December 26th, 2024 e-Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Whitfield Foundation spreads Christmas joy

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

n “When she heard about the foundation toy drive she knew her prayers had been answered.”

The Whitfield Foundation 4th Annual Toy Giveaway was held on Sunday, December 22, 2024, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm at Topgolf Midtown. Families and kids of all ages enjoyed free toys, clothes, holiday music, and a chance to meet St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver ‘Oli’ Marmol and his family. At the annual toy giveaway more than toys were received but cheer and joy to local families in need. Partnering with Our Mission Guided by Faith Foundation, Faith by His Grace Foundation about 300 families were served. Other sponsors were DNI Property Management, 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis, Toys for Tots, Walmart, and Fredbird–all of which positively impacted the community this holiday season.

See WHITFIELD, A6

Paying it forward

Jimmy

Williams is The St. Louis American’s 2024 Person of the Year

By James T. Ingram For the St. Louis American

To watch James E. “Jimmy” Williams, Jr. navigate a room is a study in class, grace and poise. He moves with the swag of a politician and the refinement of an aristocrat; something that he acquired from his late father James E. Williams, Sr., the first African American mayor of East St. Louis, Illinois. He is kind, humble, respectful, engaging and quick to impart wisdom

and life lessons, particularly to youth and workers who are in awe of his success as the owner of 26 McDonald’s restaurants in the St. Louis metropolitan area, traits that he learned from his late mother, Lillian a beloved educator in the East St. Louis Public Schools. And if the term “good corporate citizen” were a person, then Jimmy Williams would be straight out of central casting. When asked, former East St. Louis mayor and funeral home owner, Carl

and advocacy you will find Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College student Zykita Deal. Page A10

E. Officer said, “I’ve always been impressed with James Williams, Jr. as a gentleman and a citizen of this community and am extremely proud to call him my friend.”

The operative word here is “friend.” Through his enterprising spirit, philosophy, corporate connections and philanthropy Williams is known as a “friend” and benefactor to our region in a myriad of ways, since 1998 when he

ESL makes academic progress

By Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis American

East St. Louis School District remains on the path to improvement based on the Illinois State Board of Education 2024 Report Card which updates the public on a wide range of educational goals. The Spring 2024 Report Card was recently released, and it details how effectively schools are meeting “the diverse needs of all students.” Schools are assigned points on indicators including graduation rates, chronic absenteeism, and academic growth. A school can receive one of five designations: Exemplary, Commendable, Targeted Support, Comprehensive Support, or Intensive Support.

A solid report card for East St. Schools showed that of its nine eligible schools, seven received the Commendable designation.

“We are making meaningful progress toward our goals,” said East St. Louis School District 189 Superintendent Arthur R. Culver.

“I commend our school leaders, educators, support staff, and especially our outstanding students and their families. Their hard work and commitment to excellence continue to drive improvements in numerous indicators of student success.”

Lincoln and Mason/Clark Middle Schools received a Targeted Support designation, which means they are performing well but need improvement in serving a specific student subpopulation,

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

On Friday, Missouri Gov. Mike Parson on Friday commuted the prison sentence of formerKansas City police detective Eric DeValkenaere, the first Kansas City police officer ever convicted of killing a Black man. The officer-who is white-was convicted of second-degree involuntary manslaughter and armed criminal action for the 2019 murder of Cameron Lamb, a 26-year-old Kansas City Black man and father of three. Both Parson and Gov.-elect Mike Kehoe publicly expressed concern and a desire to pardon DeValkenaere respectively. Although this newspaper predicted DeValkenaere would be pardoned shortly before Christmas, Parson a former sheriff, who considers himself “an ally of law enforcement,” placed the former officer on parole, “subject to the conditions imposed

Jimmy Willams with wife Janet. Back row: Chelsea Cousins, Mrs. Paige Simmons, James (Tre) Williams III, Casi Strasser holding Ollie Strasser and Erin May at their west county home Monday, Dec. 23, 2024.

Photo by Videll Philip / CapturedByVidell

A volunteer from 100 Black Men presents a family with a Christmas gift during the Whitfield Foundation 4th Annual Toy Giveaway at Topgolf in Midtown. The festive event included free toys, clothes, music, and a chance to meet St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver ‘Oli’ Marmol and his family.

Arthur Culver

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Academy removes STL rap star J-Kwon from Shaboozey Grammy nods

Rapper-turned-country star Shaboozey’s smash hit, “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” is up for a Grammy for 2025 Song of the Year, but St. Louis rapper J-Kwon – whose 2004 hip-hop track “Tipsy” is interpolated in the song –won’t be eligible for a songwriting credit. Initially, Shaboozey’s country jam credited the rapper, as well as writers Joe Kent and Mark Williams. But an updated post on the Recording Academy website reveals Kent, Williams, and J-Kwon (real name Jerrell C. Jones) will no longer be considered songwriters. Instead, the writers of the original hip-hop track will only be eligible for a certificate if Shaboozey’s song wins at the awards ceremony on February 1, according to the Academy’s rules regarding sampled or interpolated material.

“Tipsy” hit #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in April 2004. It continues life 20 years on through “A Bar Song (Tipsy),” which held the #1 spot for over four months. The song joined Lil

Nas X’s 2018 hit “Old Town Road” as the only songs to maintain the top spot for 19 weeks.

Cardi B demands divorce in latest online spat with Offset

The digital drama between soon-tobe-former spouses Cardi B and Offset shows no signs of slowing down. A week after Cardi B exposed Instagram direct messages of her estranged husband Offset asking for an intimate encounter, the pair have taken their antics over to X (formerly Twitter). Back and forth tweets culminated with a forceful request for Offset to sign divorce papers.

“Nobody wins when the fam fight [s],” Offset tweeted. “Stop capping to these people to make yourself look like a [h-word expletive]. It ain’t the look. You a fire woman [with] good music, but you focus on [d-word expletive] and trying to make me look bad. This [s-word expletive] is whack from us both, honestly.”

“So, dating because I’m single means I’m just worried about [d-word expletive],” Cardi responded. “Trying to be fake nice after you did what you wanted from the beginning trying to push a narrative

to these people. [Expletive] off and sign the papers. Today!”

The tweets then spiraled, with Offset calling Cardi “single and miserable.”

“I’m miserable? I don’t bother none of your [expletive],” Cardi said. “But every guy I talk to, you dm them and talk [expletive] about me. Let’s not.”

Le’Andria Johnson enters rehab

Less than a week after her arrest for public intoxication, gospel star Le’Andria Johnson has entered rehab.

“On behalf of Grammy award-winning gospel artist Le’Andria Johnson, we want to share that she has voluntarily checked into a rehabilitation center near Nashville,” representatives for the singer said in a statement that was issued on the singer’s behalf. “At this time, she is taking the time to prioritize her health and heal past trauma.” Johnson was arrested last Monday in Greenville, South Carolina. She was charged with public intoxication and having an open alcohol container on a public street. She paid a $257.50 bond Tuesday afternoon and was released from the Greenville County Detention Center.

In the statement, it was asked that her privacy be respected. Johnson also thanked family, friends and fans for

their support.

“She is committed to this journey, looks forward to the positive transformation it will bring,” the statement continued. “And anticipates returning to the stage in the future.

Karen Huger found guilty of DUI

Back in March, “The Real Housewives of Potomac” cast member Karen Huger was arrested for drunk driving after crashing her Maserati into a pole.

Huger was also charged with failure to control vehicle speed on a highway to avoid collision, driving a vehicle in excess of reasonable and prudent speed on a highway, driving a vehicle on a highway with suspended registration, and failure of licensee to notify administration of change of address within 30 days.

A rep for Huger confirmed to People. com that Huger was found guilty on all charges except reckless driving.

“Although we are disappointed in the jury’s verdict, we of course respect their decision and appreciate their time hearing our case,” her attorney A. Scott Bolden shared in a statement with Eonline.com. She is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 29.

Sources: MSN.com, TMZ.com, TVDeets.com, Eonline.com, Instagram.com, X.com, people.com

Cardi B

Arrey Obenson says he did ‘what is right’

Former International Institute CEO explains departure

By Andrea Y. Henderson

St. Louis Public Radio

Arrey Obenson, former International Institute of St. Louis president and CEO, says his vision and the institute’s for immigrants and refugees “were misaligned.” Obenson resigned from the position two weeks ago, leaving a myriad of questions in the wake of his departure.

“You can only achieve so much within the confines of a mission and vision of an organization,” he said.

“In the last nearly four years, we accomplished so much within a short period of time, to the extent that it was about time for me to move on to do other things in this community that couldn’t be done within the confines of the International Institute.”

When Obenson started with the nonprofit organization in February 2021, he said his focus was to change the narrative around immigrants and refugees, build a coalition of community members and organizations to help change that narrative and put the organization on a pathway to financial sustainability.

“We may be going down one path and not everybody sees that as the same, and so when faced with that kind of situation, you have to do what is right for yourself, as well as for the organization,” he said.

“When I started out at the organization, we were 92% dependent on federal funding, and as I left the organization, we’re down to about 69%, which

means that I spent so much of my time investing in this community, in building relationships within this community and changing the narrative around the work of the International Institute,” Obenson said.

To Obenson, the decrease in dependency on federal funding proved that the International Institute of St. Louis had outgrown being simply an immigrant and refugee service provider.

“St. Louis cannot only be dependent on refugees that are sent to St Louis by the federal government. That, in itself, is important and significant but does not meet the trajectory of growth that is necessary for us to turn around the declining population of settlers,” Obenson said.

“There is much more than just welcoming and putting refugees in homes.”

The institute has been focused on building a multicultural society, which can only be done if it is not restricted to servicing, Obenson explained.

“You cannot dissociate that from what’s happening in the larger community, because if we don’t grow as a community in the next 10 years, we may not be able to welcome refugees and immigrants,” he said.

To try to offset the city’s population decline, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones created the Office of New Americans in 2023 to help streamline resources for immigrants, refugees and asylum seekers. Business leaders and community organizations are also trying to provide resources

that lure more Hispanic and Latino residents from heavily populated cities to the St. Louis region.

Under Obenson’s leadership, the institute launched its Latino Outreach Program to attract more Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans and Venezuelans to the region. The foreignborn community is seeing historic population growth, particularly the Hispanic or Latino population. Census data show that about 13,900 more Hispanics or Latinos are living in the region now than in 2022. The institute plans to bring in more from cities like El Centro, California, Yuma, Arizona, and San Juan, Puerto Rico.

Over the past three years, Obenson also helped the institute create the Afghan Community Support Program, which is accompanied by an Afghan Chamber of Commerce, and develop the Anna E. Crosslin Center for Multicultural Excellence, a space that connects people with other cultures.

Over 130 people signed an online petition to encourage the board to reinstate the former leader. It also demands that the board be transparent about why Obenson was no longer with the organization.

Geoffrey Soyiantet was shocked when he heard about the transition in leadership from Blake Hamilton, the

Arrey Obenson, former president and chief executive officer of the International Institute, inside the south St. Louis nonprofit’s headquarters in November 2023. He resigned from the immigrant- and refugee-oriented organization on Dec. 6.

institute’s interim director, on Dec. 7. Hamilton called to reassure Soyiantet, who runs Vitendo4Africa, that the partnership his organization has with the institute will not be affected. Obenson’s resignation caught Soyiantet off guard because he said he had only seen progress from the previous leader. Without Obenson as the institute’s head, Soyiantet said many immigrant nonprofit leaders who work with the institute fear the organization’s board may choose a new director who does not understand the challenges of the immigrant communities in the region.

Photo by Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial Commentary

Where is justice for Cameron Lamb?

Why should the people of Missouri trust our judicial system if the governor doesn’t trust the system? How do we restore confidence in law enforcement if we can’t trust the system to hold guilty officers accountable?

By Nimrod Chapel

Missouri Gov. Parson has pardoned a convicted killer cop after insisting that an innocent man, Marcellus Khaliifah Williams be executed.

Former Police Officer Eric DeValkenaere took the life of Cameron Lamb at his own home without legal justification, reason, or basic decency and tampered with the crime scene afterward.

When Missouri courts determined “qualified immunity” did not apply, it underscored that his actions went beyond the protections meant to shield law enforcement from unreasonable lawsuits. Removing that immunity requires a higher burden than is allowed for any other human. Qualified immunity was never intended to excuse the reckless, fatal, and unethical acts committed against Mr. Lamb.

DeValkenaere shot and killed Cameron Lamb within seconds of breaking through a fence into his backyard. He then blocked EMTs from assisting Lamb for 14 minutes while he died. When crime scene investigators arrived, it was clear the scene had been tampered with and staged to protect DeValkenaere.

innocent. Meanwhile, Eric DeValkenaere tampered with a crime scene after killing a man in his own backyard, and Governor Parson is talking about making sure he gets home for Christmas.

The criminal justice system was put into action, and DeValkenaere was given his due process. The circuit court, Western District Court of Appeals, and the Missouri Supreme Court all reviewed the case and upheld the conviction. It resulted in a sentence of six years in prison - a light penalty for purposely taking a life.

Now, Lamb’s family and community have been denied the peace of simple justice in a court of law—a recourse every American deserves. Even the Federal Court looked at the facts and determined DeValkenaere acted criminally when he killed Cameron Lamb.

We see the striking contrast before us: Marcellus Khaliifah Williams, a man convicted on insufficient evidence, was executed on September 24, 2024, over the objections of the local prosecutor and after a circuit court found he was likely

Gov. Parson has selected when to trust the system he has worked in his whole life and the judges that he appointed to the Bench. To ask for the release of a convicted officer speaks to a troubling disregard for both the process of justice and the people it’s meant to protect. Why should the people of Missouri trust our judicial system if the governor doesn’t trust the system? How do we restore confidence in law enforcement if we can’t trust the system to hold guilty officers accountable? Who truly deserves to be behind bars? This double standard can no longer stand. We have already watched as those with connections and privilege avoid accountability, leaving families and communities to grieve without closure or justice. So, we ask: where is justice for Cameron Lamb? Where is justice for his family and friends, who continue to carry the weight of this loss? We are calling on governors, attorneys general, and others who wield power to recognize that those who commit violence against unarmed individuals in our communities should face the full consequences of the law. We ask them to listen to the same evidence as a dozen judges and come to the same conclusion, Eric DeValkenaere must face the consequences of his actions.

We are joined in this statement by a multi denominational coalition that is comprised of clergy from the following denominations: Missouri Missionary Baptist State Convention, Missouri Progressive Baptist State Convention, African Methodist Episcopal Church (AME Church), Christian Methodist Episcopal Church (CME Church), United Church of Christ, United Methodist Church, and the Episcopal Diocese of Missouri.

Nimrod Chapel is president of the Missouri State NAACP

Commentary

The rich getting richer

By Dr. Carl B. Mack

Imagine being allowed to go inside the U.S. Treasury and print all the money you want. I dare say any of us would turn down such an offer. Well, from my vantage point, which is exactly what is taking place with President-elect Trump. To govern in his fraternity, it appears you must be of billionaire status.

Before you think my vantage point is skewed, let’s look at who he is initiating into his governmental fraternity. To date, he has: Elon Musk, net worth $354.9 billion; Stephen Feinberg, net worth $5 billion; Warren Stephens, net worth $3.4 billion; Charles Kushner, net worth $3 billion; Linda McMahon, net worth $3 billion; Jared Isaacman, net worth $1.8 billion; Howard Lutnick, net worth $1.5 billion; Vivek Ramaswamy, net worth $1 billion; Scott Bessent, net worth $1 billion; Kelly Loeffler, net worth $1 billion.

see, the national debt ended that year at a cumulative total of $33.2 trillion! So yes, it appears our politicians have been reckless with our money in the past.

Speaking of the past, before you start thinking, “Well, maybe Trump can fix our poor spending habits,” well, according to The Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget, the first time Trump took office, the national debt was $19.95 trillion, and when he left office, it was $27.75 trillion. So, during his first term, Trump added $7.8 trillion to the national debt. Comparatively, after 3 years and 5 months in office, Biden had added $4.3 trillion.

This collection of billionaires has a combined wealth of $375.6 billion, making this the richest governmental administration in American history! Just in case you are wondering, Biden’s cabinet was worth less than $120 million. Musk, the richest man in the world, and Ramaswamy are going to lead a newly minted government agency known as DOGE (Department of Governmental Efficiency). Together, these two have pledged to cut $2 trillion from the national budget.

Most Americans believe that fiscal management by the government needs an adjustment. I can’t say I don’t understand that belief. I mean, if we look at fiscal year 2023, we can clearly see the math does not match. The federal government collected nearly $4.5 trillion in revenue, spent $6.2 trillion during that year, resulting in $1.7 trillion being added to the national debt.

Nope, this is not the first year this type of fiscal spending has taken place. You

Forthcoming, the billionaire club’s aim of cutting $2 trillion can possibly mean a cut in spending to programs that serve some of the neediest Americans. What about Social Security, which represents 21% of the national debt expenditure? Never mind. Trump said he would not touch that, and we know he wouldn’t lie to us. For those who now have Affordable Health Care, Obamacare, which represents 15% of the national debt expenditure, if you don’t feel a target on your healthcare benefits, you are truly naïve, or you forgot that during his first administration, Trump tried 100 times to repeal Obamacare. The second-largest national debt expenditure is National Defense; from my vantage point, it’s safe.

History will rarely reveal to you that the rich got RICHER by being thoughtful of those beneath them. However, history, in particular Black history, will clearly show you how wealth was built on the backs of those beneath the wealthy. From my vantage point, Black MAGAs either don’t know our history or don’t care.

Dr. Carl B. Mack is the former President of the Seattle King County NAACP, and Former Executive Director of The National Society of Black Engineers.

By ReShonda Tate

For centuries, Black women have been subjected to a narrative that casts us as unwavering pillars of strength—stoic, resilient and always capable of bearing the weight of the world.

