncan, Tashara Earl, Terry Epps, Marcel Hagens, Charlin Hughes, William Humphrey, Latonya Jackson, Jane Kayser, Farrakhan Shegog, Jayson Stewart, Ly Syin Lobster,

NGA

Continued from A9

where we need to ramp up to be globally competitive as an industry cluster is at the front end of innovation,” he said.

“That’s where the industry is pushing forward. That’s

begin pursuing her MBA at UMSL in January. Brian Fogarty is graduating summa cum laude with a degree in biology and is currently applying to medical school. Fogarty had been planning to become a fire fighter when he finished high school at North County Christian School but discovered his interest in health care during EMT training. He went to St. Louis Community College to become a paramedic and later enrolled at UMSL to get his bachelor’s degree on his way to becoming a physician.

Lindsey Gevers is graduating with a degree in elementary education, a special education certificate and a Pierre Laclede Honors College certificate in just 3½ years with a GPA of over 3.95. In addition to semesters of up to 21 credit hours, Gevers has kept busy working at the NASA/Challenger Learning Center and the Kiddie Academy of O’Fallon. She also coaches cross country and track and field in the Wentzville School District, volunteers for Girls on the Run and has run

Samantha March, Veronica Morrow-Reel, Lisa Potts, Michelle Spraggins, Orlando Sharpe, April Walker, Shavette Wayne-Jones, Frank Williamson, and Ashley Winters.

Duncan, who has lived in St. Louis for 20 years, said he’s

n “I was able to meet people from across the metropolitan area and learn about what their challenges were in their neighborhoods and make new friends and build future collaborations.”

— Lisa Potts, Neighborhood Leadership fellow

spent a lot of his time working in nonprofit and political areas.

“You hear a lot of energy or talk around election season: ‘Let’s get everybody registered to vote. Go vote, go, go vote, go vote.’ And that is great, but I think that’s just one part of the solution” he said.

“So now that the vote has been had, it’s time to start not only holding those elected officials accountable, but to start being engaged in other solutions that are going to be impactful,” Duncan said. “For me, I just want people to take

where the new ideas are coming from.” Plus, he said, larger companies benefit from close proximity to startups that are pushing the envelope on research and development. That includes the NGA.

three marathons and seven half marathons.

Zaymon Harris is graduating with a Bachelor of Educational Studies degree with an emphasis in youth and adult development. During his time at UMSL, Harris has interned with Beyond Housing’s youth programs, and this summer, he conducted a virtual summer camp. He is also trained in the Children’s Defense Fund curriculum and has applied it in his work as a camp counselor. John Gentilini is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. A nontraditional student, Gentilini never planned on attending college. After high school, he enlisted with the United States Army, became a combat engineer and served for six years. Afterward, he became a police officer until a broken finger sidelined him. Watching hours of Science Channel programming, he decided to change his life. Now he’s graduating with a job at Civil Design, Inc. on its site development team after working his way through school with four jobs.

from this story that the residents are key to change.”

Sharpe is a former educator and now works for De La Salle, Inc., a nonprofit group that supports La Salle Middle School near downtown St. Louis. He said that he wants to become better informed of what’s going on in the St. Louis Promise Zone, areas federally designated in 2015 that encompass portions of St. Louis and St. Louis County.

“I’m going in with an open mind rather than coming in with the specific plan in and around organization, development and things like that. And so you kind of need to clear the slate so that you can receive the information that’s being provided,” he said. “… I’m really going to be focusing most of my attention on young youth and younger adults.”

The Leadership Fellows program is a collaboration between Creating Whole Communities, University of Missouri-St. Louis, University of Missouri Extension and St. Louis Promise Zone-St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. The Deaconess Foundation, St. Louis Mental Health Board and Saint Louis ReCAST financially support the fellowship program. The 2021 program is set to convene on Jan. 8 and run through September. Participants receive a $2,000 stipend and an UMSL Chancellor’s Certificate upon completion.

The federal agency recently launched another technology accelerator — dubbed Moonshot Labs — within the T-Rex innovation center in downtown St. Louis. The agency sees these kinds of accelerators as a way of opening up to more collaboration with private industry and research.

Corinne Ruff is a reporter at St. Lous Public Radio, a reporting partner of The St. Louis American.

Good PreschoolShepherd

Infant/Toddler

ESOP calls on St. Louis County police chief to address inequities

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

The Ethical Society of Police has publicly called on St. Louis County Police Chief Mary Barton and other police officials to address the inequitable treatment and discriminaton against minority officers on the force.

A letter to Barton, dated Dec. 7, “reflects the frustration and emotional toll that years of inaction have taken,” Society officials wrote.The letter outlined 10 things the department should do in the next year to establish a more fair and equitable work environment for minority employees.

Those actions include things such as holding a series of town hall meetings, streamlining the reporting process when it comes to “acts intolerance” and hiring a full-time diversity and inclusion staff member.

Barton declined an interview request from The St. Louis American and instead issued a statement via email through the department’s media spokesperson.

“The leadership of this Department has and will continue to engage in conversations with stakeholders and incorporate viable suggestions,” Barton wrote.

“This includes, but is not limited to, the Ethical Society of Police, the St. Louis County Police Officers Association, and the Diversity and Inclusion Unit and Committee. Improvement is a shared effort and we will not stop until we have a workplace that is equitable and just for all.”

William E. Dailey Jr., the Society’s general counsel, said the group is still waiting for the department to address concerns presented to Barton almost six months ago, shortly after St. Louis County Executive Sam Page signed a memo of under-

St. Louis County Police Chief Mary Barton

standing with the Society, recognizing the organization as a local employee association.

“What the letter does is to memorialize things that have been discussed,”Dailey said. “It memorializes what those concerns were. And these weren’t new concerns. These were concerns that had been brought up to Chief Barton’s predecessor as well.”

Dailey confirmed that Barton and the other police officials who were sent the letter had not responded to ESOP.

“I have no idea why the leader of a police department in a community that is 25% African American would not be all over this issue,” he said.

“I have no idea why she would not be proactive to address these concerns.”

The letter can be read in its entirety at bit.ly/3qZghH5.

St. Louis County Council

On Dec. 8, a day after the Society sent its letter to Barton, a majority of the St. Louis County Council mem-

bers adopted a resolution that gives the Council the ability to block a collective bargaining agreement if the department and the St Louis County Police Association — the police union —do not agree to increased public oversight.

Councilwoman Lisa Clancy introduced the resolution and Councilwoman Rita Days said she and Councilwoman Rochelle Gray held a meeting with a member from ESOP before the Dec. 8 Council meeting.

“We have to do better, and I’m thinking a good place to start would be this collective bargaining agreement,” Days said. “This resolution makes a statement on how we want the interaction between law enforcement, Black officers and citizens, and the community as a whole. I do not agree with everything that is in this resolution.”

The resolution passed with votes along party lines with Democrats Clancy, Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway, Days and Gray voting in favor of the resolution and Republicans Councilman Tim Fitch, Councilman Ernie Trakas and Councilman Mark Harder voting against it. Despite what may appear as a joint effort between the Council and the Society to address these issues, Dailey says that’s absolutely not the case.

“I can say unequivocally that the letter that was sent to Chief Barton was intended to be sent to Chief Barton and then published and publicized for those other entities,” he said.

“There was no — and again, I’m saying this unequivocally — there was no intent on the part of the Ethical Society to merge those efforts with anything that was talked about or that took place at the County Council [on Dec.8].”

University City announces program to help homeowners pay for sewer lateral repairs

Warranty Program covers expenses for repairs needed for sewer pipes on the exterior of a homeowners’ property and includes everything from the cost of a full-camera inspection, dispatching a qualified plumber to do the work and paying the bill in-full directly to the plumber.

With the SLWA program, up to $8,500 is available per service call with multiple service calls annually for covered repairs with no additional service fees or deductibles.

The warranty plan from SLWA is available for $7.25 per month and must be in place for 30 days prior to an emergency situation occurring. In addition to no annual limit or deductible for eligible sewer line repairs, homeowners have access to a 24/7, 365-day-ayear emergency repair service hotline.

University City residents may contact SLWA at 833-9082415 for additional information about pricing, service or other questions.

For questions about the program or to enroll, please also visit www.slwofa.com

The SLWA Service Line

If a customer’s service line requires repair, a simple call to the SLWA 24-hour hotline dispatches a local, licensed contractor familiar with University City building codes. Any additional expense may be covered by the city’s Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program (SSLRP) which has a limit of $2,500 per incident.

Homeowner praises program

Many factors contribute to the life expectancy of a service line, including the age, type of piping material, soil conditions and installation quality.

Chiquita King has had sewer and water issues since moving into her home more than 20

years ago. So when she heard about the program from Service Line Warranties of America for University City residents she signed up.

After her sewer problems escalated, she filed a claim.

“I’ve never been treated so well by so many people,” King said.

“My situation turned out to be a very complicated project that took nearly a month to complete. … At the end of the day, not only did having the warranty plan save me several thousand dollars, but everyone went overboard to make sure I was satisfied every step of the way,” said Ms. King.

City Manager Rose added that some of the first University City residents to take advantage of the program have reported that it not only saved them money, but also saved them the time and aggravation of finding a reliable service provider in a timely manner.

For more information, residents may contact University City Public Works Department at 314-505-8560.

About Service Line

Warranties of America

Service Line Warranties of America is part of HomeServe USA Corp, a leading provider of home repair solutions serving over 4 million customers across the US and Canada. Founded in 2003, SLWA is the trusted source of utility line protection programs endorsed by the National League of Cities, in addition to having an A+ rating with the BBB and receiving the BBB Torch Award for Ethics numerous times. Together with HomeServe, SLWA is dedicated to supplying best-in-class repair plans and delivering superior customer service to consumers through over 85.

Jones on St. Louis mayoral ballot after turning in more signatures

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

After turning in additional petition signatures to the Board of Elections on Dec. 7, St. Louis City Treasurer Tishaura Jones is officially on the primary ballot as a candidate for mayor.

Jones joins Alderwoman Cara Spencer and Aldermanic

President Lewis Reed, who both filed Nov. 23, the first day candidates could do so. They met the signature requirements. Jones filed to run for mayor Nov. 30, according to city records, but Benjamin Borgmeyer, Board of Elections Democratic director, said 274 signatures on her petition could not be verified or were missing.

He noted there were various reasons that could account for the shortage: the signature belongs to someone who isn’t a registered voter, the signature doesn’t match the voter’s on file and the lines that are left blank.

Once notified of the shortage, Jones’ campaign manager Rosetta Okohson said volunteers immediately went to work to gather more signatures.

No additional candidates have filed for the mayoral race Monday.

In November, Dana Kelly announced she would file, but has not done so yet because

she was quarantining after she was diagnosed this month with coronavirus and pneumonia. Jones announced her candidacy for mayor Nov. 4., a day after Prop D passed with a decisive margin of 86,097 votes (68.14%) to 40,261 (31.86%). Prop D makes three major changes to the voting process in Missouri: it establishes a nonpartisan primary, gives voters the ability to approve or disapprove of every candidate on the ballot, and allows the two candidates with the most votes in the primary to advance to the general election. Borgmeyer noted that while voters can vote for as many candidates as they want in the primary, they’re technically only allowed to sign one candidate’s petition per office. However, currently, there’s no way for election officials to cross reference information to make sure someone doesn’t sign more than one.

Tishaura Jones

Anheuser-Busch Foundation donates $100,000 to Urban League, launches employment partnership

The Anheuser-Busch Foundation on Monday, presented the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis with a $100,000 donation in support of economic opportunity and employment services in the St. Louis community.

The donation builds on a longstanding relationship between the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Anheuser-Busch spanning decades. The partnership aims to help improve the quality of life for families in the St. Louis metro area through employment services and training, education, life skills development, health and safety, and community improvement.

Over the last six years, Anheuser-Busch and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation’s donations have totaled more than $1 million in support of the Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Society, employment and training services including the Save Our Sons program, and hosting the welcome reception for the 2017 Urban League National Conference held in St. Louis.

“We are extremely thankful for our longtime partnership with Anheuser-Busch,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.

“The deep relationship goes back to our creation in the St. Louis region. Our mission of empowering communities and changing lives could not transpire without the support of partners like AnheuserBusch and Board Member Julio Suárez.”

a symbolic check representing

are

n Our mission of empowering communities and changing lives could not transpire without the support of partners like Anheuser-Busch and Board Member Julio Suárez.”

- Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of The Urban

ful action in the community.

The partnership between the Anheuser-Busch and the Urban League also extends beyond financial support including employee volunteer activities, leadership and guidance through Board participation, and advancement of significant issues including equity and

year’s donation also marks an evolution of the partnership as Anheuser-Busch has been working closely alongside the Urban League’s employment services team to host a hiring fair for open positions at their St. Louis brewery and Arnold Metal Container Corporation can plant to ensure the partnership drives meaning-

“Anheuser-Busch and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation are proud to continue to explore new ways to build on our partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to help build a stronger community in our hometown of St. Louis,” said Julio Suárez, senior director of community affairs at Anheuser-Busch.

Julio Suárez, senior director of community affairs, at Anheuser-Busch presented

a $100,000 grant to Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis CEO. Standing behind them

Tom Bailey, the Urban League’s vice president of development, and Tydrell Stevens, director of Save Our Sons, St. Louis.

League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.

“Taking Care of You”

Robert and Carol Powell say the pandemic has deepened their commitment to marriage and appreciate each other more.

Powells discuss marriage in age of COVID

“We’re rediscovering each other.”

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

Are divorce rates spiking or declining in this time of the coronavirus pandemic?

The data is inconclusive. Although some media accounts had 2020 divorce rates rising, new data suggest that’s an erroneous conclusion.

According to the Washington Post, the opposite may be true. In October, that newspa-

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

On Sunday morning, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine left Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan site, on its way to distribution throughout in the U.S., after the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, approved use in the U.S. In a statement released Sunday, Redfield said, “Last night, I was proud to sign the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation to use Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in people 16 and older. This official CDC recommendation follows Friday’s FDA decision to authorize the emergency use of Pfizer’s vaccine. As COVID19 cases continue to surge throughout the U.S., CDC’s recommendation comes at a critical time. Initial COVID-19 vaccination is set to start as early as Monday, and this is the next step in our efforts to protect Americans, reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and help restore some normalcy to our lives and our country.” Health care systems, pharmacies, FedEx,

per published an American Family Survey that noted 34 percent of married men and women reported increased stress in their marriages due to the pandemic.

The survey also showed, however, that most married Americans believe their unions have gotten stronger, not weaker during this time. Of those surveyed, 51 percent said their commitment to marriage has deepened, with 58 percent saying the pandemic has made them appreciate their spouse more.

Robert and Carol Powell are examples of the latter conclusion.

“We’re rediscovering each other,” said Robert Powell, 75, founder and executive director of Portfolio Gallery and Education Center.

Carol Powell, 68, a retired education administrator, wasn’t so sure she and Robert

‘Bleu’ debunks myths surrounding mental health, trauma

Florissant filmmaker’s documentary features Black women sharing their experiences

By Danielle Brown

Of the St. Louis American

In the early 1990s filmmaker Sharee Silerio’s family relocated from Northwoods to Florissant. The move thrust her into a social situation she wasn’t prepared for: she was one of the few Black faces in her neighborhood.

Her interest in cinematography and her Uncle Vornell Clemons, affectionately known as ‘Uncle Nell,’ were the two outlets that helped her during the transition.

Clemons was also the first person Silerio saw battle mental illnesses. In addition to social anxiety, he was also diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a cognitive condition associated with schizophrenic symptoms, including hallucinations and depression.

When Clemons died in 2016 Silerio said she turned to her family for counsel after sinking into a deep, dark depression of her own.

Instead of getting their support, Sileria said she was met with insensitivity and criticism.

Their comments prompted her to make the 30-minute documentary, “Black Girl, Bleu.” The film features conversations with therapists and corporate executives about the stigma of mental health and its impact on Black women.

“I questioned how this could be the last time myself and other Black women hear those things,” Silerio said. “I picked up my camera and decided to find Black women of all ages and backgrounds to talk about their mental health journey and ultimately remove the myth encompassed with seeking help. I wanted to humanize the people who were facing mental crises.”

The film premiered its first virtual screening, with Q&A in October for World Mental Health Day and in the Black Hollywood

Sharee Silerio

Photos by Pfizer

UPS, the military and all involved in logistics have been primed for transporting or distributing the vaccine once it arrives at respective destinations.

“Collectively, we aim to vaccinate hundreds of millions of Americans by the end of 2021,” Albert Bourla, chairman and CEO of Pfizer said in a December 12 news release. “With vaccinations set to begin this week, I feel a sense of tremendous pride qat what we have collectively achieved over the past nine

Documentary

Continued from A16

Education Resource Center’s 26th Annual African American Short Film Showcase.

In January the documentary will be featured in the Denton (Texas) Black Film Festival’s virtual screening. The reception for the first two showings was so favorable that some suggested it deserved to be picked up by outlets such as Netflix and OWN, Silerio said.

“A lot of people said the film will free black women and people fighting mental illness,” she said. “A lady messaged me the same day she watched the film to tell me she felt God saying her chains were broken.”

n “I wanted to humanize the people who were facing mental crises.”

— Sharee Silerio

Interview subjects reveal vulnerability as they discuss their encounters with psychological trauma. Silerio prides herself in treating them with dignity and respect.

Karissa Anderson, one of the women interviewed, was an advocacy director and organizer. She explained how the double-homicide of her uncles almost drove her to suicide.

“It was a late night in January 2018. I don’t recall what triggered it, but I couldn’t rest, eat or concentrate,” Anderson said. “I found myself looking for somewhere to drive off and be done with it.” Silero’s film analyzes the misconception that comes from the “strong black woman” stereotype and debunks it by explaining that it’s perfectly acceptable for Black women to display emotions without having to feel they must carry everyone else’s burdens.

months. I now look forward to the day that this devastating and deadly pandemic is finally behind us.”

In the St. Louis area, BJC HealthCare says it will be the first hospital system to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, starting with healthcare workers who are directly involved in patient care. Other health systems have similar distribution plans.

“The way we are thinking of healthcare workers are any person who works in healthcare who has potential exposure to a patient in any capacity,” said Dr. Clay Dunagan, infectious disease specialist at BJC HealthCare and professor of Medicine at Washington University School

“Taking Care of You”

of Medicine. That includes doctors, nurses, transporters, clergy, environmental service workers who clean rooms, as well as scientists who come in contact with infectious material. Dunagan said those workers will be divided into age groups, and they will work their way down from oldest to the youngest.

In the St. Louis area, BJC HealthCare will be one of the first hospital systems to distribute the vaccine, starting with health-care workers who are directly involved in patient care.

Dunagan said while anyone who is a BJC healthcare worker will have an equal chance of getting the vaccine, employees cannot be forced

into taking the two doseCOVID-19 inoculation.

“No, it’s under Emergency Use Authorization. We would never require a healthcare worker or an employee to get a medication, or vaccine or use a product that is under those circumstances,” said Dunagan. “That said, we’ve seen plenty to tell us that this is going to be a safe and effective vaccine, and so, we will strongly recommend people receive the vaccine as soon as it’s offered to them.”

With skyrocketing illness, COVID fatigue at work and at home, and heartache from irreplaceable losses due to this coronavirus, Dunagan says with the vaccine, there will eventually be decreases in

overall infections.

“Anyone who gets vaccinated is probably going to be protected against any significant illness and severe disease, and if we really start with the highest risk populations, we’ll have, very quickly, an impact on the number of susceptible patients who are at risk to get hospitalized,” Dunagan said.

“The more employees we have vaccinated against the virus, the fewer healthcare workers will have to go out on medical leave because of the coronavirus. Right now, we may have several hundred employees and healthcare workers out on any given day with coronavirus or they had an exposure. This will help us avoid that.”

Liekweg, president and CEO of BJC HealthCare praised the health systems employees and what they have sacrificed and endured in 2020 due to COVID-19. “I’ve had the privilege to work with 31,000 unbelievable healthcare heroes… This new vaccine gives them hope – gives us hope, that we can get to the end of fighting this pandemic together.”

Another pending Emergency Use Authorization request, this one made by Moderna for its COVID-19 vaccine, will be considered by the FDA Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on December 17.

for the

“We don’t have the opportunity to fall apart because we have to take care of our children,” Silerio said in an interview. “We have relationships to manage. We have careers.

“There’s all these things we have to do no matter what. We must let people see yes, we are women with all this magic, we do all these things, and carry loads, but we also need to release them.

“We need to cry. We need to break. We need to seek our

could survive being cooped up together for months on end.

“Initially I thought ‘OMG, how is this going to work?’” Carol recalled. “But it has really strengthened our relationship. It’s made us front and center.” Carol interprets “front and center” to mean the couple have placed attention on how they exist and communicate while in isolation.

“You know those terms of endearment like, ‘honey’ and ‘dear.’ Well, we try to use those nice, little words now.”

No more parties

The Powells have been married for almost 20 years. They pride themselves on being gracious hosts. Being well-known in St. Louis, they’ve often hosted small and large events for their cadre of education, music, art and political friends.

Both have kids and grandkids from different relationships. The couple admitted that not having friends and family get-togethers has been challenging.

But if they must be in seclusion, the Powells couldn’t be in a better environment. Their beautiful, turn-of-the-century home in the O’Fallon Park neighborhood of St. Louis features three-stories, fireplaces on each level, and an enviable collection of Black art.. Seated on a plush, taupe couch in front of one of Robert’s hand-carved, wooden sculptures with a glass tabletop, the Powells discussed their new normal.

Like the evil wizard Voldemort in the Harry Potter stories, the Powells seem hesitant to mention the pandemic by name. They simply refer to COVID-19 as “it” or “this.” There’s a silver lining to it, Robert explained: “There are some things I like about social distancing that I wish would stay. Some people act like nothing’s changed.

healing. We can be ourselves without judgment and then offer the same to other Black women to erase that myth.”

This position is echoed by others, including Tracie BerryMcghee, therapist and founder of SistaKeeper Empowerment Center. She believes that generational curses and cycles can be broken by confronting current and past mental trauma.

They’ll walk all up on you without a mask or be hanging in the middle of a grocery aisle wanting to talk.”

Carol had a different take on social distancing.

“I’m a touchyfeely kinda person. Personally, I miss the hugging and approaching and being able to look someone in the eye.”

“Me, too,” Robert quickly interjected. “I’m talking about strangers. That’s the distance thing I’m talking about.”

“Mental health in the Black community is so important,” Berry-McGhee said. “It’s crucial that we face mental health because it allows us to break a lot of cycles.”

Silerio’s overall mission with “Black Girl, Bleu” and her other projects is to make room for Black women to feel they can be themselves and be accepted just as they are.

n “Initially I thought ‘OMG, how is this going to work?’ But it has really strengthened our relationship. It’s made us front and center.”

— Carol Powell

“I know, Honey,” Carol answered, employing one of those “nice, little words.”

More time together

Carol serves on several committees at St. Alphonsus Liguori “The Rock” Catholic Church. Robert said Portfolio

and charity work with his fraternity, the local Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, keeps him busy as well. Before the pandemic, the Powells described their interactions as “hit or miss.” “We didn’t always eat at the same time. I’d be gone or he’d be gone,” Carol explained. “This has made it so we pretty much eat together every day.” Carol said she’s using cooking skills she honed as the eldest girl in her family of seven kids. She and Robert are also eating healthier these days.

Carol said she tries to leave chili or soups in the fridge that Robert can grab whenever he’s hungry. Surprisingly, Robert admits, they’re eating less, even though they’re stuck in the house.

The seasoned couple do

Growing up in Florissant and being one of the few Black families at that time was a major motivation for doing the documentary, she said.

“I want Black women to know they are loved, and there’s power in being you,” Silerio said.

