December 23rd, 2021 edition

The St. LouiS AmericAn

City’s new health director has no time to complain

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis doesn’t have the luxury to complain.

It was a critical time in the region when Mayor Tishaura Jones appointed Hlatshwayo (pronounced “Shla-chwhy-o”) Davis as the city’s new health department director.

The health department suffered from high burnout rates, increased staff turnover, and a serious lack of funding. Gun violence and mental health illnesses were on the rise, and the department was still struggling to combat misinformation generated by political and internet sources that complicated efforts to get people vaccinated. Entering this quagmire of complicated issues was chal-

Giving away toys and vaccines

CARE STL held a Health Santa Land Toy Giveaway & Vaccine Clinic Saturday, Dec.18, at its Homer G. Phillips location in the Ville neighborhood. LaChelle Livingston, director of population health, Dorothy Williams and Brigitte Curtis pull toys for the kids.

lenging but Hlatshwayo Davis believes she’s up to the task. “I can sit here and say it’s very unfair that I inherited all of this, but at the same time, you don’t step up to the plate if you’re not willing to lead,” she said. Davis, an infectious disease expert who focuses on addressing health disparities among marginalized communities, seems well equipped to lead the city’s health department during these dire times. Since the coronavirus emerged in early 2020, the doctor has been the guest on numerous national, international, and local news outlets sharing her thoughts on COVID-19, other infectious diseases, and racial bias in society and in the medical, science and public health arenas. When accepting the offer to run the health department,

n “I can sit here and say it’s very unfair that I inherited all of this but at the same time you don’t step up to the plate if you’re not willing to lead.”

– Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, director of the city’s health department

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs

St. Louis American

When Erica Williams’ Wellston-based nonprofit A Red Circle was awarded up to $18,676 in a new state Agriculture Department program designed to address food access in low-income urban communities, it could have been a Godsend.

The program, Food Insecure Urban Agriculture Grants, launched in the state’s 2020 fiscal year, ended June 30, 2020, and is the only Agriculture Department program Williams and a department official know of aimed specifically at urban food access. However, the program’s red tape can bind up cashstrapped

Sen. Steve Roberts belatedly claims to see the light

Alderwoman Tyus rebukes his assertion on Ordinance 71038

By JoAnn Weaver The St. Louis American

While many state and local elected officials were speaking out against a tiny three-bed medical center in north St. Louis being named after the crusading late Homer G. Phillips, state Sen. Steve Roberts remained mum. The controversial issue sparked protests and community outrage since late summer, and subsequently led the Board of Aldermen to pass overwhelmingly a resolution condemning developer Paul McKee and the facility’s board of directors for cultural appropriation.

n “I supported building a facility, but I did not support the name being used. When it was introduced, it was not called Homer G. Phillips Hospital.” – Alderwoman Sharon Tyus

Roberts has finally joined the chorus of objectors this week.

“This unique legacy should not be exploited and cannot be duplicated,” Roberts said, adding that he has family ties to the historic hospital.

“I have strong personal feelings regarding this matter. My grandfather, Charles R. Frazer, Jr., received his training as a general surgeon at Homer G. Phillips Hospital in the 1940s. The original Homer G. Phillips Hospital is of great [historic] significance

By Dana Rieck

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

See HEALTH, A7

The St. Louis American

See ROBERTS, A7

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Erica Williams’ A Red Circle nonprofit works to boost access to healthy food in low income areas.

Photo by Torrey Park Photography / St. Louis American

Hlatshwayo Davis, St. Louis health director

Kangol Kid, UTFO member dies from colon cancer

Kangol Kid, born Shaun Shiller Fequiere a member of the iconic hip-hop group Untouchable Force Organization (UTFO), died from colon cancer Saturday, Dec. 18, at a hospital in Manhasset, New York.

He was 55 and was diagnosed with cancer in February.

Many knew Kid for wearing Kangol hats and his affiliation with UTFO, popular for the singles “Roxanne, Roxanne” and “Ya Cold Wanna Be With Me.”

Outside of his hip-hop career, he regularly supported philanthropy against breast cancer through the Mama Luke Foundation. After his diagnosis, he spoke regularly about the importance of screenings.

Future believes he’s more popular than Jay-Z

Who’s the bigger artist—Future or Jay-Z?

Future is under the impression that he gets played more “in the streets” than Jay-Z.

He went to Twitter last Friday (Dec. 17) with the unusual claim.

“In the streets im bigger then jigga,” he said. “Ima run me a b up easy.”

In follow-up tweets, he added, “100M’s not the goal anymore...What’s on your Xmas list?? Mines getting everything they want...Ima save the rest for 2022. LOVE.”

While who’s the better artist is subjective, the reactions to his statement left commenters divided on whose influence holds more weight.

Nelly and more return to “Real Husbands of Hollywood” in February

Everyone’s favorite messy, fictional househusbands, “Real Husbands of Hollywood,” is coming back to BET as a limited series under the name “More Kevin, More Problems.”

Six episodes from the upcoming season will stream exclusively on BET+ beginning Feb. 10, 2022.

The original cast members will reprise their roles: Nelly, Kevin Hart, Boris Kodjoe, Nick Cannon, Duane Martin, J.B. Smoove, and Robin Thicke. Angela Rye and Michele Weave join the cast and other surprise celebrity guests.

Hart, Chris Spencer and Ralph R.

Farquhar created the series in 2012 after it appeared as a sketch on the BET Awards. It debuted on BET in 2013 and aired for five seasons before concluding in 2016. The series narrates the daily activities of Hart and other

celebrities acting as fictitious roles of themselves while they stroll Hollywood. The show is a parody with a comedic spin on inspiration from Bravo’s The Real Housewives franchise.

Raekwon shares alleged tale of Aaliyah, Ghostface Killah

R.Kelly and Dame Dash aren’t the only men in music who were once the apple of the late Aaliyah’s eyes. Raekwon said his friend and fellow Wu-Tang Clan member Ghostface Killah also had a thing for ‘the Princess of R&B.’

Raekwon revealed the shocking news during a recent interview with Vlad TV in promotion for his upcoming book, “From Staircase to Stage.”

“Word, Ghost had bagged her. And I remember we had a mansion in L.A. and I used to talk to Ghost a lot about, like, ‘Word, you bagged that? Yo, bring her to the lab, bring some friends over’ or whatever the case may be,”

He also said there was an instance where he actually saw Aaliyah and Killah laid up together in the Wu-Tang man sion.

“One day, I guess I took a nap that day and I was walking through the crib and next thing you know, I seen Aaliyah,” he said. “Him and Aaliyah [asleep] in a chair. I wake

him up like, “Yo, what’s up? What’s going on? He was like, ‘Nah, I’m just catching some rest, though’ and I was just laughing.”

He didn’t describe in detail the nature of their relationship, but he did say there was mutual attraction and respect between the two.

Spike Lee renews partnership deal with Netflix

Spike Lee’s bank account continues to flourish.

The film icon is directing and producing multiple projects under his Forty Acres and a Mule Filmworks company.

He and Netflix have already produced 2020’s “Da 5 Bloods” starring the late Chadwick Boseman, Delroy Lindo, and Jonathan Majors

“There is no better way for me and my company 40Acres and a Mule Filmworks to begin the new year than renew our partnership with Ted, Scott and Tendo — Da Fearless Leaders of Netflix,” Lee said in a statement. “Besides my joints, we together will focus on the new diverse storytellers. YOUTH MUST BE SERVED. And dat’s da truth, Ruth. YA-DIG? SHO-NUFF.”

Sources: billboard.com, xxlmag.com, hotnewhiphop.com, thejasminebrand.com, essence.com, www.vibe.com

Spike Lee

HSSU jazzing up historic Vashon Community Center

By Sophie Hurwitz

The St. Louis American

The building at the corner of Compton Avenue and Market St. has a long history.

For decades after its construction in 1936, the Vashon Community Center was one of the only public recreational facilities in St. Louis for African Americans. It was added to the register of National Historic Places in 2005. For some time, though, it has sat underutilized–until now. Harris-Stowe State University announced Dec. 16 the Vashon Community Center would be renovated and reutilized as home to the Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and the National Black Radio Hall of Fame. Renovations are estimated to cost $3 million.

Funded by a grant from the Public Works Administration and a local bond issue, the Vashon Community center was, at the time of its construction, one of only four recreational facilities accessible to Black St. Louisans. After its opening in 1937, the Center became a source for recreation, Black cultural events, and community gatherings. Renovations of the building are expected to be completed in August 2022. Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, interim president of Harris-Stowe State University, who spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony Dec. 16, described the music history

and education facilities that will be housed in the building as “food for the soul.”

“As all around us the pandemic swirls and the climate wreaks havoc, we will have this new center to inspire us,” Smith said. “We can revel in the music greats of yesterday and those we admire today. We can restore our souls.”

The National Black Radio Hall of Fame, relocating to the Vashon Center building, is a nonprofit focused on uplifting Black radio history. It is headquartered in St. Louis, with branches across the country. Now, it will be connecting with Harris-Stowe, the only HBCU in St. Louis.

Michael B. Kennedy, president of architectural firm KAI Design and Build, says the Vashon Community Center project was inspired by the storied history of Black musical prowess in this city and beyond.

“When you think about… jazz and blues, and why it became so popular…it’s because you could feel the music, you could feel what was happening in history during that time,” Kennedy said. “It’s the passion in that music that came to life. And the things that happen on this campus, and that are going to be happening in this building, are going to come to life as you walk through.”

At the Wolff Jazz Institute, where students will be able to learn more about the history

State University board of regents and staff announces the renovation of the former Vashon Community Center building and the construction of a new addition on the north side of the building to act as a new accessible entry. The building, which is listed on the National Historic Register, will be utilized by Harris-Stowe State University as home to Don and Heide Wolff Jazz Institute and National Black Radio Hall of Fame. The facility will measure 15,459 square feet. Renovations are estimated to cost $3 million.

and future of jazz. It will also involve collaborative workspaces where students and community members will engage in music and media-making themselves, including gathering spaces and podcast-recording rooms. Overall, according to Collins Smith, the renovations will “elevate the cultural life on

campus.”

Collins Smith expressed gratitude to some major players in the development and execution of this project: former Congressman Lacy Clay and Senator Roy Blunt, who supported funding for it early on, as well as KAI Design, the Parks Department, and

perhaps most importantly, Dr. Henry Givens Jr., the former president of Harris-Stowe, who passed away earlier this year.

A symbolic hard hat and shovel were set aside for Givens at the groundbreaking ceremony.

According to Kennedy, this is a project of great importance – both historically and con-

tributing to the future of Black music, media, and culture.

“The historical importance of this project, having it happen on this campus, and it being a national destination, is something to be very proud of,” he said. “It is truly a great day to be a Hornet.”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Guest Editorial This is a special time of year

By John E. Warren

This time of year reminds each of us why we have and celebrate Christmas.

This country, and many of our lives, were founded upon Christian principles that are at the very essence of this season. The fact that those of different faiths are allowed to exercise their religious beliefs does not negate that which many of us profess.

Neither do we require others to acknowledge or share in our beliefs. This is the beauty of the Freedom of Religion clause in our constitution. But the differences in faith do not stop the Spirit of Christmas and here is the reason.

The Gospel of John, recorded in the Bible at 3:16, states that: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

The operative word is “gave.” It is the gift of Jesus that is responsible for the desire we all have to “give” gifts. With the gift of Jesus to humanity came the Spirit of giving which is released each time we celebrate His birth.

The angel of the Lord that appeared to the shepherds that night over Bethlehem made a pronouncement that we still feel each Christmas. The angel said: “Glory to God in the highest, on Earth peace, good will toward men.”

Consider that Christmas Day is the only time about everything shuts down. It is the one time of the year that we see an outpouring of kindness. That kindness is the “good will” toward men that the angel spoke of. It is also responsible for the peace on Earth which caused soldiers fighting each other during World War I to stop warring on Christmas Eve and sing Christmas songs. While many of us do not have the shelter, food, or comfort that so many others have, we are blessed with health or family or the meeting of our basic needs, if not our wants.

Our families might have their personal problems, or many of us have an empty chair at the table this season due to the pandemic or other tragedies, yet we are still blessed. Let us remember those who lost so much during the tornadoes in the Midwest and South. Let us seek ways to be of help to others and by doing so help ourselves. We give thanks for those among us seeking to help and feed and shelter so many others. Let us commit to seeking what each of us can do to make a difference in the lives of others and by doing so participate in the gift that keeps on living. May God bless and keep you, regardless of your circumstances.

John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint.

Defending a Democracy in flames

By Ben Jealous

I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom and how we can preserve it. Our freedom is threatened. We all need to pay attention and prepare to take action next year. Look, I know Christmas and New Years are here, and millions of us are looking forward to time off work and time spent with loved ones. I can just hear people saying, “Ben, the last thing I want to think about right now is politics.” Well, let’s think bigger than that, and let’s think about freedom.

The freedom to vote has been under attack in dozens of states all year long. In 2020, many states made voting more accessible in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That was a good thing. We had record voter participation in 2020. But because millions of those voters rejected former President Donald Trump, Republican legislators are rolling back access to the ballot box and imposing new restrictions on voting. And sad to say, new voter suppression laws are not the only threat to our freedom.

Donald Trump’s henchmen have some other schemes up their sleeve. They’re getting themselves in positions to oversee elections at the local and state levels. They’re creating ways for legislators and election officials to count the votes they want to and ignore the ones they disagree with.

To combat this onslaught of voter suppression and election

subversion measures, Congress and the White House need to get new federal voting rights laws passed, signed and implemented before next year’s elections. And that’s not all. In the year since the violent attempt to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election, Trump and his allies have done everything possible to deny what happened. But the truth is coming out anyway.

We can be grateful for good investigative reporting and thankful for the determination of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and the bipartisan House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. We now know multiple lawyers working for Trump helped him pressure former Vice President Mike Pence to block congressional certification of Biden’s win. We know that a PowerPoint presentation circulated among Trump’s inner circle claiming foreign powers compromised the election and Trump could declare a national security emergency to stay in power. It has been reported the author of that memo, a retired army colonel, met with former White House Chief of Staff

Mark Meadows multiple times after the election. Republican members of Congress were briefed on the claims on the eve of the insurrection.

