February 14th, 2023 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

2023 SaluTe To BuSineSS

Creativity sparked by inconvenience

Emory Reignz is Donald M. Suggs Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award recipient

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

On December 17, 2020, Emory Reignz landed at Atlanta’s Hartsfield-Jackson Airport following an international trip. After making her way to the rental car hub, she learned it is not open 24 hours. She raced against the clock to get placed in an SUV that she hoped would accommodate her many bags. It didn’t happen.

“Over the course of two days, it took me three trips back and forth to the airport to

Lamar Johnson is walked out of the Carnahan Courthouse Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, after St. Louis Circuit Judge David Mason vacated Johnson’s murder conviction during a hearing in St. Louis. Johnson has been serving a life sentence after being convicted of murdering Markus Boyd in 1995.

retrieve my bags,” Reignz said. “I immediately thought ‘this is ridiculous. Somebody should be able to deliver this for me.’

Grab My Bag was born.

She decided that if she could create a business model for her “aha moment,” she would launch it at the top of the year.

In just over two weeks, she researched, developed,

and created a business plan to stay on pace with her ultra-ambitious launch goals. On January 2, 2021, the business Reignz visualized out of necessity and inconvenience was officially live on grabmybag.com

She describes the venture as a “traveler-first luggage delivery service” that has been dubbed the “Lyft or Uber for luggage” and employs independently operating “grabbers” to transport checked items from airport baggage claim to the traveler’s requested destination.

Judge Mason frees Lamar Johnson

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Eighteen words set a man free on Tuesday after he unjustly spent 28 years in prison for a murder he did not commit.

“The conviction of Lamar Johnson in State v. Lamar Johnson is hereby set aside and held for naught.”

Judge David C. Mason, who heard a week of testimony in December from police, witnesses, former prosecutors, and Johnson, issued a 48-page ruling that was a scathing indictment of the process and people that sent Johnson to prison.

n James “BA” Howard testified that Johnson did not commit the murder, saying he and convicted murderer Phillip Campbell killed Markus Boyd.

Greg Elking, who recanted his testimony and admitted being rewarded for his cooperation, was a major factor in Mason’s decision.

James “BA” Howard testified that Johnson did not commit the murder, saying he and convicted murderer Phillip Campbell killed Markus Boyd.

Mason wrote, “This combined testimony amounts to clear and convincing evidence that Lamar Johnson is innocent and did not commit the murder of Markus Boyd either individually or acting

Mae Johnson, the mother of Lamar Johnson, waits to meet her son after a judge vacated his murder conviction on Tuesday, Feb. 13, 2023, outside the St. Louis City Justice Center. Johnson spent after nearly 30 years in prison for a wrongful murder conviction.

Black legislators outraged by GOP racial antics

Rep. Kevin Windham cut off

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

The Missouri House passed a bill allowing Gov. Mike Parson to strip some prosecutorial power from Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner after debate was cut short.

Black legislators are outraged and say that trying to work with the state’s GOP is not working, and to expect peaceful yet stern retaliation.

State Rep. Kevin Windham from St. Louis County was reading a newspaper article detailing Mississippi’s legislative move that would create a new court in part of Jackson, Miss. Its judges who would be appointed rather than elected. This part of the city is overwhelmingly Black, and its voters would be disenfranchised. Windom shared quotes in the article by Democratic Mississippi Rep. Ed Blackmon, “Only in Mississippi would we have a bill like this, where we say solving the problem requires removing the vote from Black people.”

House Speaker Dean Plocher decided he had heard enough. He ruled Windham out of order, halting his speech. The microphone was cut off.

House Majority Leader Jon Patterson then made a motion to shut off debate on the bill. Other Black Democrats were not allowed to speak, and they were

See GOP, A7

Race against history

Missouri joins states targeting CRT - for no reason

By Sylvester Brown The St. Louis American

Throughout the country legislation has been passed or is being proposed to prohibit the teaching of so-called critical race theory (CRT). Missouri is no exception.

Republican state Sen. Andrew Koenig recently introduced legislation that was passed by the Senate that “prohibits teachers from placing blame on a collective group or race for the ‘actions committed in the past by others,’” among other directives.

The odd aspect of Koenig’s and other GOP anti-CRT proponents is that they’ve whipped up a nationwide fervor over a non-issue.

Koenig’s bill specifically states: “No school shall offer a course on critical race theory in kindergarten through 12th grade.”

CRT has never been taught in elementary or high schools. It’s traditionally a course taught in law schools and colleges that examines the role of systemic racism in American society.

Chris Tinson, Associate Professor of History and Chair of the Department of African American Studies at St. Louis University, has kept an eye on the growing controversy surrounding efforts to cur-

See CRT, A7

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Rep. Kevin Windham

Emory Reignz

Chris Tinson

Michelle Williams defends Beyoncè she’s labeled a witch in online sermon

Prophetess Tiphani Montogemery is under fire for referencing Beyoncè in a sermon, claiming the global megastar is a witch and Christians shouldn’t attend her upcoming Renaissance tour.

Beyoncè’s longtime friend and former Destiny’s Child bandmate Michelle Williams came to the star’s defense in an IG reel.

“I am just watching a lot going on, things that are being said, specifically about entertainers,” Williams said, “umm, specifically about entertainers that I even have relationships with, umm entertainers that I know off the stage. Christians need to practice grace more,” Williams said.

Williams continued and said she wishes “Christians publicly prayed for entertainers as much as they rebuke them and damn their souls to hell.”

“I know it ain’t my calling mission, umm, to damn entertainers to hell and to say that they would drop dead. The devil is a lie.”

Williams also talked about the importance of having a relationship with Jesus.

“Once you have that relationship with Christ, you know certain things you will do

and won’t do anymore. Just like you used to pop bottles and drop it’s like it’s hot and the Lord changed your life, it’s a possibility that God will do the same things to others.” she said.

Hip Hop loses Trugoy the Dove of De La Soul at 54

Trugoy the Dove of rap trio De La Soul has died. He was 54.

The group’s publicist Tony Ferguson confirmed Dove’s death to CNN. He called his passing “a huge loss.” A cause of death was not confirmed.

Dove, born David Jude Jolicoeur, was raised in Brooklyn and formed De La Soul with Pasemaster Mase, and Kelvin Mercer in 1988 after going to high school togeth er in Amityville, New York.

The group released their debut album “3 Feet High and Rising” in 1989 which featured the hit “Me, Myself and I,” spending 17 weeks on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

“Trugoy Dave from De La Soul has gone up to be with the day of the stars with the Master,”

Pharell Williams said in a tribute on Twitter. “Sending love, light and positive vibrations to his family, The Soul and everyone whose lives

have been touched by his existence.”

De La Soul were nominated for six Grammy Awards over the course of their career. They won best pop collaboration with vocals for “Feel Good Inc.” in 2006. Their first six albums will be available on streaming platforms next month. They released their latest album

“And the Anonymous Nobody…” in 2016. They were set to perform three shows in the United Kingdom starting April 8, 2023.

Tamar Braxton, Evelyn Lozada, Nivea star in dating reality show

Tamar Braxton, Evelyn Lozada, and Nivea are looking for love in the upcoming Peacock reality series Queens Court The three bachelorettes are introduced to 21 potential matches in Holly Robinson Peete

Rodney Peete are the

“It’s really hard for me to let my guard down, but it’s kind of time to take the bricks down,” Braxton says in the clip. The trailer’s description

also teases potential drama amongst the trio as they fight for finding their happily ever after.

The ladies have each had relationships in the public eye. Braxton was previously married to Vincent Herbet, and formerly dated David Adefeso. Lozada has dated Chad “Ochocinco” Johnson and Carl Crawford. Nivea was married to The-Dream and twice engaged to Lil Wayne.

Queens Court streams March 16 on Peacock.

Rihanna reveals her pregnancy at Super Bowl Halftime performance

Rihanna is expecting! She revealed it during her Super Bowl Halftime performance last Sunday. Her representative also confirmed the news to The Hollywood Reporter

While descending onto the field from a floating stage, she opened her red tracksuit revealing her stomach as she rubbed it.

“OH MY GOD RIHANNA IS PREGNANT AGAIN,” one user wrote on Twitter.

“Ok so everyone just googled “rihanna pregnant” right,” another added.

Rihanna and her boyfriend A$AP Rocky welcomed their first child, a baby boy, just nine months ago.

Sources: Instagram, YouTube, Instagram, Hot 97, E! News, Harpers Bazaar, The Hollywood Reporter, CNN

Trugoy the Dove

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Dr. Marrix Seymore, HarrisStowe State University’s new dean of the College of Education, was introduced to the community during a recent gathering of area school superintendents and administrators.

He told his audience he not only plans to make his historic HBCU a better place, but also the schools throughout the region.

“We are going to make the schools of St. Louis better,” he told fellow educators.

“My vision is to have you sit at the table with us.”

Seymore said he comes to Harris-Stowe understanding “the challenge of education.”

“I recently spoke to about 60 counselors. I asked if they spoke [to students] about becoming a teacher. None said they have.”

The dean said students pursuing education degrees “need to have the experience many of us did when we went into becoming a teacher.”

“Professors called me by my name. Before you [left], you were prepared to impact the world,” he said.

On Tuesday, the Missouri House passed a bill on to the Senate that constricts the ability of teachers to address some matters when it comes to race and education.

When asked his feelings, Seymore said, “as most educators, we know how to find a way to share information without offending anyone.”

“That’s the history of education and educators. We have the knack.”

Dr. LaTonia Collins Smith, HSSU president, said she pleased the university landed a candidate of Seymour’s

knowledge and experience.

“With his numerous years of experience and wealth of knowledge, Dr. Seymore brings a robust and dynamic perspective to HSSU,” she said.

“Under his leadership, the College of Education will continue its growth trajectory to prepare a much-needed diverse teaching corps for our community and beyond.”

As College of Education dean, Seymore will lead all functions of planning, directing, and executing programs provided by the College.

He will also assist the Office of Academic Affairs recruiting faculty and staff. Additionally, Seymore will oversee and evaluate the academic proficiency of students pursuing education degrees.

Seymore comes to Harris-

Stowe after serving as dean of the Division of Education at Rust College in Mississippi. He is familiar with Missouri after previously serving as Dean of the School of Education at Lincoln University in Jefferson City.

While at Lincoln, he founded The Academy for Men of Color in Education, which aims to attract, support, and graduate employable young men from urban school systems. He launched a second program at Rust.

Seymore is an ordained Elder and the Dean of Leadership Development for the 3rd Episcopal District of the Christian Methodist Episcopal Church.

He is also founder of MoreSey and Associates, a faith-based consulting firm

that provides leadership coaching, strategic planning facilitation, and ministry evaluation. He also established the MoreSey Foundation, whose goal is to provide educational opportunities to underserved communities through its “I’ve Got Shoulders” program, “a campaign designed to highlight the narrative of people of color by people of color.”

Seymore earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Elementary Education and a Master of Education degree in Administration Leadership from Prairie View A&M University of Texas. He later earned a Doctor of Philosophy in Organizational Leadership from the Northcentral University of San Diego, California. His published dissertation topic

was “The Impact of a Pastor’s Education on the Growth of a CME Church.”

“He is an experienced professor and curriculum development professional who understands how to assess learning needs, organize and develop relevant curriculum content, and evaluate the impact of such programs,” according to Collins Smith.

“Dr. Seymore is also an accomplished team builder, developing trust and rapport among all stakeholders to solve problems.”

Seymore said his vision includes helping restore HarrisStowe to its “place of glory,” and making it an institution “where employers to send their employees” to further their education.

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial

Doesn’t Legislature have more important issues to deal with?