Black Girl, Bleu was produced by Silerio’s company, 11 Star Studios, and received

appear fit and trim. Carol attributes her 20-pound weight loss to a regime of fruit smoothies she started making after her cholesterol levels spiked this year. Robert said all the stairs in their house provide all the necessary exercise he needs.

Carol said she empathizes with her husband because he’s not wearing the dapper suits he used to wear throughout the week. Now, Robert goes about his day in casual clothing and sports what he called his “COVID-beard.”

When asked if she likes it, Carol stroked Robert’s beard and laughed.

“Yeah, when it’s trimmed,” she said.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

There’s lots of online advice from relationship experts about helping marriages survive the pandemic. Recommendations include resisting criticism, setting up boundaries in the home for “alone time,” talking through stressful situations and

support from the Regional Arts Commission. The public may view Denton’s Black Virtual Film Festival from Jan. 27 through Feb.1. For more information about the screening, visit: https://dentonbff.com/. For more information about the mental health initiative visit: blackgirlbleu.com/mentalhealthfund/

being supportive, respectful, and active with one another.

The Powells seem to have landed on a formula that’s made their union stronger. Robert said he’s rediscovering things about his wife that initially attracted her to him. He appreciates their conversations and Carol’s focus on things she cares about, like him.

An example is how Carol watches sports on TV with him, just to keep him company. She listed similar compliments, stressing how during the spring and summer, Robert’s dedication to “home projects,” inside and outside, was exemplary and has made their house the envy of several neighbors.

Largely though, Carol credits their isolation success to a popular adage:

“You know that saying, ‘don’t sweat the small stuff?’ Well, it (COVID) has really brought that home for me. Now, everything is small stuff.” Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

Production Assistant Diamond Younge prepares the set for the interview with licensed therapistTracie Berry-McGhee

documentary “Black Girl, Bleu.”

Photo provided by Sharee Silerio

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Holiday E ating!

Nutrition Challenge:

As most holidays this year have had to change, so do the December celebrations. Let’s review some ways to eat smart during these fun but challenging times.

> Eat a healthy snack before the big meal — this way you won’t be tempted to overdo it.

> Remember to fill ½ of your plate with fruits/vegetables.

Choose one leader from your group of family members. Everyone should line up behind the leader and follow him or her throughout the house, yard or playground. The leader will do a variety of actions using their arms and legs:

NEVER, ever play with any kind of gun. Even if you think the gun isn’t loaded, or maybe it looks like a toy — it isn’t worth taking a chance. Immediately

Guns!

Healthy Kids

> If you want to try a special treat, just keep it to a taste.

> Be sure to drink plenty of water!

> What are other ways to eat healthy during the holidays?

— BONUS — Healthy eating helps your body fight off winter colds and other sickness.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE

jumping, skipping, clapping, etc. Do what the leader does until they change to a new action. Take turns being the leader and

tell an adult if you find a gun. And remember that many kids are killed each year by a gun that they thought was unloaded.

Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 5

creating more difficult, interesting and fun activities along the way.

Following the leader is a great way to stay active, increase your heart rate and burn calories throughout the day. Have fun!

Learning Standards:

Salsa-Guac

Ingredients: ½ Cp Salsa 2 Ripe

Avocados

Chopped Cilantro

1 Tbsp Lime juice Salt, to taste

Directions: Smash the avocados and combine with the salsa, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Use as a dip for baked tortilla chips.

Healthcare Careers

Kory L. May (aka Daucteor Maydai),

Where do you work? I am owner and lead therapist at Mayday Trauma Focus Clinical Network and Center.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Grambling State University, Louisiana, Master of Social Work from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, and I’m currently pursuing a Certification in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling and a Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). I am also trained in Domestic Violence and Treating Family Trauma.

What does Daucteor Maydai do? As Daucteor Maydai, I perform what is called psychotherapy. Psychotherapy provides insight to problematic areas in our lives, and encourages us to find the words to express those difficult experiences in a healthy way.

Why did you choose this career? As a child growing up in East St. Louis, Illinois, I found it very useful to have mentors and others to talk to that would help me learn better ways to express my feelings when I hurt inside. I also did not know of many male therapists of color, and sometimes seeing someone that looks like you will help you feel more at ease when talking about difficult experiences.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy helping people realize their full potential as a human being and discover their phenomenal gifts. I believe that everyone has a light that shines within them and some experiences can dull that light. Mayday is designed to help people discover their shine. Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

Discover the nature of our seasons and why the winter solstice has long been a time of celebration in this live star show.

Showtimes available through January 1. For more information, visit slsc.org/wintershow

The Science Center encourages everyone to explore safely. For information on our safety protocols, visit slsc.org/exploresafe

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS

Students of all ages enjoy science lessons at home. Inspired by the e-edition of The American’s STEM page, Sabriel Davidson studies nature using items found in her own backyard.

by Juliann Davidson

SCIENCE CORNER

A comet is made out of dust and ice. Many scientists compare them to a dirty snowball. Comets are created in two places- Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. Comets can live there for billions of years. However, once they bump into each other, they can change direction. This is what sends them to the Inner Solar System. The Sun’s heat and radiation creates a Solar Wind, which causes an increase in temperature, and the comet begins to melt away. As they

melt, the dust and gas debris forms a tail. At this point, the only solid part of the comet is the nucleus, which is the center of the comet. As the comet gets closer to the sun, the nucleus boils off a cloud of dust and gas, called a coma.

For more information, visit:

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/search/comet/.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

In this experiment, you will make a colorful comet that you can use to play catch.

Materials Needed:

• Plastic Grocery Bag

• Scissors

• Tennis Ball

• String or Ribbon

• Glow-in-the-dark Paint

• Paintbrush

Process:

q Cut the handles off of the plastic bag.

Catch a Comet

e Put the ball in the middle of the plastic, and pull the corners together.

r Tie the string around the plastic, close to the ball, so the plastic won’t slip off.

t Carefully cut slits in the plastic, making 1 or 2-inch strips.

y Paint the comet with glow-in-the-dark paint. When the paint dries, you can decorate it with stickers, ribbons, etc.

Reflect: The tennis ball is like the ice and rock chunk in the center of a comet, and the plastic bag makes the coma and tail.

African-American Astrochemist William M. Jackson

William M. Jackson was born on September 24, 1936, in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama, and attended Immaculata High School and Central High School. Jackson earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, in 1956, from Morehouse College, and his doctorate degree, in 1961, in chemistry from Catholic University of America. He studied photochemistry, lasers chemistry, and astrochemistry.

Jackson used chemical research to understand comets and led the first research team to use the International Ultraviolet Explorer telescope in a satellite to observe comets. Jackson’s work included many organizations such as the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology), Martin-Marietta Company, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the University of Pittsburgh, Howard University, and University of California, Davis (UCD). Jackson has taught at UCD since 1985.

The National Science Foundation awarded Jackson a 1.2 million dollar grant to establish the Mentorship for Undergraduate Research Participants in Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Jackson made it a point to recruit and mentor African Americans for the PhD. program in Chemistry. He has published over 165 academic papers, and has one patent in his name. He was also a founder of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.

Comet 67P/C-G from March 2016, about 200 miles away. Credit European Space Agency/Rosetta

w Carefully cut down each side of the bag, to make a flat piece of plastic.

Rainy days mean spending more time inside so it’s a perfect time to play games to sharpen your math skills!

101 AND OUT:

Materials Needed:

A Sheet of Paper

• Pencil • One Die

Object of the Game:

To score as close to 101 without going over or “out.”

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to make a model of a product.

Rainy Day Math Games

BACK TO BACK:

Materials Needed: Two notebooks • Writing

Utensils • Someone who is quick with their math facts for a “caller.”

Object of the Game: Guess the other player’s number before they guess yours.

Players: 2 players and 1 caller for each round. To give everyone a chance to play, keep playing until you are “out,” and cycle in a new player each round.

Jackson has received a number of awards, including the 1997 Lifetime Mentor Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, a Distinguished Research and Emeritus Professor, Bennie Trailblazer Award, and an Alexander von Humboldt Research Award. Jackson is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society. The Planetary Society also named an asteroid 1081 EE37 as Billjackson, as a tribute to him.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about an African American who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Players: Can play as individuals, in small teams, parents vs. kids, etc.

Directions: Take turns rolling the dice. Players can take the number as a one or a ten. For example, if a student rolls a 5, they could take it as a 5 or a 50. Students keep a running record of their total as they play. The player (or group) that first scores as close to 101 as possible without going over wins.

DID YOU KNOW?

Directions: Two students come up to the caller and stand back to back. This allows for the students to write in their notebooks, but blocks their view of the other person’s number. The players will write a number between 2 and 9. The caller states “numbers up” as the signal for the players to write their number in their notebooks. The caller then states the sum or product of the two numbers. The students use their understanding of math facts to figure out what the other person’s number is when added or multiplied by their number. The player to say the other person’s number first wins the round. The “loser” gets to choose the next person to compete.

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

Halley’s Comet is estimated to be 4.5 billion years old.

Around 500 B.C., Greek philosophers used the word “komotes,” which means “long haired,” to refer to the comets they observed in the sky.

If a comet comes close enough to Earth, it is bright enough to see during the day.

Many people believe the comet’s tail is traveling behind it. The tail can actually be in back or in front of the

MAP CORNER

Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.

Activities — Relevant

Information: Find an interesting news story to evaluate. Read the story and identify the main ideas. Number the ideas in order of importance. Explain why you chose that order.

Polygon Perimeters: Locate and circle 4 verbs in a news story. Use a ruler to connect the verbs like a dot-to-dot puzzle to form a polygon. Measure and label each side of your polygon with a ruler. Add the lengths of your sides to find the perimeter. Write the perimeter in the center of your polygon. Try it again with nouns or adjectives.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify main idea. I can identify parts of speech.

Photo

Living It

How are the children?

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

In lieu of hello, the Masai – a mighty tribe of African warriors – are said to have greeted each with “Kasserian ingera.”

The saying translates to “how are the children?” – an exchange that reflected the value that their community placed on the well-being of its future generation.

In her literary debut, Linda Mitchell is hoping to encourage the children to speak for themselves – and motivate entire families to engage in the conversation. The book combines Linda’s work as an educator and literacy advocate with the talents of her husband, Odell Mitchell Jr., an award-winning photojournalist.

The November release of How Are You

Book seeks to assist youth with the language to express their emotions

Today? A Celebration of Children’s Emotions from the longtime O’Fallon, Illinois, residents came during unprecedented emotional obstacles faced by young people due to the pandemic.

“It feels timely and relevant right now. Who knew that this year kids would be going through so much,” Linda Mitchell said.

“I know they are resilient, but boy. I’m excited to be able to put this out into the universe for these kids and families to talk about their emotions. They really need to talk about things as much as the adults do. I’m glad that I stepped out on faith and put this book out there.”

The book is available for sale on Amazon. com and will soon be stocked at Eye See Me Books in University City.

While many children’s books that deal with emotions highlight one or two, ‘How Are You

Today?,’ gives readers a glimpse of feeling feelings from “athletic” to “zany.”

With Linda’s background as a teacher – and founder of the Metro East Literacy Project – she integrated vocabulary into the book. She uses words like “boisterous” and “tense.”

“You don’t really have kids saying, ‘I feel tense,’” Linda said.

“When they see the picture of the girl getting her hair combed, they understand. I want that interactive question to start a conversation. You know, like, ‘I’m feeling tense. What makes you feel tense?’”

Listening to Linda talk about her journey as a first-time author is as inspiring as the book she

Echols, Hazelwood West grad, adapts well to college life at Webster University

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

Jessica Echols graduated in May 2020 from Hazelwood West High School with a 3.76 GPA and a 26 ACT score. She is among the prominent students who recently received a Webster University Donald M. Suggs Scholarship for distinguished academic achievement.

“When I received the call that I got accepted I was overjoyed,” Echols said. “I remember talking to my mom before I got the call and just being very stressed about it, Echols said in a recent interview.

“Once I answered the phone I immediately started freaking out. I said, ‘Oh my gosh I need to call my mom and tell her the good news’.” The scholarship was named in honor of Suggs, publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American newspaper, to recognize high-achieving college freshmen from underrepresented minority communities interested in higher education.

In October, The St. Louis American Foundation hosted its two-night virtual Salute to Excellence in Education and Scholarship & Awards Gala granting $1.95 million in scholarship and education grants to remarkable students and educators.

Normally the ceremony is hosted in-person; the format was changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During the event, it was announced that the foundation’s partnership with Webster for the Donald M. Suggs Scholarship now offers 10 incoming students more than $1 million in fullride funds annually.

Echols’ initial plan was to attend the University of Missouri-St. Louis, however, she changed her mind once her choir teacher and

orchestra teacher recommended Webster’s music program.

“I went and checked it out and it was really amazing, so I was like ‘yup, that’s my school’,” Echols said.

Echols said her transition from high school to

Jessica Echols is among the prominent students who recently received a Webster University Donald M.

Scholarship for distinguished academic achievement.

Filmmaker

Reginald

Hudlin’s East St. Louis roots influenced his Disney debut

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Reginald Hudlin knew from the moment he read the script that he had to direct “Safety.”

“I just loved the real-life struggles,” Hudlin said. “I feel like that’s the situation of so many people across the country, but we don’t really see that on film.”

The drama is based on the true story of Ray McElrathbey. While attempting to navigate his freshman year as a Clemson University football player, he takes on the added responsibility of raising his 11-year-old brother because their mother is dealing with an addiction.

“This is a movie that is inspirational,” Hudlin said. “It will make you cry. It will make you laugh – and it will make you want to be a better person.”

“Safety,” stars Jay Reeves, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Corrinne Foxx and James Badge Dale. It debuted on the Disney Plus streaming service on Friday, Dec. 11.

The story reminded Hudlin of his hometown of East St. Louis, not because of the challenges Ray faced, but his capacity to rise above them.

“We deal with addiction. We deal with foster care. We will deal with all of these complicated issues,” Hudlin said. “And ultimately, he succeeds because he holds the key values of education, commitment to excellence and family. That’s what gets him through.

n “Part of the fun for me is entertaining people and making a difference. That’s why I’m proud of ‘Safety.’ That’s why I’m proud of the stuff I’ve done. That’s always the goal.”

— Reginald Hudlin

college is going well, She finds her classes to be challenging, but manageable, especially with her degree-related courses.

“My classes are going pretty well, Echols said. “Currently, the only non-related music course I have is psychology, it helps me with my reading and writing; it’s also helpful with me learning more about myself, breaking procrastination habits, and managing my time better,” she said.

“My degree-related courses are more challenging, but I see a lot of improvement with my violin lessons and my stage presence.”

Declaring instrumental performance as a desired major came naturally for Echols because she has been involved with music since she was 3 years old. She got into singing, dancing, and playing the violin in elementary and middle school, but her high school years solidified a stronger inter-

“These are universal values that we can all agree that are some of the most important things.”

Those same values were embedded in Hudlin as he grew up in “The City of Champions.”

Proud of his hometown

“East St. Louis made me who I am,” Hudlin said.

“Yes, I went to Harvard. Yes, I lived in Harlem and I work in Hollywood. But the key matrix that shaped me was East St. Louis.” He discussed the one-of-a-kind cultural richness of his hometown.

“I grew up two doors down from where Ike met Tina,” said Hudlin. “Two doors in the other direction was Brother Joe May, a famous gospel singer.”

The mother of Miles Davis, the famed jazz trumpet player, taught at Hudlin’s elementary school. He spent much of his youth cultivating his love for martial arts and culture at the Katherine Dunham Performing Arts Center.

“From riding my bike, being chased by dogs, chucking rocks, going up on Red Hill to catching two buses to go to downtown St. Louis to go see ‘Enter the Dragon’— all those experiences shaped who I am,” Hudlin said.

See Safety,

Veteran filmmaker and East St. Louis native Reginald Hudlin teamed up with Disney for ‘Safety.’ The inspirational drama was released via the Disney Plus streaming service on Friday, Dec. 11.

Suggs

St. Louis Holiday Adventure

By Barry Draper, Director of Partnership Services, Explore St. Louis

The holidays are here, and the festivities are a plenty! From jaw dropping light displays to fun seasonal events, here are some places to explore on your St. Louis Holiday Adventure.

The “Wild Lights” experience at the Saint Louis Zoo is back for the holiday season. The event looks a little different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Guests must register for a time slot when purchasing tickets. Wild Lights is being held from 5 - 8:30 p.m. on select nights between now and January 2.

All aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at St. Louis Union Station…with some changes. In order to allow for appropriate social distancing and safety, characters and helpers are adorning facial coverings and masks are required for all guests over the age of 9. This year, the beautifully decorated trains remain stationary under the Union Station train shed for a walk-through event. And guests will interact with the Polar Express characters and Santa Claus and his elves in whimsically decorated tents. It’s a magical experience – sure to delight all ages!

Celebrate the magic of the holidays at The Magic House this year with the Museum’s new Holiday Magic experience, December 1 through 31! In addition to festive decorations throughout the 55,000 square foot facility, families will enjoy the magic of the holidays with brand new outdoor experiences, all included with Museum admission, featuring the

Gingerbread Village where kids will make pretend cookies, decorate gingerbread men, and play gingerbread games. And, don’t miss out on the Snowball Carnival where families will enjoy a whimsical winter visit to the Museum’s front play garden and enjoy a variety of snowball–themed carnival games and more!

Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden and feast your eyes on one million dazzling lights, fun new experiences and traditional favorites at its annual Garden Glow. Enjoy s’mores, festive drinks, and great photo opportunities throughout the Garden’s grounds. For more information, check out https:// glow.missouribotanicalgarden.org/.

Fasten your seatbelts!

WonderLight’s Christmas at World Wide Technology Raceway will take your breath away. Come see over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer Christmas music played through your own car stereo. Come see shooting stars, floating snowflakes, dancing candy canes and lollipops, giant Christmas trees, and (a crowd favorite) enchanting tunnels of lights! Drive right in to enjoy the show and begin a new Christmas tradition this season.

Winterfest at Kiener Plaza is sure to light up your life with a whimsical wintry light display as it transforms Kiener Plaza into a magical wonderland. Winterfest features more than 60,000 lights in the trees of Kiener Plaza to complement the iconic backdrop of the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Winterfest is free to enjoy and is available every night of the week, from 5 – 9 p.m.

Visit Rome, Italy, during the holidays without ever leaving St. Louis at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition - currently at America’s Center Convention Complex downtown. Take an immersive journey as you view up close and personal the iconic masterpieces that adorn the Sistine Chapel. Act fast – the exhibit is only in St. Louis until January 10. It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Six Flags St. Louis with Holiday in the Park! Besides cheer, the Park is featuring thrilling rides, tasty treats, and exciting family entertainment for the holiday season. On select days until January 3, Six Flags St. Louis transforms into a winter wonderland with over a million colorful lights, carolers performing classic yuletide favorites, personalized meetand-greets with Santa and his helpers (before Christmas), and everyone’s favorite Looney Tunes characters. Enjoy all the wonderful aromas of the season while satisfying your appetite and quenching your thirst with hot chocolate, custom fudge, holiday-inspired funnel cake flavors, and many other traditional favorites. There’s so much holiday magic to behold in St. Louis. This holiday season take some time to re-explore all the wonder our city has to offer. Feast your eyes on some dazzling light displays, be a kid again and re-discover the beauty around the holidays, or simply have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with those you love. You can start planning your festive fun today at the St. Louis Holiday Adventure Guide. From all of us at Explore St. Louis, Happy Holidays.

and Odell combined talents to create.

Ten years ago, she completed the first version. Photos that Odell had taken of their children, Odell “Mickey” Mitchell III and Aviva Jaye, served as illustrations for the book.

“The most important pictures I’ve done in my life have been of my children,” said Odell, who was a longtime photojournalist for the St. Louis PostDispatch

The original version of the book was well received. They even held an exhibit at The Sheldon Concert Hall in celebration of its completion.

But Linda always wanted to revise, redesign and re-release the book.

She toyed with the idea 10 years later. Then after seeing “a parade of St. Louis Black authors,” particularly Julius B. Anthony and the Believe Project, she decided that now was the time.

“My own limiting beliefs told me that I had to put it on the back burner, and I couldn’t do it. But this year there was just a hunger in me to get this book done,” Linda said.

“I realized I don’t have time to wait until all the pieces are perfectly laid out, and I’ve got all the money in my bank account and I have all the know-how. I didn’t have any of that. The book has been a great leap of faith.”

For the updated version, the family photos were blended with multicultural stock images.

“Emotions are universal,” Linda said. “I want any kid to be able to pick up this book and relate with ‘I feel sad’ or ‘I feel nervous’ or ‘I feel mischievous.’ I wanted it to be received by children of all cultures.”

Odell said was intentional about making sure that his wife gets the spotlight for the book, but he spoke briefly of the emotional toll the pandemic has

taken on children.

“I think about our granddaughter having to stay home in Chicago and not being able to see her friends,” Odell said.

“But I really think of some

of the kids in the less fortunate neighborhoods. Suppose you don’t have access to the internet or a parent who can’t stay home with you. You are not seeing your friends or getting out of the house.”

He hopes Linda’s words and his pictures will help them to express those feelings to their parents and to other friends.

“Hopefully they will get the book and say, ‘Mom, this is how I’m feeling,” Odell said. “And, ‘Look at this picture –this is how I feel.’”

Linda is looking forward to seeing her leap of faith ascend to an act of service to society.

“2020 was a test of our emotional health,” She said. “it is especially critical to ask, ‘How are the kids doing?’ and ‘How is the family doing?’ We won’t know until we talk about it –and that is how help begins. She believes the book is going to help people have some conversations that need to happen.

“Conversations can bring healing,” Linda said. “And hopefully this book is a tool for healing.” For more information on How Are You Today? A Celebration of Children’s Emotions, visit lindamitchellbooks.com

Odell Mitchell Jr. and Linda Mitchell

The high school basketball season in the St. Louis area has been going on for three weeks on the Missouri side of the river. Last week, we took a look at some of the top girls’ players to watch in the area. This week, it is the boys’ turn.

Roddy Alexander, 6’1”

O’Fallon-Christian: A senior point guard who averaged 16 points in leading the Eagles to the Class 3 state quarterfinals last season.

Brandon Mitchell-Day, 6’7” MICDS: A versatile junior guard who led the Rams to the Metro League championship last season.

Jonathan Dunn, 6’7” Hazelwood Central: An athletic junior forward who averaged 11 points for the Hawks’ district championship team.

Mario Fleming, 6’3” Cardinal Ritter: A senior guard who averaged 18.7 points for the Lions’ Class 3 state championship team.

Keshon Gilbert, 6’3” Vashon: A talented senior transfer guard from Las Vegas who has already signed with UNLV.

Jalen Hampton, 6’7” University City: An athletic senior forward who was the MVP of the Borgia Turkey Tourney after leading the Lions to the championship.

Omarian Henry, 6’7” Normandy: A versatile senior forward who averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds as a junior.

Larry Hughes Jr., 6’5”

Sports

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Standout boys basketball players in St. Louis area

CBC: A junior guard who brings back his excellent 3-point shooting range back from last year’s Final Four team.

Yaya Keita, 6’9” DeSmet: A senior power forward who is out with a knee injury. Has already signed with Mizzou.

Nick Kern, 6’5” Vashon: A senior guard who will become the go-to guy for the

Wolverines this season. Has already signed with VCU.

KJ Lee, 6’6” Fort Zumwalt North: A senior guard who averaged 16 points in leading the Panthers to a district championship last season.

Robert Lewis, 6’8” Cardinal Ritter: A talented junior forward who will make a big impact for the Lions in their quest to win another state title.

Robert Martin, 5’9” CBC: A talented junior point guard who has been the floor leader to back-to-back Class 5 Final Four teams.