This characterization has often been a response to the brutal realities of slavery, segregation and systemic racism. In an attempt to survive the unimaginable, Black women were forced to endure hardship without complaint, to nurture their families despite being denied basic human dignity, and to fight for rights that others took for granted.

But somewhere along the way, this portrayal of strength became not only a survival mechanism but also an expectation—a false idol that has overshadowed the depth and nuance of Black womanhood.

The “strong Black woman” stereotype, while often lauded as a badge of honor, has a dark side. It erases the humanity, complexity and vulnerability of Black women,pushing us to perform an impossible standard. It demands that we endure pain silently, carry burdens alone, and never show weakness—reinforcing the idea that to be Black and female is to be impervious to suffering. This narrative is not only unfair; it’s dangerous.

and depression. The notion that we must always be unbreakable can also deter us from seeking help when we need it.

This image of Black women as emotionally invulnerable has a profound impact on our relationships and our sense of self. It teaches that we must put our needs last, that vulnerability is a weakness, and that to be human is to be inauthentic.

Yet, this narrative ignores the truth: Black women, like all women, possess multifaceted identities that include strength and vulnerability, power and tenderness, resilience and fragility. We are not defined by one trait alone; our humanity is far more complex.

A powerful shift has begun in recent years. Black women are starting to reclaim the space to be both strong and vulnerable. This includes acknowledging our emotions, embracing our fragility, and rejecting the myth that showing vulnerability somehow diminishes our worth or strength. It’s a radical act to exist outside the confines of a stereotype that limits us to a singular, flattened identity.

The history of Black women has often been defined by a relentless demand for resilience. From being forced to care for families under the cruelty of slavery to being tasked with maintaining the strength of entire communities while battling racial and gender discrimination, Black women have been expected to soldier on without pause. This expectation has permeated our personal, professional and social lives.

Studies have shown that the stereotype of the “strong Black woman” can contribute to mental health issues. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), Black women often feel pressured to appear strong and self-sufficient, resulting in higher rates of chronic stress and health disparities, including hypertension

For example, public figures like Michelle Obama, Beyoncé and Taraji P. Henson have all publicly spoken about the pressure to be “strong” and how they have learned to embrace their vulnerability. In her book Becoming, Michelle Obama speaks openly about the struggles she faced balancing her career, family life, and personal identity. In doing so, she challenges the myth that Black women must always present as flawless warriors in a world that constantly demands more. Beyoncé’s album Lemonade is another example of a public figure embracing both strength and vulnerability, using her art to explore themes of pain, forgiveness, empowerment, and love. These women show us that we do not need to be onedimensional to be successful—we can embrace our complexity.

ReShonda Tate is a reporter and columnist for Word In Black

Guest Columnist ReShonda Tate

Guest Columnist

Dr. Carl B. Mack Guest Columnist Nimrod Chapel

‘First

Birthday’ group shows Black family strength

St. Louis American

Celebrating a child’s first birthday in African American families has a heightened significance in light of alarming statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which show that Black babies are three times more likely to die before their first birthday compared to their white peers.

In St. Louis, the Show Me Strong Families (SMSF) initiative, Parents as Teachers National Center program, is tackling these disparities by prioritizing the health and well-being of mothers and infants in the Black community.

Donna Givens, SMSF’s community partnerships and groups manager, recently led the annual First Birthday group connection at The Heights Recreational Center in Richmond Heights to foster community engagement.

“We host this event each year to celebrate the birth of children enrolled in our program

and to use the forum to provide information and support that could lead to the reduction of prematurity and maternal and infant morbidity and mortality among children in our community,” said Givens.

Many families involved with SMSF confront a myriad of challenges, such as substance use disorder, mental health issues, and domestic violence, with caregivers often being fathers or grandparents. A significant number of these young parents are navigating life in shelters or transitional housing.

“We’re celebrating our 10th anniversary at Show Me Strong Families, and Parents as Teachers is celebrating 40 years of strengthening families and preparing children for entry into kindergarten,” said Givens.

“We couldn’t do this important work without the support of our National Center and the many local organizations that we partner with that provide additional essential services to our clients.”

STAYING HEALTHY IS

Giovanni took a joyous swing at life

By Marian Wright Edelman

When poet, essayist, scholar and activist Nikki Giovanni passed away on Dec. 9, 2024, the world lost a singular voice.

Young readers especially adored the dozen books she created for children, including beloved works like the Caldecott Honor Book and Coretta Scott King as well as Award-winning “Rosa,” illustrated by Bryan Collier.

In a 2022 interview with The Washington Post, Giovanni said “Children’s literature is the foundation of the rest of the literature that we do.”

“If children are hearing words and hearing poems and hearing stories as they grow up, they one, get used to it, but two, they use their imagination. They begin to wonder, well, where do I fit in that? And that’s why it’s so important to have children’s stories of all of the children — not any one child, but all of the children, from all over the planet.”

For decades, Giovanni’s voice allowed readers and listeners to recognize their own stories and helped them see where they too might fit in.

In 1999, Children’s Defense Fund was grateful when she joined then-first lady Hillary Clinton, Secretary of Health and Human Services Donna Shalala, Secretary of Labor Alexis Herman, Dr. Maya Angelou, and other dignitaries for the dedication of the Langston Hughes Library at CDF Haley Farm.

Haley Farm, CDF’s center for training and spiritual renewal, is sited on grounds formerly owned by “Roots” author Alex Haley in Clinton, Tennessee. It is outside Knoxville, where Giovanni was born and spent much of her childhood visiting and eventually living at her grandparents’ home.

She returned to Knoxville often in her work, including the poem “Knoxville, Tennessee,” which described simple summer joys that would leave a child “…warm/all the time/not only when you go to bed/and sleep.”

She also returned to Knoxville memories in “Saturday Days,” the essay she generously included in “Dream Me Home Safely: Writers on Growing Up in America,” a 2003 anthology celebrating CDF’s 30th anniversary. That essay remains a beautiful, evocative description of Black childhood joy.

Her grandparents lived near Cal Johnson Park, built on land that had been purchased and then willed to the city by its namesake for the use of Black children, and in “Saturday Days” Giovanni described how much she loved going there the moment her grandmother agreed they were done with their careful weekly housekeeping routine.

She explained that a different segregated park had the only local swimming pool for Black children, “but we at CJP had the swings.”

“I’ve always thought swinging should be an Olympic sport. I knew, in fact, when synchronized swimming became a ‘sport’ that double Dutch would be next. I admire double Dutch.

“Those ropes would pop, and the girls would turn faster and faster and the girls running in and jumping out would dance a dance that would make ballet dancers weep from envy. They would jump up and twirl and pass each other on one foot then flip to their hands then flip back up and I would stand amazed. I have no sense of rhythm. All my rhythm is in my head. But I could swing.”

Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.

Families had a fun-filled afternoon during the annual First Birthday group connection at The Heights Recreational Center in Richmond Heights. The event is hosted by the Show Me Strong Families initiative, a Parents as Teachers National Center initiative.

Photo courtesy of Parents As Teachers

Marian Wright Edelman

Whitfield

Continued from A1

Marlon Whitfield, executive director of The Whitfield Foundation for Success said this year’s toy giveaway is unique because four non-profits came together to help spread the spirit of Christmas. “We’re making sure kids have something to open on Christmas day,” said Whitfield. With the rising cost of everyday essentials, some families are experiencing a difficult time giving their kids toys this year.

“So many people are going through a tough time,” said Whitfield when discussing the importance of his annual toy drive. “I’m overwhelmed with joy,” said Krystal Whitfield, the executive director’s wife. She described the event as “absolutely amazing”. She loves to see the expression on the kids’ faces when they pick out a toy of their choice. The Whitfields are so happy to see the turnout of their community event, “It just fills me up with joy,” he said.

“This event is dear to my heart and my wife,” said Marmol. Marmol told the St. Louis American his family loves to serve the community. The St. Louis Cardinals manager comes from humble beginnings– “ I remember being on the same side of these families,” he said.

In 1992 his family was devastated by a hurricane that destroyed their home. He remembers being about five or six years old and standing in line to receive a toy. “To give back now and to see the

Parson

Continued from A1

by the Parole Board.”

Gwendolyn Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, told ABC News that Parson’s clemency decision will tarnish his legacy and “fuel deep-

joy on all these families’ faces, it’s awesome,” said Marmol. “Families are going to go home knowing we care,” he added. The Whitfield Foundation for Success’s mission is to inspire and empower change-makers through innovation such as education, and training. The foundation gives voice to communities that feel unheard while providing education in Science Technology Engineering

er divisions and ignite justified outrage.” She called the decision “nothing short of a flagrant endorsement of systemic racism and a betrayal of justice. By freeing a convicted officer who unlawfully killed Cameron Lamb, a young Black man, the governor has made it crystal clear that Black lives do not matter in the

Arts and Mathematics

S.T.E.A.M.—the foundation has raised over $300,000 in scholarships for students pursuing S.T.E.A.M degrees.

Sophia Johnson, a mom of three children said the community toy drive is a blessing for her family. “ We have been going through a lot, and to have an event like this for the kids to have a gift to open on Christmas day is exciting for them,” Johnson

state of Missouri under his leadership.”

Rev. Emanuel Cleaver III, senior pastor at St. James United Methodist Church in Kansas City, described Parson’s decision as “perverted justice.”

“The governor’s decision to free DeValkenaere will only widen the gap that has existed between law enforcement and the

said. Two of Johnson’s sons got a football and her 11-year-old daughter Madison picked out an eyeshadow makeup kit. Johnson said she plans to volunteer next year with the toy drive to help give back. “Thank you,” she added.

Jessica Palmer’s family recently experienced a house fire losing almost everything. She wondered how she was going to give her brother who has

Black community that goes back generations,” Cleaver said. “What it says to the community is that it is okay to kill as long as the victim is Black. It is a complete disregard and disrespect for Cameron Lamb’s family.”

Parson’s spokesman Johnathan Shiflett said in an email: “In Missouri, clemency powers rest

A happy celebrant at the Whitfield Foundation 4th Annual Toy Giveaway takes her first ride on a new toy horse during the holiday event at Top Golf in Midtown.

Down Syndrome a great Christmas. When she heard about the foundation toy drive she knew her prayers had been answered. “My brother asked me if Santa was mad at him because he didn’t have any gifts under the tree,” she said. Holding back tears Palmer said she now has a chance to give her brother a happy Christmas. Palmer left the toy drive with a large box filled with a variety of

exclusively with the Governor. After careful consideration, Governor Parson today exercised his constitutional authority on a number of final pending clemency petitions.”

Parson, who assumed the governorship upon the resignation of Eric Greitens in 2018, has granted the most clemency cases of any Missouri governor since the 1940s. He’s pardoned or commuted the sentences of more than 800 people since June 2018, granted clemency for most who had been convicted of lower-level crimes involving drugs or theft. But he’s also denied more than 3,000 clem-

toys for her brother. Whitfield said he wants to continue having events like this, echoing his sentiments Krystal Whitfield added, “And by bringing our family out to help we are passing a legacy to them to show them how important it is to show up for their community.”

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

ency petitions during his tenure as governor.

Rev. Darryl Gray, senior pastor of the Greater Fairfax Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis and the director general for the social justice commission of the Progressive National Baptist Convention, described the commutation of DeValkenaere’s sentence as “unconscionable” and “a travesty.” He added:

“This move was intended to speak very clearly and loudly that Black lives do not matter in the state of Missouri.” Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

Photo by Videll Philip / CapturedByVidell

Williams

Continued from A1

became a McDonald’s franchise owner with his first store in Granite City, Ill.

Since that time, he’s managed to open 26 stores over a period of 26 years, an amazing feat; the significance not missed by him, particularly as an African-American entrepreneur, where representation matters, with some of his stores being located in urban communities and areas considered to be food deserts.

According to Williams, “We serve a significant part of the population, because I have so many stores and we serve as a gathering spot and it’s a privilege that we mean so much to so many people.”

He went on to say that “We create a lot of jobs; about 1,300 jobs and we’ve turned serving meals into much more by supporting our community and being a force for good.”

That “good” comes in the form of Jimmy’s philanthropy; providing scholarships to his workers, mentoring young people in his hometown of East St. Louis and surrounding areas through his James E. Williams, Sr. Mentoring Program, in which soft skills, punctuality, goal setting and teamwork are imparted.

“Jimmy Williams follows in a long list of remarkable East St. Louis natives. He has continued on his life journey of service as a U.S. Navy pilot, a highly successful, enterprising and innovative businessman, civic leader and philanthropist,” said Donald Suggs. St. Louis American publisher and executive editor.

“Jimmy exemplifies the importance of hard work and steadfastness that are essential to build a business of scale.

“The American is particularly impressed with his pride in and loyalty to

ESL

Continued from A1

“namely, students with disabilities,” according to the report.

Notable areas highlighted on this year’s School Report Card include:

•James Avant Elementary – The highest-scoring school within the district, coming close to achieving Exemplary status, a distinction awarded to only the top 10% of schools statewide in Illinois.

•Dr. Katie Harper Wright Elementary –Wright experienced the

McDonald’s Owner/Operator Jimmy Williams received the 2022 Fred Turner Golden Arch Award. The award is the

recognition for a McDonald’s franchisee who put their customers and people first. McDonald’s

and president of McDonald’s USA Joe Erlinger presented this prestigious award to

McDonald’s Worldwide Convention in Orlando, Florida.

the community, including his family, that nurtured him and prepared him to be a huge success that he shares generously beyond his personal well-being.”

Williams serves on a multitude of community boards such as Ronald McDonald House, Lessie Bates Davis Neighborhood House, St. Patrick Center, 100 Black Men of St. Lou-is, The St. Louis Zoo, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, The Nine Network and is involved with Jackie Joyner-Kersee Foundation, to name a few.

Williams attributes his need to serve and the importance of education to his parents, as well as

greatest summative score increase from the previous year, with “considerable overall improvement.”

•Lincoln Middle School – Advanced two designations in one year.

•Mason/Clark Middle School – Advanced one designation in one year.

•East St. Louis Senior High School (includes Gordon Bush Alternative Center) – Advanced two designations in one year.

•The district’s 9th grade “graduation on track is 83%, its highest in the last six years, and above the state averages for both Black (80%) and LowIncome (82%) groups. East St. Louis Senior High

his mentors and childhood influences from East St. Louis. It drove him to earn a bachelor’s degree in political science from Dickinson College in Carlisle, PA, as well as serve nine years with the U.S. Navy, where he logged over 2,000 flight hours in various countries around the world.

“My parents were so important to me and are the biggest reason that I am so passionate about small businesses, family and mentoring. Also, mentors like Dr. Ben Davis, a black McDonald’s owner in East St. Louis, Marion E. Officer of Officer Funeral Home, politicians

School and Gordon Bush Alternative Center were scored at 85%.

•East St. Louis School District 189 is outperforming all comparative districts and nearing the state average on Illinois Assessment of Readiness (IAR) math growth, and it is outperforming all comparative districts on IAR reading and math performance.

In addition, the district is “closing gaps in the areas of student learning, learning conditions, and

like Charles Merritts and Clyde C. Jordan taught me lessons about service. And the Navy reinforced those principles.”

In terms of his “village”, Jimmy reflected that “What I really know is East St. Louis was, to me and others, what “The Ville” was to Blacks in St. Louis; full of Blackowned restaurants, night clubs, cafes, lawyer’s offices, funeral homes , black teachers and others who cared about our success.”

However, he stated that his greatest accomplishments have been non-entrepreneurial; saying that “Having a

elevating educators,” which represents the measurement of equity in students’ access to opportunities and programming.

ESL 189’s teacher retention rate of 91.3% is higher than the state average of 89.6%, and that rate has increased annually since 2017.

The most recent Illinois Report Card data “verifies the strong, sustained academic growth compared to the historical performance of East

and

positive impact while being true to himself and not selling his integrity,” as his father taught him were paramount.

Family is another of his greatest accomplishments.

He glowingly said that meeting Janet (his wife) was a key to his success, as well having an amazing family, daughter Casi, son Tre and a new son-in-law and grandson are the greatest joys of his life.

Upon learning that he had been selected as Person of the Year, Jimmy humbly shared that “I was both surprised and honored, realizing that without this region I would be nobody. It also

St. Louis schools 10+ years ago,” according to a release from the district.

Only four of nine schools achieved the distinction of Commendable in 2018.

“While there are reasons to celebrate, our work continues. We are committed to ensuring that all our schools and student groups achieve Commendable or Exemplary ratings,” said Culver.

Among the areas that ESL 189 must improve is Chronic Absenteeism.

takes a team effort that is bigger than me. Winning and losing is a part of life and I accept them equally. But to be honored, given the previous list of distinguished honorees, is truly humbling and I thank everyone, including Dr. Donald Suggs.” So, for his investment in the St. Louis region, his selflessness as a corporate citizen in elevating his village and larger community and paying it forward through his philanthropy, mentorship and exemplification of integrity and character, The St. Louis American celebrates Jimmy Williams as the 2024 Person of the Year.

The district’s student chronic absenteeism rate (56.1%) is more than double the state average (26.3 %). The district has shown improvement since its 2018 chronic absenteeism rate stood at 81.9%.

“With a united approach including parents, families, and the wider community, I am confident that we can tackle the root causes of chronic absenteeism and create lasting change for our students,” said Culver.

highest

CEO Chris Kempczinski

Williams

his wife Janet during

Photo courtesy of Jimmy Williams

‘Taking

Care of You’

A new Deal

Compassion, advocacy a part of nursing student care package

student at the Goldfarb School of Nursing, practices her use of a stethescope Monday, Dec. 2, 2024 in a simulated clinical environment.