With just a little more than a month into the new legislative session, there is still time for Missouri lawmakers to change direction and focus on issues that are important to many Missourians.

But will they?

The legislature got off to a roaring start proposing bills to limit transgender students’ participation in schools’ sports, and banning the teaching of “critical race theory.”

At least 10 bills have been filed to limit the ability of transgender children to play in youth sports. There are proposed bills also on banning discussion about gender and sexual identity by school staff, and how health care providers treat children with gender identity issues.

Since 2012, only 13 transgender students have been approved to play sports by The Missouri State High School Activities Association, which requires transgender athletes to apply and provide medical documentation in order to compete as the gender they identify with.

Drag performances and shows have also reached the legislative radar. Stay tuned.

An education bill banning the teaching of “critical race theory,” or CRT, in high schools is moving through committees gaining approval when in fact, CRT is not even being taught in Missouri high schools.

What unnecessary threats and misguided intimidation toward the public education system.

abuse rehabilitation services?

Surely, in addition to giving tax cuts and tax breaks, and widening I-70, shouldn’t some of those surplus dollars be used to help some of the most downtrodden citizens among us get back on their feet?

Then there is the ever-present and growing crisis in the foster care system for Missouri’s abandoned and neglected children. The percentage of kids entering foster care in our state is among the highest in the country.

The solution is two-fold.

First, more resources, services and crisis intervention programs can be provided to vulnerable families to prevent those conditions — poverty, abuse, addiction, mental illness — that cause children to enter the foster care system in the first place.

One must ask, how can these superficial, superfluous — misguided and potentially very harmful — issues be the most important facing our state?

Needs like addressing homelessness, fixing a foster care system bursting at the seams, and determining how best to spend a $6 billion dollar surplus in areas that will benefit most Missourians should be net.

When it comes to homelessness, the legislature would rather focus on implementing a law that would criminalize those forced to shelter on city or state-owned property.

Instead of incarcerating them, why not spend some of the state’s multi-billion-dollar surplus on providing temporary housing and funding more permanent affordable housing options?

Why not use some of those surplus dollars to increase mental health services and substance

Letter to the editor

I read your story, “Stranger than fiction: ‘Aldergeddon’ is here,” and, as is typical of your coverage, found it very informative. However, I did notice one misstatement. The claim that J.P. Mitchom was “voted out” of his position as Tiffany Community Association President due to “his support of the now-quashed QT project” is not accurate. JonPierre was an effective and well-liked president who was elected twice and served two full terms. TCA Presidents have not historically sought a third term, and he honored that tradition. He was never defeated in an election, contrary to what your story implies.

During his tenure as president, there wasn’t strong opposition to the QT project. It was only

Second, the social services agency must be adequately staffed to get these children either back with their biological parents or adoptive parents.

Will some of that $6 billion surplus be used to give our foster children the best chance at a healthy, meaningful and fulfilling life?

Another high priority issue is the availability of affordable housing for low income and middle-class working families. As in most states, there is an endemic affordable housing crisis.

The crisis is more severe in Missouri’s largest metropolitan areas, Kansas City and St. Louis. But there is also a shortage of affordable housing in smaller cities and rural communities all across the state.

According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, Missouri has a major shortage of homes.

How can this be, as the state continues to amass and sit on billions of dollars?

In addition, the Missouri Housing Development Commission, which oversees affordable housing, has hundreds of millions of unrestricted dollars and programs that could be applied in a more urgent way to address the growing housing shortages.

Janice Ellis has lived and worked in Missouri for more than three decades, analyzing educational, political, social and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age and socio-economic status.

All letters are edited for length and style

after it acquired residential property for demolition that we began hearing vocal opposition from the community. We’ve had a long, arduous ride with QT, and the letter you reference was written in a different time, under a different set of circumstances than we’re dealing with today. It certainly had nothing to do with Jon-Pierre’s exit from office, and I’m disappointed that it’s been characterized that way.

You provide a valuable voice in the St Louis news sphere and the most honest election coverage around.

Seth Jarman TCA President

On Further Review

The only thing stopping us, is us

“Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by. And that has made all the difference.” - Robert Frost

A fork in the road is a metaphor for a deciding moment in life or history, when a choice between presented options is required, and once made, the choice cannot be reversed. The chaotic nature of America in this moment is present because America is at that metaphorical folk in the road and there’s a cultural-political death match over which path to take.

The demographic and economic changes in America over the last fifty years have brought America to that metaphorical fork in the road. The America of the middle of the last century was what it had always been, a white male Christian nationalist patriarchal culture. America in the third decade of the 21st century has evolved into a completely different place. The country’s population is 40% POC and growing, by 2050 this will no longer be a majority white country.

Every decade the country becomes less white, more secular and culturally more diverse. The America of today and tomorrow will not be, in fact cannot be, the America of white yesterday.

America is at the point where there are only two choices, the choices are incompatible and cannot coexist. One choice is to try and maintain the white cultural, political and economic hegemony that is today’s white supremist male patriarchal society. But to do this America will have to abandon its democratic facade and go all in on a white nationalist fascist political repression. The other option is to struggle to figure out how you exist as a diverse, multicultural, multiethnic democratic society. These are the choices, there are no others.

It’s clear that white MAGA America has already made its choice, they’re all in on maintaining the white hegemony, even at the expense of the American myth. They don’t want or need democracy unless it maintains their power and privilege. Liberal democracy or authoritarian fascism are moral equivalents for them if they maintain white male supremacy. They fully understand what’s at stake for them, and it’s this desperation that gives them an edge at this moment, because of the lack of commitment of the rest of us to take the road less traveled.

In this perilous moment our biggest problem isn’t Don Trump, Ron DeSantis or White MAGA Americans. If we were to consult him more frequently, Fredrick Douglas would regularly remind us that power cedes nothing without a demand and there is no progress without struggle. One problem is the political leadership class of Black America has become highly skilled in the art of pleading and imploring, but to demand

Lamar

The Conviction Integrity Unit, established by Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner in her office, flagged the Lamar Johnson case in 2019. The case illustrates two maladies that afflict American jurisprudence.

The first malady is the “guilty until proven innocent doctrine” experienced mainly by African Americans. The second is law enforcement officers, who swore to defend and protect, but choose to violate their oath.

These maladies are at the core of the Lamar Johnson case: A young Black man in the prime of his life, framed for murder, and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole. He spent 28 years in prison.

Joseph Nickerson, the lead St. Louis police detective on the Johnson case, allegedly lied, fabricated parts of his investigation, falsified four witness statements, coerced a false witness confession, and bribed a man with $4,000 to falsely identify Johnson as the shooter.

Dwight Warren, the assistant prosecutor assigned to the case, allegedly ignored key rules of evidence, engaged in prosecutorial misconduct, hid exculpatory information, and took the case to the jury knowing he had no evidence to justify a conviction worthy or life imprisonment with no possibility of parole.

is not in the playbook. The other problem is the plurality of White Americans, who aren’t MAGA Americans, that can’t bring themselves to accept the dark foundational truths of the American story. They have an inherent, but understandable, need to believe they’re the progeny of the best people. The truth is there are no best people. Mental toughness will decide who prevails, you have to want what you want, more than they want what they want. This trophy will go, as all trophies do, to the biggest junkyard dog There is an indisputable anthropological and historical fact, the most violent and destructive species to inhabit planet earth since the dinosaurs, is Homo sapiens. The reality is there are irreconcilable differences between the facts of American history and the myth of the American creation story. These historical facts don’t mean that the people who colonized North America and founded the United States should be reviled as the worst people in human history, but it also means they’re no better either. You cannot reform the teaching of American history until you first reform America. Which is why the history of Black and Native American people in North America will never be included in the history of white people in the United States, as the US is understood today. Because that history of Black and Native American people completely destroys the moral authority of the American hegemony. The entire superstructure that’s the United States today, the culture, the politics, the economy, rests upon the universal acceptance of the American people in the American creation myth.

Given all this, what should we be doing with Black History Month. We should think of Black History Month, beginning with Dr. King’s birthday commemoration, as a period of communion. Church folk think of communion in religious terms, but there’s more to the concept than a religious ritual. Communion is taken from the Latin ‘communionem’ which means fellowship, mutual participation, sharing. Suppose we treated January 15th thru February 28th as our reversed holy days, our Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur. During those six weeks we would collectively revisit the recorded wisdom of our ancestors to help us better understand the why of the what we’re experiencing. We could immerse our children and young adults into the extraordinary high culture of Black America, so no matter where they go in this country or the world, they will always know who they are and whose they are. Adults and elders could reflect upon and recommit to the legacy we share, which includes an uncompromising commitment to the freedom of Black people in America. The only thing stopping us, is us.

Court. Though forty-five prosecutors from across the country filed briefs in court to support Gardner’s petition for a new trial, Missouri Attorney General, Eric Schmitt, fought her every step of the way. The Supreme Court ruled against her, but she did not give up.

Gardner’s efforts to get a new trial for Johnson caught the attention of Missouri Legislators. In 2021, legislators passed a new law that would allow Missouri prosecutors to file motions to vacate or set aside a judgement in wrongful conviction cases.

With a new law in hand, Gardner filed a 59-page petition for a new trial in the 22nd Circuit Court, Judge David Mason presiding. A new week-long trial was held December 2022. Gardner led the team of lawyers from her office and the Innocence Project. Diligently, they exposed the miscarriage of justice by the officers who framed Lamar Johnson in 1995. Missouri Attorney General’s office fought hard to keep Johnson in prison.

On February 14, 2023, Judge Mason, overturned the 1995 conviction after careful review of the mountain of evidence of Johnson’s innocence.

Nickerson and Warren violated their solemn oaths to serve and protect. They had no regard for the life, rights, and dignity of Lamar Johnson.

To them, Johnson was guilty until proven innocent, 28 years later

Lamar Johnson was wrongfully charged, framed, convicted, and sentenced in 1995. According to Circuit Attorney Gardner, “any prosecutor who truly believes in their oath to do justice under the Constitution will move to get Lamar Johnson a new trial.”

That exactly was what she did. Relentlessly she pursued a new trial to throw out Johnson’s wrongful conviction.

Gardner took the fight to Circuit Court Judge Elizabeth Hogan who rejected Gardner’s motion for new trial.

Gardner petitioned the Missouri Supreme

A St. Louis Justice Coalition – a broad group of civic, clergy, labor and community organizations played a supportive role to secure Johnson’s freedom. Coalition members include Jamala Rogers (OBS), Rev. Dr. Linden Bowie, Rev. Spencer Booker, Rev. Darryl Gray, Jay Ozier (CBTU), Lew Moye, CBTU), Willie Boyd (EMI), Amir Brandy (RealStlNews), Zaki Baruti (UAPO), Attorney Jerryl Christmas, Martha West, Carol Jackson, and others. I am proud to be a member of this coalition. Yes. Lamar Johnson is a free man today. Let’s extend grace and gratitude to St. Louis Circuit Attorney Kimberly Gardner for her relentless and fearless pursuit of justice and her criminal justice reform agenda. Walle Amusa is Co-Chair at Campaign for Human Dignity

Columnist Mike Jones

Guest Columnist Walle Amusa

The Delta Sigma Theta St. Louis Alumnae Chapter’s economic development program, which includes community service, helps participants learn to set and define goals as well as develop a plan to achieve these goals. The organization will host its annual Economic Business Panel at 9 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25, 2023 at St. Louis City Hall.

Deltas’ Economic Business panel set for Feb. 25 at City Hall

St. Louis American staff

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter (SLA), will host its annual Economic Business Panel at 9 a.m. Saturday Feb. 25 in the St. Louis City Hall Rotunda.

