December 5th, 2019 Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

‘He was a mentor and friend to all who knew him’

James H. Buford, longtime Urban League leader, passes at 75

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

James H. Buford, longtime National Urban League leader in St. Louis and nationally, transitioned at 2:17 a.m. Friday, November 28 at age 75 after a brief illness.

“Jim Buford was a giant in the St. Louis community who served with distinction and honor in countless roles impacting countless people,” Michael Patrick McMillan, current president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, stated while expressing condolences for

Missouri to improve voter registration services

Settles suit filed by League of Women Voters, A. Philip Randolph Institute

‘We’re not going to let up the pressure’

Activists

protest Galleria, demand answers in police killing of Terry Tillman

By Rebecca Rivas Of the St. Louis American

On Black Friday, a group of about 50 people walked through the St. Louis Galleria Mall singing and chanting, “No justice, no peace.” While this is a tactic protestors have continuously used to raise awareness since the Ferguson unrest, this direct action was specifically protesting the officerinvolved shooting death of Terry Tillman on August 31.

As they were leaving, a female mall employee called protestors the N-word, said Tory Russell, mission director of the International Black Freedom Alliance.

“We can’t allow racism, white supremacy, just plain arrogance to go on in our community,” Russell said. “Racism has to be expensive.”

After they left, protestors came to the conclusion that a few of the officers patrolling the protest were involved in Tillman’s death, said Amir Brandy, a Ferguson activist and co-founder of Real STL News.

“They wouldn’t look me in the eye,” Brandy

Judge rejects request to dismiss Tisaby case

Gardner’s investigator charged with perjury never signed his deposition

By

Rebecca

Louis

Of The St.

Rivas

American A St. Louis circuit judge has denied a motion that would have essentially thrown out William Tisaby’s case because he didn’t sign the deposition at the heart of his perjury charges. Tisaby, the former FBI agent hired by St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner to help in the criminal investigation of then-Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens, was indicted in June with seven felony counts, including multiple perjury charges. His trial is set for March 30. At a December 2 hearing, Tisaby’s defense attorneys argued that Tisaby never had a chance to review his first deposition during the Greitens criminal trial. He never received a copy of it, and he never signed it, as required by state law. Therefore, Tisaby’s deposition is “inadmissible,” wrote his attorneys in a court motion filed on November 5, and his testimony is “permanently incomplete.”

See VOTER, A11

See TISABY, A6

James H. Buford with his wife Susan

Photo by Wiley Price

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Department of Revenue.

Photo by Wiley Price

Jordyn Barnes, 7, and Skylar Rhines, 5, worked

School in North St. Louis on

December 4.

Little girls make snowmen

William Tisaby

Billy Dee Williams clears up non-binary misinterpretation

Actor Billy Dee Williams says that he was misunderstood in an Esquire Magazine interview that implies he considers himself nonbinary.

In the interview, Williams speaks of referring himself to “himself and herself” because he “sees himself as feminine and masculine.

“I’m a very soft person. I’m not afraid to show that side of myself,” Williams went on to say. In an interview with The Undefeated, Williams said that he was not referring to being gender fluid or nonbinary.

“Well, first of all, I asked last night. I said, ‘What the hell is gender fluid?’ That’s a whole new term,” Williams said. He goes on to point out the root of the confusion.

“What I was talking about was about men getting in touch with their softer side of themselves,” Williams said. “There’s a phrase that was coined by Carl G. Jung, who was a psychiatrist, who was a contemporary of Sigmund Freud, and they had a splitting of the ways because they had different ideas about

the …what do you call it? Consciousness. Unconscious. It’s collective unconsciousness.

But he coined a phrase that’s, ‘Anima animus.’ And anima means that is the female counterpart of the male self, and the animus is the male counterpart of the female.

“So, that’s what I was referring to. I was talking about men getting in touch with the female side of themselves. I wasn’t talking about sex. I wasn’t talking about being gay or straight. People should read [Jung]. I mean, it would be an interesting education for a lot of people.”

Marriage ‘no longer a priority’ for Jim Jones and Chrissy Lampkin

Back in 2011, Dip Set rapper Jim Jones’ longtime girlfriend Chrissy Lampkin proposed to Jim on national TV. These days, Lampkin says marriage is not a priority for them.

This week, during an interview with the daytime television talk show “The Real,” Lampkin dropped the bombshell that nuptials are no longer top of mind for Lampkin and her boo.

Lampkin said that she and Jones are “still together and in a good place.” But nuptials

are not top of mind. “I thought marriage was the natural progression, but it’s really not for everybody,” Lampkin said.

The couple is slated to return to Love and Hip Hop after seven years for the 10-year anniversary season.

Latest charges against Remy Ma have been dropped

Earlier this year, rapper Remy Ma was charged with assault, fitted with an ankle monitor and given a curfew after her “Love and Hip Hop New York” co-star Brittney Taylor accused Remy of punching her in the face backstage during a charity event at Irving Plaza.

According to The New York Daily News, charges have been dropped because the alleged victim’s only corroborating witness stopped cooperating with the case, making her accusations unable to be proven beyond a reasonable doubt. Remy also had witnesses ready to testify that the two were never in the same room during the event.

Lori Harvey and Future are officially an item

For the past several weeks, there have been rumors that Lori Harvey Future are romantically linked.The buzz began after they were

caught posting from social media from the same locations in Los Angeles and Atlanta. Over the weekend, Future used his Instagram to make it official. The rapper posted a picture of Harvey with the caption “Flawless. Tap for details.”

Chico DeBarge busted for meth possession

Chico DeBarge, the baby of the famous musical clan, was arrested in a parking lot in connection to substance abuse.

According to TMZ.com, a police report says Chico was allegedly apprehended by police earlier this month in a Walmart parking lot after cops saw him using a piece of wire to try to unlock an SUV because he had reportedly locked his keys inside the vehicle

Thinking he was trying to break in, officers approached and searched him – and allegedly found methamphetamine in his pockets. He was placed under arrest. The report also states that cops say they also discovered drug paraphernalia in the SUV.

Chico was reportedly booked at the Burbank City Jail before being released. Formal charges are reportedly pending review by the City Attorney.

Sources: TMZ.com, New York Daily News, Instagram.com, The Real, Esquire.com, The Undefeated

Chrissy Lampkin

Dr. Punch and Hassler confirmed on county police board

Accused of bias, WashU surgery professor focuses on equity and transformation

By Jason Rosenbaum Of St. Louis Public Radio

The St. Louis County Council on Tuesday, November 26 approved two new members of the Board of Police Commissioners, Thomasina Hassler and Dr. Laurie Punch, completing a nearly complete turnover of the body responsible for overseeing the police department.

St. Louis County Executive Sam Page nominated Hassler and Punch to the police board earlier this month. The move came after a jury awarded Sgt. Keith Wildhaber nearly $20 million for discrimination because he is gay — a decision that prompted Page to overhaul a board filled with appointees on expired terms. Council members approved William Ray Price and Michelle Schwerin to serve three-year terms on the board several weeks ago.

Hassler was approved unanimously, while the council voted 4-3 to back Punch. The council’s three Republicans, Tim Fitch, Mark Harder and Ernie Trakas, voted against Punch’s nomination.

Punch faced sharp questions about her social media posts. Fitch noted that Punch wrote that “criminal justice and health care don’t just need to be reformed, they must be dismantled and replaced by structures and systems that promote freedom and equity.

Sledgehammer anyone?”

Fitch went on to say that Punch included a New York Times article in the social media post entitled “Police Can’t Solve The Problem, They Are

The Problem.”

“I think that the statements I made were about the structures and systems in which people like me and police

Thomasina Hassler and Dr. Laurie Punch were approved as members of the St. Louis County Board of Police Commissioners on Tuesday, November 26.

Patterson said.

“The board is in charge of the training the police will have, and I’m an educator. That is my identity professionally,” Punch said. “And so, I’ve learned a lot about how to teach, train and educate, not just intellectually in a lecture hall, but in real life experiences in a way that’s honestly transformative.”

Hassler is an associate professor at Harris-Stowe State University and a scholar in residence at the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She also works as the director of Social Justice Ministry at West Side Missionary Baptist Church.

Punch added that the word “dismantle” has been used to describe the idea that health care and criminal justice “just can’t simply be politely modified, but they need to be dismantled and reformed in a way that promotes and centers on equity.”

“Sometimes things do have to break in order to move. I have to cut before I cure in surgery,” Punch said. “So, I actually do think sometimes things have to change. Now, you do that with respect, with listening, and most of all, centered on equity with love.”

not move us toward equity and justice. There’s injustice intrinsic in the history and in the practice of health care. And I was finding a metaphor

n “I’ve learned a lot about how to teach, train and educate, not just intellectually in a lecture hall, but in real life experiences in a way that’s honestly transformative.”

– Dr. Laurie Punch

officers work,” Punch said. “I was not referring to individual human beings. I was referring to the systems that do

and power in that statement when focused on criminal justice.”

Jon Patterson, the executive director of St. Louis County Police Officers Association, said Punch is “probably the most impressive individual that we’ve ever had as a county police commissioner just based on her professional accolades.”

Punch is an associate director of surgery at Washington University School of Medicine. The Ferguson resident helped create Stop the Bleed STL, a collaborative of health professionals seeking to reduce violence and trauma throughout the region.

But he added he wasn’t convinced Punch would be unbiased toward police. “There is not anything anyone, including Dr. Punch, could do to convince me she is not biased,”

The Black Jack resident will be the only member of the board who lives in a municipality that the St. Louis County Police Department patrols.

“I think I can bring a fresh look at how business has been conducted and how decisions have been made,” Hassler said. “I think there needs to be a look at how the police interact with the community and how we can make that better.”

As he did when he questioned Price and Schwerin, Fitch asked Hassler and Punch about whether they would move to fire Police Chief Jon Belmar in the wake of the Wildhaber verdict. Hassler responded that was “premature, in that I’m just getting into this process.”

“I want to come in objectively,” Hassler said. “I want to come in and learn the system before I could reasonably make a decision like that or make a statement like that.”

Punch said: “I’m here to serve. Replacing the police chief is not something as an individual anybody on the board can do. It’s a group decision. And it’s got to be one informed by police procedure and historic fact that I don’t have access to right now. So, I can in no way say that I have any plans, thoughts or goals in that area.”

Follow Jason on Twitter: @ jrosenbaum.

Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Photo by Jason Rosenbaum / St. Louis Public Radio

Editorial /CommEntary

We have hard work to do in Jim Buford’s name

Poverty is the father of crime and revolution, Aristotle taught us, and crime is disorganized revolution. James H. Buford, the transformative Urban League leader who passed Friday, November 29 at age 75, was not often associated with crime or revolution, with his signature bow tie and strategic alliances with Missouri’s Republican Party and corporate community. But those who understood the complexity of this remarkable man knew that Aristotle’s bitter wisdom was the foundation of everything he did to empower the black community in his home city — and, uplifting from below, his hometown.

“He was above all a firm believer that poverty was the root of most of the problems that faced the black community,” Virvus Jones, St. Louis’ transformative former comptroller, said of Buford. Jones’ deserved reputation as a brash firebrand and Buford’s equally deserved image as a smooth inside player belie the fact that the two men grew up on the same mean streets of postWWII North St. Louis. They both knew intergenerational poverty and the crime it spawns before uprising erupted in the streets and on college campuses during the Vietnam War. Buford knew the turbulent social atmosphere that Jones sketched in his novel “The Stalking Horse.” Buford would confide to friends his youthful admiration for an elder whose professional work intersected with criminal elements, and by accompanying this elder Buford witnessed poverty-stoked crime with a compassionate eye from an early age. This little-known personal background helps to explain the deep mutual acceptance and understanding between Buford the Urban League executive and the families his agency served, very much including the troubled young men in those families. Indeed, Buford always addressed majority-black audiences (including our readers in the column he wrote for years) as “family,” and this expression of kinship was always accepted as genuine, not pandering. We all were his family.

congressman, did not forget.

“He was instrumentally effective during the days of turmoil leading up to the time when civil rights and political activists successfully challenged and defeated the established city and state leadership that had determined that black folk were incapable of speaking for themselves,” Clay told The American about his friend and colleague. “Along with an impressive list of young militants, Buford stood side by side demanding our rightful place in the social, political and economic life of this country.”

Poverty is the father of crime and revolution, and crime is disorganized revolution. Jim Buford knew this. We must never forget it.

While we are experiencing a setback in the war against racism in this country in the continuing backlash against President Barack Obama, due to the work of leaders at all levels like Jim Buford the black American experience of humiliating pain and injustice is not what it was prior to the Civil Rights Movement. Yet we find ourselves at a moment of hyper-racial rancor and division. At a time when America needs an Abraham Lincoln, its Electoral College chose a Donald J. Trump. In this dangerous moment, we must also never forget something else that Buford thought about deeply when he was preparing to retire from the Urban League in 2013. We are certain that he kept mulling this troubling truth over until he was taken from us too soon early Friday morning. Buford knew that the Urban League was at root an anti-poverty agency, so if his agency was growing — and he grew the St. Louis Urban League exponentially over 28 years at the helm — then, in a sense, he was failing. He signed up to fight poverty, but poverty clearly was not losing.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues St. Louis County is shameful for defending discrimination

By PROMO and ACLU of Missouri

St. Louis County’s latest legal maneuvers in the case of Keith Wildhaber, a police sergeant who was discriminated against based on his sex and sexual orientation, is a hypocritical effort to dodge responsibility for a discriminatory workplace that county officials allowed to fester. The county claims to abhor discrimination but refuses to accept accountability for itself and its officials.

While claiming to find discrimination based on sex and sexual orientation repugnant when talking to the press, in court St. Louis County is now Missouri’s leading proponent for legalized discrimination against members of the LGBTQ community. Missouri’s history of authorizing discrimination and sexual orientation is shameful, and St. Louis County’s effort to maintain that history rather than accept responsibility is shameful.

While it is nice that some St. Louis County leaders are calling for the passage of the Missouri Nondiscrimination Act, real leadership is action. As the county knows, the

L

When rebellion caught spark in America, the young Jim Buford stood up. Though more public than his adolescent admiration of elders conversant with criminal elements, the revolutionary Jim Buford is all but forgotten, after decades of the bow tie-bedecked, Republican-leaning Urban League executive who served on major corporate and non-profit boards. But Bill Clay, Missouri’s first black

“Really, we shouldn’t even be here by now,” Buford said to The American about the Urban League at a private lunch around the time of his retirement in 2013. “I would have hoped by now our work would be done and we could move on.” Jim Buford’s work is still far from done, though he has moved on. He has left those of us who survive him with that much more work to do without him to upheld and further his legacy. Whether we are seeking to prevent or fighting crime or fomenting radical reform, as long as poverty remains with us, we have hard work to do in Jim Buford’s name.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

The Battle of Bull Run and the 2020 elections

By Mike Jones

Of The St. Louis American

In 1849 U.S. Senator John C. Calhoun gave a speech in the United States Senate where he said the following: “With us the two great divisions of society are not the rich and the poor, but white and black, and all the former, the poor as well as the rich, belong to the upper class, and are respected and treated as equals, if honest and industrious, and hence have a position and pride of character of which neither poverty nor misfortune can deprive them.”

This statement captured the cultural and political context of America’s governing philosophy from then to the present day.

A historical review of American population demographics explains why this “we the white people” sociopolitical model worked for so long. In 1860 the population of the United States was 31 million human beings, 4 million of whom were enslaved black people (88 percent white, 12 percent black). One hundred years later in 1960, the population had gotten larger with 152 million people, but nothing had really changed. Jim Crow had replaced slavery, and the country was about 87 percent white and 10 percent black. But the America of 2019 is a much different demographic story. “The United States is undergoing a transition perhaps no rich and stable democracy has ever experienced: Its historically dominant group is on its way to becoming a political minority—and its minority groups are asserting

their co-equal rights and interests.“

Guest Columnist Mike Jones

This quote is from an article written by Yoni Appelbaum in the December issue of The Atlantic magazine entitled “How America Ends,” and if you’re only going to read one thing to understand the context of the 2020 presidential campaign, read this article. Why does the America of 2019 bear so little cultural and political resemblance to the America of 1950? The answer is: the 1960s. The 1964 Civil Rights Act and 1965 Voting Rights Act didn’t fix racism, but they did unchain AfricanAmerican cultural and political energy and that energy redefined the social landscape of America. Then there was the 1965 Immigration and Naturalization, which eliminated racial quotas in immigration. Today the country is 35 percent people of color, and the majority of the country will be people of color sometime between 2040 and 2050. History has spoken. There are two other defining changes of the sixties that don’t get enough attention: Title IX and birth control. Title IX made competitive athletics available to girls on an equal basis with boys. Competition is how boys are socialized, and it’s a dominant factor in forming the character of the men they become. Title IX allowed girls to learn how to compete and

to love the idea of competing. History has spoken on this issue as well.

The pill gave women control of their bodies for the first time in history. Effective birth control meant that women get to decide when and if they want children and who they want to have children with. For a patriarchal society, this was a paradigm shift of revolutionary proportions because it gave women control over one the most important and elemental decisions in human society.

The demographic and cultural changes produced by the sixties have been the driver of the political environment since November 2008, when Barak Obama became the 44th president of the United States. In a country founded on the principle of white male privilege, the idea of a president who looks like the descendants of the people they enslaved for 250 years and structurally oppressed for another 100 was incomprehensible to the emotional and physiological makeup of the majority of white men in America.

What’s this have to do with the November 2020 presidential election? This is not really an election for president but more like the Battle of Bull Run, the first major battle of the Civil War. No matter who prevails, the election is just the first battle in an extended struggle to define who is an American and what is America. Or, as Lincoln put it at Gettysburg, “Now we are engaged in a great civil war, testing whether that nation, or any nation so conceived, and so dedicated, can long endure.”

History hasn’t spoken on that yet.

Missouri Human Rights Act already prohibits discrimination based on sex. As our state Supreme Court recognized earlier this year, discrimination based on sex may manifest itself by discriminating against a man because he is gay.

Pretending that Missouri law excuses this discrimination, suggesting that the jury was too confused to render a legitimate verdict, and continuing to claim that there were other, good

n St. Louis County is failing to respect the dignity and equality of members of the LGBTQ community.

reasons to discriminate against Wildhaber is part and parcel of the same package: a failure to insist that St. Louis County respect the dignity and equality of members of the LGBTQ community.

On the first day to file legislation for Missouri’s 2020 legislative session, state Representative Greg Razer (D-25) filed the Missouri

etters to the editor

Silence and Sumner High School

As Confederate monikers, statues stood their ground across city grounds, calls for their removal reverberated far and wide – even across the Delmar Divide. Yet now that news abounds that Sumner High School, the first black high school west of the Mississippi, is at risk of being shuttered, the only audible sound is silence.

How can this be? Have we, the people, abdicated our responsibility of uplifting the legacies of not only legends such as Dick Gregory and Grace Bumbry, but of the collective black educational experience in the United States? What message does this send to black students about how adult citizens of St. Louis feel about the students’ ability to achieve greatness?

How simple it is to tear down signs of historical shame; how difficult it is to build up proof of historical black resilience and potential.

Arthurine Harris, St. Louis

What really ravaged NOLA

“When Hurricane Katrina ravaged Blanchard’s native New Orleans” is not an accurate reflection of what happened in NOLA. The failure of the federal levees and walls designed and built by the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers ravaged NOLA and that is a greater engineering tragedy than anything mother nature could create. Otherwise, a great article on Terence Blanchard.

Cathy Cole Hightower Metairie, Louisiana

Acknowledge the victories

The wounds of Ferguson five years ago are still fresh for many in St. Louis. It was an awakening for our region and an impetus for a national conversation about what we can do to strengthen our communities. While some public officials appeared unwilling to step up and lead, others took big steps to create good public policy.

When he was a state senator, Eric Schmitt was not afraid to lead. He worked closely with me and others in the AfricanAmerican community to advance much-needed reforms.

Being African American does not justify local municipalities

Nondiscrimination Act (HB 1527) to add sexual orientation and gender identity to Missouri’s non-discrimination law. Across the political aisle, state Representative Tom Hannegan (R-65) will file similar legislation. For 22 years, Missourians have watched their politicians give them excuses rather than require that no one should lose their job or their housing because of who they are and who they love. Even those who claim to be proponents for ending discrimination will hide behind the state legislature’s inaction to shirk responsibility. It is unfortunate that St. Louis County is now the poster child for why discriminationbased sexual orientation and gender identity must be explicitly outlawed.

PROMO is Missouri’s statewide advocacy organization promoting equal treatment under the law for the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) community. The ACLU of Missouri preserves and expands the constitutional rights and civil liberties of all Missourians as guaranteed in the Missouri and U.S. Constitutions Amendments.

singling out people for extra ticket revenue. Schmitt understood this and worked with our community and the state legislature to pass Senate Bill 5, historic municipal court reform. This law is preventing our citizens from being viewed by local officials as ATMs to fund their local budgets.

It was not an easy fight, but Schmitt had the tenacity to see it through. Now as our state’s attorney general, he is ensuring that SB 5 is fully enforced. Whistleblowers have been coming forward to tell his office when traffic ticket quotas are being prescribed and he’s taking every tip seriously.

After the unrest in Ferguson, SB 5 was one of the victories, and it’s a national model for reform. As we work to restore the trust between law enforcement and our citizens, we must acknowledge the victories while continuing to push for new reforms to improve the lives of our people.