Damien Mayo, 6’3” Chaminade: An athletic junior guard who averaged 12 points a game for the Red Devils’ Final Four team a year ago.

Jordan Nesbitt, 6’6” St. Louis Christian: A talented

SportS EyE

senior guard who averaged 25 points a game last year. He has signed with Memphis.

Keashon Petty, 5’9” Parkway North: A speedy point guard who averaged 18 points a game.

Tarris Reed, Jr. 6’10” Chaminade: A talented junior forward who averaged 12 points for the Red Devils Final Four team. Has received sever-

al major scholarship offers.

DeMarion Shanklin, 6’2” Jennings: A senior lefty shooting guard who averaged nearly 20 points a game as a junior.

Brian Taylor, 6’3” DeSmet: A junior point guard who averaged 10 points and played stellar defense as a sophomore last season.

Sam Thompson, 6’10” Francis Howell: A senior center who has already led the Vikings to the championship game of the Troy Tournament.

Kellen Thames, 6’5”

Pattonville: A talented junior guard who averaged 18 points a game as a sophomore.

Harrison Wilmsen, 6’8” Priory: A senior forward who is averaging more than 30 points a game this season. He scored 47 points in a game last Friday night.

A few teams to watch this season

• The Vashon Wolverines advanced to the Final Four of the Class 4 state tournament last season.

• Cardinal Ritter College Prep has been moved up to Class 5 this season after winning the Class 3 state championship last season.

• Metro Catholic Conference rivals CBC, Chaminade and DeSmet all return talented players in their quest to make a state run. CBC and Chaminade have been moved up to Class 6 after both making it to the Class 5 Final Four last season.

• University City is already off to a great start after winning the Borgia Turkey Tourney and defeating a good Westminster team on the road.

Dick Allen was talented, brash and misunderstood

Dick Allen, my favorite baseball player of all time, died on Dec. 7. The 1964 National League Rookie of the Year played the first six years of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies — where much of the fan base despised him and showered him with racial insults. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals following the 1969 season, and on April 10,1970, he took the Busch Stadium field for the first time.

“The place erupted. A standing ovation. My dad and I clapped like crazy. He had a tear in his eye,” I wrote in a St. Louis American sports column in December 2005.

The trade is historic because the late Curt Flood was a key player in the deal. Flood, who was not under contract, would challenge baseball’s reserve clause before eventually losing his case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Allen led the Cardinals in home runs (34) and RBI (101) that season. He wrote in his

autobiography “Crash” that his single season in St. Louis was special to him. He said that team “grooved.” “Man, they were on it,” he said of Lou Brock, Bob Gibson and others. He missed a portion of the season with a nagging leg injury, and the same fans that stood for him in early April were not upset when he was dealt to the L.A, Dodgers for second baseman Ted Sizemore.

“Allen was the “Shaft” of the National League by reputation.” I wrote.

“It was difficult to tell where the myth ended and the real story of Dick Allen began, but in 1972, the calm Chuck Tanner was the White Sox manager and brought out the best in Allen.”

Allen won the Most Valuable Player award with one of the best seasons in the American League in decades. Allen led the AL in homers (37), RBI (113), walks (99) and slugging percentage (.603) and was named MVP.

I, unfortunately, was pro-

phetic 15 years ago when I wrote, “Allen should be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but that honor will prob-

ably have to wait until both he and many of today’s voters have passed away.” Allen fell one vote short of

enshrinement in 2014 in balloting by the Golden Era committee. It’s a shame and pathetic.

Former Phillies teammate and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt spoke eloquently last summer when Allen’s number 15 was retired in a moving ceremony before a Phillies game — Allen was there but no fans were in attendance.

“He played in front of home fans that were products of that racist era (with) racist teammates and different rules for whites and Blacks,” Schmidt said.

“Fans threw stuff at him and thus Dick wore a batting helmet throughout the whole game. They yelled degrading racial slurs. They dumped trash in his front yard at his home. In general, he was tormented and it came from all directions. And Dick rebelled.”

RIP Dick Allen. You will always be my favorite player.

The Reid Roundup

Don’t look now but Cuonzo Martin’s Missouri Tigers basketball team is 5-0 and ranked 16th in the AP Top 25 after beating then-No. 6 Illinois in

the annual Braggin’ Rights game on Dec. 12 in Columbia. Martin said he could care less about an early-season ranking. “That’s all that buddy-buddy behind the scenes stuff. I’ve never been a fan of it because I don’t cut no side deals.”… Greg Coleman, a brother of former St. Louis Cardinals star Vince Coleman and star punter for Florida A&M, Winston Hill (Texas Southern), Coy Bacon (Jackson State) Jimmie Giles (Alcorn State), Roynell Young (Alcorn State) and coach Willard Bailey (Virginia Union) will be inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame on Feb. 20, 2021 in Atlanta.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is #aareid1

With Alvin A. Reid

Alvin A. Reid

Earl Austin Jr.

Vashon’s Keshon Gilbert has already signed to play at UNLV.

Dick Allen’s autobiography “Crash”.

Photo by Wiley Price

BAILIFF

CIRCUIT COURT FACILITY SERVICES SUPERVISOR

St. Louis County Circuit Court is seeking a Facility Services Supervisor to perform work of marked difficulty in planning, scheduling, coordinating and supervising the activities of facilities staff assigned to the Court’s Operations Department. This position includes coordination of facility and maintenance issues in the Court’s building and satellite offices. Work includes supervision of custodial services, food services, laundry,

POLICE OFFICER

plus at least 2 years of experience in facilities management, office management, property management, or a related area; prior experience in food service management is desirable; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. The salary range is $45,399.60-$72,639.36. This position is eligible for 10% addition to pay. TO APPLY: Complete an online application and submit a resume and cover letter by the end of the day on December 30, 2020: http://agency. governmentjobs.com/stlouis/default. cfm EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

REGULATORY REPORTING ANALYST I

The Regulatory Reporting Analyst is responsible for all aspects of data quality and analysis of transactional claim data being sent to Regulatory Reporting bureaus and agencies. They will partner with internal and external data providers to ensure the quality of incoming data, as well as resolve data issues while strategically trying to drive continuous improvement efforts to eliminate root causes. This position within the Regulatory Reporting Unit is responsible for providing accurate transactional claim and associated premium data to allow for making the best business decisions possible

To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/

The City of Kirkwood, MO seeks Police Officer applicants. Minimum Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen; be 21 years of age on or before the date of appointment; have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions; possess a valid driver’s license; meet the POST training requirements for a first class county in the State of Missouri, or currently be enrolled in a qualified academy graduating by June 30, 2021; and be in excellent physical and mental condition. Starting Salary: $63,355 per year or more depending on experience, plus a competitive benefits package. Visit https:// kirkwoodmo.aaimtrack.com/jobs/ to apply 5:00 p.m. CST; Friday, December 18, 2020 EOE

DEPUTY SHERIFFCIVIL PROCESS

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is seeking applicants for the position of Deputy Sheriff- Civil Process. Starting salary: $14.49/hr ($30,139.20 annually).

The individual selected for this position uses their personal vehicle to serve legal documents such as summons, subpoenas, garnishments, and orders of protection to residences and businesses in an assigned area within St. Louis County (All work related mileage expense is reimbursed to the employee at 100% of the IRS mileage reimbursement rate). The employee also performs administrative duties related to service of those documents, serves as a fill-in bailiff in the St. Louis County courthouse on an as-needed basis, and performs other additional duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 1 year of education, training, or experience in law enforcement, investigations, or corrections, or completion of an accredited law enforcement training program, or any equivalent combination of education or experience. TO APPLY: Complete an online application at https://www. governmentjobs.com/careers/stlouis under the title “SHERIFF POSITIONS” EOE. Please contact the St. Louis County Division of Personnel at 615-5429 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is seeking applicants for the position of Bailiff located in the St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton. Starting salary: $14.11/hr ($29,348.80 annually). Bailiffs maintain security by inspecting and securing the courtroom, surrounding hallways and doors, and the judge’s chamber before and after court sessions. Bailiffs maintain order by observing courtroom proceedings to prevent unnecessary disruptions and taking custody of individuals as instructed by the judge. Bailiffs provide assistance to the jury panel by giving instructions, answering general questions, ensuring no contact occurs with unauthorized materials or persons, and escorting to and from the jury deliberation room. Bailiffs provide assistance to the judge and courtroom personnel by reviewing courtroom documents for completion, serving legal papers, and by filing, retrieving, and faxing documents. Bailiffs also respond to medical emergencies as appropriate and perform additional duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1 year of education, training, or experience in law enforcement, investigations, or corrections, or completion of an accredited law enforcement training program, or any equivalent combination of education or experience. TO APPLY: Complete an online application at https://www. governmentjobs.com/careers/stlouis under the title “SHERIFF POSITIONS”. EOE. Please contact the St. Louis County Division of Personnel at 615-5429 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process.

LANDLORD RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Administrative and professional position of routine difficulty, involving carrying out specific staff projects or assignments. Involves investigating situations, issues, and proposed courses of action. Acts as Owner Relations representative for the Section 8 Department. Gathers, organizes, evaluates and summarizes information relevant to assignments.

2 years at an accredited college or university and/or 1 year of related experience and/or training. Prior administrative work in the Section 8 Program would be preferred. Good communication skills and ability to deal with the public. Must type 30 wpm. Starting Salary $36,855 Annually. Apply or send resume to: St. Louis Housing Authority, HR Division, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 by 5:00 p.m. December 30, 2020 via our website www.slha.org or email athomas@slha.org A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

CASE MANAGER FULL-TIME

The incumbent is responsible for providing goal-oriented support and individualized direct care and supervision of program youth. This position is focused on achieving individualized goals for the

and coordination

www.covenanthousemo.org

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE (Retroactive)

City of St. Louis Department of Human Services

In order to fulfill the requirements of Title 24 of the Federal Code of Regulations (CFR), Section 578.95, the City of St. Louis, Department of Human Services makes the following disclosure:

The St. Louis Mental Health Board is a subcontractor (subrecipient) of the City of St. Louis, under the FY18 HUD Homeless Continuum of Care Planning Grant, administered by the City of St. Louis Department of Human Services. Some of the FY 18 planning grant funds were intended to be used to provide paid administrative support to the volunteer CoC Board and Committees so that continuity of HUD mandated CoC activities and functions could be achieved. The CoC Board and the St. Louis Mental Health Board determined that the funds awarded to MHB would be utilized to secure the services of a Consultant to provide the administrative support to the CoC.

After MHB completed the recruitment and selection process for the Consultant, a qualified consultant Tammy Laws, was selected and engaged by MHB in July 2020 to provide the services to the CoC under the HUD approved planning grant activities. In November, 2020 after the CoC planning grant activities being implemented under the MHB contract were well under way, a conflict of interest was pointed out to the City Department of Human Services by HUD. The nature of the conflicts of interest are that Tammy Laws, had served as a member of the CoC Board for several years and although she had resigned prior to the MHB consultant interviewing process, she had not been off of the CoC Board for 12 months as required by 24 CFR 578.95.

The City is requesting that any conflicts of interest under federal law be granted an exception by HUD for the following reasons:

(i.) A competitive selection process was implemented by MHB through which the consultant was selected over the two (2) other candidates who applied. While capable in some respects, MHB concluded that both of the other candidates were limited in experiences in the areas of homeless services and HUD requirements and regulations.

(ii.) The consultant selected possessed knowledge, skills and experiences not found in either of the other candidates who applied. These experiences and knowledge have proven vital to the implementation of the activities under the CoC Planning Grant.

(iii.) Given the limited number of three (3) applicants who applied for the consultant position, if the current consultant were removed and another selection process were to be conducted, it is unlikely that a candidate could be found that possessed the knowledge base and experiences needed, thus slowing down the progress that has been achieved under the planning grant activities.

To the extent that if the above reference consultant engaged by the St. Louis mental Health Board constitutes a conflict of interest under HUD regulations, the City of St. Louis is applying for retroactive exception to this regulation with respect to the above-reference consultant.

Questions regarding this Public Notice can be emailed to Amy Bickford, Homeless Services Program Manager, email: BickfordA@stlouis-mo.gov

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

ST. LOUIS MISSOURI

LEMAY WWTF

SECONDARY BUILDING DRAIN LINE REPLACEMENT (IR) CONTRACT LETTING NO. 13462-015.1

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Lemay WWTF Secondary Building Drain Line Replacement (IR) under Letting No. 13462-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on January 21, 2021. Bids can be deposited in the bid box located on the First Floor of the District’s Headquarters located at 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, prior to the 2:00 p.m. bid deadline, or Bidders have the option to electronically submit their bid via email. Bidders shall A general description of the work to be done under these contract documents can be found in Section 01 11 35 SUMMARY OF PROJECT, of Part 5 – Specifications of the Bidding Documents.

The work to be done under these contract documents consists of:

· Removal and replacement of sanitary and roof drain piping, fittings and valves.

· Removal and replacement of pipe and structural support fasteners.

· Insulating of new piping.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Building Contractors or Mechanical/Electrical/ Plumbing Contractors.

The Engineers Opinion of Probable Cost is $ 324,000.00.

Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid conference will be held at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, on December 23, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., local time. A site visit will be conducted following the pre-bid conference.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for St. Simon Ct. #10023 Storm Channel (GCMB-250) under Letting No. 10266-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 21, 2021 Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Sewer Construction unincorporated St. Louis County Drain Layers License Required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 or at www.stlmsdplanroom.com. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F 21 401, Renovation of 4th FloorCenter for Nursing and Health Sciences at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park Campus, until 2:00 p.m. local time Tuesday January 12, 2021 Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1314. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

Voluntary PREBID MEETINGS: December 22, 2020 at 10:00 am at Center for Nursing and Health Sciences – 4 th Floor or January 5, 2021 at 10:00 am at Center for Nursing and Health Sciences – 4 th Floor 5600 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Service: Airport Business Services

Pre-Proposal Meeting Date: January 5, 2021 Meeting will be held via teleconference. See RFP for details.

Question Due Date: January 7, 2021

Proposal Due Date: January 19, 2021

M/WBE Goals & Incentives: MBE goals: 25% WBE goal: 5%

A 15% M/WBE incentive credit shall be applied to the evaluation of professional service prime contracts who are currently certified MBE-African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American and WBE-Women owned Business Enterprises.

Point of Contact: Gigi Glasper – gxglasper@flystl.com

Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 890-1802. This RFP may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/business/contract-opportunites

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Constructions Services –Southeast, HVAC Central, and Central Regions, P r o j e c t N o s . IDIQMCA-1001, 1002, and 1003 respectively, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 1/7/2021 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

BID NOTICE

The City of Crestwood is seeking General Contracting bids for the 2020 CDBG ADA Compliant Ramp project. This project is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant funds pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All applicable federal regulations shall be in full force and effect. The scope of work includes grading, foundations, flatwork, handrails, paving, electrical, and other miscellaneous scopes of work at the Crestwood City Hall. Qualified contractors may obtain a Project Manual online at www.cityofcrestwood. org, in person at the City of Crestwood Public Works Department in the Government Center located at #1 Detjen Dr. St. Louis, MO 63126, or by contacting the City’s Owner’s Representative at jen@navigatebuildingsolutions.com A pre-bid meeting will be held onsite on 12/21/20 at 2:00 p.m. Bids are due by 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday January 12, 2021. Please call 314-713-6211 for more information.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Bissell - Coldwater - Missouri - Meramec Public I/I Reduction (2021) Contract A under Letting No. 12508-015.1, at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Friday, January 15, 2021. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT 2350 MARKET STREET, AT A PLACE DESIGNATED.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of:

The work to be done under this contract consists of rehabilitation of approximately 62,964 lineal feet of sanitary sewers, varying in size from 6-inch to 18-inch in diameter, using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) methods, 76 man holes, 1,080 service connections, and 30 point repairs. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Boundaries, inside the city(ies) of Cities of Ballwin, Des Peres, Ellisville, and Kirkwood in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

All prospective bidders must prequalify in the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) category, and be certified prior to the Bid Opening. Prequalification forms for obtaining said certification may be obtained from the Owner at the above mentioned address. All bidders must obtain drawings and specifications in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

This project will be financed through the Missouri State Revolving Fund, established by the sale of Missouri Water Pollution Control bonds and Federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri. Neither the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, its divisions, nor its employees will be party to the contract at any tier. Any Bidder whose firm or affiliate is listed on the GSA publication titled “List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Non-Procurement Programs” is prohibited from the bidding process; bids received from a listed party will be deemed non-responsive. Refer to Instructions to Bidders B-27 for more information regarding debarment and suspension.

Nondiscrimination in Employment: Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order 11246. Requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the specifications.

Plans and Specifications are available from free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Ave St Louis, MO 63118.

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

The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of bids from Women and Minority Business Enterprises.

LETTING #8722

2020 Capital Main Replacement Program – New 20” Mains in Jefferson and Cass Ave.

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on January 5, 2021, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps. org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

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

INVITATION TO BID

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. requests bids from qualified and certified MBE and WBE subcontractors and suppliers for the following project:

Washington University School of Medicine 4370 Duncan - Research Building and Garage Bid Package 8

For the following scopes of work: Framing & Drywall Masonry Doors, Frames & Hardware Lab Casework

Bids Due January 21, 2021 by 2:00 PM CST

Contact: Rick Licari at rlicari@mccarthy.com or 314-919-2251

Prequalification is required and can also be accessed through the McCarthy website above.

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

REQUEST

FOR PROPOSALS #: 57820351

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals for Construction Management Services. Interested parties may obtain a copy of Request for Proposals (RFP) by emailing: morrowb@hssu.edu

Due to COVID-19, proposals must be emailed to: morrowb@hssu.edu and are due no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. No award shall be made at the time proposals are opened. The University reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and waive any irregularities in the best interests of the University. 4

ROOM FOR RENT

St. Louis County, Furnished, Util., Cable Included, Close to Busline 314-327-3042

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

United Construction Ent. Co. of St. Louis, Inc. requests proposals from qualified MBE/WBE firms on the UMSL – College of Nursing Simulation Lab, Project Number SC000621.Bids Due to United Construction on December 21, 2020 by 10:00 a.m. Contact Corey Dreher at 314-434-9690 or coreyd@unitedconst.com if you have questions. Plans can be viewed at www.x-rhodesplanroom.com/jobs/ public

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

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

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

ing a difference. That’s why I’m proud of ‘Safety.’ That’s why I’m proud of the stuff I’ve done. That’s always the goal.”

With “Safety,” Hudlin can add helming a Disney movie to his credentials.

From Houseparty to Disney

Decades later, Hudlin operates as not only a filmmaker, but a key influencer of popular culture. When it debuted 30 years ago, Hudlin and his brother, Warringtons, film “House Party” was among the defining musical films for the hip-hop generation.

Three months ago, Hudlin made history as the first African American producer of the Primetime Emmy Awards.

“Ultimately, I’m just doing what I wanted to do since I was 12,” Hudlin said. “I make movies, I make TV shows, I write comic books and I put on concerts and live events. Why? Because it looks like fun.

“Part of the fun for me is entertaining people and mak-

“When we were putting the movie together, we put the Disney logo on there and we were like ‘Oh my God, we made a Disney movie,’” Hudlin said.

“It just tripped me out. I was like ‘I really did this.’ We had the ‘When you wish Upon a Star,’ [theme music] but then I put some beats under it. It was like, ‘This is me. Y’all invited me in, but now you are in here with me.’” Hudlin is thrilled that the subject matter of his debut film with Disney works to dispel misinformation about Black fatherhood.

“The stereotype is that, ‘oh, we don’t care for our children,’” Hudlin said. “But in fact when you look at the stats and the numbers, Black dads are the most engaged — wheth-

er it’s their biological child or someone else’s child.”

“Safety” shows a young man stepping up to be a father for his younger brother. It also highlights Ray’s village — including his team — lending support while he assumes such a huge responsibility at such a critical point in his journey.

“He is a freshman in college. When I was a freshman in college, just doing the school work was hard enough,” Hudlin said.

Ray is not only doing the schoolwork, but he’s learning about the sacrifices and commitment level required to play Division 1 football. And then he must tackle the responsibility of fathering his little brother at the same time.

“That is an impossible set of obligations,” Hudlin said. “But he gets it done, because failure is not an option. And that’s a hell of a story.”

“Safety” is streaming on Disney Plus. For more information, visit https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/movie/ safety.

Echols

Continued from C1

“Once

lot of emotions when

I listen to music and when I play my violin, those feelings proved this is what I want to pursue.”

While in school, Echols hopes to become bilingual. Her interest lies in learning more Asian languages.

“Right now, I’m teaching myself to speak Korean, and next year I plan to minor in Chinese since I want to travel, “Echols said.

After graduation, she wants to join The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Other plans include traveling the world, performing, and playing her instruments.

“I still want to be that dancer I was when I was younger, and sing on stage,” Echols said. “I would love to travel, teach music, and just have fun. Music is just my main thing, it’s my entire dream.”

NMLS# 2032889

Congratulations to Nakischa Joseph for her promotion to Community Mortgage Loan Officer at Enterprise Bank & Trust. Nakischa is a business development professional with more than 15 years in the financial industry. Nakischa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from LeMoyne-Owen College.

Nakischa volunteers with the Urban League and her local church, and mentors young girls with her women’s empowerment group, G.A.B. (God’s Anointed Beauties). Nakischa believes in giving back and reaching back. Congratulations, Nakischa!

NMLS# 593661

African Art collection.

Continued from C1

“Safety” is streaming on Disney Plus.

‘Bleu’ debunks myths surrounding mental health, trauma See page A16

St. LouiS AmericAn

“If you are an elected official or nonprofit entity and you wrote a letter or signed a resolution or posted on social media that we should postpone this vote, then it is your moral responsibility to follow it up with a concrete plan of action that you can take ... to help this school district. — SLPS Board President Dorothy Rhode-Collins

St. Louis School Board postpones vote on closing 11 schools

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

The St. Louis Public Schools Board on Tuesday night postponed a vote on whether to close 11 schools next year. The Board followed the recommendation of Superintendent Kelvin Adams to wait 30 days for additional feedback and brainstorming.

The Board met at Clyde C. Miller Academy,

As the pandemic takes hold, Misha Marshall shifts her caregiving into overdrive

By Leyla Fern King For The St.

American

where members voted 6-1 to move the vote about closings to their Jan. 12 meeting. Board President Dorothy Rhode-Collins, was the sole vote against postponement. The public was able to watch the meeting on YouTube, as is the practice during the coronavirus pandemic. Adams said he believed his team and the Board did all they could to come up with a school consolidation plan, but he noted that based on overwhelming feedback since the list

of endangered schools was made public, the community disagrees with that assessment.

“But even with that disagreement, I think it makes some sense to pause and this is my recommendation to the board tonight,” he said, adding that the postponement would allow him and his team to meet with community members

Restrictions stay put as first vaccine begins shipping across country

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

As the long-awaited COVID-19 vaccine began shipping across the nation this week, St. Louis County Executive Sam Page addressed the public Wednesday and focused on the impact the pandemic has had on small businesses in the region. He encouraged the federal government to pass another stimulus that would provide more financial resources for small businesses.

“We know that there are small businesses that have been hurt by this pandemic, and through a small business relief program we have awarded grants to 1,663 business, totaling $19.6 million,” he said during the news conference. “We are in the process of getting out the door another $4.75 million to restaurants and other small businesses through a rapid deployment fund as this pandemic continues to tighten its hold on this country.”