Given that so many of Trump’s allies were willing to ignore the Constitution and overturn the will of the voters, it’s not exactly surprising they are also willing to defy legal efforts to get at the truth.

One after another, Trump’s political strategists and former aides have been stonewalling the Jan. 6 committee. Meadows and right-wing political operative Steve Bannon have simply refused to comply with legal subpoenas to testify and now face charges of criminal contempt of Congress.

Here is the brutal bottom line: Trump has never accepted his loss. He and his allies are showing us that they are more committed to getting and keeping power in their hands than they are accepting the voters’ will. They are ready to sacrifice democracy on the altar of rightwing authoritarianism. That is not a pleasant thought at Christmas time—or any time. We don’t have the luxury of looking away. We have to face these threats and what it will take from all of us to defeat them in the months and years ahead.

In this season of gift-giving, think of the time and energy you spend defending democracy as a gift to your family and friends—a future of freedom.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way.

FCC should empower minorityowned media businesses

Whenever I have had the responsibility during the past six decades to weigh in on a vital civil rights issue on behalf of Black America and other communities of color throughout the United States, I have not hesitated to speak out.

Now is the time to publicly address the urgent issue of equal access, diversity, equity, and inclusion of Black-owned media in our nation’s communications industry.

In this era of the global digitalization of media and other high technological innovations in the communications industry, Black-owned and other minority-owned media cannot afford to be denied access to the rapidly evolving industry innovations.

The issue today is Blackowned radio stations and other minority-owned media businesses should be permitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compete fairly and equitably with large television and cable stations that geotarget audiences across America.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has a strategic alliance with the National Organization of BlackOwned Broadcasters (NABOB) and with the Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council (MMTC). We are all working together to ensure the FCC will approve a rulemaking change that will enable minority-owned radio stations to engage in geotargeting of content to their audiences. This change is necessary because the FCC’s antiquated rules, written 40 years ago, don’t give radio stations the chance to compete in the current media environment.

The FCC has as its mission to regulate “interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.” The proposed rulemaking change will substantially increase the access

to geotargeting by minorityowned radio stations and other minority-owned businesses that are vital and effective in today’s global and national media marketplace. This is another crucial national civil rights issue. This is an issue of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Last month, I wrote to the FCC to stress this point.

“I have spent much of my career as a civil rights leader focused on ensuring that technological developments like the one at issue in this proceeding, lift all of America, and not just some of us,” I emphasized.

“Too often, I have seen the benefits of technological development accrue to the privileged, with little or no benefit to disadvantaged communities, including some with which I work on a daily basis.” In the letter to the FCC, I concluded:

“Geotargeting technology would give minority-owned broadcasters an enhanced ability to compete with the larger station groups…The technology would enable them to better serve their communities with localized content. In addition, for those broadcasters that choose to use this technology, since it is voluntary, they can give minority-owned businesses an affordable outlet for their messages. In short, I now believe that this technology is beneficial to minority communities, including radio broadcasters, small businesses, and the public they serve.”

We recall President Joe Biden announced, “On my first day in office, I signed Executive Order 13985 (Advancing Racial Equity

Letters to the editor

Taking this time to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and happiness. May we bond together in love and caring and keep the stars adjoined in the glow of a peaceful outcome for the problems faced in this world. The battle of life is difficult and peace hard to find, but each of us can take that moment to feel the joy of peace and love, if only in our hearts. Who knows, one day we may all join together with the wisdom, strength, and grace to be a part of a lasting and eternal peace. I know that looking at the world as it is now it is hard to

and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government), which established that affirmatively advancing equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity is the responsibility of the whole of our Government.”

We commend the BidenHarris Administration thus far in its first year striving to move the nation forward on equity and diversity matters even during the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the epidemic of partisan politicization of issues and supporting public policies that will improve and enhance the quality for life of all Americans. On this issue of media reform, we hope and resolutely call for the FCC in 2022 to be aligned fully with the official stated commitments of the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure fairness, equity and diversity.

The proposed FCC rulemaking change is also supported overwhelmingly by all of the major national civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, National Urban League, National Action Network, National Council of Negro Women, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Congress of Black Women, Hispanic Federation, National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, U.S Black Chambers, and many more.

The time for the FCC to act and approve the proposed rulemaking change submitted is now because it will help to empower all minority-owned radio and other media businesses. Millions of Americans, particularly from underserved communities, deserve and have a fundamental civil right to have access and to be included. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr, is president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and executive producer/host of The Chavis Chronicles on PBS.

imagine. Keep the heart of love always present and find the joy that is there within you. Perhaps one day the hate and violence will be a thing of the past. We must look forward to a future filled with beauty and love. If we do not do this, we become the embittered remnants of all those who have been the catalysts for

Gary Carter,

Guest Columnist

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Columnist Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist John E. Warren

Lincoln University honors Law Enforcement Academy graduates

Lincoln University in Jefferson City is one of the first Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) west of the Mississippi River, and it is the first and only to have a police academy.

The Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy (LULETA) honored its second graduation class on Dec. 16, 2021, after students completed a four-month program that began in August.

The December 2021 graduates are Alexander Jackson Griggs, Bailey Scott Johnmeyer, Brianna Amber Marie Johnson, Danielle Pearl Skiles, and Maxx Charles Walker.

“Their professionalism and tenacity in completing the program shows that they are ready to deal with whatever comes their way,” said Academy Director Gary Hill.

“Our goal is to train community members to be law enforcement officers to solve problems in our communities throughout the state.”

The prospective new officers will complete three months of agency-specific field training after they are

hired by police forces. Hill said graduates will then “be ready for the streets,” adding that it is up to their respective employers to make them feel welcome.

“I truly believe that (the academy) will continue to produce well-trained officers to fill vacancies, but it is up to each law enforcement agency and community to give the officer a feeling of appreciation and support to make them stay in law enforcement,” Hill said.

Launched in 2021, LULETA has received national recognition for its focus on recruiting and training minority law enforcement officers.

Its 700-hour curriculum includes legal and technical studies, interpersonal perspectives, and skill development. Students also receive 15 college credit hours across four courses: Police Administration, Criminal Evidence and Procedure, Police Community Relations and Criminal Justice Practicum.

NBC’s TODAY featured the academy in June 2021, as part of a series called “Future of the Force” by reporter Craig Melvin.

Excellent teachers essential for student success

By Marian Wright Edelman

Every child deserves teachers who believe in their potential and are determined to use any methods needed to bring out their absolute best.

Teacher training programs were some of the earliest opportunities for higher education available to African Americans, and the Black educators they produced were often leaders in their communities and inspirations in their students’ lives.

Growing up in the segregated South, my teachers were among the caring Black adults in my hometown who served as buffers against the hostile outside world that told Black children we weren’t important. For many Black children today, the chance to have a teacher who looks like them and is committed to nurturing their excellence is an equally critical but often rarer gift.

Courtney Linsey, a Children’s Defense Fund (CDF) Freedom Schools Ella Baker trainer, is pursuing his teaching credential and master’s degree in education. He is part of a partnership between CDF and Teach for America (TFA)’s Black Educators Promise Initiative. The new fellowship, the Ella Baker Child Policy Training Institute Professional Development Seminar, seeks to inspire and support more Black teachers.

The fellowship is using the CDF Freedom Schools model to bring high-quality professional development to an inaugural group of 10 Black educators across the South, where many Black teachers are still concentrated. It will allow CDF to create a robust teacher training curriculum that will serve as a foundation for CDF Freedom Schools’ own Teacher Training Institute.

“For the Black community, learning has always been a gateway for liberation. Renowned educators like Septima Clark, Booker T. Washington, Mary McLeod Bethune, and Edmund Gordon leveraged education to create opportunities, cultivate pride, and transform the trajectory of Black futures for centuries to come,” according to a Teach For America release.

“And sadly, as history has shown us, these valiant efforts were (and continue to be) met with intense, systemic opposition. Today, Black students still experience the greatest educational inequities. And while numerous studies have shown the immense impact Black teachers have on the lives of Black students and all students, only 7% of teachers in U.S. public schools are Black.”

Kristal Moore Clemons, CDF Freedom Schools national director, said the schools will help teachers articulate their own desires, demands, and questions.

“From there, we hope teachers will create spaces where students can link issues in their daily life to both practical skills and to issues of political power that will eventually equip them to participate in all phases of public life,” Clemons said.

At a moment when some people in public life are seeking to block what children can be taught in schools and turn that into a political advantage, this thoughtful work is more important than ever.

All children deserve the opportunity to see adults who look like them in leadership roles in their classrooms, schools, and communities.

All children also deserve to be exposed to books and other materials featuring a wide range of cultures, races, and experiences like the books that have long made up the CDF Freedom Schools curriculum.

And all children need teachers and school leaders who care about and are willing to respond to their communities, their culture, and their own lived experiences.

We need to encourage new Black teachers and teachers from all backgrounds who will have this mindset and be determined to help every child develop the capacity to demand the future they deserve.

Marian Wright Edelman, founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund (CDF), continues as an advocate for disadvantaged Americans.

St. Louis American staff

Photo courtesy of Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy

Marian Wright Edelman

The Lincoln University Law Enforcement Training Academy (LULETA), the only HBCU police training program, honored its second graduation class on Dec. 16. It was featured on NBC’s “TODAY” show, and also received a $125,000 grant last week to purchase two virtual reality systems.

Continued from A1

still-new organization could use only $9,000 of the initial award after the COVID-19 pandemic sliced her fundraising opportunities.

Many Black urban farmers “don’t have a lot of cash flow,” said Williams, whose organization has received a second grant and has been approved for a third. “If you’re going to award something like $25,000, if you want to do the reimbursement, I would say [require] maybe half [up front]. But to have the whole thing come upfront and then [pay] reimbursement is still a little bit inequitable because we know it’s no secret that Black-led organizations, farms, nonprofits, businesses, are less funded than white-led organizations.”

Williams was among the St. Louis area food activists and government officials asked about the response by local, state and federal agencies to the need for healthy food locally. While activists lauded assistance from a helpful alderman here or a beneficial program there, each said locally, in Jeff City and in Washington D.C., much more needs to be done.

“Every branch of government has room where we all can improve, from the federal, to the state to the local,” said Missouri Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, a Democrat whose 77th district includes neighborhoods classified by the USDA as low income and low access.

“Have we done everything that we can to address food insecurity? No. Absolutely not.”

Most activists lauded the federal government for pouring billions of dollars into pandemic relief – some of which is being used to address hunger.

This year, the Biden administration approved the biggest bump to food assistance benefits in the history of the SNAP program, and benefits will rise by 25% on average

At the state level, Williams said she considers the agricultural department’s urban aid program “a good start,” despite its drawbacks.

In the program’s first year, which coincided with the start

of the COVID-19 pandemic, three local organizations were awarded up to $45,377, including the $18,676.90 originally earmarked for Williams’ organization.

In the second year, which ended in June, four organizations in St. Louis and the county were awarded up to $77,675.

In the current fiscal year, five local organizations could be reimbursed up to nearly $200,000 out of up to $400,000 available statewide.

“It’s an important issue,” said Christi Miller, communications director for the state agriculture Department, who said she knows of no other department program focused on urban hunger. “And this was a great way for us to help with addressing food insecurity across Missouri. …There are some folks doing some amazing things with urban agriculture and addressing food insecurity. These grants have certainly shown what can be done.”

A Red Circle has used the money to build out its urban farming program, including the Healthy Flavor Community Market & Garden in Riverview.

The organization also has received more than $70,000 through the CARES Act and got pandemic-inspired funding through the Small Business Administration.

Williams plans to seek backing from St. Louis Councilwoman Sholanda Webb for A Red Circle’s goal of securing $300,000 in American Rescue Plan funding to open a community-owned grocery store in North St. Louis County.

The lack of traditional grocers in low-income communities is often cited as the cause of “food deserts.” More recently, food justice activists have spoken about “food apartheid” and pushed for a broader look both at the systemic racism facing residents in areas of low access and on solutions that go beyond just trying to woo

major grocery chains.

Growing gardens

Collins, the state representative, introduced a measure in March that would have authorized a tax credit for re-establishing grocery stores in low-access areas.

The bill also contained a provision to establish a tax credit for using vacant lots for community gardens and or farmers markets, she said.

After getting pushback from some legislators on potentially offering credits to major food corporations, Collins amended the plan to focus on the lots – noting the bumper crop of lots in her district. Collins said the vacant lots portion of the measure passed out of the House with bipartisan support but stalled in the Senate amid a broader legislative logjam.

Collins said she plans to take that angle up again.

“It’ll support a lot of different projects that people are

years of work.

Costello said the city avoids selling to out-of-towners to guard against land speculation.

More chickens

Reducing the prevalence of food deserts was part of Mayor Tishaura Jones’ campaign platform.

To help meet that goal, the city is seeking proposals for a “community-driven food production, processing and distribution” operation, funded with $1 million from the American Rescue Plan, said Nick Dunne, a spokesman for Jones.

And under the Community Development Administration, there’s an additional $1 million for food assistance, he said. The city also reduced the permit fee to serve hot food and increased the number of allowable chickens in urban areas, according to Craig Schmid, a government services analyst at the St. Louis Department of Health. St. Louis County partnered with the city’s health department to provide greater access to the Link Market at North Central Community Health Center.

doing, especially in North City, St. Louis,” she said, noting the St. Louis public school district has “a strong base when it comes to community gardens.” Jamie Edwards would like to see more assistance given to would-be urban gardeners.

Edwards said her City Blossoms nonprofit has faced land purchase restrictions and police warnings as she tries to coax herbs and collards from raised beds on a vacant lot on Shulte, one of at least four vacant lots on the block.

Edwards said she was blocked from buying the land because she does not live within the city. So a neighbor stepped in, purchased the lot and plans to hand over the deed, Edwards said.

About 200 lots are part of the city’s garden lease program, according to Laura Costello, director of real estate for the St. Louis Development Corporation, which runs the Land Reutilization Authority.