Rev. B.T. Rice, Cool Valley Republicans and common sense

The Thoughts and Prayers Party, formerly known as the Republican Party, has effectively blocked meaningful federal action on commonsense measures that could prevent and/or mitigate the

harm of many mass shootings. For example, measures to keep weapons away from known domestic abusers, requirements for background checks and registration of firearms, bans on assault weapons that have no use for hunting and bans for extended magazines that also have no hunting application. Republicans have blocked all these and other common-sense measures, despite the fact that a strong majority of the public, including gun owners, favors them. Indeed, Republicans even have blocked spending federal funds to research mass shootings and gun homicides. They fear knowledge. Instead, they counsel thoughts and prayers and, more recently, mental health measures. It is as though assault weapons, extended magazines, etc., never have been involved. It is past time for voters to let their elected representatives know that they demand action – now. It is past time to vote Republicans out of office who have blocked meaningful action for years on common-sense measures to prevent deaths of innocents. At the local, state and federal levels, we must vote them out of office. Or, join the hand-wringers and accept continued unnecessary loss of life.

Arthur Hoffman, St. Louis

James Buford

Principal for a Day in East St. Louis

State Representative LaToya Greenwood (D-East St. Louis) recently visited with preschool students at Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center in East St. Louis during American Education Week, November 18-22. Greenwood joined Principal Melanie Hood at Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center as the Principal for a Day. “It was a privilege for me to walk with Principal Hood and learn firsthand how educators are preparing young students for future success,” Greenwood said. “I was truly inspired by the academic rigor, strong programming, and supports for the whole child and families occurring at Vivian Adams Early Childhood Center.”

St. Louis County hosts 2020 Census website

St. Louis County has developed a new website, https://census-2020-stlcogis.hub. arcgis.com/, as part of its efforts to encourage widespread participation in the upcoming 2020 Census.

Every decade, the Federal government surveys each state, city, and county for updated population data. This information is evaluated and used to reapportion congressional seats and determine how much federal funds states and counties receive. There is a direct, proportional relationship between census participation, accurate population counts, and earned federal dollars flowing into communities.

“County-wide participation in the upcoming census is crucial for how County government is run,” County Executive Sam Page said. “The more accurate the statistical data, the more representative the federal funds St. Louis County receives.”

Any information received through the census remains protected by federal law and can only be used to formulate statistical

information. All County residents, regardless of immigration or governmental assistance status, are strongly encouraged to participate knowing that their answers are confidential and cannot be shared with immigration or law enforcement agencies.

“Census participation is our civic duty,” said Ethel Byndom, director for the Office of Community Empowerment. “It places us within our neighborhoods, districts, and counties and asks the federal government to recognize the communities we’ve all built. Census dollars help sustain and elevate communities that may be struggling and give them the opportunity to thrive.”

County residents have multiple ways to complete the census survey. In March 2020, a survey will be mailed through the U.S. Postal Service to all County addresses. Residents will also have the ability to complete the survey by phone or online. Each resident’s response will only be counted once.

More information can be found at https:// census-2020-stlcogis.hub.arcgis.com/.

Obstruction of justice in the Lamar Johnson case

By Jamala Rogers For The St. Louis American

For months now, Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner has suffered defensive wounds from those attempting to prevent her from carrying out a justice agenda. While voters didn’t elect Gardner to spend needless resources and time fighting against racist and sexist attacks, Gardner knew it would come with being the first African-American female prosecutor in St. Louis. The latest shameless act to discredit her office is to put an unwarranted barrier between an innocent man and his freedom.

The case of Lamar Johnson is one of many tragic stories in the ongoing saga of a corrupt judicial system. There is now an opportunity to correct that injustice, but power games are being played. I believe it’s all a part of the ongoing efforts to beat down and character-assassinate Gardner –even if it means denying an innocent man his freedom.

In 1994, the St. Louis prosecutor’s office convicted Johnson of murder based mainly on the false testimony of a so-called eyewitness. That eyewitness, pressured by the state, has since recanted. To get a conviction, police and prosecutors worked together to make up evidence. Johnson has been caged as an innocent man for 25 years.

is an anomaly, but I’ve worked on wrongful convictions for years. There are many truly innocent people caught up in the mass incarceration web. Because of the costs and the refusal of the criminal system to correct itself, sadly many of these folks will never see the light of day.

Darryl Burton was exonerated in 2008 for murder after doing 24 years in Missouri hellholes. He recently reminded me that his quest for freedom came at a cost of $300,000 for Centurion Ministries who took up his cause. The cost for his lost years and the impact on his family is incalculable.

The future of Lamar Johnson can and should be expeditiously decided. Evidence of his innocence is overwhelming. As one of the cases reviewed by Gardner’s CIU, an extensive report was created that justified a motion for a new trial. Her review uncovered several troubling issues, like secret payments totaling over $4,000.

When Gardner came in as prosecutor in 2017, she inherited a department with an historical record of corruption and racist practices, both internal to the department and in its court practices. I have written much about rogue prosecutor Nels Moss who for decades ran amuck with his prosecutorial crimes that either sent innocent people to prison or sent guilty people away from excessive amounts of time. Several of his cases were overturned.

There are untold scores of people languishing in U.S. prisons because of the actions of overzealous prosecutors or unjust criminal laws and policies. Nonprofit organizations like The Innocence Project and Centurion Ministries emerged to address the wave of wrongful convictions that skyrocketed during the crack-cocaine epidemic of the 1980s and 1990s.

This stained legacy is why prosecutors like Gardner and St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell made it a priority to set up special units to review wrongful convictions. In the city, it’s the Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU). In the county, it’s the Conviction and Incident Review Unit (CIRU). I wish I could tell you that Johnson’s plight

The actual killers came forward in 1996 and 2002 to confess their involvement and in sworn affidavits said that Johnson was not involved. Even with this, Johnson lost appeals in state and federal courts over the years. Attempts to access additional records to help his case was blocked by the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and the Circuit Attorney’s Office.

The lead prosecutor on the Johnson case was Dwight Warren, who got the boot after Gardner took office. Before he was a prosecutor, Warren headed the St. Louis police’s homicide unit. A few people have the audacity to criticize Gardner’s exclusion list of cops who have established issues with the truth and law. They are the likes of a Dwight Warren. Instead of moving with warp speed, the Johnson case has been stalled. In response to the Gardner’s righteous motion for a new trial, a circuit judge ruled that the motion was too late. The deadline for such a motion was 15 days after the guilty verdict. Yes, Circuit Judge Elizabeth Hogan actually put that foolishness into the universe.

We cannot let Lamar Johnson’s pursuit of justice falter. On Human Rights Day (December 10), a press conference will be held at Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s St. Louis office to stand with Johnson, his family and his supporters – including Gardner’s office.

Using a legal technicality in this case is an obstruction of justice. Somebodies must be held accountable.

Jamala Rogers

Continued from A1

said. “I didn’t notice that they didn’t have name tags until I looked at the pictures later.”

Major Craig A. Mueller of the Richmond Heights Police Department told The American that none of the officers involved on August 31 were present on Friday.

The St. Louis County Police Department concluded its investigation into the shooting right before Thanksgiving and gave it to St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell.

“We are reviewing it now,” said Tim Swope, Bell’s operations director. “There is a lot of evidence. We are working quickly but efficiently. We hope to be able to release as much information as possible in the near future.”

On August 31, Tillman, 23, had been shopping with the pregnant mother of his child for maternity clothes, when two uniformed police officers began questioning him about the gun in his waist band. When Tillman ran, the officers chased him and later shot and killed him in a bank parking lot across the street.

According to the St. Louis County Police, Tillman dropped his gun in the mall during the chase but picked it back up — and then later pointed it at the police officers.

Tisaby

Continued from A1

On December 4, Circuit Judge Bryan Hettenbach ruled that the lack of Tisaby’s signature did not mean the deposition should be rejection, which would result in the perjury case to be dropped.

“His motion is carefully drafted not to assert that he has not read the transcript or that he does not have a copy available,” Hettenbach wrote. “Instead he contends that he never ‘received’ the transcript

Community organizers claim that Tillman wouldn’t have had a chance to pick up his gun because the two officers were right behind him, according to video taken by a woman in the mall. They believe further video footage proves that police planted the gun on the crime scene. When The American asked

and that ‘Greitens’ legal team successfully opposed his request to review’ it. This argument is without merit.”

This ruling sided with the argument presented by Gerard Carmody, the special prosecutor in Tisaby’s grand jury case, during the December 2 hearing.

Gardner hired Tisaby in January 2018, soon after Greitens admitted that he had an affair with his hairdresser, a woman identified by her initials K.S. Greitens would later be charged with invasion of privacy for allegedly taking a semi-nude picture of K.S.

Swope if there was any video footage of Tillman shooting at the officers, Swope said, “We have numerous videos of evidentiary value to review. We are not yet prepared to discuss the events depicted in the videos but in the effort of full transparency, at the earliest practical time we will release the videos to the public.”

without her consent and then transferring it in a way that it could be accessed by a computer.

Gardner said she needed to hire an outside investigator because the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department refused to look into the case. The department said it was never asked to investigate.

On March 19, 2018, Greitens’ defense team deposed Tisaby for approximately nine hours, and at that time Tisaby “reserved signature” — meaning he requested a copy of his

The incident has brought together a coalition of community leaders questioning the police’s actions, including the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists, International Black Freedom Alliance, Organization For Black Struggle, Progressive National Baptist Convention, Universal

deposition so he could review it before he signed it, according to the November motion. On April 26, 2018 — 36 days later — Tisaby was scheduled for a second deposition, yet he had still not received a copy of his first one, the motion states.

So, Tisaby sought out a lawyer and attempted to obtain a continuance, or extension, to have a chance to review the deposition and clear the record if needed. Greitens’ attorneys knew Tisaby had not read the deposition, the motion states, “yet aggressively pursued a second deposition to catch Mr. Tisaby in several lies.”

African Peoples Organization (UAPO) and others.

The coalition met with the Richmond Heights city manager and mayor last week, Rev. Darryl Gray said at a December 2 town hall meeting. There, they were told that the officers involved in the shooting underwent a psychological evaluation, and

In his ruling Hettenbach wrote, “Any deposition transcript changes that Tisaby might have made would only appear alongside his original responses, always leaving a fact question as to whether any response was false.”

On April 26, 2018 the court denied Tisaby’s request for a continuance, and Tisaby’s attorney, Jermaine Wooten, advised him to plead the Fifth Amendment during the second deposition.

Greitens’ attorneys accused Tisaby of lying about whether he had taken notes during an interview with Greitens’

St. Louis County police gave them the green light to return to duty, Gray said.

Major Mueller of the Richmond Heights Police Department disputed that claim.

“The city did not ‘ask County PD to clear the officers,” Mueller told The American

“The leave varied for the officers involved and was many days/weeks. Once the city felt the officers were fit to return to duty and, before doing so, the city asked the investigative team if, based on current findings of the investigation, the County PD felt there was any reason not to return the officers to duty. County PD did not see a problem with the city returning the officers to duty.”

Now that the investigation’s findings are in Bell’s hands, community leaders said they expect information.

“We are hopeful Wesley Bell will do what is supposed to be done,” Brandy said. “That’s what he ran on, and that’s what we expect from him.”

So far Galleria leaders have refused to meet with coalition leaders, they said, and that is unacceptable.

“We’re not going to let up the pressure,” Brandy said. “Their mall continues to be at the center of bad situations for people of color.”

alleged victim. The police department investigated this claim, which spurred the grand jury proceedings. In June 2018, Mullen appointed Carmody, of Carmody MacDonald law firm, to oversee the grand jury investigation into Tisaby’s perjury charge. “They didn’t give him time to look at it, and that was wrong,” said attorney Daniel Dailey, who is also representing Tisaby. “And the defense team used that as a way to get ex-Governor Greitens off.”

“We’re not going to let up the pressure,” activist Amir Brandy said of the St. Louis Galleria Mall at a December 2 town hall meeting. “Their mall continues to be at the center of bad situations for people of color.”

Rev. Darryl Gray reported that the police officers involved in the fatal shooting of Terry Tillman underwent a psychological evaluation and then returned to duty at a December 2 town hall meeting.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

Buford

Continued from A1

Buford’s wife, Susan Buford, and family on social media.

“He was CEO of St. Louis for 28 years, a National Urban League board member twice and president of the Association of Executives. He was also the first CEO to receive a 5 Star Rating of any affiliate in the country.”

Current National Urban League President Marc Morial frequently refers to the St. Louis affiliate as the “flagship,” a claim first made when Buford was at the helm.

“Thanks to Jim’s leadership, the St. Louis affiliate is seen as the model for others to follow,” Stephen C. Jones, then-immediate past chair of the Urban League Board of Directors, said when Buford retired in 2013.

Virvus Jones, former St. Louis comptroller, knew Buford from his youth in North St. Louis.

“Jim Buford transformed the St. Louis Urban League. He brought a level of political savvy to the agency,” Virvus Jones told The American

“He used that political savvy to provide a voice for the underserved. He was above all a firm believer that poverty was the root of most of the problems that faced the black community.”

Buford felt so deeply that poverty was the source of the problems of his community that he would privately express despair that the Urban League in his city had flourished.

From an annual budget of about $2.5 million when he arrived, he helped grow the St. Louis Urban League to more than $20 million in programs to underserved populations of St. Louis city and county and St. Clair County, Illinois.

Rather than a sign of his savvy leadership — as surely it was — Buford sometimes saw this as evidence that poverty had entrenched or grown in the community, rather than abated, on his watch.

Buford (and McMillan) creatively developed Urban League programs that go beyond anti-poverty programs and services. As Debra Denham, then-board chair of the St. Louis Urban League, said when Buford retired, under his leadership the affiliate grew “to be a crucial part of the St. Louis region’s social safety net

– providing services that range from job training to home weatherization, early childhood education to emergency food, violence prevention programs to housing counseling.”

Yet Buford knew that fighting poverty was his agency’s first mission, and if his agency was growing, then poverty could not be disappearing.

“Really, we shouldn’t even be here by now,” Buford said to The American about the Urban League around the time of his retirement in 2013. “I would have hoped by now our work would be done and we could move on.”

Buford did the work in many capacities beyond the Urban League.

“He has been at the forefront of countless efforts in the St. Louis community to promote inclusion and fairness for all minorities and disenfranchised

citizens, especially African Americans,” Denham told The American when announcing his retirement.

McMillan observed the same commitment. “Mr. Buford was also active on more than 20 boards of directors expanding the scope and relationships of the agency throughout the region,” McMillan said. “He will be truly missed as a civic leader locally and nationally.”

Among other civic commitments, Buford was chairman of the St. Louis Connectcare board, chair and vice chair of the Metropolitan Sewer District (MSD), a board member of the St. Louis Zoo Commission, a member of the St. Louis Board of Education and a commissioner on the St. Louis County election board.

“Mr. Buford was instrumental in the expansion of MSD’s Diversity Program,” Brian Hoelscher, executive

de Salud and of The St. Louis Mosaic Project.

“He was instrumental in helping us found the St. Louis Mosaic Project by first serving as a founding member of the Steering Committee of the St. Louis Taskforce on Immigration and Innovation in 2012, which was renamed The St. Louis Mosaic Project in 2013, where he served as an active member until his death.”

A graduate of Elizabethtown College in Pennsylvania, Buford was awarded honorary degrees by Harris-Stowe State University, University of Missouri-St. Louis, Webster University, Eden Theological Seminary and Fontbonne University.

Before coming to the Urban League, Buford was state director of Jobs for Missouri Graduates under Governor Christopher “Kit” Bond.

Buford was a fascinating combination of forces. He was a big man who carried the atmosphere of the former power athlete he was. He wore a bow-tie every day and was unapologetic about allying himself with the Republican Party and corporate community, where most of the funds needed by his agency and those it serves could be unlocked. Yet, Buford was respected by front-line activists for his compassion for his people, courage and an inside game that would come to benefit change-makers on the outside.

director/CEO of MSD, told The American. “On a personal note, Mr. Buford’s guidance was invaluable after he hired me.”

Other organizations Buford served include Grand Center, the Boy Scouts of America, Fair St. Louis, the UMSL Chancellor’s Council, Jobs for America’s Graduates, Heat Up St. Louis, the Downtown Partnership Foundation and the Missouri State University Foundation.

“Jim was also a great champion for the foreign-born and immigrants in our region,” said Bob Fox, founder of Casa

“He was instrumentally effective during the days of turmoil leading up to the time when civil rights and political activists successfully challenged and defeated the established city and state leadership that had determined that black folk were incapable of speaking for themselves,”

Bill Clay, Missouri’s first black congressman, told The American

“Along with an impressive list of young militants, Buford stood side by side demanding our rightful place in the social, political and economic life of this country.” Buford stayed in the

struggle so long he came to work nearly as long alongside a second generations of Clays in Congress.

“He was a fearless civil rights champion who defended the right to vote, demanded equal opportunity, and confronted discrimination with his unfailing intellect and uncommon courage,” U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) told The American. “He will be remembered for all the good that he did, here in St. Louis, and across our nation as well.”

In personal interactions, Buford was downhome and so charming that he disarmed any potential adversary. When addressing majority-black audiences as a frequent emcee and keynote speaker, Buford would always address the group as “family,” and it never felt insincere or contrived. He used the same familiar reference for his community in the column he wrote for The St. Louis American for years.

“He was a role model, mentor and friend to all who knew him,” Virvus Jones said.

“Jim is the consummate relationship builder -- nobody else in St. Louis has a broader, more diverse or more effective network of colleagues and friends,” Denham said when he retired.

His successor can testify to that.

“I met Mr. Buford when I was a teenager 32 years ago and watched him work hard to create the legacy that he did,” McMillan said. “The Urban League Movement has lost another champion of justice.”

Bill Clay told The American, “He will be missed by those of us who were involved in that heroic struggle for respect, dignity and political empowerment.”

James H. Buford is survived by his wife Susan and two adult sons, James Buford Jr. and Jason Buford. His first wife and mother of his sons, Helen Buford, preceded him in transitioning. Information on his services will be provided when available.

James H. Buford

James H. Buford speaking with Pat Merritt

Mildred Gaddis and James Buford

The affordable housing crisis and the candidates

By Marc H. Morial

Of The National Urban League

“Across the nation, families are struggling with homelessness and housing insecurity. We need to treat the affordable housing shortage like the crisis that it is,” said U.S. Rep. Ilhan Omar, introducing the Homes for All Act, which expands public housing stock and guarantees housing as a human right.

“Housing is a fundamental human right. It’s time we as a nation acted like it and end the housing crisis once and for all.”

A pivotal moment in the 2020 Democratic primary race may have escaped notice by much of the country. For the first time since the debates began – a total of six nights of debates – the candidates finally were asked a question about the housing crisis.

I was so concerned about the lack of public discussion around this critical issue facing the nation that I sent a letter to the candidates, urging them to share their plans.

“Gentrification is driving families from their homes,” I wrote. “A minimum-wage worker needs 2.5 full-time jobs to afford a one-bedroom apartment in most of the United States. The foreclosure crisis of 2008 exacerbated the shortage of affordable housing, forcing families out of the homes they lost and into the already-tight rental market.

“Simply put, the rent is too

damn high. Mortgages are unattainable. What is your plan?”

We didn’t get to hear from every candidate, and none of those who responded were able to share much detail about their plans. But simply having the issue raised was an important first step.

U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren of Massachusetts, for example, cited noted the shortage of affordable housing – the federal government has stopped building new housing, and private developers prefer to serve the upper-income market.

“Housing is how we build wealth in America,” she said.

economically. White families today have nearly 10 times the net worth of black families.

Meanwhile home prices are rising at twice the rate of wage growth and nearly half of all renters spend 30 percent or more of their income on rent. About 11 million Americans spend more than half their income on rent.

The average renter’s hourly wage is $5.39 less than the national two-bedroom Housing Wage – the wage needed to afford an apartment at fair market rent without spending more than 30% of income on housing – and $1.08 less than the one-bedroom Housing Wage, according to the NLIHC.

Winter Celebrations at the Saint Louis Art Museum

n The impact of redlining on black household wealth cannot be overstated.

“The federal government has subsidized housing for decades for white people and has said for black people you’re cut out of the deal. That was known as redlining.”

The impact of redlining on black household wealth cannot be overstated. In the mid-20th Century, the federal government color-coded neighborhoods throughout the nation as green for “best,” blue for “still desirable,” yellow for “definitely declining” and red for “hazardous.”

Lenders would not finance homeownership in redlined black neighborhoods, which exacerbated a black-white wealth gap that persists to this day. More than 80 years after those color-coed maps were drawn, three out of four redlined neighborhoods continue to struggle

Black and Hispanic households are more likely than white households to be both cost-burdened and low-income. Twenty percent of black households and 16 percent of Hispanic households are extremely low-income renters, compared to just 6 percent of white households.

Even as this crisis grows, the Trump Administration yet again has proposed drastic cuts to affordable housing programs that would drive up rents for the poorest residents of subsidized housing and wipe out resources for maintaining and improving public housing buildings.

A few minutes on a nationally-televised debate may be a start but it is nowhere near enough to address the magnitude of the affordable housing crisis. Those candidates who do have detailed plans need to talk about them much more often. And those candidates without detailed plans need to develop them, immediately.

Marc H. Morial is president and CEO of the National Urban League.