Representatives from the St. Louis Development Corporation, Northside Economic Empowerment Center, and St. Louis Treasurer’s Office of Financial Empowerment, along with female business owners, will offer advice and share their journey and highlight how they became entrepreneurs.

The discussion will be moderated by Briana Lawson, and will include:

Dawn Higgins – Made You Smile Jewelry, LLC; Belinda Little – St. Charles Nutrition; Deanna Granger – But First You, LLC; and Felicia Hinton-Ramey –Fait Maison Cobblers and More by Felicia.

“You’re not meant to merely exist, your purpose is to live,” said Granger.

“At But First You, LLC, our mission is to support clients on their journey to self-discovery, healing, fostering better relationships, and leading a fulfilling life.”

The event is open to the public, according to SLA President Bernadette White.

“We look forward to our members coming together each year to share their entrepreneurial gifts and talents with our community at large,” said White.

“The past few years, we’ve had to hold this event virtually due to the pandemic, so we are beyond thrilled to be able to connect in person with those wanting to learn more about how to navigate the complex world of business ownership; what a treat for women aspiring to take their dreams to the next level.”

This program is aligned with Delta Sigma Theta, Inc.’s Five-Point Programmatic Thrust, in which Economic Development is a focus area. Registration is open through February 24. Please visit https://form. jotform.com/SLADST1913/ED-BusinessPanel.

Woodson’s wisdom remains a current event

By E. Faye Williams

Carter Godwin Woodson, “the father of Negro (Black) history,” remains an invaluable source of historic information and critical thinking which prepares today’s young African Americans to confront and challenge the persistent racism that continues to plague the national psyche.

Ninety years ago, when most sources of public information characterized African Americans as ignorant, non-contributing, subhuman vermin who had no legitimate place in American society, Carter G. Woodson was a vocal champion of African American contributions to the nation and the reconstruction of a new, positive mindset among African Americans. In my opinion, the 1933 publication of his “The Mis-Education of the Negro” is one of the most important literary works introduced to African Americans and this nation.

Among his notable quotations (and one of my favorites) is: “If the Negro in the ghetto must eternally be fed by the hand that pushes him into the ghetto, he will never become strong enough to get out of the ghetto.” In the context of my interpretation, the ghetto is not a location, it is a mindset. In that same context, feeding is more than food, it is the constant barrage of information that molds our thinking.

During this year’s celebration of Black History Month, we must reevaluate the information or lack thereof, we and our children are being fed. The real destruction of a race begins with the destruction of its children. Woodson states: “As another has well said, to handicap a student by teaching him that his black face is a curse and that his struggle to change his condition is hopeless is the worst sort of lynching.”

Fast forward to January 2023 in America. As recently reported by ABC News’ Averi Harper, members of the Ron DeSantis-appointed Florida Department of Education rejected the optional AP African American Studies program in a letter to SAT test administrators, the College Board, incorrectly claiming that the program “significantly lacks educational value.” Given appropriate thought and consideration, this offensively bold assertion negates the presence of African Americans in this nation. This is not a new or unexpected phenomenon, but one must ask how this position affects the student who sees no evidence of “self” in her/his educational process. This “theft” of history may be codified in Florida, but it is replicated in so many other academic jurisdictions. A lack of relevant knowledge by teachers or their direct intent to ignore or exclude Black History from local curricula delivers the same result. Woodson opines, “Those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.” Or even worse, “If a race has no history, if it has no worthwhile tradition, it becomes a negligible factor in the thought of the world, and it stands in danger of being exterminated.”

Woodson echoes my greatest fear, “The education of the Negroes, then, the most important thing in the uplift of the Negroes, is almost entirely in the hands of those who have enslaved them and now segregate them.” If we accept this reality, we have limited choices in our plan to resolve this problem.

I submit that when/where our numbers are sufficiently large or when we can collaborate with other “out” groups to exert our influence, that we do so. White supremacy is sustained and enlarged with the exclusion of the historic contributions of those they wish to demean. The historic reduction of their self-aggrandizement only diminishes their truth of superiority.

When our numbers are insufficient to exert that measure of influence, we must do it the old-fashioned way — we must value, learn, and then teach our history. No one will do this for us. No one else has a vested interest.

E. Faye Williams is a United Nations Peace Ambassador, attorney, and activist.

Photo courtesy of Delta Sigma Theta

E. Faye Williams

with another.”

“Consequently, this court finds that there is clear and convincing evidence of Lamar Johnson’s actual innocence and that there was constitutional error at the original trial that undermines confidence in the judgment.”

An overwhelmed Johnson was greeted with joy by many who awaited him.

“I want to thank, first off, people who had information about the case and came forward with the truth,” Johnson said to a crowd of reporters outside the Carnahan courthouse building.

“All of the people who came out and supported me — this is overwhelming. I just thank everybody. Just thank you.”

Johnson’s case was the first taken on by Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s Conviction Integrity Unit since a state law went on the books in August 2021. It gives prosecutors the right to call for new trials for people they feel did not receive a fair trial or could be innocent based on new evidence and testimony.

“Today the courts righted a wrong – vacating the sentence of Mr. Lamar Johnson following his wrongful conviction in 1995. Most importantly, we celebrate with Mr. Johnson and his family as he walks out of the courtroom as a free man,” Gardner said in a release.

“This case was about the ability of an elected prosecutor to address a manifest injustice. This case says that in the State of Missouri, a person’s right

Reignz

Continued from A1

“Now when people book a flight and they book their car and hotel, they can book their grab,” Reignz said. “They can land and we deliver their bag to them.”

After only a year of operation, her innovative business efforts led Reignz to be selected as the 2022 recipient of Arch Grant’s Donald M. Suggs Excellence in Entrepreneurship Award.

“For me, when Arch Grants said ‘yes,’ it literally took my breath away,” Reignz said. “It almost brings me to tears as I talk about it because it was a life changing moment for me as a solo founded Black woman business owner.”

to justice and liberty is valued more than the finality of an unjust conviction,” she stated.

On Monday, state Sen. Brian Williams filed a bill that would establish a statewide conviction review unit to the Senate Judiciary and Civil and Criminal Jurisprudence Committee. It would investigate a defendant’s claim of innocence, including those who plead guilty to the charges.

On Tuesday, he was thrilled with Judge Mason’s decision.

“An innocent man will finally walk free after 28 years of imprisonment, injustice and an inexcusable failure by our state to correct its mistakes,” he said.

“When we passed Senate Bills 53 & 60 in 2021, we did so with the resolute knowledge that Lamar Johnson was innocent and our bill would finally help set him free.

“I hope more innocent men and women who are wrongfully imprisoned will win back their freedom through this law. We cannot change the past, but we have an obligation to fix what we can where we can.”

Williams also cited the case of Kevin Strickland, an innocent man who served 43 years in prison for a wrongful conviction. Strickland was freed from prison at age 62 in November after spending more than 40 years behind bars for a triple murder in Kansas City. He testified at his trial he wasn’t at the crime scene and he claimed his innocence for four decades.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker said her review convinced her that Strickland was telling the truth.

After the Missouri Supreme Court in June 2021 declined to

The award, which was established in 2021 will be funded by The Ferring Family Foundation for the next five years. “It was equity-free funding,” Reignz said. “Which is huge when you are starting a business and trying to get the footing and figure out what you need to spend, what you want to spend and how much equity if any you want to give.”

The investment includes $25,000 towards relocation so that the company can move its headquarters to St. Louis and $75,000 to finance business growth for a grand grant award total of $100,000.

“The funding allowed me to make moves in the business that I had not been able to do –to hire people and bring a team on board,” Reignz said. “It also helped us put a roof over our head because part of the money

General Eric Schmitt, current Attorney General Andrew Bailey, Governor Mike Parson and the state that took away the best years of his life.”

State Rep. Kimberly-Ann Collins, D-St. Louis, said she met with Johnson in the Jefferson City Correctional Center several times and is “overjoyed” with Mason’s ruling.

“The overturning of his conviction illustrates how a system can own up to its mistakes. However, to truly right the wrong that has been done to Mr. Johnson, this same system must take full accountability for its actions as he deserves restitution for nearly three decades of wrongful imprisonment that took away valuable time spent with his family and community.”

Organization for Black Struggle [OBS] spokesperson Jamala Rogers said it “applauds the decision.” “I believe Judge Mason saw the blatant corruption in this case,” Rogers said.

“The hearing was an indictment of the circuit attorney’s office in the 1990’s. We are hopeful that the city and county prosecutor will move aggressively on other wrongful convictions that occurred during the terms of their predecessors.

failed him.”

hear Strickland’s petition for release, Peters Baker used the new state law to seek a hearing. In that hearing, a judge ordered Strickland freed.

State Rep. LaKeySha Bosley, D-St. Louis, said Johnson spent 28 years in prison for a crime he did not commit “because our justice system

that they offer is a relocation grant. To take the weight of the cost of living off of your shoulders so that you can grow and nurture your business as an entrepreneur is huge – particularly in communities of color.”

Grab My Bag currently has more than 2000 grabbers nationwide – and growing.

“It’s one of those companies that comes along where it’s hard to believe that it didn’t already exist,” said Arch Grants Executive Director Gabe Angieri.

“Grab My Bag is certainly in that category of no-brainer great startup ideas.”

Reignz is in the process of conducting individual launches in major cities and says that the business is operating in just about every state as well as the launch of the compa-

“Our state attorney general’s office fought tooth and nail to keep an innocent man behind bars,and even after overwhelming evidence of his innocence, he did not receive a pardon from Missouri’s governor.

“Mr. Johnson deserves apologies from former Attorney

ny’s mobile app in the coming weeks.

She wanted to make sure the app was launched after she relocated to St. Louis as part of the terms of the award – which the Virginia native and formerly L.A. based actress, writer and director did in October of last year.

“We love supporting people with great ideas,” John Ferring said. “When we see people that inspire us, we want to invest in them to try to help them be successful.”

Reignz counts the Ferrings among the many blessings that have come her way as a result of the award.

“They have been amazing beacons of light, not just to this community, but to myself coming here to St. Louis,” Reignz said.

“I greatly appreciate all that

“The Johnson case is one of many wrongful convictions that OBS has worked on over the years including Ellen Reasonover, Lamont McIntyre, Darryl Burton, Johnny Briscoe and Steve Toney.”

House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, who has filed a bill that would make the state pay restitution to wrongfully convicted people, said “While Mr. Johnson celebrates alongside his family, his

they have done.”

She also couldn’t say enough about Arch Grants, its many supporters and the St. Louis business community and region in general. The affirmation and transformative provisions that she has been granted access to since establishing a connection with the area by way of the award have been invaluable.

“The love that St. Louis has shown since we got here has been immense and amazing,” Reignz said. “It is not just a city that talks about – for show – how they want entrepreneurs or minorities to succeed. It is people actually putting you in the rooms with people that can help you with your business and want to help you with your business and help you grow.

I’d love a little more heat, but I will take the cold weather for the warm hearts that we have

community and the thousands of people who have supported him along his journey, the state has an obligation to make him as whole as it can after it robbed him of nearly three decades of his life.”

“The General Assembly and the governor must take immediate action that would guarantee restitution and compensation for the wrongfully convicted. Mr. Johnson and other Missourians deemed innocent after serving time deserve nothing less than Missouri’s best efforts to right the wrongs the state has inflicted.”

In 2019, Gardner asked for a new trial in a case that ended up before the Missouri Supreme Court. Then-Attorney General Eric Schmitt’s office argued that Gardner lacked authority to make the request so many years after the case was adjudicated. The March 2021 ruling sided with Schmitt. It required a subsequent new law to clear the path for another chance to free Johnson.

“My office fought long and hard, we took this case all the way to the Missouri Supreme Court. We are pleased that Mr. Johnson will have the opportunity to be the man and member of our community that he desires,” Gardner wrote.