That’s out of more than 5,900 vacant lots owned by the LRA citywide.

Edwards and some local food activists would like to see the city make it easier for urban gardeners to buy their land, rather than continue to lease. The lease costs $1 a year for up to five years, but activist Tosha Phonix noted some gardeners fear the property will be sold after they’ve invested

For Williams and other food activists, the incremental government steps mark a hopeful sign and come at a time when food activism and urban agriculture are growing.

“I’m hopeful that, as we’re coming out of crisis mode … and good food organizers begin to get more into the community and talking with government officials and potential funders, that [politicians] will begin to do more,” Williams said. “You never know how the tide will turn.”

Karen Robinson-Jacobs is The St. Louis American / Type Investigations business reporter and a Report for America corps member.

“The Barren Mile: COVID19 and the fight against food apartheid,” is a comprehensive look at the impact of the pandemic on inequitable food access in the United States. The special project was spearheaded by Report for America and its parent company, The Ground Truth Project. Reporters from four RFA host newsrooms -- The St. Louis American (Missouri), The Atlanta News (Georgia), Black Voice News (Riverside, California) and New York Amsterdam News (New York) -- spent five months speaking with scores of consumers, activists and corporate and government officials about the continuing problem. This is the last in the series of articles on the topic.

Photo by Torrey Park Photography / St. Louis American

A Red Circle provides vegetables to North County residents through a community garden,

Health

Continued from A1

Hlatshwayo Davis knew her focus had to be on prioritizing issues outside of COVID.

“There are non-COVID-related issues that have taken the sideline,” she said. “People continue to have chronic diseases, be it diabetes or high blood pressure. They continue to have mental health concerns which, quite frankly, have been exacerbated by this pandemic. And, obviously, there’s the impact of gun violence within our city and region.”

Hlatshwayo Davis officially reported to work in October after a Delta variant summer surge. A month later, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued warnings of a new variant, “Omicron,” believed to have originated in South Africa and was destined to spread globally. Hlatshwayo Davis had the unpopular duty of being the first public health official in the state to announce Omicron had indeed arrived in the region after a St. Louis resident contracted the new variant. Around the time Omicron was announced, a Missouri judge ruled local health orders imposed to curb the spread of COVID-19 in the state were illegal and should be lifted. The impact of that ruling was not lost on Hlatshwayo Davis.

“Now, I have to deal with a Cole County ruling that could

Roberts

Continued from A1

and pride not only for the Black community but for the St. Louis region as a whole.”

According to Roberts, the Board of Aldermen knew years ago the new facility, slated to open in 2022, would be named after the late Homer G. Phillips. Last week, the Board passed Resolution 138, which deemed it “inappropriate, cultural appropriation.”

“However, in 2019, the St. Louis Board of Alderman approved nearly $8 million in

Chief

Continued from A1

city’s personnel department, an independent bureau which does not answer to the mayor, established qualifications for the next chief and has selected six finalists so far. One of those requirements was that a candidate must have at least 10 years

jeopardize the ability of public health officials throughout the state to perform core functions around communicable diseases,” she said. “If enforced with the language that the court ruling uses, it will have a dire impact on people with communicable diseases, which is completely unethical.”

Although the city of St. Louis utilized distinct local authority and aldermanic legislation to continue implementing

n

“We have never seen a pandemic being politicized to this level.”

– Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, the new director of the city’s health department

mask mandates, Hlatshwayo Davis is still concerned.

“Even if the city is protected by our charter and our different legislative process, we’re not an island,” she said.

“If the counties and regions around us are impacted by the way people move in and out of the city, it could still be really damaging for us.”

Although Hlatshwayo Davis has no desire to enter politics, her work is complicated by political decisions. For example, she said the judge’s ruling to lift the county’s mask mandates was influenced by “petty, political perspectives.”

“It is, quite frankly, astound-

incentives for a new Homer G. Phillips Hospital,” Roberts said.

“They approved these significant public incentives with the knowledge and support that this new facility would be named Homer G. Phillips Hospital.”

Alderwoman Sharon Tyus and other elected officials have repeatedly said improved health care in north St. Louis has nothing to do with the issue of the hospital’s name and McKee’s arrogance. She rebuked Roberts’ contention saying that the name was part of the original deal, “Homer G. Phillips Hospital”

policing experience at the rank of captain or higher. The personnel department oversees pay, hiring and employee discipline for the city.

Former city personnel director Rick Frank, who retired Dec. 1, told The St. Louis Post-Dispatch earlier this year police chief finalists would be chosen solely by his department, breaking from the way

ing to me that the political players involved would ever do this,” she added. “It goes to show what happens when people in glass towers, people in positions of privilege, who don’t have to deal with the results of these types of rulings…how they have no idea of the impact it will have on real people’s lives.”

The major difference in combating COVID-19 and other infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDs in the 1980s and the H1N1 flu virus which emerged in the spring of 2009, Hlatshwayo Davis added, is the politicization of the coronavirus.

“We have never seen a pan-

was never mentioned in the Healthworks Hospital Project,” which was passed in October 2019.

“I supported building a facility, but I did not support the name being used,” she said. “When it was introduced, it was not called Homer G. Phillips Hospital.” According to Ordinance 71038, which was introduced and passed in October 2019, there was not a name mentioned anywhere in the five-page document. The three-bedroom hospital was referred to as “The Health Works Hospital Project,” introduced by Tamika

in which Hayden was chosen under Mayor Lyda Krewson, who hired an outside consultant to find and pick the finalists.

It would then be up to Jones’ public safety director, Dan Isom, to choose a candidate from that list.

Sources in Jones’ administration also told The St. Louis American the personnel department rejected the majority of 30 people nationwide who have

demic being politicized to this level,” she said. “On one level, I understand; politicians are the enforcement arm of what we can do on the public health front. But very early in this pandemic, we saw both parties very irresponsibly using it as a tool for political movement.”

In the 1980s and ‘90s, there was no Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, or Instagram that many use to spread misinformation and disinformation about COVID, Hlatshwayo Davis stressed. Therefore, the Internet has the power to determine “trust.”

“What that did for entire populations-especially those that don’t have a high degree

Hubbard and John CollinsMuhammad to the Board of Aldermen.

A board bill fiscal note on the last page of the document verifies that $8 million would be the maximum principal amount issued for the project.

Roberts added the addition of a health care facility “is an important goal” now. State and local officials, along with community members, have repeatedly asked for the name to be removed from the facility, not for the removal of the health care facility.

“These nearly $8 million in incentives were with the understanding that the facility would

applied for the position and administered a written test to two internal candidates, who are both white, but did not administer a virtual version of the test to the other four out-ofstate candidates.

One of those internal candidates is assistant chief Lt. Col. Lawrence O’Toole, who served as acting chief during the Jason Stockley protests in 2017. He came under scrutiny for police

Hlatshwayo Daviscity, city health director, officially reported to work in October after a Delta variant summer surge.

A month later, the World Health Organization (WHO) issued warnings of a new variant, Omicron. While continuing the ongoing battle against the pandemic, she knew her focus had to be on prioritizing issues outside of COVID.

of health literacy, it made politicians their trusted leaders, many who probably haven’t even completed courses in science or biology,” she said.

“For them to be the ‘trusted leaders’ and health care professionals like myself, who are in data-based positions to be mistrusted…well, that, to me, is frustrating.”

Above and beyond all the divisive issues that complicate combatting COVID, Hlatshwayo Davis maintains her focus must remain on interfacing with those who have valid reasons to distrust those in the medical and scientific fields.

To that end, she has part-

begin as a three-bed hospital and eventually grow to house at least 100 beds and a medical school focused on training people from underserved communities,” Roberts said, again missing the point of the objections. In last week’s resolution hearing, the Board of Aldermen quoted state law, which said hospitals need to start with a minimum of three beds.

McKee’s lawyer Darryl Piggee, who is a member of the board who has refused to change the name, said hospitals must start with only three beds but later recanted his statement. Roberts continued to try to

brutality perpetrated during those protests and is named in at least one lawsuit.

He also sued the city alleging racial discrimination when Hayden, who is Black, was appointed police chief instead of him. That lawsuit is still pending.

The second internal candidate is Lt. Col. Michael Sack, who is commander of the Bureau of Professional

nered with trusted community sources, like the clergy to address concerns and deliver pertinent information to marginalized communities. Instead of letting the challenges overwhelm her, Hlatshwayo Davis channeled her energies into launching a public town hall meeting less than a month after her appointment. She meets weekly with the Board of Aldermen to update them on the latest health statistics in the city. To interface regularly with residents, she’s increased her communications team’s engagement with the community by 30% through various social media platforms.

The pharmaceutical company Pfizer recently announced the (third dose) booster shots have shown to have efficacy against Omicron. Hlatshwayo Davis stressed vaccinations and boosters are the only viable path to herd immunity for the immediate future. She added that the onus of change is not on the people; it’s on leaders in the medical, public health, scientific and political communities. This, she said, is the area of her expertise.

“I believe the mayor called upon me to lead at this time,” she said. “The job, the call, the priority, the work, is to address public health always through the lens of equity. That’s who I am, and that’s what I bring to the table.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow

change the subject - appropriation of the revered Homer G. Phillips Hospital name - and said bringing jobs to the community is an important aspect to consider with the new facility.

“What matters most to me is that Black women and men in our community will have new opportunities to become a doctor or medical professional, start a career, and raise their families right here in St. Louis,” he said.

“That’s the opportunity my grandfather had nearly 80 years ago, and it’s an opportunity I want to see returned to our region today.”

Standards and has been with the department for 27 years.

On Monday, the St. Louis Civil Service Commission voted to require virtual testing be administered for the out-ofstate candidates, according to city sources, who also said to expect the commission to take the wheel in guiding how the search is conducted from here on out.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Local hero honored

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/St.Louis American

Arnez Merriweather (C) is recognized by Dr. Maggie Williams and Pastor Donald Ray McNeal for his actions of saving a baby and mother from a fire during a service at the Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis on Sunday, December 19, 2021.

Merrriweather saved a 3-year-old girl whose mother tossed her out of a second-floor window to escape a fire at an apartment building in north St. Louis on Monday, November 29, 2021. Merriweather then caught the mother who jumped. Merriweather, 30, said he did it by remaining calm and simply doing what was needed.

St. Louis receives $50 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits

Plans to construct and preserve more than 600 units

By Sophie Hurwitz

The St. Louis American

The city of St. Louis announced Tuesday it received nearly $50 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to help fund $100 million in affordable housing construction, renovation and preservation of more than 600 units.

This funding is part of an ongoing national program that has allowed for the construction or rehabilitation of about 110,000 affordable rental units across the country each year since 1986.

LIHTC funds are distributed to developers on the condition that rents do not exceed 30% of the area median income where the units are, and the tax credits are not actually made available to investors until the housing project is placed in service. At that point, they can be claimed over a 10-year period.

LIHTC funding requires units remain affordable for at least 30 years after they are placed into service.

In a press release from Mayor Tishaura Jones’ office, this round of funding was framed as a direct response to the lack of affordable housing–particularly accessible housing for currently-unhoused individuals–in St. Louis city.

“Expanding affordable housing is critical for St. Louis working families,” Jones said. “Addressing root causes of crime, like housing instability,

will make St. Louis safer, and the resources my administration has procured will help increase the availability of affordable housing in our city.”

The housing units being funded are located at The Brewery Apartments (139 rehab units), Baden School Apartments (50 rehab units), Hillvale Apartments (146 rehab units), Marquette Homes (60 new and rehab units), Metropolitan Village Apartments (147 rehab units), Elliot Place (39 new units), and 48 Fields Place at Natural Bridge (50 new units).

This announcement comes a month after an “Affordable Housing Report Card” was released by the nonprofit group Community Builders Network of Metro St. Louis, which gave the region a grade of “F” in affordable housing for Black households, renters, and people with the lowest income. That report identified a need for 35,000 more rental units in the rent bracket below $549/ month than currently exist. Renters affected, they said, are those with an annual income no higher than $22,400, who make up about 27% of all renters in the region.

LIHTC-subsidized housing is one of the primary forms of affordable housing in the St. Louis area, along with housing vouchers, section 8 rental assistance, section 202 rentals, and public housing. About 83% of the people renting subsidized housing units in the St. Louis

A Baden School sign still greets residents and visitors at the Baden School Apartments. St. Louis received nearly $50 million in Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) to help fund $100 million in affordable housing construction, renovation and preservation.

area are Black, and 62% of LIHTC units are in majorityBlack areas, according to the Community Builders Network study.

As a member of the Department of Housing and Urban Development’s House America initiative, Jones’

administration is partnering with HUD and the US Interagency Council on Homelessness. According to a press release, the partnership is “working to add new units of affordable housing into the development pipeline by Dec. 31, 2022.”

Photo courtesy of Baden School Apartments

FDA approves abortion pills by mail, but Missourians still denied access

Missouri legislator prefiles bill banning abortion after 6 weeks

By Dana Rieck

The St. Louis American

While federal authorities permanently reversed restrictions on the first of a two-pill medication abortion regimen Thursday, Missourians are still unable to receive the medication by mail. Missouri and 18 other states have banned telemedicine abortion services and require providers to be physically present, regardless of federal guidelines or laws.

According to Reproductive Health Services (RHS) of Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region, the abortion drug is called mifepristone and is the only drug out of the 20,000 prescription medications regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required to be dispensed in person despite evidence this is medically unnecessary.

The FDA temporarily relaxed these restrictions due to COVID-19, allowing Planned Parenthood to establish an abortion-pill-by-mail program in southern Illinois, the first and only Planned Parenthood to do so in the state. Through that program, the organization said it gathered data about the safety and efficacy of telemedicine abortion.

Since July 2020, when the program began, 500 patients

self-managed their abortions at home, with 99% resulting in safe outcomes. Of those 500, Planned Parenthood reported 30% chose to receive their medications by mail, and 70% chose to pick up their medications at the health center.

“This is a victory for patients and for medicine,” Dr. Colleen McNicholas, chief medical officer for RHS Of Planned Parenthood Of The St. Louis Region, said in a statement.