One of my dear friends introduced me to heroin. By the end of it you could offer me anything else and I would choose heroin instead. Nobody wants to live in that situation, but they may not know how to get out of it. There are as many different ways to get clean as there are people who use. Whatever it takes for you, you’ve got to do it. You owe it to yourself.

The Saint Louis Art Museum kicks off the holiday season on December 14 and 15 with Winter Celebrations, a festival of free performances and art activities inspired by traditions from around the world. An annual event at the Museum, Winter Celebrations invites families and visitors of all ages to come together to enjoy art and community. Visitors can participate in hands-on art making on both days of the festival. At the Create Lab, visitors can make art to take home inspired by the winter season. At the Give Lab, they can lift someone’s spirits by making a seasonal card to donate to a local charity. Cards made on Saturday will be donated to BJC Hospice and cards made on Sunday will be donated to The Women’s Safe

House. There are several performances over the course of the weekend that are not to be missed! Join us on Saturday or Sunday at 11 am in the museum’s Farrell Auditorium for an

WINTER CELEBRATIONS

Saturday, December 14 and Sunday December 15 10 am-4 pm Saint Louis Art Museum FREE

exclusive performance by the Confluence Chamber Orchestra inspired by Ezra Jack Keats’ beloved children’s book The Snowy Day by. Join the main

character, Peter, on a snowy adventure filled with music and song. All ages are invited to delight in an interactive display of this seasonal classic. Other highlights throughout the weekend include music and dance performances by Afriky Lolo, Hispanic Festival, Inc., St. Louis Osuwa Taiko, and the St. Louis Christmas Carols Association among others. Sunday provides a tasty opportunity to decorate a seasonal cookie in our cookie-decorating workshop from 1 to 4 pm. Both days of the festival will include a photo booth from 12 to 2 pm by TapSnap to capture a special family memory. For more information about Winter Celebrations and to see the full schedule of events, visit slam. org.

Columnist

Marc Morial

St. Louis’ airport privatization process comes under scrutiny

November 14 was Mayor Lyda Krewson’s birthday.

And her birthday gift from U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay was not to her liking. It actually made her livid, according to inside sources. At the STL Not For Sale Town Hall on Airport Privatization held on her birthday, Clay’s representative Steven Engelhardt got up and read Clay’s words.

I am today demanding that the St. Louis Board of Aldermen and the Board of Estimate and Apportionment authorize a binding public vote on any future recommendation to privatize St. Louis-Lambert International Airport,” Engelhardt read.

“While I remain skeptical of any net community benefit that might result from such an agreement, I am deeply troubled by the lack of transparency and the obvious conflicts of interest that have tainted the current airport study process, including the involvement of individuals who retain a direct financial interest in its outcome.”

Clay joined St. Louis Comptroller Darlene Green and 20th Ward Alderwoman Cara Spencer, among other legislators, in calling for a public vote.

Engelhardt’s announcement set the scene for an intense look at the privatization process through the perspectives of four panelists. The panelists included Ray Mundy, former director of the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ Center for Transportation Studies, who said he was open to the idea of privatization. Tony Messenger metro columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, spoke about his experience covering the privatization process over the past couple years. Tyson Pruitt, the comptroller’s spokesman, filled in some blanks about financial aspects, and Spencer spoke about her attempts to get legislation for a public vote passed at the Board of Aldermen.

In response to Clay’s announcement, Krewson’s spokesman said, “The mayor has talked about this with Congressman Clay and she remains unopposed to a public vote, as she’s said publicly many, many times. There’s just nothing currently to vote on.”

Poisoned fruit

Mundy started the discussion off by saying that in his 40 to 50 years of doing research on airports he has never heard of “success fees.” This how the City of St. Louis will pay its consultants on the airport deal. If the city privatizes, then the consultants will be paid “success fees.”

“Any fruit that could come from the process being used would be fruit from a poisoned tree,” Mundy said. “The process has been very well poisoned. I’ve never seen a process where we signed a blank check for the people to do the work and say, ‘We’ll do accounting after it’s all done and you’re successful.’”

Messenger agreed. The team that is acting as the city’s consultant is led by Grow Missouri, Inc., an organization funded by retired conservative financier Rex Sinquefield, a billionaire who has invested heavily in St. Louis and Missouri politics and governance issues. Grow Missouri paid for the application into the Federal Aviation Administration’s Airport Privatization Program — and it created the metrics for the city to select a consultant.

“I can’t imagine a more poisonous public contracting situation in which one organization was under contract to design a process that then led it to receive the bid — while they were still under contract,” Messenger said.

There were several other respected folks who applied to be the city’s consultant on the deal, Messenger said.

Messenger said, “Nearly every single bid said this: ‘Don’t do it the way you’re contemplating doing it. Don’t have a success fee. It’s a massive conflict of interest. It creates an incentive to privatize, not to give the city good advice which may lead to privatization.’”

Taxpayers on the hook

Spencer explained that outside of Puerto Rico, only one out of the country’s more than 450 airports has been fully privatized: Stewart International Airport in Newburgh, NY. After Newburgh privatized its airport, the biggest carrier, Delta Airlines, skipped town, she said, because pricing was too dynamic — which public ownership highly restricts, she said. The private operator left after seven years.

“The public had to take it back over,” Spencer said. “Do you know what it cost the taxpayers? It cost $78 million to take back the ownership of that airport. That would devastate the City of St. Louis. We don’t have $78 million sitting in the bank.”

Denver privatized just one terminal, and it was a disaster, she said.

“It has mounted those taxpayers $200 million to take back ownership after that debacle,” Spencer said. “So I’ve got a financial stake in this because I’m a city taxpayer. If

see limited information about the 18 teams that responded to the RFQ.

Paul Payne, who is leading the working group, told The American recently that they interviewed these 18 companies over the last week and will share some findings at the group’s December 5 meeting. The next step after that will be to issue a Request for Proposals and basically invite those who they feel meet the qualifications to submit proposals.

Leasing the airport would require a city ordinance, approved by the Board of Aldermen and the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. Messenger pointed out that the original application to the Federal Aviation Administration’s included a public vote being an important part of the process. Yet, that has changed under Krewson’s leadership, he said.

Linda Martinez, the mayor’s appointee to the working group considering privatization, recently addressed the question on St. Louis on the Air.

this deal goes awry, I’m on the hook. And I want to make sure what happens with our airport is in the best interest of our taxpayers.”

St. Louis became the first municipally owned airport in the United States in 1927. Because of that, St. Louis is among only 12 public airports out of 457 throughout the country that is “grandfathered” into a federal program that allows the owners to receive part of the airport’s revenue. The city receives about $6.5 million annually –but that would go away if the airport is privatized.

Spencer explained that city taxpayers have paid zero dollars since 1956, and the airport is funded entirely by user fees and federal grants. That would also change.

What about the debt?

As part of this process, supporters of privatization pointed to the airport’s $590

million in debt. However, Spencer said that the city is scheduled to pay all of that debt off in the next five to seven years. After that point, the airport can invest in developing the undeveloped land surrounding Lambert. But if the city privatizes, then that opportunity goes out the window, she said. Mundy agreed with Spencer that the airport’s financial path is good, and it’s under good management.

For comparison Pruitt provided the numbers for other airports’ debt: Dallas has $2 billion, Miami $5 billion and Cleveland $634 million.

What are the consultants doing?

In his reporting, Messenger has had trouble finding out the what the consultants are doing because of the contract itself. While the public can see a list of payments, they cannot

find out what the lawyers or consultants did to earn those dollars.

“There is no accounting,” Messenger said. “I found that problematic.”

The Airport Working Group — which consists of representatives from the mayor, comptroller, Board of Aldermen and the president of the Board of Aldermen — issued a Request for Qualifications (RFQ). This is basically the city reviewing the resumes — not proposals — for people interested in privatizing the airport, Messenger said. The public is only allowed to

“If you read very carefully, the proposal was to submit to the people a charter amendment that would delegate solely to the mayor the opportunity to make a decision,” Martinez said on St. Louis Public Radio. “This mayor said, ‘I don’t want to use that approach.’” Instead, the mayor chose to pursue the option giving a vote to the Board of Aldermen and the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. The FAA and the airlines operating out of Lambert will also vote on any potential proposal.

Mundy said that he anticipates the public will soon start hearing big numbers. In the proposals and campaign to privatize, citizens will hear that millions will go towards public education and other causes, Mundy said. Messenger agreed.

“It changes the dynamic of the discussion,” Messenger said. “When those numbers are thrown out, will we as citizens be able to trust the analysis of them? Will they be real numbers or Monopoly numbers?”

MATTIE M. ALLEN BORN NOVEMBER 17, 1920, PASSED AWAY ON NOVEMBER 22, 2019 AT THE AGE OF 99 OF NATURAL CAUSES.

SHE LEAVES TO CHERISH HER LOVING MEMORY SONS DR. EVERETT ALLEN - DR. REGINALD ALLEN AND GRAYLAN (BRENDA) ALLEN; DAUGHTERS JASMINE AN MATTIE R. ALLEN

TO MOM: A SHINING LIGHT ALTHOUGH YOUR SHINING LIGHT HAS SET YOUR RAYS HAS PRODUCED ENDLESS LOVEHOPE-ENCOURAGEMENT AND SPIRITUAL AWARENESS FOR ALL YOU CAME IN CONTACT WITH. JUST LIKE SUNLIGHT YOU CAUSED THE THINGS YOU TOUCHED TO GROW STRONG AND BEAUTIFUL. WE WILL MISS YOUR LIGHT BUT WILL NEVER FORGET THE BRIGHTNESS IT PRODUCED IN OUR LIVES. THAT LIGHT SHALL FOREVER LIGHT OUR PATHWAYS IN LIFE. THANK YOU FOR ALL YOUR LOVE A LOVE WE WILL NEVER FORGET. LOVING YOU ALWAYS

Photo from STL Not For Sale

Ray Mundy, Tony Messenger, Tyson Pruitt of Comptroller Darlene Green’s office and Alderwoman Cara Spencer spoke at the At the STL Not For Sale Town Hall on Airport Privatization on November 14.

By Kenya Vaughn Of The

St. Louis American

The Black Press lost one of the last of its living giants with the passing of Garth Reeves Sr., publisher emeritus of the Miami Times newspaper, on Monday, November 25. He was 100 years old.

His name is spoken alongside the great men who created outlets to chronicle the black experience through their respective publications: John Sengstacke Abbott of the Chicago Defender, Robert L. Vann of the Pittsburgh Courier, and Abbott’s nephew Robert Sengstacke, who ultimately published the Chicago Defender and the Pittsburgh Courier (as the New Pittsburgh Courier).

“Mr. Reeves led a remarkable life promoting equality and civil rights as a veteran, journalist, community activist, and as owner of the Miami Times,” Miami Mayor Francis Suarez said in a statement.

He was such a staple within his community that the City of Miami Commission honored

Miami Times publisher emeritus Garth Reeves Sr. passes at 100

Reeves on the occasion of his 100th birthday last February.

“He leaves behind a proud and lasting legacy that will be remembered for many years to come,” said MiamiDade County Commissioner Jean Monestime. “[He] used his position as publisher of the Miami Times to advance the cause of civil rights and equality.”

Reeves had a connection to the region through former Ferguson Police Chief Delrish Moss, a Miami native and veteran of its law enforcement community. He was selected to lead the department into its next chapter following unrest in response to the death of Michael Brown.

“This man is truly a legend in South Florida history,” said Moss, who returned to the Florida region last year, via Facebook. “He has given the black community a voice like no other. I was privileged for a time to write a weekly contribution to the Miami Times. Thanks in great part to Mr. Reeves and his daughter, who preceded him in death, south Florida got to hear

another side of my voice.”

Started by his father in 1923 as a tabloid that provided a platform for issues facing the African-American community, the Miami Times was already a family business when Reeves went to work there as a teenager. Aside from service in the U.S. Army during World War II, he is often quoted as proudly proclaiming that it was “the only job I ever had.”

Garth Coleridge Reeves Sr. was born February 12, 1919 in Nassau, Bahamas, the only son of Henry E. Sigismund Reeves and Rachel Cooper. His family moved to Miami when he was four months old. His father began printing the publication on a small hand press in his home.

in 1994, it was a trusted voice used to express the concerns of the black community and advocate on their behalf.

“Over the years we represented ourselves in our own image, and today we are still doing it,” Reeves said in a 2016 interview with the Miami Herald “We fight our community’s fights without sacrificing integrity in any way.”

In 2017 he was inducted into the National Association of Black Journalists Hall of Fame.

as the Negro Newspaper Publishers Association and later renamed National Newspaper Publishers Association, NNPA has represented the collective of the Black Press across the nation for nearly 80 years.

The paper is a leading publication among the NNPA member newspapers and most recently earned the distinguished title of “Best Black Newspaper in America” in 2018 and 2019.

newspaper, my career in journalism would have ended. Instead, I was allowed to grow in a different environment and to so advance personally and professionally that I can safely say that all that I am, all that I have become, in the U.S., I owe to him, as I told him when I called to express my condolences on his daughter’s passing.”

“These valiant soldiers without swords not only excelled in their chosen field, they also brought others along with them. We stand on their shoulders,” Sarah Glover, then NABJ president, said in her announcement that he would receive the award.

But, as his grandson, the last survivor of the Reeves dynasty, assumes his place as publisher, the mission will continue. February 12, 1919 – November 25.

Garth Reeves began working for the Miami Times as a teen. He returned to the paper after graduating from what would late become Florida A&M University and his military service. By the time he retired

Reeves was among the founding publishers of the NNPA, an organization formed by Sengstacke. Then known

“There are many people in Miami who will remember how Reeves helped to make life just a bit better, kept the police from continuing to attack and kill African-American men, mobilized the AfricanAmerican vote and raised the consciousness of more than a generation,” former Miami Times Managing Editor Mohamed Hamaludin said in a touching first-person reflection on life and legacy of his former employer and mentor.

“I am one of those who is grateful – especially this Thanksgiving season – that I met and got to know him. Without the job offer at his

The plan was for his son Garth Jr. to assume the role of publisher, just as his father had done before him. But when he passed away from colon cancer at 30, the elder Reeves’ daughter Rachel Reeves stepped in as publisher upon her father’s retirement and built upon its rich history. With her death in September at the age of 69, his health was said to have quickly declined. His cause of death is listed as complications from pneumonia, but perhaps seeing his last living child transition played a role.

in more interaction with DOR,” said Keith Robinson, president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute’s St. Louis Chapter.

Continued from A1 unheard.” Under the agreement, Missouri will provide registration services to residents who visit the Department of Revenue’s online change-of-address site. Customers who use the agency’s online change-ofaddress system to update the address associated with their license or identification card will be automatically redirected to the Secretary of State’s online voter registration system.

“The fixes the state agreed to undergo will be critical to ensure that Missouri does not continue to shut the doors to our democracy on individuals whose voices are already underrepresented and too often Voter

Also, information entered on the Department of Revenue’s webpage will be pre-populated on the Secretary of State site, allowing residents to more easily register or update their voter registration to reflect their new address.

The agreement further provides for improvements to streamline license and identification card transactions conducted in motor vehicles offices.

To ensure the effective

implementation of the settlement agreement, the Department of Revenue will designate a National Voter Registration Act Coordinator, conduct internal audits of the new procedures established under the agreement, and publish data to allow for oversight of the agreement.

“Each year, one of the major causes of disenfranchisement in the state results from when Missouri voters appear at the polls and find out that

they are not registered at their current address,” said Evelyn Maddox, president of the League of Women Voters of Missouri. “These improvements to the Department of Revenue’s voter registration practices will help reduce the number of qualified voters being shut out of the political process.”

The plaintiffs were represented in their suit against Missouri Secretary of State John R. Ashcroft by a team of lawyers from Demos, Advancement Project National

Office, Covington & Burling LLP, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and ACLU of Missouri.

“With this agreement, Missouri will reduce barriers to the fundamental right to vote,” said Anthony Rothert, legal director of ACLU of Missouri. “We hope this agreement represents a shift in our state government’s priorities, so they focus on making it easier to vote, not harder.”

Garth C. Reeves Sr.

“TakingCareofYou”

Give the gift that loved ones can keep

staff

“This year, I am urging families to be aware of recalls of certain infant incline sleepers and infant rocking sleepers that have been connected to infant deaths,” Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul writes in his

“The guide also includes other recalled children’s items, such as children’s clothing that does not meet flammability standards, toys and clothing with small pieces that can break

and pose a choking hazard, knit toys that have been found to contain needles, and infant and children’s furniture that, if not properly secured, can result in falls and other injuries.” The 22-page online guide includes detailed

Trek has recalled its Kickster Bikes due to a fall hazard. The steer tube clamp on the bike can break.

‘I thought it was my time to die when I couldn’t afford insulin’

By Karen Gallagher For The

St. Louis American Improving patient care plus saving Medicare money sometimes equals detective work

“It takes a village to raise old people, too,” says 81-year-old Valura Massey as she sits in her primary care physician’s office in west St. Louis County, her cane close at hand. She has been dealing with diabetes for many years and recently switched to a new physician, Nathan Moore, MD. Massey had been good about keeping up with the insulin she needed for her

n “I like stepping out from behind a counter and working in the patient care process to prevent any problems before they happen.”

– Lara Kerwin, clinical pharmacist

and was now having to cover costs herself.

“I am on a fixed income. I asked myself what was I going to do? I thought I might have to go without,” she said.

But Massey found strong support in

Lara Kerwin, a clinical pharmacist with BJC Accountable Care Organization (ACO). Massey is part of the Accountable Care Organization through Dr. Moore, gaining access to special programs that provide her help, at no charge, in reaching her health goals. Kerwin got to work researching Massey’s insurance coverage and searching formulary lists for medications that could work.

“Having an ACO allows us to do valuable, innovative things we weren’t able to do previously,” said Dr. Moore. “As in the case of Ms. Massey, we can work one-on-one with patients using staff such as Lara to educate

See BJC, A13

By Ebonee F. Shaw For The St. Louis American

You may know people who have struggled with sickle cell anemia in their family. If so, you know how difficult that can be. Kids Rock Cancer is an innovative program developed and managed by Maryville University that helps children and their families cope with the difficulties of a sickle cell or cancer diagnosis.

“My son had surgery two years ago on his tonsils and adenoids, and he has hemoglobin SC, which can be a mild form of sickle cell,” said Karlla Dozier, senior compliance officer and Title IX coordinator at Maryville University.

“He was required to have surgery at Cardinal Glennon Hospital, where his sickle cell team could oversee the operation, in-house stay and recovery. While in the hospital, he was visited by the music therapy team that works with Kids Rock Cancer. My son was unable to sing so the team worked with him to write lyrics to a song called ‘Super Cole.’ My son still has his special Super Cole poster on his door at home.”

n Telling what a person is experiencing and how it feels has been proven to be therapeutic. Putting those words to music adds an entirely different level of expression that is often joyful.

Sickle cell anemia is an inherited blood condition that is more common in certain ethnic groups, including persons of African, Hispanic, Middle Eastern, Mediterranean, Indian and Asian descent. The sickle cell gene can be carried by both dark- and lightskinned people originally from a variety of regions around the world. In the U.S., all hospitals provide a newborn screening. If one parent is a carrier, the baby may have the trait. If both parents have the trait, the baby may have the disease. About 2,000 babies in the U.S. are diagnosed annually with the disease. It hurts! Health problems are caused by

The 2019 Safe Shopping Guide by Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul will help consumers from purchasing items with defects, which was the case with the Children’s Power Wheels Barbie Camper by Fisher-Price. The campers were recalled because the power wheels

continue to run after the foot pedal was released, posing an injury hazard.

Photo by Karen Gallagher Lara Kerwin, left, clinical pharmacist with Accountable Care Organization and Valura Massey, who has been dealing with diabetes for many years.

Ebonee F. Shaw

Sickle Cell

Continued from A12 irregularly shaped red blood cells that can slow or block blood flow and oxygen in the body. Without sufficient blood flow, a person may experience pain and extreme discomfort in their chest, abdomen, joints, and

bones, and is more prone to infections. Treatment helps to relieve pain and prevent other issues but there is typically no cure. Enter Kids Rock Cancer. Telling the story – what a person is experiencing and how it feels – has been proven to be therapeutic. Putting those thoughts and words to music adds an entirely different level of expression

that is often joyful. Since 2009, more than 1,700 children and families have participated in the Maryville University program and discovered the power of music to explain how they feel.

Here’s how it works: A Kids Rock Cancer boardcertified music therapist meets with the child and family for one or two sessions, typically around two hours.

The therapist creates a safe space, working together to identify ideas and themes that can be turned into lyrics, and then they create an original tune. The child sings the special melody into a microphone and stars in the song they have written, with background instrumentation provided by guitar, keyboard and computer software all independently chosen by the

child. When finished, the child receives this CD recording as a cherished legacy to share with family and friends.

The therapeutic songwriting and thoughtful recording process provides a positive distraction from physical and emotional pain while releasing a sense of accomplishment and pride, and feelings of happiness and optimism. Kids Rock Cancer

helps children, teens, young adults and siblings (ages 5 and up) affected by cancer/ blood disorders at St. Louis Children’s hospitals, special camps, and other locations throughout the area. For more information, visit kidsrockcancer.org.

Ebonee F. Shaw is the development director at Maryville University.

Continued from A12

descriptions and photographs of children’s products recalled in the past year – from children’s toys and clothes that pose choking hazards to children’s furniture that poses entrapment or falling risks. Since January, there have been 30 recalls of products by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission that are focused on protecting children.