She thanked the Midwest Innocence Project and the attorneys at Bryan Cave Leighton Paisner “for their work in the pursuit of correcting the wrongful conviction of Mr. Johnson.”

“It is always in the best interest of our City, State and Nation to ensure that convictions levied on individuals are correct according to the available evidence and constitutional law,” Gardner wrote.

received any day.” Gabe Angieri considers Reignz an asset to the emerging footprint of entrepreneurial talent organizations like theirs are helping attract to the region.

“Emory herself is super-dynamic, incredibly talented and passionate – her passion and compassion are clear to see,” Angieri said. “We are thrilled to have her in St. Louis to grow the company for at least the next year and hopefully for many more after that.”

For more information on Grab My Bag and its upcoming mobile app launch, visit grabmybag.com

Additional information regarding the grant opportunities and resources available through Arch Grants can be found at https://archgrants.org/

Kiera Barrow left, the daughter of Lamar Johnson waits with her fiancé Terence Monroe on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023, after St. Louis Circuit Judge David Mason vacated Johnson’s murder conviction during a hearing at the Mel Carnahan Courthouse in St. Louis. Johnson has been serving a life sentence after being convicted of murdering Marcus Boyd in 1995.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

incensed.

The House passed legislation by a 10935 vote.

“It’s racist to not allow him to speak,” Rep. Marlene Terry of St. Louis County, chair of the Missouri Black Legislative Caucus, told reporters after the debate. She requested that Black leaders and community activists from throughout the state to come to the Capitol.

“From now on there’s no more peaceful — no more peaceful — it’s going to be actions,” Terry said. “We’re going to let them know that we are here to be heard.”

Before the GOP’s controversial move, Rep. Raychel Proudie of Ferguson said on the House floor “We know we’re outnumbered.”

“We knew how this vote was going to go, but at a minimum, allowing those of us who rarely see a committee hearing, have the opportunity to speak our piece on behalf of the nearly 40,000 people we represent would have been the courteous thing to do,” Proudie said.

The Rev. Darryl Gray, a St. Louis pastor and activist, posted a Facebook message urging people to rally at the state Capitol to stand up “against state control & white suppression.” Terry reiterated that there will be repercussions.

“Our gloves are off, we will stand on the floor, we will shout out. Everybody behind me has bills that are decent for their community, it’s gonna help children, our schools. They’re taking us backwards. We’re going backwards. And I’m tired of it,” Terry said.

CRT

Continued from A1 tail CRT in public schools.

“We’re at a moment. I think these moments are recurring, where we’re grappling with American democracy, the history of the country, questions around reparations and questions around historic wrongs,” Tinson explained.

Because CRT has been manipulated, minimized and politicized, Tinson further discussed how many people are simply choosing sides in the contentious debate.

“If you just say, ‘this equals that,’ it’s enough for many people. But it seems that many Republicans-and some Democrats-have latched on to this idea that CRT is the target in which they can scare people to just get votes,” Tinson said.

“I don’t think they’ve legitimately studied what each school board requires; whether CRT is actually there or how it’s measured. There hasn’t been any kind of objective measurement that I’ve seen where they’ve provided evidence that critical race theory is taught throughout

Missouri or any other state.” Koenig’s bill, which is now headed to the House, prohibits teachers from teaching that “individuals of any race, ethnicity, color, or national origin are inherently superior or inferior and that individuals, by virtue of their race, ethnicity, color, or national origin, bear collective guilt and are inherently responsible for actions committed in the past by others.”

Without any data or studies to back up their claims, Koenig and other conservatives pushing anti-CRT legislation claim that teaching it encourages “inferior or superior” feelings among students.

The bill includes exceptions for teaching about “sexism, slavery, racial oppression, racial segregation, affirmative action” and laws that lead to discrimination, as well as “discussing current events in a historical context.” Koenig insists it would not limit teachers from explaining slavery and racism in America, but it would address supposed racial indoctrination of students.

“There’s a big difference between saying that a certain group of people in history thought that individuals were inferior versus saying that is

the case today, or that it’s a fact that certain races are inferior to others,” Koenig said.

“It sounds like something but there’s nothing there, “ Tinson retorted.

“I’m in front of classes every day, at mostly majority white universities, and there’s no point where anybody in the room feels inferior or superior while talking about difficult moments in United States history and some of those moments still pertain to us today.

“There are no objective measures that they can point to that says ‘here’s the evidence that people are feeling inferior.’”

Koenig’s office did not respond to requests for an interview.

Describing proposed legislation like Koenig’s, as “toxic ideology,” Mayor Tishaura Jones said the attempt is “an affront to anyone who believes we can and must learn from history. Hiding from the past won’t help us create a more equitable and just future.”

Anybody who believes “children can’t handle hearing hard truths about America and its history—the good, the bad, and the ugly,” Jones continued, “hasn’t “spent enough time talking with children.

Rep. Marlene Terry, D-St. Louis County, speaks after the House adjourned for the day on Thursday, Feb. 9, Terry along with other Black Democrats, spoke against the decision by House Republican Leadership to end debate on a bill allowing for the appointment of a special prosecutor before some Black lawmakers were able to speak on it.

They are resilient, naturally curious, empathetic, and smart.”

The whole CRT attack, Jones summarized, is orchestrated and pushed by politicians and people who “are far too fragile to hear the unvarnished truth.”

Because CRT has been merged with black history, Tinson defined proposed legislation as an unsophisticated attempt to “kill two birds with one stone.”

“CRT merges with black experiences and other peoples of color experiences throughout the country. CRT aims to evaluate how our legal

structures protect racial power, which is essentially how white society essentially stays in control, and how the legal apparatus maintains power for certain groups.

“CRT does deal with black experiences, but it is not the sum total of African American history,” Tinson continued.

“So, there is an effort to conflate them because it doesn’t require a lot of deep analysis. There are things in our current discussion of African American history that do deal with harms of the past.

So, if you can knock out CRT then you don’t have to have the conversation about historic

harms.”

Since January 2021, 42 states have introduced bills or taken other steps aiming to place restrictions on how issues of race and sexism are taught.

Mayor Jones maintains it’s important that students understand “the fraught history of race in the United States to understand how and why systematic racism still pervades our society.

“Fighting against the facts of our history,” Jones said, “is waging a battle against thought and ideas: and in an open society, there can be no room for this sort of willful ignorance and intolerance.”

Photo by Sarah Kellogg / St. Louis Public Radio

Lamar Johnson is free after his murder conviction is overturned; Trakas’ caught misusing his County Council office

This week, we bring our readers some joyful news - Lamar Johnson, a man who was wrongfully convicted in 1994 for the murder of his friend Marcus Boyd, has been found innocent and released by the order of Judge David Mason He was set free after 28 years spent in prison after a wrongful murder conviction.

In a brief hearing, Mason signed his 46-page judgment in front of a packed courtroom and delivered a brief soliloquy recounting his time and effort deliberating Johnson’s case over the holiday break. The anticipation prior to the judge’s decision was palpable in the courtroom, as cameras for local television stations and the national TV show “48 Hours” fixated on Mason. Among the crowd were fellow wrongful conviction exoneree Ricky Kidd, Bobby Bostic and Michael Politte, former Missouri Supreme Court chief justice Michael Wolff, attorneys from MacArthur Justice Center and ArchCity Defenders, and civil rights legends Jamala Rogers and Rev. Darryl Gray

Finally, the judge read the last page of his order:

“This Court finds that there is clear and convincing evidence of Lamar Johnson’s actual innocence and that there was constitutional error at the original trial that undermines the judgment.”

The hearing comes after a nearly two-month wait as Mason drafted his final order. A supporter in the courtroom commented that the delay was caused by the Attorney General’s Office, which had demanded the use of the “official” transcript instead of the one that was prepared by Johnson’s team in real time during the proceedings. Because of this unnecessary hurdle, Mason’s clerk had to transcribe an entire week of trial testimony for the judge’s review. In December, attorneys for Johnson presented their case to prove Johnson’s innocence including recanted statements by Greg Elking, the only eye witness to Boyd’s murder, and testimony by former detective Joe Nickerson, who admitted to substantial flaws in the investigation. Johnson’s attorneys also presented evidence from one of the actual shooters - who is currently incarcerated for an unrelated murder - and who stated to the assistant attorney general, “ask me how he died. I killed him the exact same way I killed Boyd.”

Lacking any evidence negating Johnson’s innocence, the Missouri Attorney General, unsurprisingly lost every single argument made during trial. Day after day, assistant AGs blundered and bumbled through the proceedings, failing to present any evidence that proved Johnson was guilty. Mason, a

former assistant attorney general, seemed especially frustrated by the attorney general’s conduct. Citing the nefarious conduct of Missouri’s current senatorial disgrace Eric Schmitt who was the attorney general at the time of his office’s abysmal trial performance in the St. Louis City Circuit Court. Any decent person would be hiding under a rock after Mason’s public scoldings during the December proceedings, but the Attorney General’s Office apparently doesn’t experience shame or conscience. Or contrition or remorse, or really any normal human emotions. The Attorney General’s Office isn’t necessarily known for its upstanding behavior -- in a 2014 landmark wrongful conviction case, Missouri v. Woodworth, the entire Attorney General’s Office was disqualified and removed from the case by a Platte County judge after evidence of misconduct showed prejudice and direct harm. In a 2018 case, Hawley v. Beger the behavior of the Attorney General’s Office under parttime gazelle Josh Hawley was found to have been “particularly repugnant,” in the state attorneys’ withholding evidence and making false representations to the court. Rarely these days does the Missouri Attorney General seem to find himself on the right side of history real justice.

Even after Mason’s order finding him innocent, Johnson was forced to wait more than two excruciating hours before the City Sheriff’s Office would release him. At one point, Sheriff Vernon Betts, the de facto apologist for the Attorney General, addressed the crowd of media, family, and supporters to announce that “Jefferson

City” - meaning the Department of Corrections - had to approve Johnson’s release. At one point, another sheriff’s department employee told members of the crowd that the Attorney General wanted Johnson to go back to Jefferson City to be processed. But a judge’s order is a judge’s order, and Mason did not need any approval from the Attorney General’s Office or the Department of Corrections to

release Johnson. And yet that’s exactly what the state authorities did, violating Johnson’s civil rights by refusing to release him pursuant to Mason’s findings as reporters and supporters alike witnessed.

Johnson’s long-overdue release finally happened after 28 years. We applaud Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner for doing the minimum by initiating this case and stepping out of the

Lamar Johnson after he was released from prison on Tuesday. Johnson was wrongfully convicted of murder for a slaying he did not commit and served nearly 30 years in prison.

to repeal Title IX protections for girls & women, and filing frivolous lawsuits against school districts.

way so that Johnson’s attorneys could secure his release. Now, if we could only get her to stop relying on the death penalty…

•

•

•

Apparently chaos in St. Louis can’t compete with a scandal brewing in the St. Louis County Council - not this week, at least. Recent communications between County Councilman Ernie Trakas and a group of right-wing extremist parents have revealed that Trakas may have inappropriately used his county council position to solicit clients for highly-politicized lawsuits for both other attorneys and his former law firm, Evans & Dixon. Trakas’ Missouri bar directory listing now shows his firm as the “Child & Parental Rights Campaign,” an extremist group known for attacking transgender children, working

Some of Trakas’ “extracurricular activities’’ since October have included recruiting parents to sue their children’s public schools - including for COVID19 mitigation strategies, making accommodations for special needs students, supporting LGBTQ+ students, and teaching accurate history of race & politics in Missouri - and meeting with them to discuss how to collect evidence and opt-in to litigation. According to public records obtained through a Missouri Sunshine request, Trakas relied on diet pill and essential oil scammers to communicate with other parents and to organize secret meetings using his then-law firm’s resources. If there were ever an example of political insider trading, this would be it.

