December 19th, 2013 edition

TIF Commission grills CORTEX

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St.

n “We have not seen statistics that show where you are with compliance,” on minority participation requirements.

– TIF Commissioner Christina Bennett

in tax incentives from the City of St. Louis last December, told commissioners he wanted to wait until the construction projects were completed to talk about the inclusion numbers.

TIF Commissioners basically told Lower that’s not how it works.

Taking degrees to the community

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

In 1994, an academic dean for St. Louis Community College challenged the Forest Park campus to “take education to the community,” said Tracy Hall, vice president of academic affairs at STLCC-Forest Park. Since then, the campus has continued to take on the challenge of William J. Harrison, then associate dean of academic support and continuing education.

Before Harrison died in June 1994, he helped open a facility at the Julia Davis Library,

where community members could take general education courses. Then, in 2010, the college built the state-of-the-art William J. Harrison Education Center, located near Vashon High School at 3140 Cass Ave.

In January, the center will take another big step. For the first time, it will offer associate degrees and certificates in four programs, including human services, emergency medical technology, paramedic technology and fire protection technology.

“We think it’s time to go to another level,”

See CENTER, A7

Stacy M. Edwards is the new manager of the William J. Harrison Education Center, part of St. Louis Community College.

“We have not seen statistics that show where you are with compliance,” on the city’s minority participation requirements, said TIF Commissioner Christina Bennett. If construction projects receive taxpayer money, they must abide by the mayor’s executive order of hiring 25 percent minority business enterprises (MBEs) and 5 percent women business enterprises (WBE) on all contracts. They must also meet the city’s workforce goals of 25 percent minority, five percent

‘I keep people from burning on both ends’

Firefighter Pastor David L. Scott of Musick Baptist Church

By Bridjes O’Neil

The St. Louis American

n “We go out to different apartment complexes to talk to the young adults and families to let them know we’re here.”

– Pastor David L. Scott

– the state’s largest blackowned business – just down the street. Prospect Hill Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church is his “home” church, Scott said, the one he grew up in. At the time, Prospect Hill was under the leadership of his mentor and former pastor, the late Adrian F. Jones. This is where Scott said he received his call to the ministry. Although, admittedly, he never wanted to be a preacher.

Of

Children from the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Head Start program performed during last Thursday’s community reception and welcome for its new President Michael P. McMillan at the Sheldon Concert Hall.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

Village Voice revisits R. Kelly accusations, Kelly responds

A recent article by The Village Voice asks if R. Kelly is getting a pass as a sexual predator and details the accusations against him in disturbing detail.

An excerpt from the article said:

“The [accusations] were stomach churning. The one young woman, who had been 14 or 15 when R. Kelly began a relationship with her, detailed in great length, in her affidavits, a sexual relationship that began at Kenwood Academy: He would go back in the early years of his success and go to Lina McLin’s gospel choir class. He would go to her sophomore class and hook up with girls afterward. Sometimes buy them a pair of sneakers. Sometimes just letting them hang out in his presence in the recording studio.

She detailed the sexual relationship that she was scarred by. It lasted about one and a half to two years, and then he dumped her and she slit her wrists, tried to kill herself. Other girls were involved. She recruited other girls.”

R. Kelly responded while speaking with Big Tigger during an interview on Atlanta’s V 103 FM morning show.

“Well I feel like I got the football, man, I’m running towards the touchdown and stopping and looking back, mess around, I’ll get tackled,” Kelly said. “As you know, when you get on top of anything, it’s very windy up there.”

Is Kenya slinging accusations at Apollo?

be willing to have an affair with him.

“That situation, I’m done with. I’ve said all I have to say and that ridiculous story he made up to Phaedra about seeing me in L.A.? I’ve never seen Apollo outside of a Housewife taping, ever — in L.A. [or] in Atlanta. Maybe he was caught with some other person.

I’m not the problem.”

Fantasia’s ex rips Rickey Smiley

Earlier this week Fantasia Barrino’s married former lover Antwaun Cook made a big public show about going home to his wife and kids by way of Instagram.

On his show “What Happens Live” host Andy Cohen asked “Real Housewives of Atlanta” star Kenya Moore what she thought about co-star Phaedra Parks’ husband Apollo’s claims that he could sleep with Moore if he so desired.

“That is the dumbest thing I’ve ever heard, because if he could have, he would have,” Moore said in response to Apollo’s claims that she would

After radio host Rickey Smiley chastised Cook for acting like a Queen on his nationally syndicated radio show, Cook let Smiley have it via Instagram. His post read as follows: “Heard Rickey Smiley used the term ‘Queen’ to describe me. I’m living my life and taking care of my kids and responsibilities and trying to get over the death of my dad and you talking about [expletive] that you know nothing about. Let me tell the public about Rickey though. Rickey, are you mad Fantasia, who you claim to be your friend, never gave you the play you wanted? Are you mad I had ya girl? Are you made I’m a confident Kappa man and you had to move to down low Atlanta to get a paper certificate into Omega Psi Phi to cover up your inner queen? Pillow talk is a [expletive]. You

running to defend someone that you ain’t never did a thing for. You call me queen, I’m far from a queen, ask about me lil man. Matter of fact I wish you were in my presence so I could lay hands on you like some of them old ladies you talk about should have and rebuked that queen out of you. Get it out man, you keep holding it in and it’s gonna kill you. Tell the world who you really are.”

Was ‘Beyoncé’ secret release a plan b?

According to Mediatakout.com, insiders at Sony BMG says that Beyoncé’s late night album release was NOT meant to happen this way at all. Label execs reportedly didn’t like the album and were prepared to cut their losses and scrap the whole project and weren’t willing to spend any money on promotion.

The sources say that Beyoncé – taking advice from Jay Z – felt confident about the album, and its potential sales. So Jay Z urged her to pull a power move. She basically told the label to release it now – with no promo.

“Beyoncé” was released at midnight on Friday on iTunes. It went on to smash iTunes sales records and is primed to sell 1,000,000 in its first week of release – selling 80,000 in the first three hours of

Sources:

MO Public Affairs Hall of Fame inducts first class

President Truman, Senator Danforth, Donald Suggs to be honored

American staff

A president of the United States, U.S. senator and community newspaper publisher will be the inaugural inductees into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame on April 11, 2014 at the Oasis Convention Center in Springfield.

Harry S. Truman, John C.

“Jack” Danforth and Donald M. Suggs were selected by a committee of 12 during Missouri State University’s annual Public Affairs Conference. Organizers said they were chosen “as citizens with a connection to the state of Missouri who serve as examples of global citizens who define the true essence of public affairs, and act consistently for the benefit of others.”

“They represent a wide range of interests and careers,” said Missouri State President Clifton M. Smart III, “but they have one thing in common: They exemplify what we mean when we talk about living the public affairs mission.”

Danforth and Suggs will attend the induction ceremony.

Clifton Truman Daniel, Truman’s grandson, will be present to accept the award on behalf of the 33rd president.

Harry S. Truman was chosen to be President Roosevelt’s

running mate in 1944, but served as vice president for only a brief period before Roosevelt died on April 12, 1945. President Truman’s years in the White House ended in January 1953, when he returned to Independence.

As president, Truman made some of the crucial decisions in recent American history. After Japan rejected pleas by the Allies to surrender, the U.S. dropped atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and shortly thereafter, Japan surrendered and World War II ended. In June 1945, Truman oversaw the signing of the charter of the United Nations.

On the domestic front, President Truman presented a 21-point program that proposed the expansion of Social Security, promoted full employment, proposed fair employment practices legislation and initiated plans to improve public housing and clear slums.

Former U.S. Senator John C. “Jack” Danforth began his political career in 1968,

when he was elected attorney general of Missouri. He was re-elected to the post in 1972. He was elected to the U.S. Senate in 1976 and was re-elected in 1982 and 1988, serving on key Senate committees.

In 2004, Danforth represented the United States as U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations, where he focused on ending the civil war in Sudan, a 20-year conflict that killed two million people. A peace agreement between the two sides was ultimately signed on Jan. 9, 2005.

From 1997-2011, Danforth was chairman of the Danforth Foundation. He has authored two books: Resurrection and Faith and Politics. Currently he is a partner with the law firm of Bryan Cave LLP.

Donald M. Suggs is publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American Despite a dramatic decline in newspaper distribution over these decades, he moved the paper in circulation from just over 4,000 in the

early 1980s to now being the largest weekly in the state with a circulation of 70,200. The American under his leadership is a ninetime winner of the nation’s best black newspaper from the National Newspaper Publishers Association, and six-time winner of Missouri Press Association’s first place for General Excellence award. He has served on the boards of many of the region’s most prominent civic and cultural institutions and participated in many innovative policy initiatives. He is founder and president of the St. Louis American Foundation, which has facilitated more than $3 million in scholarships and community grants.

The black-tie dinner event will take place 5-8 p.m. Friday, April 11 at the Oasis Convention Center in Springfield. Tickets are $35 and go on sale January 13. The Missouri State Foundation is offering table sponsorships for the dinner. For more information, call 417-836-4143.

Give the gift of a great future

By Flint Fowler For The St. Louis American

In Boys & Girls Clubs all across the country, nearly 4 million youth receive the support and guidance they need to build better futures for themselves and their communities. For nearly 50 years, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis has been giving the gift of a great future. Serving over 3,500 young people in five club facilities and schools region-wide, our vision is to provide a worldclass club experience that assures success is within reach of every young person who enters our doors. We ask that you partner with us financially in our goal to keep our members on track to graduate from high school with a plan for the future, demonstrating good character and citizenship, and a healthy lifestyle.

We have partnered with Wellbridge Athletic Club & Spa to hold the 5K run/ walk through the streets of Clayton. Grab your family, friends, sneakers and gloves and meet us there to kick off the New Year. There will be prizes for top male and female finishers, as well as awards for all age groups. All proceeds benefit the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. This end-of-year season, there are many ways to Give the Gift of a Great Future to every child by supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. To donate, register for the Run or sign up to volunteer, visit, www.bgcstl. org. Thanks and Happy New Year.

In addition to your financial contribution, we invite you to donate the gift of your time. As you think about organizations you’d like to volunteer with in the New Year, consider our Mentor St. Louis program, a school-based mentoring experience that focuses on enhancing reading skills and building self-esteem. Mentor St. Louis empowers St. Louis elementary school students to succeed in school through structured, positive mentoring relationships with caring adult volunteers. Every year, 500 youth are encouraged to develop a love of learning and fulfill their potential through this program. We offer a flexible and effective way to give back and make a difference in a child’s life. Or, join us with a commitment to a healthy lifestyle at our Resolution Run on January 5 at 10 a.m.

Flint Fowler

Harry S. TrumanJohn C. “Jack” Danforth Donald M. Suggs

Editorial /CommEntary

Amazing year for St. Louis media Mandela: nothing but human

We realize it is not very fashionable to say positive or encouraging things about media these days, unless you’re discussing the profits of youthful social media visionaries, but in many ways 2013 was an amazing year for St. Louis media – and, for what seems like the first time in decades, we mean amazingly good We have our own story to tell about our new investment in our readers and our community, but perhaps the most amazing local media development in 2013 was the integration of The Beacon with St. Louis Public Radio. We regard The Beacon as an essential news source in St. Louis and quite often the best source available on the major events and issues of the day. However, it’s no secret that the online publication has enjoyed more talent than readers and, in the absence of any print publication or broadcast outlet, it has needed help in calling daily attention to the efforts of it staff. The merger with St. Louis Public Radio promises to do just that. It’s an amazing leap, particularly since it involved a staff of journalists becoming employees of a state university, the University of Missouri. The Beacon’s own report on the merger included expert claims that this daring, innovative experiment already has attracted attention all over the country, and this is a fact. We commend the leaders of these institutions, and their many enabling partners, for attempting this amazing and promising experiment. We will be watching – and listening –very closely. Our interest and belief in St. Louis is so deep and well established, we trust that people realize we want this experiment to succeed so this region has more penetrating, fair and balanced coverage of itself in all its complexity and diversity. But we also benefit from this collaboration. We have a collegial relationship with The Beacon, where we are permitted to adopt their stories (while editing them for length) with no payment other than readership and attribution. With our small, but dedicated,

newsroom, we find access to The Beacon’s reporting essential to maintaining our own high standards for The American. We are grateful for this relationship, and on behalf of our readers we give thanks for our being included in this experiment. For our privileged relationship with The Beacon is traveling with them to their new home at St. Louis Public Radio. This, too, is amazing and exciting. Before we turn to ourselves, we should acknowledge that

n We are grateful for this relationship, and on behalf of our readers we give thanks for our being included in this experiment.

KDHX Community Media, another colleague of ours, also invested in this community in 2013 by upgrading their facilities and moving to the new Larry J. Weir building, also in Grand Center, not far from The Beacon and St. Louis Public Radio. Also, our sometimes nemesis the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, with our region’s largest staff of

journalists, is still publishing great journalism on a routine basis. We congratulate them in advance for the major journalism awards their investigative package on wrongful arrests in St. Louis will win them. It deserves to bring a Pulitzer Prize to St. Louis. Invite us to the celebration party if it does. And then there is your St. Louis American, the most widely circulated print publication in the state of Missouri after the Post and the Kansas City Star. We also made a new investment in 2013, leap-frogging Grand Center to our new offices in west Downtown. While many newspapers continue to decline, we also stepped up decisively this year. We expect to expand and improve the quality and scope of our video production in a new, upgraded studio and compete for viewers with anyone producing filmed media in St. Louis. We expect to help teach more and more public school students through our Newspapers In Education program, the largest in the state. And we plan to change and grow without leaving behind this lovingly produced print newspaper you hold in your hands. It is for and because of you, our readers and our community, that we are able to make these investments and take these chances. You are so very worth it.

Nelson Mandela and Black Power

By Eric E. Vickers Guest Columnist

Painfully, Nelson Mandela’s passing points to why the long march of black Americans for equality – from which he drew inspiration – has languished for two decades: leaders with limits to sacriice.

Perhaps nothing symbolizes this more than the national president of the NAACP’s recent announcement that he will leave the post because he wants to spend more time with his family. Although understandable, imagine what the world would be like if Mandela had put his family before the cause of his people.

Arguably, we are in a different time and era, when selfsacriice of the magnitude of a Mandela, Martin Luther King Jr. or Malcolm X is unnecessary. Arguably, blacks achieving the electoral power suficient to enable a black president substitutes for such sacriice being necessary to elevate African Americans to a state of equality with white Americans. The argument, however, seems to fall lat on its face when examining the atrocious disparity between the condition of black Americans and white

Americans. By every statistical index and measurement of the quality of life – including physical security, income and wealth – black Americans rank so intractably lower than whites that in reality an invisible apartheid exists. It is no less an injustice to people that they are trapped at the bottom of society than that they are assigned to it.

Nationally and locally, African Americans are entrapped in inferior schools, chronic joblessness and an environment of violence. This would be more visible if we were to put up signs on the school districts that are accredited (“whites only”), on the reports of unemployment rates below 7 percent (“whites only”) and on the highway billboards heading out of our crime ridden cities (“whites only”). The success of some blacks in being able to navigate and escape this entrapment should not blind us to the injustice, just as being able to reach the echelon of an attorney did not blind Mandela to the plight of his people.

Time has graciously allowed those whites who fought tooth and nail against this country imposing sanctions on the apartheid regime that imprisoned Mandela to acclaim him as a heroic and magnanimous leader. The man they love now is the one they branded a terrorist because he wanted and fought for power for his people. Mandela understood that power brought to a people not just tangible control and inluence over

By Stefan Bradley Guest Columnist

We mourn the loss of freedom fighter and leader

Nelson Mandela. An icon of the movement for black freedom in South Africa and everywhere, he left us on the day that those brave black souls in Montgomery, Alabama stood up to American apartheid by embarking on a 382-day bus boycott (1955-1956). That boycott brought us a new leader, Martin Luther King Jr. In fighting apartheid in South Africa (which was modeled, in great part, after the Jim Crow policies of the United States), Mandela’s struggle was ours, and ours his. He saved the soul of his nation by revealing the light of humanity.

When we in the community mourn, take care to notice how the mainstream media covers Mandela’s life. In the United States there is a strange phenomenon that occurs when remembering black leaders: the list of allies of those black leaders grows while the list of opponents shrinks.

Take, for instance, the mainstream media’s treatment of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X (El Hajj Malik El Shabazz) in the years after

they died. Both men have been placed on U.S. postal stamps, but were vehemently opposed, if not despised, by much of America when alive.

Further, in the decades after their deaths, King and Malcolm X have been turned into saints and caricatures.

King, the “saint,” has been de-racialized to the point where those who oppose nearly all of his policies of open access and social justice invoke King’s words and image. Malcolm X is disturbingly characterized as the foil to the “good” leader, King. Additionally, Malcolm X is made into a radical proponent of violence and racism (not self-defense and pride when others demeaned black people for being black).

If we are not careful, such a fate could befall Mandela.

As I take in the news coverage of Mandela, I am suspicious that history is being washed over once again. The news is quick to point out the white opposition Mandela faced in South Africa, but neglects to mention the international allies of South African apartheid. One of those allies for many decades was the U.S. government. The mainstream news will likely not point up U.S. President Ronald Reagan’s avid campaign to oppose a bill that would apply sanctions to southern African nations that employed apartheid.

Few will mention the investment in South Africa that institutions like Chase Manhattan, Kodak, Coca

Letters to the editor

End of an era

I join with people of all races worldwide in mourning the death of this great lion of African liberation, but celebrating his magnificent life of service to the cause of freedom, human rights and justice for all humanity. Nelson Mandela’s life and leadership exemplified the highest courage, dignity and dedication to human liberation. His name will always resonate in my heart, as it does in the hearts of millions of people all over the world. His death marks the end of an era, when leaders of unsurpassed courage and integrity walked among us.

Bernice A. King, Atlanta

the apparatus of government, but also an intangible sense of pride and dignity.

I thought about this kind of power recently in viewing the Missouri History Museum’s The 1968 Exhibit. Through poignant historical illustrations, the exhibit shows that King’s assassination in April 1968 spelled the end of the Civil Rights Movement and the arrival of the Black Power Movement, as starkly relected in the iconic photo of the two black American athletes with black isted gloves deiantly raised during the October Olympics, and the R&B song topping the charts that year: “Say it Loud, I’m Black and I’m Proud.”

When black power burst upon the national scene in 1968, Mandela was just four years into a life sentence at Robben Island, while blacks in the city known for Dred Scott – infused with a sense of black nationalism - elected Missouri’s irst black congressman. When Mandela triumphantly emerged from jail 22 years later in February 1990, all the leaders of the Black Power Movement were gone, their leadership decimated and replaced by blacks in elected and corporate positions and throw-back civil rights leaders. In the 23 years since, the man who sacriiced everything has seen his downtrodden people arise, while black leaders, who have sacriiced nothing greater than a position, have witnessed their people languish.

Understanding social justice

My understanding of social justice and honor for humanity was born on the campus of the University of Michigan with the fight against apartheid. We protested and fought the university on their continued investment in South Africa. This was a collective effort of literally millions across the world, and most importantly, within South Africa, which helped to propel the De Klerk regime to end his incarceration after 27 years.

I was overwhelmed by how he handled his release from Robben Island and his natural resistance to violence and revenge. His truth and reconciliation averted mass bloodshed and set the tone for the rest of the world in the correct way to deliver leadership and manage power after years of a violent segregated past, not with a hateful heart and mind but a forgiving and just spirit.

Lannis Hall, MD, MPH St. Louis

Our deepest condolences

During his visit to the United States in 1990, Nelson Mandela spoke to the AFLCIO and called on the labor movement to use its history of empowering America’s workers as a model for South African

Cola and many universities and colleges across America made. Those same sources will probably not mention Mandela allies like Charles Diggs, Harry Edwards, John Conyers, Nina Simone, Arthur Ashe and the many black students who picked up Mandela’s campaign as early as the 1960s and continued relentlessly throughout the 1990s. It is very important that we take control of the history of our heroes and guard their images. Let us not allow anyone to spin them into saints or caricatures. Men like Mandela were nothing but humans who chose to give their lives for our freedom. By making Mandela a saint, it almost becomes easy to understand how one could spend 27 years in prison, then become president of a nation, and then not punish one’s oppressors once one gained power. In allowing the image of Mandela to be turned into a mystical being, we diminish his acts of human love, generosity and justice. We downplay the vitriolic, widespread human opposition faced. As we mourn our brother and leader, Nelson Mandela, let us remember soberly what he did and who his true friends were so that we can understand how to align ourselves with justice and freedom today. Stefan Bradley is director of African American Studies and associate professor of history at Saint Louis University.

All letters are edited for length and style.

workers. We in the labor movement must take Mandela’s words and continue to strive for equality and fairness for all working people around the globe.

On behalf of SecretaryTreasurer Elizabeth Shuler and Executive Vice President Tefere Gebre, the AFL-CIO Executive Council and the 12 million working men and women of the AFL-CIO, we extend our deepest condolences to Nelson Mandela’s family, his colleagues and the people of South Africa.

Richard Trumka, president AFL-CIO

Step down immediately

The St. Louis County NAACP is calling on Missouri Commissioner of Education Chris Nicastro to step down immediately. Her recent blunder to move toward charter school development is an action that doesn’t have our area struggling school districts best interest at the forefront of her mission.

Esther Haywood, president St. Louis County NAACP

So very grateful

We are honored and feel very blessed to have served United Way of Greater St. Louis these past two years as co-chairs of the Charmaine Chapman Society (CCS). This affinity group is not only the very first established in St. Louis, by Donald M. Suggs in 1994 in honor of Charmaine Chapman, but it continues to be the most philanthropic United Way African-American Leadership society in the nation.

CCS made history once again and, for each of these two years, exceeded $2.1 million!

We are so very grateful to the CCS Cabinet, each and every individual that contributed, the participating corporations and the United Way staff who provided their skills, talent, time and/ or financial resources to once again help set a record. Thank you for your support which will benefit our community. Your

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

contributions are appreciated. Brenda Newberry, Maurice Newberry, Via email

Columnist Eric E. Vickers

Guest Columnist Stefan Bradley

Rosati-Kain kids stuff stockings

Rosati-Kain High School students reached out to assist those in need this Christmas by completing their annual Christmas Stockings Project. More than 120 stockings were filled with treats, personal care items and gifts for those in need in the Carondelet Community Betterment Federation – Senior Center, Covenant House, St. Louis Homeless Winter Outreach and SSM St. Mary’s Health Center –Mothers and Newborns Program. R-K’s Service Club and Campus Ministry organized the effort.

Treasurer seeks citizen advisors

St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura Jones is seeking area residents to serve on a new Citizens Advisory Committee in order to provide feedback on parking in the city.

Applicants should live in the metropolitan St. Louis area and must have a valid driver’s license and be users of parking meters in St. Louis city. Committee feedback will be used as part of the evaluation process for the Integrated Parking Technology request for proposal, which will include several parking pilot projects in the city. Employees of parking vendors who have active bids in the Integrated Parking Technology proposal are not eligible to serve on the committee.

“The Citizens Advisory Committee will include diverse perspectives from people of all ages and backgrounds,” said Treasurer Tishaura Jones. “Feedback from the public is valuable as we modernize the treasurer’s office and move it into the 21st century.”