“For far too long, the FDA has treated medication abortion as the one exception to evidencebased medicine. The reversal of these restrictions affirms what we know to be true: the abortion pill is safe, effective and should be treated as any other prescription medication patients can access at pharmacies or by mail.”

Planned Parenthood, which noted all states bordering Illinois have banned access to the pill by mail, argues the ban is inconsistent with data and evidence showing medicationinduced abortion can be safely self-managed at home.

“Now, it’s time to ensure all states update their telemedicine abortion laws consistent with FDA guidance,” McNicholas said. “Otherwise, today’s development is only a victory dependent on where you live.”

The FDA’s announcement came on the same day Missouri

Missouri uses every legal avenue to protect women and children in our state from the violence of abortion,” she tweeted.

Mifepristone is the only drug out of the 20,000 prescription medications regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) required to be dispensed in person despite evidence this is medically unnecessary.

n “The reversal of these restrictions affirms what we know to be true: the abortion pill is safe, effective and should be treated as any other prescription medication patients can access at pharmacies or by mail.”

—Dr. Colleen McNicholas

all abortions once cardiac activity is detected in an embryo, usually around six weeks. Coleman represents an area

“Missouri’s Empower Women, Promote Life Act #hb1987 will create a private cause of action to ensure

In addition to banning abortions past the six-week pregnancy mark, the bill further limits public funding of Planned Parenthood and allows private citizens to sue clinics, doctors and anyone else who facilitates an abortion after the proposed cutoff of six weeks.

Coleman’s legislation is one of more than a dozen House bills prefiled before the beginning of Missouri’s annual legislative session, which runs from Jan. 5 through mid-May. Texas enacted a law similar to Coleman’s proposed legislation Sept. 1 prohibiting all abortions for a person who is more than six weeks into

their pregnancy, becoming the country’s first six-week abortion ban to be enforced. The law remains in effect as it also awaits a ruling from the Supreme Court after oral arguments challenging the law were heard Nov. 1. Meanwhile, experts and politicians are anticipating the Supreme Court will overturn the landmark abortion case, Roe v. Wade, in June after hearing oral arguments earlier this month in what has been called the most significant abortion case in nearly 50 years. At the heart of Dobbs v. Jackson Women’s Health Organization is a Mississippi law banning abortion at 15 weeks, the point in a pregnancy in which the state claims fetuses can feel pain. Legal experts expected the Supreme Court to rule on the Texas law before the Mississippi case, but that has not happened. The law, as it stands, violates a person’s constitutional rights under Roe v. Wade. The Texas law also triggered what pro-choice advocates feared would be a domino effect on abortion access in the Midwest.

THE URBAN LEAGUE AND CENTENE CORP. PRESENT ALL IN: CLOSING THE COVID-19 VACCINE GAP VACCINATION WINNER WITH 2021 FORD ESCORT

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. along with Centene Corporation., partnered to help increase COVID-19 vaccination rates with a special Thanksgiving Vaccination Drive from September through November 2021 encouraging area residents to become fully vaccinated. Participants’ names were entered into the ALL IN: Closing the COVID-19 Vaccine Gap drawing for a 2021 Ford Escape purchased from Schicker Automotive Group. Damond Merridith was the winner of the $30,000 Ford Escape plus sales taxes paid, insurance paid for a year plus $500 in gas cards from QuikTrip. Thank you to our former National Urban League Chairman Michael Neidorff and Centene Corporation for supporting the sweepstakes. Merridith said he got vaccinated at the urging of his girlfriend who was vaccinated. “She encouraged me to get the shot because she wanted me to be safe. I really wasn’t thinking about it. It was the right thing to do though, even without the car,” Merridith said. For more information about the Urban League’s All In: COVID-19 Campaign or to support the Urban League please visit www.ulstl.com.

Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman, R-Arnold, prefiled a piece of legislation that would prohibit

just south of Fenton within Jefferson and St. Louis counties.

“Taking Care of You”

Blood pressure care down during pandemic

chronic illnesses “were put

Black patients especially impacted

By JoAnn Weaver

The St. Louis American

Nearly half of American adults have high blood pressure, a leading cause of heart disease, and nearly 75% of all cases remain above the recommended blood pressure levels, according to the American Heart Association.

More than 40% of non-Hispanic African American men and women have high blood pressure. High blood pressure also develops earlier in life for African Americans and is usually more severe.

The COVID-19 pandemic is associated with higher blood pressure levels among middle-aged adults across the U.S., according to new research published by the American

n More than 40% of non-Hispanic African American men and women have high blood pressure. High blood pressure also develops earlier in life for African Americans and is usually more severe.

Heart Association. “I think the reasons for this are multifactorial,” Dr. Angela Brown, director of the Hypertension Clinic at Washington University St. Louis, said. “The pandemic has been a very stressful time for everyone, and

Racial

research studies.

By JoAnn Weaver

The St. Louis American

The burden of Alzheimer’s disease doesn’t fall on all communities equally. Black Americans face about double the risk of developing the devastating neurodegenerative disease than non-Hispanic white Americans.

Two research teams at Washington University in St. Louis received grants totaling $7 million to advance racial equity in Alzheimer’s disease research Dec. 14. Dr. Joyce Balls-Berry, an associate professor of neurology at the School of Medicine, has received a $3.4 million grant to recruit Black Americans and other members of under-resourced communities into a registry for

“As a Black woman scientist, I always think about the fact that many times our voices aren’t heard,” BallsBerry said.

The number of Black volunteers is still relatively small, and Balls-Berry worries about overburdening them with too many requests for study participation.

“I used to teach ‘Intro to Community-Engaged Research,’ and I would tell my students, ‘You drop down into the community. You ask a ton of questions. You draw some blood. You give out a few gift cards as a thank you. You write some papers. You get promoted.

with all of the disruptions from the pandemic, including the stay-at-home orders, it caused changes in lifestyles where chronic illnesses like hypertension for a number of people were put on the backburner.”

Stay-at-home orders were implemented across the U.S. between March and April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This resulted in a shift to remote health care for numerous chronic health conditions, including high blood pressure, and negatively impacted healthy lifestyle behaviors for many people.

“A number of doctors appointments were canceled, but once the orders were lifted, there was a certain amount of fear that kept

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz

We may not think about sleeping as a healthy behavior like we would exercising or eating a healthy diet, but we should.

Sleep can play a key role in health and wellness, and studies show that many of us just aren’t getting enough of it.

Dr. Graham A. Colditz

“Short sleep and poor-quality sleep are linked to increased risk of depression, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers,” said Yikyung Park, associate professor in the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “A lack of sleep also weakens immune function, making you vulnerable to common infections such as the common cold.” How can sleep problems have such a wide-ranging effect on health? For one, they can disrupt the circadian rhythm, our natural “body clock” that controls all biological functions in a 24-hour period, Park said. That disruption can lead to many different reactions in the body that can increase the risk of certain diseases and conditions.

n “Short sleep and poor-quality sleep are linked to increased risk of depression, obesity, diabetes, hypertension, heart disease and some cancers.”

– Yikyung Park

Less directly, sleep problems can also simply make it harder for us to make choices that are good for our health. Lack of sleep can impact decision-making, energy levels and several other factors that can make us more likely to stay on the couch rather than get outside for a walk or choose a fast-food meal over making something healthier at home. About a third of U.S. adults are short sleepers, getting fewer than seven hours of sleep a night. But it’s an issue more common in some groups than others. “There is a significant disparity in sleep duration by race and ethnicity, and income,” Park said. “Short sleep is a particularly important problem for African Americans, multiracial non-Hispanics, American Indians/Alaska Natives and Native Hawaiians/Pacific Islanders – as well as those with lower incomes.” A range of issues can contribute to these differences, including stress, discrimination, job schedules and neighborhood conditions that

But you never come back to present your findings. You’ve never asked the question, ‘How can this data be used by the local community to inform pol-

icy changes in those areas?’

That’s how we don’t want to do it,” she said.

“We want to consider the issues around the cultural impact of the science that we’re doing. We want to apply our findings in ways that won’t cause more disparities, won’t cause stigmatization. There are human beings behind each of the numbers in a study.”

Consequently, she is launching the COEQUAL Registry (Creating Opportunities to Increase Health Equity and Equality for Persons at risk of Alzheimer’s Disease and Related Dementias). The plan is to use a patient- and commu-

nity-engaged framework to recruit, enroll and retain 2,000 new volunteers.

Dr. Darrell Hudson, an associate professor of public health at the Brown School, and Dr. Ganesh M. Babulal, an assistant professor of neurology at the School of Medicine, have jointly received a $3.7 million grant to investigate risk factors for cognitive decline among Black Americans. Both studies are supported by the National Institute on Aging of the National Institutes of Health (NIH).

“There’s a lot of heterogeneity within the Black American population socioeconomically, geographically, in experiences and so on,” Hudson said. “Throughout St. Louis and other

Dr. Angela Brown, director of the Hypertension Clinic at Washington University St. Louis, said hypertension and other

on the backburner” as lifestyles changed because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

See COLDITZ, A15

Dr. Darrell Hudson

Dr. Ganesh M. Babulal

Dr. Joyce Balls-Berry

“Taking Care of You”

Local health care officer receives award for leadership through pandemic

By JoAnn Weaver

The St. Louis American

BJC

HealthCare’s Senior Vice President and Chief Information

and

Digital Officer

Jerry Fox received the 2021 Chief Information Officer of the Year ORBIE Award in Health Care.

Fox is responsible for information technology, information security operations, biomedical engineering technology and strategic digital initiatives throughout BJC hospitals and health service organizations, including BJC virtual care.

“It’s not an individual award

Blood Pressure

Continued from A14

people inside,” Brown said.

“In addition to that, people who were and are still at home, eating habits changed, which people have referred to as the ‘COVID 10,’ exercise habits changed, and sleep patterns were affected due to stress.”

According to the research study, blood pressure control worsened in both men and women with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States in 2020.

“What we know is that African Americans are already at risk for heart disease overall because of the increased prevalence of hypertension,” Brown said. “African Americans tend to have high blood pressure or hypertension early in life, which tends to be more difficult to treat, and as a result tend to have poorer health outcomes.”

According to the study, women and older adults had the highest blood pressure measures during the pandemic.

Data shows hypertension control is lacking in the Black community, so other diseases such as heart disease and kidney disease are disproportionately high for the demographic.

in my mind,” Fox said. “I’m fortunate to be the leader of a great team that has accomplished a tremendous amount of work over the last two to three years and has really stepped forward to serve our community really well.”

The CIO of the Year ORBIE Award is the premier technology executive recognition program in the United States. The award signifies exceptional leadership, innovation and vision, to represent the characteristics and qualities that inspire others to achieve their potential. “I have worked across mul-

tiple industries, but health care was a move I made so that I could be in an industry where I was closer to the outcome,” he said.

Fox joined BJC in 2017 and began implementing a vision for better serving BJC patients, regardless of where or how they needed medical services.

“It was also a great way for me to give back, you get to the point in your career where you want to make a difference,

and health care is an industry where what you do really helps the community,” he said. Under his leadership, the healthcare provider completed the largest system conversion ever with the enterprise-wide implementation of Epic electronic medical records across 15 hospitals. Fox led BJC to nimbly establish virtual patient care, including remote patient triage, video patient visits, remote patient monitoring, and

virtual patient/family collaboration.

“Technology is a way to engage our consumers by giving them digital access to their records or a way of communicating with clinicians,” he said. “With this conversion, a patient is a patient, and their healthcare record follows them no matter the hospital they visit.”

The COVID-19 pandemic has created challenges for health care providers across the country. Fox said his top priority has been safety for hospital staff and the community.

“With our focus on safety, it allows us to really expand

the way that we treat patients; one example is the increase we have seen in telemedicine, or video for clinicians to see patients by video for certain conditions,” he said. “The safety of our community, our clinicians, and patients is number one.”

According to a statement, at the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, BJC technology teams introduced solutions to keep patients and clinical caregivers safe while also making technology available to support alternative work sites for nonclinical staff.

“Before the pandemic, numbers showed that African Americans suffered from kidney disease at a disproportionate rate for the percentage of the population. When we look at awareness and treatment, African Americans are just as aware and receive the same education as whites and Hispanics at the doctor’s office, but treatment and control rates tend to be lower, according to [a national health] database,” Brown said.

Alzheimer’s

Continued from A14

In the study, researchers accessed de-identified health data from an employee wellness program to assess changes in blood pressure levels before and during the COVID19 pandemic. The data included nearly a half-million adults

communities like it, people live in essentially separate and not equal social and physical environments, and that cascades across the life course, leading to premature death and many different illnesses. We think it’s important to obtain a truly representative sample to investigate how these physical and social environmental factors can affect Black Americans and their risk of Alzheimer’s disease.”

Colditz

Continued from A14

can make it harder to get good quality sleep.

It’s recommended that most adults get about seven to eight hours of sleep each day. But what counts as healthy amounts of sleep can vary.

n According to the research study, blood pressure control worsened in both men and women with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States in 2020.

across the U.S., the average age of 46 years, 54% women, who had their blood pressure measured during an employee

n The factors that place Black people at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease remain poorly understood, partly because Black people historically and systematically have been underrepresented in Alzheimer’s studies.

The factors that place Black people at elevated risk for Alzheimer’s disease remain

“For some people, six hours of sleep a day is enough, but others may need nine hours. And although it’s important to get enough sleep, sleep quality is also crucial,” Park said. While some of the factors that impact the quality and length of sleep are out of our direct control, there are simple approaches we can take to improve the chances of getting good sleep regularly. As a first step, Park recommends we:

• Put away electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, and TVs at least 30 minutes before bed

• Have a routine sleep schedule – that is, go to bed and wake up at the same time –every day

• Avoid large meals within a couple of hours of bedtime

poorly understood, partly because Black people histori-

• Avoid caffeinated beverages and alcoholic drinks before bed

• Get regular physical activity, though not close to bedtime

In our busy, round-theclock world, these changes can be an adjustment. But you don’t need to tackle them all at once. Pick just one to

health screening every year from 2018 through 2020.