The emails and social media messages exchanged paint a disturbing picture, one where an elected official is using his access to non-public information to solicit clients for other firms to sue the very county he is sworn to serve. Considering the legislative and legal assaults against children from vulnerable backgrounds, many St. Louis County parents are undoubtedly shocked to learn about councilmember Trakas’ interfering side job.

From partners:

Sunday, Feb 19th | 2-4 pm Citypark at market & 22nd Street

You’re invited to enjoy free hot cocoa and live music and get a first look at the new permanent art installation located along the Brickline Greenway, Pillars of the Valley, commemorating the Mill Creek Valley neighborhood.

Brian Munoz / St. Louis Public Radio

Legacy Institute enrolling students for new session

10-week session begins Feb. 28

St. Louis American staff

The Legacy Institute is offering its second session of classes, starting February 25, 2023, and ending April 22. Founded by Terron Rome as a result of the impact COVID had on minority children and their families, the institute includes more than 20 academic with unique curriculum. Included are classes in finance, civics and politics, and entry-level job preparation. The classes are held at Confluence Academy on weekends and are designed for youths as young as five up to young adults.

Board member Heather Day

says the institute is excited to offer its second session of classes starting at the end of this month.

Day shared that seeing the confidence grow in students from using the tools legacy institute is providing is a rewarding feeling. Day also said structure, purpose, and support “absolutely” helps people towards reaching their full potential.

“Absolutely. We’ve seen it after our 10-week session last year we’ve done interviews with our students and simply communicated with them to get a better understanding of what they received from the program.

“We can already tell that we are making an impact because they understand budgets better. They understand credit, they understand that the choices that they make now impact their future financially.” She added that “opportunity

politics,

and introduction to new things are also a part of the Legacy Institute; chess remains one of the most popular classes.”

Rome said at the close of a spring/summer session, students are paired with success coach.

“We can assist with trying to find a job, and help determine opportunities for scholarships,” Rome said.

“We must leave our youth in a better position than we were in. It’s hard to create a legacy if you don’t know you have a legacy.

“We must create a legacy that makes sense for them so they can move it forward. If we guide them properly, if we coach them properly, if we re-tune and refigure things properly, they will get it properly.”

To register for the session, please visit www.legacyinstitutestl.org

How police created their own problems

Nearly 25 years ago when the Coalition Against Police Crimes & Repression formed, one of its three demands was that police officers must be recruited from the communities they served.

The purpose is to hire more African Americans for these public service positions. Over the years, the demand was dropped from the organization’s demands.

The fatal beating of Tyre Nichols by five former Black Memphis police officers is one of many reasons why. It’s not about individual cops, their race, or gender. It’s about the institution that creates them.

The law enforcement profession has been tainted by its own unethical and brutal practices. It is almost impossible to attract people of color. Communities have witnessed—and sometimes personally experienced—police brutality.

They’ve witnessed how police departments treat Black officers. Remember Milton Green and Heather Taylor? The departments only have themselves to blame when their failed recruitment campaigns don’t increase the numbers of Black officers.

Groups fighting against police violence and the communities they came from, face the harsh reality that “cop culture” is resistant to any meaningful change. Police departments made it clear that they were incapable - or even willing- to hold their own accountable.

The so-called Blue Wall of Silence seems impenetrable. National and local police unions and organizations have stealthily put into place laws and policies that make it near impossible for a community to

put police in check.

The Ferguson police killing of Mike Brown, and ensuing investigations, revealed the everyday terrorism communities of color endure from an armed occupation of those sworn to “serve and protect.”

And while it didn’t lead to a sea change of legislation to bring relief to those communities, it resulted in a dramatic change in attitudes about policing. Residents were additionally traumatized by the fact that there would be no justice for the most flagrant abuses of police violence. The institution of policing only has itself to blame for the increasing mistrust and disrespect for law enforcement. It only has itself to blame for the wave of reform prosecutors elected across the country who are bold enough to include holding police accountability in their campaign platforms.

Kim Gardner, who has caught hell since she took office in 2017, is one of those prosecutors.

The St. Louis Circuit Attorney has faced a litany of challenges from attempting to redefine her legal authority to taking her law license. The latest organized police-motivated legislation is Missouri Board Bill 301 that allows the Governor to appoint a prosecutor if he thinks public safety is an issue in St. Louis. Translation: “if white folks don’t feel safe in the city.”

Another piece of legislation introduced by a white Repub-

lican lawmaker in St. Charles aims to return local control of the police department back to the governor. How is it that a white man is arrogant enough to think he can ignore the wishes of St. Louis voters and strip the democratically elected Black mayor of her authority over the Public Safety Department?

It’s proof that we certainly are in midst of the Third Reconstruction.

Several insiders of the police rank-and-file have confirmed to me that part of the increase of crime is based upon the actions and lack of actions by police officers. A recurring declaration is many white cops are choosing not to respond to calls. All in hope that their spiteful actions will prove that Black elected officials, who have police accountability in their sights, are incapable of governing.

St. Louis police must be hoping that the new police chief, Robert Tracy, will be their white savior, especially since a big chunk of his salary is being paid for by the Police Foundation. It’s another log thrown on the fire of community trust.

Justice-seeking citizens of all races seek a city where everyone feels safe. We are pushing back on who gets to define public safety; not just because it’s embarrassing to be ranked high on many national polls that list St. Louis as one of the nation’s most dangerous cities.

We are pushing forward in the name of democracy. Voters have elected those who we believe have the best interests of the entire city at heart. The fight for local control and for Black empowerment will intensify in 2023.

Photo by Wiley Price | The St. Louis American

Karen Helm, Community Development Officer for Montgomery Bank, taught a financial literacy class during the Legacy Institute Sat. April 9, 2022. Youths attend classes where they are exposed to subjects including chess, Black history,

journalism, technology and Credit 101.

Columnist

Jamala Rogers

“Taking Care of You”

Divine intervention

SSM healthcare clinic now accessible in the Delmar Divine

By JoAnn Weaver For The St. Louis American

SSM Health and GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness are working to reduce the healthcare gap in underserved communities by bringing an Express Clinic to the Delmar Divine community.

“We have partnered with SSM Health Express Clinic to become a healthcare destination that offers radically inclusive, culturally responsive care for our community members,” according to Marcus Howard, Greater Health founder and CEO.

“This partnership is for the sole purpose of revolutionizing the way we approach, talk about, and treat health care for historically underserved communities.

“Our goal is to provide exceptional healthcare to every community and follow the example of our founding sisters in expanding care to areas that have been underrepresented and underserved,” says Jeremy Fotheringham,

to the heart of matter – get moving

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center

It’s likely that the first heart-themed celebration that comes to mind is Valentine’s Day. But American Heart Month certainly deserves just as much attention as its more popular counterpart.

Dr. Graham A. Colditz

While we’ve made a lot of progress in the treatment and prevention of heart disease, it remains the number one killer in the U.S., and American Heart Month works to raise awareness of both its continued importance and the steps we can all take to look after our heart health. Being physically active as well as cutting back on the amount of time we spend being sedentary, such as sitting, are key ways to help lower the risk of heart disease as well as other conditions.

“High levels of sedentary behavior have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and even mortality,” says Elizabeth Salerno, PhD, a behavioral scientist at Washington University School of Medicine who specializes in physical activity research.

n “High levels of sedentary behavior have been associated with increased risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and even mortality.”

– Elizabeth Salerno, PhD

A new study that’s made recent headlines suggests that some fairly practical approaches to breaking up longer periods of sitting could have benefits when it comes to certain heart disease risk factors.

The study, by researchers out of Columbia University, found that short, light-intensity walking breaks for every 30 to 60 minutes of sitting could help lower measures of blood glucose and blood pressure. Five minutes of walking every 30 minutes had a significant impact on glucose levels, and walking breaks as short as one minute for every 60 minutes of sitting could lower systolic blood pressure.

Though this study was small, with only 11 participants all age 45 or over, and so may not be generalized to the broader public, Salerno

Links men’s health clinic scheduled at Harris-Stowe

St. Louis American staff

The Links Inc., an organization of Black women devoted to strengthening AfricanAmerican communities, will present a free wellness clinic for men at Harris-Stowe State University which focuses on preventative kidney care for those least likely to seek it. As part of its Black Kidney Awareness, Resources, and Education (K.A.R.E.) initiative, two St. Louis area Chapters of The Links will host the symposium focused on kidney health. The clinic will be held from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday Feb. 18, 2023, in the William L. Clay Sr. Early Childhood Development building on the Harris-Stowe campus, 10 N. Compton Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103. The clinic will include on-site kidney health screenings, access to medical professionals, and a panel discussion with living donors and kidney transplant recipients. The panel moderator is Rene Knott, KSDK-TV co-anchor on Today in St. Louis. The day begins with a free continental breakfast.

Kidney awareness is key n The clinic will include on-site kidney health screenings, access to medical professionals, and a panel discussion with living donors and kidney transplant recipients.

Partnering with The Links Gateway (Illinois) and Archway (Missouri) chapters are BJC Medical Group, Mid-America Transplant, Affinia Healthcare, the National Kidney Foundation, and People’s Health Center.

According to the Kidney Foundation, one out of three adults in the United States is at risk of kidney disease, and most of them are not aware.

Rates of kidney disease in the Black community are higher than rates for other groups, with African Americans accounting

See LINKS, A13

While screenings for kidney awareness and other health threats can save lives, many Black men are hesitant to attend one. The Links Inc. is hosting a men’s health clinic at HarrisStowe State University on Saturday, Feb. 18 focused on preventative kidney care.

In October 2022, GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness founder and CEO stands before the future location of his healthcare business in the Delmar Divine. It has opened and is partnering with SSM Health to provide neighboring communities with an Express Clinic.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

See COLDITZ, A13

Photo courtesy of Johns Hopkins University

By Alexa Spencer Word In Black

Not enough has been done to end the HIV epidemic in Black America.

That’s what Danielle Campbell, a researcher at Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and member of PrEP in Black America (PIBA), believes.

She’s worked to end HIV for over a decade. That’s long enough to see pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) — a drug that prevents the spread of the virus — be released into the market, as well as millions of dollars being funneled into other prevention and treatment programs.

Despite these advancements, Black people continue to contract HIV and die from

“Taking Care of You”

Researchers seek to end HIV in Black America

AIDS more than any other group in the U.S. As of 2019, the community made up 40% of new infections, despite representing only 13% of the country’s population.

Disparities like these are not new. Black folks have been disproportionately affected by the virus since it was first discovered, accounting for 29% of new diagnoses in 1981.

“It’s time for a shift,” Campbell told Word In Black in a phone interview. “And folks are hesitant.” She and other members of PIBA hosted a summit last fall to strategize ways to usher in change. The gathering resulted in a threepronged “master plan for HIV prevention in Black America.”

“It’s really the culmination of Black people doing what we do best: coming together to lead for us, by us,” Campbell says about the report.

The first call to action by PIBA summit attendees is to add more Black leaders to HIV-related public health positions

Campbell and others don’t believe the HIV epidemic will end until the power-holders who make major decisions reflect the communities that are most impacted.

“When you have historical systems of care or sickness that are run by people who are not reflective of the sicknesses that researchers are studying,

that people are making their careers on, then, of course, we’ll continue the same,” she says. Specifically, she says Black people need to hold positions of power at institutions that fund HIV research and health departments. “Black folks need to be at the front and center of efforts to ameliorate Black health,” she says. “Not other folks who wish us well or who have the expertise to do it based upon 20 or 30 years of supporting research in this work.”