The first committee meeting will be held in February 2014. Meetings will take place monthly between February and July 2014 and will be in the evening. Committee members are also expected to complete surveys after each of their parking experiences in St. Louis city.

The application is available on the Treasurer’s website at https://stlouismo.gov/government/departments/treasurer/application-for-citizens-advisorycommittee.cfm. Applications will be accepted until January 10, 2014.

County Library expands Sunday hours

St. Louis County Library will expand Sunday hours to three additional branches in 2014. Starting January 5, the Cliff Cave, Natural Bridge and Thornhill Branches will be open from 1-5 p.m. on Sundays. These locations join Headquarters, Daniel Boone, Florissant Valley and Tesson Ferry in offering Sunday hours. The addition of more hours is made possible by the successful passage of Prop L in November 2012, which increased the library’s tax ceiling.

Truth, reconciliation and us

By Gloria J. Browne-Marshall Guest Columnist

Dignitaries and presidents, media stars, and celebrities from around the world converged on South Africa to pay their respects to Nelson Mandela, the warrior for racial justice. While, in America, racial justice is a still a battle.

In 1918, Nelson Rolihlahla Mandela was born into racial oppression. By 1948, South Africa legalized a racial segregation system called apartheid, based on America’s “separate but equal” doctrine which separated the races from white, or Afrikaans, and then into racial groups – black, colored and Indian.

Trained as a lawyer, Nelson Mandela challenged legal segregation and oppression of his people at a time when civil rights attorneys in America were fighting segregation. Mandela and Oliver Tambo established South Africa’s first black law firm.

Mandela joined the African National Congress and led a campaign of guerrilla warfare against his government. Captured and labeled a terrorist, and sentenced to life for which he served 27 years, mostly in solitary confinement. On February 11, 1990, Nelson Mandela walked free from prison at age 62.

Unlike Americans, Mandela did not deny hundreds of years of racial oppression. Denial could not bring about the forgiveness that Nelson Mandela offered to his fellow Nobel Peace Prize recipient, F.W. de Klerk, the last White President of South Africa.

In 1995, South African convened a Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Black South Africans testified on national television to life in slums without running water or toilets. They spoke of murder, torture and kidnapping by police. Students and teachers testified to schools without books, chairs and heat. South African men and women spoke of searches, beatings, arrests and living with constant fear.

However, America has had no real Truth and Reconciliation Commission. Instead, it creates commissions with limited power after racial unrest and then publishes a report. Without a Truth and Reconciliation Commission, America’s racial pain will be left to fester.

In America, where Supreme Court decisions deny the reality of racial discrimination in voting, employment, education and laws such as “stop, question and frisk” and “Stand Your Ground,” time alone will not heal past racial wounds.

Segregation laws ended years before apartheid was defeated. But, America’s racial practices continue and tensions rise. Forgiveness is difficult when racial profiling, poor education and employment discrimination remains. At Mandela’s funeral, President Obama said, “Nelson Mandela reminds us that it always seems impossible until it is done.”

Then, Mandela’s legacy leaves open the possibility of racial reconciliation – even in America.

Gloria J. Browne-Marshall is an associate professor of constitutional law at John Jay College and a legal correspondent covering the U.S. Supreme Court, United Nations and major court cases.

Gloria J. BrowneMarshall

SCOTT

Continued from A1

“I ran from the ministry,” he said. He didn’t think he was worthy of the call and even tried to bargain with God.

“God, if you just pick somebody else, I’ll get back in the choir. I’ll drive the church bus. I’ll do anything but preach,” he said he prayed at the time.

However, God’s will was to be done.

Scott became a district missionary with the Berean Missionary Baptist District Association and would occasionally fill in as pastor at Musick. This is where he received his biblical training as well.

When Kendrick Trapp, former pastor of Musick, resigned, Scott was chosen by the congregation to serve in his first lead pastoral position in 2010.

Scott’s preaching style centers on a desire to bring the gospel to every single person, especially those who have strayed from the church. He and members of his church go out of their way to reel them back in.

“We go out to different apartment complexes to talk to the young adults and families to let them know we’re here,” he said. “They gotta see that you’re regular people. We’ve been through the same place that you are.”

In his basement office at the church, he has displayed two plaques linking him to his other career as a firefighter, which spans 25 years. He received his life-saving award for performing CPR on a woman who had went into cardiac arrest. In November 1991 he was awarded for aiding in the rescue of three children under the age of 10 from a burning building. One did not survive, he said.

Beside his awards is a framed photo of Scott, his wife, Carla, and son, Dominic. Scott said he never wanted to be a firefighter, either. He

studied at Vatterott College and thought he wanted to be an electrician. His interest in firefighting was piqued while working as a security guard at Medicare-Glazier, a neighborhood drugstore.

Church: Musick Baptist Church

Address: 790 Fee Fee Rd., Maryland Heights

Founded: 1811

Denomination: Baptist Membership: 60

“It was a fireman that used to come in every day,” he recalled, referring to Wendell Goins. “One day he asked me how would I like to make a lot more money than I’m making now?” Goins also played a role in recruiting Wayne Luster. Luster, Scott and John Watson Jr. are all pastors and members of F.I.R.E. (Firefighters Institute for Racial Equality),

Pastor: David L. Scott

First Lady: Carla M. Scott

Ministries: Men, Women, Youth, Outreach

a fraternal and advocacy organization of AfricanAmerican firemen in the city

of St. Louis. Battalion Chief Steve Simpson, also a pastor, is a former member. Scott is captain of Engine House No. 6 in South St. Louis. He says he owes his job to F.I.R.E. Its mission is to promote the hiring, retention and upward mobility of African-American firefighters. Scott came into the department under 50/50, a court-ordered consent decree meant to promote diversity and equity in promotional practices in the St. Louis Fire Department. The 50/50 decree,

mandating racially balanced hiring and promotions, has since been overturned in the courts.

Being a pastor and firefighter have been rewarding careers, he said. Scott said, “I like to keep people from burning on both ends.”

This story is part four of a four-part feature series entitled, “F.I.R.E. in the Pulpit.” For more information on F.I.R.E., visit firestl.net.

Pastor David L. Scott leads Musick Baptist Church in Maryland Heights and is captain of Engine House No. 6 in South St. Louis for the St. Louis Fire Department.

Photo by Wiley Price

Brown, Smith join STL Village board

American staff

Gail Brown and Ron Smith are among the inaugural board members of STL Village, a non-profit, grassroots organization that aims to help seniors remain in their homes and stay connected to their community. The STL Village footprint encompasses nine neighborhoods within the borders of Page Boulevard, Vandeventer Avenue, Clayton Avenue and Big Bend Boulevard. Brown is realtor and president of Brown-Kortkamp

CORTEX

Continued from A1 women, 20 percent local workforce and 15 percent apprentices, as required by a 2009 city ordinance (No. 68412). After Lower declined to provide the information, the commissioners asked a representative from the city’s Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE) office, which is in charge of monitoring minority participation compliance on publicly funded job sites.

Francoise Wiggins, the DBE office’s contract compliance officer, said most of the projects are within range of either meeting or surpassing the mayor’s executive order. At the higher end, the BioGenerator expansion at the CORTEX 1 building has reached 51 percent MBE and 13 percent WBE participation. Near the lower

CENTER

Continued from A1 Hall said. “We thought, ‘Why don’t we take degrees to the community?’ We are hoping that more students will take advantage of these opportunities because they are right in their neighborhood.”

Stacy M. Edwards, the center’s new manager, said she is dedicated to making sure the community knows about these new opportunities.

Realty, Inc. and BrownKortkamp Moving and Storage, Inc. Smith is operations manager for the City of St. Louis assisting the mayor, chief of staff and director of operations.

The inaugural board co-chairs are landscape and graphic designer Sally Nikolajevich and attorney Jennifer Kovar.

“We’re organizing and empowering seniors to remain in their homes comfortably and safely,” said Kovar. “It’s exciting to be a part of bringing

end, the Wexford Science and Technology building, now called @4240, has only hit 15 percent MBE and 3 percent WBE participation. Wiggins said the building, located at 4240 Duncan Ave., is slated to pull in more MBEs and WBEs soon.

Tarlton, a women-owned business, is general contractor on both projects.

Yet the absolute lowest numbers belong to the Shriners Hospital, which has hired 10 percent MBEs and 3 percent WBEs. The general contractor is S.M. Wilson.

“We’ve never seen a presentation from the Shriners, and they never said they were going to meet this requirement,” Bennett said.

“How are we not having S.M. Wilson here saying, ‘We’re going to get there’?”

Otis Williams, executive director of the St. Louis Development Corporation, said that Shriners Hospital had already started contracting the job when the city approved

training is one way to get people out of poverty,” Roffle said. “This is an opportunity to have a second chance to break out of poverty. And we need to be there to help the community do that.”

n “We thought, ‘Why don’t we take degrees to the community?’”

“We’ve been here for three years, but many people don’t know we’re here,” said Edwards, who is also the manager for community outreach efforts. “How can we utilize this location to reach out and reach those who have not had that many opportunities?”

– Tracy Hall, STLCC-Forest Park

Courses available

Among the four new degree programs, the human services department is the largest. In this program, students can earn degrees or certificates that will prepare them for entry-level jobs in areas such as alcohol treatment, drug addiction and counseling.

“They could go straight into the workforce,” said Angela Roffle, department chair of human services at the Williams Center.

For example, she said students could become assistant counselors, case workers and rehabilitation workers, among other careers. Entry-level careers tend to pay hourly rates of $9 to $13, she said. However, if students went on to earn bachelor’s degrees, their salaries could be much higher. Oftentimes companies will pay for tuition costs for entry-level employees who want to earn a bachelor’s degree, she said.

Roffle herself is a product of STLCC-Forest Park’s human services program. She believes the program will be successful because students will interact and build a connection with the community during their course study.

“It puts us right in the environment and connected with the people who we will be serving,” she said.

Offering job training to the community will have long-term effects.

“Education and career

this national movement to St. Louis, especially as we begin our membership drive towards the launch next year.”

The other inaugural board members are Arthur Culbert, urban farmer in residence at New City School and former founding president and CEO of Health Literacy Missouri;

Gail Brown Ron Smith

Gloria Gordon, a psychologist and social activist who initiated the STL Village effort in 2011; Mary Alice Ryan, president and CEO of St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System; and David Weber, operations consultant with the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation.

Last week, the STL Village board approved its first long-term partnership with St. Andrew’s Resources for Seniors System, a faith-based not-for-profit organization serving older adults in the St. Louis area for 52 years.

St. Andrew’s will offer STL Village guidance on identifying potential grant sources, networking, marketing, clerical/ office functions and meeting space and possibly direct services to its members.

Individuals and couples who are 50 or older and live within

Minority Participation at CORTEX ContractsWorkforce

this particular redevelopment plan area. The hospital is not directly receiving any TIF money but is still benefitting from overall TIF dollars used in the redevelopment area, commissioners said. The hospital site is at the corner of Clayton and South Newstead avenues.

“We fought feverishly on this particular one, and I think we have gotten all the blood out of this turnip that we are

obtain their STLCC One Card/ ID, parking passes as well as their books and needed supplies. The center also offers tutoring and limited library services.

On average, human services degrees require 64 credit hours and certificates require 24 credit hours. Tuition is $98 per credit hour, plus costs for supplies. Most students at the center receive federal Pell grants, which can cover the full tuition and all college expenses, Roffle said. For St. Louis residents, tuition adds up to about $1,176 for one semester with 12 credit hours (about four classes). However, for a person with a zero EFC (a financial aid term which means “expected family contribution”), that student may receive about $2,822 in Pell grants per semester. That would more than cover the book expenses, which range from $300 to 500, and other student costs.

For the medical programs, the credit requirements are higher. For an EMT certificate, the requirement is 35 credit hours. An associate degree in paramedic technology is 68 to 69 credit hours.

These programs offer students great careers opportunities, Hall said. Salaries for firefighters in St. Louis City range from $33,000 to $51,100, according to the city government’s website. An EMT earns from $28,300 to $42,400 and a paramedic earns from $34,100 to $51,200.

Microcosm campus

The 31,000-square-foot facility features science and computer labs, five stateof-the-art smart technology classrooms, multipurpose community room, bookstore, commons area, outreach center, art studio and administrative offices. The building contains the latest high-tech audio-visual equipment and provides wireless connectivity throughout.

“The center is a microcosm of the STLCC-Forest Park campus,” Hall said. “Every service students are able to receive at the main campus will be available to them.”

Campus life and bookstore services are available at the center, where students can

“We look to partner with as many people and programs as possible,” Edwards said.

going to get,” Williams said. “It was one of those that we were very unsatisfied with it, and we made it known to all parties.”

Williams said Shriners’ numbers are up from their original plan to contract only 3 percent MBEs, so he feels he has made progress. Although CORTEX and Williams worked daily to try to get the Shriners leaders to comply, they did not want to meet the

“We want to better serve our students, and we want to deliver a quality education to our students.”

The Tyrone Thompson Institute for Non-Violence is also housed at the center. Through the program, funded by the Kwame Foundation,

goals, Williams said. The Board of Aldermen and TIF Commission approved the redevelopment area plan that included the Shriners Hospital this past spring.

the geographic area may join STL Village to help them stay in their home and community as they age. As self-governing nonprofit organizations run by small staffs and volunteers, villages coordinate affordable services, including transportation, in-home medical care, home repairs and other day-to-day needs for its members. STL Village is scheduled to officially launch mid-2014. The goal is to launch with at least 75 members. For more information, visit http:// stlvillage.org/.

“So you are saying we made the agreement knowing that they were never going to comply with the executive order?” Bennett asked Williams. Williams did not respond. The workforce numbers on the Shriners Hospital are just as dismal. Regarding “boots on the ground,” they have hired 8.9 percent minorities, no women, 2.9 local residents and 10 percent apprentices. The project is set to be completed by fall 2014. “This commission needs to know – is it Shriners, or is it S.M. Wilson?” Bennett said. “Because S.M. Wilson comes up here quite frequently saying that they are going to meet goals. Is it the developer or the hospital?” Williams told Bennett that it’s a shared responsibility. The TIF Commissioners voted in favor of holding a public hearing on Feb. 5 at 8 a.m. to further discuss activating TIF funds on the two CORTEX redevelopment plan areas. The commission meetings are held in the board room of the St. Louis Development Corporation, 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000.

the institute offers a new approach to school suspensions. STLCC students tutor and mentor suspended students in the St. Louis Public School District, through eighth grade. Hall said, “We are proud to house the institute and look

forward to strengthening our partnership with the Thompson family as we work together to address the societal issues impacting the community.” For more information, call 314-763-6000 or visit www. stlcc.edu/programs.

thank you FOR HELPING PEOPLE

More than 870 members of united Way’s african american Leadership - Charmaine Chapman Society stepped up again for our community, donating more than $2.1 million for the 2013 united Way campaign. these generous members and driven local leaders are helping to make our region a better place to live. thank you.

2013 aaL-CCS MEMBERS

Amy A. Hunter

Brian and Rhonda Hurd

Mr. Timothy Ilsley

Mr. Justin E. Irving

Ms. Cyeria Jackson

State Representative Eddie L. Jackson

Ms. Tanya L. Jenkins

Mr. Edmond E. Johnson

Ms. Kamella L. Johnson

Ms. Stacy E. Johnson

Mr. William T. Jolly

Ms. Shirley Jones

Terry “Chip” Jones

Ms. Pamela P. Kelly

Paula D. Knight

Mr. Marvin Lampkin

Mr. Robert Lawrence

Chris & Kris Lewis

Mrs. Alisa Lock-Rash

Myron Lofton Osbert L. Lomax

Ms. Kathe Lynom

Ann W. Marr

Mr. Anthony A. McBride

Mr. Brandon Mcclain

Sylva McDonald

Ms. Wendy McSweeney

Ms. Regina A. McWilliams, MBA, PMP

Leah Anne Merrifield

Jeffery L. Moore, Sr. Michael D. Mulligan

Ms. Victoria Musa

Rosietta Muskin

Ms. Dorland A. Norris

Ms. Syretta L. Peatross

Patricia Penelton

Kim Perry

Horace L. Pete

Robert J. and Sharon Dungy-Peters

Lionel J. Phillips

Debra J. Pitts

Mr. Byron Price

Mr. Joshua Randall

Sean A. Rayner

Victoria Reaves

Gussie M. Reed

Michael E. and Jada D. Reese

Ms.

Donna M. Bullock

Gwen Y. Cabe

Ms. Paula Carey

J. Danielle Carr

Ms. Donna Lynn Carr

Mrs. Gloria Carter-Hicks

Johnetta Carver

Brenda Cass

Ms. Michele Cheatham

Ms. Lafonya S. Christian

Mr. Marvin J. Clark

Donald Clay

Carnecia Cole

John P. Coleman

Allieze Ruby Curry

Reba Dabney

Vera Daniel

Ms. Jasmine Davis

Vernon and Karen Davis

Dr. G. Vincient Dudley, Sr.

Freddie L. and Frances V. Dunlap

Ida H. Early & Dr. Gerald Early

Honorable Jimmie M. Edwards and Mrs. Stacy M. Edwards

Mr. Udonna Eke-Okoro

Yinka and Ronke Faleti

Mr. and Mrs. James Farmer

Mr. and Mrs. Lathon Ferguson

Terrence L. Freeman

Mr. William R. Freeman

William E. Fronczak

Cris Gavin O’Neal

Josephine E. Goode-Evans Gabriel Gore

Regina L. Greer

Ms. Serena J. Gregory

Stephanie Grise

Constance Gully

Karen Hall

Mr. Steven L. Harris

Lavicki Hart

M. Andre Hatchett

Rev. Kevin and Mrs. Patricia Heavens- Kosh

Ms. Patricia Hernandez

Jan Hess

Dr. Kimberly Hodge-Bell Timothy Holloway

Mr. Keith J. Hopkins

Mrs. Phakisha K. Horne

Earline Huddleston

Mr. David K. Rodgers

Mr. John E. Roland, Jr

Ms. Susan Rollins

JoAnna Schooler

Cheryl Sharpe

John R. Shivers

Leroy J. Shumpert, Jr.

Ms. Tiffany Cooley-Slater

Ms. Daynique Smith

Mr. Larry E. Smith

Susan M. Arceneaux

Ms. Darlene Y. Sowell

Ms. Veronica Dario Stacker

Charles A. Stewart, Jr., C.P.A.

Dr. Monica A. Stewart

Susan A. Stith

Mr. Halbert Sullivan, MSW

Royce and Lori Sutton

Mr. Chris Tabourne

Travis & Patricia Tate

Katrina Tatum and James Tatum

Daniel Tea

Christopher J. Terry

Mr. Nathaniel J. Thomas John and Kedra Tolson

Marcia N. Vincent

Brenda Walker McCain

Dr. Dorris J. Walker-McGahee, D.D., Th.D.

Mr. Albert Ware

Barbara Ann Washington

Denise Watson-Wesley

Vanessa Wayne

Ms. Pamela A. Westbrooks-Hodge

Dorothy L. White-Coleman

Otis and Gwen Williams

Jennifer A. Willingham

James R. Wood

Wanda Wyatt

Builder $1,000 - $1,499

Mr. Samuel I. Achilefu

Cynthia D. Ackins

Ms. Adriann Adams-Gulley Kittrell Adewunmi Raven J. Akram

Ms. Jamie Marie Amerson

Nathaniel Anderson, Ed.D. Veronica Armouti

Ms. Tamiko Armstead

Cheryl Armstead-Batey

Mrs. Patrice Ashford Ms.

Clemons Ms. Geralyn Clifton

and Darnetta Clinkscale

and Rasheen

Crenshaw

Erica Freeman

Div.

Frankie M. Freeman

Wm. Kenneth Freeman

Mr. and Mrs. Savoy Gardner II

Ms. Rhonda R Garrett

Tara Gause

Ms. Denise D. Gibbs

Dawna R. Gilbreath

Gayle D. Gill

Shay Gillespie

Ms. Shertina Gillespie

David E. Glenn, Sr.

Obarijima Godwinchu

Lorraine A. Goffe-Rush

Keith Gooch

Dr Melody Goodman

LaMont Gordon

Ms. Trisha Gordon

Mr. Gregory James Gorman

Ms. Lisa G. Gould

Mr. Michael D. Granderson

Rhonda Gray

Ms. Leslie Y. Green

Robbie and Sheerie Green

Ms. LaToya Greenwood

Mr. Gerald Grier

Bert Griffin

Michelle N. Griffin

Mr. John F. Haliburton, Sr.

Dr. Tracy D. Hall

Vincent Hames-Frazier

Ms. Lekisha Hamilton

Ms. Sheena R. Hamilton

Mr. Terrell Hamilton

Ms. Jo Anne Hamilton-Parks

Florinda Hammond

Ms. Sarajeni A Hammond

Ms. Lena Renee Hampton

Ms. Sandii Handrick

Kenya Haney, MSN, RN

Clarence Hanks

John D. Hardiman

Sharonica L. Hardin

Mr. Rodney Hare

Lena Harness

Mr. Ameer Harper

Ms. Melissa Harper

Freddie L. Harris

John Harris

Mr. Julian M. Harris

Ms. Victoria A. Harris

Denise Harrison

Ms. Falishia G. Harrold

Donna Harvey Raymond M. Harvey

Walter L. Hawkins

Ms. Tiffany Diane Hayes

James Heidelberg

Mrs. Margot M Hemphill

Eric Henderson

Karan P. Henderson

Mr. Odell Hendricks

Erica Hill

Sean C. Hill

Roger Hines

Dee Hodge III, M.D.

Mrs. Traci L. Hodges

Donna Holbrook

Ms. Darlene Holland

Ms. Yvonne Holland

Stacy Hollins

Ms. Leslie Holloway

Desarie Holmes, Ph.D.

Marie Holmes

Linda Hopkins

Mr. Jeffrey Houston

Ms. Burena Howard

Mr. Phillip Huiswoud

Jerry M. Hunter

Ms. Osereme L. Imeokparia

Ms. Kristina R. Ingram Paulette

Mabry

52 members wish to remain anonymous. List complete as of 12.15.2013.

Community Brief

Roland Martin

Roland Martin to keynote MLK kickoff

Saturday, January 11 at HarrisStowe

State University

American staff

Roland Martin will serve as the keynote speaker when the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri hosts its 28th annual kick-off program 6:30 p.m. Saturday, January 11 at Harris-Stowe State University’s Main Auditorium.

The event is themed

“Focusing on Family Financial Freedom.”

T Martin is a nationally syndicated columnist with Creators Syndicate and is senior analyst for the Tom Joyner Morning Show, where his daily segment is heard on more than 100 stations and by eight million people daily.

Martin is chief political editor for TV One Cable Network and host and managing editor of Washington Watch with Roland

Martin, a one-hour Sunday morning news show.

He is the former executive editor/general manager of the Chicago Defender and former founding news editor for Savoy Magazine as well as the former founding editor of BlackAmericaWeb.com.

Martin was named Journalist of the Year in 2013 by the National Association of Black Journalists for his extensive focus on voter suppression and other issues of concern to African Americans during the 2012 election. He was also awarded the 2008 President’s Award by the National Association of Black Journalists for his work in multiple media platforms. In 2008, he was inducted into the Texas A&M University Journalism Hall of Honor.

Martin is a life member of the National Association of Black Journalists and a life member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc.