The study authors are following up on these results to determine if this trend continued in 2021, which may indicate a forthcoming wave of strokes and heart attacks.

“Unfortunately, this research confirms what is being seen across the country – the COVID-19 pandemic has had and will continue to have long-reaching health impacts across the country and particularly related to uncontrolled hypertension,” Dr. Eduardo Sanchez, the American Heart Association’s chief medical officer for prevention, said.

cally and systematically have been underrepresented in Alzheimer’s studies.

“We don’t have a full view of how all these factors impact health and aging in America,” Babulal said. “We know social experiences affect the body, but we’re still working out how, exactly,

start, and then go from there. Small changes build on each other. And like other healthy behaviors, improving the quality of sleep is something well worth the effort and can provide a real boost to health and well-being. And that may just help you rest a bit easier. It’s your health. Take control.

environment and health behaviors interact with biology to influence the risk of cognitive impairment. We need to know the causal mechanisms so we can find ways to intervene and reduce these health inequities that have been present for decades and longer.”

Dr. Graham A. Colditz, associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and the creator of the free prevention tool, YourDiseaseRisk.com

Jerry Fox

Dr. Angela Brown

More than 40% of non-Hispanic African American men and women have high blood pressure. High blood pressure also develops earlier in life for African Americans and is usually more severe, according to the American Heart Association. People with high blood pressure have made fewer visits to doctors to keep the illness managed during the ongoing pandemic.

Photo courtesy of Blackddoctor.org

State’s first Black-owned cannabis dispensary to open in St. Louis

Adrienne Scales-Williams will become Missouri’s first Black owner of a medical cannabis dispensary when Luxury Leaf opens in January 2022 at 1463 S. Vandeventer Ave., in city’s Grove neighborhood.

Adrienne Scales-Williams launching Luxury Leaf

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Missouri voters approved medical marijuana use in 2018, and the first dispensary opened in October 2020. The Missouri Medical Cannabis Trade Association reports there are 192 dispensaries in the state, and none are owned by a Black entrepreneur.

That will change in January 2022, when Adrienne Scales-Williams launches Luxury Leaf at 1463 S. Vandeventer Avenue in The Grove neighborhood.

She said branching out into the cannabis industry “was a no brainer to me.”

“I am an advocate for alternative medicines and want to be a part of a culture that promotes plants in healing. I want to invest in something

n “I am an advocate for alternative medicines and want to be a part of a culture that promotes plants in healing.”

– Adrienne Scales-Williams

so innovative and great for patients,” she said.

“I want patients to feel healing when they enter the dispensary space. I will also offer virtual classes to keep education at the forefront of this industry. In addition, it was important to have this business in the city of St. Louis, to

closely engage the community in a very direct way.”

As owner of Document Imaging Systems of St. Louis, Inc., (DIS), which placed No. 23 on The St. Louis Business Journal list of minority owned businesses last year, Scales-Williams is not a stranger to entrepreneurial success.

She is entering a lucrative field that created more than $136 million in tax revenue the first-year medical cannabis dispensaries operated, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services Section for Medical Marijuana Regulation.

Obtaining a highly sought-after dispensary license includes a lengthy and expensive process. Her location also had to pass a state inspection.

See CANNABIS, B2

Pay gap between white and Black influencers is an alarming 35%

People of color earn 29% less on average than white counterparts

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

The racial pay gap has long presented issues for Black workers in America and the social media industry has not avoided the financial unfairness.

According to a MSL U.S./The Influencer League study, “Time to Face the Influencer Pay Gap,” Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC) garner 29% less on average than their white counterparts. The gap between white and Black influencers is an even more alarming 35%.

The MSL Group is an international public relations firm with 2,000 employees and 100 offices in 40 countries. The Influencer League offers curriculum designed to provide influencers with “an education that enables them to reach their full potential in the influencer marketing space,” according to its website.

“[The pay gap] is a growing issue that Black creators face,” said Howard University senior Carrington York, who manages the Tik Tok account for the National Newspaper Publishers Association.

See PAY GAP, B2

PeoPle on the Move

Local Black social influencer AK Brown, “The Fashion Connector,” said she is not surprised a national study concluded Black people in the social media industry make 35% less in compensation than their white counterparts.

Members of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC) elected Missouri Department of Commerce and Insurance Director Chlora LindleyMyers as president-elect for the 2022 term. She has served in several senior positions in the legislative, judicial, and executive branches of government. She has also worked for both the Kentucky Department of Insurance and the Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, and for the NAIC. Lindley-Myers is licensed to practice law in various states, including Missouri.

Boynes named D&I manager at Clayco

Clayco recently welcomed Sam Boynes to the firm as diversity and inclusion manager. In this role, Boynes will assist in the design and launch of initiatives that accelerate minority-owned small-business growth. He will also lead on-the-ground efforts toward the development and execution of economic impact programs. Boynes holds a B.S. in business and human resource management from Purdue University. Clayco is a full-service, real estate, architecture, engineering, design-build and construction firm with clients across North America. Lindley-Myers appointed president-elect

named associate dean at Ponce

Ponce Health Sciences University (PHSU) School of Medicine (SOM) announced the appointment of Dr. Mildred MG Olivier as the Associate Dean of the School of Medicine. She will be leading the new four-year Doctor of Medicine (M.D.) program at the St. Louis campus. This announcement follows the recent LCME-supported expansion of PHSU with an M.D. program cohort of 30 students in St. Louis. PHSU has a long history of working to develop a diverse pipeline of highly skilled and culturally competent doctors in the medical profession, beginning with pre-med students all the way through medical specialty training.

Catholic Charities of St. Louis recently announced the appointment of Ai Ling Moore, LCSW, to the nonprofit organization’s chief quality officer role. Moore most recently served as director of community based services at Great Circle, after 14 years with Jewish Family & Children’s Services in quality and program roles. She holds a BA in psychology and Afro/ African American studies and a masters of social work from Washington University.

Chlora LindleyMyers

Sam Boynes

Olivier

Photo courtesy of Luxury Leaf

Dr. Mildred MG Olivier

Ai Ling Moore named chief quality officer

Ai Ling Moore

Photo courtesy of AK Brown Instagram

Pay Gap

Continued from B1

“We have the creativity. We aren’t paid what we deserve,” she said.

“It has been proven time and time again. Smaller influencers work with national magazines and celebrities, and they are not paid what their work is worth. In some cases, an idea is used and the creator is not paid and is not even given a tagline of recognition.

“A simple tag means a lot. It can turn into fans and followers, and that can mean more money.”

According to the report, 49% of Black influencers who contribute regularly say they

Cannabis

Continued from B1

“I have been committed to the process and just stuck with it as closely as I could,” she said.

“Being a long-term entrepreneur (I) understand the ups and downs of highly regulated industries.”

Fifteen states, including Illinois, and Washington D.C. have legalized recreational marijuana. Missouri and 34 other states have legalized marijuana for medical use.

The Marijuana Business Daily website reported that 80% of cannabis businesses are owned by whites, while Black people and Hispanics constitute barely 10% of business ownership combined.

are offered low market value.

“These Black influencers are saying when they go to the brands and companies, they are not receiving the right tools to fend for themselves. They are not shown how to make a deal,” said Micah Washington, a Howard University broadcast journalism major.

“When this happens, it makes the gap wider because they don’t have that professional representation or professional advice. That makes it harder for them to argue that this is racially biased. It comes down to pay transparency.”

Researchers found that 77% of Black influencers reported follower counts in the lowest pay tiers, where compensation from brands averaged just $27,727.90 annually. This is compared to 59% of White influencers.

Only 23% of Black influencers made it into the highest

As for being Missouri’s first Black medical cannabis dispensary owner in a field that lacks minority and women owners, ScalesWilliams said she wants “to be a successful dispensary servicing all.”

“Business is commonly filled with men, and even with my understanding of this, I didn’t focus on that as a negative. I kept my focus and pushed full force throughout all of my endeavors.”

While she is new to the cannabis industry, ScalesWilliams has proven she can adjust to new business challenges. DIS initially focused on the printing industry, but she shifted its focus to strategic sourcing for casinos.

“Any business requires you to be agile and embrace technology. The cannabis industry

n “We have the creativity. We aren’t paid what we deserve.”

– Local Black influencer AK Brown, “The Fashion Designer”

tiers, where earnings averaged $108,713.54, versus 41% of white influencers. The pay gap is also broadened by the subject matter of the influencer. Almost 60% of Black influencers, and 49% of BIPOC influencers, reported that they felt negatively impacted financially when they posted on issues of race, versus 14% of white influencers.

“We find out what is trending, what is hot. Many of us are doing it out of pocket while working a 9-to-5 job or a side hustle,” Brown said. The report also flies in the face of the outpouring of diversity, equity, and inclusion pledges made by corporations around the globe. “A lot of what they say does not always show with their actions,” York said.

is forcing our traditional medical structures to reconsider and to embrace this technology of healing,” she said.

The industry is also forcing Missouri politicians to recognize a growing number of people who want to legalize marijuana use.

Leaders of a group working to legalize marijuana for adult use in Missouri say they believe the measure will pass if they collect enough signatures to get the issue on next year’s ballot.

Legal Missouri 2022 began an initiative petition campaign last week in St. Louis. If voters approve the measure, anyone 21 or older could buy marijuana for any reason.

About 170,000 valid signatures must be collected in six of the state’s eight congressional districts to place the initiative on the ballot, John Payne, campaign manager for Legal Missouri 2022, said in a release.

He is confident the measure would pass if it reached the ballot because the medical marijuana initiative garnered close to 66% of the vote in 2018. Congressional Democrats announced last week efforts to decriminalize marijuana would begin in spring 2022.

“The growing bipartisan momentum for cannabis reform shows that Congress is primed for progress in 2022, and we are closer than ever to bringing our cannabis policies and laws in line with the American people,” Reps. Earl Blumenauer (D-Ore.) and Barbara Lee (D-Calif.) wrote in a memo to the Congressional Cannabis Caucus.

Photo courtesy of AK Brown

Local Black influencer AK Brown, “The Fashion Designer,” said the report is not surprising.

Sports

DECEMBER 23 – 29, 2021

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

‘Tis the season to spy top girls’ basketball talents

The high school girls’ basketball season is in full swing around the St. Louis area and will again be a showcase for many of the state’s best players. Here are some of the top girls’ players.

Taylor Brown, Lift for Life: A talented senior guard who led the Hawks to the Class 3 state championship last season.

JaNyla Bush, Whitfield: An excellent sophomore point guard who helped the Warriors win the Class 5 state championship last season.

Chantrel Clayton, Cardinal Ritter: A sophomore point guard who was a Class 5 All-State selection as a freshman.

Myah Coleman, STEAM Academy: An athletic senior forward currently averaging 16 points a game.

Shannon Dowell, O’Fallon: A junior guard currently averaging 13 points a game for the 8-2 Panthers.

Yasmine Edmondson, Fort Zumwalt East: A senior forward currently averaging 21 points a game.

Jasmine Gray, Pattonville: A talented all-around junior guard who leads the Pirates in scoring, rebounding and assists.

Zaire Harrell, MICDS: A senior guard and starter since her freshman year. She has already signed a letter of intent with Kansas City (formerly University of MissouriKansas City.)

Sydney Harris, Edwardsville: A talented senior wing player averaging 20 points a game. She has signed with Central Michigan.

Raychel Jones, Vashon: A junior guard who returns after leading the Wolverines to a third-place finish in the Class 4 state tournament.

Alyssa Lewis, Alton: A sophomore guard who transferred after a big freshman season at Ladue.

Shakara McCline, East St. Louis: A junior guard currently averaging 19 points a game to lead the Flyers.

Eliza Maupin, Webster Groves: A multi-sport senior standout for the Stateswomen who has signed with Kansas State on a basketball scholarship.

Trinniti Matthews, Francis Howell Central: A versatile senior forward currently averaging 19 points a game. She has signed with Webster University.

Azaria Moore, Vashon: A senior for-

By Elise Butler

It was an unseasonably warm December

n “Seeing a person of color that looks like them is powerful, and I think that they’re able to see that (playing hockey) is possible.”

ward who is currently averaging 19 points a game. She has signed with SIUE.

Mia Nicastro, St. Charles West: A versatile senior wing player averaging 23 points a game. She has signed with Saint Louis University.

Natalie Potts, Incarnate Word Academy: A junior forward who averaged 20 points a game last season on the Red Knights’ Class 6 state championship team.

Brooklyn Rhodes, Whitfield: A junior post player who helped lead the Warriors to the Class 5 state championship last season.

Jordan Speiser, Lutheran St. Charles: A talented freshman guard who is already averaging 25 points a game to lead the area in scoring.

Kayla Sullivan, Lutheran North: A junior forward who is currently averaging 17 points a game for the Crusaders. Saniah Tyler, Incarnate Word Academy: The

2021 St. Louis American Player of the Year returns after leading the Red Knights to the Class 6 state championship. She has signed with Kentucky.

Hannah Wallace, Cardinal Ritter: A talented sophomore forward who has already received numerous Division I scholarship offers.

Holiday Tournament Season

Several holiday tournaments will be unwrapped after Christmas Day.

Coaches vs. Cancer: December 27-30 at Lafayette – A strong field led by No. 1 seed Westminster, followed by Troy, Webster Groves, Parkway West and DeSmet.

Don Maurer Invitational: December 23-30 at MICDS (Boys), December 27-30 (Girls) –Host MICDS is the No. 1 seed for boys while

With Elise Butler

Thursday March 4, 2021.

for her sophomore

Fort Zumwalt West got the top seed on the girls’ side.

Collinsville: December 28-30 – Big Metro East tournament featuring area schools including Belleville East, O’Fallon, Edwardsville and host Kahoks. Rockwood Summit: December 27-30 (Girls) – A talented Farmington team gets the No. 1 seed.

St. Dominic: December 27-29 (Boys and Girls) – Fort Zumwalt South is the top seed on the boys’ side while St. Charles West is the girls’ No. 1 seed.