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Being a professional nurse isn’t just a job – it’s a calling. At the intersection of compassion and advocacy you will find Goldfarb School of Nursing at Barnes-Jewish College student Zykita Deal.

How to give a true living gift

By Karen Heslop

According to the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), there are over 103,000 people on the organ transplant waitlist as of September 2024. Astonishingly, almost 90,000 of them are waiting for a kidney transplant while a little over 9,000 need a liver transplant. What’s interesting about this is that they don’t have to wait for someone to be deceased to receive these organs. A living donor can give a kidney or a part of their liver to someone who needs it. And yet, every day 17 people die waiting for an organ transplant. The latest numbers show that only 5% of organ donations come from living donors. You can make a difference in someone’s life by becoming a living donor so let’s look at what you need to do for that to happen.

Criteria for living donors

n A living donor can give a kidney or a part of their liver to someone who needs it.

After watching a film about the maternal health disparities that impact Black and brown women, Deal knew she had found her calling. She thought to herself ‘‘What can I do to make things better with the healthcare system for African American mothers.’’

“Some Black maternal patients’ experiences come from a lack of access to comprehensive, integrated maternal health services,” Deal said. Services that show the highest impact include advocacy nursing.

In Missouri, health officials determined many of these pregnancy-related deaths were preventable. The ramifications of poor maternal health for Black and brown women also affect Black and brown babies.

NURSING, A11

Black women have the highest maternal mortality rate in the United States – 69.9 per 100,000 live births for 2021, almost three times the rate for white women, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The criteria you need to meet may vary depending on the organ you want to donate but there are a few general ones. You should be in good physical health, between the ages of 18 and 65, willing to avoid alcohol or certain medications for at least six weeks before surgery and two months after it, and at a BMI of 32 or lower before surgery. You’re also unlikely to be considered for an organ transplant if you’re pregnant or unwilling to stop smoking for at least six weeks before surgery. You’ll need to follow their strict instructions to be ready for surgery and to recover well once the procedure is done. Doctors want to ensure that you understand what you’re getting into

See HESLOP, A11

Severe food allergies are up for Black people

Disney influencer’s death put spotlight on trend

By Jennifer Porter Gore Word In Black

As the cofounder of Black Girl Disney in 2018, online influencer Dominique Brown was an obvious choice to attend a Dec. 5 holiday event in Los Angeles. As one of the 20 million people with food allergies, she purportedly knew to ask an obvious question: Does the food include peanuts?

severe allergic reactions to food has been climbing over the last two decades, and Black people account for a disproportionate number of those affected. Studies also suggest the rise in severe reactions is most prevalent among those with lower incomes.

Not long after food was served however, the deejay suddenly stopped the music and urgently asked if anyone at the event had an Epipen — a device that delivers life-saving medicine to someone having a dangerous allergic reaction. That day, it was Brown. Within hours, the Disney superfan with dimples and a bright smile, known as Domo to her friends, was dead.

The tragedy brought to light an overlooked medical issue: the number of

“The prevalence of self-reported food allergies has been increasing in recent decades, especially among [Black] children. Black children have been reported to have higher rates of food allergies compared with [White] children in the U.S.

“Less is known about racial differences in [food allergies] among adults, although the limited available evidence suggests that the differences reported in pediatric samples may also exist among adults,” the research says. According to reports, Brown asked

See ALLERGIES, A11

Photo courtesy of @dominiquebrown/Instagram

Disney influencer

Dominique Brown has died at the age of 34 after reportedly having an allergic reaction at a holiday event. Known as HellooDomo to her followers on social media, Brown reportedly ate something that she was allergic to while at a branding event in Los Angeles.

Zykita Deal, a nursing

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Karen Heslop

‘Taking

Care of You’

Nursing

Continued from A10

“I want to find a way to be that bridge between patients and doctors so that we can help save the lives of Black mothers,” Deal said. She plans to help build trust in the healthcare system. From her perspective, she believes being in her position may help put Black patients at ease by having a nurse who looks like them as a part of their healthcare plan – someone who understands them culturally.

Black babies are more likely to die, and also far more likely to be born prematurely, setting the stage for health issues that could follow them through their lives.

Evidence of Black babies born in St. Louis shows they are three times as likely to die before their first birthday as white babies. The infant mortality rate for Black families is 13.5 deaths per 1,000 live births compared to 4.4 deaths per 1,000 live births for white families. Data from 2011-2015 shows that 174 of the 232 St. Louis babies who died before their first birthday were Black.

Compared to white infants, Black infants

Allergies

Continued from A10

whether food at the event contained the allergan and she was told, no. But a friend who has launched a change.org petition stemming from the tragedy said Brown was known to be allergic to peanuts.

The Department of Agriculture says the nine leading causes of food allergies identified are milk, eggs, fish, shellfish, tree nuts, peanuts, wheat, soybeans, and sesame. But severe allergic reactions can be triggered by latex, some medications, animal dander, or bee stings.

About 33 million people in the U.S. have severe allergies, and around 200 people die from allergic

Heslop

Continued from A10

and won’t have second thoughts when the time comes. You will also do blood tests to establish your health and blood type These tests can include liver or kidney function tests. If the doctor has any concerns, you may need to do a biopsy to prove that the organ you wish to donate is healthy. Your blood type is important because you must be a match for the person you want to donate to. For example, someone with an AB blood type can only receive an organ from someone with the same type. On the other hand, if you have an O blood type, you can donate to patients with O, A, B, and AB. If there’s a match, the doctors will guide you and the patient through the steps of getting ready for the procedure. The surgery will then be scheduled. If you’re not a match, the doctors will have to test other people. They may still encourage you to join the list of living donors as you may be

experience higher rates of nearly every risk factor that contributes to infant mortality, including preterm birth, low birth weight, and birth defects. If infant mortality rates were equitable, 23 fewer Black babies would die before their first birthday every year.

To ensure that she will be a part of the solution, Deal recently accepted a position at St. Mary’s Hospital in

reactions each year. If consumed or exposed to those allergy triggers, a person can experience anaphylaxis, a condition that includes a sudden drop in blood pressure, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting. If not treated immediately, severe anaphylactic shock can be fatal.

More than 10% of adults, and 8% of the nation’s children, are allergic to several kinds of foods. A 2021 study found that incidences of peanut allergy reactions have increased in the last 20 years. Also, Black people account for 15.5% of those with peanut allergies although they are just 11.6% of the U.S. population.

Research published just last year finds that

the labor and delivery department. Deal will take the knowledge she has gained at nursing school and apply those techniques at her new job. The hands-on learning experiences have allowed Deal to witness patients meet their milestones toward healthy living. She is excited to be a part of her new patient’s care plan and advocate for them. However, it’s not

always rainbows and sunshine for nursing students or nurses, many of whom have their own struggles to deal with.

“I used to beat myself up a lot,” Deal said when referencing how hard she is on herself. Over time, she has learned to give herself the same type of grace and care she gives to those that she cares for.

“It’s nice to care for those who can’t take care of themselves, but nurses

n More than 10% of adults, and 8% of the nation’s children, are allergic to several kinds of foods. A 2021 study found that incidences of peanut allergy reactions have increased in the last 20 years. Also, Black people account for 15.5% of those with peanut allergies although they are just 11.6% of the U.S. population.

Asian, Black, and Hispanic people were more likely to report having food allergies than whites. No one knows exactly why allergies are on the rise among people of color, but researchers found this trend is strongly tied to household income.

“The prevalence of self-reported or parent-reported food allergies was lowest within

households earning more than $150,000 per year,” according to the study. Earlier this year the FDA approved the drug omalizumab, sold as Xolair, to treat moderate to severe allergic asthma. The drug differs from emergency medicines like EpiPens; Xolair is for use in people aged 1 year and older to reduce the risk of allergic reactions to peanuts and

are people too, and we need to also take care of ourselves. If we don’t take care of ourselves then who is going to take care of our patients.”

Deal understands that she has to manage her time well and strike a balance between being a single mom and a full-time student in a demanding profession.

“I’ve experienced exhaustion and guilt, feeling like I wasn’t giving

other foods over time. Research found omalizumab can also significantly reduce the risk of food allergy to peanuts and other foods after about four months of treatment. But Xolair does not cure food allergies, so patients need to avoid foods with allergens in them.

In August, FDA approved the neffy epinephrine nasal spray, which is the first allergy emergency treatment that, unlike EpiPen, doesn’t have to be injected. The nasal spray from ARS Pharmaceuticals can treat anaphylaxis in people weighing at least 66 pounds

Meanwhile, those around her are still processing Brown’s death.

In a Dec. 13 statement posted on Instagram,

a match for someone else. The steps are slightly similar for those who are interested in donating an organ to a stranger. In this case, you should contact the organ transplant office that’s closest to you. After collecting some information over the phone, you may be invited for an in-person evaluation. If that’s successful, you’ll undergo the same amount of screening that was mentioned previously. Once that’s done, you will have to wait for the decision of a review committee. If they give permission, you’ll be designated a living organ donor and will be assessed against the people on the waiting list.

Whether or not you’re donating to a stranger, you’ll undergo surgery at the same time. Generally, this means that surgeons will be removing the organ from you while the recipient is being prepared to receive it. If you’re donating a kidney, the entire organ will be removed but you only need to donate a

my son the attention he needed,” Deal said. But through the ups and downs the future nurse has gained a great deal of compassion for others, has a great work ethic, and is on her way to helping close the maternal health gap for Black and brown mothers.

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

BoxLunch, which sponsored the charity luncheon, said it was “devastated” by the young influencer’s death. It promised to “do everything possible to support Dominique’s family, her loved ones, the Collective and our team members during this painful time.” Brown’s friends have launched an online petition urging more protections for people with food allergies. They want venues, restaurants, and other establishments that serve food to take more precautions, and keep EpiPens on hand. “Domo’s death was preventable,” according to the petition. “Her story is not unique, and it’s time for change.”

portion of your liver. It’s typical for doctors to take about 15% of your liver but they can take up to a third of it without affecting its ability to regenerate. The surgery will be done under anesthesia, and you’ll likely stay in the hospital for a few days for evaluation. During this time, you may have IV lines that give you fluids and medications, tubes in your stomach for draining fluids, and a catheter in your bladder to get rid of urine. Some of the issues your doctor will look out for include bleeding, blood clots, nerve damage, constipation, bile duct damage, and a buildup of fluid in your abdominal cavity. You’ll be allowed to go home once you show signs of recovering well after removing all the lines and tubes. While home, you should keep an eye out for excessive pain or bleeding as well as any signs of infection. These should be brought to the doctor’s attention immediately. Your recovery can take between three to six months, and you may be required to avoid certain activities like driving, strenuous physical activity, heavy lifting, drinking, and smoking. You can make a positive impact on that number by volunteering to be a living donor – especially if you’re Black.

Karen Heslop if a freelance health writer, and her commentaries are carried on Blackdoctor.org

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

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Students at The St. Louis American’s Summer Science Academy work together to create a poster representing the different features about a native bird that they chose to research.

SCIENCE CORNER

Do you enjoy math? Maybe you are curious about studying math in college, but you’re unsure what kind of jobs you could have with a degree in mathematics. Below is a list of just a few of the careers that are related to math, there are many more. Careers in math not only involve numbers and patterns, but they include logic and problem solving. Read on to see if any of these careers sound interesting to you. Accountant—deals with money. They can help companies evaluate gains and losses. They also help people file their income taxes.

Actuary—calculates risk and the cost involved with those risks. They usually work for insurance companies. For example, they may study trends to see if more male or female drivers have auto accidents. What age is a driver more likely to have an accident?

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Civil Engineer plans roads, buildings, airports, bridges, etc. for the public. They need to test not only design safety, but they need to make sure the building can accommodate the flow of people.

Surveyor—measures land, air space, and water area. If you enjoy math and the outdoors, this could be a good career for you.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text-toworld and text-to-self connections.

Consecutive Number Patterns

In this activity, you will use logic to form and test a hypothesis to solve the problem.

Materials Needed:

• Pencil • Paper • Calculator (optional) Process:

q Find five consecutive numbers that add up to 100.

w Form a hypothesis. Where will you start? What five numbers do you think it could be? Why?

e Test your hypothesis. Continue to revise until you have the correct answer.

q Put these decimals in order from least to greatest: 7.9, 8.1, 7.2, 8.4, 6.9 ____________________

w Write 1/100 as a decimal: _________

e Write ½ as a decimal: _________

r Once you know which five consecutive numbers equal 100, try to figure out which five consecutive numbers equal 200. After you do that, you’ll probably see a pattern.

t Use the pattern to see which five consecutive numbers add up to 300.

Reflect: Did you find a pattern? For an added challenge, figure out what you would have to do to find six or seven consecutive numbers that add up to 100.

Learning Standards: I can form and test a hypothesis to complete an experiment. I can analyze results and draw conclusions.

Decimals

.57 1.6 .9 .43

r Write .57 as a fraction: _________

DID YOU KNOW?

According to Rasmussen

.75

t Write .75 as a fraction in simplest form: _________

y Place the following in order from least to greatest: 1/10, ¾, .43, .9, 1.6, 11/10 ______________________

Learning Standards: I can compare decimal and fraction amounts. I can convert a decimal to a fraction.

Computer science professionals can work in several different industries. That means you can apply this degree to a different type of job, such as insurance or management. If you have a bachelor’s degree in computer science, you are 9 times more likely to get a job than someone without a degree.

SCIENCE STARS

African-American Computer Scientist and Educator Kyla McMullen

Kyla McMullen grew up in Washington, D.C. She had the nickname of Inspector Gadget because she loved computers and always had some type of electronic device with her.

A high school teacher, Mr. Randy Ware, encouraged his students to see themselves as scientists. Her parents were not able to attend college, and it was very important to them that McMullen have that opportunity for education. She graduated from Oxon Hill High School, where she participated in the science and technology program.

In 2005, McMullen earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Maryland. From there, she earned a master’s in computer science and engineering from the University of Michigan, in 2007, and stayed there to earn her PhD five years later. She was the first AfricanAmerican woman to earn a doctorate in Computer Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan. While in college, she was president of the Society of Minority Engineers and Scientists. She was vice president of the Movement of Underrepresented Sisters in Engineering and Science (MUSES).

McMullen’s research focuses on 3D audio signal processing used to learn about the environment. In 2007, she began creating educational software that taught children to identify relationships of objects. She also worked in the Naval Submarine Research Lab where she constructed a virtual environment used for training simulations. She currently works in South Carolina at Clemson University School of Computing as an assistant professor.

She has received many honors and awards, such as the 2015 Emerging Scholar for Diverse Issues in Higher Education. She was awarded a travel grant from Google, Inc. and the National Black Data Processing Associates awarded her the Professional Achievement Award. MUSES awarded her the Trailblazer Award for Achievement.

She says that if she could invent anything, she would invent a machine that washes, dries, separates, folds, and puts clothes on hangers. She has some advice for students: learn to work with others, even if they are very different from you. She says, “The only thing constant in life is change.” Get used to change; be flexible. McMullan says that any student interested in computer science can email her at: kyla.mcmullen@gmail. com.

Learning Standards: person who has made contributions in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

MAP CORNER

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

Activities — Automobiles for Sale: classified section to calculate the percentage of the following: the percentage of cars that are 4 door, the percentage of used cars with mileage over 60,000, the percentage of trucks, and the percentage of used cars listed in “excellent condition.”

Color Pictures: It costs more money to print newspaper pictures in color. Look through your newspaper to see which pictures and graphics have been printed in color, and which have been printed in black and white. Why do you think the specific pictures and images were chosen to print in color? If you were making the choice, which pictures would be printed in color? Why?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can calculate percentage. I can evaluate graphics and use evidence to support decisions.

Stepping up for diversity

Owner Gloria Mwez runs her dance studio ‘The Untitled Project’ on Cherokee Street

By Namratha Prasad St. Louis American

Learning the choreography of being a business owner in St. Louis did not come easy to dance studio owner Gloria Mwez.

The large panel windows, outlined in white chalk marker, distinguish her dance studio, The Untitled Project,” on Cherokee Street. It is nestled among a vibrant collection of businesses owned by women of color.

The studio opened a year ago after Mwez received a grant from the Regional Arts Commission. She had the courage to realize her dream of opening a space where any artist is

welcome to express themselves - with the help of funds that didn’t come from her savings account.

Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Mwez moved to the United States when she was very young. She began dancing as a teenager, somewhat later than other professional dancers. She came from the world of gymnastics before she transitioned to dance.

Her first experience teaching a class came after she realized she could get paid for this new-found passion.

“I have it in my diary. That day, I was like, ‘I got a paycheck for dancing, [and] I usually pay to dance,’” Mwez said during an interview with her veranda in the 800 square-foot dance

studio.

She attended the University of Notre Dame to pursue a degree in business and a dance certificate, she said she had to fight every semester to transfer credits from a sister school with a dance program.

After college, she moved to Chicago where she danced professionally and opened a studio called Chicago Untitled project. While there, she choreographed for people, taught dance classes, and danced professionally for productions.

“I found a little niche for myself; kind of quirky, super athletic, acrobatic and storytelling focused dancing,” she said.

See

Rising to the occasion

Nelly,

Ashanti join Raising Cane’s to support BGCSTL

St. Louis American

Christmas came early for nearly 100 Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis members during the annual holiday party on Thursday Dec. 19, 2024, at the Adams Park location.

Through a partnership with Raising Cane’s and superstar celebrity couple Nelly and Ashanti, the youths entered the gym and saw 100 red, shiny new bikes. While the temperature was brisk, the scene was heartwarming.

Raising Cane’s partners nationally with Boys & Girls Clubs of America to host annual Holiday Bike Giveaways. Each child took home a new bike and helmet, and the gym was filled with smiling faces of Boys & Girls Club members and their parents, who eagerly used their phones to capture the arrival of surprise guests, Nelly and Ashanti, festive decorations, Raising Cane’s representatives, and the bright new bikes.