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri is comprised of 20 individuals representing various areas within the state. The chair is Constance Gully, interim president of Harris-Stowe State University.

Young Democrats prez tours Missouri

Atima Omara is first black woman president of national organization

By Jo Mannies

Atima Omara, president of the Young Democrats of America, was in Missouri this weekend as part of her group’s efforts to avoid a replay of 2010 next year.

In 2010, Republicans made huge election gains, including in Missouri. Credit, or blame, went in part to a sharp decline in turnout among young voters, who as a bloc lean Democratic.

The under-30 age group played a significant role in 2008, when a strong Democratic turnout swept Barack Obama into the White House and resulted in Democrats capturing all but one statewide contest in Missouri.

In 2010, the reverse was true nationally, and in Missouri. Republican Roy Blunt won his U.S. Senate seat by a double-digit percentage, while fellow Republican Tom Schweich ousted Democratic incumbent Susan Montee for state auditor. The GOP also gained seats in the Missouri General Assembly.

“Turning out the youth vote will make the difference in the 2014 races,” Omara said

during an interview Saturday in St. Louis. “When young people turn out, it tends to heavily favor Democratic candidates and progressive causes.”

Omara, 32, spent the weekend in Missouri to visit Young Democrat activists in the state’s three largest Democratic-leaning areas: St. Louis, Columbia and Kansas City.

She said the trip is aimed at energizing Young Democrat chapters to do what they can to turn out young voters in their areas, which she hopes will help Democratic candidates for local and legislative offices in Missouri. The state has only one statewide contest, as Schweich seeks re-election.

The Democratic focus on young voters comes amid polls that have shown disenchantment, disinterest and distrust among young voters.

Missouri is among several states that Omara plans to visit. She was invited to Missouri by organizers of Molli’s List, a Democraticaligned political action committee in Missouri that promotes women candidates.

n “When young people turn out, it tends to heavily favor Democratic candidates and progressive causes.”

– Atima Omara

Omara is the national organization’s first African-American woman president. Her targeted audience includes not only young voters but women as well. Focusing on local and legislative races is key, she said, because those lower contests often are where young Democrats – especially women – first compete for office.

Omara says she first got involved in politics more than a decade ago because of her support for women’s rights and reproductive rights. She was upset at President George W. Bush’s approval of a measure aimed at ending most late-term abortions. “There wasn’t even an exception for the health of the mother,” she said.

Omara now is emphasizing women’s rights during her trips as well, as part of the Democratic bid to bolster its current edge among women voters. In 2010, the turnout among women – especially young women – had declined as well from 2008. Obama’s edge among women voters is deemed a key reason he won re-election in 2012.

A strong turnout among women voters in 2014, she said, could have a huge proDemocratic impact. Likewise, if fewer women vote next year, Omara says there’s no question the GOP will benefit.

Reprinted with permission from St. Louis Public Radio & The Beacon.

Ida Haywood

Sunrise: January 5, 1918

Sunset: October 23, 2013

Ida Brown was born in Columbus, Mississippi to the parents of Isaac and Roxie Brown. She was youngest of twelve sisters and brothers, who all have preceded her in death. She gave her life to Christ at the age of 12 in Mississippi. She moved to St. Louis in 1938 and continued her schooling Vashon High School. Ida loved nothing better than singing. She sang with the Vocellaires, Gladys Tisdell and others. No one could give out a hymn like Mother Ida Haywood. Ida was united in Holy Matrimony to Bennie Haywood in the year of 1945, he preceded her in death. To that union two children were born; Joe C. Haywood (Shawnee) and Althea Harris (Arniclus), one goddaughter, Gloria D. Bowen who lives in St. Louis, MO; Mother Haywood, as she was fondly called, leaves to celebrate her life her children; six (6) grandchildren, Kelli Haywood, Joe C. Haywood Jr (Kim), St. Louis MO, Pat Harris, Darlene

McDowell, Darryl and Donald Hackney, Cleveland, OH; four (4) special grandchildren; seven (7) great-grandchildren; twelve (12) great-great-grandchildren; seven (7) great-great-greatgrandchildren; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends and well wishers.

Sing on Mother we will miss you, but always hold you in our hearts.

Mary Jean Cox Pearson

Mary Jean Cox Pearson, beloved First Lady of the Newstead Avenue Baptist Church, wife, mother, and teacher, was born on March 1, 1943, in Humboldt, Tennessee. She was the thirteenth of seventeen children born to Willie and Lizzie Cox. Sister Pearson, as she was affectionately called, professed her love of Christ early in life and never wavered in her faith. In spite of the limited opportunities for African Americans in the South in the fifties and sixties, Mrs. Pearson graduated from Lane College

Obituaries

with a degree in teaching in 1969. It was during this time that she met Richard L. Pearson, Sr., an army veteran and college student. Mr. Pearson knew at first glance that the pretty young woman with long hair and a cute walk would one day be his wife.

The couple married on June 21, 1970, and moved to St. Louis, MO to start their careers. Pastor Pearson, who was not yet a “church-goer,” soon realized that Sister Pearson was a committed Christian with super strong faith in God. “It didn’t matter what great plans I had on Sunday, such as going to see a sports event; she would always direct me to drop her off at church,” recalls Pastor Pearson. He eventually decided to see what it was that arrested her attention every Sunday. Mrs. Pearson’s character and strength caused him to start attending church each Sunday, ultimately becoming a preacher and pastor, as well as giving up vices such as alcohol and cigarettes. The couple, blessed

with two children, Yolanda (Buford) Hawthorne and Richard (Alicia) Jr., remained partners in life for 43 years.

Mary Jean Pearson was a dedicated elementary school teacher who began her career at Dunbar Elementary School in the Kinloch School District. She became one of the first African Americans selected to integrate the Parker Road Elementary School in the Ferguson - Florissant School District. She would go on to teach at Airport and Bermuda elementary schools. She served her students with devotion, integrity and love. “She was an excellent teacher who did not accept foolishness in her classroom. However, she was equally caring; her spirit was very Christ-like. I always knew she cared about my future,” remarked a former student. Mrs. Pearson, who worked under three superintendents, including Dr. John Wright, retired after 32 years of service.

First Lady Pearson was a devoted member of the Newstead Avenue Missionary Baptist Church, serving in several ministries. In addition to being First Lady, she was known for her lovely soprano voice, and was one of the lead soloists in the music ministry.

Attention St. Louis American Readers

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

She taught in the Sunday School and Vacation Bible School ministries and was a member of the Mother and Deaconess Board, Women’s Missionary Union and the Minister’s Wives Group of the Antioch District. Sister Pearson shared the many talents and gifts that God had bestowed upon her with as many people as she could. Her life was a testament to her strong faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and the church, as well as her belief in the importance of education.

Sister Pearson went into the presence of the Lord on Friday, November 15, 2013, at Barnes Jewish Hospital, with her family at her side. In addition to her husband and children, she is survived by eight grandchildren, Julian, Bria, Riara, Aliyah, Justin, Tyler, Renelle and Nyla; her sisters Georgia Mae Cole of Jackson, TN, Tommie Lou (Robert) Allen of Jackson, TN, Christine (Jim) Davis of Southield, MI, Alberta Woody of Memphis, TN, and Ida Bea (Franklin) McFadden of Clarksville, TN; her brothers Rev. Sammie Cox of Jackson, TN, Odell (Shirley) Cox of Dayton, OH and Lloyd (Fannie) Cox of Toledo, OH; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, other family members and friends. She is preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Lizzie Cox, four brothers Clarence Cox, George Cox, Robert Cox and Willie Cox; three sisters Donnie B. Triggs, Constance Cox, and Juanita Williamson.

Arthur C. Littleton, Ph.D.

Loving family man, Psychologist, businessman and community leader born on September 25, 1940 passed away on December 5, 2013 in St. Louis, MO at the age of 73 after courageously battling cancer.

Beloved husband of Paula Franklin Littleton for 51 years and much loved father of Stephen (Kim), David (Pam), Jeffrey (Rochelle) & Dennis (Virginia) and doting grandfather. Dr. Littleton is survived by his siblings George (Carol), Johnny, Larry, Jane, Jean, along with many other family and friends. He had enormous inner strength, faith in God and was deeply committed to what he cared about – family, friends and the St. Louis community. He lived a rich and varied life: Psychologist and Research Director, Professor at UMSL, author, publisher and entrepreneur. His St. Louis companies were Urban Behavioral Research Associates, Inc. and Academy of Urban Service that included a day care. He previously served on the Executive Committee of the St. Louis Branch NAACP, Board of Directors of Portfolio Gallery and Education Center, Commissioner of the Bi-State Development Agency St. Louis, Member of the St. Louis Archdiocesan Board of Catholic Education, Member of the Board of the Annie Malone Children’s Home, Board member of National Black Child Development Institute, Washington, D.C., member of Associates of Black Psychologists. He was a member of Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity and the Royal Vagabonds. He enjoyed traveling, reading, jazz music, the arts, golf and walking. He was a true gentleman with a beautiful soul and wonderful role model; he leaves behind a legacy of love.

Mary Pearson

Arthur C. Littleton

Earth to Dennis: inclusion matters

You would think that Dennis Lower, president and CEO of CORTEX, would learn after going through so many unnecessary headaches last year.

Last fall, Lower was in the process of applying for $167.7 million in TIF funding for the $2.2 billion research park in the Central West End. The St. Louis American asked what seemed like simple questions for an organization that was applying for tax incentives. Like: what is your commitment to hiring minorities, women and city residents on your construction sites?

Lower replied that they would shoot for a combined goal of hiring 15 percent minorities and women workers on the new BJC Administration Building, as well as its other projects. That was the lowest workforce goal any new public funding-assisted project was aiming for at the time.

Our first headline on Oct. 11, 2012 read “BJC, CORTEX minority goals questioned.”

Local leaders were calling CORTEX and BJC to follow the 2009 city ordinance (68412) that requires workforce goals of 25 percent minority, five percent women, 20 percent local workforce and 15 percent apprentices. The leaders putting pressure on Lower included Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed, Comptroller Darlene Green, Alderman Terry Kennedy, State Rep. Kim Gardner, St. Louis City’s NAACP Adolphus Pruitt, and MOKAN’s Yaphett El-Amin

Next we asked about future jobs at these companies and institutions.

Lower said they had no

inclusion plan for the 15,000 jobs that he touted the TIF district would create. Local leaders soon informed him about the St. Louis city law that requires companies who receive tax incentives to provide “permanent employment opportunities for the unemployed” and “economically disadvantaged” – the 1987 “First Source Jobs Policy” ordinance. In the end, Lower came to realize how serious St. Louis leaders can be about creating job opportunities for city residents and minorities – when they want to be. At least, we thought he realized this. So it was a little surprising when he stood before the TIF Commission on Tuesday morning and said he would not provide them information about the project’s current minority participation on its seven construction sites. He told them he would get them the numbers on construction contracts and workforce when the jobs were done.

When The American interviewed Lower on Monday, he told us that the Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Office, the city’s watchdog for compliance on the construction contracting side, would not allow him to give out information on how many contracts and jobs they have given out to minorities so far.

When asked if he would give us the information even if the DBE office allowed him to, he replied, “No.” The current TIF Commission is tougher than ever on job creation and inclusion. The commissioners are not putting

up with any doubletalk from developers or otherwise. And they didn’t put up with Lower on Tuesday. They didn’t blink. They quickly asked the DBE Office and SLATE to give them the information that is rightfully theirs – and that is all public record.

Last year, Lower got a slap on the wrist from his bosses –BJC Healthcare, Washington University, Missouri Botanical Garden, University of Missouri – St. Louis and St. Louis University – for making them look like they don’t care about the city’s inclusion laws on job creation. This year, he’s making them appear like they’re secretive and uncooperative when it comes to inclusion.

We’re curious how his bosses will respond to his Tuesday performance.

Losing power

The local fixer certainly was put in the shooting gallery and was badly shot down – only two affirmative votes out of seven.

The rejection of the Bob Baer nomination to the St. Louis County police board revealed political malpractice by County Executive Charlie Dooley and his staff so total

that you would think it came scripted by the Post-Dispatch After all his recent humiliations regarding police board nominations by the Post and Dooley’s future Democratic primary challenger on the County Council, you would think they would be especially careful. Yet Dooley nominated a former boss, close friend and political associate of his chief of staff John Temporiti. The Post, in dogged coverage that wouldn’t survive charges of ethnic white racism, has painted Temporiti as a mobbed-up knuckle-dragger.

And then the inexplicable, botched police board nomination of Baer leaves Temporiti looking ... let’s just say more like a knuckle-dragger than the kid with the sweetest voice in the parish choir.

If you want to play this like an episode of The Sopranos then it’s one of those episodes where Tony looks like he’s losing control of his mob flock

Dennis Lower, the president and CEO of CORTEX, spoke to a standingroom-only crowd at an October 2012 public forum held at the research park’s headquarters in the Central West End.

Photo by Wiley Price

and has dulled the knife-point judgment that kept him alive as a street soldier. The County Council rejects your police board nomination – on an up or down vote? Politics that bad would get a real mobster whacked.

If the votes weren’t there for Baer (and even the EYE, not a County Council expert, predicted in print that they were not), then his appointment should have been held and then later withdrawn. Of course, if anyone in Dooley’s office was listening to the conversation outside of the echo chamber, this would have all been known before Baer was nominated and he would never have been nominated.

But Dooley’s staff did not do basic due diligence with County Council members, obviously. That’s political malpractice. Dooley is doomed if he keeps that up, or lets Temporiti keep that up. The EYE is told:

“There was a meeting of the Council of the Whole Committee before the council meeting and Greg Quinn suggested the nomination be delayed. But Kathleen Burkett, the chair, wanted to take it up that night at the council meeting. She might be a Dooley supporter but she sure didn’t care about protecting him from having an appointee rejected.” That’s not good. Then Dooley loses his temper at the public meeting? That’s worse. This, friends, is how you lose power.

news

Good

The good news: another Dooley police board nominee, TR Carr, was approved, and the police board now has a quorum. Good thing police departments don’t need a quorom like a police board does.

Fitch splits

Another episode of The Sopranos was played out in St. Louis County politics last week. The EYE should first say that retiring Police Chief Tim Fitch is an honorable man – these are all honorable men. But when a police chief sets his bosses’ political shop on fire by telling the media he has asked the FBI to open an investigation into aspects of their administration and then – with the political fires he spread still raging – announces he is retiring from government service because he has been (direct quote from Fitch’s blog) “given an incredible opportunity to start [his] own public safety group,” what are we supposed to think?

Harry’s Big Adventure: My Bug World! presented by Terminix®

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Planting the Seeds for Success!

Welcome to the new Healthy Kids series! This program will run each week throughout the school year.

Nutrition Challenge:

The holidays bring parties, family time, plays, concerts and more. Many of these events also include food! Let’s review some ways to eat smart during these fun times.

> Eat a healthy snack before attending such an event — this way you won’t be tempted to overdo it.

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

Put on “rockin’” versions of holiday songs (Think: Rockin’ Around the ChristmasTree) and dance around the room. Here’s how to play:

> One person (the Scrooge) is in charge of stopping the music every minute or so.

PRESENT:

a multisensory experience that immerses you into the world of bugs. Harry the Chinese Praying Mantis and his bug friends will lead you through freestanding and interactive habitats in a hands-on, fun way!

Take advantage of the many teacher programs we offer at the Zoo to supplement your students’ classroom experience. The Zoo Outreach Program offers instructors who can bring live animals to YOUR classroom. We offer a variety of teacher kits you can check out, and we offer other resources (videos, books, etc.) FREE for you from our library. We even designed a cool poster you can hang in the classroom!

We’re here to help you succeed, and there are even scholarships available. Just visit stlzoo.org/teachers or call us at (314) 646-4544 to learn more.

Healthy Kids 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 3, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

> When the music stops everyone must freeze.

> Scrooge turns around to see if anyone is still dancing.

Let’s think of some ways to spread holiday cheer to others this year!

> Bake healthy holiday snacks and deliver them to someone who serves the community and has to work on Christmas day (police, firemen, nurses, doctors, etc.).

> How about a coat collection at school? Many families cannot afford new winter coats this season.

> Anyone caught dancing must do 10 jumping jacks and then they have to sit-out of the game.

> When the game is down to one person, he/she is the winner and becomes the next Scrooge.

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

> Make some holiday decorations or cards that could be donated to a local nursing home.

> Collect canned goods for local families to have plenty of food over the holidays.

> What are some other things you could do to make a difference in the lives of others this holiday season?

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Where do you work? I work at Christian Hospital in St. Louis. Where did you go to school? I graduated from University City High School. I continued my education at Jewish Hospital School of Nursing in St. Louis and received a Bachelor of Arts from Ashford University in Clinton, Iowa. What does a Patient Care Manager do? I am in charge of all of the nurses and aides that take care of patients in the hospital. I take care of scheduling, hiring and training of the nursing staff.

Why did you choose this career? I always saw my grandma taking care of people when I was young, and I’ve always wanted a career where I could help others.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy motivating the staff to take the best possible care of our patients.

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

and

RecordPatientPatientrespondingto Doctormedicinesatisfactorily. acetaminophin,prescribed650mgof tobegiven orallyevery4to6hoursas needed. patientPhysicalTherapistwillsee intheam.

Presented

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Mullanphy Investigative Learning Center 5th grade teacher

What Are Stars?

Did you know that stars are actually large balls of gas that give off light? Stars vary in their size, color, and brightness. A star can be red, orange, yellow, white, or blue. The surface temperature, which is determined by age and mass, impacts the color of the star. Stars go through many stages in their lifetime. Some of the names for these stages are Nebula, Red Giant, Supernova, White Dwarf, Neutron Star and even Black Holes. A constellation is a group of stars that makes an imaginary shape in the sky, kind of like “connect

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

Did you know stars can shine for up to 10 billion years? In this experiment, you will find out why stars seem to “twinkle.”

Materials Needed:

Aluminum Foil • Medium-sized Box

• Glass Bowl • Flashlight • Scissors

Procedure:

q Fill the glass bowl 2/3 full with water and set it aside.

w Cut a piece of cardboard from the box. Make sure it is big enough to fit underneath the bowl.

the dots.” They are usually named after mythological characters, people, animals and objects. The stars shine both day and night. However, during the day, the brightest star (the Sun) makes the sky so bright that the other stars appear dim. At night, when the sky is dark, the other stars can be seen. You can see about 3,000 stars with your naked eye, but you can see billions of stars with powerful telescopes.

Fun Fact:

The prefix “astro” means “star” in the Greek language.

For More Information, Visit: http://www.kidsastronomy.com/.

Learning Standard: : I can read nonfiction text to find main idea and supporting details.

r Place the stars on top of the cardboard.

t Place the glass bowl on top of the cardboard and turn off the lights.

y Shine the flashlight on the bowl.

u Tap the bowl and see what happens to the stars when the water moves.

e Cut small pieces of aluminum foil and shape them into little stars.

MATH CONNECTION

Telescopes help people see a long distance away. Solve these words problems about distance.

q If we are running at a speed of 9 miles per hour and we run for 2.5 hours, how far did we run?

w I walk 3,000 meters on Saturday. On Sunday, I walk twice as far. How far did I walk this weekend? ____________

e The mountain is 700 meters. I walk halfway and twist my ankle. How far did I get? _________

Analyze: When do the foil stars appear to twinkle? Why? When you shine light on aluminum while water is moving, the light travels through the air and makes the aluminum stars twinkle. When the star light moves through Earth’s atmosphere at night, the air it passes through makes the star light appear to twinkle.

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete a procedure. I can analyze and compare results.

r Sean runs 143.23 meters in 40 seconds. Robert runs 97.92 meters in the same time. How much further did Sean run than Robert?

t Tara runs 8 laps around the track. If she ran a total of 944 yards, what is the perimeter of the track? ____________

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

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN ASTROPHYSICIST: Gibor Basri

Gibor Basri was born on May 3, 1951, in New York City, New York. His mother, who was Jamaican, taught dance; his father was a physics professor. Although Basri grew up in Colorado with his younger brother, he also lived in Burma and Sri Lanka for a short time while his father was on Fulbright Fellowships.

Basri loved to read science fiction books as a young child and discovered an interest in astronomy (the study of the sun, moon, stars, and planets). He even wrote a report in eighth grade about his interest in becoming an astronomer.

Basri attended Stanford University earned a bachelor’s degree in physics in 1973. In 1979, he earned a degree in Astrophysics from the University of Colorado. He received a postdoctoral research fellowship at the University of California at Berkeley and was named a full professor in 1994. His research focused on star formation, and he is considered an expert on brown dwarf stars. Basri is well known for confirming the existence of this type of star because of his work with the 10-meter Keck telescope.

Basri has written over 200 publications and his work has been cited over 8,000 times. He was awarded a Miller Research Professorship and was named a Sigma Xi Distinguished Lecturer. In 2001, he was a co-investigator on the NASA Discovery Mission, Kepler, designed to find extrasolar terrestrial planets. In 2006, Basri received the Chancellor’s Award for Advancing Institutional Excellence. He earned this award by helping the University of California, Berkeley improve faculty diversity.

Discuss:

Dr. Basri drew his inspiration to study astronomy from reading science fiction novels. What books do you enjoy reading? Is there a way you could incorporate the topics of these books into a career in science? Have you ever used a telescope before? What does it do? How does it work? Dr. Basri and his team helped confirm that brown dwarf stars exist. What other types of stars are there?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions to the fields of math, science, and technology.

MAP CORNER

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Activity One —

Create an Ad: Create a newspaper employment ad for jobs that existed during specific periods in America’s past (1800s, 1950s, etc.). Identify the skills needed, educational requirements, salary range, and benefits that reflect the appropriate time period.

Activity Two — Cooperation or Conflict?

With your classmates, use the newspaper to find a story about cooperation or conflict between two countries. Draw conclusions about the regional differences or similarities (religion, resources, language, or political beliefs) that might lead to cooperation or conflict.

Learning Standards: I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can identify cooperation and conflict and the causes of each.

Photo: Wiley Price / St.

Business

FBI honors Angel Baked in North St. Louis

After-school business program receives Community Leadership Award

By Bridjes O’Neil Of The St. Louis American

Dean C. Bryant, special agent in charge of the FBI St. Louis Division, recently presented the Director’s Community Leadership Award to Angel Baked, an after-school program based in North St. Louis. The organization was honored for engaging and empowering high school students in the JeffVanderlou neighborhood by offering them job opportunities to operate a cookie-baking business.

“Angel Baked is an example

n “Angel Baked is an example of how you don’t have to be a giant corporation or have unlimited funds to make a real impact.”

– Dean C. Bryant, FBI St. Louis

of how you don’t have to be a giant corporation or have unlimited funds to make a real impact,” Bryant said. “This is a creative effort to help solve a community problem.”

Agents at each of the 56 FBI field offices across the country annually select and award one

local individual or organization for their efforts in combating crime, terrorism, drugs and violence.

Past local award recipients include Anthony Thompson of Kwame Building Group, Pastor B. T. Rice of New Horizon 7th Day Christian Church

and Martin Mathews of the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club. Angel Baked co-founder Gary Meier said neither he nor his staff had ever heard of the award.