Secondly, the group called for a reframing of how PrEP is viewed in the Black community. Rather than a

tool used to shame sexual practices, they emphasized it as one for sexual liberation.

Lastly, to end the HIV epidemic, PIBA recommends a national federally-funded PrEP program that provides “universal access to essential benefits without judicial, legal or financial impediments.”

Black people face unequal use of PrEP. Just 9% of eligible Black patients have received prescriptions, compared to 66% of white patients.

Through this program, PrEP would be low-cost or free and made available during routine sexual health services. There’d also be an effort to raise the number of Black providers who prescribe PrEP.

“While Black people are

seemingly disproportionately impacted by just about every chronic illness in the US, we are collectively sick and tired of being sick and tired,” the authors wrote at the end of the report.

“PIBA organizers are committed to continuing the effort to define and promote a Plan for PrEP in Black America for Black people by Black people,” they said. The federal government has a goal to end the number of new HIV infections by at least 90% by 2030.

Campbell, whose life work is built on ending the epidemic, looks forward to the day when the Black community is free of the virus.

“It’s going to be like one of the biggest monkeys off our back.”

SSM Academic & St. Louis Regional President.

“We believe this Express Clinic will be a community resource going forward and will help the community have better and more timely access to excellent health care services.”

Located at 5503 Delmar Boulevard in Suite B, the Express Clinic will be the first clinic from SSM Health that serves the DeBaliviere, Skinker, and surrounding neighborhoods in the Historic West End.

Located in the former St. Luke’s hospital, the Express Clinic is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., and is closed on Sundays.

“Improving the health and the lives of those we serve has always been at the forefront of the work that we do at SSM Health,” Lauren Knight, director of advanced practice provider of Urgent Care and Express Clinic, said.

“In the city of St. Louis, there are some geographical areas that have limited access to healthcare, lack access to primary care, express care, or convenient care in urgent care services, and one of those areas is north of Delmar or the West End.” According to Knight, Maxine Clarke, Chief Inspirator for The Delmar DivINe, invited the clinic team to learn about the Delmar Divine, the vision for their facility and its role in providing resources and revitalizing the

Delmar community last April. “It was very clear that the neighborhood needed and wanted more healthcare options for its residents, and so we knew immediately that we wanted to participate and bring an SSM Health Clinic to that,” she said. “Our partnership provides patient convenience and community education so patients can complete a visit and then they can fill their prescription right there in the same location.”

The partnership with GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness makes this the first

clinic that aligns itself with providing inclusive and culturally responsive care for people who do not have access to commercial pharmacies.

“In the area right now, there are some other healthcare facilities, but what the residents of the West End neighborhood and the Delmar neighborhood asked for were more options,” Knight said. “There is access to emergency care, but the residents were asking for a convenient option for if they’re having a non-emergent health issue

and don’t have an appointment, or they can’t get one with their primary care provider and they just need someone to see them same day.”

Knight went on to talk about the goals in place for the new clinic.

“Our first goal is to get to know the residents and the people of the community, so those who live and work and play in the Delmar community,” Knight said. Another goal we have is to help decrease health disparities in the neighborhood.”

The clinic provides educa-

tion about preventative health measures, chronic disease management, and help with establishing care with a primary care provider or a specialist.

“We want to really empower our patients and the residents of the Delmar neighborhood to be involved in their care and provide a safe space for them to seek care and ask questions that they may not have been able to ask or been reluctant to ask in the past,” she said.

GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness will celebrate its

GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness will celebrate its grand opening on Feb. 28, 2023. Its shelves are filled, and pharmacists are on duty at 5503 Delmar in the Delmar DivINe.

grand opening on February 28, 2023, with fully operational COVID testing and a nurse practitioner provided by SSM Health.

“This is a really special clinic,” Knight said.

“From being a nurse practitioner myself, it’s so great that the residents have a clinic that they can walk to, bike to, jump on public transit and have access to with a pharmacy right there in their community complete with providers, nurse practitioners and pharmacists who chose this community to work in.”

off from work and family support.

Importance of screenings

Black men have the lowest life expectancy and the highest death rates compared to both men and women of other racial and ethnic groups.

A primary factor is hesitancy or reluctance to seek regular preventative care, even when barriers to healthcare are not a factor. In fact, 1 in 4 men do not have a primary care provider.

Continued from A12 Colditz

Continued from A12

says that, “What is exciting about these findings is that there may be cardiometabolic benefits to many different types of sedentary breaks. Just one minute can make a difference!” These findings also contribute to a much larger body of evidence showing that there can be real health and well-be-

A significant reason for health disparities is unequal access to health screenings and preventive measures, according to a Medical Press article by Dr. Dan Lea of the Mayor Clinic. Making appointments for routine screenings requires reliable transportation, health insurance, health literacy, time

Patients are less likely to seek preventive care if they don’t have transportation, child care, the ability to pay or health insurance. Unfortunately, African Americans are at an increased risk for these social determinants of health that negatively affect their ability to seek care.

person develops symptoms,” said Samantha Somwaru, M.D., a Mayo Clinic Health System family medicine physician.

“Racial and social disparities are some examples that continue to exist and affect the entire country, especially the Black population. Each must be examined and addressed to reduce health disparities and save lives.

Somwaru said early detection saves lives.

“People may think, ‘I feel fine. I’m not going to go in.’ Yet, high cholesterol feels fine until arteries clog. High blood pressure is asymptomatic until it leads to a stroke, heart disease or heart failure.”

comfortable with their health care teams and ask questions. Ask what you can do to lower your risk of specific diseases and conditions. Be honest about how you are feeling.

• Gather family history. Talk with relatives about their health. Documenting your family health history can help you and your health care team understand if you have an increased risk of developing certain conditions that are present in your family. for 35% of the population with kidney failure.

ing benefits from simply being a little more physically active throughout our days – whether it’s very short periods of light activity, longer sessions of moderate activity or, really, any combination that just gets us moving more.

“This is the foundation of a physically active lifestyle,” says Salerno. “Little bits of movement, no matter how small, can be important for health.”

Some simple strategies can

“The reason why preventive screenings are so important is that they find health conditions before the

help break up longer periods of sitting, whether we’re at home, work or school. Salerno suggests trying these “activity snacks.”

• Drink more water during the day to prompt walks to the restroom.

• Set movement reminders on phones or activity trackers.

• Do simple stretches in place, which break up sedentary time, but also support better posture, improve blood flow and flexibility.

“Black History Month is a good time to bring attention to the importance of preventive screenings, specifically in the African American population.”

• Go on short walking meetups, for work or fun, which can be a great way to replace sedentary time with a bit of physical activity – a double win. Of course, work and personal schedules can really vary from person to person. What’s important is finding which approaches work best at helping you fit in these kinds of “activity snacks” and then building from there. Working toward the recommended total amounts of phys-

There are also some things men can do before attending a health clinic. Be prepared to:

• Ask questions. It’s important that all patients feel

ical activity is still an important goal. Getting around 150 minutes or more of activities, like walking or cycling, each week likely leads to the most health and wellness benefits.

But it’s becoming clearer and clearer that you can get to that amount by stringing together small bits of activity – and that any amount we can move our bodies during the day is worth doing.

“Really, every minute of activity can be beneficial,” says

Salerno. And that’s really the heart of the matter.

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

Danielle Campbell

Courtesy photo

NEWSPAPER

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

Dining Out.

What Is ASize?Serving

GRAINS

Nutrition Challenge:

When we’re lucky enough to have a chance to go out for dinner, there are a few ways to stay healthy with our food

The Smart Way!

Keep ‘em Whole!

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

Staying Active (Naturally) DuringSummer!the Smart Summer Eating!

Once you’re out of school, many of you may have a lot of extra time on your hands to be snacking. Resist the urge to eat sweet, salty, fried and high-calorie non-nutritious snacks this summer.

Nutrition Challenge:

We each need at least 3 servings per day of whole grains. But what does that mean? How can we know what foods contain whole grains?

See if the restaurant will let you “share” a meal. Many meals are two, three or more times an actual serving size.

In our “Super-Size” world, we can easily lose track of what an actual serving size means. When reading labels on a food or drink product, you can determine the nutrients, sodium, fiber, sugar and calories of a serving size. But be careful; just because it looks like one small bottle

Exercise Game

Stretching

First Day of Spring!

Smart Choices

Stranger Danger

Ice can be dangerous for several different reasons.

Tech-Neck

As soon as you’ve divided your plate into the right size servings, ask your server for a to-go box. Go ahead and box up what you don’t need to eat right away. You can enjoy

Cola

Look at the ingredients list of a package of food you are about to eat. If the word “whole” is used, then there is most likely a whole grain ingredient. A few items that don’t use the word whole

just read the front of food product packaging. Food

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthcare Careers

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

GRANOLA Cereal

companies are quite clever when thinking of creative ways to make you believe that something is healthy.

Create a Smart Summer Eating plan with your parents. Ask their help in finding nutritious snacks and meals for the

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

INGREDIENTS:

> Ask the server how the different menu items are prepared. Fried, sautéed, and

Getting plenty of whole grains in your diet can improve your health and reduce your chance for some chronic illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Visit wholegrainscouncil.com for more information.

lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to.

As the weather gets warmer, there are many ways that we can enjoy ourselves outdoors and stay healthy over the summer. Some naturally active things you can do include:

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

> Decide you’re going to switch from soda to water.

summer. Delicious juicy, ripe fruits are all around and are healthy for you too! Make it your goal to come back to school in the fall healthier and happier!

Healthcare Careers

Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

> Avoid gravies, cheese sauces and other kinds of toppings that often just add fat and calories.

that it is a healthy choice. As we’ve discussed in previous weeks, always read the labels to see if the food product really is a smart food for you to eat.

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

As spring approaches, warmer weather allows us all to get more outdoor exercise. Here are some ways to become a more active person.

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice.

> Walking to the store when possible.

> Wash your parent’s car.

Review: What are some nutrition tips you learned by following The St. Louis American’s Healthy Kids page this school year? Send your answers to nie@stlamerican.com.

> Every few days increase the amount of water and decrease your soda intake.

of soda — it may not be considered one serving size. For example, a 20-oz bottle contains 2.5 servings. So if the bottle states “110 calories per serving,” that means the entire bottle contains a total of 275 calories! Remember to watch those serving sizes and you’ll have better control over what you’re eating and drinking.

> Stick with water to drink. Not only will you save money, but you won’t be adding in extra calories from a sugarfilled drink.

> After 3-4 weeks, this change will become a habit.

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

Learning Standards:

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

> What are other ways to stay healthy while dining out?

even simmered can all mean, “cooked in oil.” Instead, choose baked or grilled options.

> Help with yard work: planting, weeding, etc.

When you automatically reach for water instead of soda, it has now become a lifestyle change!

As a class, discuss some of the ways to read a label. What are some of the things to look for in an ingredient list? How can you know if a food really is healthy? Hint: Refer to previous Healthy Kids pages for ideas.

Where do you work? I am a family nurse practitioner for BJC Medical Group.

Where do you work? I am the founder and distance counselor for Goal Driven Counseling, LLC.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse with St. Louis Public Schools.

Where did you go to

Where do you work? I am a school nurse at Monroe Elementary School.

Where do you work? I am a licensed clinical social worker for Cigna as an EAP consultant. I am also on the board of directors for KUTO (Kids Under Twenty-one.) And I recently started a consultation business to connect community members with organizations and assist with project building.

It’s important that before you embark on any kind of exercise to remember two things: warm up and cool down. Start with some slow stretches and movement (like walking) to increase your heart rate a little. Warm up for a good five minutes before increasing your heart rate.