Isaiah Underwood, Raising Cane’s regional leader, welcomed children and guests, and introduced MathewsDickey Club alum and BGCSTL’s incoming President and CEO Brandon Williams.

“If you can hear me, clap your hands one time; if you can hear me, clap your hands two times; if you can hear me, clap your hands three times, and say yeah,” Williams said, as he applauded Raising Canes, Nelly, and Ashanti for their commitment to young people, and the success of the bike giveaway.

Nelly acknowledged his wife, Ashanti, as a BGCA Club alum and

Dr. Davis guides Health Dept. to reaccreditation

Dr. Mati Davis

The City of St. Louis Health Department has achieved national re-accreditation by the Public Health Accreditation Board (PHAB). The national accreditation program works to improve and protect the health of the public by advancing and transforming the quality and performance of the nation’s state, local, Tribal, and territorial public health departments.

“This reaccreditation is the result of the teamwork, innovation, and passion each of our employees has brought to the reaccreditation process. Their collaboration in aligning the Department’s policies, practices, and programs with PHAB’s standards has been integral to this success,” said Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, MD, MPH, FIDSA, director of health.

Candace Hall honored at SIU-Edwardsville

Candace Hall

Candace Hall, EdD, is recipient of the Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award at SIU-Edwardsville. Hall is an assistant professor in the School of Education, Health and Human Behavior’s Department of Educational Leadership and also serves as program director of Higher Education and Student Affairs. The Vaughnie Lindsay New Investigator Award recognizes faculty members whose research or creative activities have the promise of making significant contributions to their fields of study, their respective school/department and to SIUE.

Steward honored with Morehouse College award

Bariyha Randall, 10, a student at Adams Elementary, is all smiles with her mom, Meaici Campbell, after receiving her new bike and helmet at the Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis Adams Park location. Raising Cane’s, Nelly and Ashanti partnered to gift bikes to local children Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.

St. Louisan Robert Steward, founder and CEO of End2End Solution, was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year during the recent Morehouse College Innovation & Entrepreneurship Center (MIEC) Legacy Luncheon. Steward, who was a member of the program while at Morehouse, received the award for his “contributions to entrepreneurial excellence and innovation.”

The MIEC also celebrated its 20th anniversary luncheon with the release of the “Building Black Business 2024” report.

Kacy Davis Sr. now drives SLPS transportation

Kacy Davis Sr.

Kacy Davis Sr. has been named director of transportation for St. Louis Public Schools. Davis previously served as the executive director for transportation at Pflugerville Independent School District in Texas and has worked in school transportation across that state. The Board of Education approved Davis during a closed meeting last week. He will join the district as it rolls out a new transportation policy for the 2025-26 school year.

thanked Raising Cane’s CEO/Founder Todd Graves for his unwavering community dedication. “I also want to thank the Boys &

Girls Clubs for allowing myself and my wife, Ms. Ashanti, to be a part of this

MWEZ, B2

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Gloria Mwez dances to her own tune as owner of The Untitled Project dance studio at 2900 Cherokee. The studio opened a year ago after she received a grant from the Regional Arts Commission, and it is growing while “trying to embrace the small studio feel.”

Photo courtesy of The Untitled Project

Robert Steward

Nelly

Continued from B1

great occasion. Shout to my homie Todd Graves and the whole Raising Cane’s,” he said.

“I want to thank Principal Miller as well, and I want to thank all of y’all for allowing us to do something special this holiday with you all. It’s something I hope you all will remember.”

Graves initiated the bike giveaway five years ago and continues to expand the initiative each year. This year, Raising Cane’s will host 25 Annual Bike Giveaway events, donating 2,500 bikes and

Mwez

Continued from B1

“I wasn’t like the beautiful ballet girl. I was fivetype person.”

Mwez moved to St. Louis with her partner shortly before the pandemic. She struggled with her mental health trying to discover a new city and spent a year without dancing.

“I had to learn a whole new body,” she said.

“I had to learn a whole new space and went through the worldwide depression that everybody went through.”

After dreaming of opening a small studio in St. Louis, she secured the AARPA grant for artists who lost money during the pandemic and opened the studio on the 2900 block of Cherokee Street.

“I was in a dreamer phase,” she said.

“It started with me teaching a lot of jazz, that’s my base, and then

helmets to youth. “This event is a testament to the power of community support,” said Williams, who will succeed Flint Fowler, the longtime president and CEO of BCGSTL. Fowler is in his final week at the helm before his retirement at year’s end.

Esports for education

Following the bike giveaway, the Boys and Girls Club Foundation hosted the Ultimate Gaming Toy Drive on Friday, Dec. 20, at BGC Teen Center of Excellence, 9200 W. Florissant Ave.

With the support of the St. Louis Battlehawks, where Williams served as a senior executive before

finding artists and teachers to come here. We’re still growing very slowly but trying to embrace the small studio feel.”

Mwez said her passion lies in bringing a hobby to a community of adults who have been discouraged to move their bodies because of societal pressure.

“Something happens when you have bills and rent and a job where all of a sudden, you’re like, ‘that’s not important unless it’s literally my job,’” she said.

“If we take a step back, we understand how broken that is. I want to hopefully build a world where the arts are integrated and available to them.”

Dynamics to dance

Cherokee Street has historically been home to a large Latino community. In recent years, as the district grows and rent prices increase, the area is growing less diverse.

Mwez said, as a trans-

joining BGCSTL, the Toy Drive offered a day of gaming for youths ages 12 to 18.

Included were gaming competitions, game demonstrations, free haircuts, gift bags for gamers, and much more.

“Esports is a Boys & Girls Club program area I want to increase visibility in to attract teens. We hope this collaboration will educate teens about gaming as a profession. It is an all-around great cause as we collect toys for area youth. We’re excited about being the host for this event.”

The Toy Drive was also in partnership with PlayStation, and participants received

plant, it was hard to wrap her head around the gentrification of the area.

“I think some things happening at Cherokee… are starting to look a lot like South grand, which is beautiful and wonderful in its own right,” she said. “But it’s also not that unique.”

Still, the district is home to at least a dozen businesses owned by women or people of color.

“Whenever I see another Black woman owned business on the street, there’s a little kinship and that pride, and that makes me feel good,” she said.

“On a bigger note, I desperately want more people to understand that the small businesses that they love that make their neighborhoods really cute and that they think are so interesting, kooky and unique, they only work if the community supports them,” Mwez said.

Mwez said she was excited to open her business in such a diverse place with a network of

PlayStation gifts. They also had an opportunity to win a free PlayStation 5 valued at $1500 and other prizes.

BGC Foundation Founder Robert Powell said, “The Ultimate Gaming Toy Drive is an excellent opportunity for Gamers to showcase their skills, learn more about gaming as a profession, and win incredible prizes at the same time,” said Powell.

He said the Battlehawks’ support of teens who excel at gaming “is a testament to the growing recognition of gaming as a legitimate career path.”

“We’re spreading joy this holiday season.”

women who own businesses in the district. But she said she’s been discouraged by the lack of representation in meetings with owners of properties who do not reflect the ideals of those who occupy their space.

“A lot of the representation in some of the business meetings that I’ve gone to do not reflect that. So that’s been a little sad,” she said.

At the Print Bazaar, an event on Cherokee that showcases artists through pop-up booths in small businesses, Mwez said she wanted to uplift some artists who were women of color, but her requests went ignored.

“I just wanted to build community and that was kind of ignored,” she said. “There are little moments like that where it happens, and I have had to seek it out for myself. [Small business owners] don’t have a lot of time, so that can be really hard.”

Why the weak wi-fi?

Mwez said another barrier to her studio is lack of access to a high fiber Wi-Fi connection. She said the service is not easy to come by for the Cherokee Street District.

“There are only certain spaces in certain cities where you can have them,” she said. “And they tend to align with the richer, whiter spaces.”

The last thing her instructors want during a class, she said, is for music to stop - and not be able to start again. She said she was surprised how much she actually relies on good Wi-Fi, and never realized how companies can block access to something so essential to small businesses and marginalized communities.

In a 2022 study published by the St. Louis Community Foundation, 55% of St. Louisans face barriers to access to highspeed internet. One pillar to this includes the lack of infrastructure to support it, which affects impoverished areas in the region.

Nelly and his wife, Ashanti, shared their holiday spirit with a Boys and Girls Club member who was one of 100 youths to receive a new bike and helmet at the Adams Park location on Thursday, Dec. 19, 2024.

“I wanted that high speed internet,” she said. “It’s currently out of my price range, but I would make it work in my budget.”

This year will be the first year Mwez will not have the aid of the grant money to cushion her business. She said that as she looks around her studio, with its comforting decor and wide panel windows, large mirrors and cardboard decorations, she is grateful for the neighborhood and art community in St. Louis.

“I want my business to succeed, not just for my own livelihood, but so that there can be a bigger arts community here,” she said. “So that artists can feel like they can get paid for doing their art and be able to stay where they are.”’ To sign up for classes and learn more about That Untitled Project visit https://thatuntitledproject. com/studio/.

Namratha Prasad is Comcast NBC-Universal Fellow/Reporter

Photo courtesy of BGSTL

n “He’s not a dad. Maybe by blood, but nothing else.”

– Trinity Rodman on her relationship with Dennis Rodman

High school basketball is now on a fast break on both sides of the river. Teams from the Metro East and St. Louis have posted high marks in respective state rankings, and college recruiters and coaches are fixated on the talent the region turns out each season. Here are some of the top boys players to watch during the 2024-25 season.

Scottie Adkinson (Webster Groves): The 6’3” sophomore is one of the top young players in the state of Missouri. He is averaging 20 points a game early in the season.

InSIdE SportS

STL is brimming with boys’ rim talents

current Wolverines head coach Jimmy McKinney.

Abraham Nayou (Maplewood): A 6’1” junior guard who is entering his third year as a starter. He is currently averaging 29 points a game to start the season. He recently scored his 1,000th career point.

Sheek Pearson (John Burroughs): A 6’11” junior forward who is one of the top big man prospects in the state. He has already received numerous Power 4 scholarship offers.

Brandon Clemens (MICDS): A 6’1” guard who has been one of the top players in the Metro League since his freshman season. He is a talented offensive player.

Quinton Coleman (Principia): The 6’2” junior guard has emerged as a prime prospect with his athleticism and ability to score at all three levels.

Zyree Collins (St. Mary’s): A 6’0” senior guard who is one of the premier players in the state. He averaged 31 points a game as a junior and he is currently averaging more than 35 points this season.

Jimmy McKinney III (Vashon): A 6’2” sophomore guard who is one of the top young prospects in the state. He is the son of former Vashon star and

Tristan Reed (John Burroughs): A 6’9” junior forward who is a powerful force around the basket as a scorer and rebounder. He helped lead the Bombers to the Class 4 state championship game last season.

Semaj Stampley (Alton): A talented junior guard who is averaging nearly 20 points a game in leading the Redbirds to a 7-1 start to the season.

Trey Williams (Vashon): A 6’2” senior guard who has been one of the top players during the Wolverines recent run of Class 4 state championships. The talented sharpshooter has signed with Missouri State.

Luke Walsh (Vianney): The 6’2” senior guard has enjoyed a record-setting career for the Golden Griffins. The Southern Illinois recruit came out

University City senior guard Miyel Taylor (2) moves past Montgomery County’s Chase Queathem (23) during the Midwest Showdown Shootout at Ritenour High Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024. The Lions of University City lost a close contest to the Wildcats of Mongomery County 67-65.

the gate averaging close to 40 points a game, including a 50-point performance against CBC.

Jahidi White Jr.

(Chaminade) A 6’8” junior forward who is the son of former Cardinal Ritter standout and NBA player Jahidi White. He is a force

inside with his strength and athleticism. He has received several Division I scholarship offers.

Jamison White

(Chaminade): A 6’8” junior forward who is also the son of Jahidi White and an excellent Division I prospect with multiple

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Division I offers. He and his brother helped the Red Devils

Earl’s World Rickey Henderson among the best ever to play Major League Baseball, and certainly the game’s best leadoff batter,

passed away on Friday December 20, 2024 at the age of 65. Henderson was a first-ballot Hall of Famer, and retired holding MLB’s all-time ((1,406) and single season (130) stolen base records…St. Louisan Jayson Tatum joined Larry Bird in the Boston Celtics record book last Saturday night with a 43-point, 16-rebound, 10-assist triple double in a 123-98 victory over the Chicago Bulls. Bird is the only other Celtic to record a 40-point triple-double, and he had recorded three such games during his Hall of Fame career… The St. Louis area was represented well during the College Football Playoffs last weekend. Former CBC standout Jeremiyah Love of Notre Dame rushed for 108 yards and scored on a 98-yard touchdown run in the first quarter of the Irish’s 27-17 victory over Indiana. Former SLUH standout Ryan Wingo of Texas caught two passes for 23 yards in the Longhorns’ victory over Clemson…The Visitation Christmas Tournament is celebrating its 50th year as the top girls holiday event in the state of Missouri. Quarterfinal action begins on Thursday, December 26 with Cardinal Ritter vs. Columbia Hickman at 3:30 p.m., Edwardsville vs. No. 1 Incarnate Word Academy at 5 p.m., Eureka vs. Troy at 6:30 p.m. and Lift for Life vs. Visitation at 8 p.m. The semifinals will be on Friday at 6:30 and 8 p.m. The championship game will be on Saturday night at 7 p.m.

I can forgive Michael Vick, but I refuse to forget

Just before Christmas last year, my wife and I rescued a pit bull mix puppy. We named her Bella.

I was not a fan of pit bulls, and often had negative things to say about them when a person was attacked –especially a child.

Among those that told me I was incorrect in my thinking were former Kirkwood mayor Art McDonnell and his wife, Barbara. They love pit bulls and have rescued several.

Since we brought Bella, a bundle of friendly energy home, I’ve learned that I was wrong about pit bulls. If raised correctly, and not abused, they can be dandy pets. I changed my mind about the breed.

I’m having a more difficult time coming to a similar conclusion about new Norfolk State University football coach Michael Vick.

To the shock of his fans and the NFL, in 2007 Vick pleaded guilty to several federal charges for his involvement in a dog fighting ring and was sentenced to 21 months in prison.

According to sworn statements, Vick’s “Bad Newz Kennels” housed and trained over 50 pit bull dogs, staged dog fights, killed dogs, and ran a high stakes gambling ring with purses up to $26,000. The Animal Legal Defense Fund lists Vick’s case as one of the most egregious it has encountered, saying “the dogfighting activity was violent and bloody, [and] dogs were methodically tested and poor performers executed.” Vick served his time and after being released by the Atlanta Falcons recorded one of the best seasons of his career in 2009 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was named Comeback Player of the Year and selected to the Pro Bowl for a fourth time. He has been a Fox Sports football analyst for several years, and by all reports has been a model citizen. But he has blood on his hands. Dog blood. I can’t get over it. Does Vick deserve the right to coach? Yes, he certainly does. Should any convicted felon’s past eliminate them from secur-

ing a job in a chosen field of employment? No, it should not. Should I be more understanding of Vick being hired by Norfolk State? Maybe, but it’s not happening. When a television commercial comes on showing abused dogs, I immediately change the channel. It makes me sad. Honestly, it does not move me to send the ASPCA or Humane Society a contribution, but my heart strings are pulled.

I applaud when people are sentenced to jail time because of a heinous action against an animal. Vick must effectively recruit in his effort to improve the football future of the downtrodden program he inherits. Some families and players will readily welcome him into their respective homes. However, Vick’s incredibly brutal treatment of dogs will follow him into the world of football coaching. In many

Michael Vick was introduced on Monday, Dec. 23, 2024 as the new head football coach at Norfolk State University.

American’s eyes, he remains disgusting. For those who say “it’s just white people who think that” think again. This isn’t about race or an overzealous prosecution by the federal government. Vick will be judged forever by his disgusting treatment of dogs. If Vick succeeds, good for him. This dog and animal lover will never be a fan of his, though. Case closed.

The Reid Roundup Michael Penix started at quarterback for the Atlanta Falcons last Sunday after coach Raheem Morris benched Kirk Cousins. Penix became the 21st Black QB to start for an NFL team in 2024… …LeBron James broke Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s record for minutes played last Thursday. Following his 34-minute performance, James was at 57,471, surpassing Jabbar’s 57,446…How much is Steph Curry worth?

According to Sportico’s annual assessment, GSW is valued at an NBA high of $9.14 billion. The franchise is followed by the New York Knicks ($8.3B) and the L.A. Lakers ($8.07B)…Only the Dallas Cowboys at $10.3 billion have a higher valuation than the Warriors in U.S. professional sports… The Trump craziness continued last week when the president-elect nominated Herschel Walker to be U.S. Ambassador of the Bahamas…From the entire Reid family, including Bella the dog and Reuben the cat, Happy New Year!

With Earl Austin Jr.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo by Billy Schuerman / The Virginian Pilot

Jennifer Haynes to become Fed Bank SVP, general counsel

Jennifer Haynes, who was honored during the 2019 St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Young Leaders, will be promoted to senior vice president, general counsel and corporate secretary by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis effective Jan. 1, 2025. Haynes, who currently serves as vice president and deputy general counsel, was selected after a nationwide recruitment search. She served as the bank’s interim general counsel and interim corporate secretary since August.

“I am proud to be part of the St. Louis Fed and look forward to using my experience to lead our fantastic team as we help shape the future of the Bank,” Haynes said. Haynes will lead the St. Louis Fed’s Legal and Ethics division and the

Office of the Corporate Secretary. She will also be part of the St. Louis Fed’s Executive Leadership Committee, which is composed of the president, first vice president and division heads. She joined the Bank in 2012 as a senior attorney and has held positions of increasing responsibility, including serving as assistant counsel, followed by assistant vice president and associate general counsel, and finally vice president and deputy general counsel. Prior to joining the St. Louis Fed, she was an associate attorney at Lashly & Baer, P.C., in St. Louis.