Mascoutah: December 27-29 (Girls) –The top girls’ Metro East tournament features O’Fallon, Alton and Mater Dei. Legends of Winter: Date TBA – A strong boys’ tournament held at SLUH.

Jamal Mayers scores for diversity with North City Blues

teamwork, commitment, and perseverance, said retired Blues star Jamal Mayers, who serves as a community youth hockey advisor for his former team. Once the young players complete the learn-to-skate sessions, those interested in continuing hockey receive free equipment and begin a six-week Learn to Play program.

– Jamal Mayers

“A new program like this one with North City Blues is an exciting venture, and I’m happy to be a part of it having been in this community since 1996,” Mayers said. “[It’s] probably a long-time overdue, and it has been fun to be a part of it. I’m looking forward to doing many more things like this.”

A 15-year National Hockey League veteran, Mayers began his career with St. Louis.

He spent 10 seasons with the Blues, and later suited up for Toronto, Calgary, San Jose, and Chicago. Since retiring in 2013, he has worked as a broadcaster, coach, and community advisor. He also authored a children’s book called “Hockey is for

Me.” Through the North City Blues, Mayers and the Blues seek to grow interest in the sport of hockey in St. Louis and beyond.

“Seeing a person of color that looks like them is power-

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of the St. Louis Blues

Cardinal Ritter’s Chantrel Clayton darts past MICDS’ Zaire Harrell during the Girls Class 5 District 5 championship game at Cardinal Ritter

Clayton returns

season as one of the area’s top players and her Lady Lions are a threat to win the state title.

YMCA Metro St. Louis lauds 2021 ‘Leaders of Distinction’

YWCA Metro St. Louis recently announced the women who have been chosen as the 2021 YWCA Leaders of Distinction at the 41st Annual YWCA Leader Lunch. Leader Lunch is the gold standard in St. Louis for the recognition of outstanding women. These leaders entered the YWCA Academy of Leaders, which is comprised of all honorees from the past four decades, thereby joining the most notable group of accomplished women in St. Louis. Each year, YWCA Metro St. Louis honors women for their outstanding contributions in the workplace and the community. They are called Leaders of Distinction because they truly have distinguished themselves in their fields, which include corporate, nonprofit, and health management; entrepreneurship; racial justice; education; the arts; and other professions. According to YWCA Metro St. Louis President and CEO Cheryl Watkins-Moore, “This was my first Leader Lunch as president and CEO of YWCA Metro St. Louis, and it was a true honor to celebrate these notable women and share their inspiring stories.”

Some of this year’s Leaders of Distinction include:

Gloria Carter-Hicks

President and CEO

Hicks-Carter-Hicks, LLC

An award-winning, full-service performance improvement company, Gloria founded HicksCarter-Hicks, LLC in 1999. She is known for her expertise in human resources; management consulting; executive coaching; diversity, equity and inclusion; learning and development; and organizational development. Gloria has been a part-time instructor of diversity, leadership

development and human resources courses at UMSL, and developed a comprehensive

Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Ecosystem Model that is used by her clients, many of which are

woman-owned businesses.

Charli Cooksey Founder and Chief Executive Officer WEPOWER In 2011, Charli co-founded inspireSTL to ensure that city students from underresourced backgrounds had access to the education necessary for success. She served as an Executive-in-Residence at United Way with a focus on education innovation, as well as interim executive director and lead catalyst of Forward Through Ferguson. In 2018, Charli founded WEPOWER to advance racially equitable systems and policies that ensure that all people in St. Louis can thrive. Most recently, under her leadership WEPOWER launched a $1.5 million fund to invest in Black and Latinx entrepreneurs in North St. Louis.

Renée Brummell Franklin, MBA, MAT Chief Diversity Officer Saint Louis Art Museum With the Saint Louis Art Museum since 1998, Renée is the first Chief Diversity Officer in the museum’s history. She oversees the implementation of its diversity, equity, access & inclusion report as well as new projects aimed at representing the full diversity of the St. Louis community. In addition, Renée founded the National Alliance of African American Art support groups, helped develop the Friends of African American Arts Collectors Circle and oversees the Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellowship.

Dwyer named Word In Black managing director

Liz Dwyer, former founding editor of Shondaland.com, has been named managing director of Word In Black, a first-of-its-kind digital startup and collaboration powered by the nation’s leading Black publishers (including The St. Louis American) and managed by Local Media Foundation.

Dwyer will start Jan. 3, 2022. Dwyer joins Word In Black at a moment of explosive growth, with more than 25,000 newsletter subscribers, hundreds of founding members, and expanding financial support from foundations and the corporate community. The collaboration, which started

with one part-time director, will expand to a staff of six fulltime employees in 2022, just as Dwyer joins the team.

Dwyer has written and edited stories about racial justice, gender equality,

Liz Dwyer

health, and culture for several national websites and print publications including Ebony, BuzzFeed, The Huffington Post, and Good Housekeeping, and was the founding managing editor for Shondaland.com –

a women’s empowerment and lifestyle website from television mogul Shonda Rhimes.

“We’re extremely excited to have Liz joining the LMA team,” said Andrew Ramsammy, chief content and collaboration officer for Local Media Association and Local Media Foundation. “She is bringing her vision, leadership, and experience to Word In Black just as we celebrate the many successes of an important foundational period, and carry forward momentum for the digital startup as our proof of concept takes off.”

2021 YWCA Leaders of Distinction: Cathy Arshadi, Commerce Trust Company; Cynthia Bentzen-Mercer, Mercy; Renée Brummell Franklin, Saint Louis Art Museum; Gloria Carter-Hicks, Hicks-Carter-Hicks, LLC; Charli Cooksey, WEPOWER; Aparna Deora, Ph.D., Pfizer; Kelly Gast, Bayer U.S.; Carol J. Voss, Philanthropist and Community Volunteer; Kristen Wild, Operation Food Search along with future leader Kristian Yarmani Nelson.

Living It

St. Louis style holidays

Two short holiday films premiere on PBS and YouTube on Christmas Day

By Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

In collaboration with Sophia Stephens of Philosophia Productions, Brian Owens and his LIFE Creative Group artistic infrastructure have co-written, directed, and produced two short holiday films, “A New Holiday” and “An Intimate Christmas,” which will both air Christmas Day on NINE PBS. The films are associated with Owens’ LIFE Creative STL Ecosystem which encompasses his for-profit LIFE Creative Group production company. It provides resources and creative opportunities for underserved communities interested in telling the stories of St. Louis through film, television, music, and more. Additionally, the company benefits Life Arts Inc., a non-profit Owens founded in 2015 now headed by Darius Williams, centered developing today’s leaders through people development with an

Wear if you dare

Leonard Stewart’s upcoming fashion collection inspired by “Morpehus” from “The Matrix”

By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American

Leonard Stewart Jr. didn’t just walk the hallways of his alma mater Clyde C. Miller Career Academy High School.

He said he strutted throughout the building wearing his varied collection of fashionable threads ranging from Jeremy Scott angel wing sneakers to throwback 1990s Tommy Hilfiger shirts and Jordans. At the time, he said he found much of his fashion inspiration in rapper A$AP Rocky and his crew ASAP Mob’s streetwear style.

arts approach. The two work simultaneously in bridging the gap between an individual and an institution, building an industry that benefits the community.

her character’s as she’s never lost anyone close to her, she said she was able to place herself in Thelma’s shoes from the aspect of how she feels having not seen her grandmother in a long time.

A fresh face emerges in ‘A Journal for Jordan’

Denzel Washington’s latest directorial effort, “A Journal for Jordan,” starring Michael B. Jordan and Chante Adams, opens in theaters Christmas Day.

Newcomer Chante Adams shines in Denzel Washingtondirected drama

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

n Both productions are approximately 30-minutes long and will air back-to-back on Christmas Day 10:30-11:30 p.m. CT.

“A New Holiday,” follows the story of 10-year-old Thelma played by Riley Adams, as she’s stricken with tragedy, the loss of her grandmother during the Christmas season. Her grief soon turns to hope, joy, and love, which shows her the true meaning of the holiday.

Although Adam’s life experience differs from

“When A$AP Rocky first came out, a lot of rappers pretty much did the same thing. Nobody was really into fashion like that,” he said. “After I did my research on him and his career, I saw that they dressed totally different from everybody else. They gave hip-hop a taste of what we were missing out on with high-end brands like Maison Margiela and Oliver Peoples.” Stewart said his fashion interest in high school always motivated him to launch his own apparel line. His junior year at Career Academy, he said he did an entrepreneurial summer camp at Saint Louis University with the idea of his

“I haven’t seen my grandmother face-to-face in years, and it makes my heart sad sometimes knowing that because she always has kind words for me and gives me a lot of confidence,” she said.

Adams also said it’s important to live life even after losing a loved one.

“When you lose someone and have to face doing one of their favorite things to do without them, you have to persist and make sure you don’t stop since they’re gone,” she said. “You had amazing times you don’t wanna lose or forget, but you still have to keep an open mind.”

Owens and Stephens said the main message

See Christmas, C8

Leonard Stewart Jr. ‘s brand SSTEW3 (pronounced Stew-three) will release his new line “Morpheus,” inspired by Laurence Fishburne’s fictional character of the same name in “The Matrix” before February 2022.

Photo courtesy of Leonard Stewart Jr.

own brand, Stewart Denim. However, he didn’t officially bring the idea to life until two years ago. He said he saw how recyclable denim was and used his inspiration from A$AP Rocky’s style to curate his own pieces.

“I was still finding my own voice and finding my own niche,” he said. “The denim came from fashion being one of the most polluted industries in the world and denim being one of the easiest things to recycle because you can make anything out of denim.” Now his brand is SSTEW3(pronounced Stew-three), a theoretical chemical formula he came up with. He said his line consists of bold,

See Fashion, C8

The biggest name attached to “A Journal for Jordan” is one that never graces the screen. The film is the fourth directorial effort by Academy Award-winning actor Denzel Washington. It is the second film he’s directed based on a book that details the life of a military man and the first film he directs where he doesn’t appear as the star or co-star.

Even with his brief resume as a filmmaker, Washington exhibits the type of eye for detail and artistic, emotional intelligence that helming a film requires.

n The connection between the stars of “A Journal for Jordan,” particularly the performance of rising star Chante Adams – is a decent enough consolation prize for seeing the film through.

“A Journal for Jordan” accomplishes its mission as a tearjerker that tugs at the heartstrings and will stand out as the raw emotional film of record among the 2021 Christmas day theatrical releases. However, the convoluted and meandering way it tells the love story of journalist Dana Canedy and First Sergeant Charles Monroe King seriously hinders the film’s overall effect. Based on Canedy’s bestselling memoir A Journal for Jordan: A Story of Love and Honor, the film is a case study on what happens when an adaptation isn’t properly condensed. The intention to give the audience a comprehensive interpretation of the book feels both crammed and drawn out. And the path Academy Award-nominated screenwriter Virgil Williams takes with telling the story creates a series of spoilers that clue audiences in on the film’s ending from the very beginning without surprise elements or a huge payoff.

That being said, the connection between the stars of “A Journal for Jordan,” particularly the performance of rising star Chante Adams – is a decent enough consolation prize for seeing the film through.

Michael B. Jordan stars as Sgt. King. Newcomer Adams assumes the role of Canedy. The film also features Jalon Christian, Robert Wisdom, Johnny M. Wu and Tamara Tunie, but most of the story relies on the work of Jordan and Adams. He is a serviceman to his core. She is a careerdriven woman who must adjust to a life much different than the one she worked for while rising through the ranks as a journalist, ultimately earn-

See Journal, C8

“An Intimate Christmas” is a musical that chronicles the lead role of Malena Smith, an up-and-coming singer-songwriter who’s thrown into a holiday livestream at the last minute by her overenthusiastic director, whose actions exhibit questionable behavior in the name of the holiday spirit.”

Photo courtesy of PBS

Ridesmustbe scheduled5-7days inadvance.

Ridesmustbe scheduled5-7days inadvance.

St. Louis V

eniors

St. Louis V eniors

Electric vehicle rides for St. Louis City

St. Louis Vehicle Electrification Rides for Seniors

Seniors aged 60+ to non-emergency medical or doctors visits, shopping trips, personal trips, group trips, social activities, and MORE!

Electric vehicle rides for St. Louis City Seniors aged 60+ to non-emergency medical or doctors visits, shopping trips, personal trips, group trips, social activities, and MORE!

Electric vehicle rides for St. Louis City Seniors aged 60+ to non-emergency medical or doctors visits, shopping trips, personal trips, group trips, social activities, and MORE!

If you are located on the Northside, call Northside Youth and Senior Services at (314) 652-9946 to schedule a ride.

If you are located on the Northside, call Northside Youth and Senior Services at (314) 652-9946 to schedule a ride.

If you are located on the Southside, call City Seniors, Inc. at (314) 352- 0141 to schedule a ride.

If you are located on the Southside, call City Seniors, Inc. at (314) 352- 0141 to schedule a ride.

Call North Newstead Association at (314) 385- 4343 or St. Louis Area Agency on Aging at (314) 612- 5918 for more information. t

If you are located on the Northside, call Northside Youth and Senior Services at (314) 652-9946 to schedule a ride. If you are located on the Southside, call City Seniors, Inc. at (314) 352- 0141 to schedule a ride.

Call North Newstead Association at (314) 385- 4343 or St. Louis Area Agency on Aging at (314) 612- 5918 for more information.

Call North Newstead Association at (314) 385- 4343 or St. Louis Area Agency on Aging at (314) 612- 5918 for more information. t

PLEASE NOTE: Due to federal regulations, all transportation p gh the SLAAA Network will request a donation at pick up to help c of operations A donation is not required to receive a ride. Additionally, due to a limited number of e guaranteed that eve le

St. Louis Vehicle Electrification Rides for Seniors Ridesmustbe scheduled5-7days inadvance.

PLEASE NOTE: D through the SLAAA Netwo e costs of operations. A do ally, due to a limited number of be guaranteed that eve le.