“We looked it up online and then realized, ‘Hey, this is a pretty big deal. This is not a little bitty thing. This is a nationally-recognized award,’” Meier said. Prayer is the most powerful tool to combat any social ill, Meier said. In 2007, Meier

See BAKED, B2

Raise the minimum wage

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

Now that President Obama has outlined the crisis in economic mobility, he should begin by pressing his demand that Congress raise the minimum wage – and not by a little, but a lot.

Obama’s recent speech about the need to redress growing inequality was sweeping and comprehensive – perhaps to a fault.

In outlining solutions, he talked about the minimum wage. But he also mentioned immigration reform, rewriting the corporate tax code, eliminating the “sequester” budget cuts, holding down tuition costs for higher education, providing universal preschool, retraining the longterm unemployed, creating “Promise Zones” in poor

PeoPle on the Move

U.S. Rep. Mel Watt has been confirmed as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency by the U.S. Senate. “He’s the right person to protect Americans who work hard and play by the rules every day, and he’ll be the right regulator to make sure the kind of crisis we just went through never happens again,” said President Obama, who appointed him. Watt was first elected to the U.S. House of Representatives from North Carolina’s 12th District in 1992.

Angela M. Taylor has been promoted to education outreach specialist at St. Louis Community College’s Center for Plant and Life Sciences. She will manage all educational outreach activities for the center, as well as represent the center and college in the community, highlighting career opportunities in the regional life sciences industry. The center is a district-wide Center of Excellence, located at the Bio-Research & Development Growth Park.

Daffney Moore recently completed the University of Southern California Lusk Center for Real Estate Ross Minority Program. The Ross Program is an executive education program in real estate finance and development. It is the only program of its kind in the United States and has over 700 alumni. Moore is an urban planner for the City of St. Louis and was the only participant in the program from outside of California.

Keith Key has been named one of Thirteen Hospitality Super Heroes in the St. Louis region by St. Louis Convention & Visitors Commission, which honors frontline workers who best exemplify the region’s ongoing commitment to great service. He is VIP manager at Hyatt Regency St. Louis at the Arch. Nominations were solicited from management of hospitality industry companies and judged by a panel of customer service experts.

Business Briefs

Mosaic connects immigrants with informal networks

The St. Louis Mosaic Project has identified 25 “connectors” who will help immigrants launch their local careers. The St. Louis Professional Connector Program will connect skilled immigrants to well-known local individuals for informal career networking referrals. The initiative is based on an award-winning program, called the Greater Halifax Partnership Connector Program, which has grown from 50 to more than 500 connectors in three years, with hundreds of immigrants getting jobs. The St. Louis Mosaic Project is working to recruit 75 immigrants to benefit from this program. Foreign-born residents, who are college-educated with long-term work authorization in St. Louis, can sign up at www. stlmosaicproject.org.

communities ... the list goes on.

All are worthy goals, but what chance is there of getting such an ambitious agenda through Congress? The Republican majority in the House disagrees with Obama philosophically and opposes him reflexively; if he’s for it, they’re against it.

We know from the debtceiling fight, however, that House Republicans can be induced to do the right thing – if the political cost of doing the wrong thing is unacceptably high. And this looks like an issue on which Obama and the Democrats should be able to get traction.

Britain and Canada. The highest minimum wage in a major country is Australia’s – in U.S. dollars, a whopping $14.88 an hour at the current exchange rate. According to Republican dogma, such a high minimum wage would be the ultimate job-killer, a disastrous move that could only choke off the recovery and perhaps send

n If you force people to work for $7.25 hour, you’re basically guaranteeing that they need a range of government help.

The federal minimum wage of $7.25 an hour is shamefully low compared to minimum wage levels in other industrialized countries – nearly $13 in France, for example, and around $10 in

the economy back into recession. Apparently, nobody told all this to the Australians. Unemployment there is 5.7 percent, versus 7.3 percent in the United States. The Australian economy escaped the Great Recession of 2007-08, and in fact hasn’t seen any kind of recession in 20 years. (Oh, and Australia has universal health care, too.)

The caveat is that Australia has benefited hugely from China’s insatiable demand for

its minerals and other natural resources. But if conservative economists are right, there still ought to be some discernible negative impact from such a high minimum wage, and I can’t find it. To the contrary, Australia is a solidly – and proudly –middle-class country. It seemed to me, on a recent visit, to be a place where the dignity of work is recognized in a way that it once was in the United States. In the economic sense, raising the minimum wage would put more money into the pockets of those who now must be classified as the “working poor.” That phrase really should be an oxymoron; anyone who works full-time ought to be able to earn a living. But just try to live on $7.25 an hour.

Low-wage workers often have to take a second or even a third job to be able to afford the necessities – rent, food, clothing, health care. Creativity and initiative are stifled by the need to work such grueling hours just to stay in place. Conservatives complain

Boeing to add 400 technology jobs in St. Louis County

Boeing will add up to 400 research and technology jobs at its St. Louis County campus, Gov. Jay Nixon announced on Friday. Boeing employs approximately 15,000 workers in Missouri. The new research and technology jobs will establish a research center focused on systems technology, digital aviation and support technology, and metallics and fabrication development. The state of Missouri is offering a package of economic incentives, which the company can earn if it meets job creation and investment criteria.

BioGenerator recognized as international Center of Best Practice

The BioGenerator has been recognized as a Center of Best Practice in the second annual “Signs of Competitiveness in the America’s” report from the Inter-American Competitiveness Network under the auspices of the Technical Secretariat of the Organization of American States. The report notes BioGenerator’s record of establishing successful start-ups (42 companies to date), which have raised over $140 million in capital. For more information, visit www. BioGenerator.org.

Mel Watt

Angela M. Taylor

Daffney Moore

Keith Key

Fast food workers marched around a McDonalds restaurant, taking part in a massive one day fast food industry strike demanding higher wages in St. Louis on December 5. Workers in St. Louis and 100 cities around the United States are walking off the jobs, fighting for higher salaries, $15 an hour, plus the right to form a union without retaliation.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

Eugene Robinson

Who’s afraid of the alternative minimum tax?

By Jason Alderman

Year after year, Congress keeps kicking meaningful income tax reform down the road. Consequently, taxpayers continue to be stuck with an archaic, overly complicated mess that pleases no one – except perhaps some tax accountants who charge by the hour.

A prime example is the dreaded alternative minimum tax (AMT). Enacted in 1969 to close loopholes that allowed wealthy taxpayers to avoid paying income taxes, the AMT has been tinkered with so much over the years that millions of middle-income taxpayers now get snared as well. Historically, the biggest issue has been that while regular tax brackets, exemptions and standard

BAKED

Continued from B1

was pastor of Saints Teresa and Bridget Church when he held neighborhood meetings to discuss the violent crimes plaguing the area and helped to establish Angel Baked.

In addition to working for a paycheck, students are required to participate in workshops throughout the year on topics like conflict resolution, communication skills and anger management. Currently, there are 16 students participating in the program.

“Communication and anger management are key things that are required to live a life without violence,” Meier said. The program stresses the value of education, and students are encouraged to stay in school.

“Last year was the first time since we created Angel Baked six years ago that 100 percent of the student

deductions were adjusted annually for inflation, those used to calculate the AMT were not. Some years, Congress approved one-time “patches” to the AMT income exemption amount so fewer people had to pay AMT –usually at the last minute. The Tax Payer Relief Act of 2012 finally made the inflation patch permanent.

Many people never realize they’re subject to the AMT until they get a letter from the IRS saying they owe additional tax – plus interest and penalties. So it pays to know how the AMT works: Each year, taxpayers must determine their AMT status. The IRS’ AMT Assistant at www.irs.gov can help you quickly calculate whether you’re likely to owe AMT. If you’re a likely candidate, you must fill out IRS Form

employees continued on to higher education,” he said.

Angel Baked sells some 1,500 cookies per week, Meier said, and the goal is to eventually sell 6,000 cookies per week. Currently, Angel Baked cookies are sold in boutiques like high schools, colleges and universities, coffee and gift shops.

Meier said Angel Baked’s next venture is to branch out into retail. Angel Baked is testing the market by selling cookies at Schnucks located at Grand and Gravois, he said. He hopes to expand into other grocery stores in the future.

Personal Finance

6251 along with your regular tax form. In a nutshell, the difference between your regular tax calculation and the AMT amount gets added to your return as additional tax.

Lower-income taxpayers typically escape having to pay AMT, but middle-income people with larger-thanaverage deductions or certain other tax circumstances sometimes fall prey. Here’s why:

Under the regular tax calculation, you subtract allowable credits and deductions from your gross income to determine the amount of tax owed. When calculating the AMT, however, many usual deductions and exemptions are adjusted

downward or completely disallowed, resulting in a higher taxable income.

Deductions that aren’t allowed in the AMT calculation include:

• Personal exemptions for yourself, spouse and dependents.

• The standard deduction (claimed by those who don’t itemize deductions).

• State and local income, sales and property taxes.

• Miscellaneous itemized deductions.

• Interest on second mortgages; however, primary mortgage interest can be deducted.

• (Note: The medical/dental expense deduction is more limited than under regular

income tax.)

Other items that may trigger the AMT include exercising large stock options (unless you sell the stock within the same year) and large, long-term capital gains. Usually no single item triggers the AMT, but the right combination of factors often will – for example, if you pay high state and local taxes, claim numerous personal exemptions for dependents and have unusually large itemized deductions.

Back to Form 6251: You’ll be asked to perform a series of calculations to determine your AMT income. From that amount you subtract the AMT exemption. For 2013, the AMT exemption amounts are:

• $51,900 for single and head of household filers

• $80,800 for married couples filing jointly

• $40,400 for married filing separately

• After several additional calculations, you finally arrive at how much, if any, AMT you owe. Many of people hire a tax professional to help. Alternatively, most tax-preparation software will also calculate AMT. Just make sure that if you had an AMT capital loss in a previous year’s return that you carry the loss forward for this year’s calculation to offset any capital gains subject to AMT – the software may not know to do that if it doesn’t have access to previous returns.

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

For the past five years, the FBI has held a national ceremony in Washington, D.C. where the FBI director personally presented the award to each honoree. One representative from Angel Baked will attend the 2013 national ceremony next April on behalf of the organization. FBI St. Louis Division recently presented the Director’s Community Leadership Award to Angel Baked, an afterschool business program based in North St. Louis.

n “I’m still going to live like we won the fight. I’m still going to party.”

– Adrien Broner, after suffering his first loss to Marcus Maidana on Saturday for the world welterweight championship

Sports

PreP BasketBall NoteBook

With Earl Austin Jr.

Successful Shootout

Ramey assembles best basketball talent in region again

Some of the best basketball talent in the region was on hand last Saturday at the Midwest Showdown Shootout at McCluer North. Event coordinator Terrell Ramey put on another impressive event for the area basketball fans to enjoy.

In the feature game, Chicago Morgan Park defeated McCluer North, 74-64. The powerhouse team from Chicago pulled away late after getting a spirited battle from the host Stars. Junior standout Kain Harris scored a team-high 20 points to lead Morgan Park, who won the IHSA Class 3A state championship last season. McCluer North was led by Rashad Lindsey’s 21 points. In the co-feature, CBC defeated Bentonville (Ark) 62-53 as Jordan Barnett scored 31 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

The best show came in the event’s opener when St. Mary’s defeated Alton Marquette, 68-59. St. Mary’s scoring standout Josh Robinson scored 32 points to lead the Dragons to the victory. However, the story of the game was 6’4” senior Deion Lavender of Marquette, who scored an event record 53 points. The first five minutes of the game was truly spectacular as the two guards traded baskets with a tremendous fury. In other games, Plainfield East (Ill) defeated Fort Zumwalt North 60-55; St. Louis Christian Academy defeated North Tech 67-55, St. Charles defeated Ensworth (TN) 58-47 and Willard (Mo) defeated Jennings 58-47. Once again, congratulations go out to Terrell Ramey and his staff for putting on another successful event.

Three wins

It was a very productive week for the CBC Cadets, who won three games last week. In addition to defeating Bentonville in the Midwest Showdown Shootout, he Cadets defeated Metro Catholic Conference rivals DeSmet and Chaminade. Senior forward Jordan Barnett enjoyed two big performances. The 6’7” Barnett had 22 points against Chaminade

The University City Lions’ Jermar Perkins (3) goes up for two over the Hazelwood East Spartans’ Devion Miles (54) during Tuesday night’s game at U. City.

and followed up with 31 points and 10 rebounds against Bentonville. CBC defeated Chaminade 80-73 in a very entertaining game featuring two of the state’s top teams.

Early bid

The Alton Redbirds are making an early bid

With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Humble pie for holidays

Leading up to his fight with Marcos “El Chino” Maidana (35-3, 31 KOs), former WBA welterweight champion

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Adrien Broner (27-0, 22 KO) was his usual arrogant, ignorant and disrespectful self. He dropped F-bombs in describing what he’d do to his Argentinian opponent. He claimed he’d beat him so bad that he’d start speaking English. Over the years, Broner has routinely ripped-off the rogue act his mentor Floyd Mayweather Jr. used to become the most bankable

n Despite never seeing a microphone that he didn’t like in the past, Broner bypassed the post-fight interview and ran for the high heavens.

athlete in sports. While Broner’s shtick paid off in marketing terms, by making him a household name among boxing fans, it’s one that he paid for by a serious butt whooping Saturday night. Though he was a heavy favorite in the bout, Broner was beaten up, down and allaround the ring in his first title defense in the vaunted 147pound division. Even though

he was stunned by a punch early in the first round, Broner still did not take his opponent seriously. He took his clown antics to another level by humping a hard-charging Maidana from behind after spinning from off the ropes behind his opponent. Yes, you read that right. Broner humped his opponent in the ring. Showtime announcers were stunned and didn’t know how to address it. Maidana did.

The very next round Maidana made boxing fans around the globe cheer simultaneously as he put Broner on his backside for the first time in career in the second round. The man who rapped his way into the ring and had his shorts emblazoned

to become the top team on the Illinois side of the river. The Redbirds are currently 5-0, which includes the championship of their annual Tip-Off Classic to begin the season. Alton is a team with tremendous depth and quickness at the guard position. They are led by senior

See PREP, B5

With Palmer Alexander

Rams own Saints

Decisive win over another playoffbound team

The roller coaster St. Louis Rams football season is in the upward position again. They beat another playoff-bound team in the New Orleans Saints, 27-16. The Rams owned the Saints from the very beginning of the football game. On Drew Brees’ first pass attempt, he was hit by Robert Quinn. Not only is Quinn a Pro-Bowler, but he should get a few MVP votes. I know he won’t win, but he is very worthy of the recognition.

When Leonard Little’s career was winding down, a lot of us wondered who was going to be their next cornerstone defensive end. Quinn has proven without a doubt he is one of the best in the NFL. He was so dominating on Sunday, Saints coach Sean Payton pulled his left tackle. Former Rams general manager Bill DeVaney can boast about his job drafting talent during his tenure in St. Louis because Quinn was his guy. Quinn has it all, and his play up front makes all the difference for the Rams.

Speaking about the general manager position: How about Les Snead having the foresight to draft two more running backs in the draft back in April? Snead hit a home run so far with this picks. Zach Stacy, the fifth-round running back, ran all over the New Orleans Saints defense.

n Not only is Quinn a Pro-Bowler, but he should get a few MVP votes.

Saints defensive coordinator Rob Ryan is now infamously known for turning down the Rams’ job and disappearing inside a McDonalds across the street from the Rams’ facility to have a Big Mac. Too bad for Ryan. Had the burly, bearded defensive coordinator taken the job here, he would have grown to 400 lbs. You do know McDonalds runs those Big Mac promotions, buy one get one free during the baseball playoffs. That’s his loss. Go, Cards. Anyway, Zac Stacy has been a lifesaver for the Rams’ offense. His ability to consistently move the chains and keep the Rams in third-and-short conversions is one reason they have been able to win a few games with Sam Bradford out for the season. The Rams third-down efficiency was at

See RAMS, B4

Broner gets beaten badly

Palmer L. Alexander

Photo by Wiley Price

Earl Austin Jr.

Adrien Broner, who rapped his way into the ring and had his shorts emblazoned with “About Billions,” learned a cold, hard lesson in humility at the hands of Marcos Maidana.

Death watches and necktie parties

As the holiday season is upon us, it is also the season when job security in sports can be at a crossroads. For football coaches, the death watch has been on for a while. The college season is over for many, and those who are not bowl-eligible have started to keep their personal belongings nearby, especially if they have been at old “state U” for more than three years without winning, since winning is everything.

a torturous routine that can destroy careers, as well as families and a normal way of life? This is an industry where you are hired to be fired. If you accept that going in, then the fall has a softer landing.

50 percent, while the Saints were held to 33 percent. Keeping with the efficiency, Kellen Clemens completed 14

of 20 passes with two touchdowns and no turnovers. He didn’t get sacked, because the offensive line bounced back from a less than stellar performance last week against the Arizona Cardinals.

n Don’t know why it took so long.

Brian Schottenhiemer actually called a good game for the offense. He kept the Saints guessing. The Rams also used a lot of motion, and that really helped open up some lanes for

Stacy to run through. Don’t know why it took so long. Let’s see if this little wrinkle can become a staple of the offense.

For more Rams Roundup, go to www.youtube.com/ stlamericanvideo.

Alumni are restless. The talk radio hosts need a hot topic, so they start to mention names of people who would be good for the job you currently have, and the athletic director is listening to the show. Nice, we are letting callers voice their views, and media guys who have never made a tackle in any sort of competition now feel like they can pass judgment on your fate. The NFL is also setting up its necktie party for at least four or five coaches, and the names for their replacements have already been bandied about. In most cases, it’s the new guy who will have been fired at least twice by other teams.

Mike Claiborne

As for the money, it falls in line behind the owner, a high-priced player or two, and maybe the general manager. In the college game, few on campus make more than the head coach. There are no professors on the yard who have TV shows or athletic shoe deals, and they certainly have no bearing on what bowl game you are playing in.

n This is an industry where you are hired to be fired.

If you are a coach of color, you can forget about hearing your name on talk radio or in a column when it comes to being a replacement. We have seen what the Rooney Rule has come to these days, as GMs and owners now work to circumvent it.

The NBA coach is about to enter hunting season from the wrong end of the rifle because of big payrolls that do not match up to win totals (see New York Knick coach Mike Woodson). It does not help when you have a collection of players who were reputed to be good, only to learn they should be at the local kennel as they have turned out to be just plain dogs.

Then you have the coach in the National Hockey League. This year a guy got fired less than two weeks into the season. Go figure. So why do these people put themselves through such

Yes, the money is good, but there is nothing like the smell of success – the aroma of winning the big game, only to relish it for maybe 12 hours before the next opponent pops up on the schedule. Enjoy the victories in the off-season, provided you have enough wins to have an off-season, as opposed to a job search. Every good coach likes to teach, sure. The problem is, you have to have enough players with talent who want to learn. If not, please allow me to introduce you to the term “shorttimer.”

So as we enter into that season of instability, understand that the financial reward for coaching still makes it worth it, provided you have a good agent. Coaches are not paid the big bucks only to have fun and win games. They are really paid to deal with what we all know is inevitable: being fired.

Texas coach Mack Brown is being lauded for how he handled his dismissal as their coach. He took the high ground in the eyes of some. He did not go out kicking and screaming. He was even offered a position within the athletic department. Did I mention that Brown was the second highest-paid coach in college football? Why should he go kicking and screaming? It was going to be all good for him, no matter what.

The St. Louis Rams’ Robert Quinn was the star of the game on Sunday. Here Quinn stripped the New Orleans Saints’ Drew Brees of the ball.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Eric McWoods named All-American

Kirkwood High School

senior Eric McWoods has been named an All-American by the National Soccer Coaches Association of America (NSCAA).

McWoods has been a four-year starter for the Pioneers. In 2012, he was selected to the First Team All-State and the NSCAA All-Region team. In addition to soccer, McWoods is a starting point guard for the Pioneer varsity basketball team and is a two time state finalist in track and field in sprint relays. He has made a verbal commitment to continue his career at the Division I level at Xavier University in Cincinnati, Ohio. He plans on majoring in business communications.

CLUTCH

Continued from B3 with “About Billions” was about to learn a cold, hard lesson in humility. For most of the fight, the narrative was the same. Maidana came forward with hard punches and awkward combinations while Broner was left baffled and unsure of how to respond. There were a few instances where Broner showed the remarkable hand speed and combination punching that make fight fans salivate at his potential. However, those moments were few and far between.

Instead Broner was left retreating, holding and complaining to the referee for much of the fight. He even threw his name in the hat for a possible Emmy award with the acting job he put on after a head butt in attempts to get Maidana disqualified. Luckily

the referee saw through the madness and told Broner to get back up and finish taking his whooping. In the end, Broner was knocked down twice and staggered countless times en route to a unanimous decision loss. He even got paybackhumped by Maidana later in the fight.

Broner learned the hard way. He watched Mayweather’s meteoric rise and tried to make himself a carbon copy of the super welterweight king. While Mayweather has had more than his fair share of jerk moments, he’s also showed class and humility to his opponents after fights at times. Meanwhile, his protégé bad-mouthed Paulie Malignaggi after their fight and brought his ex-girlfriend into the mix. While the 24-year-old Broner was on his rap tour, Mayweather was back home in the gym. While Broner was “leaking” his sextape, Maidana was in launching doing roadwork and

assaulting heavy bags.

Despite never seeing a microphone that he didn’t like in the past, Broner bypassed the post-fight interview and ran for the high heavens once the fight was over. The shameless move once again disgusted fans, who almost universally cheered his demise. As he scurried away like a coward, fans pelted him with plastic bottles, drinks, snacks and whatever else they could get their hands on. While such classless fandom is usually frowned upon, it was impossible to feel bad for Broner. He deserved it. Hopefully Broner will learn from his mistakes. The guy is talented. No he’s not Floyd Mayweather Jr., and never was. That was all part of the hype but ultimately could actually be a good thing. The fact that Broner gets hit fairly often and is usually willing to mix it up a bit means he has the potential to be a much more exciting fighter in the

Prep Athletes of the Week

Lauryn Miller

Kirkwood – Girls Basketball

The 6’1” Miller has been one of the top impact freshmen in the St. Louis area this season.

Miller had 27 points, 11 rebounds, five steals and two blocks in the Pioneers’ 64-60 victory over Parkway South. Miller was 12 of 18 from the field in the victory. Miller also had 19 points, 11 rebounds, three blocks and seven steals in a 46-34 victory over Northwest. She scored 28 points in her debut game against Pattonville.

For the season, Miller is averaging 21.5 points, 8.8 rebounds, 3.5 steals and 2.5 blocks for the Pioneers, who are currently 4-0.

Deion Lavender

Alton Marquette – Boys Basketball

The 6’4” senior guard enjoyed a record-setting performance in last weekend’s Midwest Showdown Shootout at McCluer North. Lavender scored 53 points in the Explorers’ 68-59 loss to St. Mary’s, which was a new record for the seven-game event. Lavender had 22 points at halftime and 40 points at the end of the third quarter. Lavender also had 23 points, nine rebounds, three assists and three steals in Marquette’s 55-47 victory over Jerseyville. For the season, Lavender is averaging 30 points a game, along with 7.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists for the Explorers, who are currently 7-2. Lavender has received scholarship offers from several NCAA Division I schools.

ring. Hopefully the loss will give him focus and he’ll return to the drawing board, drop the lame persona and disrespectful ways and focus on fighting. He made a good start by doing an interview with post-telecast

PREP

Continued from B3

guard Mike Williams-Bey, who is averaging 15.6 points a game. Senior guard De’Ante McMurray is averaging 9.2 points while junior guard Darrius Edwards is averaging 7.6 points. Up front, 6’7” junior Bryan Hudson is averaging 10.6 points while athletic 6’3” junior Carlos Anderson is averaging 9.6 points.