He also confirmed that he’s signed an extension through April of the indoor dining restrictions that

Vicki Hodges, a Mercy Hospital housekeeper, on Monday, Dec. 14, receives a coronavirus vaccine from nurse Lisa Finley at Mercy Hospital in Creve Coeur.

looms for Workhouse closure — but its fate on Jan. 1 remains unclear

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

See the commentary on page A4

It’s been five months since the St. Louis Board of Aldermen unanimously passed a bill to close the Workhouse by the end of the year, yet what will happen come Jan. 1 at the jail remains unclear. St. Louis’ Medium Security Institution, more widely known as “the Workhouse,” has operated on Hall Street near the Mississippi River since 1966. Board Bill 92 passed unanimously on July 17 and was based on the Close the Workhouse Campaign’s plan, while also establishing two funds of $7.6 million to address neighborhood safety and re-entry

See Essential, A6

Misha Marshall

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

St. Louis Public Schools Board member Donna Jones on Monday walks to Clyde C. Miller Academy ahead of a closed/virtual board meeting to read over her notes and pray before the board was to vote on whether to keep the high school open or close it

COVID snatches Verzuz battle between Ashanti and Keyshia Cole

The much-anticipated Instagram live Verzuz battle between R&B singers Ashanti and Keyshia Cole that was supposed to take place Dec. 12 has been rescheduled until January 9, 202 to allow Ashanti to recover from COVID-19.

recast anyone as the Black Panther, portrayed by the late actor Chadwick Boseman, who died August 28 at age 43 from colon cancer.

“(Boseman’s) portrayal of T’Challa the Black Panther is iconic and transcends any iteration of the character in any other medium from Marvel’s past, and it’s for that reason, that we will not react the character,” Kevin Feige, head of Marvel Studios said during his presentation at Disney Investor Day, as reported by CNN.

“However, to honor the legacy that Chad helped us build, we want to continue to explore the world of Wakanda and all the rich and varied characters intro duced in the first film.”

“Ashanti tested positive for COVID-19 beforehand, and we cannot put anyone at risk in the process. First time this has struck us so close to showtime. We apologize to our incredible audience! Get well soon, Ashanti. Wear a mask, stay inside, and take COVID-19 seriously. It’s truly affecting our community,” the Verzuz team posted.

Black Panther character will not be recast

Marvel Studios announced it will not

Work gets underway for Black Panther sequel directed by Coogler year and the sequel is expected to be released in 2022. The first movie made more than $1 billion worldwide in less than a month after its 2018 release.

‘Friday’ star Tommy ‘Tiny’ Lister dies at age 62

Hollywood and fans of the “Friday” and “Next Friday” movies mourn the death of Tommy “Tiny” Lister, who played the beloved bully character “Deebo” in the comedy franchise, alongside actors Ice Cube and Chris Tucker. He also played President Lindbergh in “The Fifth Element,” and Zeus in “No Holds Barred.” The 6’5” college shotputter turned-actor was born blind in one eye, also had a brief professional tag-team Lister was found dead in his home in Marina Del Ray, California. He as 62. After having COVID a few months ago, in the days before his death, family members report he was experiencing deteriorating COVID-like symptoms again.

Haddish turns down pre-Grammy hosting gig

Tiffany Haddish turned down a not

NOW HIRING ESSENTIAL

so funny offer to host a 3-hour, livestreamed, pre-telecast Premiere Ceremony for the 63rd Annual Grammys Awards set for January 31, 2021, because not only would she not get paid for the gig, Haddish would have to pay all of her own costs, including wardrobe, hair and makeup. Haddish is a comedian –not a fool, and now organizers know it too. Haddish told Variety, “I don’t know if this might mean I might not get nominated ever again, but I think it’s disrespectful.” Variety noted Haddish is nominated this year for her second Grammy for best comedy album for her Netflix special, “Black Mitzvah.”

The Recording Academy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr. agreed with and apologized to her, saying Haddish’s deal was handled by a talent booker without him knowing the specifics. Mason said, in a video posted on TMZ, “I apologized to her personally, and I apologized from The Academy. I expressed to her my regret and my displeasure about how this went down and was handled.”

Sources: CNN, Instagram, Smart News, People, The Grio, TMZ, Variety

Judge dismisses St. Louis

Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner from McCloskey case

By Christine Byers KSDK

A St. Louis judge has disqualified Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner and her office from prosecuting Mark McCloskey’s case, saying campaign fundraising emails she sent before and after issuing charges against the couple and his wife, Patricia “raise the appearance of impropriety and jeopardize the defendant’s right to a fair trial.” Circuit Judge Thomas Clark’s ruling comes about six weeks after the attorneys for Mark and Patricia McCloskey argued their motion to disqualify Gardner and her office from the case, saying her emailed solicitations for campaign contributions demonstrated she and her office have a personal interest in the case and jeopardized Mark McCloskeys’ right to a fair trial.

In her rebuttal, Gardner argued she sent the emails merely to respond to criticisms from the governor and president.

In his 22-page ruling, Clark disagreed.

Kimberly Gardner

“Ms. Gardner has every right to rebut criticism, but it appears unnecessary to stigmatize defendant — or even mention him — in campaign solicitations, especially when she purports to be responding to others,” Clark wrote. “In fact, the case law and Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit it.”

Should Clark’s ruling stand, a special prosecutor will be appointed to handle the case. In St. Louis, the presiding judge picks the special prosecutor. Clark has scheduled a status hearing on the case for Jan. 7, 2021.

“(Gardner) is accountable — not just to the voters, but to the rule of law,” Clark wrote. “The court is similarly obligated to follow the law …

“These email solicitations aim to raise money using the defendant and the circumstances surrounding the case to rally Ms. Gardner’s political base and fuel contributions.”

Christine Byers is a reporter for KSDK, a reporting partner of the St. Louis American.

Appeals Court rules for St. Louis County, against indoor dining

The Missouri Court of Appeals has sided with St. Louis County in a lawsuit challenging the County’s restrictions against indoor dining. The County’s indoor dining protocols were designed to limit the spread of the coronavirus, while still allowing restaurants to serve customers through outdoor, carry-out, curbside or delivery services.

The Circuit Court in Clayton ruled recently for the county, leaving the protocols in place. On Friday, Dec.11, the Missouri Court of Appeals agreed and allowed St. Louis County to continue enforcing

the restrictions against indoor dining.

Almost all restaurants in St. Louis County are following the restrictions that were designed to protect customers and the public from the virus, also known as COVID-19. Several of the nearly 5,000 restaurants in St. Louis County filed a lawsuit challenging the indoor dining protocols.

“St. Louis County’s indoor dining protocols are based on the latest scientific research and expert advice from the Pandemic Task Force and public health professionals, St. Louis County Executive Dr.

Sam Page said in a statement released Friday.. “And they are holding back the spread of COVID-19 throughout the county “We will continue working to limit the pandemic’s spread so we can get back to normal as quickly as possible. We will continue our open and respectful conversations with the restaurant community so that indoor dining can reopen when it is safe.”

This is the sixth court to rule in favor of the County’s public health orders since the beginning of the pandemic in the spring of 2020.

St. Louis County Executive appoints Banks to police board

St. Louis County Executive

Dr. Sam Page has appointed attorney Richard E. Banks, of Pasadena Hills, to the Police Board of Commissioners.

Banks is a personal injury lawyer. He will serve a threeyear term. His appointment fills a vacancy left by Dr. LJ Punch.

“Richard comes highly recommended from a diverse group of community leaders,” Page said in a statement

released Friday, Dec. 11. “He is committed to serving on the police board as we work to build upon the relationships between law enforcement and the community and to ensure that our department is representative of those it serves.” Banks grew up in St. Louis. He serves on the Missouri Supreme Court Advisory Committee, which oversees the disciplinary process for

all Missouri lawyers. He also serves on the boards of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Fontbonne University. He is a past regional director of the National Bar Association. Banks is a graduate of Howard University and Texas Southern University, where he received his law degree.

It takes all of us

We all have a history. A story. We bring with us life experiences that shape who we are and make us better.

At Spire, we know our individual stories only make us stronger as a whole. That’s why we’re committed to an inclusive work environment where all that makes us unique is embraced, encouraged and valued.

Because it truly takes all of us our backgrounds, our perspectives and our experiences to move forward.

Abolish the death penalty

The federal government executed 40-year-old Brandon Bernard last week, making him the ninth man killed by our federal government in 2020, after 17 years of no federal executions at all. In the weeks before he is possibly dragged kicking and screaming out of office, President Donald Trump is engaging in what many commenters have called a “spree” of killing. As of this writing, he has rushed to take 10 human lives before leaving office, and is on track to authorize the killing of three more people. Six out of these 13 people are Black.

His Justice Department is giving itself a wider latitude in how it can execute federal inmates who face death sentences, including nitrogen gas, electrocution or firing squad.

Brandon Bernard, was convicted in 2000 of two counts of murder. He committed these crimes at the age of 18. He leaves behind a teenage daughter who personally begged the president to spare her father. He leaves behind the death-row crocheting group he started, in which inmates shared patterns for making sweaters.

Bernard wanted to live. Even the prosecutor who once pushed for him to be put on death row for a crime he committed at 18 argued this year against his execution.

Petitions adorned with pictures of his smiling face circulated all over the internet. And yet, despite this public outcry, Bernard was killed by the government.

The point of the death penalty is not, and has never been, to “keep dangerous criminals off the streets,” or to deter further crime. A 2001 U.S. Department

of Justice report found that the average murder rate per 100,00 people in 1999 among death penalty states was 5.5, and the average murder rate among non-death penalty states was 3.6 — meaning that as a deterrence tactic, the death penalty has never been effective. It does not make us safer.

The point of the death penalty is to terrorize the people of the United States, and to terrorize Black people in particular, who make up a disproportionate number of those executed.

Capital punishment as it exists today is the direct descendant of the public lynchings used in this country to terrorize and kill Black people and uphold white power.

The death penalty, like the lynchings of this nation’s past, is a blunt and evil instrument. It was never designed to bring justice, and as such, it is long overdue that we abolish it.

Until this public bloodsacrifice is purged from our nation’s judiciary system, there will always be more people on death row, waiting in their cells for the day that it is their turn to enter that sterile execution chamber, where anonymous prison workers will pump their bodies full of killing chemicals.

The cruelty is the point.

On the national level, President-elect Joe Biden could end federal executions — which, according to a report from the Death Penalty Information Center, made up 59% of all executions in the United States this year — with the stroke of a pen

This same report noted that Missourians can count ourselves as residents of one of only five states that have performed executions in 2020. The ShowMe state also holds the shame-

Commentary

ful title of first state to execute someone during the coronavirus pandemic with the execution of Walter Barton in May.

Instead of bearing this statewide shame, we in Missouri could do things differently. We could and should become the 29th state to abolish this unspeakable act. The last bill suggesting this was submitted in 2016, and never made it past the state Senate, while our neighbors in Illinois, meanwhile, have prohibited the death penalty since 2011.

Of course, death in the U.S. prison system is not limited to the formal death penalty. Lack of decent food, health care, and social and mental support kills people in our jails every day, making many life sentences death sentences by default.

This year, that fact is particularly obvious: according to data from the Marshall Project, 20% of Missouri inmates are or have been infected with COVID-19.

So, if we want to truly say we have ended the death penalty, we must also commit to examining whether the horrific conditions we allow in our prison system are truly any better than death.

But in order to start walking down the road to an effective and humane justice system, there are certain basic things that can and should be done now: most importantly, ending the cruel uncertainty forced upon the more than 2,600 people currently on death row in the U.S. There has been enough senseless death this year due to plague and due to violence. There is no moral or political good to be found in adding to that list of dead.

Ask the wrong question, get the

You never get the right answers when you ask the wrong questions, and you always ask the wrong questions when you don’t understand the problem.

Peter Drucker advised, when considering a situation, you should ask yourself: knowing everything I currently know, if I was starting today is this how I would do it?

If the answer is no, you need to ask yourself, then why am I continuing to do it this way?

When I began writing these columns I made a decision not to opine on local political issues because they’re usually intramural personal disputes that have more to with personality than policy. And I don’t believe in offering people unsolicited advice about how they should handle their business.

But I have made an exception when an issue raises to a level of strategic importance for the Black community, and I have an experience that gives me perspective that’s not widely available to the Black community. The buildings of the St. Louis Public Schools at one time supported a student population of 100,000, in a city where the population exceeded 700,000 people.

Today the SLPS has a student population of 18,000 in 68 buildings, and there are currently 11,000 students housed in 34 buildings in charter schools. That’s 29,000 students in 102 buildings, all funded by the SLPS for a city where the population is a tad over 300,000.

Let’s look at three St. Louisarea school districts that are comparable to SLPS: Rockwood has 22,000 students in 31 schools.

Ferguson-Florissant has 11,000 students in 24 schools. Hazelwood has 18,000 students in 29 schools.

All three of these districts

occupy a larger physical footprint than SLPS and none has more than four high

wrong answer

schools or six middle schools. By comparison, SLPS has 14 high schools and eight middle schools.

If a six-foot man weighed 300 pounds and reduced his weight to 175 pounds, none of his clothes would fit. Now he could go to a tailor and ask the tailor to alter the clothes to fit his current size, but the tailor would tell him that’s impossible. “These clothes were made for a man who weighed 300 pounds, you weigh 175 pounds, you need a completely new wardrobe,” the tailor would say. This is where the SLPS is.

There’s nothing you can do with current SLPS building infrastructure and make it fit the needs of today’s school system. You have too many buildings, in too many places, often the wrong places.

While many of these buildings are architecturally significant and should be preserved, they are structurally obsolete for the needs of 21st century students. No matter how much time, money and energy you spend on downsizing, you’ll always be on fool’s errand. Which schools to close is not the question the St. Louis Board of Education should be asking. The question they should be posing is what’s the school system we need to build today in order to meet the educational needs of children who will attend tomorrow?

They should also suggest the answer. They should advocate what a modern school system needs to look like, how many buildings it needs, and where they should be located to achieve the highest possible educational outcomes. They should go further and

Defund the Workhouse

By The Close the Workhouse Campaign For The St. Louis American

On July 17, the 28-0 unanimous vote by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen and the subsequent signing of Ordinance 71217 by Mayor Lyda Krewson was a historic moment. This was a moment when the people of St. Louis, a coalition across age, race, and class, joined together to demand the closure of a hellhole jail that has terrorized generations of Black and Brown people.

For decades, this jail, commonly referred to as “the Workhouse,” has been know for inhumane, unconstitutional conditions, that strip humanity and dignity from people, destroy families and even take lives. The demand to close the Workhouse remains, as does the demand for our elected officials to finally re-envision what public safety looks like and invest in our communities in a meaningful way.

In the 5 months since Ordinance 71217 was signed into law, Krewson has failed to hold her administration accountable for refusing to take the three necessary steps to close the Workhouse by Dec. 31.

The first step is for Corrections Commissioner Dale Glass to prepare a detailed, good-faith plan to close the jail.

The second is for Dr. Frederick Echols, St. Louis acting director of health, to prepare a report on staffing and roles in the new Division of Supportive Re-entry.

The third is for the Board of Public Service to prepare a report on the layout and efficient use of space in the St.

consider a curriculum and teaching methods for this 21st century school system. The buildings should be imagined as more than just schools, but as cultural and community centers that anchor and enhance the communities in which they’re located.

Responsible leadership would use this infrastructure as the foundation and catalyst of our long-term development strategy, anchored by a citywide housing strategy that produces economically integrated neighborhoods.

That would be layered with a public transportation policy designed to support both housing and education. In fact, the entire policy focus of the city would be directed at supporting the implementation of this new educational infrastructure.

The St. Louis Board of Aldermen’s resolution opposing the school closing is just political pandering.

Now everyone will say we can’t afford this. My question is how much money do you spend every year on failure? You may very well fail at something this audacious, but you already know you’re going to fail doing what you’ve always done.

So the only real financial question is: what’s the incremental cost of success? Just remember, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take

To attempt something like this requires serious leadership, and serious leadership is a function of vision, courage and political skill.

When archeologists of the future discover the St. Louis equivalent of the Cahokia Mounds and ponder what happened here to these people, they’ll find their answer in Proverbs, the leaders had no vision.

But I’m just saying. Then again nobody asked me, and besides what do I know?

Louis City Justice Center. Though Krewson is not running for a second term as mayor, she still needs to fulfill the obligations set out by Ordinance 71217 that she signed into law. Because the Board of Aldermen has failed in their oversight role to ensure the Workhouse closes, we demand President Lewis Reed and the Board support Board Bill 167, a supplemental appropriation bill introduced two weeks ago. The bill would end all funding to the Workhouse and redirect all of those funds to programs the city needs desperately, like winter shelter for the unhoused and funding for services offered in a newly-created Division of

n Though Lyda Krewson is not running for a second term as mayor, she still needs to fulfill the obligations set out by Ordinance 71217 that she signed into law.

Supportive Re-entry. It would also transfer employees of the Workhouse to lateral positions within the city resulting in no job loss, with the added benefit of filling empty positions in the city.

Time and again, when our elected officials have been given an opportunity to do the right thing, to do what is best for our city, too many have failed. Upon passage of the ordinance in July, Reed emphasized that “this is not a symbolic gesture, this is as real as it gets.”

Letters to the editor

COVID-19 aid needed now

The article “Movement on coronavirus vaccine not fast enough for fatigued mask wearers, frustrated business owners” reminds us that we have a long way to go before a vaccine is distributed to everyone. People struggling here and around the world have been waiting for months for Congress to pass an emergency COVID-19 response bill. They need help now.

In St. Louis, our best bet to curb the spread of the coronavirus is to comply with “safer at home” policies. Yet people in poverty worry about making rent to even have a home to keep them safe in coming months.

Missouri’s U.S. Senators Blunt and Hawley should prioritize passing an emergency COVID-19 package that includes at least $100 billion in rental assistance for Americans and $20 billion in funding for global health and nutrition to help lower-income countries.

Cynthia Changyit Levin Town and Country

A historic figure worth recognizing

Six months ago, the statue of Christopher Columbus was removed from Tower Grove Park. A few years earlier a confederate statue was removed from Forest Park. Clearly, some believe that such statues should come down because they represent racist tributes. Others believe these statues should stay up because they represent history.

St. Louis recently observed the 250-year birthday of Alexander Von Humboldt, one of the

If that is true, it is beyond time for him to reassert his commitment to closing the Workhouse in 2020 and rally board members to get this done. It’s time for him to put his money where his mouth is. The people of this city demanded change. We will not be stopped or ignored, we will not let up the pressure. We will continue to hold our elected officials accountable and demand that they honor their promise to close the Workhouse immediately.

Shame on them for standing in the way of progress for St. Louis by keeping millions of dollars from our communities when these resources are so desperately needed.

We thank those aldermen who have shown their commitment to re-envisioning public safety, who fight for the will of the people, and who believe in building the future we deserve.

We thank our supporters and affected members. We will continue to unapologetically fight for the liberation of our family still in the Workhouse and for resources for communities most impacted.

The Close the Workhouse campaign aims to attack mass incarceration, without legitimizing or justifying the continued caging of people as punishment. The campaign calls for the closure of the Medium Security Institute, aka ‘the Workhouse’, an end to wealth based pretrial detention, and the reinvestment of the money used to cage poor people and Black people into rebuilding the most affected neighborhoods in this region. Follow Close the Workhouse on social media and online at www.closetheworkhouse.org. #ClosetheWorkhouse

for

and style.

most celebrated scientists during the 19th century. His statue is prominently displayed in Tower Grove Park. His accomplishments as an explorer of the connection between science and human life moved the world closer to what we call ecology today. No one argued that his statue should come down nor did anyone celebrate the fact that this world renowned scientist spoke loudly and wrote passionately against slavery in America. What an opportunity was missed in bringing attention to this man to people who

feel they have no allies and to scientists who balance their work with their humanitarian interests. When we miss opportunities to show the multifaceted nature of scientists, educators and others we miss the opportunity to build acceptance and connection. Today many people do not believe in science because they do not see scientists as multifaceted people with broad interests, including racial equality.

Ceclia Nadal St. Louis

Guest Columnist Mike Jones

Report for America selects St. Louis American as host partner

By Sam Kille Report for America

Report for America has announced the selection of 64 local news organizations, including The St. Louis American, as host newsroom partners, enabling the national service program to place more than 300 journalists in the field in 2021. The program also opened the application window for reporters to apply to become corps members in 2021.

Report for America’s support is adding more than 100 reporting positions and expanding to more than 200 newsrooms across the country, at a time when the impact of the coronavirus pandemic has decimated local news economically. The newly-selected newsrooms and beats include:

• Southwest Times Record — Food insecurity around Fort Smith, Ark.

• St. Louis American/Type Investigations — African-American businesses in the St. Louis area

• WFYI Public Media — Criminal justice in central Indiana

• Granite State News Collaborative — Statehouse coverage for 20 local newsrooms

• Bozeman Daily Chronicle — Photographer covering rural Montana

• Midwest Center for Investigative Reporting — Agribusiness and workers’ status in Illinois

• Tampa Bay Times — Mental health and health care

• WBHM — Education in Birmingham, Ala.

• Atlanta Journal Constitution — Asian and Latino communities in the Atlanta area

• Wausau Pilot & Review — Hmong and other immigrants in Marathon County, Wis.

• California News Deserts & Trust Initiative — five newsrooms, two foundations, fielding reporters in Butte, Kern, Madera, North Siskiyou, San Bernardino, Tulare, Yolo and Yuba counties

The selections were made mostly on the basis of which newsrooms defined the most compelling gaps in coverage and plans to deploy corps members well.

Report for America doubled the number of host newsrooms owned by people of color.

The program supported more locally-owned for-profit news organizations than news organizations owned by private equity firms or hedge funds

More than one third of the beats are covering communities of color, reflecting a surge in demand from newsrooms to address previously neglected beats

“With the local news system shrinking, it’s important that we both put more and more reporters in the field — and that we help newsrooms that are working toward becoming more sustainable, and more grounded in the community,” said Steven Waldman, president and co-founder of Report for America.

Report for America, which is an initiative of The GroundTruth Project, is a two-year program (with an option for three) that delivers a wide-range of benefits to its corps members. Beyond paying up to half of the journalists’ salaries, it provides ongoing training and mentorship by leading journalists, peer networking, and memberships to select professional organizations.

Applications are being accepted until Jan. 31. Last year, more than 1,800 applications were received. Those hired become employees of their respective newsrooms and will begin their employment June 1, 2021.

“Report for America provides a unique opportunity for journalists to really sink their teeth into local, issue-oriented reporting that is missing from so many newsrooms today,” said Norman Parish, recruitment director, Report for America. “Beyond talented reporters and photojournalists, we are looking for individuals who see journalism as a public service and want to make a difference within their communities.”

About Report for America

Report for America is a national service program that places emerging journalists in local newsrooms to report on under-covered topics and communities.

Map to relieving student debt

By Charlene Crowell Guest columnist

Although the year 2020 has been dominated by continuing news coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic’s rising death toll that has now claimed the lives of nearly 300,000 Americans, it is not the only challenge facing the nation.

Amid rising unemployment and food insecurity, an estimated 45 million Americans struggle at the same time with the crushing weight of more than $1.7 trillion in student debt.

A disproportionate amount of this financial burden is carried by Black people and other people. These racial disparities in student debt cannot be ignored. Massive debts delay, if not if deny, wealth-building opportunities for Blacks people and others who believe higher education remains the bridge to a financially secure future.

Before the coronavirus pandemic and its resulting recession, one of every four student loan borrowers was in either default or serious delinquency. Black students experience default at a much higher rate (37.5%) than their peers who are Latino (20%), or White (12.4%), according to an independent report by the Brookings Institution. Even after 20 years of loan repayments, the typical Black borrower still owes 95% of the original cumulative balance.

nerable borrowers and communities.” Harrington said. “The time to cancel student debt and provide student borrowers with significant relief is now.”