The guide can help families avoid purchasing recalled products on the secondhand market and identify items that may already be in their homes.

“I encourage parents, grandparents, guardians and anyone shopping for a child to review the guide to ensure that they are not giving potentially hazardous gifts to the child in your life,” Raoul said.

This year, some of the products parents should watch out for include bath toys, toy vehicles and trains, and toddler boots with pieces that can cause choking hazards; bathrobes, sleepwear, and children’s plates that can be flammable; and bunk beds, bikes, and infant bouncers which can present fall hazards.

“By reading the guide,

n

“I

encourage parents, grandparents, guardians and anyone shopping for a child to review the guide to ensure that they are not giving potentially hazardous gifts to the child in your life.”

– Illinois Attorney General Kwame Raoul

families can ensure they do not have these recalled items in their homes,” Raoul said, “and can avoid purchasing them through yard sales or secondhand websites where they may still be available.”

For more information about product recalls, contact the Illinois Attorney General’s Recall Hotline at 1-888-414-7678. Parents and caregivers can also receive recall alerts directly by signing up at recalls.gov. Consumers can view and download the 2019 Safe Shopping Guide at the Attorney General’s website at https:// tinyurl.com/trmtxml.

Flying Tiger Copenhagen recalled Toy Train Carts (above) and Pearhead recalled Ubbi Connecting Bath Toys both due to a choking hazard.

St. Louis picked for First Responder Vaccine Initiative pilot project

The St. Louis metropolitan area is one of two areas in the country selected to conduct a First Responder Vaccine Initiative pilot project with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. This initiative focuses on protecting first responders during an anthrax event. Personnel from law enforcement, fire and rescue, Hazmat, emergency rooms, public health and safety, and disaster preparedness and response are at an increased risk of exposure to this biological agent as response efforts kick off. The project has been developed to reduce these risks and strengthen responder preparedness and protection by providing them with pre-event voluntary anthrax vaccinations.

Continued from A12

them on their conditions and medical options and any side effects. And Lara can then work with physicians to help take better care of patients with appropriate medications they can afford.”

“The point of BJC ACO is to make sure we are there to help our patients succeed in their health care journey, and to remove barriers to the care they need,” said Sandra Van Trease, BJC group president. “We have been working with different approaches, mindsets and behaviors to create a care model that will improve health outcomes for our patients.”

In 2012, BJC became the first health care provider in the St. Louis area to form an Accountable Care Organization

to better care for seniors. The ACO program was developed by Medicare to help physicians and other care professionals take even better care of people. The Medicare Shared Savings Program rewards ACOs that lower health costs while delivering high quality care based on numerous quality measures relating to care coordination and patient safety, appropriate use of preventive health services, improved care for at-risk populations, and the patient and caregiver experience of care.

BJC’s ACO covers about 60,000 seniors in the St. Louis area with both traditional Medicare coverage and with Medicare Advantage plans. The 14 adult hospitals in the health system, as well as their home care program, medical group and affiliated providers, form a network to care for seniors in a more coordinated, transparent

“Anthrax is one of the most likely biological agents to be use by terrorist because anthrax spores can easily be found in nature, can be produced in a lab, and can last in the environment for a long time,” said City of St. Louis Health Director Dr. Fredrick Echols.

“It’s a good weapon because it only takes a small amount to infect a large number of people

way.

The program has been working. BJC ACO quality scores are high – an average of 92 percent in 2018 – and the organization has saved Medicare and taxpayers $26 million in the last three years.

Doug Pogue, MD, BJC Medical Group president, attributed these savings to some recent changes in how patient care is handled.

“We have been working to reduce our hospitalization numbers, and we have seen a decrease in unnecessary testing, particularly with MRIs,” Dr. Pogue said.

“We are providing physicians with monthly reports to help them identify any gaps in care or patients that need follow up. Physicians can then develop plans of care for their patients and share them with every single doctor and clinician involved in the

and it can be released without anyone knowing.”

The St. Louis pilot – Project PREPARE (Program to Ready Emergency Personnel for an Anthrax Event) – will be co-managed by the St. Louis city and county health departments and Washington University School of Medicine.

Dr. Echols and Dr. Stacey House, director of Emergency Care Research Core at Washington University School of Medicine, Department of Emergency Medicine will spearhead management efforts.

patient’s care.”

Dr. Pogue also pointed to a team of 26 care partners who follow patients by phone and help with physician orders, medications, education about their health condition, and other needs such as transportation to doctor appointments.

“Helping patients transition home from the hospital have been particularly successful,” he said. “The care partners make sure the patients don’t bounce right back.”

Keeping patients from the hospital is also on the mind of Kerwin as a clinical pharmacist, especially those with chronic conditions such as diabetes. She serves as a bridge between patients, physicians and nurses, working both in person and by phone. She may educate a patient on how medicines change over time, help them

“So far, 65 fire departments, law enforcement agencies, emergency medical services, and emergency departments in St. Louis City and County have agreed to participate in Project

gain access to affordable medications, and help them reach their health goals.

Thanks to some detective work on behalf of Valura Massey, including looking into Massey’s insurance coverage, Kerwin calculated that switching insulins wouldn’t help her with the price of the drug, but switching from insulin provided in a vial to it provided in a pen would. She used a computer database to determine how many units per day of insulin Massey needed, how the pens were packaged and how many were mailed at a time.

But Massey needed some convincing – she had never used pens for insulin and had always had her son pick up her medications at a pharmacy. “I talked with her to explain that it comes priority mail with temperature protocols and is very safe,” Kerwin said.

PREPARE’s anthrax education and vaccination program,” said Dr. House. The vaccine for the pilot will come from the nation’s Strategic National Stockpile a national repository of antibiotics, vaccines, chemical antidotes, antitoxins, and other critical medical supplies stored for national emergencies.

With Kerwin’s help, Massey could now get her insulin and, as a result, get her diabetes under control again.

Meeting for the first time in person was meaningful to both Massey and Kerwin.

“This is my very best friend now,” Massey said, pointing at Kerwin. “I had thought it was just my time to die when I couldn’t afford my insulin. But thanks to Lara, we have things together now.”

“We are going to have a good long-term relationship,” Kerwin says. “We will keep in touch to talk about all of her concerns, even food choices and other medications. I like stepping out from behind a counter and working in the patient care process to prevent any problems before they happen.”

Why do they call it “Liquid Candy?”

Sugared soft drinks are one of the highest contributors to childhood obesity. “An extra soft drink a day gives a child a 60% greater chance of becoming obese,” according to a recent study

Another fun way to increase your physical activity is to become part of a

Be A Team Player!

Deck the Halls— Safely!

This time of year many of your family, friends and neighbors are putting up holiday decorations. Stay safe this holiday season by following a few simple rules:

> Never use Holiday Lights with broken or frayed wiring. (And make sure there are no empty bulb sockets!)

> If you decorate a real tree in your house, place it far away from a fireplace or electric space heater. Dried-out trees are extremely flammable!

Healthy Kids Kids

published in Lancet. The average sugared soft drink contains 10 teaspoons of sugar — and that’s just a small, 12-ounce can! How much sugar is in one of those huge, 64-ounce drink cups from the convenient store? It’s easy to cut back on the amount of sugar in your diet — replace those cans of soda with ice-cold water!

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

sports team. This teaches you sportsmanship, cooperation, commitment and discipline. Find a sport you enjoy and practice enough to try out for the

> Keep pets and younger siblings away from tiny, poisonous or electrical decorations.

> If you use candles, never leave one unattended, keep it away from anything flammable, and make sure it is in a glass or fire-proof container (and out of reach of small hands or pets).

> Remember that some holiday plants are poisonous including holly berries and mistletoe!

Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

team! What team sports are available in your area? Possible options are baseball, soccer, football and basketball. Being a part of a formal team keeps you regularly active. And as a bonus — you’ll make new friends along the way!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 3, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

Ham Pinwheels

Ingredients:

1 Wheat or sun-dried tomato tortilla

1 Tbsp Light vegetable cream cheese

3 Thin slices ham

Directions: Spread the cream cheese onto the tortilla, top with the ham. Roll up the tortilla and cut into ½ inch pinwheels.

Healthcare Careers

Ambria Davis

Where do you work? I am a mobile health van specialist for St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Vashon High School. I then went on to earn my Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from Harris-Stowe State University, St. Louis.

What does a health van specialist do? I have several different responsibilities with the mobile health van. I drive the mobile health unit to the site. I prep the unit when we arrive at our location. I perform asthma education and I input information in the Electronic Medical Record (EMR) system.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I like to help children understand ways to stay healthy.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part of the job is providing asthma education and showing the students how to take their medication. I also enjoy showing them how to use their spacer, a device used to make taking asthma medication easier

Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Gateway Elementary School 5th grade teacher Mrs. Hopgood has students

Sa’Mayah Goins, Elijah Thomas, Peyton Tate and Khyree Jones complete Thanksgiving-themed STEM activities provided by The St. Louis American’s NIE program.

nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.

SCIENCE CORNER

USFDA Regulations for Food Safety

Have you ever thought about food safety?

According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), food borne illnesses cause 47.8 million episodes of illness, 325,000 hospitalizations, and 5,000 deaths each year in the United States. The United States has a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that works to evaluate the safety of food that is sold to the public. The FDA also exists to educate about potential food risks. The FDA has rules that oversee how products are packaged and stored. They test the safety of ingredients that are added to foods. They educate the public about food borne illnesses. The FDA notifies the public of any safety concerns and recalls.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

All materials, including food, break down or decay. Some factors can cause the decay to happen more quickly. In this experiment, you will find the answer to the question: What makes food decay faster?

Materials Needed:

• Packet of Dried Beans

• 4 Ziploc Bags • Water • Bowl

• Refrigerator • Notebook • Pencil

Procedure:

q Form a hypothesis. Which causes food to decay faster — heat, light, or water?

w Create the control group. Place 10 beans in a Ziploc bag and label it as “control.”

e Soak the remaining beans in a bowl of water overnight.

r Place 10 soaked beans into each of the remaining Ziploc bags.

MATH CONNECTION

z The farmer planted 8 rows of corn. If each row had 8 corn plants, how many plants did he have in all? ______ If each corn plant produced 5 ears of corn, how many ears of corn did he have in all? ______

x Janice and Jimmy planted pumpkins in their garden last summer. In October, they picked 18 orange Giant pumpkins, 36 Jack-BeLittle pumpkins, and 13 White Casper pumpkins. How many total pumpkins did they pick? ______ Janice and

SCIENCE STARS

African-American Food Safety Expert LaTonya Mitchell

What can you do to be safe? Always keep cold items refrigerated. Store leftovers immediately so they do not grow bacteria. Beef, pork, turkey, and chicken need to be cooked thoroughly. Always wash fresh fruits and vegetables. Stay informed about potential outbreaks and recalls. Check expiration dates. With these precautions, you can decrease your chance of getting sick from food.

For more information, visit: http://www.fda.gov.

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

Decaying Food

t Place one bag in a warm, bright place, one in a warm dark place, and one bag in the refrigerator for a week.

y Place the control bag of beans in each condition for two days during the experiment. Observe what happens to the beans. Record your observations in your notebook.

Draw conclusions: Was your hypothesis correct? Did you change your hypothesis during the week as you observed the beans? Which factor caused the food to decay faster — water, heat, or light?

Learning Standards: I can follow a sequential procedure to complete an experiment. I can form and evaluate a hypothesis. I can record and make observations. I can draw conclusions. I can make text-toworld connections.

Jimmy donated 25 pumpkins to the local fall festival, how many pumpkins did they have left? ______ If they divided the leftover pumpkins evenly, how many did they each get to keep? ______Were there any pumpkins left over? ______

c Student Council wants to decorate the cafeteria for the Fall Festival. They would like to put 3 pumpkins on each of 18 tables. How many pumpkins do they need? ______ If they pay $2.50 for each pumpkin, how much will it cost? ______

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem. I can make text-to-world connections.

LaTonya Mitchell has worked for the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for over 20 years. Her job is to protect the health of the public. She joined the Kansas City District office in May 1994. She studied the effects of pesticide on human food and on animal feed. Next, Mitchell worked as the Director of Chemistry II Branch at the Southeast Regional Laboratory in Atlanta. While there, she focused on the effects of food coloring, pesticides, and chemotherapy. She is currently the District Director for Denver’s Office of Regulatory Affairs. She is in charge of overseeing Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, and Wyoming to be sure that they follow food safety rules and regulations.

Mitchell received a BA degree in Chemistry from Park University in Parkville, MO, and a Master of Science degree in Health Services Administration from Central Michigan University in Mt. Pleasant, MI. In 2002, she became a graduate of the FDA Leadership Development Program. She has the following advice for students: Set both long and short term goals. Seek out mentors and advisors who will help you meet those goals. Be flexible and open minded. Seek challenging work assignments.

To learn more about LaTonya Mitchell, visit: https:// www.acs.org/content/acs/en/careers/college-to-career/ chemists/mitchell.html.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering and math. I can make text-to-text, text-to-world, and text-to-self connections.

MAP CORNER

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

Activities — Find a Restaurant: Newspapers are a great resource to learn about new restaurants in your community. Look through the newspaper to find information about a local restaurant. It can be an advertisement, a review, or a feature story. Underline the facts, and circle the opinions.

Word Choice: Word choice is important in writing. Use the newspaper to find an article describing an event in your community. Highlight the word choice the author uses that helps you visualize the action.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify fact and opinion. I can identify powerful word choice.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to

www.stlamerican.com

Gladys Mae West: another hidden figure

By Bernie Hayes

For The St. Louis American

Ignoring the lives and legacies of African Americans is disgraceful. Most people know the story of Dorothy Vaughan, Mary Jackson, and Katherine Gobels Johnson, black women depicted in the movie “Hidden Figures.” They crossed all gender, race, and professional lines while their brilliance and desire to dream big, beyond anything ever accomplished before, firmly cemented them in U.S. history as American heroes.

But there is another story hardly ever told – a bit of history and facts that affects our daily lives in one way or another.

On Sunday, December 1, Lee Cowan, hosting CBS Sunday Morning, presented “Preparing the next generation of GPS.” The feature stated:

“Originally developed by the U.S. military, the Global Positioning System (GPS) as we now know it became operational in 1995 and has since become vital to nearly every facet of modern life, from our smartphones to the internet and the electrical grid.”

It was an enlightening account of how we use GPS and the way the U.S. Air Force, using the system, monitors the world. It showed the way it was developed and the reasons for

Decades after she helped develop GPS technology, 87-year-old Gladys West has received one of the U.S. Air Force space program’s highest distinction.

its development. It toured some of the facilities and highlighted some of the individuals working to keep us safe. But not one African American was featured or shown.

This is disturbing to me because on my television program I recently showcased Gladys Mae West, an AfricanAmerican mathematician known for her contributions to the mathematical modeling of

the shape of the Earth and her work on the development of the satellite geodesy models that were eventually incorporated into GPS.

Decades after she helped develop GPS technology, 87-year-old Gladys West has received one of the U.S. Air Force space program’s highest distinction.

West was inducted into the U.S. Air Force Space and Missile Pioneers Hall of Fame at a ceremony at the Pentagon in Washington, D.C. recently. The honor was given in recognition of the work she did as one of the agency’s “human computers” in the era predating high-powered data processors.

When West joined the Naval Surface Warfare Center in Virginia in 1956, she was one of just four black employees, two of whom were men. One of those men, Ira West, would later become her husband. Early in her career, West contributed to an astronomical study that proved the regularity of Pluto’s rotation relative to Neptune. From the mid1970s through the 1980s, she programmed a computer to come up with a super-accurate model of the Earth, accounting for variations in the planet’s shape caused by gravitational, tidal, and other forces. This model laid the groundwork for the GPS that is ubiquitous in the military, smartphones, and cars today.

West retired from the military in 1998, but she hasn’t stopped her pursuit of knowledge. In 2018, she completed her Ph.D. through a remote program with Virginia Tech. West, a Richmond native and the daughter of field laborers, still finds it hard to fathom how her technology has evolved into a widely known and useful system. “When you’re working every day, you’re not thinking, ‘What impact is this going to have on the world?’ You’re thinking, ‘I’ve got to get this right.’”

Please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday night at 10 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. on NLEC-TV Ch. 24.2. I can be reached by fax at (314) 8373369, on e-mail at berhay@ swbell.net or on Twitter @ berhay.

Wednesday, Dec 18, 2019. 7:30pm to 9:30pm. St. Louis Powell Hall. 718 N Grand. St. Louis , MO 63103. Learn more at aarp.org/stlouis

Bernie Hayes

Business

female, which are the federal standard.

NGA breaks ground in North St. Louis

Standard federal workforce goals set for largest federal project in local history

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

The National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s new $1.75 billion facility project broke ground on Tuesday, November 26. The new NGA campus will be located at the corner of Jefferson and Cass avenues. This area is within a Promise Zone, which includes parts of North City and North St. Louis County and was established under the Obama administration. Promise Zones are designated high-poverty communities where the federal government partners with local leaders to increase job creation, economic investment and a whole host of other things.

“President Obama believed, as did I, that this neighborhood is special,” said U.S. Rep. Wm.

n “It may be the largest government project for the St. Louis region ever. But I’m not going to buy into this narrative that it is an economic shot in the arm for black folks.”

– Adolphus Pruitt, NAACP

Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) at the groundbreaking ceremony, “and it deserves a chance to make a comeback with a magnificent federal anchor facility like the new NGA.”

Through the facility’s construction, the federal agency has a significant opportunity to

provide jobs to the surrounding blighted area. Up to 1,100 workers could be employed per day in 2022 during peak construction, according to projections from the Kansas City District of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), which is overseeing design and construction. However, the USACE will not aim to employ as many minority or local residents as union and community leaders have been advocating for several years.

In February 2016, the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council wrote a letter to then-NGA director Robert Cardillo proposing that at least 37.81 percent of all labor hours on the facility would go to minorities, which more than doubles the inclusion goals set forth in federal

See NGA, B2

‘Tis the season to avoid predatory lenders

Beware of holiday debt traps like gift card fine print and overdraft fees

By Charlene Crowell

For The St. Louis American

The holiday season is a time when predatory lenders offer enticements to put more debt than money into your pockets. For unsuspecting consumers, it’s a temptation trapped in all kinds of packages that seem too good to pass by. In reality though, these deals are often a debt trap leading to a holiday financial hangover that can last well into the New Year. If you believe pre-paid debit cards are insurance against financial rip-offs, think again. Some prepaid cards may be a helpful way to avoid overspending. But before paying cash for this convenient form of plastic, read all of the fine print that explains the terms and fees that come with its usage. Terms and options can and do vary significantly. Many include a range of fees from activation, to learning your current balances, reloading monies and in

See HOLIDAY TRAPS, B2

Robin Phillips joined St. Louis Community College as associate vice chancellor of human resources. She is responsible for leading comprehensive functions such as staffing, benefits, health and wellness, training and professional development for employees, compensation and labor relations, employee relations and diversity and inclusion. Prior to joining St. Louis Community College, she worked for KIPP St. Louis as director of human resources.

Lynn Beckwith Jr. received a 2020 Drum Major Award from Christian Hospital. Drum Major Awards are bestowed upon unsung individuals who have given time, talents, and treasure in service of justice and equality. Beckwith is chair of the Riverview Gardens School District Special Administrative Board and president of the Saint Louis County Library Board of Trustees.

Renee T. Woods joined the Board of Directors of the Ferguson Youth Initiative. She is an associate professor of Communications at St. Louis Community College and founder of Communique Public Relations. Founded in 2010, the Ferguson Youth Initiative empowers teens from Ferguson and surrounding communities to become productive, positive, and contributing members of the community. For more information, email info@fyifergyouth.org.

Mustafa Ahmed received a diversity scholarship from the global law firm Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner LLP. Each scholarship recipient will receive $10,000 to help defray the cost of law school tuition and related expenses during the student’s final year of law school. He is a law student at the University of Notre Dame Law School, where he previously received his LL.M. in international human rights law.

Shelley J. Madkins published the book “Miracle or Mental Illness: You’ve Asked the Questions.” She wrote the book hoping to help convince people with mental illness to stay healthy by following their treatment team’s directives. The book also tries to help family members learn how to detect and react to a loved one’s initial episodes of mental illness or relapse into it.

Consumers who may have accepted costly overdraft “coverage” still have a right to cancel the so-called costly service by directing their institutions to remove it.

Melvin Gates earned a spot in an All-Suburban honors music program. A 10th grade student at Normandy High School, he was selected for the All Suburban Honors Mixed Choir. The All-Suburban honors music programs are coordinated by the St. Louis Suburban Music Educators Association, a professional organization for music educators for member schools of EducationPlus that also is affiliated with the National Association for Music Education.

Mustafa Ahmed

Robin Phillips

Melvin Gates

Renee T. Woods

Sjelley J. Madkins

Local and national officials broke ground on the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency’s new $1.75 billion facility project on Tuesday, November 26. According to the fact sheet, the project’s

Photo by Steven Englehardt

Lynn Beckwith Jr.

continued from page B1

guidelines. The St. Louis union council also proposed that at least 23.28 percent of all labor hours would go to St. Louis city residents and 6.9 percent of all labor hours would go to women. These goals are based on an extensive disparity study, which found that St. Louis city has the capacity to employ this number of minorities.