Webster winner Lafayette High played very good basketball in winning the Webster Classic last weekend. The Lancers defeated Miller Career Academy 72-54 in the semifinals on Friday night, then came back to defeat the host Statesmen 52-36 in the championship game. Lafayette’s displayed excellent perimeter shooting in both games as they nailed 10 3-pointers against Career Academy and Webster Groves. Senior guard Nate Messer was named the Most Valuable Player of the Tournament.

Thrilling victory

Fort Zumwalt South defeated Kirkwood 57-55 to win the St. Charles West Warrior Classic. Junior forward Marshawn Blackmon hit two free throws with five seconds left to give South the thrilling victory.

Suburban Shootout

The GAC-Suburban Shootout will be held this weekend at the Family Arena in St. Charles. The 17-game event will be held on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It will pit teams from Suburban St. Louis County against teams from St. Charles County. Among featured games at the event include Kirkwood vs. Washington on Friday at 7 p.m., followed by St. Charles vs. Webster Groves at 8:30 p.m. On Saturday, the game to watch will be Fort Zumwalt South vs. Oakville at 9 p.m. (You can follow Earl Austin Jr.’s daily basketball reports on his website, www. earlaustinjr.com. You can also follow Earl on twitter @earlaustinjr.)

interview with Showtime, where he acknowledged that Maidana was the better fighter that night. Maidana showed Broner there’s no shortcut to greatness. You have to earn it. All Broner earned Saturday night was a tail-kicking he’ll

remember for the rest of his life.

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

Grace Hill partners with new dental school

A.T. Still University will bring jobs, dental care to STL

By Robert Joiner Of The Beacon

A big challenge in health care is finding innovative ways to address the shortage of health practitioners to serve the needy. A.T. Still University of Health Sciences in Kirksville is focusing on the need to train more dentists who might serve patients in poor, rural communities in Missouri. The university hopes to address the problem through a unique partnership in its new dental school. Students will get part of their training on the Kirksville campus and another part in a clinic that will be built in St. Louis and managed by Grace Hill Neighborhood Health Centers.

The $23 million, 85-chair clinic is expected to be built near the old City Hospital. Still’s first dental school class has 42 students.

Joe Pierle, CEO of the Missouri Primary Care Association, says the new program is welcome given the shortage of dentists, especially for underserved patients.

In 2007, the average number of dentists was 6 to 10,000 people nationally. The ratio in Missouri was 4.8 dentists to 10,000 people, according to a report on oral health in Missouri, financed by several groups, including the Missouri Foundation for Health and the Health Care Foundation of Greater Kansas City. The ratio

Continued from B1

about growing dependence on government benefits – the infamous “47 percent” theory that got Mitt Romney in such trouble. But if you force

fell to 2.9 to 10,000 outside of metropolitan areas in Missouri.

The arrangement between a dental school in Kirkskville and an inner-city health clinic is the first of its kind, says the school’s inaugural dean, Dr. Christopher G. Halliday, a former assistant surgeon general.

“It’s innovative in that dental students will do all of their training with underserved and otherwise disadvantaged population groups,” he says.

“Their third year will be spent at the facility in St. Louis.

During the fourth year, they will perform clinical rotations at additional community health center sites around the state.”

An estimated 11,500 additional patients are expected to be served by Grace Hill and other community health centers across Missouri through the partnership, according to school officials. They say the Missouri Foundation for Health provided the university with $3 million to develop the program and that the Missouri Primary Care Association assisted in setting up the partnership.

Halliday says Grace Hill is a good fit for this mission because of its strong history of serving the poor. He says the clinic will also have an urgent care operation where a patient having an emergency, such as a severe tooth ache, can seek treatment.

The dental school will be only the second in Missouri.

people to work for $7.25 hour, you’re basically guaranteeing that they need a range of government help: food stamps, housing assistance, tax credits and so forth. Conservatives also say they worry about the weakening of family structure. I can think of nothing that would do more to strengthen

The other is at the University of Missouri at Kansas City.

Alan Freeman, president and CEO of Grace Hill, says the clinic not only will provide services but will generate as many as 80 new jobs in areas such as dental assistants, clerks and hygienists.

“For Missouri, which ranks in the lower 20 percent across the country in oral health status, this clinic is a valuable addition to the provision of oral health services to underserved populations across the state,” Freeman said.

The new clinic, he says, will mean a major expansion of the 21 dental chairs already available at Grace Hill. He said other health centers also provide dental services. “But the need for dental care exceeds the supply” of dentists, he says.

Freeman says the dental clinic is expected to serve patients from throughout the St. Louis area, with patients ranging from the uninsured to those eligible for Medicaid and those with private insurance.

“Grace Hill is involved in a number of innovative strategies, and we are pleased to participate in this groundbreaking activity,” Freeman said. “This is a remarkable initiative. It will be great for St. Louis and great for Missouri.”

Edited for length and reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

low-income families than paying them a living wage.

The standard Republican objection is that raising the minimum wage will hurt small businesses, but I believe these businesses will adjust – and that many will thrive, since more people will be able to afford their goods and services.

Financial Focus

By Courtney D. Bond

If you’ve been around long-time investors, you’ll probably hear them say, ruefully, “If only I had gotten in on the ground floor of such-and-such computer or social media company, I’d be rich today.” That may be true — but is it really relevant to anyone? Do you have to be an early investor of a spectacular company to achieve investment success? Not really. Those early investors of the “next big thing” couldn’t have fully anticipated the tremendous results enjoyed by those companies. But these investors all had one thing in common: They were ready, willing and able to look for good opportunities And that’s what you need to do, too. Of course, you may never snag the next big thing, but that’s not the point. If you’re going to be a successful investor, you need to be diligent in your search for new opportunities. And these opportunities don’t need to be brand-new to the financial markets — they can just be new to you For example, when you look at your investment

Don’t take

Haute holiday spots

Perfect seasonal stops for shopping and style

By Danie Rae, Style Broker For The

St. Louis American

Everyone always wants to know where’s the best places to eat, shop, hang out and get groomed. I’ve compiled a list of some of the area’s top spots to get hip for the holidays. Now, some of my finds may not be your normal “go to” to stay hip for the holidays, but they are true STL gems.

‘Whip it … Whip it good’ – Studio Posh (Salon), 5856 Delmar (The Loop); Tues. –Sat. by appointment only (314-454-9999).

If you are all about healthy hair, this is the spot to get hot for the holiday season and

Beyoncé on autopilot

throughout the year. Studio Posh’s sleek ambiance and personalized stylist treatment makes you feel like you’re getting the A-list celebrity treatment. They specialize in cutting, color services, extensions and natural styles. They also offer makeup and wardrobe styling services. Prices are also reasonable, starting at $50 for a basic shampoo and style.

‘Best Dressed’ – Boutique Callalily, 6195 Delmar (The Loop); Tues.-Fri. 3-7 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. (314-3676353). Where the motto is, “Dress up, just

See STYLE, C4

‘Mrs. Carter’ serves STL oddly average

stage show

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Those witnessing Beyoncé stage show for the first time 2013 on Saturday at the Scottrade Center didn’t know what they were missing.

She danced, she sang, she changed into seven outfits. There were videos, pyro and the whole

shebang.

However, anyone in the crowd remotely familiar with Beyoncé’s powerhouse performances must have left thinking, “That was it?”

She came to St. Louis on the “Mrs. Carter Show World Tour” fresh from her game-changing release of Beyoncé, which she secretly dropped at midnight on Friday (giving the rest of the week’s new albums a three-day head start) via iTunes and clocked the entire music industry as they slept.

Unlike the groundbreaking release of Beyoncé which included a video for every track – there was something surprisingly ordinary about what she presented to a sold-out crowd in St. Louis.

The concert kicked off with a dramatic opening video featuring Beyoncé draped in Marie Antoinette attire. Her singers and dancers appeared as her royal court, and visual effects gave the

illusion of them popping right from the screen to the stage.

Beyoncé emerged and bounced right into “Run the World (Girls).” Her 95-minute set included mostly pop hits along with a few of her favorite B-side tracks like “End of Time,” “Freakum Dress” and “Why Don’t You Love Me.”

POTPOURRI, C4

American intern turns author

Sherrod Tunstall gets ‘Spicy’ with urban novel

Party for Charley

Charley Johnson and fan/ client Peggy Henderson at the

Three-hundred guests and fans of Charley Kibby Johnson stepped out in their finest gala attire last month. The newly renovated St. Louis Renaissance Hotel at the airport was the venue for the “Pearl Gala” honoring the CEO and Founder of Charley’s Body Shop. Charley’s has been providing outstanding dance training and performances as well as quality fitness services for 30 years. The gala was appropriately themed “30 Years and Still Dancing with Total Praise.”

Hostesses/gala committee members wore glamorous black attire with pearls in keeping with the theme “Pearl Gala.” Kacie Starr Triplett delighted guests as the Mistress of Ceremonies; the Keynote Speaker was the Honorable Judge Jimmie Edwards, presiding 22nd

this fabulous affair will benefit the CBS Youth Scholarship Fund, a 501c3 non-for-profit organization. Gala committee members included Charley Kibby Johnson CBS Director / Owner, Gladys Mansfield and Jerri Kibby Williams, Co-Chairs, Lisa Billings Norma J. Brooks, Shirley George, Peggy Henderson Shameem Clark Hubbard, Potpourri Correspondent Emily M. Jenkins, Patricia Miller Marcia Jones Scott, Cynthia Stevens, Esq., Saundra White and Darryl Worth The committee was justifiably pleased with the successful outcome of their pre-holiday “Pearl Gala.” The St. Louis Paupers held their annual Christmas Holiday Brunch

Studio Posh (Salon), 5856 Delmar (The Loop)

Spicy is local author Sherrod Tunstall’s first novel in a threebook deal with Maryland-based

Pearl Gala

Dana G. Randolph

Beyoncé performs onstage at her Mrs. Carter Show World Tour 2013 on Saturday at the Scottrade Center.

Photos by Robin Harper/Invision For Parkwood Entertainment/AP Images

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

holiday haps

Fri., Dec. 20, 7:30 p.m., Missouri Ballet Theater presents The Nutcracker. Washington University’s Edison Theater. 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 621-3182 or visit www. missouriballettheatre.org.

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

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

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

Dec. 20 – 21, Christmas with Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. The duo is currently celebrating 40 years in the entertainment business with a musical tribute to the hits and productions that have made up their multi-faceted careers. J. Scheidegger Center for the

Arts, 2300 W. Clay St., 63013. For more information, call (636) 949-4433.

Sat., Dec. 21, 8 p.m., End of the Year Special: BandTogether Holiday Concert 2013. E. Desmond Lee Concert Hall, 560 Trinity Ave., 63130.

Sat., Dec. 21, 8 p.m., 13 Black Katz presents A Christmas Escapade. Kaf’e Katz, Sheraton Hotel, 400 S. 14th St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 477-4249 or visit www.13blackkatz.com.

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

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

Tues., Dec. 24, 7 p.m., Epworth Children and Family Services hosts Adopt a Youth or Family for Christmas! For nearly 150 years, Epworth Children & Family Services has provided the St. Louis community with essential youth development services that have helped thousands of children overcome severe emotional and behavioral challenges caused by abuse or neglect. 110 N. Elm Ave., 63376. For more information, call (314) 918-3321 or visit www. epworth.org.

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

butterflyhouse.org.

Friday, Dec. 27, 8 p.m. AKA

Gamma Omega Chapter End of the Year Jam, Machinists Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd. Tickets are $15 in advance, $20 at the door. Proceeds benefit scholarship. For tickets, call Traci at 314973-9801.

Sun., Dec. 29, 12 p.m., St. Louis Art Museum presents Family Sundays: Winter Celebration – Christmas. Event includes art activities from, a scavenger hunt through the galleries, and a special performance in The Farrell Auditorium. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, call (314) 6555444 or visit www.slam.org.

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

Sun., Dec. 29, 4 p.m., Saint Louis Art Museum Kwanzaa Celebration, Saint Louis Art Museum. For more information, call (314) 7210071 or visit Saturday Dec 29 at the Saint Louis Art Museum activities noon to 4pm, show 2:00-3:30 PM

Through Dec., 30, The Butterfly House presents Winter Jewels A Holiday Celebration. Surround yourself with the magic of the season. Faust Park, 15193 Olive Blvd., 63017. For more information, call (636) 530-0076 or visit www.

Tues., Dec 31, 6:30 p.m. 3rd Annual New Year’s Eve Friends and Family, Three Course Dinner, three hour premium open bar, discounted rooms with purchase, Crowne Plaza Hotel St. Louis Airport, 11228 Lone Eagle Dr. For more information, call (314) 2916700.

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

Tues., Dec. 31, 6:30 p.m., 3rd Annual New Years Eve Friends and Family 2014. Night includes 3-course dinner, open bar, party favors and more. Crowne Plaza Hotel, 11228 Lone Eagle, 63044. For more information, call (314) 239-0263 or (314) 583-9335.

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

Christmas with Marilyn McCoo & Billy Davis Jr. See HOLIDAY HAPS for more information.

hotwinternights.net.

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

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

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

concerts

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

534-1111.

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

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

Fri., Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m., Jazz at the Bistro hosts Jahmal Nichols CD release party. 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Jan. 18, 8 p.m., Magic 100.3 presents Charlie Wilson. The event will be held at the Fox Theater. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Friday, Feb. 14, 8 p.m., Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly with Anthony Hamilton and Joe, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat. Jan. 25, 5:30 p.m., The Fox Theater presents The Fresh Beat Band - Live in Concert. Children’s TV show with original pop songs produced for Nick Jr. The Fresh Beats are Shout, Twist, Marina, and Kiki, described as four best friends in a band who go to music school together and love to sing and dance. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. fabulousfox.com.

Fri., Jan. 31, 7:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Jazz at Lincoln Center Quartet. Featuring veteran JALC Orchestra musicians Vincent Gardner on trombone, Walter Blanding on tenor sax, Kenny Rampton on trumpet, and Herlin Riley on drums, this is sure to be one of the best swinging shows of the season. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

local gigs

Fridays through December, 8 p.m., The Precinct presents R&B Saxophonist Tim Cunningham. 1900 Locust Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314)

588-8899 or visit www. timcunningham.com.

Saturdays, 3 p.m., The Kendrick Smith Quartet, Premier Lounge, 5969 Dr. Martin Luther King Drive. For more information, call (314)385-5281 or e-mail crusadersforjazz@hotmail. com.

Sundays, 6 p.m., Chuck Flowers Live, InSpot, 5854 Delmar. For more information, visit www.artistecard.com/ cflowers

Sundays, 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Jazz @ Eventide, featuring Black and White Trio. Sip N Savor, 286 DeBaliviere, 1/2 block north of the Forest park Metro link. For more information, call (314)361-2116.

special events

Fri., Dec. 20, 6 p.m., Diversity Gallery presents Natural Night Out, This Event is for all Naturalista’s! Naturally Beautiful! Natural Hair! Natural Diet! Simply Natural, Mind, Body and Spirit! As usual it will be a Fun filled Night with lots of Surprises! The Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar. It’s a FREE event with limited space so please RSVP soon todiversitygallery@gmail.com.

Sat., Dec. 21, 9 p.m., Delux/ Avion Tequlia presents Murphy Lee’s Birthday Party-Album Release Party feat. DJ Mannie Fresh. The Rustic Goat, 2617 Washington Ave., 63103.

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

Tues., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., The Deco Fortress presents New Year’s Eve Speakeasy Ball

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

Tues., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch hosts The Ultimate New Year’s Eve Party. Featuring an incredible line-up of live music including Dr Zhivegas, Smash Band and The Dave

Glover Band. An open bar, food stations, party favors, Champagne toast and balloon drop at midnight will help you ring in 2014. 315 Chestnut St., 63102. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Wed., Jan. 1, 10 a.m., Kiener Plaza hosts Commitment Day St. Louis. Make a commitment to join us for a New Year’s Day fun run in downtown St Louis. Begin 2014 with a commitment to a healthy way of life as you enjoy scenic views of the city with family and friends. 600 Market St., 63101. For more information, call (636) 527-9700 or visit www.commitmentday.com.

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

Sat., Jan. 4, 11 a.m., The America’s Center hosts The Wedding Show. The largest wedding planning event in St. Louis showcasing over 225 wedding booths, with experts to assist brides in every area of planning their wedding. 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www. stlbrideandgroom.com.

Through Jan. 5, Missouri Botanical Garden presents Gardenland Express Flower and Train Show: Gathering for the Feast. 4344 Shaw Blvd., 63110. For more information, call (314) 5775100 or visit www.mobot.org.

Sat., Jan. 11, 6:30 p.m., The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri will host its 28th annual kickoff Nationally syndicated columnist and journalism Roland Martin will serve as the keynote speaker for the event, which is themed, “Focusing on Family Financial Freedom,” Harris-Stowe State University’s Main Auditorium. For more information, visit www.hssu.edu.

Thurs., Jan. 16, 10:30 a.m., The Peabody Opera House presents Sesame Street Live. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. sesamestreetlive.com.

Fri., Jan. 17, 7:30 p.m., The Scottrade Center presents WWE Live. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.scottradecenter.com.

Mon., Jan. 20, 10 a.m., Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center hosts Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance 2014. This event will feature engaging speakers, as well as talented musicians and performers. A program for children ages 5 to 11, hosted by the University’s College of Education, also will run concurrently in the lobby. 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, visit www. touhill.org.

Fri., Jan. 24, 11 a.m., The Hilton Ball Park

Hotel hosts 2014 Missouri Lawyer Awards. Join us for networking, lunch and honoring lawyers, judges and law firms for their outstanding accomplishments throughout the year. Nearly 250 members of the legal community join us to recognize the year’s winningest trial and appellate lawyers, law firm innovators and more, capped off with a tribute to Missouri Lawyers Weekly’s Lawyer of the Year. 1 S. Broadway, 63102.

Fri., Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Chase Parks Plaza Hotel hosts The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ 12th Annual St. Louis Food & Wine Experience. 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.repstl.org.

Thursdays, 7 p.m. (6 p.m. practice), The Cultural Bop Society Of St. Louis Continuing the Bop with Style (CBS) (BOP the official Dance of St. Louis, Free Bop Lessons and Bop Set Every Thursday Night, 7555 Olive Blvd. in U-City, St. Louis, MO 63130.

comedy

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

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

theatre

Tues., Dec. 21, 10 a.m., Brown-Kortkamp hosts Girlfriends & God “The Retreat” Play Audition.

HarrisStowe State University will host the 28th Annual kick-off of the The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. State Holiday Celebration with keynote speaker Roland Martin. See SPECIAL EVENTS for details.

God created an unexplainable bond within the sisterhood of women. In this group there is acceptance and understanding. The production, Girlfriends and God “The Retreat”, is a peek into a weeklong retreat that is open to women from all walks of life. This play is written to show the strength of God’s love through touching monologues, original music, and humor. Seeking male and female singers / actors ages 18 and up to audition. Please prepare 32 bars of a song and a short monologue (2 min.). 4709 Delmar, 63108. For more information, visit http:// girlfriendsandgod.weebly.com.

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

Jan 8 – Jan. 26, The Black Rep presents The Meeting, Harris-Stowe State University Emerson Performance Center. For more information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www. theblackrep.org.

arts

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

Wed., Dec. 25, 12 p.m., Kranzberg Arts Center presents Stephanie Liner: Momentos of a Doomed Construct. Stephanie Liner creates large orbs and beautifully upholstered egg shaped sculptures with windows that allow the viewer to peer inside the structure to discover a beautiful girl trapped inside. 501 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.art-stl. com.

Wed., Jan. 1, 11 a.m. (runs

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

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

Fri., Jan. 24, 7 p.m., Grand Center host I Killed Kenny. Joyce Pensato: I Killed Kenny, the artist’s first museum survey, features monumental enamel paintings and a largescale painting rendered directly onto CAM’s gallery walls. 634 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. grandcenter.org.

lectures

Tues., Jan. 7, 1 p.m., FleishmanHillard hosts a Student Forum. Recent grads and college students seeking careers in integrated communications are invited. You’ll meet professionals from all backgrounds and disciplines – branding, public relations, social and digital media, marketing, advertising, print design, video, research, planning – and learn how we work together to deliver impact. Refreshments and informal networking will conclude the afternoon. 200 Little Broadway St., 63125.

Fri., Dec. 27, 12 p.m., St. Luke’s Hospital hosts Sitter Skills Class. This program was developed for beginning baby-sitters, girls and boys, age 11 and older to help make their baby-sitting experience a success. The class will cover: basic information needed before you start baby-sitting, safety information, firstaid and child development.

Each baby-sitter receives a participation certificate, and book and bag. A light snack is provided. Class is taught by St. Luke’s health educators. 222 S. Woods Mill Rd., 63017. For more information, visit www. stlukes-stl.com.

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

health

Thurs., Jan. 2, 6 p.m., Cancer Support Community of Greater St. Louis presents Lung Cancer Networking Group. Group begins with Q & A provided by an oncology nurse, followed by group sharing and support. The group provides a nurturing environment to learn about and discuss coping skills, disease management, and quality of life during and after treatment. 1058 Old Des Peres Rd., 63131. For more information, visit www. lungcancerconnectioninc.org.

Tues., Jan. 14, 7:30 p.m., The Healing Center hosts 21-Day Detox Groupget your health on track for 2014. New Years is a wonderful time to reflect on our health goals for the coming year. The program will help you release bad habits and develop a healthier lifestyle. 734 De Mun Ave., 63105. For more information, visit http://events.r20. constantcontact.com/.

spiritual

Thur., Dec. 12, 7 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents Too Hot To Handel: A Gospel Messiah. Adding a jazz and gospel twist to Handel’s Messiah, this highenergy, upbeat performance with the St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus and conductor Kevin McBeth will have you dancing in the aisles. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more informatihael Johnson , Southernae all for God. Event will be held at Civic Center East, 8969 Dunn Rd. Hazelwood, 63042. For more information, call (314) 7310980.

Continued from C1

His mother, Lola Tunstall, has been his biggest supporter, he said, and continuously pushes him to follow his dreams.

“She always made sure I had a book in my hand,” he said of his mother.

The self-professed “bookworm” said the writing bug hit him when he was only 12 years old. In fact, Spicy developed from a short story he began writing in high school.

His other influences are some of the most notable names in the genre, from Sister Souljah to St. Louis’ own Keisha Ervin. His proudest moment came when he interviewed and wrote a feature story on Ervin during his internship with The American in 2008.

He was a valuable addition to The American staff, contributing a number of stories on a wide range of topics, including a front-page news report on an alleged incident of police brutality.