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

March 20, 2021, is the first day of spring. With spring comes warmer weather and longer days (later sunset). Make it a habit to spend as much time playing outside as the weather allows.

> Play, play, play outside as much as you can!

INGREDIENTS: Whole Grain Wheat, Sugar, Corn Bran, Wheat Bran, Inulin, Gylcerin, Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Crispy Rice-Oat Bits (Rice & Oat Flour, Sugar, Malt Extract, Salt, BHT), Corn Syrup, Brown Sugar, Barley Malt Extract, Salt, Toasted Oats (Whole Grain Rolled Oats, Sugar, Glucose-Fructose, Soybean Oil, Honey, Molasses), Golden Syrup, Wheat Bits (Whole Wheat Flour, Corn Starch, Corn Flour, Sugar, Salt, TrisodiumPhosphate, Baking Soda, Annatto and Caramel Color), Malt Syrup, Honey, Calcium Carbonate, Caramel Color, Trisodium Phosphate, Hydrogenated Soybean and Cottonseed Oil, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Cinnamon, Wheat Starch, Tocopherols, BHT. Vitamins and Minerals: Niacinamide, Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride (Vitamin B6), Folate, Iron. CONTAINS WHEAT INGREDIENTS. MAY ALSO CONTAIN ALMONDS, SOY AND MILK INGREDIENTS.

Just because a product says, “Healthy, Organic, Natural” or even “Good For You!” doesn’t mean

Secondly, when you are finished with any kind of strenuous (very active) exercise, take some time to cool down. You can slowly stretch your arms and

Staying active, getting your heart rate up and opening your lungs will help you start off next school year happier and healthier!

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

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

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

Stretching helps your muscles warm up and increases your flexibility, range of motion and blood flow to the muscles.

legs again, and continue with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down.

I graduated from Lindbergh High School. I then attended the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where I studied biology.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer North High School. I earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Meramec College in Kirkwood and completing my bachelor’s degree at Webster University in Webster Groves.

Review: What are some exercise tips you learned by following The St. Louis American’s Healthy Kids page this school year? Send your answers to nie@ stlamerican.com.

and breathing. You want to have fun, but it’s also a great way to help keep your heart, lungs and body healthy.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL: same as former first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. I also completed two more years of supervision and exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri.

Instead of playing video games — play baseball, football, badminton, or some other active game.

Stretching can prepare your body for exercise and prevent injuries to your muscles.

Some fun outdoor games to play include tag, kickball, basketball, Frisbee, and bicycling. Choose activities that increase your heart rate

> NEVER walk on a “frozen” pond, lake, river or any other body of water. Just because it looks frozen does not mean it is safe.

Stretching is an important part of any healthy exercise plan. Slowly extend your fingers, hands, and arms until you feel the muscles stretching. Do the same for your toes, feet and legs. Then slowly bend over to stretch the muscles in your back. Do each stretch for 10-30 seconds, and don’t stretch to the point of pain.

Instead of surfing the ‘Net — go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

Next you’ll need to make a list of different types of exercise: jumping jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc. Write each exercise item on a small piece of paper or index

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

card and fold into a small square. Put these squares into a bowl. Take turns rolling the dice (or drawing a card) and selecting an exercise from the bowl. The total number on the dice or card tells you how many of the exercise you must do. Face cards (king,

Make a list of your favorite 10 activities to do outdoors. Compare your list with your classmates and create a chart to see what are the most popular.

Can you think of other ways to be more active? Going outside and staying active not only increases your heart rate and burns calories, but it also helps you build friendships!

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2,

This warm-up and recovery period is important for your heart health. It also helps to reduce the amount of muscle pulls and strains.

Learning Standards: HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

Over the last 35 weeks we have discussed many smart choices that you can make to help you stay safe and healthy. Break into small groups and list as many Smart Choices that your group remembers. Now individually, choose one that you think is very important. Describe in your own words what that smart choice is, and how you can remember to make the right choice in the future. Name a new “smart choice“ that you will make this summer.

queen or jack) should all count as the number 10. Aces are “wild” and you can do as many as you want! To really challenge yourself, have one person roll the dice and the second can select the exercise. See who can complete the exercise challenge first!

Learning Standards:

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. And finally, I earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Maryville University.

What does an EMT do? My day-to-day includes helping others when they aren’t feeling their best. I also assist getting them to the hospital when they can’t take themselves.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Sumner High School. I then earned Associate Degree in Nursing from Forest Park College and a BS in Business Administration from Columbia College.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from University City High School. I then earned a bachelor’s degree in social work from UMSL, my master’s degree in social work from SIUE, Edwardsville, Illinois. I’m currently pursuing certification from SLU in alternative medical science and operations management. I am dually licensed in Missouri and Illinois for private therapy.

What does a school nurse do? I love giving students medications, so they’re able to focus on learning. I clean and bandage wounds. I use medical equipment like a stethoscope, for example, to evaluate whether or not my asthmatics are breathing well. Moreover, I teach and promote healthy habits to my students.

What does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker do? I use technology to help teens and young adults explore their emotions, better understand their feelings, work through relationships, and address common challenges completely online through a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Similar to a Facetime call, I support and guide my clients from the comfort of their home or private location where they are comfortable

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1

What does a family nurse practitioner do? Each day I have office visits with patients to help treat new health conditions and/or manage established health conditions. I perform physical examinations on patients, order labs, read x-rays results, and more.

What are some things you do on the job? I talk to people about issues they have, and I provide problem solving skills to use. I encourage children and adults to use positive coping skills to build emotional and mental well-being.

Cracker-wiches

Learning Standards:

Break into small groups and define what it means to be a bully. Share your ideas with the class. Did you have the same things listed (as the other groups) that you would consider as bullying behavior? Now back in your groups, create a newspaper ad that includes at least two of the following:

How much time do you spend each day looking down at a phone, laptop or video game?

If an adult (or much older child) offers you a ride, or asks you to help him/ her locate a lost puppy (or kitten, or a lost child), do not get close to the

> If you are with someone that falls through the ice, first run (or call) for help. Do not try to go out onto the ice to help your friend. You can fall through the ice too.

Chiropractors around the country see young patients every day suffering from back, neck and head-aches resulting from the extra strain you put on your body when you look down for long periods of time.

> How bullying hurts others.

A BMI (Body Mass Index) is a generic way to calculate where your weight falls into categories (thin, average, overweight, obese). However, it’s a good idea to remember that a BMI may not take into consideration many things such as athleticism (how athletic you are), your bone density and other factors. Discuss your BMI with your

> What to do if you are bullied.

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

A couple of quick tips that will reduce that strain on your neck are:

> When walking on icecovered roadways or sidewalks, take baby steps. Walk carefully and slowly.

doctor if you have any questions. The formula to calculate your BMI is 703 X weight (lbs) ÷ height (in inches/squared) or search “BMI Calculator” to find an easy fill-in chart online. If your number is high, what are some ways to lower your BMI?

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

> Also — remember to look up! Icicles injure numerous people every year. If you see large icicles forming over your front steps, ask your parents to use a broom handle to knock them off to the side before they break loose from your gutters.

stranger or his/her car. This is one of the most common ways that children are kidnapped every single day. And if an adult offers you a ride or asks for your help, immediately run to a trusted adult and tell him or her what just happened!

1. Most importantly — take breaks! Have a goal of a 3 minute break every 15-20 minutes. Move around, stretch your neck and relax, without looking down!

Open Face Banana Sandwich

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career to help improve the health of my community.

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Ingredients:

Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 5

Look through the newspaper for examples of ad layouts and design. Discuss the words “compassion,” “empathy” and “sympathy.” How do they each play into your response to bullying at your school?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 7, NH 5, NH 7

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

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

1 Large Banana, 2 Tbsp Peanut butter, 1 Tbsp Honey

2. Set your tech device in a holder to keep it at eye level, reducing the need to look down.

> What other ice hazards are there?

Ingredients: 1 cup blueberries 1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

Toppings: Dried fruit, nuts, seeds, coconut, etc.

Directions: Stir peanut butter and honey until smooth. Slice banana lengthwise and spread both cut sides with peanut butter. Sprinkle toppings on the peanut butter.

Ingredients: 1/2 Cp Vanilla Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp Natural peanut butter, 1 Ripe banana (sliced and frozen), Splash of vanilla (optional) 6 Ice cubes

Directions: Blend all ingredients until Smooth. Makes 2 yummy smoothies!

Directions: Drop each blueberry into the yogurt. Using a spoon, swirl around to coat and place each blueberry on a cookie sheet topped with parchment paper. Freeze for at least an hour.

Directions: Spread peanut butter on four of the crackers and top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with honey and top with the other crackers to make four cracker-wiches.

What does a school nurse do? I assess the concerns of students who are ill, injured or experiencing alterations in their normal health. Nurses screen daily staff, students and visitors for safety. Monroe School is a pilot school for Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city. Why did you choose this career? I love nursing because there are many opportunities in hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, legal and research. My passion is working in the schools with students, parents, staff and community partners.

Why did you choose this career? I am a St. Louis native, and was an asthmatic child who experienced frequent hospitalizations. Besides having the influence of nurses in my family, the local nurses who helped take care of me were my “angels” and always managed to nurse me back to health, thus sparking my interest.

Why did you choose this career? I started out at Mizzou in the healthcare field. And during a visit home I was reading The St. Louis American classifieds and recognized that there was a demand for social workers in the community. And I had a revelationthat I could pursue a career in social work and still remain in the medical field.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy being a support to teens and young adults in a very challenging phase of life that can be overwhelming. I enjoy teaching them how to best take care of themselves so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy helping others problem solve. Also, I have twin stepsons, one who wants to be a police officer, and the other who wants to be a doctor. I thought that being an EMT helped me to meet them both in the middle. And, back in 2018, I had my own medical emergency and was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The paramedic that took care of me was so comforting and assuring that I realized that becoming an EMT is an honorable career. I now work with that same paramedic, at the same company.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Many chronic health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are preventable, and early detection is key. Thus my favorite part of the job is partnering with patients to establish and manage a plan to help them each live a long and healthy life. Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy when a child tells you, “I want to be a nurse.” And best of all, I love the smiles, hugs and “thank-yous”.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy meeting and learning about new people and cultures every day. I also like the adrenaline of driving fast with sirens going to get to an emergency quickly.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part is making people happy and giving people skills and tools they can use to be a better self. What I love most about my job is exploring and building healthy positive support networks.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

My childhood health challenges have given me sensitivity to children suffering with illness. After being given a new lease on life, I consider it an honor to be in a position to promote health to the children of my community, in whatever capacity I serve – in turn, being their “angel.”

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love that my job makes talking about mental health not as scary and even makes it kind of cool. I love that I get to build valuable relationships with so many people that trust me to be there for them. I love that no matter where my clients are, we can simply connect with a video call and I can not only support them through hard times, but lots of good times as well.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

Learning 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 314-289-5422

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

Adrianna Daniel, LCSW

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

PRESENT:

Banana PB Smoothie

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

Marnay Howard, EMT - B

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

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

CLASSOOM SPOTLIGHT

Fourth-grade students Kaliyah White, Jamiyah Owens, and Denia Sumpter, in Ms. Rhonda Stovall’s class at Gateway Elementary School are using the engineering design process to construct an index card tower.

Photo by Rhonda Stovall

nie@stlamerican.com.

SCIENCE CORNER

Brain tumors are a mass of cells that have grown abnormally. These tumors can put pressure on different parts of the brain and can affect the way your body functions. Although the exact cause of brain tumors is not known, research has shown that they are caused from either genetics (passed down from family members), or environment. Some tumors are cancerous, which means they can travel to other parts of the body. Some tumors are not cancerous. These are called benign tumors. Doctors can treat tumors with surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation.