In an exclusive 2016 interview with Cardillo, The American asked what he thought about the council’s proposal. Cardillo said, “The Army Corps will follow all federal guidelines. I appreciate that that letter went beyond that. I would just have to defer to the Army to speak to how they make decisions about what percentage ultimately is awarded.”

According to the fact sheet, the Next NGA West project’s workforce goals will be 14.7 percent minority and 6.9 percent female, which are the federal standard.

Adolphus Pruitt, president of the St. Louis City NAACP, said that those federal guidelines on employing minority and women were

established in the 1960s. Recent disparity studies show that those goals do not reflect St. Louis, he said. “It may be the largest government project for the St. Louis region ever,” Pruitt

said. “But I’m not going to buy into this narrative that it is an economic shot in the arm for black folks. It is less than what we would get in a non-government, private project that would rely on city

incentives because they would have to go by the disparity study’s goals.”

Pruitt said he believes the project is good for the region overall, but African-American workers and contractors will

be benefiting far less than their counterparts — despite the project being in a Promise Zone. And the majority of contractors and workers will not be from North St. Louis, he said.

The joint venture designconstruction team, McCarthy HITT, is implementing a Project Specific Inclusion Plan, “that establishes specific maximum achievable opportunities for qualified minority and female participation on all aspects of construction and is designed to meet and/or exceed the Department of Labor goals,” according to the fact sheet.

The plan’s goals for business enterprise participation are 25 percent minority-owned and 5 percent woman-owned.

The American is scheduled to meet with McCarthy HITT team members familiar with the inclusion plan later in December.

The new facility will include approximately 712,000 square feet of office space, parking garages, a visitor’s center, an inspection facility and control access points. Plans are for the facility to be built to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design, or LEED, Silver standards for environmental sustainability.

“This groundbreaking is

a testament to the thoughtful planning, hard work and good faith of NGA’s people and partners in the St. Louis area, Missouri and across the county,” NGA Director Vice Admiral Robert Sharp said at the groundbreaking.

The new site in North St. Louis will replace NGA’s current facility in South St. Louis, which dates back to the 1840s. The decision to build a new facility came after a series of planning studies showed it would be less costly, quicker and less disruptive to NGA’s mission to build a new facility rather than upgrade NGA’s current facilities, according to the NGA’s press release. It has not yet been decided what will happen to NGA’s current campus, which also is owned by the U.S. Air Force, when NGA vacates the South St. Louis facility.

“For more than 70 years, the men and women at the NGA in St. Louis have played an important role in keeping America safe,” said U.S. Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO), a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee and Select Committee on Intelligence. “I’ll keep working to ensure we have the resources needed to get this facility built as soon as possible.”

How to protect yourself from utility scammers

By Ameren Missouri

Ameren Missouri is warning customers about scammers that are using sophisticated tactics to imitate utility companies. Scammers typically use phone, in-person and online tactics to target customers.

Posing as electric, water or natural gas company employees, scammers threaten to disconnect or shut off service if customers fail to make an immediate payment –typically using a prepaid card or other non-traceable forms of

payment. They also often mask incoming calls as coming from the utility company on caller identification systems and then give a different phone number to make a payment. “Never provide or confirm personal or financial information or make a payment to anyone initiating contact with you – whether by phone, in-person or email – claiming to be a utility company representative,” said Maria Gomez, security supervisor, Ameren. She said Ameren Missouri

will never send a notification to a customer within one hour of a service interruption or ask customers to make payments with a prepaid debit card or gift card.

Signs of potential scam activity include:

• Threat to disconnect: Scammers may aggressively tell you that your utility bill is past due and service will be disconnected if a payment isn’t made. Typically, the scammer will tell you that a disconnection will come within

an hour.

• Request for immediate payment: Scammers may instruct you to purchase a prepaid card. The scammer will ask you to return a call for immediate bill payment. When you return the scammer’s call, the scammer asks you for the number on the prepaid card. This allows the scammer to gain instant access to the card’s funds.

• Fake case number and/ or fake truck identification number: Scammers are known to record a voice message and use it to trick customers into thinking they’ve called the utility company. The scammer gives a fake case number and/ or fake identification number of a company truck that is in the vicinity of the customer’s home.

• Equipment or repair bogus fee: Scammers may call demanding a separate payment

Holiday

Traps continued from page B1

some cases fees for inactivity. Some prepaid cards even use tricky tactics that allow consumers to inadvertently overspend the value on the card and incur an overdraft fee. By the time all applicable fees are assessed, the amount of money actually available on that prepaid card can shrink and shortchange how far it can help on purchases.

Another debt trap, overdraft fees, are marketed and sold as a “customer convenience.”

Yet in truth, these fees can run up holiday bills that many consumers will not know about until after New Year. Their trick is for the bank to extend credit when transactions exceed monies actually available in accounts – including debit card pointof-sale transactions, and ATM withdrawals which banks could easily decline at no charge when consumers lack sufficient funds. Instead, some banks often accept the transaction, putting the customer in the red and charging a steep $35 per overdraft fee.

Additionally, some banks alter the posting of transactions in an effort to maximize revenues. In 2017, customers of several large banks paid over $11 billion in overdraft fees in just one year.

Consumers most vulnerable to these high-cost fees are those who have little or no cushion in their checking accounts.

Consumers who may have accepted overdraft “coverage” still have a right to cancel the so-called costly service by directing their institutions to remove it.

“With abusive overdraft

to replace or install a utilityrelated device or meter.

• Overpayment trick: Scammers may call claiming that you’ve overpaid your utility bill and need to provide personal bank account information or a credit card number to facilitate a refund.

• Power restoration rip off: Scammers may call offering to restore power quickly or in a preferential order for immediate payment typically in the aftermath of a severe storm causing widespread power outages. How do you protect yourself?

Never give your credit card, debit card, Social Security, ATM, checking or saving account numbers to anyone who calls, sends an email or comes to your home requesting this information. Don’t trust anyone asking for immediate payment. If you suspect that someone is impersonating an Ameren employee, end the conversation and immediately call Ameren Missouri at 1-800-552-7583. Sign up to manage your account online at Ameren.com where you can immediately check the status of your account. Never purchase a prepaid card to avoid service disconnection or shutoff. Legitimate utility companies don’t specify how customers should make a bill payment and always offer a variety of ways to pay a bill. Ameren customers can make payments online, by phone, electronic check, mail or at pay in person locations. For more information, visit Ameren.com/stop-scams Customers should also follow Ameren on social media to receive the latest updates on scams.

fees, financial institutions take advantage of customers fighting desperately to stay afloat,” said Rebecca Borné, a senior policy counsel with the Center for Responsible Lending. “Ultimately, these fees drive many from the banking system altogether and make reentry very difficult.”

Data from the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) back up Borné’s claim. Over half a million households who once had bank accounts became unbanked – primarily due to high or unpredictable fees like overdraft.

n “Scripture says, ‘Do not exploit the poor because they are poor...’ (Prov. 22:22) But, that is precisely what payday loans do.”

– Rev. Dallas Lenear

Other consumers, beckoned by the brightly-colored signs advertising “fast cash” or “bad credit? No problem”, should just keep walking or driving past storefronts of payday and car-title loans. These predatory loans often lead to consumers paying more in interest and fees than for the money borrowed. They ultimately wind up costing consumers $8 billion in fees in states where they are legal. Research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) has found that predatory payday loans alone drain $4.1 billion in fees from consumers annually -- borrowers who typically are unable to fully repay the original loan, usually due in two weeks’ time. With

average annual interest rates of 391 percent, three out of every four payday loans go to borrowers with more than 10 loans a year.

Although the typical payday loan averages $357, a car title loan provides more cash, averaging about $1,000 but must be secured with an owned car as collateral. Failure to make on-time payments often leads to the loss of the vehicle --even though the loan may only be a fraction of the vehicle’s marketable value. While the lender holds on to a car title, the borrower is faced with triple-digit interest and, one of every five cases – a whopping 20 percent –end up losing their personal transportation.

In recent years, activist ministers and clergy have emerged as some of the most vocal consumer advocates on payday and car-title loans.

“American consumers are now in the death grip of a government that is not only deaf to the cries of the poor for fundamental economic justice, but this government is also blind to their merciless exploitation by payday lending traffickers,” said Rev. James T. Golden of Florida.

“Consumers don’t need payday loans; they need financial stability,” said Rev. Dallas Lenear, director of Project GREEN in Grand Rapids. “And, payday loans keep them unstable. Scripture says, ‘Do not exploit the poor because they are poor...’ (Prov. 22:22) But, that is precisely what payday loans do.” Charlene Crowell is the Communications deputy director with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at Charlene. crowell@responsiblelending. org

Photo by Wiley Price

State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt and Comptroller of the City of St. Louis Darlene Green attended the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency groundbreaking ceremony on November 26.

n “A man is not finished when he is defeated. He is finished when he quits.”

–

Tom Brady quoting Richard Nixon

Sports

Four black coaches that should be considered for the Missouri coaching

DeSmet wins Class 6 State championship

When Robert Steeples took over as the head coach at DeSmet before the 2017 season, he was inheriting a program that had compiled a record of four wins and 27 losses in the previous three seasons. In Steeples’ first season at the helm, the Spartans had a record of 1-9. What followed the next two seasons at DeSmet was nothing short of remarkable. Things turned around quickly last season as the Spartans finished 9-3 and advanced to a Class 6 district championship game, where they lost to a powerful CBC teams.

The turnaround at DeSmet was completed this season last Saturday as the Spartans defeated Joplin 35-20 to win the Class 6 state championship to put the finishing touches on a perfect 14-0 season. It was the second state championship in football in the school’s history. The first state title came in 2005 when Steeples was a starting defensive back on a talented Spartans team that defeated Hazelwood Central at the TWA Dome in St. Louis. DeSmet was able to accomplish the ultimate prize with what has worked for them all season; its powerful running game and stout defense. The Spartans rushed for 331 yards and their defense forced five Joplin turnovers. Joplin had committed only four turnovers in their previous 13 games all season. Junior running back Rico Barfield rushed for 116 yards and two touchdowns. Senior quarterback Michael Wheeler continued his postseason excellence by completing 17 of 25 passes for 206 yards and two touchdowns. Wheeler also rushed for 66 yards and another score. Junior receiver Ra’Shod

Anthony

The sweet science is filled with upsets. St. Louis’ very own Leon Spinks shocked the world in 1978 with a surprising victory over Muhammad Ali Hasim Rahman was a 20-1 underdog when he knocked out Lennox Lewis to become the undisputed heavyweight champ in 2001. In one of the biggest upsets in boxing history, James “Buster” Douglas knocked out Mike Tyson in Tokyo in 1990. Many boxing fans love the sport is because, regardless of size, style, speed, arm reach, etc., one punch can change everything. That is exactly what happened for “The Destroyer” Andy Ruiz Jr. Ruiz received the opportunity of a lifetime after Jarrell Miller failed a drug test and was forced to withdraw from

his scheduled fight with thenWBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua

The portly MexicanAmerican fighter received the call to step in as a last-minute opponent, just 10 days after a victory over Alexander Dimitrenko. He gladly accepted the offer. A month later, he was standing in the ring with a man who was widely considered the best heavyweight in the world. Three rounds into the bout, Joshua planted Ruiz firmly on his backside with a vicious left hook. It seemed that Ruiz would go down like most late replacement opponents do. Ruiz made it to his feet. Seconds later, as the champion attempted to close the show, Ruiz landed a left hook of his own that left

a

Earl Austin Jr.

Joshua flailing like a wacky,

CLUTCH, B5

dropped Joshua. Though the champion ultimately survived the round, Joshua never fully recovered. He was stopped in

the seventh and Ruiz, a 10-1 underdog, became the latest fighter to pull off an amazing upset. As the fighters prepare for this weekend’s rematch in

H. Sistrunk

Luthran North quarterback Brian Brown (17) had 13 carries for 108 yards during Saturday’s Class 2 state semifinal at Bayless High. The Crusaders of Lutheran North went on to defeat the Mules of Lathrop 38-24.

Photo by Wiley Price

WBA, IBF and WBO heavyweight champion

Andy Ruiz Jr. faces off against Anthony Joshua on Saturday, Dec. 7. Joshua is seeking to reclaim the titles he lost in a major upset in June. Ruiz is seeking to prove he’s more than

one-hit wonder.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Four black coaches that should be considered for the Missouri football job

There are at least a dozen Power 5 college football programs that would gladly take a 25-25 record and two bowl appearances over the past four seasons. Yet, this was not good enough for Missouri athletic director Jim Sterk and many of the Tiger’s delusional fans.

Sterk fired head coach Barry Odom after last Friday’s victory over pitiful Arkansas and told the world he is searching for a proven winner to lift the Tigers to SEC East championship level.

I doubt Sterk will interview a black head coach, but there are several qualified candidates who might accept the challenge. Here are four.

7-5 record. Edwards’ squad is headed to the Holiday Bowl, Cheez-It Bowl or Sun Bowl.

Edwards might not be at Missouri long, but his time here could help build a foundation that could be built upon for decades.

Dino Babers – When Babers took over Syracuse in 2015, the Orangemen were a joke. Two years later, his squad narrowly lost to eventual national champion contender Clemson. Last year, Syracuse closed with a 10-3 record and won the Camping World Bowl 34-18 over West Virginia.

Herm Edwards –The former NFL coach got skeptical reactions nationwide when he signed on to guide the Arizona State Sun Devils.

Edwards, who resided in the Kansas City area during his television analyst days before he returned to coaching, immediately transformed a losing program into a winner.

The Sun Devils beat a pair of Top 25 teams at home in 2018, Michigan State and Utah, respectively. His team also defeated USC, UCLA and Arizona, making Edwards the only first-year coach in program history to defeat all three teams and make a bowl game.

His team lost to No. 21 Fresno State in the Las Vegas Bowl –but Edwards’ leading receiver did not play to avoid injury and prepare for the 2019 NFL draft.

This year, the Sun Devils upset Michigan State on the road, beat archrival Arizona 24-20 and finished third in the Pac 12 South with an overall

High hopes entering the 2019 season were dashed by the middle of the season and Syracuse ended with a disappointing 5-7 record. But Babers’ team shocked No. 22 Wake Forest 39-30 in the final game of the season. All signs point to him returning to Syracuse. He fired his defensive coordinator late in the season and has helped cobble together a recruiting class ranked near 50th in the nation. Would he come to Missouri? I think so. Would he consistently win? The SEC is obviously more competitive than the ACC, but Babers took over a bigger disaster at Syracuse than Missouri in its current state. It would not be far-fetched for him to take Missouri back to a level of national prominence.

Tony Elliott – The winner of the 2017 Frank Broyles Award as the nation’s top assistant coach, Elliott serves as co-offensive coordinator and running backs coach for defending national champion Clemson.

While head coach Dabo Swinny deservedly should be recognized for making Clemson a perennial threat to win the national championship, the Tigers’ streak of nine straight 10-win seasons began when Elliott became a fulltime assistant coach. This run includes five ACC titles and a national championship. In 2018, Clemson rushed for a record 3,723 yards. breaking the record of 3,469 that had stood since 1978. Elliott’s backs also topped school records in yards per carry (6.55) and rushing touchdowns (49).

Recruiting is everything, and if you look at Clemson’s roster there are many players that do not hail from the South. He’s a great recruiter, something Mizzou desperately needs.

Randy Shannon – As defensive coordinator at the University of Central Florida, Shannon is a key piece in this school’s surge to becoming one of the nation’s best non-Power 5 football programs.

Shannon’s defense did not surrender more than 35 points in a game this season and was fifth nationally with a stingy third-down conversion rate of just 28 percent. It was first the American Athletic Conference in yards per play allowed (4.6 yards) and second in total defense by allowing just 353.5 yards per game.

He took over a scandal-plagued Miami Hurricanes program in 2007 and went 28-22 in his four seasons there. That might not overly impressive, but during his tenure his team placed third in FBS in academic progress rating and there was only one arrest. Before moving to UCF, he was Florida’s defensive coordina-

In 2019, Herm Edwards led the Arizona State Sun Devils to an upset victory over Michigan State on the road as well as a win over archrival Arizona. The Sun Devils finished third in the Pac 12 South with an overall 7-5 record. Edwards’ squad is headed to the Holiday Bowl, CheezIt Bowl or Sun Bowl.

leaving Pittsburgh, but owner/ GM Jerry Jones would be a fool to not try and entice him to leave.

More of Flores

When hired to coach the Miami Dolphins, Brian Flores knew it was a long road to respectability.

Then, his front office traded away several of his best players, including receiver Jarvis Landry, safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and cornerback Aqib Talib.

But a team picked by many to go winless is 3-9 following its 37-31 win over Philadelphia on Sunday and Flores is winning praise.

“I’m telling you that’s a good football team. Record does not indicate anything about them at all. They’re well coached. It’s a disciplined group,” said Eagles coach Doug Pederson.

tor and served as interim head coach for the Gators after Jim McElwain resigned.

UCF head coach Josh Heupel, Mizzou’s former offensive coordinator, is rumored to be a candidate for the Tigers job. Should he get it, look for Shannon to accompany him to Columbia – if Shannon does not get the Knights head coaching position.

Drop the protest excuses

There has been a boatload of irresponsible talk cluttering the airwaves on the SEC Network and local media that needs to be addressed.

First, the player protest and campus unrest at Missouri happened more than four years ago in October 2015. Most of Missouri’s players and coaches that were there in 2015 are now long gone. The chancellor of the system, the president of the university, the athletic director and head coach have all changed, as well.

The events of 2015 are no longer an excuse for lack of recruiting and mediocre seasons.

Also, the idea that Missouri’s campus is still strife with controversy and a falling number of students is ridiculous. Enrollment at the University of Missouri, where my daughter Blaine is a member of the freshman class and majoring in engineering, is up 15 percent compared to 201819 – and enrollment had its biggest increase in more than a decade that year.

Missouri football is stagnant because the school chose to depart the Big 12 and join the SEC. It created a recruiting nightmare.

The athletic department also failed to gauge fan interest. Most Tigers’ fans would rather see Missouri playing home games against KU, Oklahoma, Iowa State and the other Big 12 schools than Deep South powers including Alabama, Georgia, Florida, etc.

Fans from St. Louis and Kansas City don’t help sell out the stadium because they don’t care to make the drive to Columbia to see teams they

truthfully don’t care about –regardless if they are nationally ranked.

Missouri would have larger crowds and sell out more games if it won more games, certainly. But the price of moving to the SEC is a real one that still haunts the program.

Tip cap for Tomlin

Pittsburgh Steelers coach

Mike Tomlin was reportedly on the hot seat after his team failed to make the playoffs in 2018. Antonio Brown lost his mind – and still hasn’t found it. Le’Veon Bell refused to play and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger looked closer to retirement than he did to the Pro Bowl.

The 2019 season was just underway when Roethlisberger was lost for the season with an elbow injury. It was over for Tomlin if you listened to many NFL pundits and Steelers fans.

Once again, they underestimated Tomlin’s ability as a head coach. He’s one of the best and he is proving it again this season.

“Tomlin’s Steelers, who are down to Devlin ‘Duck’ Hodges at quarterback, are 7-5, have won six of their last seven, and are holding steady in the sixth seed of the AFC playoff bracket,” USA TODAY’s Lorenzo Reyes writes.

“Considering that this is a Pittsburgh team that lost Antonio Brown and has dealt with other injuries, Tomlin has put himself firmly in the conversation for coach of the year.”

Former Steelers head coach

Bill Cowher said this has been Tomlin’s “best coaching year to date because he’s done more with less.”

“He’s had to make the (necessary) moves since Ben Roethlisberger got hurt in the first week. He’s adapted and adjusted and he’s got this team hunting for the playoffs. I give a lot of credit to that man,” Cowher, an NBC analyst and Super Bowl winner with the Steelers, added.

The Dallas Cowboys will be looking for a head coach after the season. Tomlin won’t be

“They play hard. You see that on film. Again, their record doesn’t show that, these guys battle for 60 minutes.”

Jim Nagy, executive director of the college postseason Senior Bowl said on Twitter, “What the Dolphins are doing under Brian Flores is NOT a surprise to anyone that has played, scouted, or coached with him.”

“True leader. While he realistically won’t win Coach-ofthe-Year, getting this strippeddown team to 3 wins should earn him votes.”

The Reid Roundup

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported this week that the MLS ownership group are requesting state tax credits and $15 million to help assist with the construction of the expansion team’s stadium in west St. Louis. Along with the $15 million in tax credits, the Missouri Development Finance Board will receive a second application for another $15 million next month … Bradley Beal scored just 23 points, yet his Washington Wizards scored 125 – and they still lost by 25 points to the L.A. Clippers on Sunday … Former Missouri quarterback Drew Lock got his first start Sunday against the L.A. Chargers and led the Denver Broncos to a 23-20 victory. Lock completed 18-of28 passes for 134 yards with two touchdowns and an interception … British Formula 1 driver Lewis Hamilton capped his championship season by winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Sunday, his 11th win of the year.

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

Alvin A. Reid

Clutch

Continued from B3

Saudi Arabia, both boxers are fighting for their reputation. Like Ali and Lewis, Joshua will seek to avenge his devastating loss and prove it was a fluke – a footnote in an otherwise stellar career.

Meanwhile, Ruiz will be seeking to cement his legacy. He is hoping to prove that his victory wasn’t just a chance occurrence, but rather an occurrence that happened because he was given a chance.