She received her Bachelor of Science in political science and her Juris Doctorate from Washington University in St. Louis. In 2019, she offered

advice to future law school aspirants.

“With any decision about your education, there’s no need to rush. Make sure that you are going to law school for the right reasons. It’s really important to have a passion for the law and the legal system,” she told The American.

“If you decide to go to law school, be open minded about potential career paths—there are so many options for lawyers other than the traditional law firm environment. I often tell new lawyers: ‘try not to be intimated by your peers in the profession.’ While strides have been made to increase diversity within the profession, there is much room for improvement. I’ve been called ‘kid’ or ‘girl’ more times than I can count.

“Sit in a courtroom to observe your peers and you’ll realize that you are as, if not more, knowledgeable and qualified as they are.”

2024 CCS campaign and Divine 9 Challenge co-chairs Steven and Arica Harris, United Way of Greater St. Louis President and CEO Michelle Tucker with 2024 Divine 9 Challenge winners Delta Sigma Theta.

Divine 9 Challenge raises more than $300K

By American Staff

The United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) Charmaine Chapman Society’s (CCS) Divine 9 members raised over $320,000 through its Divine 9 Challenge, an initiative of UWGSL’s Black philanthropy efforts. The challenge among CCS members from Black fraternities and sororities in the St. Louis region provides a friendly fundraising competition. Each CCS member gives an annual donation of $1,000 or more to UWGSL that helps over 160 local nonprofits that United Way funds.

“As we celebrate the 30th anniversary of CCS, we are so happy that our local sororities and fraternities came together through this fun and exciting Divine 9 Challenge that epitomizes what CCS has always been about –uplifting the community through collective giving,” said Michelle Tucker, President and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis. “This annual friendly competition is a testament of how passionate our CCS members are about giving, and that passion leads to positive change in the lives of our neighbors in need.”

Delta Sigma Theta and

Alpha Phi Alpha led the way with Delta Sigma Theta raising $82,321.85 and Alpha Phi Alpha raising $69,762 respectively. The winners were announced last week at the Charmaine Chapman Leadership Giving Society: Our 30-Year Legacy event. Alpha Kappa Alpha came in third place with $63,622.

Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the local CCS is one of the top African American philanthropic giving groups in the nation. This year, Arica and Steven Harris served as co-chairs for the Divine 9 Challenge as well as the overall CCS campaign.

MetroLink security gates now operating at Cortex Station

MetroLink customers can now use security gates to access the platform at the Cortex MetroLink Station.

In addition to the security gates, fencing, and real-time surveillance cameras have been installed through MetroLink’s Secure Platform Plan. Members of Metro Public Safety are on location to manually operate the gates until a fare collection system is installed and integrated with the gating system.

MetroLink customers must show the security officer their valid pass or transit ticket to have them activate the gate so the customer can proceed to the MetroLink platform. Customers should allow extra time for their com-

mutes when first navigating the new gate procedure to access the MetroLink platform.

Metro Transit has completed installation of new gates and infrastructure at four MetroLink stations: Emerson Park,

Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center, Washington Park and College Stations in Illinois.

Installation of security gates and fencing is nearing completion at Forest ParkDeBaliviere, Central West End, Grand, Union Station and Civic Center, and Delmar

MetroLink Stations. The installation of Secure Platform Plan security gates and fencing at all 38 MetroLink stations will be completed by January 2026.

Jennifer Haynes

Photo courtesy of The United Way of Greater St. Louis

Living It

A joyous new nutcracker

Jazz St. Louis, Saint Louis Dance Theatre awe with adaptation of holiday classic

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

Audiences who attended the Saint Louis Dance Theatre and Jazz St. Louis presentation of “Ellington/Strayhorn Nutcracker” this weekend left filled with something even more special than the Christmas spirit. They exited the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts with a deeper understanding of what is artistically and creatively possible in the region.

The musicianship, the dancing and the production quality were top tier in every way. It was an experience that mirrored the reminder traditionally offered by the holiday season: what we cherish most tends to come from those closest to us.

The cultural richness St. Louisans have access to, during and beyond the holiday season, was gifted to all who witnessed the outcome of the stellar partnership in action through “Ellington/Strayhorn

Nutcracker”.

“This marks Jazz St. Louis’ 12th season performing this innovative score, Saint Louis Dance Theatre Artistic Director Kirven Douthit-Boyd said in the program

n It was an experience that mirrored the reminder traditionally offered by the holiday season: what we cherish most tends to come from those closest to us.

notes. “But through our collaboration, we’re reimagining the entire experience, weaving together live jazz and dance theatre in a production that celebrates both the city’s rich cultural heritage and its creative future.”

The performance was divided into two acts and began with “Sophisticated Syncopation,” holiday selections and a couple of other tunes performed by the Jazz St. Louis Septet. The group was led by President & CEO Victor Goines – who arranged nearly all of the selections. The seven musicians masterfully performed his reimaginations of traditional holiday tunes. Songs that have been standards of the season for generations felt as if listeners were hearing them for the first time.

“God is good. Life is great. I’m so thankful.”

Memphis-born rapper GloRilla after surprising Melrose High School with a $25K donation that will go toward a new library

Places to be and people to see

Tickets are going fast for the New Year’s Comedy Jam, which actually takes place on New Year’s Eve this year, at Chaifetz Arena. The show stars St. Louis’ own Cedric The Entertainer and features fellow King of Comedy D.L. Hughley, Deon Cole and Earthquake.

A New Year’s Eve Event Guide

By Zaria Mac St. Louis American

How do you plan to ring in 2025?

Regardless of your vibe, The St. Louis American has options upon options for consideration.

Jason Swagler made it clear from the opening selection with his alto saxophone riffs for “Let It Snow” that they would be serving up something well beyond even the most enjoyable run of the mill Christmas concert. “Sophisticated Syncopation” included two original tunes by Goines. “The Quiet One” gave trumpeter Danny Campbell and bassist Bernard Terry the spotlight. And “Nubian War Dance”

Tyler Perry’s fitting tribute

Netflix historical drama pays homage to unsung Black servicewomen of WWII

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

Because of its subject matter, the Christmas wish for “The Six Triple Eight” was to lead the review with “Tyler Perry having an Oscar-worthy film was not on this critic’s 2024 bingo card.”

The wish didn’t come true, but Perry still made a movie worth being proud of –one that celebrates the legacy of unsung heroes within American history. The “Hidden Figures: Armed Forces Edition” premiered on Netflix on Friday, December 20. “The Six Triple Eight” honors a historic World War II women’s corps that many history buffs have probably never heard of. They were the only all-Black women’s corps to serve in Europe. The 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion was sent there to resolve what was believed to be the insurmountable crisis of organizing and distributing mail correspondence between soldiers and their families.

Like many race-based historical dra-

mas, “The Six Triple Eight” falls into a predictable format that stretches across storylines and character arcs. There is the tough as nails, no nonsense leader. He or she is committed to making sure that the

Maybe you have loved ones in town and want to show them around the city. The “Neon Nights” celebration at Kiener Plaza will be a good fit. This family friendly event features live DJ sessions, fire dancers, and light shows starting at 4 p.m. and will culminate with a fireworks show. DowntownSTL.org reports this fireworks show will have a “monumental Arch view,” making it the perfect backdrop for family photos.

n DowntownSTL.org reports this fireworks show will have a “monumental Arch view,” making it the perfect backdrop for family photos.

For those looking for festivities with grown folks fun, there’s plenty to be had. The Casino Royale New Year’s Eve Event at 21c Museum Hotel is aiming to be the most luxurious. Festivities begin at 9 p.m. and the night will combine casino gaming with gourmet dining, live music, curated cocktails, and interactive art installations. This event is uniquely targeted toward the creative community in St. Louis. Featured artists and performers include DJ J*TR3Y, Rezz, Brock Seals, Joanna Serenko, Mercy, Alayna Lovely, a surprise house band and other special surprises from the creative lineup. For tickets, visit www.tickettailor.com/events/umojaproductions/1500663

House of Soul will be kicking off INTIMACY, their New Year’s Eve R&B Experience with DJ Homicide and DJ Kidd Boogie, at 9 p.m. The popular club and live music venue is located at 1204 Washington Avenue. The Marquee (1911 Locust Avenue) will continue its New Year’s Eve tradition by ringing in 2025 with an opportunity for club regulars to kick it in grand fashion. The party starts at 10 p.m. and will feature DJ Climate on the tables.

Jamming into 2025

If live music is more your New Year’s Eve jam, there are a few shows to choose from. Grammy nominated R&B veteran Raheem DeVaughn is performing two

Photo by Taylor Marrie | St. Louis American

Dave McCall is encouraged by Dance Theatre of Saint Louis company members during a solo for “The Nutcracker Suite” December 20th at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts. The show was presented by Jazz St. Louis and Saint Louis Dance Theatre.

group they are charged with directing is a credit to all Black people. Said leader also

Courtesy photo

Photo courtesy of Netflix

Tyler Perry’s ‘The Six Triple Eight’ is now streaming on Netflix. The film stars Kerry Washington and pays homage to the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion that served during World War II.

HOLIDAY HAPPENINGS

Thur., Dec 26, 5 p.m., Thursday Night at the Museum: Kwanzaa Celebration, Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63112. For more information, visit https://stlouis.washu.edu.

Fri., Dec. 27, 5 p.m., Afro World Kwanzaa Celebration, Voices of Kuijchagulia – an evening dedicated to self-expression hosted by Nicole Adewale Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge Road. Call 314-389-5194 or visit www.afroworld.com.

Sat., Dec. 28, 10 a.m. The Saint Louis Art Museum and the St. Louis Metropolitan Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. present their annual Kwanzaa Celebration. The 2024 theme is “Abakobwa ni Abanyembaraga: Limitless Power and Potential.” Saint Louis Art Museum. For more information, visit slam.org.

Dec. 29, 7:30 p.m., An Eric Roberson Holiday Tour, City Winery STL, 3730 Foundry Way, Suite 158. For more information, visit citywinery.com.

Through Dec. 29, Commerce Bank presents Wild Lights at The St. Louis Zoo. For more information, visit stlzoo.org/ wildlights.

Through Dec. 30, 4:30 p.m. The Polar Express Train Ride, Union Station St. Louis, 201 S.18th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit https://www.stlpolarexpressride.com.

Through Dec. 31, 11 a.m. The Sleigh Shed: Holiday Pop Up Restaurant Experience, Union Station St. Louis, 201 S.18th Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. For

STL Sites & Sounds

more information, visit www. trainshed-stl.com.

Through Dec. 31, Gateway Arch Park Foundation presents Winterfest, Kiener Plaza. For tickets or additional information, visit archpark.org.

CONCERTS

Fri., Dec. 27, 7 p.m. Juvenile & The 400 Degreez Band, The Factory, 17105 North Outer 40 Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63005. For more information, visit www.thefactorystl.com.

Mon., Dec. 30 – Tues., Dec. 31, Raheem DeVaughn, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63110.Various showtimes available. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Fri., Jan 31, 7:30 p.m. Beethoven X Beyoncé, Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www.stifeltheatre.com.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Thurs., Dec. 26, 10 a.m. Clash for the Crown: Celebrating Chess Champions, World Chess Hall of Fame, 4652 Maryland Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit https:// explorestlouis.com.

Through Jan 20, 9:30 a.m. Alma’s Way: Welcome to my Neighborhood!, The Magic House, 516 S Kirkwood Rd. St. Louis, MO 63122. An immersive experience for children. For more information, visit www. magichouse.org.

Tues. Dec. 31, 7:30 p.m., New Years Eve 2025 w/ The Dirty Muggs, Clayton Plaza Hotel,

7750 Carondelet Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105. For more information, visit www.eventbrite. com

COMEDY

Fri., Dec. 27 - Dec. 29, 7 p.m.,

Special Event: Chico Bean, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit, https://st-louis.heliumcomedy.com

Tues., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., New Year’s Comedy Jam starring Cedric The Entertainer, Deon Cole, D.L. Hughley, Earthquake and Michael Blackson, Chaifetz Arena.

Tues., Dec 31, 8 p.m., Special Event: New Year’s Eve with Alonzo Bodden, Helium Comedy Club, 1151 St. Louis Galleria

Street, St. Louis, MO 63117. For more information, visit https:// st-louis.heliumcomedy.com.

ST. LOUIS MUSIC SPOTLIGHT

Fri., Dec 27, 7:30 p.m. Tribute To Miles Davis: 65 Years Of Kind Of Blue, City Winery, 3730 Foundry Way, St. Louis, MO 63113. For more information, visit https://citywinery.com.

Sat., Dec. 28, 7 p.m. Jamo presents: Sir Eddie C and Friends III, Atomic by Jamo 4140 Manchester Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, visit www.ticketweb.com

Sat., Dec. 28, 8 p.m., Dr. Zhivegas, performing the music of Prince and the Revolution,

Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112. For more information, visit https://explorestlouis.com

THEATRE

Wed., Jan, 8 - Jan. 9, 7 p.m., Chicken and Biscuits by Douglas Lyons, The Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., Saint Louis, MO. For more information, visit www.theblackrep.org

Fri., Jan 10 - 11, 7 p.m., A New Line Cabaret VI: Broadway Noir, The Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

ART

Through Feb. 9, 2025, Great Rivers Biennial featuring Saj Issa, Basil Kincaid and Ronald Young, Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd., St. Louis MO 63108. For more information visit www. cam-stl.org.

Through Feb. 16, 2025, Saint Louis Art Museum presents Narrative Wisdom and African Arts, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Through Apr. 13, 2025, Saint Louis Art Museum presents Federal Art Project 1935-1945, Saint Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive, St. Louis MO 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Through Jun. 30, 2025, Pop Stars! Popular Culture and Contemporary Art, 21C Museum Hotel St. Louis, 1528 Locus Street, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more information, visit www.21cmuseumhotels.com

shows at City Winery.

“I love St. Louis, can’t you tell,” DeVaughn told The American back in March ahead of his performance at Stifel Theatre.

DeVaughn is a familiar face in St. Louis, often performing in our city at least twice a year. St. Louis music fans have high expectations, but he has proven himself to be a true crowd pleaser over the years.

“I try to be true and authentic to what it is I like to hear or see,” DeVaughn said. “I keep that in mind with everything I do –whether it’s making music or performing on stage. If I can’t enjoy it, then I don’t think the people are going to like it.”

He’ll also perform two shows on December 30 in case you want to catch him live, but are booked and busy for December 31st. Visit citywinery.com for tickets.

Victor Goines & Friends will be swinging into the

Jazz STL

Continued from C1

showcased the power and intensity of the African drum in an orchestrated contrast between the brass instruments and Goines on bells that had the fervency of a storefront church revival.

Best in show for act one was “The Little Drummer Band.” Goines took “The Little Drummer Boy,” and stylized the tune to resemble music of his native New Orleans. With a second line groove, the Jazz St. Louis version allows the bass, piano and horns to carry the rhythm and pace while the drums are given center stage.

“Sophisticated Syncopation” featured a few sequences, but the full dance experience was reserved for act two’s “Gaslight Dreams.”

This portion of the production also featured them dancing to Ellington and Strayhorn’s “The Nutcracker Suite” performed by the Jazz St. Louis Big Band.

“‘The Nutcracker,’ as reimagined by Duke Ellington and Billy Strayhorn, is a true masterpiece that seamlessly blends the clas-

Film

Continued from C1

sets out to prove what everyone already knows to be true – the group is beyond capable of achieving the impossible. That is because the generational legacy of being Black in America is being able to accomplish so much, with so little, for so long– while dodging systemic barriers designed to ensure failure. Within the group is a person trying to find their way, who has joined the others after a life-altering event – or because they have something to prove (sometimes to themselves, but mostly to the leader). There is the rebel. There is the voice of reason. There is the uncultured bumpkin. There is the uppity person who looks down on the bumpkin. There is the emotional support human. There is also the white-presenting biracial or Black person, because…well they existed. Sometimes these characters are composites, depending on the size of the cast. They draw upon their strengths and conquer their weaknesses in the name of completing the task that those who assigned them

new year with two shows at Jazz St. Louis’ Steward Center. They will be performing classic standards and a few originals. Tickets are available at jazzstl.

org The Dirty Muggs, a favorite among homegrown bands, will be in concert at the Clayton Hotel at 7:30. The black tie event includes an open bar and discounted rates on room and St. Louis legend DJ Charlie Chan on the ones and twos. Tickets can be purchased through www. stubhub.com

The last laugh

One of the biggest festivities, which has also become a tradition of sorts, allows revelers to cackle their way into the new year.

St. Louis native, and King of Comedy, Cedric The Entertainer will be headlining this year’s New Year’s Comedy Jam at Chaifetz Arena. The show starts at 8 p.m. on December 31st. He will be joined by fellow King of Comedy D.L. Hughley, Deon Cole and Earthquake. “I’m St. Louis’ own,”

sic Tchaikovsky score with the vibrant sounds of jazz,” Goines said. “This innovative interpretation captures the essence of the holiday season while showcasing the creative genius of two jazz legends.”

While he was referring to Ellington and Strayhorn, the same words could apply to Goines and Douthit-Boyd for their take on “The Nutcracker Suite.”

Fictionally set in a Gaslight Square nightclub at the height of the entertainment district’s popularity, the pair take creative liberties to celebrate Strayhorn’s courage to live out loud as an openly gay Black man – and his regularly unsung contributions to jazz music. “This story resonates with me personally, yet speaks to a universal truth,” Douthit-Boyd said. “Love transforms us.”