While student loan debt cancellation and the other proposed reforms would provide much-needed relief to borrowers, it would also bring the opportunity to redirect these dollars to better participate in the nation’s economy. Starting a business or transitioning from renters to homeowners are but two examples of ways to build wealth and financial security.

Other major research reports have also connected lengthy student debt and its restrictions to economic mobility and lifetime wealth-building. Research has established that student debt can prevent borrowers from buying homes, starting businesses, going to graduate school, and even starting families.

A new research report, jointly released by the National Consumer Law Center and the Center for Responsible Lending, outlines the financial toll taken by this unsustainable debt and pinpoints remedies to systematically address the crisis.

In part, the report states: “Pursuit of education in America should not be such a high stakes gamble … Borrowers who took out loans to access an education should not have those debts follow them to the grave.”

Ashley Harrington is the federal advocacy director and senior counsel for the Center for Responsible Lending. Harrington spoke directly to the racial equity implications.

“For many, especially Black and Latino borrowers, repayment has been too onerous and too long, preventing them from achieving financial security even under normal circumstances,” Harrington said.

“Short-term payment suspension alone will not help struggling borrowers who have lost their jobs or who were already in default or serious delinquency before the public health crisis started.

“To address our current recession and stimulate economic recovery, we urge President-elect Biden to immediately follow these simple steps and prevent further financial devastation for vul-

For example, a 2019 research report by Brandeis University’s Institute on Assets and Social Policy found that after 20 years of student loan repayments, the median debt of White borrowing students has been reduced by 94 percent — with almost half holding no student debt — whereas Black borrowers at the median still owe 95 percent of their cumulative borrowing total.

“It is clear that in the context of existing inequalities in wealth and assets by race/ ethnicity, the privatized system of higher education financing serves to further exacerbate the racial wealth gap among young people,” the Brandeis report said.

“It has saddled young borrowers of color, particularly Black borrowers, with debt that creates economic insecurity for decades and limits new wealth-generating opportunities such as homeownership.”

Despite noble contributions and achievements, there is no doubt that as a people we continue to be financially short-changed. Now as we approach a New Year and a new White House, systemic changes are both needed and possible.

Canceling student debt and reforming the repayment system are vital for Black borrowers and communities.

But targeted actions in other areas of concern are also necessary before this and future Black Americans can secure financial stability or build wealth. An even longer road map to relief — beyond student debt — must address other root causes of the racial wealth gap. Access to affordable credit, including safe and responsible mortgage loans, and an end to all forms of predatory lending are representative of these “other” reforms.

Lifting the trillion-dollar debt of student loans is an important first step to financial equality.

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

Charlene Crowell

and her Uber driver neared the hospital, they encountered a stalled car blocking traffic on Ballas Road. Misha saw an older woman inside looking panicked as other motorists grew impatient and began honking their horns.

Misha mentally shifted into caregiver mode and asked her driver to stop. Braving the elements, she got out of the car, tapped on the woman’s window, and said she would try to help.

Misha decided the disabled car simply needed a push to put the driver on her way. But as she worked her way to the back of the car, Misha slipped. As she remembered the moment in a recent interview, “I was like, ‘Oh my God, my leg is broken’ and I am lying in the middle of Ballas Road.”

The Uber driver managed to get Misha back in the car and complete the drive to Missouri Baptist where X-rays confirmed that Misha had suffered a break in two places in her leg, along with a dislocated ankle.

“From that one night, I was out of work for five months,” Misha recalled. “I was supposed to be living my best life. And here I am lying in the street with ice and thinking, ‘Don’t help nobody no more.’”

Of course, that’s never going to happen. As a healthcare professional, primary caretaker of her sister with cerebral palsy, and a guiding hand in the lives of her parents and her two children, Marshall has focused her life on helping others.

“Anyone that I have had a hand in caring for, I’ve done it to the best of my ability as well as with compassion and care for that person,” she said.

Fragile life in a vulnerable neighborhood Marshall and her family live in a neighborhood just north of downtown St. Louis that has

long been in need of compassion and care. The Marshalls live in zip code 63106, which has become iconic in this region and not in a good way.

Researchers at Washington and St. Louis universities in a widely cited study have identified 63106 as the region’s most vulnerable when it comes to the social determinants of health.

Lots of data go into that assessment, but here’s one way it boils down: A child born in 63106 in 2010 had a life

expectancy of 67; a child born in 63105, six miles away in suburban Clayton could expect to live to age 85. An 18-year differential. And this was before the pandemic

The Marshall family’s story is part of the 63106 Project, organized by Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson, a non-profit, racial equity storytelling collaborative that provides stories to St. Louis media about the region’s most vulnerable residents in the time of the pandemic.

Eight families in 63106 have participated in the project to date. As part of this effort, The St. Louis American will follow the Marshall family throughout the pandemic, providing new chapters as circumstances dictate through 2021.

Marshall’s parents are John and Cathy Marshal, ages 76 and 74 respectively. Cathy Marshall has heart disease, John Marshall is diabetic. Misha’s sister, Maya Marshall, has a congenital brain disorder. So they may be more vulnerable than most to coronavirus and the havoc it leaves in its wake.

Add to all this, a cousin, Ebony, 37, another resident of 63106, who underwent a heart transplant and more recently had another open-heart surgery. Misha has been taking Ebony to her doctor appointments and picking up her 4-year-old son, Clayton, at daycare.

“So my day has not been my day for at least the past month or more,” Misha said, sighing. “It’s a lot to take in.”

Vulnerable as they may be, the Marshalls remain calm.

John made his living working at a union job as a chemical operator, first at a Monsanto plant in Soulard, then in the 1990s moving over to the other side of downtown to Mallinckrodt Chemical Co.’s plant at 3600 North Second St.

That’s when John went looking for a home nearby and came across two side-by-side

The St. Louis American has been raising Black voices and advocating for the Black community in the St. Louis region for 92 years. In this season of giving, please join the movement to keep this community asset thriving, free and accessible to all into the future.

John and Cathy Marshall

townhomes on Hadley Street in Columbus Square, about 2 1/2 miles from the plant. John took out a mortgage, bought the units, and later renovated and combined them into a single home that is two stories with five bedrooms and three-and-ahalf bathrooms.

The Marshalls are among the very few homeowners in 63106.

Census figures from 2018 show that 16 percent of residents

SLPS

Continued from A1

and organizations to listen to recommendations for alternatives.

While most board members seemed relieved at the idea of postponing the vote, RhodeCollins expressed deep concern that the decision pandered to the desires of vocal nonprofit groups and community leaders who may not have a direct stake in the decision like students and parents do.

“So we wait for history to repeat itself,” she said. “If you are an elected official or nonprofit entity and you wrote a letter or signed a resolution or posted on social media that we should postpone this vote, then it is your moral responsibility to follow it up with a concrete plan of action that you can take — that you can take within your control — to help this school district. It is your moral responsibility to do that.”

In contrast to that sentiment, Board Vice President Susan Jones thanked Adams for the opportunity for the postponement.

“And I just want to say that for too long this discussion and actions around public education in the city have been ignored and undervalued,” Jones said.

“As a collective, it’s important that we, as leaders in the city, are more proactive in addressing issues and less reactive,” Jones said. “… Over the next 30 days, I’m looking forward to having productive conversations with our fellow community leaders that will create excellent outcomes and meaningful solutions that work in the best interest of the children in the city, family and overall community.”

within the zip code owned their residence. (That compares to an average of 69 percent across the metropolitan area.)

That they could qualify for a loan to buy the home might be considered a minor miracle, given the redlining practices among lenders that have persisted for decades and reverberate in this era.

Part Two of this story will appear in The American next week. In it, Leyla Fern King writes about how the Marshalls managed through faith and perseverance to survive and thrive in what is arguably the region’s most vulnerable neighborhood. Leyla Fern King is one of several storytellers for Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson, a non-profit racial equity storytelling project. She is a senior at John Burroughs School, and an alumna of Cultural Leadership, a St. Louis-based program that brings together Jewish and African American students to learn about and address systems of oppression through the study of African American and Jewish history.

Board member Donna Jones noted that the city has been overwhelmed with various social and economic problems, so she understands why it took some time to get the community involved in a meaningful way.

“We are in the midst of a gentrification effort and it has been put forth to move Black and Brown people from this city and it’s been very successful,” she said.

Board member Adam Layne added: “I think when the community does show up, we have to think less about how long they haven’t been here and more about how they are here now.”

Sumner High School and 10 other St. Louis public schools were on the recommended list of schools to be closed next year. The schools north of Delmar Boulevard on the list are: Clay, Dunbar, Farragut, Ford and Hickey, all elementary schools; Sumner High School and Northwest Academy of Law High School.

The other schools on the closure list are: Monroe Elementary, just south of the Benson Park neighborhood; Fanning Middle School in Tower Grove South; Cleveland High School in the Mount Pleasant neighborhood and Carnahan High School in Dutchtown.

The Board held a work session Monday evening, where they took a vote to decide whether they would vote to close schools individually or as one group on Tuesday night. Board members who voted to consider all schools at once were Rhode-Collins, Layne, Joyce Roberts and Natalie Vowell. Those who voted to consider each school individually were Nancy Fowler, Donna Jones and Susan Jones.

programs for inmates.

However, Arch City Defenders asserts the Board has done nothing since the bill has passed in regards to their oversight role to ensure the Workhouse closes. The group also maintains St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson has not held her administration accountable for failing to take the necessary steps to close the Workhouse by the end of this year.

Arch City Defender’s comments came as a more recent effort by Alderwoman Annie Rice to ensure the Workhouse closure begins.

At the Board of Aldermen’s Nov. 20 meeting, Rice, who represents the city’s 8th Ward, requested a suspension on procedural rules so that Board Bill 167 could be filed and introduced in that same meeting in order to be voted on before the Dec. 31 deadline to close the jail. She said a mistake on the

board’s agenda listed a meeting that had been canceled, creating a time constraint to get the bill to a vote. The bill seeks to defund the Workhouse’s budget and transfer those funds to the Division of Supportive Re-Entry, the City Justice Center, the Board of Public Service and the Re-envisioning Public Safety Fund.

“I’m just asking to be introduced today so that we have a chance to uphold our commitments to close the Workhouse,” Rice said during that Board meeting.

Nine members voted down Rice’s request to suspend the procedural rules, ensuring it would not be voted on by the end of the year. Those nine aldermen and alderwomen were: Lisa Middlebrook, Dwinderlin Evans, Tammika Hubbard, Marlene Davis, Pam Boyd, Joseph Vaccara, Jeffrey Boyd, Carol Howard and Brandon Bosely.

In the weeks since, the bill was assigned to the Ways and Means Committee, but there has not yet been a meeting on it. Rice confirmed Tuesday that with the board in recess until

can reopen when it is safe.”

COVID-19 data

have been in place for most of the year and the relaxation of restrictions on signs, outdoor dining spaces and temporary structures.

His comments came less than a week after the Missouri Court of Appeals sided with St. Louis County in a lawsuit challenging the indoor dining restrictions.

A release from Page’s office stated that only a few of the County’s nearly 5,000 restaurants filed the lawsuit challenging the indoor dining protocols.

The Circuit Court in Clayton ruled in favor of the County, leaving the restrictions in place. The restaurants appealed but again, the court ruled in St. Louis County’s favor.

“St. Louis County’s indoor dining protocols are based on the latest scientific research and expert advice from the Pandemic Task Force and public health professionals.

And they are holding back the spread of COVID-19 throughout the County,” County Executive Dr. Sam Page said in a prepared statement. “We will continue working to limit the pandemic’s spread so we can get back to normal as quickly as possible. We will continue our open and respectful conversations with the restaurant community so that indoor dining

In the city of St. Louis, as of Tuesday, Dec. 15, there were 14,570 confirmed cases and 275 deaths since the beginning of the year; in the County there were 61,500 confirmed cases and 1,175 deaths.

Dr. Alex Garza, head of the St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force, noted during a news conference Monday that while hospital admissions and new confirmed cases have plateaued, they’re still at a high level. He did, however, express hope and optimism with the arrival of the vaccine.

“The war is really against the virus,” Garza said in the news briefing. “Throughout this year we have been on the defensive for most of the time and really all of our battle plans have been how to protect the community and then how to take care of our casualties. However, today with the vaccine arriving we can finally start going on the offensive.”

He also reminded people to continue social distancing and wearing masks when out in public.

Vaccine and testing

Nearly 3 million doses of coronavirus vaccines were delivered around the country this week. Missouri Gov. Mike Parson announced Monday that

January the bill will not be voted on in time for the deadline to close the institution.

Rice said it’s unclear whether the Workhouse will actually close, and if it does, how that process will occur. Nor has it been determined what would happen to the prisoners who are housed there. She said if the Workhouse isn’t closed, it would be considered an ordinance violation.

Corrections Commissioner Dale Glass declined to comment for this report through the department’s spokesperson.

Mayor Kreson also declined a request for an interview. Her spokesperson, Jacob Long, addressed the issue via email:

“This is very much a capacity and safety issue,” Long wrote.

“There are more than 100 individuals at MSI currently and CJC is currently well above operational capacity. So we are not about to overcrowd CJC even more and have detainees sleep on the floor, jeopardizing their health and safety and the health and safety of our staff. We have an obligation under the law to humanely house those who the courts and circuit attorney send to our facilities.”

the first shipments of the vaccine had arrived in the state.

On Tuesday, 9,750 Pfizer vaccines arrived at BJC HealthCare, and BJC was set to begin vaccinating employees across multiple hospital locations Thursday, Dec. 17. Page noted that the County will vaccinate health-care workers, the vulnerable and older people living in group homes first.

In addition to the vaccine, this week also brought news that the FDA has approved the first at-home COVID-19 test for over-the-counter retail sale.

The Lucira COVID-19 AllIn-One Test Kit is a nasal swab test that can be used on anyone 14 or older. It will cost around $30 and should be available in stores by January, according to the manufacturer.

Long-term care facilities

The St. Louis County Department of Public Health released a report Dec. 11, that showed a stark increase in the spread of COVID-19 through long-term care facilities.

The report stated that in November, 913 long-term care residents were diagnosed with COVID-19, the highest figure yet when it comes to new infections. This number is up from 276 new cases in October.

Officials believe the steep increase in cases is “due almost entirely to the explosive growth in transmission of the disease in the community.”

Neighborhood Leadership graduates reflect on their training

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Even after nine months of leadership training through the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows, Shavanna Spratt says she still feels like an ordinary, everyday person. The difference now is she’s prepared and ready to take action to make Ferguson a better place.

“I think that’s what makes my situation even more special, because that’s kind of where I am now, fighting for people, the everyday, average person, to speak up and be involved and to be encouraged to get in their communities and do some work,” Spratt said in an interview..

Being in the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows’ 2020 class taught Spratt about her strengths and weaknesses as a leader, and how to use both. Specifically for her, she said she is starting a pod-

n

“The

cohort itself

was amazing. Just the people in there, the connection alone goes a long way — like the people that you connect with is just awesome.”

— Shavanna Spratt, Neighborhood Leadership fellow

cast even though public speaking is something she feels is a weakness for her.

The group’s mission is to increase and amplify the voices of north St. Louis and north St. Louis County residents at civic deci-

See GRADUATES, A10

Shavanna Spratt says that after nine months of leadership training through the Neighborhood Leadership Fellows she’s prepared to take action to make Ferguson a better place.

in north

NGA-backed geospatial program aims to boost startups

By Corinne Ruff St. Louis Public Radio

As the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency continues construction of its new headquarters in north St. Louis, it’s looking to boost the number of geospatial startups in the region.

The federal agency, along with state-operated Missouri Technology Corp., is launching a startup accelerator next March. Capital Innovators has experience managing venture funds and operating accelerators — programs that offer startups funding and mentorship. It will begin accepting applications for the program this month.

Up to eight companies will each receive a $100,000 grant and participate in a 13-week business development and mentoring program with NGA employees to help scale their businesses.

The NGA is backing this program because it recognizes that connecting with startups exploring new technology and ideas could help the agency expand its projects.

receive education around selling into the government, how to manage pilot programs.”

Dixon said he’s looking for companies that fall into four technology areas: data management, advanced analytics and modeling, data integrity and security in artificial intelligence.

Accelerators like this one have become even more important during the pandemic and economic downturn, he said. During the middle of lockdowns in the spring, applications for other accelerators he helps manage increased by 44%.

n Up to eight companies will each receive a $100,000 grant and participate in a 13-week business development and mentoring program.

Brian Dixon, chief operating officer and managing director of Capital Innovators, said the program also aims to bring new companies to the area and grow local startups.

“For NGA, they’re going to have really unique new technologies that are going to help them advance their mission along with their customer needs,” he said. “And from the startup perspective, they’re going to have an unparalleled opportunity to not only engage with the government but

“What we’ve noticed is that startups need to become more efficient with their capital, so they can make it stretch during the current environment,” Dixon said, adding that support is crucial.

This summer, a group of civic, geospatial and economic development leaders released a plan to build St. Louis into a global geospatial hub over the next decade. One big priority is to increase entrepreneurship and funding opportunities for startups.

Jason Hall is the chair of the Missouri Technology Corp. Board of Directors, and he helped craft the plan. He’s also the CEO of Greater St. Louis, which will merge five civic groups in January.

Hall said startups are a critical part of growing the emerging geospatial industry.

“We have a lot of jobs. A lot of those jobs are in applied geospatial, but

See NGA, A10

Gateway Arch National Park names Armstrong deputy superintendent

Gateway Arch National Park announces National Park Service veteran Tarona Armstrong as its deputy superintendent. Armstrong comes to St. Louis from the President William Jefferson Clinton Birthplace Home National Historic Site in Hope, Arkansas, where she has served as superintendent since 2014. Armstrong will assist in managing all park activities while serving as the direct supervisor in preparing and executing park programs, spearheading improvement initiatives, and enacting park policies and regulations. Armstrong has held multiple leadership roles within the National Park Service, including assisting in the development of three new units: the Brown v. Board of Education National Historic Site in Topeka, Kansas; the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site in Little Rock; and the Clinton Birthplace Home. A native of Marianna, Arkansas, Armstrong earned her bachelor of science degree in parks and recreation from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff, and has earned two graduate degrees from Webster University in St. Louis in human resource management and management and leadership.

Operation Food Search HR, diversity, equity, inclusion manager

Kristen Frazier was recently hired by Operation Food Search as its human resource and diversity, equity, inclusion manager. Her responsibilities include attracting, motivating and retaining qualified team members for the nonprofit hunger relief organization. She also will develop and implement the organization’s diversity initiatives and strategies to cultivate a supportive and inclusive work environment for all employees. Frazier has more than 10 years of experience in human resources, having served in various management positions in the education and corporate sectors. She earned her bachelor of arts degree in Human Resources Management from Fontbonne University.

Williams is external affairs manager at Missouri American Water

Samantha

Samantha Williams has been hired to manage external communications and community outreach efforts for Missouri American Water’s eastern service areas. Williams previously worked for Congressman William Lacy Clay as a community liaison, public relations manager for LaunchCode and communications specialist for the Illinois State Senate. She received her BA in political science at the University of Missouri — St. Louis. Williams lives in St. Louis and serves on the local advisory board for iHeartMedia.

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency is connecting with geospatial startups through a new program that offers funding and mentorship. Construction continues on the NGA’s western headquarters

St. Louis, pictured here in a rendering.

Tarona Armstrong

Kristen Frazier

Williams

UMSL set to honor more than 2,700 students in virtual commencement ceremony

Ferguson Mayor Jones will deliver the commencement address at her alma mater

For The American

The University of MissouriSt. Louis will celebrate more than 2,700 graduates on Dec. 19 in virtual commencement ceremonies, recognizing all students who earned degrees in May, August and December of 2020.

The university is conferring more than 1,000 degrees to students this semester, while honoring 1,231 who earned degrees in May and 495 who did so in August. Spring commencement ceremonies were postponed because of the coronavirus pandemic.

“All of these graduates deserve praise for their resilience as they have faced the challenges of this unprecedented time and continued to thrive while earning their degrees,” UMSL Chancellor Kristin Sobolik said.

Graduates

Continued from A9

sion-making tables in order to produce more equitable regional policies for neighborhoods.

But quite possibly the most important thing it does, according to Spratt and others who have gone through the class, is provide the opportunity to net-

The Dec. 19 celebration will include virtual ceremonies for each college with streaming broadcasts featuring speeches, the conferral of degrees and the presentation of UMSL’s 2020 graduates. Each participating graduate will be given individual, on-screen recognition, including an information slide with a photo as their name is announced.

Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones has recorded a commencement keynote address to be incorporated into each ceremony. Jones made history in June when she became the first woman and the first Black resident to be elected mayor in the St. Louis County municipality.

Before Jones entered politics, she enjoyed a long career as a chemist with a degree she earned at UMSL in 1986.

The 2014 shooting of Michael Brown and the civil unrest in its aftermath helped motivate her to seek elected office, first as a member of the city council before this year’s

“Though we are not able to gather in person as originally planned, we are no less excited to celebrate them and all they have achieved while expanding their knowledge and unlocking opportunities for the future. We congratulate them and are eager to watch their success in the years ahead.”

work with other change-making St. Louisans.

Making connections

“The cohort itself was amazing,” she said. “Just the people in there, the connection alone goes a long way — like the people that you connect with is just awesome. But on top of that, the history that they go back and teach you — the his-

mayoral run.

Along the way, she returned to UMSL for training in municipal leadership at the Sue Shear Institute for Women in Public Life. Since taking office, she’s been looking to empower her constituents and working with the Urban League on a housing initiative in Ferguson.

The schedule for the Dec. 19 ceremonies is as follows:

• College of Arts and Sciences: 9:00 AM

• College of Education/ SUCCEED: 11:00 AM

• College of Business Administration: 1:00 PM

• College of Nursing: 3:00

PM

• UMSL/Washington University Joint Engineering Program: 5:00 PM

• School of Social Work: 5:00 PM

Here is a small sample of the students who are graduating this semester at the University of Missouri–St. Louis:

Hannah Williams is among 95 December graduates in the College of Nursing. Williams, who is graduating magna cum laude with a Bachelor of

tory of your neighborhood and the neighborhoods surrounding your community. So that was awesome, you know, finding out how things happened in the past that leads up to what’s happening now and especially around the policy part of it.”

Lisa Potts, who has lived in the Central West End neighborhood for 17 years, was in Spratt’s group. Her plan was to work on reducing road rage

Science in Nursing degree, was chosen to be a student marshal for the commencement ceremony. But that will only be part of an unforgettable day for Williams, who is also getting married on Dec. 19.

Kei Pang, the CEO and vice chairman of Nidec Motor Corporation, is among 12 students making up the first cohort complete their Doctor of Business Administration degrees at UMSL. The terminal business degree is tailor-made to help experienced business professionals research answers to real-world problems that impact businesses’ daily operations, crossing lines between disciplines in order to find solutions.

Carmen Palencia, a native of Colombia, is earning her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration eight years after moving to the United States with limited knowledge of English. She took ESL classes at St. Louis Community College before enrolling at UMSL. She currently has an internship with the Boeing Company and will

and speeding on Hamilton Avenue.

She is also working on a comprehensive, resident-driven, community development plan for the area after she and three other residents received an Invest in St. Louis Grant in partnership with Cornerstone Corporation, a nonprofit that restores properties.

“I was able to meet people from across the metropolitan area and learn about what their challenges were in their neighborhoods and make new friends and build future collaborations, because what’s great about this class, is that we will forever share the bond that we are the NLA class of 2020,” Potts said. “And I think they will be able to kind of stay together as a cohort for future training and future opportunities for leadership and opportunities to partner on various efforts in the community.”