Think about it. Ali was considered an underdog when he won the heavyweight championship against Sonny Liston Manny Pacquiao was an underdog to Marco Antonio Barrera. Sometimes underdogs win because they are truly great fighters. Ruiz is hoping to prove that is the case.

“I’m different,” Ruiz told Radio Raheem of Seconds

Out

““I like to throw combinations. I mix it up right there,” he added. “My type of style is going to be perfect for whatever AJ is gonna bring on December 7th.”

At Wednesday’s pre-fight press conference, Joshua seemed focused and confident that he will be able to reclaim his lost titles.

“I’ve been boxing a while now. And when I came into boxing, I didn’t really come to take part, I came to take over,” Joshua stated.

Though many have questioned the former champion’s heart since his first defeat, Joshua assured the assembled press that the loss did not leave him depressed or demoralized.

“I didn’t lose any heart. I didn’t lose any type of fire in my belly,” Joshua said.

Many expect Joshua to enter this fight much lighter than the 247.8 pounds he weighed for the first fight. In photos, the British fighter appears to possess a leaner physique than in previous fights. Some suspect he will enter the ring a full 10-to-15 pounds lighter. Stamina has never been Joshua’s strong suit. Coming in lighter would likely prove beneficial should he seek to box, move and carry the fight into the later rounds.

One of his downfalls in the first fight was that it appeared Joshua was eager to make a splashy showing in his U.S. debut. While his aggression paid off with the third round knockdown, it also left him open for Ruiz’s powerful shots. Now it appears that Joshua will take a more cautious approach into the rematch.

“I’m not here to put on a show, I’m just here to win,” Joshua said.

There was much speculation that Ruiz would come into the second fight at a lighter weight as well, considering he had time for a full training camp this go around.

In the Seconds Out interview, he dispelled that notion.

“A lot of people have been saying that I lost too much weight, but at the weigh-ins I’m going to be the same –267, 268 [pounds],” Ruiz said. “I want to be strong. I want to feel healthy.”

I wonder whether Ruiz’s weight is by design or due to the whirlwind media tour following his victory. For months, the newly-crowned champion could be seen on media outlets across America and Mexico. Ruiz also routinely flexed for the ‘Gram, posting pictures of his new Rolls Royce and multi-million dollar mansion. He has clearly been enjoying life as heavyweight champion of the world.

In June, he told USA Today, “I’d love to be at 250, 255, but just be fit and be solid.’’ Now, as we close in on the fight, the story and the expectations have changed. It is fair to wonder whether the weight is due to a lack of preparation, lack of discipline or both.

Then again, even at a pot-bellied 268 pounds, Ruiz dispatched of Joshua in the first

fight. Regardless of his weight, Ruiz possesses extremely fast hands and solid power. He did not appear to have any stamina concerns when he cruised to a 10-round decision over Kevin Johnson or when he dropped a close, disputed 12-round majority decision to former WBO titlist Joseph Parker

Prediction

Saturday night’s matchup is extremely difficult to pick. Joshua has an edge in power and world title experience. It was not that long ago that Joshua dispatched of Wladimir Klitschko in spectacular style and became the darling of the heavyweight division.

Only hardcore boxing fans were aware of Ruiz before June. After cashing in with big paydays to face Joshua, it could be easy for him to enjoy the spoils of his victory and fade into the background.

I feel that Ruiz’s superior hand speed and heart will be the difference. When he was hurt in the first fight, he recov-

ered quickly and turned the fight around. Though the loss to Ruiz was Joshua’s first, he often seems to get hurt and does not necessarily recover quickly. This could be another bout

where both fighters will taste the canvas. Ruiz has the confidence that he can survive a knockdown against Joshua. If Joshua hits the deck, I expect his will to continue to do the same.

At the pre-fight press conference, Ruiz stated, “There’s no way I’m going to let these belts go.” I believe him. I’m taking Andy Ruiz Jr. by 9th Round TKO.

Smith-Harvey caught both of Wheeler’s two touchdown passes while fellow junior Jakailin Johnson had two interceptions. With the state championship in hand, don’t expect things to slow down anytime soon at DeSmet. The Spartans will return several key players for next season as they prepare for another run at a state title.

Lutheran North goes to Class 2 state title

The Lutheran North Crusaders won their last state championship in football in 1999 with an exciting 28-21 victory over Kansas City St. Pius X in the Dome. On the 20th anniversary of that victory, the Crusaders will have another opportunity to win another state championship when they take on Ava on Saturday in the Class 2 ShowMe Bowl at Faurot Field on the campus of the University of Missouri. Kick-off is scheduled for 3 p.m. Both teams are undefeated coming into Saturday’s state championship showdown. Lutheran North is currently

13-0 while Ava comes in with a 14-0 record. Lutheran North advanced to the title game with a 38-20 victory over Lathrop in another battle of undefeated teams. The Crusaders are loaded with talent and experience on both sides of the ball, but the young man who came through big last Saturday sophomore quarterback Brian Brown, who passed for 163 yards and three touchdowns against Lathrop. Brown also rushed for 108 yards and another score.

St. Mary’s is on the rise

The St. Mary’s Dragons advanced to the Class 4 semifinals, where their season ended with a narrow 15-14 loss to Platte County. The Dragons finished the season with an 11-3 record, but things are just getting started as St. Mary’s was one of the youngest teams in the state playoffs.

St. Mary’s will graduate some excellent players such as quarterback Cam’ron McCoy and two-way standout Timmy Muxo, but returning will be several key players who were in prime time roles as freshmen and sophomores. Sophomore Kevin Coleman is one of the most dynamic young prospects in the state. He had 1,512 yards receiving and 24 touchdowns

on offense and eight interceptions on defense. Sophomore running back DeShawn Fuller rushed for 1,000 yards and nine touchdowns. He had 80 tackles on defense. Freshman receiver Chase Hendricks also had six touchdowns.

On the defensive side of the ball, the Dragons featured Coleman, Fuller, freshman linebacker Kaliel Boyd and sophomore linebacker Achille Kpeya Jr. Head coach Corey Bethany is building a powerhouse program on the South Side.

State Champions to collide next season

The St. Louis metro area is the home to two Class 6 state champions as DeSmet won the Missouri state championship while East St. Louis brought home the Illinois Class 6A state title.

What can be better than that? How about those two teams meeting on the field at the beginning of next season? That will be the case next year as DeSmet and East St. Louis will meet during Week 2 at the Gateway Scholars Classic in East St. Louis. Expect a capacity crowd at Clyde C. Jordan Stadium for that one.

Can we get another appearance from ESPN for that one?

The junior quarterback enjoyed a spectacular performance in leading the Flyers to the Class 6 state championship last weekend.

Macon amassed 395 yards of total offense and four touchdowns in the Flyers’ 43-21 victory over Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge in the Illinois Class 6 state championship game in DeKalb. Macon completed 13 of 19 passes for 305 yards and three touchdowns. He also rushed for 91 yards and scored on a 47-yard touchdown run in

the second quarter. For the season, Macon put up some tremendous numbers as he accounted for more than 5,000 total yards and 56 touchdowns. He completed 218 of 314 passes for 4,214 yards and 39 touchdowns while rushing for 814 yards and 17 touchdowns.

East St. Louis finished the 2019 season with a 14-0 record to go along with its ninth state championship.

Andy Ruiz Jr. lands a left hook to the face of Anthony Joshua. Seconds after tasting the canvas, Ruiz came back and knocked down Joshua twice in the third round. Joshua never fully recovered and was stopped in Round 7.

SIUE hosts annual Diverse Vendor Fair

Minority- and women-owned businesses display goods and services

By Patricia Merritt

Representatives

would be less overwhelming. The vendors were invited after registering for a similar event earlier this year,” said Tara Raburn, Business Enterprise Program administrative associate. “These specialized vendors were chosen, because they offer supplies we often use.” The vendors included: Louer Facility Planning of Collinsville, providing furniture, design services, space planning, project management, installation and more. Jane Louer, CEO and president. For more information, visit louerplan. com. Omar Inc., of Chicago, a distributor and direct importer of a variety of products, including gloves, can liners, protective clothing, towel and tissue, corrugated boxes, safety supplies and equipment. For more information, visit omarinc.com

ResourceOne Interior Solutions and Design of Springfield, a full-service contract office furniture and Knoll dealership. Cindy Davis, owner. For more information, visit resourceoneoffice.com.

SJB Promotions of

Roderick M. Young, vice president of business development (right) discusses the many benefits of the multi-faceted companies within The Will Group. Listening is Mark Dorris, IT manager at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.

Mason City, a promotional product distributor. For more information, visit sjbpromotions.com

South Coast Paper of Columbia, S.C., a paper converting, sales and marketing company. For more information, visit southcoastpaper.com.

The Will Group of Chicago, the pioneer company of several different companies that are prominent within the lighting and electrical industry. For more information, visit

thewillgroup.com.

“I would love to meet new people at SIUE and let them know who we are and what we do,” said Roderick M. Young, vice president of business development for The Will Group. “I would love to come away having developed relationships and opportunities to illuminate the many quality products and services we provide.”

The Office of Vice Chancellor for Administration organized and hosted the fair.

Financial Focus

By Courtney Bond, AAMS, CPRC

An

“I didn’t come here to play with y’all tonight,” Grammy-winning soul singer Anthony Hamilton told the sold-out crowd at Stifel Theatre as he danced to a groove provided by his band. He wasn’t’ lying – and he wasn’t alone. All three of the R&B/Soul veterans who took the stage as part of the Evening of Soul concert Sunday night were on point with their intention to highlight their staying power as artists and the timelessness of their genre.

Vivian Green is known mostly for a crop of melancholy ballads from her debut album “Love Story” in the early 2000s. She used an Evening

of Soul to showcase her versatility as a performer. She came out dancing to “Grown Folks Music (Work)” an upbeat tune produced by hip-hop veteran Kwame, who joined Green and two backup singers on stage as her official DJ. She gave fans

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Critically acclaimed Sterling K. Brown drama ‘Waves’ opens in St. Louis

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

With “Waves,” young filmmaker Trey Edward Shults created a cinematic experience that stays with the viewer long after they leave their seat.

The emotional climax is a punch to the gut that lingers as one wonders how life can veer so left so quickly – especially for a family unit led by a man with tunnel vision for excellence and success.

The film opens in St. Louis on Friday, December 6 and stars St. Louis’ own Sterling K. Brown in the role of a demanding patriarch intent on creating a legacy through his children that counters the negative stereotypes of African Americans.

“Ronald is not my dad, but I know dads like Ronald,” Brown said. “I know that pressure of growing up in a household of expectations.

I know that conversation – that you must be twice as good, or in some cases ten times as good, to get just as far – from the receiving end.”

Unlike his Emmy and Golden Globe winning portrayal of the sensitive to a fault father Randall Pearson on NBC’s “This Is Us,” excellence is the only option for the children of Ronald Williams. His measures are extreme as he attempts to put them on path to the American Dream as they grow up in suburban Florida. Even if he doesn’t condone

stellar soul

what they were looking for and flexed her vocal chops at the same time by way of “Emotional Rollercoaster” and “Gotta Leave,” but couldn’t seem to get back to her groove fast enough. She was so eager to bring the party with her performance that she relied on cookout, family reunion and house party classics to get the crowd out of their seats. Kwame played jams by Luther Vandross, Teena Marie, Maze featuring Frankie Beverly and Cameo as Green and her two singers proceeded to two-step and spin their way through the medley. With respect to her artistry, the time would

them, Brown can understand Ronald’s parenting choices to a certain degree because of the history of how black people are viewed in this nation – particularly black men.

“Now I have two boys and I have great expectations for my children and I want them excel and I want them to go into the landscape of America with their eyes wide open as far as this is how other people can experience you,” Brown said. “They can see you as less than. They can see you as something to be feared.”

But Brown also knows the danger of extremes. And through “Waves,” Brown and his co-stars Kelvin Harrison Jr., Lucas Hedges, Taylor Russell Alexa Demie, and Renée Elise Goldsberry give an authentic expe-

rience of the trauma that that can be found in the type of parenting where output and achievement outrank a child’s humanity. The consequences of such an environment can be earth shattering for all parties involved.

“There is this pressure that our youth can feel – that I felt when I was a young man –that can be debilitating – that can cause young people to make decisions in a vacuum,” Brown said. “As a parent, it is a cautionary tale. If you want your children to share their life with you, then you must create an environment in which they feel comfortable sharing everything –good, bad and ugly. And knowing that they are

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Photos by Lawrence Bryant Vivian Green, Eric Benét and headliner Anthony Hamilton all shine with performances that honor the richness of R&B’s continuing tradition Sunday night at the sold-out Evening of Soul at Stifel Theatre.

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

holiday haps

Through Dec. 5, COCA presents a Joyful Vocal Concert. Celebrate the holidays with a festive repertoire of musical theatre, from COCA’s vocal companies, Allegro & Adagio. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www. cocastl.org.

Sat., Dec. 7, 8 a.m., Sassy Divaz of Missouri invites you to Breakfast & Pictures with Black Santa. Letter writing to Santa and breakfast options available. 12518 Lusher Rd., 63138. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sat., Dec. 7, 9:30 a.m., City of Bridgeton invites you to Breakfast with Santa. A yummy breakfast, crafts and Santa will be onsite for everyone to enjoy. 4201 Fee Fee Rd., 63044. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Dec. 7, 11 a.m., St. Louis’ Original Wintermarket 2019! Greg Freeman Park, 6008 Kingsbury Ave., 63112. For more information, visit www. skinkerdebaliviere.wordpress. com.

Sat., Dec. 7, 1 p.m. – 3 p.m., Free Holiday Photo with Santa! Northwest HealthCare, Entrance B, 1225 Graham Rd., Florissant, MO 63031. To register for this free event, please call 314-747-WELL (9355) or register online at ChristianHospital.org/Santa.

Dec. 7 – 8, International Institute of St. Louis invites you to the 5th Annual Holiday Bazaar. Kick off your holiday shopping with unique treasures from local artisans and crafters. 3401 Arsenal St., 63118. For more information, visit www.iistl. org.

Sun., Dec. 8, 3 p.m., UMSL

Jazz for the Holidays. Touhill Performing Arts Center, 1 University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www. touhill.org.

Sun., Dec. 8, 8 p.m., Smino’s Kribmas Concert, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit thepageant.com.

Mon., Dec. 9, A Very Postmodern Christmas starring Scott Bradlee’s Postmodern Jukebox, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit thepageant.com.

Dec. 13 – 15, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra presents Mercy Holiday Celebration. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. slso.org.

Fri., Dec. 13, 6:30 p.m., Cookies and Cards. Ferguson Parks & Recreation, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Fri., Dec. 13, 7 p.m., Central Baptist Church Christmas with Israel Houghton. 2845 Washington Ave.,63103. For more information, visit www. cbcstl.org.

Fri., Dec. 13, 7 p.m., St. Louis Historically Black Colleges and Universities Alumni Association invites you to the Alumni Holiday Party. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Sat., Dec. 14, 10 a.m., Saint Louis Art Museum presents Winter Celebrations. A family-friendly extravaganza of performances, art activities, and festivities. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.slam. org.

Dec. 14 – 15, Better Family

Kenya Vaughn recommends

LifeKwanzaa Holiday Expo 2019. Enjoy purchasing hand crafted goods, performances lectures and discussion panels, and a children’s village. 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Dec. 15, 2:30 p.m., Saint Louis Ballet presents The Nutcracker, proceeds to benefit Foundry Art Centre, Sheidegger Center For Performing Arts, Lindenwood University. For more information, visit www. foundreyartcentre.oerg/saintlouis-ballet

Through Dec. 15, Metro Theater Company presents It’s a Wonderful Life. The Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or www. metroplays.org.

Tues., Dec. 17, 6 p.m., Eugene B. Redmond Writers Club Annual Kwanzaa Expo featuring an arts festival and poetry focusing on the “’1619’ Slavery Project.” Cafeteria of Building B, at the SIUE-East St. Louis Higher EducationCenter, 601 J. R. Thompson Drive, EStL, IL 62201. For more information about the EBR Writers Club, contact SIUE English Dept.: (618) 650-3991,

email eredmon@siue.edu, or write EBRWC, P.O. Box 6165, EStL, IL 62201.

Wed., Dec. 18, 12:30 p.m., Santa’s Little Workshop. Children ages 1 – 5, can help with letters to Santa, ginger bread houses, Christmas cards, and more. Ferguson Parks & Recreation, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Wed., Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Shalom Church City of Peace invites you to their Shalom Music & Fine Arts Christmas Concert. 5941 N. Highway 67, 63034. For more information, visit www. shalomccop.org.

Thur., Dec. 19, 7 p.m., The Elf on the Shelf: A Christmas Musical. Stifel Theatre, 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. stifeltheatre.com.

Thurs., Dec. 19, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus presents A Gospel Christmas starring Kennedy Holmes, Powell Hall. For more information, visit www.slso.org.

Fri., Dec. 20 – Sat., Dec. 21, 8 p.m., 11th Annual Holiday Bass-Trava-Ganza, Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar. For more

St. Louis Symphony IN UNISON Chorus presents A Gospel Christmas starring Kennedy Holmes. See HOLIDAY HAPS for details.

information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sat., Dec. 21, 3 p.m., The Show Me Kids Concert Series – Christmas Edition Feat. Fresh the Clowns and KidGoalss. Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., Dec. 27, 8 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter invites you to their End of the Year Jam. 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Tues., Dec. 31, 8 p.m., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., St. Louis Alumni Chapter invites you to their New Year’s Eve 2020 Celebration. Union Station Hotel, 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Through Jan. 4, 5 p.m., Missouri Botanical Garden presents Garden Glow. A million lights surround visitors, enjoy interactive photos, traditional holiday music and festivities, and more. 4344 Shaw Blvd., 63110. For more information, visit www. missouribotanicalgarden.org.

concerts

Through Dec. 8, Jazz St. Louis presents Alicia Olatuja Ferring Jazz Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. jazzstl.org.

Dec. 18 – 22, Jazz at the Bistro presents Nate Smith + Kinfolk. Jazz St. Louis, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. jazzstl.org.

Sun., Dec. 22, 7 p.m. Ginuwine Live at Ballpark Village, Midwest Live Stage. For more information

or tickets, visit https:// www.facebook.com/ events/2374869879289539/

Fri., Dec. 27, 8 p.m., G-Rated Entertainment presents Nle Choppa feat. Plot Da BigHomie, Buddy Luv, and Derr Derr. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Tues., Dec. 31, 7 p.m., New Year’s Eve St. Louis Mega Blues Festival. Feat. Sir Charles Jones, Willie Clayton, Pokey Bear, and Wendell B. Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

local gigs

Dec. 10 – 11, Sheldon’s Coffee Concert Series feat. Charles Glenn. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sun., Dec. 15, 6 p.m., Ntegrity Presentz: Ty Brasel, 1kPhew, Torey D’Shaun & Ntegrity Music. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Wed., Dec. 18, 7 p.m., Renaissance Hotel presents Sean Coray. 9801 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, visit www. bandsintown.com.

Thur., Dec. 26, 8 p.m., Alvin Youngblood Hart’s Muscle Theory. Off Broadway, 3509 Lemp Ave., 63118. For more information, visit www. offbroadwaystl.com.

special events

Fri., Dec., 6, 12 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents a Small Business/ Non-Profit Expo. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org

Sat., Dec. 7, 6 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Chapter invites you to their Centennial Celebration Gala. Featured guest will be Roland Martin. The U.S. Customs House and Post Office, 815 Olive St., 63101. For more information, visit www.epsilonlambda100. eventbrite.com.

Tues., Dec. 10, 7 p.m., Coalition for Human Rights presents Human Rights Day 2019. Theme, “Voting Barriers: It’s a Human Rights Violation!” Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

Fri., Dec. 13, 5 p.m., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Nu Zeta Graduate Chapter invites you to Happy Hour with Phi Nu Zeta. 12948 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63033. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Dec. 14, 6 p.m., 100 Black

Men of Metropolitan St. Louis Inc. presents Winter Royale Fundraiser and Black Tie Gala, Marriott St. Louis Grand Hotel, 800 Washington Ave. For more information, call (314) 367-7778 or visit www.100blackmenstl.com.

Sat., Dec. 14, 7 p.m., The Outsiders presents Masquerade & Sneaker Ball. The Marquee, 1911 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Saturdays, 8 a.m., The Ferguson Farmers Market Plaza at 501, 501 S. Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

art

Wed., Dec. 11, 6 p.m., In the Studio: Kahlil Robert Irving. Join the artist as he opens his studio for an evening of conversation about his practice. Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.camstl. org.

Sat., Dec. 14, 10 a.m., Saint Louis Art Museum presents Winter Celebrations. A family-friendly extravaganza of performances, art activities, and festivities. One Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.slam. org.

Through Dec. 29, Art St. Louis presents Art St. Louis XXXV, The Exhibition. Featuring 52 artworks in all media, themes, subjects, techniques, and styles by 52 artists from Missouri, Illinois & Indiana. 1223 Pine St., 63013. For more information, visit www.artstlouis.org.

comedy

Dec. 5 – 7, Helium Comedy Club presents Godfrey. 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117.

Sat., Dec. 14, 8 p.m., Class Klowns. Hosted by Jovan Bibbs. Feat. Willie Lynch, Jr., Turae, and Max Pryce 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visi twww. metrotix.com.