Dave McCall is spectacular in their portrayal of Stray. They wowed audiences with powerful leaps, kicks and extensions. But McCall was also keenly aware of the subtle nuances between the big moments that keep viewers fully engaged – as opposed to waiting for the next big burst. This is a common thread in Douthit-Boyd’s choreography. The entire company was up for his challenge, but McCall

never believed could be done. There is a moment where someone in the cast –usually the rebel, or the leader – rises up against the naysayers’ authority. A lightbulb goes off among others within the authority group. They find themselves aware of racist systems that have existed for centuries after a lifetime of blissful ignorance.

Viewers know the mission will be accomplished from the very beginning, but still feel good about seeing it through.

“The Six Triple Eight” doesn’t deviate from the format, but it is an anomaly within Perry’s filmography in that it was inspired by something other than his imagination. He wrote and directed the film, which was inspired by “Fighting a Two-Front War,” a WWII History magazine article by Kevin M.Hymel. The story details the contributions of the 6888th Central Postal Directory Battalion, an all-Black and all-female battalion. It labors in the beginning by wasting too much time with a backstory for one of the central characters. But by the film’s end, one can’t help but be inspired. Especially by the epilogue that gives flowers to the real-life sheroes that

Cedric told The American last year ahead of a book signing and discussion for his critically acclaimed debut novel Flipping Boxcars. “It’s always good to come home and share what you do with the people who supported you first.” Visit https://www.boxofficeticketsales.com/ for more information on the comedy show.

In St. Louis, the love for Cedric goes beyond the stage because he continues to give back through a variety of platforms. His benefit shows for SSM St. Mary’s Health eventually led to the Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion. He regularly presents scholarships and facilitates other philanthropic efforts through The Kyles Family Foundation.

If you miss his act, Cedric is ending his night at the Ignite 2025: New Year’s Eve Party at Live by Loews. The party goes from 7 p.m. until 1 a.m. More details about the party can be found at https:// www.loewshotels.com/ live-by-loews-st-louis-missouri/discover/happenings

and Keenan Fletcher were able to demonstrate their mastery of the work when they performed together as Stray and his love interest Femi. Demetrius Lee, Arpege Lundyn, Jada Vaughan and Jessie Yero were just a few of the dancers to inspire awe with their solo performances.

Another creative liberty by Douthit-Boyd gave company member Nyna Moore the opportunity to shine by incorporating a St. Louis treasure who became an international icon. Moore was charged with embodying Josephine Baker during “Gaslight Dreams.” She captured Baker’s sultry magnetism – particularly during the performance of “Sugar Rum Cherry,” a seductive, pulsating take on Tchaikovsky’s “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy.” With every bop of Moore’s hips, she employed the blueprint Baker created to make herself the first global pop music star – one that is still followed more than a century after she left Mill Creek Valley to become a star. Like Baker, Douthit-Boyd and Goines’ have operated in their respective gifts to produce art in St. Louis that deserves to be seen by the whole world.

“The Six Triple Eight” portrays.

There are also moments where Perry’s direction gives an unexpected twist in emotionally charged scenes that give an element of surprise and maximize the connection with the audience.

The ensemble film stars Kerry Washington, Ebony Obsidian, Milauna Jackson, Kylie Jefferson, Shanice Shantay, Sarah Jeffery, Pepi Sonuga, Moriah Brown, Greg Sulkin and Dean Norris. Susan Sarandon, Sam Waterston and Oprah Winfrey make cameo appearances as high-profile historical figures.

Washington leads a cast of relatively unknowns, aside from the brief appearances from A-listers. Her southern drawl isn’t very convincing, but she still gets to the heart of Major Charity Adams. She and Milauna Jackson, who portrays Captain Noel Campbell, display enough chemistry to keep viewers engaged – and draw the potential from their young co-stars.

“The Six Triple Eight” is now streaming on Netflix. The film is rated PG-13 with a running time of 127 minutes.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and

New Year, New Adventure

Be part of the Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour when it comes to Enterprise Center January 4.

By Barry Draper

Astounding athletic feats, side-splitting stage performances, captivating ice-carving demonstrations, new musical journeys –these electrifying events and more will help you start the new year on the right note.

For more ways to fill your 2025 calendar, visit explorestlouis.com.

Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour

January 4

Touring more than 400 cities in more than 25 countries, the Harlem Globetrotters are the world’s basketball team. Every game spotlights some of the best athletes on the planet, who awe audiences with ball-handling wizardry, rim-rattling dunks and the famous four-point shot. The team also levels up their games with new, exciting challenges, shots and moves. Be part of the Harlem Globetrotters 2025 World Tour when it comes to Enterprise Center.

Chicken and Biscuits

January 8 to 26

Brass Band will bring their high-energy show to City Winery this January. Expect infectious originals and creative covers from the genre-bending group, who draw inspiration from the Neville Brothers, Prince, WuTang Clan, Willie Nelson and everyone in between. During the performance, savor tapas-style dishes and house-fermented wines from the venue at City Foundry.

Monster Jam January 18 and 19

Nothing is sacred in this laughout-loud comedy, presented by The Black Rep at Washington University in St. Louis. When rival sisters Beverly and Baneatta bring the drama to their father’s funeral – God rest his soul –the side eyes aren’t just for each other. As Beverly tries to keep a lid on her daughter’s curiosity, Baneatta throws shade at her son and his Jewish boyfriend. In the middle of it all, a family secret is revealed that will have you clutching your pearls.

St. Louis Auto Show

January 9 to 12

Experience the adrenaline rush of high-performance cars at the St. Louis Auto Show. From Jan. 9 to 12, you can discover the power, precision and unmatched speed of the latest models, right on the show floor. Bring the whole family to enjoy the interactive exhibits, hands-on activities and thrilling attractions at America’s Center Convention Complex.

Funky Butt Brass Band

January 16

Straight out of St. Louis, Funky Butt

Experiencing Monster Jam live, you’ll become a fan for life! With astounding trucks, amazing stunts, action-packed excitement and big air, it’s the definition of fun for everyone. When Monster Jam returns to The Dome at America’s Center on Jan. 18 and 19, you can see 12,000-pound trucks stand on two wheels and then fly through the air. You’ll be in the middle of the action, as you get to score the drivers in real time based on their skills, stunts and saves. Loop Ice Carnival January 25

During the annual Loop Ice Carnival, the neighborhood streets will come alive with captivating ice-carving demonstrations, enchanting ice sculptures and astounding drone shows. Throughout the festival, you can also embark on a playful scavenger hunt and meet Louie, the lovable mascot of the St. Louis Blues. More than a frozen spectacle, the Loop Ice Carnival is a celebration of the winter season and local community spirit.

Beethoven X Beyoncé January 31

Experience a thrilling blend of pop’s queen and classical music’s king as Beyoncé’s iconic repertoire is seamlessly interwoven with Beethoven’s Seventh Symphony. The symphonic world’s most joyful celebration of dance becomes the backdrop for this innovative fusion as 15 of Beyoncé’s chart-topping hits are seamlessly interwoven to create a new musical journey. Prepare to be mesmerized as three powerhouse female soloists –accompanied by a guest drummer, guitarist/keyboardist and bassist – join forces with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra to deliver a night of musical magic.

Columnist Barry Draper

Visitors Commission

LETTING #8784

RENOVATIONS

TO FIELDHOUSE

AT FOX PARK ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

Electronically sealed bids will be received by the Board of Public Service through the Bid Express Online Portal at https://www. bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home?agency=true

Proposals must be submitted before 1:45 PM, St. Louis Time, on Tuesday, JANUARY 28, 2025. The proposals will then be publicly opened and read. The bidder must pay $50 to submit a bid through the Bid Express service. Monthly subscriptions are available.

Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined online through Bid Express at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home?agency=true and may be downloaded for free.

An optional pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held at the Fox Park Fieldhouse 2716 Shenandoah Ave, Saint Louis, MO 63104 on January 7, 2025, at 10:00 AM. All bidders are strongly encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting.

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

The right of the Board of Public Service to reject any or all bids is expressly reserved.

INVITATION TO BID

E.M. Harris Construction Company (EMH) seeks subcontractor bids for Washington Apartments, located at 600 Kingshighway Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Scope of work involves renovation of one 7-story building, comprising 99 apartment units, including, but not limited to, sitework, selective demolition, abatement, concrete, roofing and sheet metal, fire protection, plumbing, HVAC, electrical, carpentry, drywall, flooring, painting, specialties, appliances, cabinets, countertops, and window treatments. Minority and Women Business Enterprises and Section 3 Businesses are strongly encouraged to bid. All workers must be OSHA 10 certified. EMH is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Project plans & specifications are available for viewing online through an invitation to bid (email request to bidassist@emharris. com or call 314-436-4426). All bids due to EMH office by 5 pm, Friday, January 17, 2025.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL ENGINEERING SERVICES FOR RIVER DES PERES BOULEVARD IMPROVEMENTS – GRAVOIS TO LANSDOWNE, PROJECT NO. STBG-5401(726). Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, January 17, 2025 through the Bid Express online portal at https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home? agency=true. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/ public-service/, under BPS RFQ and RFP Announcement, or email Board of Public Service at bryanth@stlouis-mo.gov 10% DBE participation goals.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT

your Job Opportunity or to place a

FOR QUALIFICATIONS

For Photography and Videography Services St. Louis Development Corporation will receive responses until 4:00 pm January 17, 2025. For more Info. Visit https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/sldc/procurement/ rfp-for-photography-and-videographyservices.cfm

The City of St. Louis Department of Health seeks proposals from organizations that can demonstrate expertise and capacity to provide and/or facilitate access to prescription eyeglasses and eye examinations for persons living with HIV/ AIDS. These funds are available through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, Part A. Request for Proposals may be obtained beginning Monday, December 09, 2024, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/ health/documents/procurement/rw-efa-eyeglasses.cf m. Contact: Sylvia JacksonBell for questions at DOHGA@stlouis-mo.gov, or (314) 657-1581 (email preferred).

The deadline for submitting proposals is Tuesday, January 21, 2025, by 4:00 pm via email at DOHGA@stlouis-mo.gov. Respondents must submit an application via one email with a clearly marked subject heading of “RFP – RYAN WHITE MEDICAL CASE MANAGEMENT” and only in standard (8 x 11-inch letter sized) page size in both Microsoft Word and PDF formats. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any and all responses with or without cause.

The City of St. Louis Department of Health seeks proposals from organizations to provide medical case management for persons living with HIV (PLWH). These funds are available through the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009, Part A. Request for Proposals may be obtained beginning Monday, December 09, 2024, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/ health/documents/procurement/rw-medical-case-ma nagement-rfp.cfm. Contact: Sylvia JacksonBell for questions @ DOHGA @stlouis-mo.gov, or (314) 657-1581 (email preferred).

The deadline for submitting proposals is Tuesday, January 21, 2025, by 4:00 pm via email at DOHGA@stlouis-mo.gov. Respondents must submit an application via one email with a clearly marked subject heading of “RFP – RYAN WHITE EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE – PRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES” and only on a standard (8 x 11-inch letter sized) page size in both Microsoft Word and PDF formats. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any and all responses with or without cause. ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP EMERGENCY FINANCIAL ASSISTANCEPRESCRIPTION EYEGLASSES

CONFLUENCE ACADEMY

SUMMARY STATEMENT

Confluence Academy LEA recently received an unmodified opinion on an audit of the district’s Financial Statements for the fiscal year that ended June 30, 2024. The areas covered under the audits, were accounting of financial statements, compliance with state law and compliance with laws governing federal programs.

An unmodified opinion is the best opinion any organization can receive. CliftonLarsonAllen, LLP performed the audit.

The report states, in part “in our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the organization as of June 30, 2024, and the changes in its net assets and its cash flows for the year then ended, in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.”

Confluence Academy LEA uses three major funds to account for its financial activity — the general fund, teachers’ fund, and capital projects fund.

Among all three funds, the report states that Confluence Academy LEA had total revenue of $57,109,235 for the 2024 fiscal year compared to $70,520,452 in fiscal year 2023. 2024 revenues by fund were $31,478,922 for the general fund, $25,630,313 for the teachers’ fund and $0 for the capital projects fund.

The report shows that general revenues accounted for $38,692,747 in revenue or 68% of all revenues. Program specific revenues in the form of operating grants and contributions accounted for $18,416,490 or 32% of total revenues.

The LEA had $58,974,131 of expenditures in fiscal 2024 compared with $52,879,724 in fiscal 2023.

The auditors report showed in total, net assets have decreased by $1,864,894 for total net assets of $20,233,289 at fiscal year ended 2024.

The report shows balances for the general, teachers’ and capital projects funds totaled $13,876,414, $0, and $175,584 for a total governmental funds balance of $14,051,998 at fiscal year ended 2024.

The audit report can be viewed online by visiting www.confluenceacademy.org and clicking on the Information/ Financial Reports/Audit link.

LETTING NO. 8783

CONCRETE & BRICK REMOVAL/REPLACEMENT AND COMPLETE SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT; PROJECT NO. SP-124

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on January 28, 2025, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using the “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home. The bidder must pay $50 to submit a bid through the Bid Express service. Monthly subscriptions are available. Plans and Specifications may be examined using the Bid Express Online Portal as well and may be downloaded for free.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on January 7, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. The prebid conference will be held in Room 325 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103. NOTE: Contractors that attended the pre-bid meeting for SP-121 (Letting 8780), SP-122 (Letting 8781), or SP-123 (Letting 8782) are eligible to bid without attending this meeting.

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).

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

> Doing Business With Us

> View Bid Opportunities

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

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. “We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Dr. Martin Luther King

Jr., spoke twice beneath the roof of the historic Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church.

Decades later, the roof which has faithfully protected faith leaders, worshipers and community icons, needs replacement.

Leaks have caused extensive water damage to the interior sanctuary and Pastor Donnie Robinson is reaching out to the St. Louis community with a call to action and request for help.

“We are working to raise $500,000 to replace the roof and address damages to the upper sanctuary of the church,” said Robinson.

“Our numbers are growing but not fast enough to out-pace the water damage being done to the church. Our membership is still not back to pre-COVID numbers, and the damage is more extensive than we can handle now.”

The church, located at Washington and Compton Avenues, is also seeking state and federal funding.

Washington Tabernacle survived a devastating fire in 1945, and the congregation rebuilt the church and rededicated the building in 1948. “We have successfully weathered many storms,” said Robinson.

Religion Washington Tabernacle

Known as the “Friendly Church,” it conducts food drives, stocks food pantries, provides food for community members in need on many Saturdays, and has been a cultural center hosting plays, concerts, and music school programs.

It has served as a gathering place for Boy Scout troops, health fairs, gang summits, and its members have organized transportation to polls, and Black history programs.

The church has also been an education center offering academic workshops and financial assistance to students across the metropolitan area through the John E. and Reginal S. Nance Scholarship Fund.

For 122 years, this great church has celebrated a rich legacy of inspiring leadership and service to the community.

“Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke from this pulpit twice. A. Phillip Randolph held strategy sessions from here, and Sara Newton Cohran, wife to our first pastor, organized the St. Louis Colored Orphan’s Home – now known as the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center,” said Robinson.”

The church was designed by St. Louis architect, C. K. Ramsey, and construction ran from 1876-79.

To put its age in per-

Annual grants are intended to preserve historic Black houses of worship—either with active congregations and non-active congregations—and advance ongoing preservation activities while strengthening capacity for historic congregations and preservation and community organizations to steward, manage, and better utilize their historic structures.

Grants range from $50,000 to $500,000. Applicants may apply for one of five Project Categories: Capital Projects, Endowment and Financial Sustainability, Organizational Capacity and Operations, Programming and Interpretation, or Project Planning.

For this grant, eligible applicants are entities representing Historic Black Churches, which are defined as:

spective, the Battle of the Little Big Horn took place while the church was being built.

Listed as a St. Louis Landmark in 1984, the Gothic-Victorian vernacular cross-form church was built of rusticated limestone blocks for the “Washington and Compton Avenue Presbyterian Church.”

In 1926, the building was purchased by the “Washington Tabernacle Baptist Church.”

The church has been home to many leaders in the African American community who have demonstrated significant

achievement and was the chosen site of two King appearances in St. Louis.

He spoke at a civil rights rally on May 28, 1963, two months before the March on Washington.

“In commemoration of the 122 years the church has worked in this community, we invite the greater St. Louis community to support The Powered Preservation Project and help us preserve this historic community treasure by donating $122,” requests Robinson

To support the Washington Tabernacle initiative, please visit Givelify at https://giv.li/0Kcp2n. or

mail a contribution to the church at 3200 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103.

The church asks the contributors to note:“The Powered Preservation Project” in the memo section of a check and any correspondence.

Grants are available

Washington Tabernacle and other Black churches are eligible for grants through the Preserving Black Churches project of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund at the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

Religious historic buildings built and erected by Black congregations and continuously occupied by active Black congregations. Buildings must be no less than 50 years old.

Religious historic buildings designed and/or constructed by Black architects/builders, currently occupied by active Black congregations, or repurposed for Arts, Culture, Community, and Social Justice programs. Buildings must be no less than 50 years old. Religious historic buildings not originally built by or for Black congregations, but continuously occupied by an active Black congregation for at least 50 years.

Photo courtesy of Washington Tabernacle MBC

JANUARY

1 - U.S. Congressman Emmanuel Cleaver delivers the keynote address during the 161st Annual Emancipation Proclamation Celebration at Greater Mt. Carmel Baptist Church.

2 – Harvard University president Claudine Gay announces her resignation following a contentious house hearing on antisemitism and allegations of plagiarism in her earlier academic career.

4 - Kevin M. Jones, St. Louis American COO, passes at age 57. A 31-year employee of the St. Louis American and for many years its chief operating officer, was an honors graduate of St. Louis University High School and also graduated with honors from the University of Missouri –Columbia School of Journalism.

6 - The 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Kickoff held at Harris-Stowe State University the 2024 theme was “Keeping the Dream Alive: It Starts With Me.”