The following year, he graduated from St. Louis Community College at Forest

POTPOURRI

Continued from C1

December 1 in the main ballroom at the downtown Missouri Athletic Club. It was a joyful affair with festive holiday and old standard tunes provided by D.J. Casual Guests and members enjoyed an old fashioned meet and greet in the MAC lobby before proceeding upstairs for the main event. Wanda Ware and her team of Santa’s elves that included President Jocelyn Woodson-Reed, Wanda, Karen Moore Sheila Word and Nancy Thompson were responsible for the planning of a lovely affair. Other members in attendance included Mary A. Polk, Mary Olivia Polk, Johni Ola Spencer, Delores Roberts Geneva Richardson Albernice Fagen, Paula Knight, Karen Moore, Angela Brown Dana G. Randolph

Gail Allmon and Susan Buford With so many in attendance it would be hard to mention everyone but to name a few: Randall, Loren and Randi Cahill, Ronald and Linda Baker Roby, STL Urban League President Michael McMillan Ida G. Woolfolk Jerda Marie Riley Karen McMurray, Andrea Haynes, Gwendolyn Key Mary Riley Douglas, Dwain Little, Linda Clark, Denise Casey, Wendell Allmon, Jim Buford, Honorable Don McCullin, Victor Roberts and Jeanne and Michael V. Roberts Sr. St. Louis Guardsmen enjoying a weekend in Cabos San Lucas last month included Richard Banks and

Park, where he earned an associate degree in mass communications. In May 2012, he graduated from Webster University with a degree in journalism. He honed his writing skills reporting for both school newspapers, The Scene and Webster Journal, respectively.

Spicy isn’t his first novel.

Secrets – a novel in the style of Danielle Steel that he compared to the soap opera Days of our Lives – was written during his time at Forest Park.

“As I was reading it, I’m thinking, ‘These characters are not me. They don’t represent

my friends or where I come from,’” he recalled of his first novel.

No publishers wanted to publish the book, he said.

“And to tell you the truth,” he said, “I didn’t like the book I wrote either.”

After much soul searching, he discovered that he wanted to write about real life. His family, friends, co-workers and their everyday situations in St. Louis became his inspiration. There are even aspects of the author sprinkled throughout the book, like the title character’s pursuit of a broadcast journalism degree from Webster University.

He thought he was on an episode of MTV’s Punked when La’ Femme Fatale’ Publishing CEO Michele A. CameronFletcher called expressing an interest in Spicy. That phone call led to a three-book deal.

“Do your research,” he advised aspiring authors.

“Know about the business as much as you can and look over your contracts. If you don’t understand, get an agent or a lawyer. You don’t want to make millions with your book and then get ripped off.”

Spicy may be purchased online at lffpublishing.com, Amazon.com and local book retailers.

Larissa Steele Faith and Cornell Thomas, Victor and Nancy Thompson, Bernard Randolph and Kathleen Smith, Jonathan and Bettye Reed, Wayman and Susan Smith. The group was hosted by the New Jersey chapter of Guardsmen and had a glamorous long weekend in the sun.

Congratulations to NFL Hall of Famer and former St. Louis Ram Marshall Faulk who was inducted, along with NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, into the Indianapolis Colts Ring of Honor on December 14. Both former Colts and exceptional players during their careers were honored to be recognized by the team that offered them a playing field early in their careers.

Bravo to Rocky Arceneaux (Alliance Sports) client Donald Penn #70 (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) who launched a successful kick-off campaign

through Friday and $2 drinks on Tuesdays.

Continued from C1

because,” Boutique Callalily is the depot of fancy, girlie dresses. It doesn’t matter if one is going to black tie New Year’s Eve formal affair or just a private dinner date, Boutique Callalily can get you all gussied up at an affordable price. They also are one of the area’s only boutiques that specializes in prom and plussize formal wear. They have a pre- holiday sale of 20 percent off this Saturday, December 21.

‘Where everybody knows your name’ – U. City Bar and Grill (formerly Level 2 Night Club), 7555 Olive; Sun.-Sat. noon-1 a.m. The older I get, the more I can’t picture myself in club. But, during the holidays, I still like to go out and mingle to a good jingle. U. City Bar and Grill just opened under new management, but it’s already my favorite dive. The classic chicken wings, shrimp, fish and homemade pizzas keep the regulars coming back. They also have two-for-one drink specials every Monday

‘Cutting Up’ – PCS (Professional Cuts and Styles Barbershop), 3195 Morganford, Tues.-Fri. 9 a.m.7 p.m., Sat. 8 a.m.-6 p.m. (314772-4333). During this holiday season, gentlemen also need a safe haven for getting groomed, and that place is Professional Cuts and Styles Barbershop.

n It’s a one-of-a-kind retail experience for all you frugal ladies that are looking to get the most out of a dress.

Located in the heart of South St. Louis, they are a breath of fresh air for guys looking for a quality cut that won’t cut into the holiday funds. Being a family-friendly shop, moms can feel comfortable when taking their boys or getting a trim themselves. Prices start at $7 for kids and $15 for adult haircuts.

‘Saving Never Looked So Good’ - Savvy Silhouette, 550 Rue St. Pierre (Florissant),

BEYONCÉ

Continued from C1

She never missed a step or a note and held her own amongst her cadre of professional dancers.

Still, the show never quite lived up to the awe of the introduction – aside from the magnificent artistry and musicianship of her allfemale band and the antics of identical brother dance duo Le Twin (the only males on her tour).

Beyoncé seemed to be in good spirits after being met with the electric energy of fans eager for her first return to St. Louis in seven years –though she didn’t leave her heart on the stage or even work up much of a sweat.

Much like her “visual album,” the Mrs. Carter Tour presented video clips that conveniently covered for her many wardrobe changes.

Highlights from the show included her streetlaced rendition of “Diva,” “Baby Boy,” a disco-infused “Naughty Girl” as well as “Crazy in Love.”

Watching Beyoncé fly through the crowd from the middle of the floor to perform “Irreplaceable” and “Love on Top” was also quite noteworthy.

Many were wondering how her new material would factor into the subsequent dates for the Mrs. Carter Tour. For St. Louis – the second stop since Beyoncé was released –references to the album were kept to a minimum.

Aside from screening the first installment of her Facebook video “SelfTitled,” which explains the concept behind her latest album’s atypical release, a performance of “XO” was the only taste of new material for The Mrs. Carter Tour. The song meshed perfectly with the mostly upbeat selections.

As she closed with “Halo,” Beyoncé and her fans appeared to be on a mutual

high. The audience seemed fulfilled as they bid her farewell following a set that seemed much shorter than the hour-and-a-half that had gone by since she had taken the stage.

Luke James was charged with the task of provided the opening entertainment for The Mrs. Carter show. While he projected the confidence of being up to the task, his stage show could use some polishing. Vocally he has the chops to rank among the greats, and he has the abs of

for his foundation at Louis Vuitton Tampa Bay last month. The Donald Penn Foundation headquartered in St. Louis, will focus on aiding disadvantaged youth in Tampa Bay, Los Angeles and St. Louis. In town for the event were Renee and Donald Penn Sr. and Donald’s lovely wife Dominique Penn of Open Heart Foundation fame. Dominique, along with a couple of friends spent her birthday weekend last month packing and distributing lunches to the homeless. They blessed 50 people with the lunches and she hopes to distribute 100 the next time. A young lady with broad interests and varied talents, Dominique pens an interesting blog, http:// everythingmrspennloves. blogspot.com/ . Check her out. Happy holidays! Count it all joy.

Thurs. and Fri. 11:30 a.m.-3 p.m., Sat. 11:30 a.m.-6 p.m., all other times by appointment (314-714-5322). Many ladies get asked for their hand in marriage over the holidays. We all know the most important part in planning a wedding is finding that perfect dress, and Savvy Silhouette is the spot for gowns that fit in everyone’s budget. Featuring upscale bridal consignment, resale and rental, Savvy Silhouette is a one-of-a-kind retail experience for all you frugal ladies that are looking to get the most out of a dress you can only wear once. Savvy is offering 25 percent off from December 21-31. With gowns starting at $99, you couldn’t get a better deal from Santa.

‘Dapper Dudes’ – DNA Boutique, 1308A Washington; Mon.-Thurs. 12-8 p.m., FriSat.12-9 p.m. (314-825-5757). If you’ve been searching for a spot to purchase the top streetwear brands for men and women, DNA is the crowd favorite. They receive new shipments every week of some of the hottest footwear for the freshest dude, including brands like 10 Deep, Fashion Geek and Black Scale.

a future heartthrob. However, some intention with respect to his stage presence will be the determining factor as his career progresses. His set included tributes to legends Michael Jackson (“The Way You Make Me Feel”) and Marvin Gaye (“Got to Give it Up”). And when he concluded his portion of the show with his Grammynominated “I Want You,” it was easy to be intrigued about where he will end up in the near future.

Donald and Dominique Penn at Ruth’s Chris Steak House in Tampa. Photo by Dana G. Randolph

She didn’t leave her heart on the stage or even work up much of a sweat.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

And other winter happenings at the Missouri History Museum

As the year winds down and the holiday season is in full swing, there are still a lot of great reasons to visit the Missouri History Museum. From the exhibit on 1968 to the family friendly Winter Getaway, the History Museum continues to delight children and adults alike. If your family is visiting from out of town or you are planning a staycation this holiday, put the Missouri History Museum at the top of your to do list.

Opened in October, the 1968 exhibit closes on January 5. If you are like most people, you thought you had lots of time to see the exhibit and now it is closing in two weeks. The 1968 exhibit takes a month-by-month look at the events that made the year memorable. From the war in Vietnam to the King and Kennedy assassinations, 1968 was a watershed year in the history of the U.S. and this exhibit brings back memories for those who lived through it, while educating those who are too young to remember. As with many museum exhibits, there is also a short play entitled, “The 1968 Play” to compliment the exhibit. This free, one-person, 20-minute play runs on Saturdays and Tuesdays at 2 p.m.

For the youngest museum visitors, the museum is happy to once again host Winter Getaway. Winter Getaway is a three-day family-friendly event (Dec 27, 28, 30)

for preschoolers through preteens that includes musical performances by Babaloo, Radio Disney, crafts, and screenings of The Love Bug and Mary Poppins. This event is a great opportunity to introduce children to the museum or bring them back for their yearly Babaloo performance. All events are free, but space may be limited depending upon the event. We encourage you to arrive early.

While the preschoolers and preteens are enjoying Winter Getaway, we did not forget about the high school audience. The museum once against hosts the VerbQuake Indie Poetry Slam. Open to the first 20 students who sign up, this event determines who advances to the VerbQuake Grand Slam in April.

If you are not a poet we still encourage you come out and support these young people who are doing something positive by using the arts as a form of self-expression. Because they are high school students their poetry may contain explicit content that is not suitable for younger audiences.

As you are running around finishing up your holiday shopping, please consider a membership to the Missouri History Museum as a gift. Memberships are a great way to support the more than 700 free programs the museum provides to the community each year. It also allows you free entry into exhibits that require a fee and invitations to member’s only events. Available at different levels, a museum membership offers both educational and entertainment options for an entire year.

If you are not sure about a membership, stop by the museum’s gift shop for a variety of St. Louis related gifts and one of a kind jewelry. Finally, a gift certificate to the award winning Bixby’s restaurant will delight foodies who enjoy a lunch with a view or an amazing Sunday brunch. You can’t go wrong with a gift from the Missouri History Museum.

In closing, the museum would like to thank the community for its support over the past year. We had a great year of programs and exhibits and look forward to celebrating the 250th anniversary of the city in 2014.

VerbQuake Indie Poetry Slam

Sunday, December 22 5pm to 7pm Lee Auditorium FREE For more information contact MK Stallings at 314-454-3106

Winter Getaway (for full schedule check out mohistory.org)

December 27

10:30am: Babaloo

11:30am – 2:00pm: Craft activities

December 28

10:30am: The Love Bug

12:00pm – 1:30pm: Radio Disney 11:30am to 2:00pm: Craft Activities

December 30

10:30am: Mary Poppins

11:30am – 2:00pm: Craft Activities

By Melanie Adams

Kwanzaa Returns to the Art Museum Auditorium

With the opening of its East Building and a newly renovated Farrell Auditorium, the Saint Louis Art Museum once again will play host to its annual Kwanzaa celebration. Join us on Sunday, December 29 from noon to 4:00 pm, to take part in an afternoon of African-inspired music and dance, art making, and a scavenger hunt connecting objects in the Museum’s collection to the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. Visitors can also make their own zawadi (gift) and complete a special Kwanzaa scavenger hunt for a prize. All Kwanzaa activities are free and open to the public but space is limited and based on first come, first served.

For the past three years, while the Saint Louis Art Museum underwent a major expansion, our Kwanzaa performance was held at an offsite location. To celebrate its return to the Museum auditorium, this year’s Kwanzaa performance begins at 2:00 p.m. and welcomes back, by popular demand, LIVETY: Indigenous Dance and the traditional African drumming and dance ensemble, Kumasi Kambeng. The auditorium performance requires a free ticket and seating is limited. Advanced and same-day tickets are available for the auditorium performance.

The Art Museum’s annual Kwanzaa Celebration, presented in collaboration with the St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., is designed to enhance cultural awareness of history and heritage through art. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. an international organization of more than 200,000 collegiate and professional women is a public-service organization that embodies an Arts and Letters Commission to promote interest in African and African-American history and culture through the arts.

Kwanzaa is one of five cultural celebrations hosted by the Museum this month. Every Sunday in December from noon to 4:00 p.m., Family Programs celebrate the beginning of the winter season with an art activity, scavenger hunt, and performance. Each week, families are introduced to a different culture through the holidays of Diwali, Hanukkah, the Feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, and Christmas.

On Sunday, December 22

Anniversaries

John and Portia Simpson celebrated 49 years of marriage on December 12. Congratulations!

~ Celebrations ~

Masters in Nursing

Happy 10th Anniversary to Donald “Don Juan” and Edna “Annette” Harrison on December 19. They’re still honeymooning! Achievers

Congratulations to Adrienne M. Washington, RN who received her Master’s Degree in Nursing from Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College. She was also inducted into Sigma Theta Tau International, the Honors Society for Nurses. We are so very proud of you, and we love you! Mommy, Daddy, Angela, William, Courtney, Isaiah & Bria!

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Angel Keys celebrates achieving the prestigious Certified Meeting Professional designation from the Convention Industry Council. She has been a member of the local hospitality community for twenty years. Currently, she works with associations and corporations as a Contract Meeting Planner and Event Manager.

Birthdays

Raytosha Lovett — December 15

Lee Lumpkins — December 15

Ray Johnson — December 16

Dellena Jones — December 17

Larry B. Smith — December 17

Dale Thompson — December 19

Rose Marie Jones-Gray — December 20

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108 FREE OF CHARGE

Beaumont High Class of 1964 has started planning for its 50 year class reunion. We are currently looking for participants to help with the planning. Please provide your contact information to: beaumont64alumni@gmail. com.Send your ideas as well as the best time for meetings.

Beaumont High Class of 1968 is invited to plan and organize the June 2014 46th Class Reunion Family Picnic, Jan. 25, 2014 3- 5 p.m. at Cookies n Popcorn Factory 8149 Delmar. For more information email bhsco1968@att.net or call 869-8312.

Beaumont High Class of 1969 reunion planning committee meeting is set for Sat, Jan. 25, 2014 from noon—3 pm at the Vagabond House, 4315 Westminister Pl. Contact info: LaDonne at 314 277-5095 or beaumontclassof1969@yahoo. com.

Beaumont High Class of 1984 is looking for participants to begin planning its 30 year class reunion. Please provide your contact information to: beaumont_1984@yahoo.com.

Sumner High Class Of 1974 has started planning its 40th class reunion. Meetings are held each third Saturday of the month from 2-4 pm at New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church, 4055 Edmundson Rd. 63134. Please contact Marsha D. Roberts-Moore at sumnerclassof1974@ yahoo.com, 314-367-3159 or Joyce Bush-Cruesoe at cruesoe2195@att.net, 314-4841552.

Sumner High Class of 1964

Reunion Committee is looking for classmates we have lost contact with. Please call or email any changes to your name, address, telephone number, and/or email to Patricia Wells Sheltonat (314) 839-2214 or patricia.shelton@ att.net or Carol Strawbridge at (314) 524-8504 or strawu@ AOL.com.

Sumner High Class of 1969 has started planning its 45th class reunion. Please email shsclassof69@yahoo.com for more information or call Leonard at 314-413-3104 or Meredith at 314-306-2349.

Sumner High Class of 1979 is looking for classmates to participate in activities

leading up to its 35th Class Reunion, June 20-22, 2014 in Lake Ozarks, MO. Please forward contact information to sumner1979@ymail.com or call Sara at 314-482-1558. Various activities are planned.

Sumner High Class of 1984 are planning their 30 year reunion for August 22-24, 2014. For more information please contact Priscilla (Ms. Prissy) at 314-556-3944, or Robin Allen at 314-369-9549.

U-City High Class of 1984 will host a Pre-New Year’s Eve Fundraiser Party on Friday, Dec. 27 at The In Spot Dessert Bar & Lounge at 5854 Delmar. Doors open at 7pm. Cost is $10.

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

American staff

Clergy, friends celebrate Rev. Mason’s retirement

A who’s who of local clergy supported the Reverend Eric Mason at his Final Sermon & Retirement Celebration hosted earlier this year at Greater Saint Mark Family Church, 9950 Glen Owen Dr., where the Rev. Tommie L. Pierson Sr. is pastor.

The Reverend James T. Morris, pastor of Lane Tabernacle Christian Methodist Episcopal Church, was the presider and gave the call to worship.

The Greater Saint Mark Family Church Choir, under the direction of Mrs. Linell Green, sang the prelude, “What A Fellowship,” and other selections.

The Minister Amos Isaac was worship leader for the Worship and Praise.

Holy Scriptures were read by the Reverend Steven Peebles of Devotional Baptist Church (The Old Testament – Psalms 150) and the Reverend Pastor Merrimon Boyd of Koinia Baptist Temple (The New Testament – Romans 8:28-39).

The Opening Prayer was led by the Reverend Sam Anderson of Union United Methodist Church.

Tributes were delivered by Kinloch Police Chief Ivan Gaston, Pine Lawn Assistant City Manager Velzora Jenkins, St. Louis Councilwoman Hazel Erby, state Rep. Sharon Pace, state Senator Maria ChappelleNadal and others.

Additional musical selections were performed by Mrs. Maureen Williams, first lady of Pilgrim Baptist Church in East Saint Louis, and Minister Amos Isaac and Rapture.

Special remarks were shared by the Hollingsworth Family (Odessa, Jackie, Angela, Aubrey), Tela Mason-Cole, Judge Donnell Smith (representing Howard University), the Reverend William D. Bishop of Mount Ivory Baptist Church, the Reverend Mark Benjamin, the Reverend Bishop Robby L. Owens Sr. of Metro East Family Church, the Reverend Charles L. Brown Sr. of Mt. Airy Baptist Church, the Reverend Sammie E. Jones of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, the Reverend Jimmy L. Brown of St. Luke’s Memorial MBC and the Reverend Pastor Jodie Nevils Sr. of Mount Tabor Baptist Church. Remarks and the benediction

were delivered by host pastor, the Reverend Tommie L. Pierson Sr. Rev. Mason was introduced by the Reverend Pastor William Johnson Sr. of Christ Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. Rev. Mason was licensed to preach in January 1988 and ordained in January 1989 at the Mt. Tabor Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis, where he later served as assistant pastor at the age of 19. In 2008, he was ordained an elder in the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church. In over 25 years of preaching, Mason has spoken at over 300 churches, including more than 200 in the St. Louis metro area.

He served as vice president of Howard University School of Divinity alumni. He currently serves as President/ CEO of the Missouri Consortium of Organizations. He previously has served in various capacities for the City of Kinloch, Donnell Smith & Associates, Lane Tabernacle CME Church, Sanford Brown College and the St. Louis City Division of Corrections, among other positions. He has served in leadership positions with the Howard University Alumni Association and many other organization. Under his leadership, the St. Louis chapter was awarded the 2005 Howard University National Alumni Chapter of the Year.

During a recent sermon, I found myself once again being told that the devil is liar. He specializes in deceit.

Coupled with “harden not your heart, when you hear the Word of the Lord,” it made me wonder that the voice you hear urging you to resist God’s word must be the devil’s. When these two voices collide in your spirit, one needs to be careful; deep water ahead.

One of my favorite verses of scripture is “Some people are like seed along the path where the Word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the Word sown in them.” Mark 4:15.

We have all probably reacted or responded appropriately when we discovered we were being used or made a fool of by somebody. I’m guessing it wasn’t a pretty sight for the perpetrator of such an act towards you. I know after pain comes anger. After anger usually comes action.

It’s definitely not pretty. If only the devil would show his hand the way that God does His. Now it starts to make sense. The devil is a liar because he has to be.

He specializes in presenting situations in such a manner that he’s the last person you suspect of making your life a real hell on earth. When Satan is hard

at work in your life, it is probably at a time when you are trying to hear from God. The bible says watch out here because it is at these times that so-called friends will show up to “help,” “guide” and “console” us. You can look back now and realize it was the devil at work all along. The devil is so cunning that he sees to it that we defend our sins and otherwise fault life for what we have total control over. We explain it all away and thereby clear a path straight to hell, when all we really had to do was listen to that still deep voice from within that belongs to God. Rarely do we permit ourselves the time and depth of thought to recognize He was in the middle of many a regrettable morning after. If we did, then the Word of God would have emerged out of what appeared to be chaos and confusion to lead us and guide us out of the moment.

“Be careful then, how you live-not as unwise but wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is.” Ephesians 4: 15-18. The key difference between God’s word and Satan’s: one uplifts you while the other seeks to destroy you.

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

James A. Washington

The Rev. Dr. James T. Morris, pastor of Lane Tabernacle CME Church; the Rev. Tommie L. Pierson Sr., pastor of Greater St. Mark Church; the Rev. Eric Mason; the Rev. William Johnson Sr., pastor of the Christ Pilgrim Rest M.B. Church; the Rev. Mark Benjamin; and the Rev. John Smith, pastor of the Scruggs Memorial CME Church.

St. LouiS AmericAn t

Community college recognizes Emerging Scholars

Program aims to motivate underserved students

American staff

Eleven students recently were honored at the 18th Annual Emerging Scholars Banquet at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley.

The Emerging Scholars for 2013 were Rachelle Abrams, Paula Burt, Michelle Byrd, Theneisha Carter, Alexander Flomo, Larry Greene Sr., NaTasha Henderson, Eric Johnson, Ishani Mitra, Jada Oliver and April Thomas.

Ruby Curry, acting vice president of academic affairs, served as guest speaker for the event. She said the Emerging Scholars program brings to life the work that the college does with students.

“The great faculty, staff and the many resources we offer to students make a difference. The program allows us to fulfill the college’s mission of expanding minds and changing lives,” she said.

Ishani Mitra was recognized as Emerging Scholar of the Year, while Michelle Byrd, NaTasha Henderson and Jada Oliver received the Merit Scholar Award.

The Emerging Scholars program was established in 1996 as a way to recognize academic excellence and challenge the long-held assumptions about the appropriateness of developmental courses at the college level.

The program aims to motivate underserved students to successfully overcome academic challenges while being involved in their community. In line with the college’s strategic priorities, this well-rounded program is designed to assist students in achieving college success and to graduate.