Sun., Dec. 15, 7 p.m., Kleon the Comedian. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Dec. 20 – 22, Helium Comedy Club presents Bruce Bruce. 1151 St. Louis Galleria

Kenya Vaughn recommends

St., 63117. Sat., Dec. 28, 8 p.m., New Year’s Weekend Comedy Festival feat. Gary Owen, Mike Epps, Tommy Davidson, Mark Curry, HaHa Davis, and Desi Banks. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Jan. 3 – 4, Helium Comedy Club presents Sheryl Underwood. 1151 St. Louis Galleria St., 63117.

theatre

Dec. 5 – Dec. 29, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Jane Austin’s Pride and Prejudice, LorettoHilton, 130 Edgar Rd. Tickets are available at www.repstl. org or by calling The Rep Box Office at 314-968-4925.

Through December 15, Metro Theater Company presents It’s A Wonderful Life, The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, St. Louis, MO 63108. Tickets are available now at 314-534-1111 or www.metrotix.com. For more information, visit www. metroplays.org.

Jan. 2 – 5, Disney on Ice presents Celebrate Memories Enterprise Center, 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. enterprisecenter.com.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Dec. 5, 6 p.m., SWAT & Militarization of the Police. Come hear Alex Vitale, author of The End of Policing. Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being, 1000 N. Vandeventer Ave., 63113. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Dec. 7, 10:30 a.m., What Our Students Lose. Tackling tax breaks that take away from our schools. St. Louis Public Library – Carpenter Branch, 3309 S. Grand Blvd., 63118. For more information, visit www.slcl.org.

Sat., Dec. 14, 1 p.m., Community Conversation: The History of Reproductive Oppression in Black and Brown Communities Uplifting voices to expose the truths and explore solutions. Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being, 1000 N.

Vandeventer Ave., 63113. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Dec. 14 – 15, 1 p.m., Segregation in the City: Fighting a Lasting Legacy This symposium explores the steps that three cities— St. Louis, Baltimore, and Kansas City—are taking to confront issues of segregated housing and policy solutions. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

health

Thur., Dec. 19, 7 p.m., Medicare for All to the

Rescue. Dr. Ed Weisbart will define the healthcare crisis, discuss costs, the disruption to business and the economy, how the US compares to other countries, possible solutions, and how to support effective change. Venture Café, 4240 Duncan Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Wednesdays, Weekly Free Health Fair. St. Gabriel Clinic, 6113 Ridge Ave., 63133. Free health screenings include blood pressure, weight, height, BMI, hearing and vision screening and counselling. For more information, visit www. stgabrielstl.com.

Through Dec. 8, Jazz St. Louis presents Alicia Olatuja. For more information, see CONCERTS.

spiritual

Sun., Dec. 15, 11, Kennerly Temple of Church of God in Christ 1st Pastoral Anniversary. The theme is “A Shepard Who Cares.” 4307 Kennerly Ave., 63113. For more information, call (314) 535-6708 or (314) 566-3304.

Fri., Nov. 27, Queen & Slim starring Daniel Kaluuya, Jodie Turner-Smith, Bokeem Woodbine and Indya Moore opens in theaters nationwide. Fri., Dec. 6, Waves starring Sterling K. Brown opens in theaters nationwide.

have been better spent pulling selections from Green’s catalog- or at least with Green singing along to the tracks, especially “Square Biz.” But the audience didn’t seem to mind one bit. In fact, when Kwame mixed in her “Get Right Back To My Baby,” they stayed right in the groove.

Heartthrob soul crooner Eric Benét kept the tempo when he started his portion of the show with “Love Don’t Love Me” and followed up with “Sunshine,” a song that heavily samples Mtume’s hit “You Me and He” or as Benet put it, he “stole that [expletive.]” He quickly slowed it down with “You’re the Only One,” and flexed his unmatched falsetto that has yet to fail him after nearly 25 of generously and effortlessly leaping into his higher register. Benet’s high note game and sultry first tenor

tone will never cease to amaze. He told the crowd he was going to “thug it out” and sing Tamia’s portion of the duet that became his first number one hit “Spend My Life.” But his high notes during the bridge of the song just might have given her pause – and then the range envy coming with “Sometimes I Cry.” In what seemed to be the agreed upon finale option, Benet left the crowd bopping to his “Georgie Porgie” Faith Evans duet.

Headliner Anthony Hamilton seemed intent on showcasing the continuing greatness in the soul music lineage by working in classics with his own roster of hits. Wearing a burgundy shirt, matching brim and leather pants, he took his time with a taste of Marvin Gaye’s “I Want You” before easing into “So In Love,” his duet with Jill Scott.

After “Amazing,” came “Sexual Healing,” and “Float On.” Before his breakthrough hit “Comin’ From Where I’m From,” was a few drops of “Love and Happiness.” After it, his textured southern soul

vocals proved a perfect fit for a verse of “Grandma’s Hands.” And of course, there was a praise break midway though.

There may have been a bit of frustration that Hamilton didn’t highlight more of his own music instead of the old school pairings. But live music lovers wouldn’t have had a single complaint for Hamilton, his band or the new crop of Hamiltones that included fullfledged choreography with their background vocals.

“The Point of it All,” which was peppered with Prince’s “Adore” and an expanded “Charlene” that made for “If You Think You’re Lonely Now” and Lenny Williams’ “Cause I Love You” were the extent of the slow jams.

Like Green and Benet before him, Hamilton inspired fans to dance out the door with ‘Cool” laced with “Let’s Do It Again” and “Between The Sheets” and his “Sista Big Bones” finale remixed with The Time’s “Jungle Love.”

Jamison

Visionary Awards co-chair Sara Burke in a touching tribute via Facebook. “Theo would not just dance into the heavens on a random Wednesday or a Monday. No. He would make sure he was still with us in spirit as we gave thanks for our blessings which, for me, was Theo.”

There was a common exchange that was almost as entertaining to watch as the performance that took place at countless concerts and celebrations in honor of African and African-American dance.

Jamison would enter the venue. He was usually dressed in head-to-toe African garb with a matching crochet cap that fit as if it was knitted specifically for him to serve as the crown of his attire. He didn’t seem to try to make his entrances grand, but they were anyway. He moved through the space with poise, grace and the perfect posture of a dancer – which made him seem even taller than his 6 feet and 3 inches.

of Southern Indiana. Himes said that she could never give him exactly what she wanted, but she always tried.

‘This was literally our relationship since I was 7,” Himes said.

He was famously meticulous about every aspect of the Dunham technique, because for him it was more than mastering a series of movements.

“He didn’t just dance the dance,” Watt said. “He was a historian also.” For Jamison, Dunham technique was a way for learners to uplift themselves and the culture through the movement and the people that inspired it.

going to be loved regardless of their shortcomings. We all fall short of the mark. They need to know that they are going to be loved and that ultimately it’s going to be okay.”

“Waves” has made its way to many critics’ year-end top ten picks since making a splash at the Toronto International Film Festival in September. Embodying Ronald was a learning experience for Brown that applies within his own family.

“The lesson for me is that there is a learning that goes two ways between a parent and

their children,” Brown said. “It’s not just a parent teaching a child. There are things that your children can teach you if you are open and available to seeing and hearing their wisdom. In the case of Ronald, it was “this is the way it’s gonna be in my house, and if you don’t like it, you can be up out.” He didn’t give his child the opportunity to teach him some things. I try to not to make those mistakes.”

Brown admitted that the idea of “Waves” was terrifying for him at first. “Am I adding to a negative stereotype?” He asked himself when considering the film. Brown is everywhere on the big and small screen. But he is also intentional about what he lends his time and talents to – both as an actor, and through

his newly formed production company Indian Meadows, named in honor of the Olivette community where he grew up.

However, Brown saw “Waves” a chance to spotlight the humanity often diluted by stereotypes.

“Hopefully the film is showing the example of a good human being who loses their way and makes an awful mistake – but it does not take away their innate goodness, therefore humanizing this person,” Brown said. “Not making them into a stereotype – but showing a full-fledged human being. And I think we were able to do that with the film.”

“Waves” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, December 6. The film is rated R with a run time of 135 minutes.

The moment he was recognized, a pandemonium of praise-filled greetings would commence. “Baba Theo! Baba Theo!” The endearing term for Jamison would echo from every direction the time he entered until he took his seat.

“He had this way of making everyone feel as if they were his best friend,” said renowned choreographer and fellow certified Dunham Technique instructor Vivian Anderson Watt.

He is known the world over as a master teacher of the technique that revolutionized black dance developed by his mentor and teacher. When Dunham’s body could no longer perform, he was a devoted vessel, demonstrating the technique she was

Dance legend Theo Jamison passed away on Thursday, November 28 after a battle with colon cancer. He was 66. Final services will be held Saturday, December 7 at Macedonia Baptist Church, 1400 East Broadway in East St. Louis. A viewing will take place at 10 a.m. with funeral services immediately following at 11 a.m.

committed to teaching until the very end of her life.

When she transitioned in 2006, he was one of the faithful disciples of Dunham that ensured her legacy was passed to a new generation of dancers.

“I said it this summer, and I meant it from the bottom of my heart – we didn’t deserve him.

His light was too bright for us,”

said Heather Himes, student of Dunham, choreographer and instructor in dance at University

“The first time that Theodore Jamison and I walked into that studio in 1975 and started training together, I had the greatest honor and respect for him,” Watt said. “You wanted to be his partner because he was a perfectionist. He was very passionate about his art.” Jamison was a student at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Theater and Fine Arts/Dance in 1977. He was trained by original members of the Katherine Dunham Dance Company, Lucille Ellis, Tommy Gomez, Archie Savage, Lenwood Morris, Pearl Reynolds, Vanoye Aikens, Wilburt Bradley, Norman Davis and Lavinia Williams. He also served as Dunham’s demonstrator for more than 15 years. He eventually held the position of program director for Southern Illinois University Edwardsville East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts, formerly known as the Katherine Dunham Center for the Performing Arts. Watt was a demonstrator for Jamison and laughed about how he would push their bodies to the limit. A combination they called “fall recover” was his favorite.

“It’s a demanding movement. You can only do it for 15 to 20 minutes, not an hour,” Watt said. “You would have to tell him, ‘Okay, Theo, enough. No more flat backs.’” Jamison’s awards for contributions to the field of dance – black dance, in particular – were too many to list. Last year he was honored at the Lula Washington Dance Theatre’s 30th annual International Conference and Festival of Blacks in Dance. It was an honor he shared with fellow dance legend Debbie Allen.

“People focus on his dancing a whole lot as a master Dunham instructor and choreographer – and they should. But he also had one of the biggest hearts,” Watt said.

“He was a master teacher and a master human being. He would open his house, his resources and his technique to anyone who asked. Having known him for 46 years, I never saw him say no. He would feed someone when they were hungry and give the clothes of his back.” Jamison is survived by a son, Shaunte Jamison, and a daughter, LaChonda Jamison. Final services for Theodore Jamison will take place on Saturday, December 7 at Macedonia Baptist Church, 1400 East Broadway in East St. Louis. A viewing will take place at 10 a.m. with funeral services immediately following at 11 a.m.

One million lights. One million memories.

U.S. Bank Wild Lights

Escape to a one-of-a-kind holiday experience at the Saint Louis Zoo. Explore our walk-through wonderland with over one million lights. And, don’t forget to check out Penguin & Puffin Coast, the Insectarium, and one of our adult beverage options. Select Nights Nov. 29–Dec. 30 | 5:30–8:30 p.m. For more information, visit stlzoo.org.

Photo by Bree Gant

Celebrations

Reunions

Beaumont High Class of 1970 is planning its 50-year reunion! We want to reach as many classmates as possible, so please share this info with other class of ‘70 alumni. Please email your current contact info to: Beaumontclassof1970@gmail. com.

Central High School Class of 1970 is in the process of planning its 50-year reunion in 2020. We are trying to locate former classmates. If you would like to receive additional information as we plan this momentous occasion, please provide your contact information to either Lillian McKinney at mamajoyce314@ icloud.com or (314) 335-9760, Eric Armstrong at elarmstr@ yahoo.com or (918) 6503385, Sabra Morris-Pernod at Saboots@centurytel.net or (314) 703-0812. Sumner High School Class

of 1957 will sponsor a Holiday Social on Friday, December 27, 5-8 pm at the Creve Coeur American Legion Hall (behind Bristol) 934 E Rue Del La Banque Dr., 63141. DJ will play oldies and line dance music for dancing. Tables available for card players. Chicken and fish dinners available for $10, cash bar.

Sumner Class of 1976 Annual Christmas Party Friday, December 21, 2018, 7pm at DEJAVU II Cafe, 2805 Target Dr., St. Louis, MO 63136. 2 for 1 Drink Specials (5:30-7:30pm), free

Happy Birthday to Kisha Hudson, who turned 30 years old on November 28. May you forever sparkle and shine like the star that you are! Birthday Blessings to you, KHud! Love always, Dad, Bonus Mom, Ed, Dainielle, Ashley and Mario.

parking, band performs from 7:30-9:30pm. No cover charge; classmates and guest each pays $5 for the catered food served during intermission, whether you partake of it or not. Limited reserved seating available until 10pm. Doors open 5pm/close 1am. For more info, call B. Louis at 314.385.9843.

Vashon High School Class of 1974 is planning for its 45th reunion. We are in the process of rounding up all classmates. To provide or update your contact information, please email ljbady@gmail.com or

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good

contact: Joe Verrie Johnson 314-640-5842, Jordan Perry 314-724-4563, or LaVerne James-Bady 314-382-0890.

Vashon High School Class of 1975 is planning for its 45 year class reunion. We are in process of getting all classmates to provide or update your contact information. Please email Millicent, centbyme1@aol.com or Elvis, elvishopson@att.net. You can also send information by mail: Vashon High Class of 1975, P.O. box 8735, St. Louis Mo. 63101. Keep this date open: August 7-9, 2020.

On November 20, the St. Louis Civic Pride Foundation named its 2019 St. Louis Champions award recipients at the Form Skybar at Hotel Saint Louis. Several of the 29 recipients gathered for a photo during the awards ceremony. Pictured from left to right are: Julius Anthony, St. Louis Black Authors; Karlos Ramirez, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Lindy Drew, Humans of St. Louis; Segun Babalola, African Chamber of Commerce; Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, St. Louis Lambert International Airport; Michelle Smallmon, 101 ESPN Radio; Flint Fowler, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis; Larry Morris, iLLphonics; Dana Kay Goddard, STL. LIVE; and Michael Houlihan, Houlihan Development Company.

St. Louis Champions

Church hosts Orchestrating Diversity holidays concert

The Message

What the Holy Spirit will do for you

Ignorance of the law is no excuse for breaking the law.

El Sistema

St. Louis will present a holidays concert of Baroque and Classic music at 3 p.m. Sunday, December 8 at the Pilgrim Congregational United Church of Christ, 826 Union Blvd.

The concert will begin with the 2nd Suite from Handel’s popular “Water Music.” Next, Brandon Bennett, 14, the principal cellist, will be accompanied by Justin Collins, a cello major at Lawrence University, in the Vivaldi “Concerto in G Minor for 2 Cello and Strings.”

The program then continues with a charming Classic period piece. The term “Harmoniemusik” was used to designate music transcribed for a wind ensemble.

Bassoonist and composer Johann Christoph Stumpf created such a piece on Mozart’s opera “La Clemenza di Tito” for the Parisian audiences of the 1790s. The wind players will perform excerpts from this suite.

And the concert will close with the masterpiece of the late Baroque, the “Brandenburg Concerto Nr. 1” by Johann Sebastian Bach.

The young people in the Urban Youth Orchestra have spent the last months learning appropriate Baroque performance techniques, adjusting to the unequal temperament used in Bach’s time and even tuning a bit higher as the best research suggests was done in Bach’s Germany. Orchestrating Diversity is a stand-alone

Orchestrating Diversity is a stand-alone social change through music education program of the Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center. “As the title suggests, we see racial inequity and failure to sustain diversity as the obstacle to our growth as a city,” organizers stated.

social change through music education program of the Lemp Neighborhood Arts Center, a 501(C)3 non-profit. Since 2008 it has offered this El Sistema program as part of its mission to encourage and support the intellectual, social, creative, and emotional growth of St. Louis youth, especially those from underserved communities.

“As the title suggests, we see racial inequity and failure to sustain diversity as the obstacle to our growth as a city,” organizers stated. “In addition to the orchestra, we also offer younger students our Junior Urban Music Program, JUMP, at the Messiah Community Center. Both

programs are provided free of charge to all and are offered year-round, with 8-week summer camps.”

As for the December 8 concert, organizers asked, “What better way to spend a winter afternoon than listening to graceful music from the Baroque period performed in the rich acoustics of a wonderful turn-of-the-century church?”

A $5 donation is appreciated. There is parking off of Kensington behind the church, located at 826 Union Blvd. For more information, visit https://www.lemparts.org/.

So if you ever find yourself in court telling the judge you didn’t know something, that won’t get you off. Depending on the judge, however, it might get you a lighter sentence.

When it comes to your and my spiritual existence, Jesus represents the kind of forgiveness that only occurs in family court. The more I read scripture, the more I understand the wonderful relationship we have with the Almighty and the extraordinary power of His love for you and me, as demonstrated by a blood relationship with His only son, Jesus Christ. That blood thing is what I’m referring to.

I will use two examples to illustrate my point: Christ on the cross and Simon Peter’s denial of Jesus as the cock crowed.

Peter did in fact deny Jesus as predicted. Peter also “wept bitterly” because of it. One very good example of God’s great capacity to love His children is that this same Peter, afraid and fearful for his own life, came to witness for the Lord with no fear of losing his new life whatsoever. It was Peter who, when the day of Pentecost came and he was filled with the Holy Spirit, spoke boldly and without fear of reprisal about the blood-bought forgiveness of sins because Christ’s death made us eternal members of God’s family.

Jesus is our access. He is our entrée, our court-appointed attorney, our intercessor to our

Father. Peter acknowledges this when he says, “Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” Acts 2:38. You see what the Holy Spirit did for Peter? That’s what the Holy Spirit will do for you. The key is weeping bitterly. Peter had to first accept and acknowledge his shortcomings. He had to empty himself to make room for the Holy Spirit. Those who recognize this and understand the premise, know first and foremost that they are truly family members and ignorance is only an excuse as it relates to ultimate acceptance that Christ is Lord. All anyone has to do is plead ignorance, repent and turn to the Lord. Ain’t that something? Bloodbrought forgiveness and no one, particularly God, expects you to be perfect. Right, Peter?

The expectation is that you’ll be righteous in your understanding and sincere in your repentance. Your courtappointed attorney has already won your case. But you do have to show up in court and listen and acknowledge that the charges are true. May you come to understand that the shedding of Christ’s blood made you His blood brother, so to speak, and God your Father too. In the meantime, may you never live in ignorance again.

Columnist

James Washington

CHIEF OF POLICE

The City of Berkeley is looking for an individual with a high level of professional ethics, integrity, and proven leadership skills to serve as its Chief of Police. Under general supervision of the City Manager, the Police Chief will manage the Department’s 48 employees, of whom 37 are sworn officers (including Police Chief). The City of Berkeley Department operates under the provisions of the State of Missouri “at will” policy. Annual salary is $85,000 and must reside in City of Berkeley. Our employment applications can be found at http://www.cityofberkeley.us/

POLICE CHIEF

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for a Police Chief. To apply go to https:// richmondheights.applicantpro. com/jobs/1248423.html

Applications will be accepted from November 12, 2019 through December 6, 2019.

I.T. DIRECTOR, EDUCATOR, SECURITY

Saint Louis Art Museum is hiring for several positions, including: I.T. Director, Educator, Security, and more. Apply online at www.slam.org/careers.

SENIOR CONSTRUCTION SPECIALIST

Supervisory or Lead Responsibilities. Involves the preparation and/or review of sketches, drawings, designs, specifications, schedules, requests for proposals and other documents related to the design of building construction, renovation and maintenance. Works closely with St. Louis Housing Authority staff, HUD Officials, residents, construction contractors, consultants and others to assure that design and subsequent construction are appropriate and properly constructed. Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited university in Architecture, Mechanical or Civil Engineering and be familiar with general building construction. Five (5) years’ experience in the construction industry, preferably, as a craftsman and one (1) year or more trades applicable to general building construction may be substituted for a degree and at least three (3) years of this experience must be in construction inspection. Starting Salary $59,540 Annually. Apply or send resume to: St. Louis Housing Authority, HR Division, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 by 5:00 p.m., December 23, 2019 via website www.slha.org or email athomas@slha.org. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

MBS IS HIRING A BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT ANALYST!

To apply, please visit: https://recruiting2.ultipro. com/MCC1007MBMI/ JobBoard/7d236a73-1cc6497b-be48-52f9d5521b7a/ OpportunityDetail?opportu nityId=c377d128-2acf-4dc5a61d-48332f7e3e50

MORNING BUS DRIVERS Creative Kids Child Development Center is currently seeking Morning Bus Drivers. This position requires at least a Class E License and a good driving record. Pay is negotiable. Please contact 314-361-3534

FIRE CHIEF

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for a Fire Chief. To apply go to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/ jobs/1248411.html

Applications will be accepted from November 12, 2019 through December 6, 2019.