2021 Class

The members of the 2021 Neighborhood Leadership Fellows class were announced recently. They are: Leia Burroughs, Shameem ClarkHubbard, Keith Crawford, Patricia Dees, Angela Drake, McFarlane Duncan, Tashara Earl, Terry Epps, Marcel Hagens, Charlin Hughes, William Humphrey, Latonya Jackson, Jane Kayser, Farrakhan Shegog, Jayson Stewart, Ly Syin Lobster,

NGA

Continued from A9

where we need to ramp up to be globally competitive as an industry cluster is at the front end of innovation,” he said.

“That’s where the industry is pushing forward. That’s

begin pursuing her MBA at UMSL in January. Brian Fogarty is graduating summa cum laude with a degree in biology and is currently applying to medical school. Fogarty had been planning to become a fire fighter when he finished high school at North County Christian School but discovered his interest in health care during EMT training. He went to St. Louis Community College to become a paramedic and later enrolled at UMSL to get his bachelor’s degree on his way to becoming a physician.

Lindsey Gevers is graduating with a degree in elementary education, a special education certificate and a Pierre Laclede Honors College certificate in just 3½ years with a GPA of over 3.95. In addition to semesters of up to 21 credit hours, Gevers has kept busy working at the NASA/Challenger Learning Center and the Kiddie Academy of O’Fallon. She also coaches cross country and track and field in the Wentzville School District, volunteers for Girls on the Run and has run

Samantha March, Veronica Morrow-Reel, Lisa Potts, Michelle Spraggins, Orlando Sharpe, April Walker, Shavette Wayne-Jones, Frank Williamson, and Ashley Winters.

Duncan, who has lived in St. Louis for 20 years, said he’s

n “I was able to meet people from across the metropolitan area and learn about what their challenges were in their neighborhoods and make new friends and build future collaborations.”

— Lisa Potts, Neighborhood Leadership fellow

spent a lot of his time working in nonprofit and political areas.

“You hear a lot of energy or talk around election season: ‘Let’s get everybody registered to vote. Go vote, go, go vote, go vote.’ And that is great, but I think that’s just one part of the solution” he said.

“So now that the vote has been had, it’s time to start not only holding those elected officials accountable, but to start being engaged in other solutions that are going to be impactful,” Duncan said. “For me, I just want people to take

where the new ideas are coming from.” Plus, he said, larger companies benefit from close proximity to startups that are pushing the envelope on research and development. That includes the NGA.

three marathons and seven half marathons.

Zaymon Harris is graduating with a Bachelor of Educational Studies degree with an emphasis in youth and adult development. During his time at UMSL, Harris has interned with Beyond Housing’s youth programs, and this summer, he conducted a virtual summer camp. He is also trained in the Children’s Defense Fund curriculum and has applied it in his work as a camp counselor. John Gentilini is graduating with a Bachelor of Science in civil engineering. A nontraditional student, Gentilini never planned on attending college. After high school, he enlisted with the United States Army, became a combat engineer and served for six years. Afterward, he became a police officer until a broken finger sidelined him. Watching hours of Science Channel programming, he decided to change his life. Now he’s graduating with a job at Civil Design, Inc. on its site development team after working his way through school with four jobs.

from this story that the residents are key to change.”

Sharpe is a former educator and now works for De La Salle, Inc., a nonprofit group that supports La Salle Middle School near downtown St. Louis. He said that he wants to become better informed of what’s going on in the St. Louis Promise Zone, areas federally designated in 2015 that encompass portions of St. Louis and St. Louis County.

“I’m going in with an open mind rather than coming in with the specific plan in and around organization, development and things like that. And so you kind of need to clear the slate so that you can receive the information that’s being provided,” he said. “… I’m really going to be focusing most of my attention on young youth and younger adults.”

The Leadership Fellows program is a collaboration between Creating Whole Communities, University of Missouri-St. Louis, University of Missouri Extension and St. Louis Promise Zone-St. Louis Economic Development Partnership. The Deaconess Foundation, St. Louis Mental Health Board and Saint Louis ReCAST financially support the fellowship program. The 2021 program is set to convene on Jan. 8 and run through September. Participants receive a $2,000 stipend and an UMSL Chancellor’s Certificate upon completion.

The federal agency recently launched another technology accelerator — dubbed Moonshot Labs — within the T-Rex innovation center in downtown St. Louis. The agency sees these kinds of accelerators as a way of opening up to more collaboration with private industry and research.

Corinne Ruff is a reporter at St. Lous Public Radio, a reporting partner of The St. Louis American.

Good PreschoolShepherd

Infant/Toddler

ESOP calls on St. Louis County police chief to address inequities

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

The Ethical Society of Police has publicly called on St. Louis County Police Chief Mary Barton and other police officials to address the inequitable treatment and discriminaton against minority officers on the force.

A letter to Barton, dated Dec. 7, “reflects the frustration and emotional toll that years of inaction have taken,” Society officials wrote.The letter outlined 10 things the department should do in the next year to establish a more fair and equitable work environment for minority employees.

Those actions include things such as holding a series of town hall meetings, streamlining the reporting process when it comes to “acts intolerance” and hiring a full-time diversity and inclusion staff member.

Barton declined an interview request from The St. Louis American and instead issued a statement via email through the department’s media spokesperson.

“The leadership of this Department has and will continue to engage in conversations with stakeholders and incorporate viable suggestions,” Barton wrote.

“This includes, but is not limited to, the Ethical Society of Police, the St. Louis County Police Officers Association, and the Diversity and Inclusion Unit and Committee. Improvement is a shared effort and we will not stop until we have a workplace that is equitable and just for all.”

William E. Dailey Jr., the Society’s general counsel, said the group is still waiting for the department to address concerns presented to Barton almost six months ago, shortly after St. Louis County Executive Sam Page signed a memo of under-

St. Louis County Police Chief Mary Barton

standing with the Society, recognizing the organization as a local employee association.

“What the letter does is to memorialize things that have been discussed,”Dailey said. “It memorializes what those concerns were. And these weren’t new concerns. These were concerns that had been brought up to Chief Barton’s predecessor as well.”

Dailey confirmed that Barton and the other police officials who were sent the letter had not responded to ESOP.

“I have no idea why the leader of a police department in a community that is 25% African American would not be all over this issue,” he said.

“I have no idea why she would not be proactive to address these concerns.”

The letter can be read in its entirety at bit.ly/3qZghH5.

St. Louis County Council

On Dec. 8, a day after the Society sent its letter to Barton, a majority of the St. Louis County Council mem-

bers adopted a resolution that gives the Council the ability to block a collective bargaining agreement if the department and the St Louis County Police Association — the police union —do not agree to increased public oversight.

Councilwoman Lisa Clancy introduced the resolution and Councilwoman Rita Days said she and Councilwoman Rochelle Gray held a meeting with a member from ESOP before the Dec. 8 Council meeting.

“We have to do better, and I’m thinking a good place to start would be this collective bargaining agreement,” Days said. “This resolution makes a statement on how we want the interaction between law enforcement, Black officers and citizens, and the community as a whole. I do not agree with everything that is in this resolution.”

The resolution passed with votes along party lines with Democrats Clancy, Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway, Days and Gray voting in favor of the resolution and Republicans Councilman Tim Fitch, Councilman Ernie Trakas and Councilman Mark Harder voting against it. Despite what may appear as a joint effort between the Council and the Society to address these issues, Dailey says that’s absolutely not the case.

“I can say unequivocally that the letter that was sent to Chief Barton was intended to be sent to Chief Barton and then published and publicized for those other entities,” he said.

“There was no — and again, I’m saying this unequivocally — there was no intent on the part of the Ethical Society to merge those efforts with anything that was talked about or that took place at the County Council [on Dec.8].”

University City announces program to help homeowners pay for sewer lateral repairs

Warranty Program covers expenses for repairs needed for sewer pipes on the exterior of a homeowners’ property and includes everything from the cost of a full-camera inspection, dispatching a qualified plumber to do the work and paying the bill in-full directly to the plumber.

With the SLWA program, up to $8,500 is available per service call with multiple service calls annually for covered repairs with no additional service fees or deductibles.

The warranty plan from SLWA is available for $7.25 per month and must be in place for 30 days prior to an emergency situation occurring. In addition to no annual limit or deductible for eligible sewer line repairs, homeowners have access to a 24/7, 365-day-ayear emergency repair service hotline.

University City residents may contact SLWA at 833-9082415 for additional information about pricing, service or other questions.

For questions about the program or to enroll, please also visit www.slwofa.com

The SLWA Service Line

If a customer’s service line requires repair, a simple call to the SLWA 24-hour hotline dispatches a local, licensed contractor familiar with University City building codes. Any additional expense may be covered by the city’s Sanitary Sewer Lateral Repair Program (SSLRP) which has a limit of $2,500 per incident.

Homeowner praises program

Many factors contribute to the life expectancy of a service line, including the age, type of piping material, soil conditions and installation quality.

Chiquita King has had sewer and water issues since moving into her home more than 20

years ago. So when she heard about the program from Service Line Warranties of America for University City residents she signed up.

After her sewer problems escalated, she filed a claim.

“I’ve never been treated so well by so many people,” King said.

“My situation turned out to be a very complicated project that took nearly a month to complete. … At the end of the day, not only did having the warranty plan save me several thousand dollars, but everyone went overboard to make sure I was satisfied every step of the way,” said Ms. King.

City Manager Rose added that some of the first University City residents to take advantage of the program have reported that it not only saved them money, but also saved them the time and aggravation of finding a reliable service provider in a timely manner.

For more information, residents may contact University City Public Works Department at 314-505-8560.

About Service Line

Warranties of America

Service Line Warranties of America is part of HomeServe USA Corp, a leading provider of home repair solutions serving over 4 million customers across the US and Canada. Founded in 2003, SLWA is the trusted source of utility line protection programs endorsed by the National League of Cities, in addition to having an A+ rating with the BBB and receiving the BBB Torch Award for Ethics numerous times. Together with HomeServe, SLWA is dedicated to supplying best-in-class repair plans and delivering superior customer service to consumers through over 85.

Jones on St. Louis mayoral ballot after turning in more signatures

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

After turning in additional petition signatures to the Board of Elections on Dec. 7, St. Louis City Treasurer Tishaura Jones is officially on the primary ballot as a candidate for mayor.

Jones joins Alderwoman Cara Spencer and Aldermanic

President Lewis Reed, who both filed Nov. 23, the first day candidates could do so. They met the signature requirements. Jones filed to run for mayor Nov. 30, according to city records, but Benjamin Borgmeyer, Board of Elections Democratic director, said 274 signatures on her petition could not be verified or were missing.

He noted there were various reasons that could account for the shortage: the signature belongs to someone who isn’t a registered voter, the signature doesn’t match the voter’s on file and the lines that are left blank.

Once notified of the shortage, Jones’ campaign manager Rosetta Okohson said volunteers immediately went to work to gather more signatures.

No additional candidates have filed for the mayoral race Monday.

In November, Dana Kelly announced she would file, but has not done so yet because

she was quarantining after she was diagnosed this month with coronavirus and pneumonia. Jones announced her candidacy for mayor Nov. 4., a day after Prop D passed with a decisive margin of 86,097 votes (68.14%) to 40,261 (31.86%). Prop D makes three major changes to the voting process in Missouri: it establishes a nonpartisan primary, gives voters the ability to approve or disapprove of every candidate on the ballot, and allows the two candidates with the most votes in the primary to advance to the general election. Borgmeyer noted that while voters can vote for as many candidates as they want in the primary, they’re technically only allowed to sign one candidate’s petition per office. However, currently, there’s no way for election officials to cross reference information to make sure someone doesn’t sign more than one.

Tishaura Jones

Anheuser-Busch Foundation donates $100,000 to Urban League, launches employment partnership

The Anheuser-Busch Foundation on Monday, presented the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis with a $100,000 donation in support of economic opportunity and employment services in the St. Louis community.

The donation builds on a longstanding relationship between the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Anheuser-Busch spanning decades. The partnership aims to help improve the quality of life for families in the St. Louis metro area through employment services and training, education, life skills development, health and safety, and community improvement.

Over the last six years, Anheuser-Busch and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation’s donations have totaled more than $1 million in support of the Urban League’s Whitney M. Young Society, employment and training services including the Save Our Sons program, and hosting the welcome reception for the 2017 Urban League National Conference held in St. Louis.

“We are extremely thankful for our longtime partnership with Anheuser-Busch,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.

“The deep relationship goes back to our creation in the St. Louis region. Our mission of empowering communities and changing lives could not transpire without the support of partners like AnheuserBusch and Board Member Julio Suárez.”

a symbolic check representing

are

n Our mission of empowering communities and changing lives could not transpire without the support of partners like Anheuser-Busch and Board Member Julio Suárez.”

- Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of The Urban

ful action in the community.

The partnership between the Anheuser-Busch and the Urban League also extends beyond financial support including employee volunteer activities, leadership and guidance through Board participation, and advancement of significant issues including equity and

year’s donation also marks an evolution of the partnership as Anheuser-Busch has been working closely alongside the Urban League’s employment services team to host a hiring fair for open positions at their St. Louis brewery and Arnold Metal Container Corporation can plant to ensure the partnership drives meaning-

“Anheuser-Busch and the Anheuser-Busch Foundation are proud to continue to explore new ways to build on our partnership with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to help build a stronger community in our hometown of St. Louis,” said Julio Suárez, senior director of community affairs at Anheuser-Busch.

Julio Suárez, senior director of community affairs, at Anheuser-Busch presented

a $100,000 grant to Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis CEO. Standing behind them

Tom Bailey, the Urban League’s vice president of development, and Tydrell Stevens, director of Save Our Sons, St. Louis.

League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc.

“Taking Care of You”

Robert and Carol Powell say the pandemic has deepened their commitment to marriage and appreciate each other more.

Powells discuss marriage in age of COVID

“We’re rediscovering each other.”

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

Are divorce rates spiking or declining in this time of the coronavirus pandemic?

The data is inconclusive. Although some media accounts had 2020 divorce rates rising, new data suggest that’s an erroneous conclusion.

According to the Washington Post, the opposite may be true. In October, that newspa-

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

On Sunday morning, the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine left Pfizer’s Kalamazoo, Michigan site, on its way to distribution throughout in the U.S., after the Director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Dr. Robert Redfield, approved use in the U.S. In a statement released Sunday, Redfield said, “Last night, I was proud to sign the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices’ recommendation to use Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine in people 16 and older. This official CDC recommendation follows Friday’s FDA decision to authorize the emergency use of Pfizer’s vaccine. As COVID19 cases continue to surge throughout the U.S., CDC’s recommendation comes at a critical time. Initial COVID-19 vaccination is set to start as early as Monday, and this is the next step in our efforts to protect Americans, reduce the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, and help restore some normalcy to our lives and our country.” Health care systems, pharmacies, FedEx,

per published an American Family Survey that noted 34 percent of married men and women reported increased stress in their marriages due to the pandemic.

The survey also showed, however, that most married Americans believe their unions have gotten stronger, not weaker during this time. Of those surveyed, 51 percent said their commitment to marriage has deepened, with 58 percent saying the pandemic has made them appreciate their spouse more.

Robert and Carol Powell are examples of the latter conclusion.

“We’re rediscovering each other,” said Robert Powell, 75, founder and executive director of Portfolio Gallery and Education Center.

Carol Powell, 68, a retired education administrator, wasn’t so sure she and Robert

‘Bleu’ debunks myths surrounding mental health, trauma

Florissant filmmaker’s documentary features Black women sharing their experiences

By Danielle Brown

Of the St. Louis American

In the early 1990s filmmaker Sharee Silerio’s family relocated from Northwoods to Florissant. The move thrust her into a social situation she wasn’t prepared for: she was one of the few Black faces in her neighborhood.

Her interest in cinematography and her Uncle Vornell Clemons, affectionately known as ‘Uncle Nell,’ were the two outlets that helped her during the transition.

Clemons was also the first person Silerio saw battle mental illnesses. In addition to social anxiety, he was also diagnosed with schizoaffective disorder, a cognitive condition associated with schizophrenic symptoms, including hallucinations and depression.

When Clemons died in 2016 Silerio said she turned to her family for counsel after sinking into a deep, dark depression of her own.

Instead of getting their support, Sileria said she was met with insensitivity and criticism.

Their comments prompted her to make the 30-minute documentary, “Black Girl, Bleu.” The film features conversations with therapists and corporate executives about the stigma of mental health and its impact on Black women.

“I questioned how this could be the last time myself and other Black women hear those things,” Silerio said. “I picked up my camera and decided to find Black women of all ages and backgrounds to talk about their mental health journey and ultimately remove the myth encompassed with seeking help. I wanted to humanize the people who were facing mental crises.”

The film premiered its first virtual screening, with Q&A in October for World Mental Health Day and in the Black Hollywood

Sharee Silerio

Photos by Pfizer

UPS, the military and all involved in logistics have been primed for transporting or distributing the vaccine once it arrives at respective destinations.

“Collectively, we aim to vaccinate hundreds of millions of Americans by the end of 2021,” Albert Bourla, chairman and CEO of Pfizer said in a December 12 news release. “With vaccinations set to begin this week, I feel a sense of tremendous pride qat what we have collectively achieved over the past nine

Documentary

Continued from A16

Education Resource Center’s 26th Annual African American Short Film Showcase.

In January the documentary will be featured in the Denton (Texas) Black Film Festival’s virtual screening. The reception for the first two showings was so favorable that some suggested it deserved to be picked up by outlets such as Netflix and OWN, Silerio said.

“A lot of people said the film will free black women and people fighting mental illness,” she said. “A lady messaged me the same day she watched the film to tell me she felt God saying her chains were broken.”

n “I wanted to humanize the people who were facing mental crises.”

— Sharee Silerio

Interview subjects reveal vulnerability as they discuss their encounters with psychological trauma. Silerio prides herself in treating them with dignity and respect.

Karissa Anderson, one of the women interviewed, was an advocacy director and organizer. She explained how the double-homicide of her uncles almost drove her to suicide.

“It was a late night in January 2018. I don’t recall what triggered it, but I couldn’t rest, eat or concentrate,” Anderson said. “I found myself looking for somewhere to drive off and be done with it.” Silero’s film analyzes the misconception that comes from the “strong black woman” stereotype and debunks it by explaining that it’s perfectly acceptable for Black women to display emotions without having to feel they must carry everyone else’s burdens.

months. I now look forward to the day that this devastating and deadly pandemic is finally behind us.”

In the St. Louis area, BJC HealthCare says it will be the first hospital system to distribute the COVID-19 vaccine, starting with healthcare workers who are directly involved in patient care. Other health systems have similar distribution plans.

“The way we are thinking of healthcare workers are any person who works in healthcare who has potential exposure to a patient in any capacity,” said Dr. Clay Dunagan, infectious disease specialist at BJC HealthCare and professor of Medicine at Washington University School

“Taking Care of You”

of Medicine. That includes doctors, nurses, transporters, clergy, environmental service workers who clean rooms, as well as scientists who come in contact with infectious material. Dunagan said those workers will be divided into age groups, and they will work their way down from oldest to the youngest.

In the St. Louis area, BJC HealthCare will be one of the first hospital systems to distribute the vaccine, starting with health-care workers who are directly involved in patient care.

Dunagan said while anyone who is a BJC healthcare worker will have an equal chance of getting the vaccine, employees cannot be forced

into taking the two doseCOVID-19 inoculation.

“No, it’s under Emergency Use Authorization. We would never require a healthcare worker or an employee to get a medication, or vaccine or use a product that is under those circumstances,” said Dunagan. “That said, we’ve seen plenty to tell us that this is going to be a safe and effective vaccine, and so, we will strongly recommend people receive the vaccine as soon as it’s offered to them.”

With skyrocketing illness, COVID fatigue at work and at home, and heartache from irreplaceable losses due to this coronavirus, Dunagan says with the vaccine, there will eventually be decreases in

overall infections.

“Anyone who gets vaccinated is probably going to be protected against any significant illness and severe disease, and if we really start with the highest risk populations, we’ll have, very quickly, an impact on the number of susceptible patients who are at risk to get hospitalized,” Dunagan said.

“The more employees we have vaccinated against the virus, the fewer healthcare workers will have to go out on medical leave because of the coronavirus. Right now, we may have several hundred employees and healthcare workers out on any given day with coronavirus or they had an exposure. This will help us avoid that.”

Liekweg, president and CEO of BJC HealthCare praised the health systems employees and what they have sacrificed and endured in 2020 due to COVID-19. “I’ve had the privilege to work with 31,000 unbelievable healthcare heroes… This new vaccine gives them hope – gives us hope, that we can get to the end of fighting this pandemic together.”

Another pending Emergency Use Authorization request, this one made by Moderna for its COVID-19 vaccine, will be considered by the FDA Vaccine and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee on December 17.

for the

“We don’t have the opportunity to fall apart because we have to take care of our children,” Silerio said in an interview. “We have relationships to manage. We have careers.

“There’s all these things we have to do no matter what. We must let people see yes, we are women with all this magic, we do all these things, and carry loads, but we also need to release them.

“We need to cry. We need to break. We need to seek our

could survive being cooped up together for months on end.

“Initially I thought ‘OMG, how is this going to work?’” Carol recalled. “But it has really strengthened our relationship. It’s made us front and center.” Carol interprets “front and center” to mean the couple have placed attention on how they exist and communicate while in isolation.

“You know those terms of endearment like, ‘honey’ and ‘dear.’ Well, we try to use those nice, little words now.”

No more parties

The Powells have been married for almost 20 years. They pride themselves on being gracious hosts. Being well-known in St. Louis, they’ve often hosted small and large events for their cadre of education, music, art and political friends.

Both have kids and grandkids from different relationships. The couple admitted that not having friends and family get-togethers has been challenging.

But if they must be in seclusion, the Powells couldn’t be in a better environment. Their beautiful, turn-of-the-century home in the O’Fallon Park neighborhood of St. Louis features three-stories, fireplaces on each level, and an enviable collection of Black art.. Seated on a plush, taupe couch in front of one of Robert’s hand-carved, wooden sculptures with a glass tabletop, the Powells discussed their new normal.

Like the evil wizard Voldemort in the Harry Potter stories, the Powells seem hesitant to mention the pandemic by name. They simply refer to COVID-19 as “it” or “this.” There’s a silver lining to it, Robert explained: “There are some things I like about social distancing that I wish would stay. Some people act like nothing’s changed.

healing. We can be ourselves without judgment and then offer the same to other Black women to erase that myth.”

This position is echoed by others, including Tracie BerryMcghee, therapist and founder of SistaKeeper Empowerment Center. She believes that generational curses and cycles can be broken by confronting current and past mental trauma.

They’ll walk all up on you without a mask or be hanging in the middle of a grocery aisle wanting to talk.”

Carol had a different take on social distancing.

“I’m a touchyfeely kinda person. Personally, I miss the hugging and approaching and being able to look someone in the eye.”

“Me, too,” Robert quickly interjected. “I’m talking about strangers. That’s the distance thing I’m talking about.”

“Mental health in the Black community is so important,” Berry-McGhee said. “It’s crucial that we face mental health because it allows us to break a lot of cycles.”

Silerio’s overall mission with “Black Girl, Bleu” and her other projects is to make room for Black women to feel they can be themselves and be accepted just as they are.

n “Initially I thought ‘OMG, how is this going to work?’ But it has really strengthened our relationship. It’s made us front and center.”

— Carol Powell

“I know, Honey,” Carol answered, employing one of those “nice, little words.”

More time together

Carol serves on several committees at St. Alphonsus Liguori “The Rock” Catholic Church. Robert said Portfolio

and charity work with his fraternity, the local Alpha Phi Alpha chapter, keeps him busy as well. Before the pandemic, the Powells described their interactions as “hit or miss.” “We didn’t always eat at the same time. I’d be gone or he’d be gone,” Carol explained. “This has made it so we pretty much eat together every day.” Carol said she’s using cooking skills she honed as the eldest girl in her family of seven kids. She and Robert are also eating healthier these days.