More than 50 percent of the Emerging Scholars have graduated since the program was initiated 18 years ago.

Emerging Scholars are students who complete coursework in two or more developmental areas: English, math, reading; successfully complete 24 or more credit hours in college-level coursework; and achieve a 3.5 or better grade-point average.

To date, 462 students have qualified for the program and more than $13,000 in scholarship funds have been awarded.

Student loan debt reduces lifetime wealth

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

A new research report on America’s still-growing student loan debt found that its financial effects can last a lifetime. According to Demos, a national, nonpartisan public policy

organization, 39 million Americans have used student loans to fund college education. An education debt of $53,000 will lead to a $208,000 lifetime loss of wealth. If current student borrowing trends continue, student debt will reach $2 trillion by 2025. Additionally, a $1 trillion in outstanding student debt

will lead to a total lifetime loss of $4 trillion for affected households.

“Though a college education remains the surest path to a middleclass life, evidence has begun to mount that student debt may be far more detrimental to financial futures than once thought, particularly for those with the highest levels of debt:

students of color and students from low-income families,” states the report, At What Cost: How Student Debt Reduces Lifetime Wealth

Lost lifetime wealth, according to the report, will reduce two-thirds of retirement savings by $134,000 with the remaining third being lost from lower accumulations in home equity. Demos attributes these wealth losses to loan repayments and the amount of time required for repay them in full have on savings and delays in buying a first home.

Further, the report warns of the risks that spiraling student loan debt has on the nation’s economy.

“Student debt’s financial impact won’t just be felt by the nearly 39 million Americans who currently have student loans,” states the report, “the drag of student loans on indebted households’ purchasing power and ability to save will slow an alreadysluggish growth for the entire U.S. economy. If we wish to avoid this fate, we need to take immediate action to both reduce the burden of existing student debt and prevent future debt from piling up even higher.”

Other key findings show:

• Nearly 80 percent of black students in the class of 2008 graduated with student debt averaging $28,692, while student debt for white graduates occurred with 65.6 percent and at a reduced debt load of $24,692;

• Approximately 75 percent of students earning Bachelor’s degrees from families earning less than $60,000 incurred debt; by comparison, students earning the same degree from families earning more than $100,000 incurred debt at a rate of 45 percent;

• Students enrolled in private for-profit schools incurred the greatest average debt at $33,050; followed by private, non-profit schools with an average of $27,650 in debt;

• The lowest student debt was incurred at public universities with an average of $20,200.

Debbie Goldstein, executive vice-president with the Center for Responsible Lending said, “This rising burden on American young people impairs their ability to build wealth through savings, homeownership or other investments in their financial future. The problem is particularly serious for students of color and also for those who attend for-profit colleges, which leave students with much larger debts and a higher risk of default.”

observations

Ishani Mitra, center, was named Emerging Scholar of the Year at St. Louis Community CollegeFlorissant Valley. Also pictured are Doris Graham, left, vice chair of the STLCC Board of Trustees, and Marcia Pfeiffer, right, STLCC-Florissant Valley president.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

The Coliseum was filled with the Christmas spirit last Thursday as a group of several healthcare providers teamed up for one of the most lavish holiday parties of the season. Orlando of Rock House Ent and The Bennett Sisters of True Love’s Home Health Care were among those who enjoyed the angelic voice of ‘R&B Divas LA’ star Chante Moore.

Humpday with Drake. Poor Drake. He picked the worst day of the worst week in the world to come to town. Because even people who were in the building to see him at the Scottrade Wednesday night forgot soon afterwards because of the Beyfluenza that afflicted our city. Here’s the real: I had a better time at this show than I did at Mrs. Carter’s offering. Y’all can read about her show later, but feel free to go ahead and be mad now. I mean, Drake at least made me feel like he put his all into it. Now I know he doesn’t have to twerk in high heels and heavy dishwater blonde virgin Remy, so his job’s a little easier…but still. I felt bad for all the folks who were in the house to see Future’s first St. Louis live show since he blew up, because he could have kept all five of those little funky minutes of track sing along activities. My boo Miguel was giving me the secret love child of Tina Turner and Carlos Santana with his rocked-out performance and nobody (especially me) could have been more pleased. But I have a feeling he got a note from a concerned church member named Trey Songz or a tap on the shoulder telling him that it would be in his best interest not to outshine the headliner again, because he was toned down. Drake had the folks in the palm of his hands as he did mostly club bangers. Too bad the arena was only about half full, but the ones in the building came to party – including Joe Buck and his clan!

Janky Promoters: The fakin’ with Drake edition. An alleged big old second degree felony grand theft that went down Wednesday night shook the nightlife scene something vicious. Hundreds of folks allegedly got played out of thousands of dollars because somebody decided they were gonna pretend like Drake was going to be at Harry’s. They played it extra smooth, too, having it at Harry’s – where J. Cole and 2 Chainz had rolled through. And even though I can’t 100 percent prove it, I believe they hired the dude who works security for plenty of the celebrities that pass through to come and say “he’ll be here 15 minutes” every 30 minutes or so. At 2:30 a.m. he made his exit and had the nerve to say he never said he was working with Drake. Lies. Tickets started at $35 and went all the way up to $2K for booths. Here’s what bothers me. So that means if you make $7 an hour you spent more than half a day’s wages on a fugasi. And the Rams players got played something vicious because they paid two racks for booths and were told to clear out so that Drake could come in…when the promoters KNEW DRAKE WAS NEVER COMING. I’ve been trying to get down to the bottom of who the promoters were so I can blast them out. But all I’ve been getting is “it wasn’t me, but I knew Drake wasn’t showing up.” Okay, well why didn’t you tell me it was a scam? I would have printed it plain as day that the whole thing was suspect and saved people time and money. When stuff like this gets off it’s a bad look for the whole city. Artists won’t want to come to a city to do a concert if they know folks are going to be running game with allegedly official after parties – and it makes things extra difficult for the legitimate promoters. And to scam people out of change so close to Christmas is more than a crime…it’s a sin!

Mrs. Carter’s middle of the road show. She came. She sold out. But in my opinion she didn’t necessarily slay. I know the girls and the gays are going to drag me for dear life for even remotely reading their savior King Bey, but I’m sorry…Beyoncé’s heart just wasn’t in it if you ask me. Maybe she was still a bit unsettled after what happened when she brought that fire the last time she was in STL. What? Everybody survived – and made a full recovery – so lighten up. Wait, maybe not the best choice of words. Anyway, I feel like she was very run of the mill when you think of how she puts it all the way down! I was expecting for her weave to be a sweaty mess and makeup to be running down her face as she exited the stage like her feet hurt because she tore the Scottrade down. What I got instead was cute, but perfunctory. She didn’t even smear her cat eyes as she sang her songs, hunched a little bit and hit the road. Her flying through the sky was the most excitement she gave me all evening. I’m still riding with Bey for life though – especially after how she released her album like a BOSS!!

The Beyoncé experience added bonus. Beyoncé gave me the bare minimum, but I’m going to tell you what was the center of my joy for the night…those stans! The folks who came out to the Scottrade had me people watching like I was paid to do it. It started with y’all’s race against time while tip-toeing through the snow and ice in your stilettoes and freakum dresses to get in the door. The most-viewed had to be the group of five (four guys and a girl) who clearly went on YouTube and found the Beyoncé performance costume that spoke most to their soul and blessed us with their interpretation of it. Their leader was giving me life for days with his tribute to Beyoncé at Glastonbury – yes…the gold jacket, hot pants and boots. He was serving us a two piece leg and thigh special that nobody ordered… and dared us to be mad about it! His female underling really tried it with Beyoncé’s white ensemble from the earlier shows of the Mrs. Carter tour –even though she looked more like a soulful figure skater than anything. But the prize for the most of the night goes to the plaid grandmaster of twerk who even had Beyonce unable to hold her peace as he performed every sip of the “Single Ladies” choreography. He came dressed like one of the Duck Dynasty, but danced like Leroy from “Fame.” At the end of the day the concert won’t be among my favorites like I expected it to be, but hey, if y’all were happy with it then I’m happy for you.

2 Live crew’s Herb celebrated his birthday with Brad and Mello and they joined forces with Koncepts for the ultimate birthday bash and unofficial Beyoncé after party Saturday night @ Soho

Armani and Tink headed to Harry’s Wednesday night with the hope of getting up close and personal with rap star Drake

Superior helping her sister Tequila celebrate her birthday Saturday night @ The Rustic Goat

Vito Money ,Maurice, Jessie Taylor, Corey Holcomb and Jovan Bibbs chopped it up backstage before Holcomb destroyed the stage Friday night @ The Ambassador Photo by 6IAM Photography

Al Anderson, Angela Brown, Bree McGraw, director of Development for Gateway 180 and Will Robinson teamed up to provide good music for a great cause with Soulful Christmas Benefit Concert Sunday @ Lola

Winter weather didn’t keep rapper YG from storming the STL thanks to Phil Assets and LooseCannon SLIM’s Friday night set @ The Coliseum Photo by 6IAM Photography

Tiffany, Brittany, Taylor and Saffiyah were amongst the many beautiful women that came to party after the Beyoncé concert Saturday night @ Soho

Kisha and Pashaun chose the grown folks vibe of the Rustic Goat to unwind after seeing Beyoncé rip the stage Saturday night

STL recording star Jibbs, LP and his brother DJ Beats stopped through the Coliseum Thursday to partake in party that featured R&B singer Chante Moore

Sherith and Julios posted up at the Coliseum for the Beyoncé after party Saturday night

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Lest we forget

In 1981, the Centers for Disease Control began to notice clusters of young gay men were being hospitalized with rare malignancies and infections. This new disease would eventually be described as AIDS (Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome) and was inappropriately pinned as a “gay man’s disease” by the general public. A year later, clinicians and researchers discovered that some individuals who had received blood transfusions were also being infected. AIDS was thought to be caused by a retrovirus, the human immunodeficiency virus, HIV1, as it is known today. HIV is spread via multiple routes, perinatally (during childbirth), sexually, and percutaneously but 80 percent of adults acquire HIV sexually. Since the 1980’s, more than 25 million people have died worldwide and over 30 million are currently infected.

AIDS related but were simply linked to another cause. Because of the emaciated appearances of infected persons, in SubSaharan Africa, AIDS was known as “slim disease.”

Anderson

Scientists believe that between 1884 and 1924, a hunter may have been infected with HIV from an infected chimpanzee somewhere near modern-day Kinshasa in West Central Africa. During colonization of the continent the virus spread and subsequently many deaths in Africa during that time were probably

The early days of this disease evoked quite a bit of fear and uneasiness around the world. Families worried about having casual contact with HIV-infected individuals, some healthcare providers refused to care for HIV patients, and many AIDS clients were actually evicted from their residencies. There are even reports of police closing gay bars because of alleged risky sexual behaviors. Community outreach became a major focus of public health educational programs and the CDC along with other federal programs provided much needed resources for these information campaigns. It was also quite apparent at this time that AIDS was indeed a global epidemic.

The year 1985 ushered in other profound changes and revelations in the AIDS epidemic: Elizabeth Taylor became the spokeswoman for the American Federation of AIDS research, her good friend Rock Hudson died of AIDS, the first licensed HIV test became

Your Health Matters

A bi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American

DECEMBER 19 - 25, 2013

Your Health Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

available, and the blood bank began screening donations. This was also the year that Ryan White, a young middle school boy from Indiana, was barred from attending school because of his AIDS diagnosis. Ryan died in 1990 prior to congress passing the Ryan White CARE (Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency) Act, now known as the Ryan White HIV/AIDS program.

Probably the most memorable moment for African Americans was when Magic Johnson of the LA Lakers announced his retirement and that he was HIV positive. His public declaration made HIV a popular discussion issue around the community in barber shops, hair salons, or informal gatherings. I personally believe his admission helped a lot of people of color understand that this disease could impact heterosexuals including married couples. Even though he was famous, Mr. Johnson was not spared discrimination because many of his former NBA colleagues when interviewed admitted that they would rather not play with someone who was knowingly HIV positive.

The 2013 theme for World Aids Day, which was December 1 was “Shared Responsibility: Strengthening Results for an AIDS-Free Generation.”

Currently there are over a million people living with HIV in the United States and 1-in-6 of them is unaware that they are infected. There are approximately 50,000 new HIV infections each year and the MSM demographic (men who have sex with men) bear the greatest burden of

infection. However, African Americans are disproportionately affected. Even though African Americans make up only 12 percent of the population, they comprise 40 percent of the new HIV infections. Since the epidemic began, greater than 260,000 blacks have died with AIDS.

Any person having unprotected intercourse, IV drug users, and people with multiple sexual partners need to be tested for HIV. Testing can involve having blood drawn or an oral swab. There are several places across the city where testing is available including the health department. During my career I have seen spouses, boyfriends, girlfriends, homosexuals, heterosexuals, children, and the elderly all be diagnosed with HIV. HIV is an equal opportunity virus.

Although we now have awesome medications for HIV and more people are living longer with the disease, there is still no cure or vaccine. We must also keep in mind there are still millions of people around the world who do not have access to the recommended medical regimen of therapy. Our best preventative mechanisms are abstinence and condoms. As a community, we cannot lose sight of that message. This deadly disease is not eradicated. The fight continues. Do your part: GET TESTED TODAY!

Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

Denise Hooks-

M.D.

The SPOT offers respite, champions healthy behavior in youth

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

Celebrating five years of success in providing confidential and free medical, emotional and behavioral support to St. Louis area youth, The SPOT – Supporting Positive Opportunities with Teens, recently received a contract from the St. Louis Health Department as a sexual health screening and treatment provider for youth in the community.

The SPOT is an offshoot of Washington University’s Project ARK, which provides comprehensive services to enhance the lives of children, youth, women and families affected by and at risk of HIV/AIDS.

Since it opened in September of 2008, the SPOT has grown to reach more than 8,500 clients who range in age from 13 to 24. Last year, more than 2,700 young people visited their SPOT. Usually, there is a steady stream of visitors, some for health services, some for reproductive, mental health or substance abuse counseling and others to just hang out in the afternoons from 1 p.m. - 5 p.m. Monday – Friday at 4169 Laclede Avenue.

“About half of the youth come from St. Louis City and about half the youth come from St. Louis County, said Katie Plax, MD, medical director at The SPOT. “We’ve kept all of our services free of charge, because it’s important to us. We really reduce the barriers for youth to come through the door.”

Plax said The SPOT is completely grant-funded.

“We’ve also received support from Washington University and BJC,” Plax added. “Every dollar we raise, we use here, and we have to raise the dollars we use in order to provide the services for free.”

Last year, The SPOT reports 2,451 youth received sexually transmitted infection (STI) screening for chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis and HIV, reproductive health care and pregnancy tests. In most cases, those who tested positive were treated and referred for additional care when warranted.

Last year, 264 youth benefitted case management services from The SPOT while 222 youth received mental health services. The SPOT has physicians, psychiatrists, nurses, social workers, case managers and peer educators among its staff.

Jamieko Rich, now age 22, has been a client at The SPOT for six years.

SPOT’s

&

ages 13-24:

Career counseling • Social & prevention services http://thespot.wustl.edu

“I was homeless at the time and living at Covenant House on Kingshighway. A transsexual friend of mine put me on to it, said they had just opened up and I’ve been going to it ever since,” Rich said. “This place is great.”

He said The SPOT has changed his life for the better.

“Even when I started getting into trouble or catching cases or being retarded or whatever, when I say they had my back, they had my back. They

Samantha White with social worker

Rochelle Moore of The SPOT, Supportive Positive Opportunities for Teens: White received a youth award for personal gains made as a client of the SPOT, which provides comprehensive reproductive, physical and mental health screening/ treatment and case management services to youth ages 13-24. Its nonjudgmental, it’s confidential, and it’s free of charge.

appeared at court for me; I got legal advice, they spoke on my behalf in front of the judge and lots more,” Rich said. “I’ve learned job skills, everything you can think of to help anybody out, that place does it – I kid you not. From the testing to everything – I love it.”

Even after he ages out in a couple of years, Rich feels confident he will stay in the right direction.

“It’s going to help me a lot,” Rich said. “My attitude has calmed down due to the therapist I’ve talked to there and the psych doc. When I’m 24, I feel like I have all the tools I should have had coming up as a child.”

Two-year client Samantha White won a youth award from The SPOT a few months ago. She found out about The SPOT when she was pregnant and homeless.

See SPOT, Page 6

Photo provided by The SPOT

HealtH Briefs

Uterine fibroids ‘a public health issue for African American women’

Dramatically affects quality of life, workplace performance

Uterine fibroids cause significant fear and morbidity and can compromise workplace performance, according to a recently published survey of nearly 1,000 women in the U.S. The results were published in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Journal of Women’s Health. The findings shed new light on the impact, prevalence and treatment concerns related to uterine leiomyomas (fibroids), which affect up to 80 percent of women by age 50.

“We conducted this survey to better understand the experience and needs of women with fibroids,” said Elizabeth A. Stewart, M.D., lead author and gynecologic surgeon at Mayo Clinic. “Many people are unaware that the vast majority of women will experience uterine fibroids in their lifetime and that this condition can cause significant morbidity for those who are symptomatic.”

The survey assessed diagnosis, information-seeking behaviors, attitudes about fertility, impact on work and treatment preferences among women living with uterine fibroids for an average of nearly nine years. The researchers found that women delayed seeking treatment an average of 3.6 years, with 32 percent of women waiting more than five years. Most women reported fears associated with their fibroids, including being afraid that the fibroids will grow (79 percent) and that they will need a hysterectomy (55 percent), as well as fears regarding relationships, sexual function, body image, loss of control and hopelessness. Almost two-thirds (66 percent) of women were concerned about missed days from work due to their symptoms, and 24 percent of employed respondents felt that their symptoms prevented them from reaching their career potential. The vast majority said they prefer a minimally invasive treatment option that preserves the uterus. Having better treatment options was particularly important to AfricanAmerican women respondents, who

experience the impacts on fertility earlier in their lives.

Uterine fibroids have a threefold increased relative risk and prevalence among AfricanAmerican women and an earlier onset. The study demonstrated that the burden of uterine fibroids is even more extensive for African-American women than previously reported.

n Uterine fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomy in the United States.

American women did the same. Future fertility and pregnancy were key concerns for AfricanAmerican women; 71 percent said preserving the uterus was very important or important, versus 41 percent of white women.

“Uterine fibroids are a public health issue for AfricanAmerican women,” Stewart added. “The cost and impact on their health has true public health implications for this community.”

Reservoir of hidden HIV deeper than previously thought

A new study by Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) scientists discovered that the pool of inactive HIV viruses that lingers silently in a patient’s body is larger than expected. The new findings show that the virus reservoir may be up to 60 times larger than previous estimates. These viruses continue to be a threat because they retain the ability to become active even after treatment with the best HIV drugs.

The researchers found that African-American women were significantly more likely to have severe or very severe symptoms, including heavy or prolonged menses and anemia. AfricanAmerican women more often reported that fibroids interfered with physical activities and relationships and were more likely to miss days from work. Almost one-third (32 percent) of African-American women waited more than five years before seeking treatment for their fibroids, compared to only 17 percent of white women; similarly, while 43 percent of white women say they sought treatment within one year or less, only 20 percent of African-

Uterine fibroids are the leading cause of hysterectomy in the United States, with nearly half of hysterectomies being performed for uterine fibroids. Hysterectomy involves permanent removal of the uterus, which prevents fibroid recurrence but also results in loss of reproductive potential. A majority of survey respondents (51 percent) noted the importance of having a fibroid treatment option that allows them to keep their uterus and 84 percent stated they prefer a treatment option that does not involve any invasive surgery of any kind.

When presented with treatment descriptions, the majority of women (60 percent) rated focused ultrasound as their top treatment choice. Focused ultrasound treatment uses high-intensity sound waves to heat and destroy uterine fibroid cells while leaving surrounding tissue intact. The outpatient procedure involves no incisions and enables many women to return to normal activity in one or two days.

The new results, published in October in the journal Cell, suggest that efforts to eradicate HIV may be ineffective over the long-term if therapies fail to target the inactive viruses, which are called proviruses. “The findings suggest that there are a lot more of these proviruses that we have to worry about than we thought,” said Robert Siliciano, an HHMI investigator at The Johns Hopkins University who led the new study. “It doesn’t mean that it’s hopeless, but it does mean we need to focus on getting an even clearer idea of the scope of the problem.”

In patients with HIV infection, the virus targets the immune system’s T cells, where its genes are integrated into the cell’s human genes. The viral genes contain the instructions to turn the T cell into a virus-producing factory, if they’re turned on. But in some cells, the virus remains latent—present in the cell but not actively replicating to produce new viruses. While antiretroviral drugs can target active forms of the virus, researchers don’t yet know how to eliminate the inactive viruses. And until now, they didn’t even have an accurate idea of how large this reservoir of inactive proviruses was, and how many of the viruses retained the ability to become active again in the future.

Researchers developed a technique to study the size and the composition of the viral reservoir.

When they calculated the new size of the viral reservoir, based on the finding that 12 percent of non-induced proviruses retained the ability to reactive, researchers found that the reservoir could be as much as 60 times larger than previous estimates. “This is a huge increase in the barrier to curing this disease.” Even if a patient is successfully treated with antiretroviral drugs that stop all active HIV replication, the silent viruses could activate to cause disease at any point after antiretroviral therapy is stopped. Drugs targeting the inactive viruses are required to lead to a complete cure, or remission, of HIV, Siliciano said.

Sexual function dramatically improves in women following bariatric surgery

A study of sexual function in women who underwent bariatric surgery found significant improvements in overall sexual function, most reproductive hormones and in psychological status were maintained over two years following surgery. Women reporting the poorest quality of sexual function prior to surgery saw the most dramatic improvements one year after surgery, on par with women who reported the highest quality of sexual function prior to surgery. The new report by researchers with the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania appears in the November 4 edition of JAMA Surgery.

More than half of women who seek bariatric surgery report signs of sexual

dysfunction and, consequentially, psychological stress.

“For many people, sex is an important part of quality of life. The massive weight losses typically seen following bariatric surgery are associated with significant improvements in quality of life,” said lead author David Sarwer, PhD, professor of Psychology in Psychiatry and Surgery in the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. “This is one of the first studies to show that women also experience improvements in their sexual functioning and satisfaction, as well as significant improvements in their reproductive hormones.”

Researchers followed 106 women with an average Body Mass Index of 44.5

who underwent bariatric surgery (85 had gastric bypass and 21 had gastric banding procedures). Following surgery, the women lost an average of 32.7 percent of their original body weight after the first year, and 33.5 percent at the end of the second year.

Two years after surgery, women reported significant improvements across all categories of sexual function, sex hormones and quality of life.

• Improvements were seen in overall sexual function as well as specific

Herpes viruses associated with cognitive impairment

The herpes virus that produces cold sores during times of stress is linked to cognitive impairment throughout life, according to a new University of Michigan study that for the first time shows an impact on children ages 12-16.

Researchers at the U-M School of Public Health study examined the association between two latent herpes viruses—Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 and cytomegalovirus (CMV)—and cognitive impairment among individuals across three age groups: 6-16, 20-59, and 60 and older. The researchers used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey.

HSV-1 is the oral herpes virus. Previous research has linked it with neurological disorders associated with aging, including Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, but few studies have examined whether these pathogens may influence cognition beginning early in life.