PLEASE NOTE: D through the SLAAA Netwo e costs of operations A do ally,

limited number of

that eve

Electric vehicle rides for St. Louis City

Winter Getaway and Albert King Tribute at the Missouri History Museum

By Ellen Kunkelmann, Missouri Historical Society

Next week, bring your family to the Missouri History Museum for Winter Getaway, a free, fun-filled winter break! From December 28 to December 31, families can enjoy live music, hands-on art activities inspired by the Museum’s special exhibits, storytelling, book giveaways, and a family-friendly Noon Year’s Eve celebration. Each day will also include movement activities, performances, and our winter book display in the Atrium, where you can curl up with a book. The History Clubhouse, the Museum’s interactive exhibit for children, will also be open each day from 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 4pm.

On December 28, explore the history of Brazil and the country’s winter traditions. Get into the Brazilian party spirit by constructing a Carnaval mask or making maracas inspired by our St. Louis Sound exhibit. At 11am and 1pm, warm up your cold winter day with performances by Samba Bom, a Brazilian music and dance experience. On Wednesday, December 29, celebrate the season with snowflake crowns and instruments inspired by St. Louis Sound. At 10:45am and 12:00pm, a lively five-piece band from the Sheldon will tell the story of America’s unique creation of jazz, from Duke Ellington and Billie Holiday to Dave Brubeck and Herbie Hancock.

On Thursday, December 30, visitors can make a snowflake or other wintry ornaments and enjoy winter-themed sensory bins for children under age 6. At 11am and 12pm, the St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature presents a special storytelling of Ezra Jack Keats’s The Snowy Day and The First Day of Winter by Denise Fleming. During this engaging Step Into the Story, catch a glimpse of the giant puppets and set pieces that will be featured in The Glowy Snowy Day by The Rep, our weekend drivethrough evening event, and take home a winterthemed book, compliments of Ready Readers. Winter Getaway concludes on Friday, December 31, with Noon Year’s Eve at the Missouri History Museum! This special event is from

10:30am to 12:30pm and features make-and-take crafts such as noisemakers and New Year wish wands, self-led games and coloring, a wintry wandering magician from Circus Kaput, and hand and upper face painting. Storytelling in the Museum in the History Clubhouse will feature stories about New Year’s Eve celebrations. At 10:30am and 11:30am, FIRE DOG plays familyfriendly tunes and dance music. Be sure to be in the Grand Hall by 12:00pm to count down to the new year with a balloon and confetti drop, plus dancing to live music!

Visit mohistory.org/events for more information and the complete Winter Getaway schedule. Advance registration is required for The Glowy Snowy Day by The Rep; visit repstl.org. Support for Winter Getaway was provided by the Paz Family Foundation.

On Thursday, January 6, Thursday Nights at the Museum will celebrate the legendary Blues and Rock & Roll Hall of Famer Albert King. A native of Mississippi, King moved to East St. Louis in 1956 and became a staple of the St. Louis blues music scene, hiring many area musicians. King achieved acclaim for his string-bending guitar technique, soulful voice, dynamic stage presence, and personalized Flying V Gibson guitars that he played upside down as a left-handed artist. He later moved to Memphis, where he spent the rest of his life.

For the Albert King Alumni Tribute Show on January 6, Joyce “Lady J” Huston, who toured with King as a trumpeter, vocalist, and music director, has assembled an impressive lineup of alumni musicians. They will pay tribute to the famously demanding entertainer with a multimedia presentation, performance, and story sharing. You won’t want to miss this opportunity to hear the experiences of artists who traveled and performed alongside one of the most influential guitarists in the history of blues, rock ’n’ roll, and soul music! The program begins at 6:30pm. Come early to visit the St. Louis Sound exhibit and enjoy pop-up activities and a cash bar starting at 5:30pm. Seating at this free event is firstcome, first-served.

Celebrate Kwanzaa virtually with the Saint Louis Art Museum

The Saint Louis Art Museum offers its annual Kwanzaa Celebration virtually from December 26, 2021 through January 1, 2022, at slam.org/ Kwanzaa. This year’s Kwanzaa celebration is themed My Black is Beautiful and is created in partnership with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter. The Art Museum’s virtual Kwanzaa program will take you on a journey through the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa, in Swahili the Nguzo Saba, with seven on-demand videos available starting December 26.

Each day’s video includes amazing original performances created for this year’s celebration, presented by Delta members accompanied by local musicians. We kick off the celebration with principle one, Unity (Umoja), with Delta Sigma Theta president Jeanice Baker offering welcoming remarks followed by an overview of the seven core symbols of the Kwanzaa table. Celebrate the second principle, SelfDetermination (Kujichagulia) with a performance and images of artwork by local artist Marley Billie D inspired by the life and work of actress Cicely Tyson. We honor our ancestors on day three, Collective Work and Responsibility (Ujima), by further exploring the meaning of Kwanzaa and pouring libations for our ancestors. Drummer Kenya Ajanaku will accompany us as we remember the names of mentors, loved ones, heroes, and sheroes who carved a path for us.

Day four of our Kwanzaa celebration brings a montage of photographs of a Face Mask by a Ligbi (or Jula artis)t in the Saint Louis Art Museum’s collection. Taking inspiration from the Face Mask, loctician stylist Tameka Stigers creates a hairstyle highlighting the importance of Cooperative Economics in our community (Ujamaa). Storyteller Carol Shelton, accompanied by William A. Collier on flute, performs an original story, “Soul of the Sunflowers,” on day five as we practice principle of Purpose (Nia).

Ligbi or Jula artist, Côte d’Ivoire or Ghana; Face Mask, late 19th–early 20th century; wood, pigment; 11 7/8 x 6 x 3 7/8 inches; Saint Louis Art Museum, Funds given by Howard F.

Creativity (Kuumba) takes center stage with spoken word artists Tracie Berry-McGhee and Justice Key, accompanied by drummer Kenya Ajanaku. Faith (Imani) is the seventh principle of Kwanzaa. This year’s celebration concludes with a “Celebrate Kwanzaa” performance by the Metro Melodees Choir accompanied by its director Cheryl Walker on the keyboard and drummer Kenya Ajanaku. We invite you to visit the Museum and explore works of art by African and African American artists through the scavenger hunt available online or in-person at the Museum’s Information Centers starting on

December 26. The scavenger hunt will lead you through the Museum’s galleries, with each stop exploring a work of art and its connection to one of the Seven Principles of Kwanzaa. For more information about the Museum’s virtual Kwanzaa Celebration and to view the ondemand videos visit slam.org/ Kwanzaa starting December 26. The Dana Brown Endowed Fund for Education and Community Programs supports this program.

Baer in honor of his wife, Isabel A. Baer 140:1972

Courtesy of Elcardo Moore Sr.

The Albert King Band with Joyce “Lady J” Huston at Club 54, 1982.

St. Louis American staff

The number of religiously unaffiliated Americans, commonly known as the “nones,” now constitutes 29% of American adults, according to a Pew Research survey released Dec. 14, 2021.

That’s up from 23% in 2016 and 19% in 2011.

Christians continue to make up most of the U.S. populace, but that share of the adult population is 12 points lower in 2021 than in 2011.

“If the unaffiliated were a religion, they’d be the largest religious group in the United States,” Elizabeth Drescher, an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University who wrote a book about “nones” spiritual lives, said.

About 60% of “nones” say religion was at least “somewhat important” to their families

when they were growing up, according to an Associated PressNORC poll. It found 30% of “nones” meditate and 26% pray privately at least a few times a month, while smaller numbers consult periodically with a religious or spiritual leader.

Shianda Simmons, a 36-yearold African American Lakeland, Florida resident, said she began identifying as an atheist in 2013. She grew up as a Baptist and attended church regularly. She says she left mainly because of the church’s unequal treatment of women.

“There are certain people I can’t tell that I am atheist,” Simmons said in an AP story on Pew’s findings. “It has made me draw away from my family.”

The owner of a beauty store, Simmons said she keeps her atheism “under wraps” from clients.

Thomas

In her childhood in Atlanta, she sang in a church choir but was not raised Christian.

“Within the Black community, we face ostracism,” Thomas,

who founded Black Nonbelievers in 2011, said. “There is this idea that somehow you are rejecting your Blackness when you reject religion, that atheism is something that white people do.”

According to Pew, self-identified Christians of all varieties (including Protestants, Catholics, members of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Orthodox Christians) make up 63% of the adult population. Christians now outnumber religious “nones” by a little more than a two-to-one ratio. In

2007, when the Center began asking its current question about religious identity, Christians outnumbered “nones” by almost five-to-one (78%

By Rae Karim

It’s that time of year again that places us on the merry-goround of the holidays and the woes of another year that has gone by too fast.

It’s that time of year again where we begin to look back over the last 12 months. The review results in one of two things happening: We either pat ourselves on the back because of what we’ve accomplished, or we frown our brows in frustration at what we haven’t accom-

plished. I’d like to take a moment and lean into the latter part of the statement for that very reason. Years ago, a good friend would often remind me to be gentle with myself. And I offer those same words of encouragement and empowerment to you. Yes, there is a week remaining in 2021. Yes, you had plans to buy the house, write the book, start the business, lose the weight, take the trip and the list goes on and on and on, like those infinite

CVS receipts (smile).

Along with that “yes” for the plans you had comes the “no” for the plans that were never realized.

And you know what — all is still well. It’s OK and you’re OK. Though you didn’t buy the house, write the book, start the business and so on, take a look at what you did do. You did get out of the bed most days. You did manage to clock

Guest Columnist Rae Karim

in for work. You did start going to therapy. You did remain committed to your workout plan. Though 2021 was not as intense as 2020, it wasn’t without its own rough parts. We still experienced loss, change and transition by way of sociopolitical conflicts, new variants of COVID-19, international crises, school shootings,

know the rest … the list goes on.

But you know what — we made it. We may not have made it as well as we wanted to, but we don’t look like what we’ve been through. We don’t smell like the smoke created by the flames of fire that surrounded us. We may bend but we didn’t break. We may have cried many a day and night, yet we still smiled from time to time.

So, cheers to us and here’s to us mustering up the greatest praise of gratitude for the faith-

fulness, goodness and kindness of God who kept us. Here’s to being gentle and gracious with ourselves and each other. Here’s to keeping in mind that all things, including the things you did and didn’t do, work together for your good because you love God and are called according to God’s purpose.

Rae Karim, formerly chapel director at Christian Theological Seminary, is now pastor at First Christian Church of Honolulu.

Mandisa

also identifies herself as a Black atheist.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS american

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

> Kiel Garage Stairwell Repairs

> Will be received by City of St. Louis Treasurer

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on January 18, 2022, through Bid Express online portal then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS Online Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website INDOX Services at cost, plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on December 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Louis City Hall, 1200 Market Street, Room 325, St. Louis, MO 63103 or virtually using the following link: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/7355702554.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, state, and Federal Laws (including MBE/WBE policies). All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications”, set forth with and referenced at www.bps.org (Announcements)

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR ENGINEERING DESIGN SERVICES FOR AIRFIELD

PROJECTS AT ST. LOUIS

LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 P.M. CT, JANUARY 11, 2022 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room-Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-589-6214.

25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for REBID: S i d e w a l k and Drainage Improvements, First State Capitol State Historic Site, Project No. X2101-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 1/6/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

> Doing Business With Us > View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

> Kiel Garage Drain Repairs

> Will be received by City of St. Louis Treasurer

UNTIL 3:00PM 1/3/2022

> For specific project information, go to

> https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request for Proposals/

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the 2021 CRS Collector Overlay, Area C, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1831 will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouisco.munisselfservice. com/Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 p.m. on January 19, 2022

Plans and specifications will be available on December 20, 2021 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Responses for St. Louis Community College on IFB B0004170 for Hylex Flex Room Supplies #2 will be received until 3:00 PM (CST) on January 7, 2022. Go to https:// stlcc.bonfirehub.com for bid document and submission.

UNTIL 3:00PM 1/3/2022

> For specific project information, go to

> https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request for Proposals/

BID NOTICE

Alberici Constructors and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified construction firms to submit proposals for a project at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park.

The projects consists of the construction of a wood framed barn with metal roofing and siding. To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com

BIDS REQUESTED

New Construction Section 3 / MBE /WBE Encouraged 40 Units Multi Family 1 Clubhouse– Fredericktown, MO For Bid Information: 636-931-4244 or zventura@vendev.cc Double Diamond Construction 1000 A Truman Blvd. Crystal City, MO 63019

www.stlamerican.com

St. LouiS american Bids &

LETTING #8739

JEFFERSON AVE / 22ND ST CORRIDOR IMPROVEMENTS

FEDERAL PROJECT NO’S. CMAQ-5417(604) & STP-5417(605)

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 301 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on JANUARY 18, 2022, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held December 21, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. The pre-bid conference will be held in 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, Boardroom #278, St. Louis, Missouri 63103. Masks are required to enter the building.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

NOTICE OF GENERAL MUNICIPAL ELECTION

In accordance with the state law and ordinances of the City of Berkeley, notice is given that a General Municipal (non-partisan) Election shall be held in the City of Berkeley, Missouri on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 for the duly qualified electors of the City to select the following positions for Council positions four-year terms of office: At-Large, Ward I, Ward III, and Ward V. Candidates for At-Large must have resided in city limits 2 years immediately prior to the election. Candidates for Ward 1, Ward III, and Ward V Councilperson must have resided in their respective wards 2 years immediately prior to the election.

• Proof of residency and Photo Identification is required.

• No person may be a candidate for election to public office in this city unless her/she is at least eighteen years of age, a citizen of the United States, who at the time that they file their statement of candidacy, shall be delinquent in any tax, fee, fine, penalty, charge or any other financial obligation or liability of any kind or nature to the city.

• Candidates for any public office cannot have been found guilty or pled guilty to a felony under U.S. law, a felony under Missouri law, or an offense in another state that would be considered a felony in Missouri. RSMo 115.306.1

• Candidates for any public office cannot be delinquent in payment of taxes (No Exceptions). State income taxes, Personal property taxes, Municipal taxes, Real property taxes on the place of residence, nor the Person is a past or present officer of a fee office that owes any taxes to the state. RSMo 115.306.2

• Filing for said offices shall open at 8am on Tue 12-07-21, at which time the City Clerk shall receive Declarations of Candidacy, 8425 Airport Road, Berkeley MO 63134. Thereafter declarations will be received by the City Clerk during normal business hours (excluding observed holidays) until filing closes at 5pm Tue 12-28-21.