Carol said she tries to leave chili or soups in the fridge that Robert can grab whenever he’s hungry. Surprisingly, Robert admits, they’re eating less, even though they’re stuck in the house.

The seasoned couple do

Growing up in Florissant and being one of the few Black families at that time was a major motivation for doing the documentary, she said.

“I want Black women to know they are loved, and there’s power in being you,” Silerio said.

Black Girl, Bleu was produced by Silerio’s company, 11 Star Studios, and received

appear fit and trim. Carol attributes her 20-pound weight loss to a regime of fruit smoothies she started making after her cholesterol levels spiked this year. Robert said all the stairs in their house provide all the necessary exercise he needs.

Carol said she empathizes with her husband because he’s not wearing the dapper suits he used to wear throughout the week. Now, Robert goes about his day in casual clothing and sports what he called his “COVID-beard.”

When asked if she likes it, Carol stroked Robert’s beard and laughed.

“Yeah, when it’s trimmed,” she said.

Don’t sweat the small stuff

There’s lots of online advice from relationship experts about helping marriages survive the pandemic. Recommendations include resisting criticism, setting up boundaries in the home for “alone time,” talking through stressful situations and

support from the Regional Arts Commission. The public may view Denton’s Black Virtual Film Festival from Jan. 27 through Feb.1. For more information about the screening, visit: https://dentonbff.com/. For more information about the mental health initiative visit: blackgirlbleu.com/mentalhealthfund/

being supportive, respectful, and active with one another.

The Powells seem to have landed on a formula that’s made their union stronger. Robert said he’s rediscovering things about his wife that initially attracted her to him. He appreciates their conversations and Carol’s focus on things she cares about, like him.

An example is how Carol watches sports on TV with him, just to keep him company. She listed similar compliments, stressing how during the spring and summer, Robert’s dedication to “home projects,” inside and outside, was exemplary and has made their house the envy of several neighbors.

Largely though, Carol credits their isolation success to a popular adage:

“You know that saying, ‘don’t sweat the small stuff?’ Well, it (COVID) has really brought that home for me. Now, everything is small stuff.” Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

Production Assistant Diamond Younge prepares the set for the interview with licensed therapistTracie Berry-McGhee

documentary “Black Girl, Bleu.”

Photo provided by Sharee Silerio

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Holiday E ating!

Nutrition Challenge:

As most holidays this year have had to change, so do the December celebrations. Let’s review some ways to eat smart during these fun but challenging times.

> Eat a healthy snack before the big meal — this way you won’t be tempted to overdo it.

> Remember to fill ½ of your plate with fruits/vegetables.

Choose one leader from your group of family members. Everyone should line up behind the leader and follow him or her throughout the house, yard or playground. The leader will do a variety of actions using their arms and legs:

NEVER, ever play with any kind of gun. Even if you think the gun isn’t loaded, or maybe it looks like a toy — it isn’t worth taking a chance. Immediately

Guns!

Healthy Kids

> If you want to try a special treat, just keep it to a taste.

> Be sure to drink plenty of water!

> What are other ways to eat healthy during the holidays?

— BONUS — Healthy eating helps your body fight off winter colds and other sickness.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE

jumping, skipping, clapping, etc. Do what the leader does until they change to a new action. Take turns being the leader and

tell an adult if you find a gun. And remember that many kids are killed each year by a gun that they thought was unloaded.

Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 5

creating more difficult, interesting and fun activities along the way.

Following the leader is a great way to stay active, increase your heart rate and burn calories throughout the day. Have fun!

Learning Standards:

Salsa-Guac

Ingredients: ½ Cp Salsa 2 Ripe

Avocados

Chopped Cilantro

1 Tbsp Lime juice Salt, to taste

Directions: Smash the avocados and combine with the salsa, cilantro, lime juice and salt. Use as a dip for baked tortilla chips.

Healthcare Careers

Kory L. May (aka Daucteor Maydai),

Where do you work? I am owner and lead therapist at Mayday Trauma Focus Clinical Network and Center.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from East St. Louis Senior High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Criminal Justice from Grambling State University, Louisiana, Master of Social Work from Southern Illinois University in Edwardsville, and I’m currently pursuing a Certification in Alcohol and Substance Abuse Counseling and a Neurosequential Model of Therapeutics (NMT). I am also trained in Domestic Violence and Treating Family Trauma.

What does Daucteor Maydai do? As Daucteor Maydai, I perform what is called psychotherapy. Psychotherapy provides insight to problematic areas in our lives, and encourages us to find the words to express those difficult experiences in a healthy way.

Why did you choose this career? As a child growing up in East St. Louis, Illinois, I found it very useful to have mentors and others to talk to that would help me learn better ways to express my feelings when I hurt inside. I also did not know of many male therapists of color, and sometimes seeing someone that looks like you will help you feel more at ease when talking about difficult experiences.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy helping people realize their full potential as a human being and discover their phenomenal gifts. I believe that everyone has a light that shines within them and some experiences can dull that light. Mayday is designed to help people discover their shine. Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

Discover the nature of our seasons and why the winter solstice has long been a time of celebration in this live star show.

Showtimes available through January 1. For more information, visit slsc.org/wintershow

The Science Center encourages everyone to explore safely. For information on our safety protocols, visit slsc.org/exploresafe

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

FAMILY SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS

Students of all ages enjoy science lessons at home. Inspired by the e-edition of The American’s STEM page, Sabriel Davidson studies nature using items found in her own backyard.

by Juliann Davidson

SCIENCE CORNER

A comet is made out of dust and ice. Many scientists compare them to a dirty snowball. Comets are created in two places- Kuiper Belt and the Oort Cloud. Comets can live there for billions of years. However, once they bump into each other, they can change direction. This is what sends them to the Inner Solar System. The Sun’s heat and radiation creates a Solar Wind, which causes an increase in temperature, and the comet begins to melt away. As they

melt, the dust and gas debris forms a tail. At this point, the only solid part of the comet is the nucleus, which is the center of the comet. As the comet gets closer to the sun, the nucleus boils off a cloud of dust and gas, called a coma.

For more information, visit:

https://spaceplace.nasa.gov/search/comet/.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

In this experiment, you will make a colorful comet that you can use to play catch.

Materials Needed:

• Plastic Grocery Bag

• Scissors

• Tennis Ball

• String or Ribbon

• Glow-in-the-dark Paint

• Paintbrush

Process:

q Cut the handles off of the plastic bag.

Catch a Comet

e Put the ball in the middle of the plastic, and pull the corners together.

r Tie the string around the plastic, close to the ball, so the plastic won’t slip off.

t Carefully cut slits in the plastic, making 1 or 2-inch strips.

y Paint the comet with glow-in-the-dark paint. When the paint dries, you can decorate it with stickers, ribbons, etc.

Reflect: The tennis ball is like the ice and rock chunk in the center of a comet, and the plastic bag makes the coma and tail.

African-American Astrochemist William M. Jackson

William M. Jackson was born on September 24, 1936, in Birmingham, Alabama. He grew up in Birmingham and Mobile, Alabama, and attended Immaculata High School and Central High School. Jackson earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry, in 1956, from Morehouse College, and his doctorate degree, in 1961, in chemistry from Catholic University of America. He studied photochemistry, lasers chemistry, and astrochemistry.

Jackson used chemical research to understand comets and led the first research team to use the International Ultraviolet Explorer telescope in a satellite to observe comets. Jackson’s work included many organizations such as the National Bureau of Standards (now the National Institute of Standards and Technology), Martin-Marietta Company, NASA’s Goddard Space Flight Center, the University of Pittsburgh, Howard University, and University of California, Davis (UCD). Jackson has taught at UCD since 1985.

The National Science Foundation awarded Jackson a 1.2 million dollar grant to establish the Mentorship for Undergraduate Research Participants in Physical and Mathematical Sciences. Jackson made it a point to recruit and mentor African Americans for the PhD. program in Chemistry. He has published over 165 academic papers, and has one patent in his name. He was also a founder of the National Organization for the Professional Advancement of Black Chemists and Chemical Engineers.

Comet 67P/C-G from March 2016, about 200 miles away. Credit European Space Agency/Rosetta

w Carefully cut down each side of the bag, to make a flat piece of plastic.

Rainy days mean spending more time inside so it’s a perfect time to play games to sharpen your math skills!

101 AND OUT:

Materials Needed:

A Sheet of Paper

• Pencil • One Die

Object of the Game:

To score as close to 101 without going over or “out.”

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to make a model of a product.

Rainy Day Math Games

BACK TO BACK:

Materials Needed: Two notebooks • Writing

Utensils • Someone who is quick with their math facts for a “caller.”

Object of the Game: Guess the other player’s number before they guess yours.

Players: 2 players and 1 caller for each round. To give everyone a chance to play, keep playing until you are “out,” and cycle in a new player each round.

Jackson has received a number of awards, including the 1997 Lifetime Mentor Award from the American Association for the Advancement of Science, a Guggenheim Foundation Fellowship, a Distinguished Research and Emeritus Professor, Bennie Trailblazer Award, and an Alexander von Humboldt Research Award. Jackson is a member of the Phi Beta Kappa National Honor Society and was named a Fellow of the American Physical Society. The Planetary Society also named an asteroid 1081 EE37 as Billjackson, as a tribute to him.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about an African American who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

Players: Can play as individuals, in small teams, parents vs. kids, etc.

Directions: Take turns rolling the dice. Players can take the number as a one or a ten. For example, if a student rolls a 5, they could take it as a 5 or a 50. Students keep a running record of their total as they play. The player (or group) that first scores as close to 101 as possible without going over wins.

DID YOU KNOW?

Directions: Two students come up to the caller and stand back to back. This allows for the students to write in their notebooks, but blocks their view of the other person’s number. The players will write a number between 2 and 9. The caller states “numbers up” as the signal for the players to write their number in their notebooks. The caller then states the sum or product of the two numbers. The students use their understanding of math facts to figure out what the other person’s number is when added or multiplied by their number. The player to say the other person’s number first wins the round. The “loser” gets to choose the next person to compete.

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

Halley’s Comet is estimated to be 4.5 billion years old.

Around 500 B.C., Greek philosophers used the word “komotes,” which means “long haired,” to refer to the comets they observed in the sky.

If a comet comes close enough to Earth, it is bright enough to see during the day.

Many people believe the comet’s tail is traveling behind it. The tail can actually be in back or in front of the

MAP CORNER

Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.

Activities — Relevant

Information: Find an interesting news story to evaluate. Read the story and identify the main ideas. Number the ideas in order of importance. Explain why you chose that order.

Polygon Perimeters: Locate and circle 4 verbs in a news story. Use a ruler to connect the verbs like a dot-to-dot puzzle to form a polygon. Measure and label each side of your polygon with a ruler. Add the lengths of your sides to find the perimeter. Write the perimeter in the center of your polygon. Try it again with nouns or adjectives.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify main idea. I can identify parts of speech.

Photo

Living It

How are the children?

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

In lieu of hello, the Masai – a mighty tribe of African warriors – are said to have greeted each with “Kasserian ingera.”

The saying translates to “how are the children?” – an exchange that reflected the value that their community placed on the well-being of its future generation.

In her literary debut, Linda Mitchell is hoping to encourage the children to speak for themselves – and motivate entire families to engage in the conversation. The book combines Linda’s work as an educator and literacy advocate with the talents of her husband, Odell Mitchell Jr., an award-winning photojournalist.

The November release of How Are You

Book seeks to assist youth with the language to express their emotions

Today? A Celebration of Children’s Emotions from the longtime O’Fallon, Illinois, residents came during unprecedented emotional obstacles faced by young people due to the pandemic.

“It feels timely and relevant right now. Who knew that this year kids would be going through so much,” Linda Mitchell said.

“I know they are resilient, but boy. I’m excited to be able to put this out into the universe for these kids and families to talk about their emotions. They really need to talk about things as much as the adults do. I’m glad that I stepped out on faith and put this book out there.”

The book is available for sale on Amazon. com and will soon be stocked at Eye See Me Books in University City.

While many children’s books that deal with emotions highlight one or two, ‘How Are You

Today?,’ gives readers a glimpse of feeling feelings from “athletic” to “zany.”

With Linda’s background as a teacher – and founder of the Metro East Literacy Project – she integrated vocabulary into the book. She uses words like “boisterous” and “tense.”

“You don’t really have kids saying, ‘I feel tense,’” Linda said.

“When they see the picture of the girl getting her hair combed, they understand. I want that interactive question to start a conversation. You know, like, ‘I’m feeling tense. What makes you feel tense?’”

Listening to Linda talk about her journey as a first-time author is as inspiring as the book she

Echols, Hazelwood West grad, adapts well to college life at Webster University

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

Jessica Echols graduated in May 2020 from Hazelwood West High School with a 3.76 GPA and a 26 ACT score. She is among the prominent students who recently received a Webster University Donald M. Suggs Scholarship for distinguished academic achievement.

“When I received the call that I got accepted I was overjoyed,” Echols said. “I remember talking to my mom before I got the call and just being very stressed about it, Echols said in a recent interview.

“Once I answered the phone I immediately started freaking out. I said, ‘Oh my gosh I need to call my mom and tell her the good news’.” The scholarship was named in honor of Suggs, publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American newspaper, to recognize high-achieving college freshmen from underrepresented minority communities interested in higher education.

In October, The St. Louis American Foundation hosted its two-night virtual Salute to Excellence in Education and Scholarship & Awards Gala granting $1.95 million in scholarship and education grants to remarkable students and educators.

Normally the ceremony is hosted in-person; the format was changed due to the coronavirus pandemic.

During the event, it was announced that the foundation’s partnership with Webster for the Donald M. Suggs Scholarship now offers 10 incoming students more than $1 million in fullride funds annually.

Echols’ initial plan was to attend the University of Missouri-St. Louis, however, she changed her mind once her choir teacher and

orchestra teacher recommended Webster’s music program.

“I went and checked it out and it was really amazing, so I was like ‘yup, that’s my school’,” Echols said.

Echols said her transition from high school to

Jessica Echols is among the prominent students who recently received a Webster University Donald M.

Scholarship for distinguished academic achievement.

Filmmaker

Reginald

Hudlin’s East St. Louis roots influenced his Disney debut

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Reginald Hudlin knew from the moment he read the script that he had to direct “Safety.”

“I just loved the real-life struggles,” Hudlin said. “I feel like that’s the situation of so many people across the country, but we don’t really see that on film.”

The drama is based on the true story of Ray McElrathbey. While attempting to navigate his freshman year as a Clemson University football player, he takes on the added responsibility of raising his 11-year-old brother because their mother is dealing with an addiction.

“This is a movie that is inspirational,” Hudlin said. “It will make you cry. It will make you laugh – and it will make you want to be a better person.”

“Safety,” stars Jay Reeves, Thaddeus J. Mixson, Corrinne Foxx and James Badge Dale. It debuted on the Disney Plus streaming service on Friday, Dec. 11.

The story reminded Hudlin of his hometown of East St. Louis, not because of the challenges Ray faced, but his capacity to rise above them.

“We deal with addiction. We deal with foster care. We will deal with all of these complicated issues,” Hudlin said. “And ultimately, he succeeds because he holds the key values of education, commitment to excellence and family. That’s what gets him through.

n “Part of the fun for me is entertaining people and making a difference. That’s why I’m proud of ‘Safety.’ That’s why I’m proud of the stuff I’ve done. That’s always the goal.”

— Reginald Hudlin

college is going well, She finds her classes to be challenging, but manageable, especially with her degree-related courses.

“My classes are going pretty well, Echols said. “Currently, the only non-related music course I have is psychology, it helps me with my reading and writing; it’s also helpful with me learning more about myself, breaking procrastination habits, and managing my time better,” she said.

“My degree-related courses are more challenging, but I see a lot of improvement with my violin lessons and my stage presence.”

Declaring instrumental performance as a desired major came naturally for Echols because she has been involved with music since she was 3 years old. She got into singing, dancing, and playing the violin in elementary and middle school, but her high school years solidified a stronger inter-

“These are universal values that we can all agree that are some of the most important things.”

Those same values were embedded in Hudlin as he grew up in “The City of Champions.”

Proud of his hometown

“East St. Louis made me who I am,” Hudlin said.

“Yes, I went to Harvard. Yes, I lived in Harlem and I work in Hollywood. But the key matrix that shaped me was East St. Louis.” He discussed the one-of-a-kind cultural richness of his hometown.

“I grew up two doors down from where Ike met Tina,” said Hudlin. “Two doors in the other direction was Brother Joe May, a famous gospel singer.”

The mother of Miles Davis, the famed jazz trumpet player, taught at Hudlin’s elementary school. He spent much of his youth cultivating his love for martial arts and culture at the Katherine Dunham Performing Arts Center.

“From riding my bike, being chased by dogs, chucking rocks, going up on Red Hill to catching two buses to go to downtown St. Louis to go see ‘Enter the Dragon’— all those experiences shaped who I am,” Hudlin said.

See Safety,

Veteran filmmaker and East St. Louis native Reginald Hudlin teamed up with Disney for ‘Safety.’ The inspirational drama was released via the Disney Plus streaming service on Friday, Dec. 11.

Suggs

St. Louis Holiday Adventure

By Barry Draper, Director of Partnership Services, Explore St. Louis

The holidays are here, and the festivities are a plenty! From jaw dropping light displays to fun seasonal events, here are some places to explore on your St. Louis Holiday Adventure.

The “Wild Lights” experience at the Saint Louis Zoo is back for the holiday season. The event looks a little different this year due to the coronavirus pandemic. Guests must register for a time slot when purchasing tickets. Wild Lights is being held from 5 - 8:30 p.m. on select nights between now and January 2.

All aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ at St. Louis Union Station…with some changes. In order to allow for appropriate social distancing and safety, characters and helpers are adorning facial coverings and masks are required for all guests over the age of 9. This year, the beautifully decorated trains remain stationary under the Union Station train shed for a walk-through event. And guests will interact with the Polar Express characters and Santa Claus and his elves in whimsically decorated tents. It’s a magical experience – sure to delight all ages!

Celebrate the magic of the holidays at The Magic House this year with the Museum’s new Holiday Magic experience, December 1 through 31! In addition to festive decorations throughout the 55,000 square foot facility, families will enjoy the magic of the holidays with brand new outdoor experiences, all included with Museum admission, featuring the

Gingerbread Village where kids will make pretend cookies, decorate gingerbread men, and play gingerbread games. And, don’t miss out on the Snowball Carnival where families will enjoy a whimsical winter visit to the Museum’s front play garden and enjoy a variety of snowball–themed carnival games and more!

Visit the Missouri Botanical Garden and feast your eyes on one million dazzling lights, fun new experiences and traditional favorites at its annual Garden Glow. Enjoy s’mores, festive drinks, and great photo opportunities throughout the Garden’s grounds. For more information, check out https:// glow.missouribotanicalgarden.org/.

Fasten your seatbelts!

WonderLight’s Christmas at World Wide Technology Raceway will take your breath away. Come see over 1 million LED lights synchronized to traditional and newer Christmas music played through your own car stereo. Come see shooting stars, floating snowflakes, dancing candy canes and lollipops, giant Christmas trees, and (a crowd favorite) enchanting tunnels of lights! Drive right in to enjoy the show and begin a new Christmas tradition this season.

Winterfest at Kiener Plaza is sure to light up your life with a whimsical wintry light display as it transforms Kiener Plaza into a magical wonderland. Winterfest features more than 60,000 lights in the trees of Kiener Plaza to complement the iconic backdrop of the Gateway Arch and Old Courthouse in the heart of downtown St. Louis. Winterfest is free to enjoy and is available every night of the week, from 5 – 9 p.m.

Visit Rome, Italy, during the holidays without ever leaving St. Louis at Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: The Exhibition - currently at America’s Center Convention Complex downtown. Take an immersive journey as you view up close and personal the iconic masterpieces that adorn the Sistine Chapel. Act fast – the exhibit is only in St. Louis until January 10. It’s the most wonderful time of the year at Six Flags St. Louis with Holiday in the Park! Besides cheer, the Park is featuring thrilling rides, tasty treats, and exciting family entertainment for the holiday season. On select days until January 3, Six Flags St. Louis transforms into a winter wonderland with over a million colorful lights, carolers performing classic yuletide favorites, personalized meetand-greets with Santa and his helpers (before Christmas), and everyone’s favorite Looney Tunes characters. Enjoy all the wonderful aromas of the season while satisfying your appetite and quenching your thirst with hot chocolate, custom fudge, holiday-inspired funnel cake flavors, and many other traditional favorites. There’s so much holiday magic to behold in St. Louis. This holiday season take some time to re-explore all the wonder our city has to offer. Feast your eyes on some dazzling light displays, be a kid again and re-discover the beauty around the holidays, or simply have a once-in-a-lifetime experience with those you love. You can start planning your festive fun today at the St. Louis Holiday Adventure Guide. From all of us at Explore St. Louis, Happy Holidays.

and Odell combined talents to create.

Ten years ago, she completed the first version. Photos that Odell had taken of their children, Odell “Mickey” Mitchell III and Aviva Jaye, served as illustrations for the book.

“The most important pictures I’ve done in my life have been of my children,” said Odell, who was a longtime photojournalist for the St. Louis PostDispatch

The original version of the book was well received. They even held an exhibit at The Sheldon Concert Hall in celebration of its completion.

But Linda always wanted to revise, redesign and re-release the book.

She toyed with the idea 10 years later. Then after seeing “a parade of St. Louis Black authors,” particularly Julius B. Anthony and the Believe Project, she decided that now was the time.

“My own limiting beliefs told me that I had to put it on the back burner, and I couldn’t do it. But this year there was just a hunger in me to get this book done,” Linda said.

“I realized I don’t have time to wait until all the pieces are perfectly laid out, and I’ve got all the money in my bank account and I have all the know-how. I didn’t have any of that. The book has been a great leap of faith.”

For the updated version, the family photos were blended with multicultural stock images.

“Emotions are universal,” Linda said. “I want any kid to be able to pick up this book and relate with ‘I feel sad’ or ‘I feel nervous’ or ‘I feel mischievous.’ I wanted it to be received by children of all cultures.”

Odell said was intentional about making sure that his wife gets the spotlight for the book, but he spoke briefly of the emotional toll the pandemic has

taken on children.

“I think about our granddaughter having to stay home in Chicago and not being able to see her friends,” Odell said.

“But I really think of some

of the kids in the less fortunate neighborhoods. Suppose you don’t have access to the internet or a parent who can’t stay home with you. You are not seeing your friends or getting out of the house.”

He hopes Linda’s words and his pictures will help them to express those feelings to their parents and to other friends.

“Hopefully they will get the book and say, ‘Mom, this is how I’m feeling,” Odell said. “And, ‘Look at this picture –this is how I feel.’”

Linda is looking forward to seeing her leap of faith ascend to an act of service to society.

“2020 was a test of our emotional health,” She said. “it is especially critical to ask, ‘How are the kids doing?’ and ‘How is the family doing?’ We won’t know until we talk about it –and that is how help begins. She believes the book is going to help people have some conversations that need to happen.

“Conversations can bring healing,” Linda said. “And hopefully this book is a tool for healing.” For more information on How Are You Today? A Celebration of Children’s Emotions, visit lindamitchellbooks.com

Odell Mitchell Jr. and Linda Mitchell

The high school basketball season in the St. Louis area has been going on for three weeks on the Missouri side of the river. Last week, we took a look at some of the top girls’ players to watch in the area. This week, it is the boys’ turn.

Roddy Alexander, 6’1”

O’Fallon-Christian: A senior point guard who averaged 16 points in leading the Eagles to the Class 3 state quarterfinals last season.