“This study is a first step in establishing an association between

these viruses and cognition across a range of ages in the U.S. population,” said Allison Aiello, associate professor of epidemiology at the U-M School of Public Health.

The research, published in the Journal of Infectious Diseases, demonstrates that HSV-1 is associated with lower reading and spatial reasoning test scores among children ages 12-16; impaired coding speed, which is a measure of visual motor speed and attention, among middle-aged adults; and immediate memory impairment in older adults. CMV also was associated with impairment in coding speed, learning and recall in middle-aged adults.

More than one third of the U.S. population is positive for these viruses by early childhood. Some individuals may not be symptomatic.

“If HSV-1 begins to have impact on cognitive function early in life, HSV-1 infection in childhood may have important consequences for educational attainment and social mobility across

areas of sexual function including desire, arousal, lubrication, and overall satisfaction.

• There were significant improvements in all hormone levels of interest, which may impact both sexual behavior as well as fertility. While the study did not look directly at the correlation between surgically induced weight loss and reproductive status, they did find indirect evidence that there may be a potential impact, based on improvements in fertility-related hormone levels.

• Women reported improvements in all domains of health and weight-related quality of life, as well as improvements in body image, depressive symptoms and relationship satisfaction.

The study was done as an adjunct part of Phase 2 of the Longitudinal Assessment of Bariatric Surgery consortium (LABS-2). The Penn Medicine team including Dr. Sarwer, Thomas Wadden, PhD, and Jacqueline Spitzer, MSEd, collaborated with experts from the University of North Dakota School of Medicine and Health Sciences, the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, and New England Research Institutes. The study was funded by the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (R01DK072452).

the lifespan,” said Amanda Simanek, formerly an assistant research scientist in the U-M Department of Epidemiology and now an assistant professor of epidemiology at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee.

Once acquired, herpes viruses are never cleared from the body and instead persist in a latent state. Such pathogens are, however, subject to reactivation and capable of invading the central nervous system, where they may exert direct damage to brain.

According to Simanek, reactivation of herpes viruses triggers the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which have been linked to cognitive impairment. Cytokines are hormones involved in cell signaling and regulation; pro-inflammatory cytokines play an important role in the immunological response to infection and tissue injury. Excessive inflammation, however, is linked to various chronic disease outcomes.

Christian Hospital needs volunteers

Christian Hospital is looking for volunteers for weekend duty at the main lobby information desk on Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m.-12 p.m. and 12-4 p.m. Candidates must be dependable and able to walk distances if needed to help escort visitors or locate wheelchairs. Computer experience is required. Discover the rewards of volunteering and meet a variety of interesting people while making a difference in our community.

For more information, contact Lee Shields at 314-653-5032.

food outreacH recipe

Pork Tenderloin with Orange Compote

Serves 4 (serving size: 3 pork slices and 2 tablespoons sauce)

Ingredients

1 (1-pound) pork tenderloin, trimmed

4 teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil, divided 1/4 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, divided

1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

1 1/2 cups thinly sliced onion

1/2 teaspoon grated orange rind

1/2 cup fresh orange juice

2 tablespoons dried currants

2 tablespoons sherry vinegar

1 teaspoon sugar

1 cup fat-free, low sodium chicken broth

1/4 cup dry white wine

Preparation

1. Slice pork lengthwise, cutting to (but not through) other side. Open halves. Place pork between sheets of plastic wrap; pound to 1/4 inch thickness.

2. Combine 1 teaspoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, black pepper, cumin, and red pepper

in a small bowl. Brush pork with mixture. Cover and refrigerate for 1 hour.

3. Heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in a large skillet over medium-low heat. Add onion; cook 20 minutes or until golden brown, stirring occasionally. Add 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, rind, and next 4 ingredients (through sugar); bring to a boil. Cook 14 minutes or until liquid almost evaporates, stirring occasionally. Cool slightly.

4. Spread onion mixture over pork; leave 1/2-inch border. Roll, starting with long side. Secure pork with wooden picks.

5. Combine broth and wine in a large Dutch oven; bring to a boil. Add tenderloin; cover, reduce heat, and simmer 15 minutes or until a thermometer registers 145°.

6. Remove pork from pan; keep warm. Bring cooking liquid to a boil; cook 8 minutes or until reduced to 1/2 cup. Strain cooking liquid through a sieve into a bowl; discard solids. Remove and discard wooden picks from pork; slice crosswise.

Nutritient Information (per serving)

Calories: 229 Fat: 7.1g

Saturated fat: 1.4g Protein: 24.9g Carbohydrate: 12.4g Fiber: 1.2g Cholesterol: 74mg Iron: 1.5mg Sodium: 236mg Calcium: 28mg

Established in 1988, Food Outreach continues to be the only nonprofit organization in greater St. Louis that focuses on providing critical nutritional support to low-income men, women and children battling cancer or HIV/AIDS. The on-staff Chef and Registered Dietitians are pivotal to the program. Through a combination of freshly prepared frozen meals, groceries and nutrition counseling, clients have access to critical nutrients to help them best optimize their treatments and enhance their quality of life. In 2012, Food Outreach provided more than 500,000 nutritious meals at no cost to 2,053 clients living in 174 Missouri and Illinois zip codes. For more information, call 314-652-3663 x121 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

Established in 1988, Food Outreach continues to be the only nonprofit organization in greater St. Louis that focuses on providing critical nutritional support to low-income men, women and children battling cancer or HIV/AIDS. The on-staff Chef and Registered Dietitians are pivotal to the program. Through a combination of freshly prepared frozen meals, groceries and nutrition counseling, clients have access to critical nutrients to help them best optimize their treatments and enhance their quality of life. In 2012, Food Outreach provided more than 500,000 nutritious meals at no cost to 2,053 clients living in 174 Missouri and Illinois zip codes. For more information, call 314-652-3663 x121 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

SPOT continued from page 3

“Even when I was homeless, they helped me out tremendously. I could come and shower and wash clothes,” White said. “I was upstairs in a program for girls. We were able to sit around and talk about various things. I was able to come, relax and take my mind off what I was going through.” Through the SPOT, White found out about housing assistance at Epworth Children & Family Services.

“I was able to enroll myself into the independent living program at Epworth,” she said. “If I had not contacted The SPOT, I never would have found out about that. I was put on a waiting list and three months later, I was moved into my own apartment.”

White said she is going great now and her son is 18 months old.

“I have friends with different sexualities – gay, straight or whatever, and they feel comfortable and above all, they feel welcomed,” she added. “I feel nothing but love when you walk in the door … and you can get whatever is bothering you off your chest.”

Because of The SPOT’s success, it has become a model for a similar youth program in East St. Louis. Illinois.

“Kaleidoscope is a youth center that Illinois is looking to expand and grow in East St. Louis through a federal funding initiative,” Plax said.

“We’re going to provide consulting services, basically help them not recreate the wheel and use a model that’s really served thousands of youth in a community that needed it and transfer that kind of knowledge and resources to Kaleidoscope in East St. Louis.”

For more information about The SPOT, call 314535-0413 or visit http://thespot.wustl.edu.

Jamieko Rich said The SPOT gave him the skills he needed to move forward in a positive manner.

Turn up your skin care during the holidays

The holidays often bring freezing temperatures, limited sleep, sugary treats and cocktails. This combination can spell trouble for your skin, according to a dermatologist at Loyola University Health System.

“Acne, cold sores, eczema and dry, puffy skin are common this time of year due to the harsh elements and excessive celebrating that often takes place during the holidays,” said Rebecca Tung, MD, director, Division of Dermatology, Loyola University Health System.

Dr. Tung offers the following tips to prevent the holidays from wreaking havoc on your skin.

Acne. Keeping your face blemish-free for the holidays can be achieved in just a few steps. While indulging in a sweet dessert or toasting with a cocktail is OK, too much of a good thing can leave you with unwanted consequences. Make sure that you drink plenty of water, mind what you eat and get enough sleep – these are the first steps for healthy skin. If a pimple does break out, care for it with a salicylic spot treatment. Avoid picking it to minimize the risk of scarring. See your dermatologist if your pimple is more like a volcano. The spot can be shrunk down with a tiny injection of cortisone.

Cold sores. Extreme changes in temperature, a busy schedule and too little sleep can trigger a cold sore. Most of the time the virus that causes cold sores lies dormant

in facial nerves for those who have been exposed to it. When you begin to feel the stress of the holidays, the virus goes into overdrive. Fortunately, there are prescription medications you can take at the first tingle to prevent a full cold sore outbreak. If you don’t have time to go to a dermatologist and now have a cold sore, treat it gently. Cleaning it with a mild cleanser and applying a bit of fragrance-free moisturizer will help calm it.

Scaly, dry, puffy skin. Pampering your skin when winter is here is a great start to prevent dry, puffy skin. Use mild, fragrance-free cleansers to wash your face followed by a fragrance-free moisturizer to keep dryness away. If your holiday diet has been too heavy on salt or cocktails, your skin can look bloated and tired. Hydration and moderation are essential to avoiding puffiness.

Eczema. If despite your best efforts you develop patches of eczema (dry, scaly skin), reach for an over-the-counter oral antihistamine like loratidine or fexofenadine to reduce any inflammation or itching. Hydrocortisone can often calm eczema. If your skin doesn’t respond to this treatment, a dermatologist can help. Taking these simple steps can keep your skin looking its holiday best.

Female doctors twice as likely to screen low-risk women for cervical cancer with HPV test

For low-risk women, the likelihood of getting tested for the infection that causes cervical cancer (human papillomavirus or HPV) may depend on what clinic they visit, their doctor’s status and whether their provider is male or female, a University of Michigan Health System study indicates.

Female family physicians are twice as likely to order the HPV test (in addition to screening for cervical cancer through pap smears) for low-risk women aged 30-65 than their male counterparts, according to the findings published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. Other factors included training and processes among individual clinics and the status of the doctor; residents and fellows were also more likely to order the test than more seasoned, faculty-level

physicians.

Nearly all cervical cancers are caused by HPV infections, the most common sexually transmitted disease. Pap smears have traditionally been used to test for precancerous cells that lead to cervical cancer; however doctors can also now order an HPV test to check for the virus that causes the abnormal cells to develop.

New guidelines from the medical community recommend cervical cancer screening through a pap smear every three years or a pap smear and HPV co-testing every five years for women aged 30-65. The U-M study examined variations among doctors who ordered the additional HPV test for women whose pap smear results were normal.

“Cervical cancer has moved from being a molecular issue to an infectious

issue and this whole concept of testing someone with normal cells in the cervix changes the paradigm on how you communicate with patients about HPV

tests, and how and when to use them,” said senior author Mack Ruffin IV, M.D., M.P.H., professor of family medicine at the U-M Medical School. “As HPV testing becomes more frequent, this data helps us identify differences in care that we can improve in the future.”

Authors said HPV testing can be a prickly issue with patients, since HPV is a sexually transmitted disease, many women may not think the HPV test is necessary for them based on their sexual history. HPV, which has no symptoms, often goes away on its own but certain HPV types remain, leading to cell changes that can cause cervical cancer if left untreated.

“Cervical cancer can be the most preventable cancer in women. Current strategies using co-testing with pap and HPV tests are a well-received and costeffective option for screening low risk women,” said co-author Alisa Young, M.D., clinical lecturer in the U-M Department Family Medicine. “Our results show that variations in ordering HPV testing can vary based on training which can lead to inadequate or overscreening.”

Dr. Whittico moves his practice

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

The New Year brings a new office location in 2014 for family medicine physician James M Whittico. For the past seven years, Whittico’s private practice was located in the former St. Louis ConnectCare medical building on Delmar. Whittico’s new location is where many African American physicians treated black families for decades, the Tandy Medical building at 3737 N. Kingshighway Blvd. at San Francisco, now named the Homer E. Nash Professional Building.

“I remember when the Tandy Building was built … they kept it up very nice,” Whittico said, adding his office would be ready for business the probably during the first week of January. Whittico started practicing medicine in 1940 after graduating from Meharry Medical College in Nashville, Tennessee, coming to St. Louis as a surgical fellow at Homer G. Phillips Hospital and Washington University. He opened

his private practice in 1952 and was on the staff of several area hospitals.

Whittico serves as a clinical professor of surgical medicine at SLU School of Medicine. He is board certified in surgery and is a fellow in the American College of Surgeons and a diplomate in the American Board of Surgery. He was a consultant to the State Dept. of Health, Education and Welfare and the State Department of Vocational Rehabilitation .Whittico is a former president of the National Medical Association and the Mound City Medical Forum.

Longtime physician James M. Whittico, Jr., M.D. reflects on his 73 years of practice while packing to move his office to its new location, the Homer E Nash Professional Building in North St. Louis.

Pediatric nursing interests Deaconess Scholar

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

Hazelwood East High School graduate

Jillian Greene is now a nursing major at Southeast Missouri State University in Cape Girardeau.

Greene is one of several nursing school students who received scholarships for her training through a collaborative effort by Deaconess Foundation, The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and the St. Louis American Foundation. The foundations have committed more than $100,000 annually in resources and support over a fiveyear-period to assist future nurses in their education and training.

“It helped me to get to my goal of going to the college I wanted to go to and it’s going to help me pursue my nursing degree,” Greene said.

The freshman found the curriculum a bit of a surprise.

“I didn’t know how hard the classes would be,” Greene said. “Since I am in my nursing program now, they require a lot of time.

She was told there would be challenges and to stick to them. That would be essential as she looks ahead to becoming a pediatric nurse practitioner.

“I’m just trying to do the four years, get my master’s degree, and maybe further than that.”

Deaconess Foundation Nursing

Scholarships are awarded to 10-15 students annually (avg. award $6,000). Students must be permanent residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area and pursuing nursing (RN, BSN) at an accredited, nonprofit school. The awards are based on financial need, strength of character, and academic potential. Applicants are required to have a valid email address when beginning the

application as all correspondence will be arrive by email.

To apply, students are required to complete the two applications by April 15: the Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarship and The Scholarship Foundation Interest-Free Loan in Scholarship Central at www.sfstl.org. If selected, Deaconess Scholarship recipients may also be given an opportunity to accept or decline an interest-free loan or other grants through SFSTL.

For more information, call The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis at 314-725-7990 or via email at info@sfstl. org.

For applications, select the link “Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarship” at https://stlouisgraduates. academicworks.com.

Photo by Wiley Price

Southeast Missouri State nursing major Jillian Greene along with Rev. Starsky Wilson.

Photo by Wiley Price

Helpful Resources

Behavioral

Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314-839-3171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons affected by criminal acts. Email peggy@ supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (6523673) or visit www.supportvictims.org.

Bike helmet safety

The St. Louis County Health Department provides free bicycle helmets to St. Louis County residents between ages 1 and 17 by appointment only. Proof of residency is required. For the location nearest you, visit www.tinyurl.freebikehelmets.

Breast Cancer

Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. to address health management issues. It’s located at Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-776-3627).

Health Partnerships

The Center for Community Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial communityacademic partnerships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@ wustl.edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu.

Information

Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-1-1.

Medical

Boys & Girls Clubs Dental & Vision Clinic at Herbert Hoover Club, 2901 N. Grand, St. Louis. Open year-round for members at no additional fee by appointment only. Teeth cleaning, braces, x-rays, root canals, some extractions; vision mobile unit, comprehensive exam and glasses, if required. Make an appointment by calling 314-355-8122.

Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534.

Nutrition

Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to eligible persons living with HIV/ AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

St. Louis Milk Depot - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is a breast milk depot for the Indiana Mother’s Milk Bank. Milk Depot staff will store and ship your milk to IMMB. For more information, call (314) 242-5912.

Prostate Cancer

The Cancer Center of The Empowerment Network at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. For more information, call 314-385-0998.

Prescription Cost Help

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers certain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

Wal-Mart Pharmacies – offer select prescriptions for $4 or less for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. View the complete list at www.walmart.com/ pharmacy.

Respiratory Health

Free lung function screening - Christian Hospital Breathing Center at Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. For more information, call 314-953-6040.

Sexual Health

St. Louis County Health Department offers free, confidential testing, counseling and treatment at the North Central Community Health Center, 4000 Jennings Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information, call 314679-7800.

Thurs. Dec. 19, 4 p.m. – 7 p.m., The Empowerment Network Open House, TEN Cancer Center, 6000 West Florissant Ave., St. Louis, 63136. Presentation at 6 p,m. Information and refreshments. RSVP by calling 314385-0998 or email theempowermentneetwork.net. www. TheEmpowermentNetwork.net.

Fri. Dec. 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Christian Hospital Diabetes Screening at Schnucks, 1160 Shackelford Rd., Florissant, Mo. Free screenings include glucose or A1C screening, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure check. No fasting is required. Preregistration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. To register, call 314-747-WELL (314-747-9355) or toll free 877-747-9355.

Sat., Dec. 21, 9 a.m., Tower Grove Park – Reindeer Run 5K Winter Park Series, Sons of Rest Shelter (off Grand), ¼ Mile Kid’s Dash at 10 a.m.. Entry fee $30; $10 Race-Day-Only fee for ages $19 & under (no shirt). For more information, visit www.onestoprace.com.

Mon. Dec. 23, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Christian Hospital Diabetes Screening at Graham Medical Center, 1224 Graham Rd.(behind Long John Silvers), Florissant, Mo. Free screenings include glucose or A1C screening, body mass index (BMI) and blood pressure check. No fasting is required. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. To register, call 314-747-WELL (314-747-9355) or toll free 877747-9355.

Wed. Jan. 1, 2014, 10 a.m., The Forest Park New Year’s Day 5 Mile, Winter Park Series, Visitor’s Center, 5595 Grand Drive, St. Louis. Entry fee $20,

HealtH calendar

$30 on 12/31. $10 Race-Day-Only entry fee for ages 19 and under (no t-shirt). For more information, visit www. onestoprace.com.

Sun. Jan. 5, 10 a.m., Resolution Run/Walk 5K at Wellbridge Athletic Club Clayton to benefit Boys and Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis; 7620 Forsyth Blvd. Indoor after-party; $25 registration or $35 after Dec. 28. For more information, call 314-746-1500, onestoprace. com or bgcstl.org.

Wed., Jan. 18, Creve Coeur Park 6K, Tremayne Shelter, Winter Park Series , 13236 Streetcar Drive, Maryland Heights, Mo. Entry fee $20, $30 Jan.17-18); $10 Race-Day-Only entry fee for ages $19 and under (no t-shirt). For more information, visit onestoprace.com.

Sat. Feb. 1, 2014, 9 a.m., Carondelet Park 4 Mile, Winter Park Series, Rec Plex, 930 Holly Hills Ave. St. Louis, $20 entry fee, $30 Jan.31-Feb. 1. $10 Race-DayOnly fee for ages $19 and under (no t-shirt). For more information, visit www.onestoprace.com.

Sat. Feb. 8, 2014, 8:30 a.m. – 12 Noon, Christian Hospital’s Annual Heart Fair, Detrick Building Atrium, 11133 Dunn Road, St. Louis, 63136. Free screenings for cholesterol, glucose, blood pressure; stress & heart disease information, refreshments; lecture 9

a.m. – 1 p.m. For more information, call 314-747-WELL (314-747-9355).

Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I-270/Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

Mondays, 7 p.m. – “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Informational meeting, Christian Hospital, Professional Office Building 2, Suite 401. For information, call 314839-3171.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – STEPS

Schizophrenia Support Group

This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 1807 Biddle Street. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314-962-4670.

Free psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations are confidential at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. Call 314-839-3171.

HealtH Q&a

Is deodorant safe when exercising?

By Vince Faust via NNPA/Philadelphia Tribune

Q: “Are deodorants that control wetness safe?”

A: Deodorant companies are always telling us we shouldn’t sweat. The truth is, you should never stop your body from sweating. Sweating is your body’s way of cooling itself. If you stop this process you could do a lot of harm to your body. As your body’s temperature rises small blood vessels in your skin expand and draw heated blood to the

surface. You also begin to sweat from the pores in your skin. As the sweat evaporates, it draws heat away from the skin and blood vessels. The cooler blood then recirculates throughout your body. If you stop your body from sweating, you could overheat your system. You can also aggravate the skin if you have a problem with blemishes and you don’t allow our body to sweat naturally. The difference between regular deodorants and antiperspirants is that deodorants will allow your body to sweat. Use a deodorant or finely ground baking soda instead of antiperspirants. Before applying, make sure your underarm area is completely dry.

HPV strains affecting African-American women differ from vaccines

Two subtypes of human papillomavirus (HPV) prevented by vaccines are half as likely to be found in African-American women as in white women with precancerous cervical lesions, according to researchers at Duke Medicine.

The findings, presented in October at the 12th annual International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, suggests that AfricanAmerican women may be less likely to benefit from available HPV vaccines to prevent cervical cancer.

HPV is a common sexually transmitted infection with more than 40 subtypes. The virus causes nearly all cases of cervical cancer, which begin as precancerous cervical abnormalities. Two vaccines currently available to young women prevent infection by HPV 16 and HPV 18, the HPV strains responsible for about 70 percent cervical cancers.

“Screening programs for cervical cancer are known to work well, with around 90 percent of sexually active women getting screened through Pap tests,” said senior author Cathrine Hoyo, Ph.D., M.P.H., associate professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University School of Medicine.

“The question is, if screening rates are comparable in African-American and white women, why are the rates of cervical cancer and mortality higher among African-American women when we have a program that works so well?”

Hoyo and her colleagues sought to better understand these disparities by determining if African-American and white women in the U.S. are infected with the same subtypes of HPV. The researchers enrolled 572 participants, 280 African-American women and 292 non-Hispanic white women who came for additional testing after receiving abnormal Pap test results.

Of the 572 participants, 245 (43 percent) had no precancerous cervical abnormalities, 239 (42 percent) had early precancerous cervical abnormalities, and 88 (15 percent)

had advanced precancerous cervical abnormalities. Seventy-three percent of the women infected with HPV were infected with multiple HPV subtypes. When the researchers looked at the specific strains of HPV, they found that white women and African-American women were often infected with different subtypes. The most frequent HPV subtypes detected among white women with early precancerous cervical abnormalities were 16, 18, 56, 39 and 66, while HPV subtypes 33, 35, 58 and 68 were the most common ones detected in African-Americans.

In those with advanced precancerous cervical abnormalities, HPV 16, 18, 33, 39 and 59 were the most common genotypes detected in white women, whereas HPV 31, 35, 45, 56, 58, 66 and 68 were the most prevalent in AfricanAmerican women.

“Compared with white women, we saw that African-American women had about half as many infections with HPV 16 and 18, the subtypes that are covered by HPV vaccines,” said Adriana Vidal, Ph.D., assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Duke University School of Medicine and the study’s first author. “Since African-American women don’t seem to be getting the same subtypes of HPV with the same frequency, the vaccines aren’t helping all women equally.”

A new HPV vaccine targeting nine HPV subtypes (6, 11, 16, 18, 31, 33, 45, 52 and 58) is currently being tested in phase III trials. While the new vaccine may help prevent additional HPV infections by covering new subtypes, it may not address the disparities found in this study.

“The most disconcerting part of this new vaccine is it doesn’t include HPV 35, 66 and 68, three of the strains of HPV of which African-American women are getting the most,” Hoyo said. “We may want to rethink how we develop these vaccines, given that African-Americans tend to be underrepresented in clinical trials.”