Deanna Jones, City Clerk 314-400-3756

CITY OF ST. LOUIS

ST. LOUIS COUNTY

JOINT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS— DISPARITY STUDIES

Date of Issuance: November 23, 2021

Proposal Due: January 11, 2022 at 2:00 pm CST

On November 23, 2021, the City of St. Louis and St. Louis County jointly issued a Request for Proposals (RFP) to provide disparity studies for the City’s Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise (M/WBE) Program under Ordinance 70767 and St. Louis County’s M/WBE program. This RFP may be found at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/counselor/ index.cfm under “Procurement”, on the City’s procurement page (https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/procurement/), by emailing Nancy Walsh at walshn@stlouis-mo.gov. The deadline for questions regarding the RFP is Tuesday, January 4, 2022. The deadline for submitting sealed proposals is 2:00 pm on Tuesday, January 11, 2022. Sealed proposals must be submitted in strict compliance with the instructions in the RFP. The City reserves the right to reject all proposals. Minority and Women-Owned Businesses are encouraged to apply.

LETTING #8741

2021-2022 CAPITAL MAIN REPLACEMENT PROGRAM –SIX (6) INCH MAIN IN SCANLAN AVE.

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 301 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on February 08, 2022, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

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

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

LETTING #8737

CERVANTES CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATIONPROJECT 1

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

PROPOSALS will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 pm, CT, on March 1, 2022, through the Bid Express online portal then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS on line plan room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on January 13, 2022 at 10:00 am at the America’s Center. Interested bidders are to enter through the security office at the southeast corner of the 9th St./Cole St. intersection and will be directed to the meeting room. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

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

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The City of Crestwood is accepting bid proposals for Mowing Services. Submittal deadline is 10:00 AM, January 4, 2022. Bid specifications can be obtained from the city website www. cityofcrestwood.org/bids.aspx Bids should be submitted to the Crestwood Community Center, 9245 Whitecliff Park Lane, Crestwood, MO 63126.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting Bids for the Mississippi Greenway: Old Chain of Rocks Bridge Steel Repairs in St. Louis, Missouri. Go to www.greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids and submit by January 19, 2022.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the 2021 CRS Collector Overlay, Area B, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1830, will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouisco.munisselfservice. com/Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 p.m. on January 19, 2022

Plans and specifications will be available on December 20, 2021 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Curtiss-Manes-Schulte, Inc. is soliciting bids from MBE/WBE/ SDVE/DBE subcontractors and suppliers for work on the Strickland Hall Renovate Space for Counseling Center, University of Missouri-Columbia. Bids are due Tuesday, January 11th, 2022 by 1:00 pm and can be faxed to (573) 392-4527 or emailed to shawn@cms-gc.com. For more information, call Shawn @ (573) 392-6553. CurtissManes-Schulte, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace HVAC Dining Hall & Barracks Camp Derricotte, Cuivre River

S t a t e P a r k , P r o j e c t N o . X2115-01 will b e r e c e i v e d b y F M D C , State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, January 6, 2022. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (the “Partnership”) has issued multiple open Request for Qualifications (“RFQ”) from a wide variety of professional services/consulting firms for various projects initiated in 2022, including a separate RFQ for MWBE firms. These are “Open” RFQs to which the Partnership may refer as projects become available. The RFQs shall not obligate the Partnership to issue a contract. The Partnership will accept submissions throughout 2022. The RFQs may be obtained at https://stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfq/, and submissions and questions should be emailed to Dana Cook at dcook@stlpartnership.com St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

> ARGYLE GARAGE WALL SCONCE REPLACEMENTS > Proposals will be received by City of St. Louis Treasurer UNTIL 3:00PM 1/10/2022

> For specific project information, go to

> https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request for Proposals/

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The City of Creve Coeur will be receiving responses to a Request for Qualifications on January 11, 2022 for design services related to a Needs Assessment and Architectural Plans for Renovation of the Creve Coeur Government Center. To view the RFQ, please access the bid page on the city’s website at www.crevecoeurmo.gov

St. LouiS american Career Center St. LouiS

CONTRACT ATTORNEY

Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking to enter into a professional service agreement with an attorney to provide assistance to Family Court judges who handle domestic cases filed by unrepresented individuals. These services are funded by special monies received from the Family Services and Justice Fund and are subject to continued availability of these monies. Primary responsibility will be to assist with management of the pro se docket including legal analysis, notifying litigants of requirements to revise legal documents and providing notices of court hearings and other correspondence. The professional service agreement is funded at $25.00/hour working up to 30 hours/week. A one year commitment to the position is highly preferred. An attorney hired for this position will be unable to practice law in St. Louis County Circuit Court. Qualifications: Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri.

NOTE: All selected individuals will be required to submit to a background check. To apply (position open until filled), please send a resume, along with a cover letter to the following address: Contract Attorney, Attn: Human Resources Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central., Clayton, MO 63105. OR Email same to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov. EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO 711 or 800 735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format.

ASSISTANT – CLAIMS

Responsible

careers-page/

SENIOR BUILDING INSPECTOR

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Senior Building Inspector, $ $46,347 - 57,237 DOQ . To apply go to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/ . Applications will be accepted from December 12, 2021 until filled.

ACCOUNTING CLERK

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Accounting Clerk Advanced $ $46,347 - 49,725 DOQ . To apply go to https:// richmondheights.applicantpro. com/jobs/ . Applications will be accepted from December 22, 2021 until filled.

COORDINATOR –ACCOUNT SERVICES – PREMIUM AUDIT

Will conduct audit processed for applicable large casualty and primary accounts, substantiating the accuracy of policy classifications, exposure base, exposure information, inclusions/exclusions, status of subcontractors, etc. Will also facilitate the order processes for applicable excess accounts. To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

and shelving clerks! Visit: https://www.ucitylibrary.org/employment/ to become part of our team, in the heart of the Delmar Loop!

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is seeking to fill the following open, full-time position.

Digital Content Coordinator: Position requires a minimum of a bachelor’s degree and 2-5 years of professional experience. View full job description and application process at www.archpark.org

QUALITY ASSURANCE TEST ANALYST I

Works across disciplines ensuring software meets business requirements and is thoroughly tested. Understands basic concepts of Information Technology and software testing methodologies. Follows Quality Assurance best practices. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational. com/careers-page/

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.

“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

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

Malena Smith in mind, an upand-coming singer-songwriter he’s mentored since 2015, who he sees great potential in.

they want viewers to take from “A New Holiday,” despite the unprecedented times of the ongoing pandemic, is we still have a lot to be grateful for.

“There’s a line in the film where I say, ‘A gift from the past is unwrapping the joy you once had,’” Stephens said. “We filmed in the middle of the pandemic and were fully aware of what was happening. We didn’t want to act like we didn’t know what was happening. We wanted to encourage those who have lost loved ones from COVID-19 and/or maybe suffering from other circumstances.”

The all-Black cast also stars Stephens, who plays the role of Joy, Kennedy Holmes from NBC’s “The Voice,” jazz singer Anita Jackson, and nine-time Grammy-winning trumpeter Wynton Marsalis as the narrator. It also features musical performances from Bebe Winans, Karen Clark-Sheard and saxophonist David Sanborn.

The original music is by Owens, Jarrett Johnson, Charles Ransom and Stephanie Holly.

“A New Holiday” was filmed at Jazz St. Louis, Powell Symphony Hall and Sheldon Concert Hall.

Owens said “An Intimate Christmas” was written with

“I wanted to build something around positioning Malena, so people can really see what I see in her and I thought a holiday film would be the perfect place to do that,” he said.

A press release says, “the film is a Christmas musical that chronicles the lead role of Smith, who’s thrown into a holiday livestream at the last minute by her overenthusiastic director, whose actions exhibit questionable behavior in the name of the holiday spirit.”

Smith, primarily a singersongwriter, said she had an amazing time playing herself and that it almost didn’t feel like she was acting. She said she wants viewers to walk away from the film knowing that less is more and it’s enough to be themselves.

“I’m an outgoing person, who can be fiery sometimes, but as I’ve gotten older, I’ve learned life is about simplicity and the little things that don’t need a ton to make things meaningful,” she said.

She sang and recorded two songs for the film, “Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas” and “Auld Lang Syne,” both out on all streaming platforms.

The Mighty Pines, Joshua “Paco” Lee and Soul Sanctuary have feature appearances in the film. It was filmed on location

“A New Holiday,” follows the story of 10-year-old Thelma played by Riley Adams as she’s stricken with tragedy from losing her grandmother during the Christmas season. Her grief soon turns to hope, joy, and love, which shows her the true meaning of the holiday.

Photo courtesy of PBS

at the University of MissouriSt. Louis’ Touhill Performing Arts Center.

Both productions are approximately 30-minutes long and will air back-to-back on Christmas Day 10:30-11:30 p.m. CT. They will also be available online, on-demand via www.ninepbs.org and the PBS Passport platform.

Starting on Christmas Day (through early January), both productions will also be available to watch in full on Brian Owens’ YouTube channel: www.YouTube.com/BrianOwensSoul.

Paid interns contributed to both films and AP for LIFE Artists in Residence, who helped with scripting, set design, filming, and post-production.

“These productions are a testament to God’s grace and the rich talent that we have right here in St. Louis,” Owens said in a press release. “To accomplish productions of this caliber with high-quality talent, story and visuals was beautiful for all involved. We’re thrilled to re-spotlight our 2020 production of ‘A New Holiday’ and, release new for 2021, ‘An Intimate Christmas’ in time for the holidays. These are diverse, homegrown holiday stories that can freely be enjoyed by all, thanks to our friends at NINE PBS.”

Vashon High School Graduate

Now on view, Oliver Lee Jackson is known for creating complex and layered images in which figurative elements emerge from abstract fields of vibrant color. The 12 paintings, drawings, and prints created from the mid-1960s through 2020, demonstrated his significance as a highly experimental artist.

Jackson was associated with the Black Artists Group, which was founded in St. Louis in 1968, and a close friend of co-member and jazz saxophonist Julius Hemphill. Many of the works on view are loans from Donald M. Suggs, a local collector and close friend of Jackson’s.

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eye-catching pieces that command attention in any room, including a coat with four sleeves.

“I said, ‘You know what? We’ve seen so many different interpretations of coats. Why not actually put four different sleeves on here?’” he said. “It’s gonna be weird because it’s out of the norm, and it’s kind of like who really has four arms. It could really be someone out there with four limbs, in me designing it. I did it in a way that was acceptable and still digestible for the masses.”

He said his upcoming collection titled “Morpheus,” inspired by Laurence Fishburne’s fictional character in “The Matrix,” consists of various fabrics including wool, fleece and cotton with a monotone color scheme of black, white and gray.

One of the pieces from the collection is a unisex vest with a zipper significantly longer than the vest itself. He said it

Journal

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ing a position at The New York Times. It is a case of opposites attracts between the pair. He eases her out of her default pathology of overthinking. She leans him towards loosening up. Their love is enduring and overcomes the odds. It’s a happily ever after that never quite materializes in the way the audience hopes. Still, it is a love story that endures because of legacy, and a story that those impacted by the truths of military life know all too well.

“A Journal for Jordan” is heavy-handed on playing up

looks like a spinal cord going down the back.

“I got that idea from ‘The Matrix,’ when Morpheus (Laurence Fishburne) told Neo (Keanu Reeves) what happened when he stepped out into society,” he said. “Morpheus is my flip on saying this is how I expect fashion to look in a future society.”

Growing up, Stewart said he had friends of both genders, but he said he always found himself relating more to women, particularly when it came to being open-minded with fashion choices. That relatability is why he said his client base is primarily women.

“A man can go out and wear a coat with four sleeves, but I’m not sure that same man would wear one-legged pants, where one leg is longer than the other,” he said. “A lot of men wanna be as masculine as possible and don’t even wanna wear anything unisex.”

Stewart, a Black man, said he understands the importance of race conversations, but he doesn’t want race to be the dominant focus of his brand.

“I want everyone to have a

Jordan’s heartthrob status. It would be a lie to say it wasn’t a source of enjoyment to see him serve up partial nudity, but the true gem within the film is watching Adams confidently bear the emotional load of the film with the sustenance of a veteran. It is a familiar space for Adams, who managed to outshine the star power of Issa Rae and LaKeith Stanfield last year in “The Photograph.” Adams tackles Canedy’s reality of signing up for loving a man who serves and prioritizes his mission for protecting the nation’s freedoms above all things – including family and relationships – with authenticity and grit. Through her performance, “A Journal for Jordan” peels the veil from the

fair chance because if we don’t put race at the top of every decision, we may have a lot of things happen a bit more organically,” he said. He said what he does want is conversation to spark from Black youth who come from neighborhoods like him to know they can be anything they want to become.

“What I really want is for the young Black kids on the other side of Delmar who come from the hood to know they can do anything as long as they put motion towards it and educate themselves [with school or online],” he said. “I really wanna get through the kids’ heads that anything you wanna do, someone has done it before, but it’s up to you to take the steps needed to take it to greater heights.”

Stewart said customers can expect “Morpheus” to be released to the public before February 2022. Pieces from previous lines can be purchased at https:// www.sstew3.com/. Stay updated about Stewart and his line at https://www. instagram.com/sstew3/.

romanticized notions of military spouses, significant others and offspring, showing the reality of how the heart can be triggered by the realities that come with that territory. A lesser actress could have fumbled the responsibility, and dimmed in the light that Jordan presents with his natural on-screen charisma, which is on full display right along with his washboard abs. Their pairing showcases the best of both actors and motivates Jordan to dig deeper with respect to displaying the essence of Sgt. King.

A Journal for Jordan opens in theaters Christmas Day. The film is rated PG-13, with a running time of 136 minutes.