Faculty Position in Mathematics

The Department of Mathematics and Computer Science at the University of Missouri-St. Louis invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant Professor in Mathematics to begin Fall 2020. For more details and application information, please see http://www.umsl.edu/math/files/ pdfs/Math2020.pdf An Affirmative Action, Equal Opportunity Employer

SPECIALIST- CLAIMSCLAIMS ASSISTANT

Responsible for various technical support tasks related to claim assistant duties and the processing of primary claim data

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

HEALTHCARE COALITION AND READINESS & RESPONSE COORDINATOR

East-West Gateway Council of Governments has an opening for a Healthcare Coalition and Readiness & Response Coordinator. Starting salary is $59,316 annually. Please follow the link to view post at http://www.ewgateway.org/careers/.

LAW ENFORCEMENT POSITION

This is a responsible law enforcement position in the protection of life and property through the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work involves responsibility for the protection of life and property, prevention of crime, apprehension of suspected criminals, and the enforcement of laws and ordinances. Work involves an element of personal danger in the pursuit of duties. Must have graduated from high school or GED, supplemented by the state-approved course of law enforcement training. Must have possession of a valid Missouri driver’s license and Certification as a Police Officer by the State of Missouri. Contact HR@Fergusoncity.com for full job description or to submit an application.

HUMAN RESOURCES DIRECTOR

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) has an immediate opening for a Human Resources and Operations Director.

SLDC offers a full range of benefits including deferred compensation, pension, and medical insurance. SLDC is an equal opportunity employer. Successful candidate must be a St. Louis city resident or must relocate to the City.

SLDC values a diverse workforce and is an equal opportunity employer. The application process and a full description can be found on-line at www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc select “Careers at SLDC.”

ASSISTANT BRANCH MANAGER

The St. Louis County Library is seeking applicants for a full time Assistant Branch Manager at the Bridgeton Trails Branch. This position will assist the Branch Manager with the operation and maintenance of the branch to provide quality Library services to all Library customers. A Master’s degree in Library Science is required. Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills. Salary: $53,810 plus paid health insurance and vacation. Apply online at www.slcl.org. Equal Opportunity Employer.

POLICE CHIEF

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for a Police Chief. To apply go to https:// richmondheights.applicantpro. com/jobs/1248423.html Applications will be accepted from November 12, 2019 through December 6, 2019.

The Brentwood School District seeks to hire the following positions

Night Custodian-FT

Director, Maintenance and Facilities

Position will plan, direct, supervise, and evaluate the maintenance and custodial staff of the school district.

Duties include:

• Building Maintenance and Repair

• Personnel Management

• Policy, Reports, and Law • Budget, Inventory, and Administration

For complete description and minimal qualifications, please visit our district website www.brentwoodmoschools.org Click on the Join Our Team tab at the top of the page, review the Q and A section and proceed to the link in the middle

ST.

LOUIS COUNTY DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN

SERVICES CONTINUUM OF CARE PLANNING GRANT REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services is seeking proposals for the St. Louis County Continuum of Care Planning Consultant Grant. The total funding available is approximately $88,294.00. Proposals are due by 11:00 a.m. on December 16, 2019. Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained on November 25, 2019 at the St. Louis County Bids and RFPs webpage located at http://www.stlouisco.com/ YourGovernment/BidsandRFPs

BID PROPOSAL

KCI Construction requests subcontract proposals from MBE, WBE, DBE, Veteran Owned Business and SDVE businesses for the Gas Turbine Building – Chilled Water Plant Addition, The Curators of the University of Missouri, Columbia, MO. Project #CP191921

Plans and specifications are available

• To view electronically at no charge from: http://operations-webapps.missouri.edu/pdc/ adsite/ad.html

• To view at our Camdenton office: 5505 Old South 5, Camdenton, MO 65020

• By a request for a Dropbox Link from jmorrow@kciconstruction.com

Subcontractor bids are due by 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, January 14, 2020. You may email bids to jmorrow@kciconstruction.com or send a fax to 573-346-9739. Please call if you have any questions: 314-200-6496.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003913 for Meramec Awards Banquet will be received until 11:00 A.M. (local time) on Friday, December 19, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.

METROPOLITAN

ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on January 3rd, 2020 to contract with a company for: Lawn Care Services for River Des Peres.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10221 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: SERVICE CONTRACT-CLARIFIER ALGAE SWEEPS 2020. The District is proposing single source procurement for this service because FORD HALL COMPANY is the only known available source for this service. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

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

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on January 6th, 2020 to contract with a company for: GI Landscape Maintenance Services for Horseshoe Retention Basin. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 10224 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: PROVIDE EQUIPMENT AND PERSONNEL TO CLEAN WATER COLLECTION LEACHATE SYSTEM. ODESCO INDUSTRIAL SERVICES was used for this service. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com.

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

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003899 for Florissant Valley Awards Banquet will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Friday, December 23, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.

SEALED BIDS

BidstoModernize Elevator,Hoctor Building, Southeast MissouriMental HealthCenter, Farmington, Missouri,Project No.M1814-01 willbereceived byFMDC,State ofMO,UNTIL 1:30PM, 12/19/2019via MissouriBUYS.

Biddersmustbe registeredtobid. Forspecificproject informationand orderingplans,go to:http://oa.mo. gov/facilities TO ADVERTISE YOUR BIDS CALL ANGELITA HOUSTON AT 314-2895430

Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps. org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made. A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on December 6, 2019 at 10:00 A.M. in Water Division Service Building Lunch Room, 10450 Riverview Drive, Saint Louis, MO 63137. 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

KELLER CONSTRUCTION INC.

Requests subcontractor and/or material supplier quotations from Illinois CMS and/or IDOT Certified subcontractors, suppliers and MBE/WBE/VBE firms for the Pere Marquette Campground Electrical Rehabilitation Project. Interested parties should contact Keller Construction at (618) 656-0033. All quotations must be submitted by 4:30 PM Wednesday December 11, 2019. Keller Construction is an equal opportunity employer.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Bids for St. Louis Community College on B0003847 for Forest Park Awards Banquet will be received until 2:00 P.M. (local time) on Friday, December 20, 2019 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for James S. McDonnell Boulevard Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1552, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on December 18, 2019.

Plans and specifications will be available on November 18, 2019 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 811 Hanley Industrial Court, Brentwood, MO 63144, (314) 961-3800.

BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking qualifications for Media Relations/ Planning Services, Media Training, and Thought Leadership Planning and Placement Services. Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by December 20, 2019.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Graham Road –St. Ferdinand Street Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1804, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 11:00 a.m. on December 18, 2019.

Plans and specifications will be available on November 18, 2019 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 811 Hanley Industrial Court, Brentwood, MO 63144, (314) 961-3800.

ACCEPTING GRANT APPLICATIONS

The St. Louis County Port Authority Community Reinvestment Fund is now accepting grant applications through December 15, 2019 for economic development projects that benefit St. Louis County. The application and detailed funding information are available at https://stlpartnership.com/whowe-are/our-teams/real-estate-community-investment/port-authority/ reinvestment-fund-application/

Advertisement for: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals to link individuals identified as high risk for hypertension with healthy foods, health education, cooking demonstrations, and referrals to hypertension programs incorporating Self-Monitoring Blood Pressure (SMBP) and diabetes programs incorporating Diabetes Prevention Program (DPP) to optimize health outcomes. Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning November 22, 2019, from the City of St. Louis Department of Health, Bobie Williams, 1520 Market Street-Suite 4051, St. Louis MO 63103, williamsb@stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 6571475. Proposals may also be downloaded from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/. All questions must be submitted in writing no later than December 13, 2019, to Bobie Williams at the information listed above. All questions will be addressed through addenda posted on the St. Louis City website at http://stlouis-mo.gov/. The deadline for submitting proposals is December 20, 2019, by 5:00 P.M. to Bobie Williams at the address listed above. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

MISSOURI HISTORICAL SOCIETY REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Missouri Historical Society is seeking RFP bids for a graphic designer to lay out and design the cover for a book on suffrage, tentatively titled Groundbreaking St. Louis Women.

Please visit https://mohistory.org/ about/requests-for-proposal/ for details.

Submission Deadline: December 16, 2019 An Equal Opportunity Employer

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR NETWORK EQUIPMENT INSTALLATION, CONFIGURATION AND DESIGN SUPPORT, ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 18, 2019 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website www.stlbps.org, under On Line Plan RoomPlan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of First Publication: 12/5/19

City of St. Louis: Community Development Administration (CDA) 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 314-657-3700 / 314-589-6000 (TTY)

On or after 12/13/19, the City of St. Louis (“the City”) will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the following funds, under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq., to undertake the following programs comprising part of the City’s 2020 Action Plan, within the City:

For Sale Rehab & New Construction of Housing Program, under Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds [Award # B-20-MC-29-0006] totaling $2,100,023.00, and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) funds [Award # M-20-MC-29-0500] totaling $1,596,808.00, for the purpose of reinvesting in the City’s aging housing stock, through an estimated 15 single-family rehabilitation projects, an estimated 20 single-family new construction projects, and an estimated 55 multi-family unit new construction and 20 multi-family rehabilitation projects, at locations to be determined;

Healthy Home Repair Program Loan Pool, under CDBG funds [Award # B-20-MC-29-0006] totaling $1,500,000.00 (part of the City of St, Louis Emergency Home Repair Program), and under HOME funds [Award # M-20-MC-29-0500] totaling $1,248,581.00 (part of the City of St. Louis Comprehensive Home Repair Program) for the purpose of assisting low- to moderate-income homeowners through an estimated 100 emergency repair projects and an estimated 62 comprehensive repair projects, at locations to be determined;

Carondelet Minor Home Repair Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-20-MC-29-0006] totaling $25,000.00, for the purpose of providing minor home repairs to low- to moderate income homeowners, through an estimated 15 small repair projects (part of the City of St. Louis Energy, Efficiency, Weatherization and Accessibility Program [EEWAP]);

Missouri Energy Care Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-20-MC-29-0006] totaling $20,000.00 for the purpose of providing minor home repairs to low-to moderate income homeowners through an estimated 10 small repair projects (part of the City of St. Louis Energy, Efficiency, Weatherization, and Accessibility Program [EEWAP]);

Harambee Tuckpointing/Youth Training Program, under CDBG Funds [Award # B-20MC-29-0006] totaling $100,000.00, for the purpose of providing tuckpointing services to low- to moderate income homeowners, through an estimated 24 projects;

Neighborhood Commercial Program, under CDBG funds [Award # B-20-MC-29-0006] totaling $850,000.00, for the purpose of reviving neighborhood commercial districts, through an estimated 50 façade and exterior improvement projects, at locations to be determined; The activities proposed are categorically excluded under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects is on file at the City’s CDA, at the address listed above, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M, by contacting Rashonda Alexander, CDA, Environmental Reviewer, at (314) 314-657-3803.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Rashonda Alexander, CDA, Environmental Reviewer, at the address listed above. Comments and questions pertaining to these programs can be directed to Matt Moak, CDA, Executive Director, at the address listed above. All comments received by 12/12/19 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Visit https://www.onecpd.info/environmental-review/ environmental-review-records to review HUD ERR.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Certifying Officer of the City of St. Louis, Lyda Krewson, in her capacity as Mayor, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities and allows the City to use these program funds.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD/State; or d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Renee Ryles, Acting Community Planning & Development Director, HUD, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 418-5405. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Lyda Krewson, Mayor Certifying Officer

BIDS

Soliciting bids on 3315 Berrywood-Medical Center Renovation, UMC, Columbia, MO. Bid date 11/21/19; bids due 11:00 a.m. Qualified disadvantaged subcontractors or suppliers contact Reinhardt Construction, Centralia, MO; 573-682-5505; fax 573-682-3322.

LETTING #8708

HALL STREET IMPROVEMENTS –PHASE I EAST GRAND TO ADELAIDE

FEDERAL PROJECT NO. STP-5404(603)

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on JANUARY 14, 2020, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stlbps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held DECEMBER 17, 2019 at 10:00 a.m., City Hall, 1200 Market Street, Room 305, St. Louis, Missouri 63103.

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). (Announcements).

INVITATION FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for the City of Webster Groves, Missouri (hereinafter “Owner”) Marshall Avenue Improvements, STP-5540(604) (hereinafter “Project”) will be received by Webster Groves City Hall, 4 East Lockwood Avenue, Webster Groves, Missouri 63119, until 2:00 p.m. local time, on Tuesday, January 14, 2020, at which time the bids will be publicly opened and read aloud. The Scope of Work includes improvements to Marshall Avenue in the City of Webster Groves and provides for pavement milling and resurfacing, concrete sidewalk with integral curb, driveway approaches, and pedestrian ramp improvements, pavement striping, traffic control and other incidental items and work described in the Project Manual, or reasonably inferable therefrom. Webster Groves anticipates issuing notice to proceed in the spring of 2020. Bid packages will be distributed electronically via an ftp link at no cost to the bidder. Hard copies will not be available for purchase. Bidders may make printed copies of the bid documents (plans, project manual, and a bid packet) at their own expense. When requesting the ftp link, you will be required to provide your company name, a contact person and phone number, a complete company address and an e-mail address to be added to the Plan Holders List and for receiving official bidding communications and addenda. If you are not on the Plan Holders List, you will not receive any addenda issued. To request the electronic ftp link, email Mike Spalding at mspalding@cochraneng.com. Project and bidding questions shall be conducted exclusively via e-mail. Any questions regarding this project must be submitted to: mspalding@cochraneng.com, by 4:00 pm local time on January 7, 2020. No written questions after this date or any verbal questions will be recognized. A bid security in the amount of five percent (5%) of the bid amount must accompany each bid, in accordance with the Instructions to Bidders. For a contractor to be awarded this project the contractor must have a fully responsive contractor questionnaire on file with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission at least 7 days prior to the bid opening date. All bidders must be on MoDOT’s Qualified Contractor List per Section 102.2 of the current Missouri Standard Specifications for Highway Construction. No Second Tier Subcontracting will be allowed. The wage rates applicable to this project have been predetermined as required by law and are set forth in this specification. When Federal wage rates are applicable and included, this contract is subject to the “Work Hours Act of 1962”, (P.L. 87-581: 76 Stat. 357) and implementing regulations. When state and federal wage rates are both required the higher of the two for each job classification shall be used. Effective January 1, 2009 and pursuant to RSMo 285.530 (1), No business entity or employer shall knowingly employ, hire for employment, or continue to employ an unauthorized alien to perform work within the state of Missouri. The successful bidder must submit a sworn affidavit and documentation affirming the business entity’s enrollment and participation in the federal work authorization program and that all of its employees working for the contracted services are not illegal immigrants. Upon signing the contract, the successful contractor and any subcontractor performing the work shall provide a ten-hour Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) construction safety program for their on-site employees within sixty (60) days of beginning work on the construction project. The City of Webster Groves, Missouri hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award. The DBE Contract Goal for this project is 16%, and DBE firms must be certified by MoDOT to attain credit towards this contract goal. There is no On the Job Trainee goal. The owner intends to award the contract to the lowest, responsive, responsible bidder. The owner reserves the right to reject any and all bids, and to waive any irregularities in the best interest of the owner with MoDOT’s consent

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Soul power at Stifel. When I hit up Stifel Theatre for Urban Vibe Ent’s “An Evening of Soul” Sunday night, I was expecting to have a good time. You know what, I was expecting to have a great time. Even still, I was surprised that I enjoyed Vivian Green’s little sip of an opening like I did. What? She has a good voice, but her songs just don’t really do it for me. I must say that her live show was quite and energetic. Most people seemed annoyed that her set included so a lengthy mix of a throwback cookout mixtape facilitated by my former hip-hop crush Kwame on the tables. But I was okay with it, mainly because until Sunday I thought her original music was mostly a snooze. But I learned from the show that her upbeat stuff is kind of tight. Speaking of tight, she wasn’t lying when she sang about running 3 miles on “Emotional Rollercoaster” because that body was snatched as she sang to those tracks. She wasn’t the only one sowing financial seeds into somebody’s CrossFit/ functional fitness coach business. Because Eric Benet is as toned now as back when he was first singing about femininity. He’s gone from “Mr. Steal Your Girl,” to “Mr. Steal Your Mama and Your Oldest Auntie!” And then he had the nerve to seduce in skinny jeans and sound even better than he looks. Those high notes and him singing Tamia’s part like it was second tenor instead of first soprano and the rest of those high notes reminded me why I’ve been rocking with him from the get. Since I’m talking about high notes, who was that hollering woman in the crowd that screamed from the top of her lungs that could hold that holler so long that I wouldn’t be surprised if she could deep sea dive without an oxygen tank? Listen she cut up on Anthony Hamilton. I just thank my heavenly father that I wasn’t sitting anywhere near her, because I would have probably suffered from migraines for the rest of my life – even after I summoned security to escort her away from me. Now don’t get me wrong, Anthony threw all the way down and deserved all the audible adoration we had to give – just not at the expense of my eardrum. He got it in with that show that felt like a pot of soul gumbo that deliciously blended the old and new. St. Louis black girl music magic. Since I’m already talking about splendid soul music, let me take a moment to shout out a trio of ladies that used their talent to put on for our city at various events. Not only did they make me even more proud of our musical legacy, it gave me all kinds of hope as far how bright our future. Friday night I made it my business to stop by SLAM Underground, the monthly nighttime set usually framed around an exhibition that blends the nightlife experience with the visual arts. Since “The Shape of Abstraction,” which is a sample of The Ollie Collection – a huge donation of black abstract art to the Saint Louis Art Museum by Ronald Maurice Ollie in memory of his parents. But back to my point. Bassist and vocalist Tonina Saputo was the featured musical entertainment. And she threw down with her music that is inspired from various cultures and ethnicities blended to make a sound all her own. She had the Dancer of Life (a Twilight Tuesday regular with her own “eclectic” style of dance) doing low kicks and spins the entire set.

Right after Tonina hit her last note, I booked it down Lindell to hear Katarra tear it up at the Dark Room for her Cocoa Voyage album release party. Listen, it was a whole entire vibe anchored by her lovely soulful voice. There was barely a place to stand up in there as she gave them a live rendition of the record that was absolutely everything – I’m talking life from start to finish. Then on Saturday night I caught my girl Theresa Payne doing her thing alongside rapper Indiana Rome at the Gaslight. Girl, who did that beat on your face. I might have to secure their services for Salute to Young Leaders in February. But anyway. These three women, with three totally different types of voices slayed the microphone in ways you would have to see to believe and I was proud to be a black woman from St. Louis after seeing them.

Life from the Lemon Pepper Kickback. On Thanksgiving Eve I scooted downtown to the Met building for the 3rd Annual Lemon Pepper Kickback. I didn’t taste the food, so I can’t say for sure, but I think the name is inspired by the menu that is served. Either way, it was a blast fellowshipping with folks with a house party game night vibe. The way it was set up with the couches and game stations, I promise it was like kicking it in the living rooms of the coolest people you know. It was a great variation from the regular nightlife roundup. That 90s Jam diversity. DJ Neco held it down for James Biko for the latest installment of That 90s Jam Wednesday night at The Ready Room. For whatever reason, the pre-Thanksgiving edition was the most ethnically diverse one I’ve ever attended. At first, I thought the healthy mix of general population folks was the result of a spillover from an earlier show. But then I started looking at them mouth all the words to these 90s R&B and hip-hop joints. I was totally convinced that they came for the genre/era when a woman randomly started reenacting the chair dance routine of Usher’s “You Make Me Wanna” on those big black couch seats.

A House of Soul Thanksgiving. I can’t say enough about all the folks who took time from their regularly scheduled holiday programming to give to those who need it most. There were folks all over the city giving turkeys and groceries. And a space that I usually hit up for nightlife festivities opened its doors to give a holiday meal to homeless and needy residents on Thanksgiving. Listen, I’m low-key getting teary eyed thinking of all the folks who get judged for being on the entertainment and nightlife side of things join forces to give a memorable Thanksgiving to those who wouldn’t have had a feast otherwise. I’m going to leave some folks out, but Nichol Stevenson played host at House of Soul and it was touching to see the intention and care that went into the

meal.

Brandee, Chauffon, Crystal and Jason as they show ed their support for the UrbArts Poets performing @ SLAM Underground Friday

Entertainers I am J Starr, Dancin Darryl and Redd had a chance to catch up Thursday night @ The Marquee

Jung Costa @mitch3600_ and @Jbobmf Popular Music Group chopped with Shy Glizzy about the industry before he hit the stage @ The Marquee Saturday

The night was still young as Julian, Taylor, Courtnie and Ashley enjoyed a short chat on the elevator @ HeyLuv Saturday

Comedian Todd Jenkins entertained the crowd as openers Ricky Royal Kym D Mary Jane Reneice Perkins Sir Ervin Williams posed with headliner Chris Thomas @The Laugh Lounge Saturday

Ted and Christin Simpson as Ted’s weekend birthday celebration kicked off with family and friends @ The House of Soul

The cold air was rolling and weekend @ Café Soul was just warming up as Shakia and Kelie grabbed a booth to watch live music @ The House of Soul Friday night

The Mahogany Citizen home décor team during Black Owned Black Friday on Cherokee Street @ Open Concept Friday

Nicole was overjoyed as Vocalist Katarra signed her CD at The Cocoa Voyage album release Friday @ The DARKROOM

BlackMadonna Juju and Brandin Vaughn were busy assisting customers as the shopping season began @The Brandin Vaughn Collection Store on Friday

95.5 FM’s DJ Kut was the host and Grammy Award winner Anthony Hamilton was the headliner for An Evening Of Soul Sunday night at the Stifel Theatre. The show, presented by Urban Vibe Entertainment, also featured crooner Eric Benet and songstress Vivian Green.

Photos by V. Lang