Brandon Mitchell-Day, 6’7” MICDS: A versatile junior guard who led the Rams to the Metro League championship last season.

Jonathan Dunn, 6’7” Hazelwood Central: An athletic junior forward who averaged 11 points for the Hawks’ district championship team.

Mario Fleming, 6’3” Cardinal Ritter: A senior guard who averaged 18.7 points for the Lions’ Class 3 state championship team.

Keshon Gilbert, 6’3” Vashon: A talented senior transfer guard from Las Vegas who has already signed with UNLV.

Jalen Hampton, 6’7” University City: An athletic senior forward who was the MVP of the Borgia Turkey Tourney after leading the Lions to the championship.

Omarian Henry, 6’7” Normandy: A versatile senior forward who averaged 17 points and 10 rebounds as a junior.

Larry Hughes Jr., 6’5”

Sports

InSIdE SportS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Standout boys basketball players in St. Louis area

CBC: A junior guard who brings back his excellent 3-point shooting range back from last year’s Final Four team.

Yaya Keita, 6’9” DeSmet: A senior power forward who is out with a knee injury. Has already signed with Mizzou.

Nick Kern, 6’5” Vashon: A senior guard who will become the go-to guy for the

Wolverines this season. Has already signed with VCU.

KJ Lee, 6’6” Fort Zumwalt North: A senior guard who averaged 16 points in leading the Panthers to a district championship last season.

Robert Lewis, 6’8” Cardinal Ritter: A talented junior forward who will make a big impact for the Lions in their quest to win another state title.

Robert Martin, 5’9” CBC: A talented junior point guard who has been the floor leader to back-to-back Class 5 Final Four teams.

Damien Mayo, 6’3” Chaminade: An athletic junior guard who averaged 12 points a game for the Red Devils’ Final Four team a year ago.

Jordan Nesbitt, 6’6” St. Louis Christian: A talented

SportS EyE

senior guard who averaged 25 points a game last year. He has signed with Memphis.

Keashon Petty, 5’9” Parkway North: A speedy point guard who averaged 18 points a game.

Tarris Reed, Jr. 6’10” Chaminade: A talented junior forward who averaged 12 points for the Red Devils Final Four team. Has received sever-

al major scholarship offers.

DeMarion Shanklin, 6’2” Jennings: A senior lefty shooting guard who averaged nearly 20 points a game as a junior.

Brian Taylor, 6’3” DeSmet: A junior point guard who averaged 10 points and played stellar defense as a sophomore last season.

Sam Thompson, 6’10” Francis Howell: A senior center who has already led the Vikings to the championship game of the Troy Tournament.

Kellen Thames, 6’5”

Pattonville: A talented junior guard who averaged 18 points a game as a sophomore.

Harrison Wilmsen, 6’8” Priory: A senior forward who is averaging more than 30 points a game this season. He scored 47 points in a game last Friday night.

A few teams to watch this season

• The Vashon Wolverines advanced to the Final Four of the Class 4 state tournament last season.

• Cardinal Ritter College Prep has been moved up to Class 5 this season after winning the Class 3 state championship last season.

• Metro Catholic Conference rivals CBC, Chaminade and DeSmet all return talented players in their quest to make a state run. CBC and Chaminade have been moved up to Class 6 after both making it to the Class 5 Final Four last season.

• University City is already off to a great start after winning the Borgia Turkey Tourney and defeating a good Westminster team on the road.

Dick Allen was talented, brash and misunderstood

Dick Allen, my favorite baseball player of all time, died on Dec. 7. The 1964 National League Rookie of the Year played the first six years of his career with the Philadelphia Phillies — where much of the fan base despised him and showered him with racial insults. He was traded to the St. Louis Cardinals following the 1969 season, and on April 10,1970, he took the Busch Stadium field for the first time.

“The place erupted. A standing ovation. My dad and I clapped like crazy. He had a tear in his eye,” I wrote in a St. Louis American sports column in December 2005.

The trade is historic because the late Curt Flood was a key player in the deal. Flood, who was not under contract, would challenge baseball’s reserve clause before eventually losing his case before the U.S. Supreme Court. Allen led the Cardinals in home runs (34) and RBI (101) that season. He wrote in his

autobiography “Crash” that his single season in St. Louis was special to him. He said that team “grooved.” “Man, they were on it,” he said of Lou Brock, Bob Gibson and others. He missed a portion of the season with a nagging leg injury, and the same fans that stood for him in early April were not upset when he was dealt to the L.A, Dodgers for second baseman Ted Sizemore.

“Allen was the “Shaft” of the National League by reputation.” I wrote.

“It was difficult to tell where the myth ended and the real story of Dick Allen began, but in 1972, the calm Chuck Tanner was the White Sox manager and brought out the best in Allen.”

Allen won the Most Valuable Player award with one of the best seasons in the American League in decades. Allen led the AL in homers (37), RBI (113), walks (99) and slugging percentage (.603) and was named MVP.

I, unfortunately, was pro-

phetic 15 years ago when I wrote, “Allen should be in the National Baseball Hall of Fame, but that honor will prob-

ably have to wait until both he and many of today’s voters have passed away.” Allen fell one vote short of

enshrinement in 2014 in balloting by the Golden Era committee. It’s a shame and pathetic.

Former Phillies teammate and Hall of Famer Mike Schmidt spoke eloquently last summer when Allen’s number 15 was retired in a moving ceremony before a Phillies game — Allen was there but no fans were in attendance.

“He played in front of home fans that were products of that racist era (with) racist teammates and different rules for whites and Blacks,” Schmidt said.

“Fans threw stuff at him and thus Dick wore a batting helmet throughout the whole game. They yelled degrading racial slurs. They dumped trash in his front yard at his home. In general, he was tormented and it came from all directions. And Dick rebelled.”

RIP Dick Allen. You will always be my favorite player.

The Reid Roundup

Don’t look now but Cuonzo Martin’s Missouri Tigers basketball team is 5-0 and ranked 16th in the AP Top 25 after beating then-No. 6 Illinois in

the annual Braggin’ Rights game on Dec. 12 in Columbia. Martin said he could care less about an early-season ranking. “That’s all that buddy-buddy behind the scenes stuff. I’ve never been a fan of it because I don’t cut no side deals.”… Greg Coleman, a brother of former St. Louis Cardinals star Vince Coleman and star punter for Florida A&M, Winston Hill (Texas Southern), Coy Bacon (Jackson State) Jimmie Giles (Alcorn State), Roynell Young (Alcorn State) and coach Willard Bailey (Virginia Union) will be inducted into the Black College Football Hall of Fame on Feb. 20, 2021 in Atlanta.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is #aareid1

With Alvin A. Reid

Alvin A. Reid

Earl Austin Jr.

Vashon’s Keshon Gilbert has already signed to play at UNLV.

Dick Allen’s autobiography “Crash”.

Photo by Wiley Price

BAILIFF

CIRCUIT COURT FACILITY SERVICES SUPERVISOR

St. Louis County Circuit Court is seeking a Facility Services Supervisor to perform work of marked difficulty in planning, scheduling, coordinating and supervising the activities of facilities staff assigned to the Court’s Operations Department. This position includes coordination of facility and maintenance issues in the Court’s building and satellite offices. Work includes supervision of custodial services, food services, laundry,

POLICE OFFICER

plus at least 2 years of experience in facilities management, office management, property management, or a related area; prior experience in food service management is desirable; or any equivalent combination of training and experience. The salary range is $45,399.60-$72,639.36. This position is eligible for 10% addition to pay. TO APPLY: Complete an online application and submit a resume and cover letter by the end of the day on December 30, 2020: http://agency. governmentjobs.com/stlouis/default. cfm EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

REGULATORY REPORTING ANALYST I

The Regulatory Reporting Analyst is responsible for all aspects of data quality and analysis of transactional claim data being sent to Regulatory Reporting bureaus and agencies. They will partner with internal and external data providers to ensure the quality of incoming data, as well as resolve data issues while strategically trying to drive continuous improvement efforts to eliminate root causes. This position within the Regulatory Reporting Unit is responsible for providing accurate transactional claim and associated premium data to allow for making the best business decisions possible

To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/

The City of Kirkwood, MO seeks Police Officer applicants. Minimum Requirements: Must be a U.S. citizen; be 21 years of age on or before the date of appointment; have no felony or serious misdemeanor convictions; possess a valid driver’s license; meet the POST training requirements for a first class county in the State of Missouri, or currently be enrolled in a qualified academy graduating by June 30, 2021; and be in excellent physical and mental condition. Starting Salary: $63,355 per year or more depending on experience, plus a competitive benefits package. Visit https:// kirkwoodmo.aaimtrack.com/jobs/ to apply 5:00 p.m. CST; Friday, December 18, 2020 EOE

DEPUTY SHERIFFCIVIL PROCESS

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is seeking applicants for the position of Deputy Sheriff- Civil Process. Starting salary: $14.49/hr ($30,139.20 annually).

The individual selected for this position uses their personal vehicle to serve legal documents such as summons, subpoenas, garnishments, and orders of protection to residences and businesses in an assigned area within St. Louis County (All work related mileage expense is reimbursed to the employee at 100% of the IRS mileage reimbursement rate). The employee also performs administrative duties related to service of those documents, serves as a fill-in bailiff in the St. Louis County courthouse on an as-needed basis, and performs other additional duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 1 year of education, training, or experience in law enforcement, investigations, or corrections, or completion of an accredited law enforcement training program, or any equivalent combination of education or experience. TO APPLY: Complete an online application at https://www. governmentjobs.com/careers/stlouis under the title “SHERIFF POSITIONS” EOE. Please contact the St. Louis County Division of Personnel at 615-5429 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process.

The St. Louis County Sheriff’s Office is seeking applicants for the position of Bailiff located in the St. Louis County Courthouse in Clayton. Starting salary: $14.11/hr ($29,348.80 annually). Bailiffs maintain security by inspecting and securing the courtroom, surrounding hallways and doors, and the judge’s chamber before and after court sessions. Bailiffs maintain order by observing courtroom proceedings to prevent unnecessary disruptions and taking custody of individuals as instructed by the judge. Bailiffs provide assistance to the jury panel by giving instructions, answering general questions, ensuring no contact occurs with unauthorized materials or persons, and escorting to and from the jury deliberation room. Bailiffs provide assistance to the judge and courtroom personnel by reviewing courtroom documents for completion, serving legal papers, and by filing, retrieving, and faxing documents. Bailiffs also respond to medical emergencies as appropriate and perform additional duties as required.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

1 year of education, training, or experience in law enforcement, investigations, or corrections, or completion of an accredited law enforcement training program, or any equivalent combination of education or experience. TO APPLY: Complete an online application at https://www. governmentjobs.com/careers/stlouis under the title “SHERIFF POSITIONS”. EOE. Please contact the St. Louis County Division of Personnel at 615-5429 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process.

LANDLORD RELATIONS SPECIALIST

Administrative and professional position of routine difficulty, involving carrying out specific staff projects or assignments. Involves investigating situations, issues, and proposed courses of action. Acts as Owner Relations representative for the Section 8 Department. Gathers, organizes, evaluates and summarizes information relevant to assignments.

2 years at an accredited college or university and/or 1 year of related experience and/or training. Prior administrative work in the Section 8 Program would be preferred. Good communication skills and ability to deal with the public. Must type 30 wpm. Starting Salary $36,855 Annually. Apply or send resume to: St. Louis Housing Authority, HR Division, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 by 5:00 p.m. December 30, 2020 via our website www.slha.org or email athomas@slha.org A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

CASE MANAGER FULL-TIME

The incumbent is responsible for providing goal-oriented support and individualized direct care and supervision of program youth. This position is focused on achieving individualized goals for the

and coordination

www.covenanthousemo.org

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

PUBLIC NOTICE (Retroactive)

City of St. Louis Department of Human Services

In order to fulfill the requirements of Title 24 of the Federal Code of Regulations (CFR), Section 578.95, the City of St. Louis, Department of Human Services makes the following disclosure:

The St. Louis Mental Health Board is a subcontractor (subrecipient) of the City of St. Louis, under the FY18 HUD Homeless Continuum of Care Planning Grant, administered by the City of St. Louis Department of Human Services. Some of the FY 18 planning grant funds were intended to be used to provide paid administrative support to the volunteer CoC Board and Committees so that continuity of HUD mandated CoC activities and functions could be achieved. The CoC Board and the St. Louis Mental Health Board determined that the funds awarded to MHB would be utilized to secure the services of a Consultant to provide the administrative support to the CoC.

After MHB completed the recruitment and selection process for the Consultant, a qualified consultant Tammy Laws, was selected and engaged by MHB in July 2020 to provide the services to the CoC under the HUD approved planning grant activities. In November, 2020 after the CoC planning grant activities being implemented under the MHB contract were well under way, a conflict of interest was pointed out to the City Department of Human Services by HUD. The nature of the conflicts of interest are that Tammy Laws, had served as a member of the CoC Board for several years and although she had resigned prior to the MHB consultant interviewing process, she had not been off of the CoC Board for 12 months as required by 24 CFR 578.95.

The City is requesting that any conflicts of interest under federal law be granted an exception by HUD for the following reasons:

(i.) A competitive selection process was implemented by MHB through which the consultant was selected over the two (2) other candidates who applied. While capable in some respects, MHB concluded that both of the other candidates were limited in experiences in the areas of homeless services and HUD requirements and regulations.

(ii.) The consultant selected possessed knowledge, skills and experiences not found in either of the other candidates who applied. These experiences and knowledge have proven vital to the implementation of the activities under the CoC Planning Grant.

(iii.) Given the limited number of three (3) applicants who applied for the consultant position, if the current consultant were removed and another selection process were to be conducted, it is unlikely that a candidate could be found that possessed the knowledge base and experiences needed, thus slowing down the progress that has been achieved under the planning grant activities.

To the extent that if the above reference consultant engaged by the St. Louis mental Health Board constitutes a conflict of interest under HUD regulations, the City of St. Louis is applying for retroactive exception to this regulation with respect to the above-reference consultant.

Questions regarding this Public Notice can be emailed to Amy Bickford, Homeless Services Program Manager, email: BickfordA@stlouis-mo.gov

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

ST. LOUIS MISSOURI

LEMAY WWTF

SECONDARY BUILDING DRAIN LINE REPLACEMENT (IR) CONTRACT LETTING NO. 13462-015.1

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Lemay WWTF Secondary Building Drain Line Replacement (IR) under Letting No. 13462-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on January 21, 2021. Bids can be deposited in the bid box located on the First Floor of the District’s Headquarters located at 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, prior to the 2:00 p.m. bid deadline, or Bidders have the option to electronically submit their bid via email. Bidders shall A general description of the work to be done under these contract documents can be found in Section 01 11 35 SUMMARY OF PROJECT, of Part 5 – Specifications of the Bidding Documents.

The work to be done under these contract documents consists of:

· Removal and replacement of sanitary and roof drain piping, fittings and valves.

· Removal and replacement of pipe and structural support fasteners.

· Insulating of new piping.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Building Contractors or Mechanical/Electrical/ Plumbing Contractors.

The Engineers Opinion of Probable Cost is $ 324,000.00.

Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

A non-mandatory Pre-Bid conference will be held at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, on December 23, 2020, at 9:00 a.m., local time. A site visit will be conducted following the pre-bid conference.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for St. Simon Ct. #10023 Storm Channel (GCMB-250) under Letting No. 10266-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM on Thursday, January 21, 2021 Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Sewer Construction unincorporated St. Louis County Drain Layers License Required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 or at www.stlmsdplanroom.com. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F 21 401, Renovation of 4th FloorCenter for Nursing and Health Sciences at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park Campus, until 2:00 p.m. local time Tuesday January 12, 2021 Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1314. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 644-9770.

Voluntary PREBID MEETINGS: December 22, 2020 at 10:00 am at Center for Nursing and Health Sciences – 4 th Floor or January 5, 2021 at 10:00 am at Center for Nursing and Health Sciences – 4 th Floor 5600 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Service: Airport Business Services

Pre-Proposal Meeting Date: January 5, 2021 Meeting will be held via teleconference. See RFP for details.

Question Due Date: January 7, 2021

Proposal Due Date: January 19, 2021

M/WBE Goals & Incentives: MBE goals: 25% WBE goal: 5%

A 15% M/WBE incentive credit shall be applied to the evaluation of professional service prime contracts who are currently certified MBE-African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American and WBE-Women owned Business Enterprises.

Point of Contact: Gigi Glasper – gxglasper@flystl.com

Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 890-1802. This RFP may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/business/contract-opportunites

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Constructions Services –Southeast, HVAC Central, and Central Regions, P r o j e c t N o s . IDIQMCA-1001, 1002, and 1003 respectively, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 1/7/2021 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

BID NOTICE

The City of Crestwood is seeking General Contracting bids for the 2020 CDBG ADA Compliant Ramp project. This project is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant funds pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All applicable federal regulations shall be in full force and effect. The scope of work includes grading, foundations, flatwork, handrails, paving, electrical, and other miscellaneous scopes of work at the Crestwood City Hall. Qualified contractors may obtain a Project Manual online at www.cityofcrestwood. org, in person at the City of Crestwood Public Works Department in the Government Center located at #1 Detjen Dr. St. Louis, MO 63126, or by contacting the City’s Owner’s Representative at jen@navigatebuildingsolutions.com A pre-bid meeting will be held onsite on 12/21/20 at 2:00 p.m. Bids are due by 3:00 P.M., on Tuesday January 12, 2021. Please call 314-713-6211 for more information.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Bissell - Coldwater - Missouri - Meramec Public I/I Reduction (2021) Contract A under Letting No. 12508-015.1, at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Friday, January 15, 2021. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT 2350 MARKET STREET, AT A PLACE DESIGNATED.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of:

The work to be done under this contract consists of rehabilitation of approximately 62,964 lineal feet of sanitary sewers, varying in size from 6-inch to 18-inch in diameter, using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) methods, 76 man holes, 1,080 service connections, and 30 point repairs. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Boundaries, inside the city(ies) of Cities of Ballwin, Des Peres, Ellisville, and Kirkwood in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

All prospective bidders must prequalify in the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) category, and be certified prior to the Bid Opening. Prequalification forms for obtaining said certification may be obtained from the Owner at the above mentioned address. All bidders must obtain drawings and specifications in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

This project will be financed through the Missouri State Revolving Fund, established by the sale of Missouri Water Pollution Control bonds and Federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri. Neither the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, its divisions, nor its employees will be party to the contract at any tier. Any Bidder whose firm or affiliate is listed on the GSA publication titled “List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Non-Procurement Programs” is prohibited from the bidding process; bids received from a listed party will be deemed non-responsive. Refer to Instructions to Bidders B-27 for more information regarding debarment and suspension.

Nondiscrimination in Employment: Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order 11246. Requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the specifications.

Plans and Specifications are available from free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Ave St Louis, MO 63118.

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

The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of bids from Women and Minority Business Enterprises.

LETTING #8722

2020 Capital Main Replacement Program – New 20” Mains in Jefferson and Cass Ave.

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on January 5, 2021, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps. org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

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

INVITATION TO BID

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. requests bids from qualified and certified MBE and WBE subcontractors and suppliers for the following project:

Washington University School of Medicine 4370 Duncan - Research Building and Garage Bid Package 8

For the following scopes of work: Framing & Drywall Masonry Doors, Frames & Hardware Lab Casework

Bids Due January 21, 2021 by 2:00 PM CST

Contact: Rick Licari at rlicari@mccarthy.com or 314-919-2251

Prequalification is required and can also be accessed through the McCarthy website above.

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

REQUEST

FOR PROPOSALS #: 57820351

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals for Construction Management Services. Interested parties may obtain a copy of Request for Proposals (RFP) by emailing: morrowb@hssu.edu

Due to COVID-19, proposals must be emailed to: morrowb@hssu.edu and are due no later than 10:00 a.m. on Wednesday, January 13, 2021. No award shall be made at the time proposals are opened. The University reserves the right to accept or reject any bid and waive any irregularities in the best interests of the University. 4

ROOM FOR RENT

St. Louis County, Furnished, Util., Cable Included, Close to Busline 314-327-3042

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

United Construction Ent. Co. of St. Louis, Inc. requests proposals from qualified MBE/WBE firms on the UMSL – College of Nursing Simulation Lab, Project Number SC000621.Bids Due to United Construction on December 21, 2020 by 10:00 a.m. Contact Corey Dreher at 314-434-9690 or coreyd@unitedconst.com if you have questions. Plans can be viewed at www.x-rhodesplanroom.com/jobs/ public

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

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

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

ing a difference. That’s why I’m proud of ‘Safety.’ That’s why I’m proud of the stuff I’ve done. That’s always the goal.”

With “Safety,” Hudlin can add helming a Disney movie to his credentials.

From Houseparty to Disney

Decades later, Hudlin operates as not only a filmmaker, but a key influencer of popular culture. When it debuted 30 years ago, Hudlin and his brother, Warringtons, film “House Party” was among the defining musical films for the hip-hop generation.

Three months ago, Hudlin made history as the first African American producer of the Primetime Emmy Awards.

“Ultimately, I’m just doing what I wanted to do since I was 12,” Hudlin said. “I make movies, I make TV shows, I write comic books and I put on concerts and live events. Why? Because it looks like fun.

“Part of the fun for me is entertaining people and mak-

“When we were putting the movie together, we put the Disney logo on there and we were like ‘Oh my God, we made a Disney movie,’” Hudlin said.

“It just tripped me out. I was like ‘I really did this.’ We had the ‘When you wish Upon a Star,’ [theme music] but then I put some beats under it. It was like, ‘This is me. Y’all invited me in, but now you are in here with me.’” Hudlin is thrilled that the subject matter of his debut film with Disney works to dispel misinformation about Black fatherhood.

“The stereotype is that, ‘oh, we don’t care for our children,’” Hudlin said. “But in fact when you look at the stats and the numbers, Black dads are the most engaged — wheth-

er it’s their biological child or someone else’s child.”

“Safety” shows a young man stepping up to be a father for his younger brother. It also highlights Ray’s village — including his team — lending support while he assumes such a huge responsibility at such a critical point in his journey.

“He is a freshman in college. When I was a freshman in college, just doing the school work was hard enough,” Hudlin said.

Ray is not only doing the schoolwork, but he’s learning about the sacrifices and commitment level required to play Division 1 football. And then he must tackle the responsibility of fathering his little brother at the same time.

“That is an impossible set of obligations,” Hudlin said. “But he gets it done, because failure is not an option. And that’s a hell of a story.”

“Safety” is streaming on Disney Plus. For more information, visit https://disneyplusoriginals.disney.com/movie/ safety.

Echols

Continued from C1

“Once

lot of emotions when

I listen to music and when I play my violin, those feelings proved this is what I want to pursue.”

While in school, Echols hopes to become bilingual. Her interest lies in learning more Asian languages.

“Right now, I’m teaching myself to speak Korean, and next year I plan to minor in Chinese since I want to travel, “Echols said.

After graduation, she wants to join The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. Other plans include traveling the world, performing, and playing her instruments.

“I still want to be that dancer I was when I was younger, and sing on stage,” Echols said. “I would love to travel, teach music, and just have fun. Music is just my main thing, it’s my entire dream.”

NMLS# 2032889

Congratulations to Nakischa Joseph for her promotion to Community Mortgage Loan Officer at Enterprise Bank & Trust. Nakischa is a business development professional with more than 15 years in the financial industry. Nakischa holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology from LeMoyne-Owen College.

Nakischa volunteers with the Urban League and her local church, and mentors young girls with her women’s empowerment group, G.A.B. (God’s Anointed Beauties). Nakischa believes in giving back and reaching back. Congratulations, Nakischa!

NMLS# 593661

African Art collection.

Continued from C1

“Safety” is streaming on Disney Plus.