13 - The March on Washington for Gaza takes place on the 100th day since the start of the Israel–Hamas war, attracting over 100,000 protestors.

15 - The St. Louis community honored Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. over an event-packed MLK Weekend, culminating with the 55th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration at City Hall. The Civic Interfaith Service theme was “Keeping the Dream Alive for the Next Generation.”

16 - Lincoln University President John B. Mosely is placed on administrative leave amid accusations of bullying from the late former vice president for student affairs, who took her life on Jan. 8.

18 - Dr. Ilyasah Shabazz, daughter of civil and social rights icon Malcolm X shared a glimpse into her family’s lives as activists during the 12th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Tribute, hosted by SLU and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

21 -A dual SLSO premiere of the Aaron Diehl Trio and of Mary Lou Williams’ Zodiac Suite, her 1945 blending of jazz and classical music that Diehl revived

2024: A Year in Review • 2

FEBRUARY 11 - Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers 25–22 in overtime at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

with a new recording last year at the Touhill Performing Arts Center.

25 - “Literacy for the Lou,” St. Louis Public Schools’ citywide effort to increase and improve literacy among St. Louis’ children is announced at Mullanphy Elementary School.

26 – A jury awards E. Jean Carroll $83.3 million after finding Donald Trump guilty of defamation.

28 - An Iranian backed militant group launches a drone attack on a US base in Jordan, killing three and wounding forty-seven. The US launches several missiles at Iraq and Syria in retaliation.

30 - Congresswoman Cori Bush confirms

that the Department of Justice is investigating her campaign spending on security. She calls allegations “baseless.”

FEBRUARY

7 - St. Louis Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore filed a motion with the 22nd Judicial Circuit Court seeking to vacate the murder conviction of Christopher Dunn, 54, for the fatal shooting of 15-year-old Ricco Rogers on May 18, 1990, in the Wells-Goodfellow neighborhood.

8 – Descendants of St. Louis University Enslaved DSLUE announces that the estimated value of wealth acquired from slave labor by the university is worth $361

million to $70 billion and that it will seek reparative and restorative justice.

10 - MSNBC host and bestselling author Joy-Ann Reid speaks at Shalom Church City of Peace in a conversation with Carol Daniel of Nine PBS,

11 - Led by quarterback Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs win Super Bowl LVIII against the San Francisco 49ers 25–22 in overtime at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas.

14 - One person is killed and at least nine are injured after a mass shooting during the Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII championship parade at Union Station in Kansas City, Missouri.

20 - Legendary actor and artist Billy Dee Williams shared his talent, wisdom, wit, and smooth voice with a jam-packed audience at the Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade.

23 - The IN UNISON Chorus and St. Louis Symphony perform the annual “Lift Every Voice” Black History Month concert. A merging of sounds as homage to the diversity and genius within Black music was a theme of sorts for the performance – which featured Grammy winning gospel artist BeBe Winans.

26 - Nearly 100 Missouri Bus drivers called off sick after diesel mechanic Amin Mitchell found a noose near his work station a day after having an argument with his manager.

While delivering the keynote address for the ninth Webster University DEI Conference on Feb. 26, 2024, Children’s Defense Fund President and CEO Starsky Wilson said “10 years ago I was radicalized by young people in Ferguson.”

28 - St. Louis community leaders who were honored during the St. Louis African American Heritage Celebration in the City Hall Rotunda were presented with facsimiles of the 1928 Articles of Incorporation of The St. Louis American newspaper.

MARCH

1 – Iowa’s Caitlin Clark scores point number 3,685, surpassing Pete Maravich.

7 – President Biden delivers his third State of the Union Address.

9/14 - 314 Day festivities celebrate all things St. Louis. Local businesses and organizations join together to present a variety of events, celebrations, and special

2024: A Year in Review • 3

deals highlighting local makers, musicians, artists, businesses, organizations, and neighborhoods that are #STLMade.

13 – The United States deploys a Marine Corps Security Force Regiment platoon to secure the U.S. embassy complex in Port-

au-Prince, Haiti amid the ongoing gang war crisis in the country.

18 - Congresswoman Cori Bush is endorsed by the Congressional Black Caucus PAC (CBCPAC) in her bid to remain Missouri’s First Congressional District

representative against St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell

19 - Former Mississippi sheriff’s deputy Hunter Edward is sentenced to 20 years for his role in torturing two African-American men in January 2023.

March 7 – President Biden delivers his third State of the Union Address.

2024: A Year in Review • 4

June 17/19 – Juneteenth celebrations are held throughout the St. Louis region, including a recognition at the Freedom Suits Monument Plaza at the Civil Courts Building downtown.

21

- Viola “Mother” Fletcher, the oldest living survivor of the Tulsa Race Massacre, said “Don’t let them bury my story,” during an appearance at Southern Illinois University – Edwardsville.

26 - The Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore partially collapses after a Singaporean cargo ship strikes it. Six people are reported missing and presumed dead.

27 – The James S. McDonnell Foundation, a leader in global research support and philanthropy, announced it will focus all resources and expertise on St. Louis.

31 – Millions of AT&T customers are affected by a data breach that leaked onto the dark web.

6 - The Saint Louis University women’s basketball team won the WNIT Championship with a 69-50 win over Minnesota at the First Community Arena on the campus of SIU-Edwardsville.

7 - Led by coach Dawn Staley, South Carolina wins the national championship to complete its 38–0 season. It is the 10th perfect season in NCAA women’s basketball history.

8 - A total solar eclipse is viewable in the central and northeastern US, including Missouri and Illinois.

9 - James and Jennifer Crumbley, parents of convicted Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley, are each sentenced to 10–15 years in prison after being found guilty of involuntary manslaughter.

2 –In the Francis Howell School District and throughout the area, conservative school board candidates were trounced, and right-wing agendas were rebuked.

10 - An appreciation of Black doulas and calls to find solutions for the disparity in Black maternal deaths kicked off the St. Louis City Department of Health’s weeklong celebration of Black Maternal Health Week.

11 – In a wide-ranging interview with the American’s Sylester Brown, Congresswoman Cori Bush discussed her condemnation of the Isarel-Hamas war, the slaughter of Palestinian innocents, and her race against Wesley Bell

15 - St. Louis Circuit Judge Joseph Whyte awarded nearly $23.5 million to former police officer Luther Hall, who was beaten by colleagues while working undercover during a protest in 2017.

After succeeding the Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rainbow Push president and CEO, Pastor Frederick Haynes III abruptly resigned. He cited personal reflection and ongoing challenges.

17 - Students at Columbia University begin a pro-Palestinian occupation protest on campus. Hundreds are arrested, and the protesters are accused of antisemitism.

23 – During a press conference at Better

Family Life, Inc., Mayor Tishaura Jones laid out specific investments in neighborhood stabilization; housing, construction, and rehabilitation; economic development; enhanced public services; early childhood education, small business development.

25 – Michael McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis president and CEO, announces that the Centene Corporation is donating its Ferguson call center to the Urban League. Valued at $25 million, McMillan said it is the single largest item donated to any particular Urban League [affiliate] in its 114-year history.

The NFL Draft is held in Detroit with the Chicago Bears taking former USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first overall pick.

27 – Members of the Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni announce during a bi-weekly protest outside an urgent care center at Jefferson and Cass that August 8, 2024, court date had been set in St. Louis County in regard to a copyright infringement lawsuit filed against developer Payl

McKee.

29 - A Powerball jackpot of $1.3 billion is won by a Laotian immigrant battling cancer.

30 - Donald Trump is fined $9,000 for contempt of court in New York, and a judge threatens him with jail if he continues to violate his gag order.

MAY

1 - The United Methodist Church votes 692–51 to repeal a longstanding ban on LGBTQ clergy. The vote also forbids superintendents from forbidding a samesex wedding.

8 - A statue of the late African American civil rights leader Daisy Bates is unveiled at the U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C., representing the state of Arkansas.

The White House announces that President Joe Biden will award a Presidential Medal of Freedom, the nation’s highest civilian honor, to the late civil rights icon Medgar Wiley Evers. A white supremacist assassinated Evers on June 12, 1963, outside his home.

10 – The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis celebrated the opening of its greenhouse and hydroponic units - The George Washington Carver Urban Farming project

2024: A Year in Review • 5

June 30 – Christopher Dunn leaves the Mel Carnahan Courthouse as a free man after serving 34 years on a discredited murder conviction. “If I hold on to the past, I will never be able to move forward,” he said, with his wife Kira by his side.

Because of a powerful solar storm, the Northern Lights are visible in the St. Louis area and farther south.

13 - Flint W. Fowler, who guided Boys & Girls Club of Greater St. Louis from one city location in 1996 to 11 sites throughout the region serving 14,000 youths, announced that he will retire at the close

of 2024.

14 - Prince George’s County Executive Angela Alsobrooks won the Democratic nomination for U.S. Senate in a tight race with U.S. Rep. Dennis Trone. She will defeat Larry Hogan, Maryland’s former governor, on Nov. 5 to become the first Black Senator from Maryland.

21 - St. Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser began taking testimony Tuesday May 21, 2024, in a hearing on a motion to vacate Christopher Dunn’s conviction in the May 1990 murder of Ricco Rogers.

24 - Two Americans, including the daughter of Missouri state Sen. Ben Baker, are killed by gangs while doing missionary work in Haiti.

30 – Donald Trump is found guilty of 34 counts of falsifying business records in his New York hush money trial, making him the first president to be ever convicted of a felony

31 – Cori Bush announced a $750,000 federal outlay for renovations of capital improvements of the Urban League Plaza, just east of the Urban League headquarters.

JUNE

3 - Established by Black women, the Fearless Fund absorbed a legal setback when a federal appeals court in Georgia ruled against its grant program for Black female entrepreneurs, calling it discriminatory.

8 - St. Louis’ own David Steward, a philanthropist, investor, and owner of World Wide Technology, and his son, David Steward, II, a film producer, and Academy Award winner, received 2024 Youth Empowerment Awards during the Eta Boulé Foundation benefit concert at the historic Sheldon Concert Hall

2024: A Year in Review • 6

10

- President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris hosted a Juneteenth celebration at the White House which included a concert to commemorate the upcoming federal holiday on June 17, 2024.

11 - Hunter Biden is convicted of three felony counts of possession of a firearm while under the influence of narcotics.

12 - The Oklahoma Supreme Court dismisses a lawsuit by the last survivors of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre who were seeking reparations.

17 – Led by St. Louisan Jayson Tatum, the Boston Celtics defeat the Dallas Mavericks in five games, winning their 18th overall NBA championship.

17/19 – Juneteenth celebrations are held throughout the St. Louis region, including a recognition at the Freedom Suits Monument Plaza at the Civil Courts Building downtown.

18 – Maryland Gov. Wes Moore pardons over 175,000 people with low-level marijuana convictions.

19 – Kathy’s Kitchen opens a second location, the newest in the R&R Marketplace in Dellwood.

20 – The St. Louis American was honored with the John Brown Russwurm Award for the 15th time since 1995 during the National Newspaper Publishers ‘Messenger Awards’ ceremony at the annual convention in Baltimore, one of 12 awards. The American also won first place in the Newspaper Excellence – John H. Sengstacke Award competition; Layout & Design (Broadsheet) and Entertainment (Living It sections).

Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a St. Louis area native, delivered the keynote address during the St. Louis County Annual Freedom Fund Dinner.

22 - Frankie Beverly and Maze perform in concert at the Enterprise Center. It would be Beverly’s final performance in

4 – At least 24 people were shot in 16 different locations in the St. Louis area during the Fourth of July weekend.

13 – Donald Trump is shot in an assassination attempt at a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, receiving minor injuries. The suspect was killed, and a member of the audience was killed.

Jenifer Lewis is honored with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

The Nichola J. Booker Basketball Courts are dedicated in Forest Park.

15 – The Urban League opens its Entrepreneurship and Women’s Business Center.

Federal judge Aileen Cannon dismisses Donald Trump’s classified documents case.

The 2024 Republican National Convention begins in Milwaukee. Trump selects Ohio Sen. JD Vance as his running-mate. Trump accepts Republican nomination two days later.

17 - President Biden tests positive for COVID-19 and goes into self-isolation.

St. Louis.

27 - The first 2024 presidential debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump is held in Atlanta. Questions arise about Biden’s age and health.

JULY

1 - The Supreme Court rules in a 6–3 decision that former presidents are entitled to absolute immunity from prosecution for official acts that rely on core constitutional powers, taken while in office.

Four former Missouri correctional officers face murder charges and a fifth is charged with involuntary manslaughter for Othel Moore’s death in December 2023 at the Jefferson City Correctional Center.

2 – Mayor Tishaura Jones endorses Cori Bush in her re-election bid against Wesley Bell.

20 – The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Saint Louis Public Schools host the Urban Expo Back to School & Community Empowerment Festival at America’s Center downtown.

21 - President Biden announces he will withdraw from the 2024 presidential election.

Vice President Kamala Harris launches her campaign for president, receiving Biden’s support and becoming the presumptive nominee for the Democratic Party.

22 – St. Louis Circuit Judge Jason Sengheiser ruled that the testimony that would lead to Christopher Dunn’s conviction for the murder of Ricco Rogers had been recanted, and that a motion to vacate Dunn’s was ruled in order.

23 - Secret Service director Kimberly Cheatle resigns following criticism of actions during the attempted assassination

July 13 - Jenifer Lewis is honored with a star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame.

of Donald Trump.

26 - The SLPS Board of Education announced Superintendent Keisha Scarlett had taken “a leave of absence.” Deputy Superintendent Dr. Millicent Borishade is named acting superintendent.

The University of Missouri announced it will eliminate its division focused on diversity, social equity and inclusion on the Columbia campus, completing the dismantling of administrative structures put in place after protests in 2015 brought national attention to issues of racial equality.

29 – SLPS Board President Toni Cousins said board members had multiple concerns about Keisha then Superintendent Keisha Scarlett, including a questionable hiring of friends, spouses and unqualified individuals.

30 – Christopher Dunn leaves the Mel Carnahan Courthouse as a free man after serving 34 years on a discredited murder conviction. “If I hold on to the past, I will never be able to move forward,” he said, with is wife Kira by his side.

The Urban League celebrates the ribbon cutting of the Centene Connected Community Center at 2900 Pershall Road in Ferguson.

31 – The National Association of Black Journalists, over the protest of most of its members, allows Donald Trump to appear at its national convention in Chicago. During an interview session, Trump insulted a Black female ABC reporter and made inflammatory remarks about Vice President Kamala Harris’ biracial background.

AUGUST

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

Vice President Kamala Harris announces she has selected Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.

2024: A Year in Review • 7

August 29 - The St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception is held at The Four Seasons. Twenty individuals under the age of 40 were recognized for their contributions in an array of fields and concentrations.

8 - A hearing to determine whether the Homer G. Phillips Nursing Association trademark infringement lawsuit against developer Paul McKee and other defendants will move forward was held before St. Louis County Judge Heather R. Cunningham.

9 – A march from Normandy High School to the Canfield Apartments, a groundbreaking for a new Urban League Plaza in Dellwood and other memorial services were held in St. Louis and St. Louis County on the 10th anniversary of the killing of Michael Brown by a former Ferguson police officer. “Unity is the most import-

Mike Brown Jr. ‘s death. Wilson spoke at the “Michael Brown Jr. Youth Affirmation Worship Service,” hosted by Michael Brown Sr.’s Chosen for Change organization (CFC), Metropolitan Congregations United (MCU) and St. John’s Church.

19 - The 2024 Democratic National Convention begins at the United Center in Chicago. Kamala Harris and Tim Walz are officially nominated as the party’s choice for President and Vice President, respectively.

20 - Federal judge Charles Ralph Simpson III dismisses felony charges against the two police officers who were involved in the killing of Breonna Taylor, determining that her boyfriend was responsible for her death by firing at the two law enforcement officials.

24 – The Festival of Nations, recognized as the largest multicultural event in the region, returned to Tower Grove Park on the steamy weekend of Aug. 24-25, with a full slate of performers, food, and retail vendors representing more than 80 countries.

27 - Special Counsel Jack Smith issues revised charges against former President Donald Trump for his alleged attempts to interfere in the 2020 election.

29 - The St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception is held at The Four Seasons. Twenty individuals under the age of 40 were recognized for their contributions in an array of fields and concentrations.

SEPTEMBER

ant thing, especially here in St. Louis,” said Brown’s stepmother Cal Brown.

10 – Travis Brown, a Black Ferguson police officer was hospitalized in grave condition after being tackled by a Black assailant outside the Ferguson Police station and hitting his head on the pavement. Brown has since been transferred to an Atlanta facility for physical rehab. 28-year-old Elijah Gantt of East St. Louis arrested.

11 – Starsky Wilson delivered a sermon at St. John’s (The Beloved) church in recognition of the 10th anniversary of

7 – John Legend performs “A Night of Songs and Stories with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at the Muny Opera in Forest Park. His performance with SLSO marked the first live concert on the Muny stage in more than 30 years.

10 – Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris debate in Philadelphia. Harris scores a clear victory, and Trump refuses to debate with her again.

14/15 – Chaka Kahn, Stanley Clarke, Big Boi and the Black Pumas were

among the performers who graced the stage during the Music at the Intersection festival in Grand Center.

15 – A second assassination attempt against Donald Trump takes place at his West Palm Beach Golf Club. A suspect is caught before firing a shot.

16 - Sean “P. Diddy” Combs is arrested in Manhattan and charged with racketeering, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution.

18 - Mayor Tishaura O. Jones announced that the demolition of most buildings at the former Medium Security Institution known as “The Workhouse” would begin by December 16, 2024. The demolition of the empty facility was delayed by environmental concerns.

21 – The St. Louis American won seven first-place recognitions and several other awards during the 2024 Missouri Press Association Best Newspaper Contest awards luncheon in Springfield, Mo. The American’s secured first place in the Best Editorials (Staff) Best Front Page (Mike Terhaar,) Best News Photograph (Wiley Price - Austin Layne Funeral), Best Serious Columnist (Mike Jones), Best Story About Religion (Sylvester Brown), Best Headline Writing (Staff) and Best Multi-Media (Salute to Excellence in Education) competitions for weekly newspapers in the Class 3 Division.

23 - Following an independent audit which examined operations of the St. Louis Public Schools, the SLPS Board of Education voted unanimously on Monday to terminate the contract of then Superintendent Dr. Keisha Scarlett “for cause.”

24 - Marcellus Williams was executed in Missouri for the 1998 murder of Felicia Gayle, despite calls from the victim’s family and the prosecutor to spare his life. His final words were “All Praise to Allah in every situation.” His attorneys filed a flurry of appeals based on what they described as new evidence, including alleged bias in jury selection and contamination of the murder weapon prior to trial. Gov. Mike Parson ignored the evidence.

25 - New York City Mayor Eric Adams is indicted following federal corruption investigations.

2024: A Year in Review • 8

October 12 – Jackie Joyner-Kersee, founder and CEO of the JJK Foundation, was honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award during The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala at the America’s Center.

selor of the year.

The 2024 Excellence in Education Awardees were Asquith ‘Sean’ Armstrong, Washington University; Dr. Latricia Singleton-Clark, Hazelwood West high School; Dr. Mary Hairston, Urban League Head Start; and Lt. Col., Nina McLean, James Avant Elementary School, East St. Louis.

David and Thelma Steward, Steward Family Foundation founders, served as general chairs.

14 - St. Louis Public Schools fired former Superintendent Keisha Scarlett. Antionette Cousins, board chair, and members Matt Davis, Donna Jones, Tracy Hykes, Emily Hubbard and Sadie Weiss voted to terminate Scarlett “for cause.” Board member Natalie Vowell abstained.

20 - Five new civil lawsuits are filed against Sean “Diddy” Combs in a federal court in New York, accusing the rapper of sexual assault and rape.

21 - The Central Park Five file a lawsuit against Donald Trump over claims that he made in the second presidential debate on September 10.

26 – St. Louis Metropolitan Police Officer David Lee is struck by a vehicle while assisting a motorist in a stalled car on I-70 and later dies. Ramon Chavez-Rodriguez, who is in the country illegally, is charged with with DWI death of a law enforcement officer, a felony, exceeding the posted speed limit and operating a vehicle on a highway without a valid license.

Donald Suggs, publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American, was honored as a recipient of a 2024 University of Missouri Honor Medal and shared his thoughts on journalism and his ownership of the American for 40 years to students at the Missouri School of Journalism.

30 – State-of-art Siteman Cancer Center, based at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, begins serving its first patients.

OCTOBER

1 – St. Louis officials announce that crime

levels are down in the city. Homicides continued to decline from a near-record high in 2020 to 116 as of Sept. 30. There had also been large decreases in theft, especially stolen cars, compared to the same time last year.

3 – Harris-Stowe celebrated the opening of its Center of Innovation & Entrepreneurship (CIE) on Thursday, formally unveiling a state-of-the-art space “designed to inspire creativity, foster collaboration, and support groundbreaking ideas,” according to HSSU President LaTonia Collins Smith.

12 – Jackie Joyner-Kersee, founder and CEO of the JJK Foundation, was honored with the 2024 Lifetime Achievement Award during The St. Louis American Foundation’s 37th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala at the America’s Center.

Ellicia Lanier, Urban Sprouts founder and executive director, was honored as Stellar Performer in Education, and Kimberly Merrill of University City High School was recognized as SEMO Coun-

27 – Donald Trump hosts a campaign rally at Madison Square Garden in New York City which includes racist and misogynistic language.

30 - The Los Angeles Dodgers win their eighth World Series title, defeating the New York Yankees four games to one.

NOVEMBER

5 - Donald Trump defeats Kamala Harris in the 2024 United States presidential election. Trump becomes the second president elected to non-consecutive terms after Grover Cleveland, and the first convicted felon, and the oldest man elected president.

Wesley Bell easily wins the race for the 1st Congressional District against Republican Andrew Jones.

Amendment 3, which would restore reproductive rights in Missouri, passes with

about 52% of the vote; Amendment 2, which would allow sports book gambling in Missouri, narrowly passes; Proposition A, which would increase the state minimum wage starting in 2025 and provide employees in the state with paid sick and safe leave, passes overwhelmingly.

10 - One person is killed and 16 others are injured in a school shooting during a homecoming weekend party at Tuskegee University.

11 - Maryland Gov. Wes Moore posthumously commemorates abolitionist Harriet Tubman as a one-star general in the Maryland National Guard.

15 - Three daughters of civil rights activist Malcolm X file a $100 million wrongful death lawsuit against the CIA, the FBI, and the NYPD for alleged roles in the assassination of Malcolm X.

18 - St. Louis Circuit Court judges voted unanimously in passage of a resolution to rename the Civil Courts Building and christen it the Honorable Clyde S. Cahill Courthouse. The late Cahill served as a circuit judge on the 22nd Judicial Circuit before he was appointed by President Jimmy Carter to the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri on May 23, 1980.

21 - The Supreme Court of Illinois vacates the conviction and sentence of Jussie Smollett for his staging of a hate crime against himself due to a violation of his due process rights.

Brandon Williams, 40, a St. Louis native, former NFL player and XFL executive is named the Boys and Girls Clubs of St. Louis incoming president and CEO, succeeding the retiring Flint Fowler on Jan. 1, 2025.

25 – Special Counsel Jack Smith dismisses his 2020 election interference case against Trump.

DECEMBER

1 - President Biden issues a pardon for his son, Hunter Biden, despite previously pledging against doing so.

est contract in sports history.

9 - Police arrest 26-year-old Luigi Mangione in connection with the fatal shooting of healthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York on December 4.

A jury acquits Daniel Penny of criminally negligent homicide and deadlocks on manslaughter over his killing of Jordan Neely in May 2023.

12 – Entrepreneur and philanthropist Jimmy Williams opens his 26th McDonald’s at 2321 Upper Bottom Road in St. Charles.

13 - The U.S. military evacuates American citizen Travis Timmerman of Missouri out of Syria after he had previously been reported missing there.

15 - St. Louis rap star Nelly hosts his Black & White Ball 2024 at The Four Seasons to benefit the Make-A-Wish Foundation and Harris-Stowe State University.

3 - Valerie Patton celebrates retirement from her position as chief DEI officer of Greater St. Louis Inc., and a stellar 20year career in corporate management with friends, colleagues and family members at the St. Louis Marriott downtown.

8 - The New York Mets sign Juan Soto to a $765 million, 15-year contract, the larg-

17 – The troubled urgent care center developed by Paul McKee furloughs employees, after not paying them for weeks, citing a shortage of blood supplies. Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni decry the situation and say it is an embarrassment to the history of Homer G. Phillips Hospital.

St. Louis and America said goodbye to community, entertainment icons

Obituaries of persons who served the St. Louis community are italicized

JANUARY

19 - Marlena Shaw, 81. The jazz and R&B vocalist whose “California Soul” was one of the defining soul songs of the late 1960s.

22 - Dexter Scott King, 62. He dedicated much of his life to shepherding the civil rights legacy of his parents, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King.

30 -Jean Carnahan, 90. She became the first female senator to represent Missouri when she was appointed to replace her husband following his death.

30 - Joe Madison, who excelled as a student and football player at Washington University before launching his iconic civil rights and radio careers, died on Jan. 31, 2024 at 74 in Washington, D.C. Madison graduated from WashU in 1971 with a degree in sociology.

FEBRUARY

1 - Carl Weathers, 76. A former NFL linebacker who became a Hollywood action movie and comedy star, playing nemesis-turned-ally Apollo Creed in the

“Rocky” movies, starring with Arnold Schwarzenegger in “Predator” and teaching golf in “Happy Gilmore.”

2 - James Washington, the president and general manager of The Atlanta Voice, and the 2019 National Association of Black Journalist Legacy Award winner passed away. He was 73.

3 - Hage Geingob, 82. Namibia’s president and founding prime minister, passes away.

MARCH

8 - David E. Harris, who flew bombers for the U.S. military and broke barriers in 1964 when he became the first Black pilot hired at a major U.S. airline, dies at 89.

28 - Louis Gossett Jr., the first Black man to win a supporting actor Oscar and an Emmy winner for his role in the seminal TV miniseries “Roots,” dies at 87.

APRIL

5 - The Rev. Cecil L. “Chip” Murray, an influential pastor and civil rights leader who used his tenure at one of Los Angeles’ oldest churches to uplift the predominantly Black neighborhoods following one of the country’s worst race riots, dies at 94.

10 – William Strickland, a longtime civil rights activist and supporter of the Black

Power movement who worked with Malcolm X and other prominent leaders in the 1960s, dies at 87.

O.J. Simpson, the Hall of Fame football star and Hollywood actor who was acquitted of charges of killing his former wife and her friend but later found liable in a separate civil trial, died at 76.

12 - Faith Ringgold, 93. An award-winning author and artist who broke down barriers for Black female artists and became famous for her richly colored and detailed quilts combining painting, textiles and storytelling.

14 – Sterling Moody, who opened the first Black-owned grocery store in the St. Louis area, passes away at 67. Flanked by a who’s-who of investors and celebrity supporters including Cedric the Entertainer, Ozzie Smith, Guy and Joe Torry, Shaquille O’Neal, rapper Nelly and more, Moody epitomized that “never-give-up” entrepreneurial spirit.

MAY

8 - Ralph Kennedy Frasier, the last surviving member of a trio of African American youths who were the first to desegregate the undergraduate student body at North Carolina’s flagship public university in the 1950s.

13 - Gail Milissa Grant, who proved what

is possible if one refuses to accept limits that are often imposed on them - for Black women in particular - died peacefully in Rome, Italy, on May 13th after a long battle with cancer at the age of 75. Grant was an author, public speaker, and former U.S. Foreign Service officer.

JUNE

9 - The Rev. James Lawson Jr., an apostle of nonviolent protest who schooled activists to withstand brutal reactions from white authorities as the Civil Rights Movement gained traction, dies at age 95.

18 - Willie Mays, the electrifying “Say Hey Kid” whose singular combination of talent, drive and exuberance made him one of baseball’s greatest and most beloved players, dies at age 83.

JULY

8 - Charles E. Fleming, AIA, UC ’61, celebrated architect who was dedicated to creating opportunities in the Black community, died at age 86. Fleming graduated from Douglass High School in Webster Groves in 1955 and began his career as a draftsman for a local construction business. He graduated with a certificate in architecture from WashU’s University College, now the School of Continuing & Professional Studies, in 1961. He was the

Dexter Scott King

Jean Carnahan

Lou Gossett Jr. Gail Melissa Grant

university’s first Black graduate in architecture. He further established a successful career in architecture as the president of the eponymous Fleming Corporation, the first Black person to own a full-service architecture firm in Missouri.

14 - Jacoby Jones, 40. A former NFL receiver whose 108-yard kickoff return in 2013 remains the longest touchdown in Super Bowl history.

19 - Sheila Jackson Lee, 74. The longtime congresswoman from Texas helped lead federal efforts to protect women from domestic violence and recognize Juneteenth as a national holiday.

20 - Tammie Holland, the Longtime media personality who shared her valiant three-year battle with cancer, passed away at 53. Heartfelt social media tributes flooded social media. “If the Arch looks a little rusty today, it’s because tears are a steady flow in St. Louis today,” Jill “Taylor J” Testerman posted on Facebook. Born on May 20, 1971 and a graduate of St. Thomas Aquinas-Mercy High School, Holland pursued a career as a flight attendant before finding her life’s work by way of the Broadcast Center of Clayton. It was there she connected with instructor Marc Clarke, who happened to be the co-host of the top-rated Breakfast Crew morning show for Majic 108 FM. Holland rose through the ranks from Clarke’s intern to Breakfast Crew co-host with Tony Scott. Listeners bonded with Tammie and Tony for years. Holland’s work in radio and television made her a household name in the St. Louis region. But it was her engagement with viewers and listeners that made her a beloved community treasure.

22 - Abdul “Duke” Fakir, 88. The last surviving original member of the beloved Motown group the Four Tops, which was known for such hits as “Reach Out, I’ll Be There” and “Standing in the Shadows of Love.”

2024: A Year in Review •

AUGUST

12 - Sharon Harvey Davis, a champion of diversity in St. Louis, passed away at age 68. Davis was hired by Adam’s Mark Hotels (HBE Corporation) as assistant personnel director, and shortly after she began the corporation was hit with a discrimination lawsuit by the NAACP and the U.S. Department of Justice. She became the director of diversity and later was promoted to vice president of corporate affairs, responsible for the minority supplier program, community affairs, diversity hiring and outreach and acted as corporate spokesperson. The discrimination lawsuit was settled with the U.S. Department of Justice, and Davis would then design, implement, and oversee the consent decree

13 - Wallace “Wally” Amos, creator of the Famous Amos cookie empire went on to become a children’s literacy advocate, dies at 88.

20 - Al Attles, a Hall of Famer who coached the 1975 NBA champion Warriors and spent more than six decades with the organization as a player, general manager and most recently team ambassador, dies at 84.

21 - John Amos, who starred as the family patriarch on the hit 1970s sitcom “Good Times” and earned an Emmy nomination for his role in the seminal 1977 miniseries “Roots,” dies at 84.

SEPTEMBER

9 - James Earl Jones, often referred to as “the man with the golden voice,” died at the age of 93. Jones was a spellbinding actor. He used every inch of his body – and all of his instincts – to embody portrayals of Black men from all walks of life with dignity, strength and authenticity in an era when they were as dehumanized on the stage and screen as in real life.

11 - Frankie Beverly, who with his band Maze inspired generations of fans with his smooth, soulful voice and lasting anthems including “Love, Pain,” and Before I Let Go,” passes away at age 77.

15 - Tito Jackson, 70. One of the brothers who made up the beloved pop group the Jackson 5.

30 – Ken Page, who originated classic roles on Broadway including Ken in the classic Black musical “Ain’t Misbehavin’” and the first-ever Old Deuteronomy in Andrew Lloyd Webber’s cultural phenomenon “Cats” when the show premiered in 1982, died at his home in St. Louis at 70. Page, who performed countless times on The Muny stage, also voiced the character of Oogie Boogie in Tim Burton’s “The Nightmare Before Christmas.”

Dikembe Mutombo, basketball Hall of Famer who was one of the best defensive players in NBA history and a longtime global ambassador for the game dies after a battle with brain cancer.

OCTOBER

7 - Cissy Houston, 91. A two-time Grammy-winning soul and gospel artist who sang with Aretha Franklin, Elvis Presley and other stars and knew triumph and heartbreak as the mother of singer Whitney Houston.

19 - Thelma Mothershed Wair, 83. One of nine Black students who integrated a high school in Arkansas’ capital city of Little Rock in 1957 while a mob of white segregationists yelled threats and insults.

NOVEMBER

3 - Quincy Jones, the multi-talented music titan whose vast legacy ranged from producing Michael Jackson’s historic “Thriller” album to writing prize-winning

film and television scores and collaborating with Frank Sinatra, Ray Charles and hundreds of other recording artists, dies at 91. Jones’ honors and distinctions include 28 Grammy Awards (including a Grammy Legend Award), 80 Grammy nominations, a 2001 Kennedy Center Honoree, a 2011 National Medal of the Arts recipient and enshrinement in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

16 - The Honorable Esther Haywood of St. Louis, a fierce civil rights and social justice advocate, bold community leader and political pioneer, passes at age 84. She served for nearly a decade in the Missouri House of Representatives fighting for working families, and appropriating additional funding for public education and lowering costs for seniors. Haywood most notably also was a leader with the St. Louis County NAACP for nearly 25 years.

DECEMBER

15 - William “Bill” Greenblatt, who had scores of photos published in the St. Louis American, and was official photographer for the St. Louis Fire Department passes away at 70 after a battle with cancer.

16 - Mary Allen, a renowned educator and community servant, passes away at age 99. After moving to St. Louis with her husband, also an educator, Allen taught at Barbara C. Jordan Elementary School and at Flynn Park Elementary School where she also would serve as acting principal. She also was a district-wide reading specialist in the public and parochial schools. She was was selected as the University City Schools Teacher of the Year, was one of 10 finalists for the State of Missouri Teacher of the Year, and was nominated Economic Educator of the Year by the Center of Economic Education at the University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Tammie Holland John Amos

Frankie Beverly Cissy Houston

The St. Louis American is here to report the news that matters most to our community.

We are incredibly thankful for the generous support we have already received from many of our caring readers!

Our founders, proud African American leaders, started the newspaper 96 years ago to ensure a local publication would accurately represent the perspectives of Black St. Louis. They wanted to strengthen communication within the Black community, as well as with those who were in alignment with their goals of serving all St. Louisans.

During the last few days of December, your support will go further. Thanks to an anonymous donor, The St. Louis American will receive $25,000, if we are able to raise a matching $25,000 from supporters by Dec. 31, 2024 that would make a TOTAL of $50,000.

Can we count on you to join us in our efforts to keep The St. Louis American FREE FOR ALL?

Support Us Today!

When you donate to The St. Louis American, you are investing in: Coverage that matters – where voices, often ignored or debased, are heard and stories of those pushed or left on the margins matter. Support sustainable, locally-owned community journalism that hears and responds to our community.

When you give during our Match campaign, you are: Helping us amplify every dollar you contribute. Every dollar you donate up to Tuesday, December 31, 2024, will be matched 1:1.

Help us reach our goal of $50,000.. Thank you for believing in us and the role we play!