Doctors use CT scans or MRI imaging to diagnose tumors. They look at the location, types of cells involved, and

Have you ever wondered why some foods taste better than others? Do you know how the brain affects the ability to distinguish between flavors?

Materials Needed:

• A small piece of sliced potato

• A small piece of sliced apple

• Volunteer Procedure:

q Be sure the apple and potato slices are the same shape and size.

Put your brain to work and develop your critical thinking skills with these word problems.

z In a given school, there are 280 boys and 230 girls.

a) What is the ratio of the number of girls to the number of boys?

SCIENCE STARS

African-American Neurosurgeon Dr. Keith Lanier Black

how quickly it grows. They use the information to categorize the tumors. There are three categories.

Low grade/high grade - Low grade tumors are slow growing and high grade tumors are fast growing.

Localized/invasive - Localized tumors are in one area and are usually easier to remove; invasive tumors have spread to other areas of the body.

Primary/secondary - Primary tumors start in the brain and secondary tumors start elsewhere in the body.

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

Brain Tumors Taste Testing Without Smell!

w Ask your volunteer to close their eyes and hold their nose.

e Give the volunteer the potato and then the apple.

r Can they identify the food?

Analyze: How do smell and sight affect your brain’s ability to tell the difference between foods?

Brain Builders!

x If Tim and his family had lunch at $30.50 and he gave a 15% tip, how much did they spend? ______

c If a car gets 26 miles per gallon of gasoline, how many gallons of gasoline would be needed to travel 150 miles? ______

b) What is the ratio of the number of boys to the total number of pupils in the school?

DID YOU KNOW?

Keith Black was born in 1957 in Tuskegee, Alabama. His mom was a school teacher and his father was a school principal. They taught their children that education was very important and that they could achieve their goals with hard work. Black enjoyed biology as a young child and dissected a frog. To encourage his interest in biology, Black’s father bought a cow heart for him to dissect. At age 10, Black’s family moved to Ohio. As a teen, he joined a program at Case Western Reserve Hospital to learn laboratory skills. These skills allowed him to get a part time job at Cleveland’s St. Luke’s Hospital as a teenager. While there, he learned how to perform transplant surgeries and heart valve replacements on laboratory dogs. Black noticed that patients with heart valve replacements had damage to their blood cells. He wrote a research paper about this at age 17. This paper won the Westinghouse Science Award.

After graduating from Shaker Heights High School, Black attended the University of Michigan. He was chosen to be part of an accelerated program that allowed him to earn his undergraduate and medical degree in only six years. Black developed a strong interest in the brain and began to study neurosurgery (surgery of the nervous system) at age 24. In 1987, Black moved to UCLA to teach neurosurgery. In 1994, he patented a method to deliver chemotherapy directly to a brain tumor. He also created vaccines to boost the immune system of patients.

In 2007, Black opened a brain tumor research center named the Cochran Center at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. He is the director of the Neurosurgical Center there, as well. Black preforms an average of 200 brain surgeries per year, which is twice the average of other neurosurgeons. He has even successfully performed surgeries on patients who were told their brain tumor was inoperable. In 2009, he published his autobiography titled, “Brain Surgeon.”

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

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions for an experiment. I can draw conclusions and analyze results. Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.

v If gas cost $3.99 per gallon, how much would it cost to fill a car that holds 18 gallons?

b The exchange rate for U.S. dollars to euros is $1 to 0.93 euros. How many euros are $150 U.S. dollars worth?

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

Have you ever had a thought on the tip of your tongue, but couldn’t exactly recall it? The psychological disorder that causes these breaks in memory is called lethologica.

MAP CORNER

Activities — First Amendment Freedoms: One of the five freedoms listed in the First Amendment is the Right to Assembly. That is the right of people to peacefully gather together. Use the newspaper to find examples of events in your city. Categorize these events as: political, religious, sports, education, or community.

Advertisement Estimations: A family member wants a new television and thinks a reasonable price is less than $300. Using the advertisements, locate three televisions (include brand, price, size, etc.) Compare the prices. Is $300 a reasonable estimate?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can classify information. I can make text-to-self connections.

Gimme some sugar

Florissant entrepreneurs’ cookie shop not half-baked

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

Chocolate chip, oatmeal raisin, cookies & cream, lemon sugar, strawberry cheesecake — you name it, Bebe’s Bake Shoppe probably has that cookie.

It boasts 18 in-house flavors, and trades out different ones weekly to satisfy a cookie lover’s cravings.

Bebe’s Bake Shoppe owner Amber Tomlin transformed the 1,080 square foot space, which housed a Great Clips, into a sweet tooth’s paradise. The “flip” wasn’t easy nor inexpensive, costing her nearly $90,000.

“We had to open walls up for plumbing, get a three-compartment sink, knock panels down for lights, buy counters, and prep tables. The place was navy blue and olive green before, and the floors were concrete,” she said of the exhaustive reconfiguration.

n “There has been a strict learning curve because coming into it as a first time entrepreneur I didn’t know a lot and have all the information I thought I needed,” she said. “If you’re willing to take the good and the bad and continue to pursue your dream, it’s worth it.

payroll than expected. Other business expenses were coming out of her pocket.

“There has been a strict learning curve because coming into it as a first time entrepreneur I didn’t know a lot and I didn’t have all the information I thought I needed,” she said.

“If you’re willing to take the good and the bad and continue to pursue your dream, it’s worth it”.

She also learned to listen to her customers. She was hesitant to bring back cake items after discontinuing them, but her customers’ zeal for cake pops won the day.

PeoPle on the Move

Jackson-Fuller appointed HR director

Lorie JacksonFuller

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) welcomed Lorie JacksonFuller on as the director of human resources. JacksonFuller is responsible for executing the university’s strategic plan as it relates to Human Resources. In this role, she is responsible for instilling a workplace culture and practices that reinforces HSSU’s values and attracts, develops, and retains top talent. Jackson-Fuller served as an adjunct instructor at Webster University, where she was extremely passionate about teaching Human Resource Management and Organizational Development to undergraduate and graduate students.

Smart named head of Commercial REALTORS

St. Louis Commercial REALTORS welcomed its 2023 president, Brandon K. Smart, CCIM on Tuesday, January 31, 2023. Smart was installed as the Commercial Board’s president at Armory STL, surrounded by fellow incoming board members and business colleagues. As president, Smart and the association’s board of directors represent over 670 commercial real estate members in St. Louis City and County and throughout the region. Smart is president of SmartEquity Inc., and is a previous 40 Under 40 awardee from the St. Louis Business Journal.

Henderson named director of LinkStL, Inc.

Located at 1144 Shackleford Road in Florissant, the bakery now features bubblegum pink and white walls with multicolor pastel sprinkle art. The “wow factor” also includes chandeliers, and a ‘Hey Sweet Thing’ cursive sign above the counter and register area.

Tomlin began a location search in November 2021. She found the business’s future home in January 2022. She opened her doors and ovens on October 1, 2022.

Tomlin says she’s been able to pay her team, the bakery bills and meet daily sales goals. However, the journey was not always so smooth.

She admits she overstaffed in the bakery’s early weeks, causing her to put more money in

“Don’t be stuck in your ways. When you develop a working relationship with the customer then they start to become almost like family from coming in often,” she said.

Tomlin also serves customers with dietary restrictions and food allergies. Macaroons are available for people who are gluten intolerant and vegan chocolate chips are offered.

Breakfast cookies are “being tested,” she says, and blueberry muffin cookies are currently available. She’s testing an espresso chocolate chip

See SHOP, B2

FOCUS to honor Steward family for outstanding community service

What’s Right with Region celebration on May 11

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

FOCUS St. Louis will honor the Steward Family with its 2023 Leadership Award.

“As a region, we are fortunate to have the Steward family,” says Amy Shaw, board chair for FOCUS St. Louis. “Individually and collectively, they have built a legacy of entrepreneurship, leadership and philanthropy that is felt throughout our community and beyond.”

This award, chosen by the FOCUS board, is given annually to individuals “who demonstrate committed leadership, generate a meaningful impact in the community, and encourage strong community engagement in others.”

The award will be presented during the 26th Annual What’s Right with the Region celebration on Thursday, May 11, 2023, at Sheldon Concert Hall.

Fulfilling a dream to own a company, David L. Steward established World Wide Technology in 1990 with a handful of employees and a 4,000 square foot office.

It has grown into the largest Black-owned company in

The Steward Family will be honored with the FOCUS St. Louis 2023 Leadership Award. David and Thelma Steward have made philanthropy and service central tenets of their life and work.

Henderson has been promoted to director of LinkStL, Inc., a Hyde Park non-profit organization which builds community through enrichment programs for youth and families. Henderson has been a North St. Louis resident all of her life and always brings community with her in everything she does. Henderson has recently led Hyde Park’s successful Spooktacular, a neighborhood Halloween annual event attended by over 1000 residents and is instrumental in bringing growing service organizations, needing space, to the Clay School Community Hub.

Washington University’s Zakiya Luna honored

Zakiya Luna, a Dean’s Distinguished Professorial Scholar and associate professor of sociology in Arts & Sciences at Washington University in St. Louis, has been named the 2023 Distinguished Feminist Lecturer Award winner by Sociologists for Women in Society. She was recognized at the organization’s annual awards banquet Jan. 14. Luna’s research and teaching focus on social movements, reproduction and human rights, with an emphasis on the effects of intersecting inequalities within and across these sites.

Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award... please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to kjones@stlamerican.com

Amber Tomlin, owner of BeBe’s Bakery, displays some of her cookies in her North County location

Friday, Jan. 20, 2023.

Zakiya Luna

Brandon Smart

LaVonda

LaVonda Henderson

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of FOCUS St. Louis

Shop

Continued from B1

Six different ice cream flavors, including caramel apple pie and a hot chocolate ice cream waffle bowl, are available.

Tomlin was introduced to baking in 2013 when she and her husband moved to New Mexico for his job. After getting acquainted with women in their church, she was asked to help put together gift baskets. Tomlin was given the task to help bake cherry tart pastries.

The treats were passed out, and that following Sunday she said recipients appreciated the gifts and were impressed with the tarts.

The success motivated Tomlin to continue making tarts. Once her husband’s con-

Steward

Continued from B1 cookie, French toast cookie, and cinnamon roll cookie.

and generating over $17 billion in annual revenue. WWT has been named to Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For, Forbes’ Largest Private Companies List and Glassdoor’s Best Places to Work.

Steward has become involved with the sport of auto racing, with a goal of increasing diversity throughout the sport.

His company made a major investment in World Wide Technology Raceway in Illinois in 2019, and the partnership represents not only a commitment to the region and to the sport, but also to STEM education and diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Steward was the driving force in the raceway landing the Illinois 300 NASCAR race which drew a standing-room only crowd last June. The race is returning in 2023.

Married since 1976, David and Thelma Steward have made philanthropy and service central tenets of their life and work. In addition to contributing their time to a variety of boards and causes, they established the Steward Family Foundation in 2013 as a further means to support the arts, education and causes that improve the quality of life.

This model of leadership and philanthropy has carried over to the next generation of the family as well.

An Academy Awardwinning producer, David Steward II is founder and CEO of Polarity, which oversees a portfolio of companies with content offerings including graphic novels and comics,

tract expired, the couple moved back to St. Louis. She enrolled in St. Louis Community College-Forest Park’s culinary program in 2016 and graduated in 2018. She also watched a lot of YouTube videos to help as well.

After graduating, she was baking cakes, cookies and more and selling them independently.

Her business boomed rather than busted during the pandemic because she was at home and a lot of people needed sweets for birthday parties and driveby socially distanced gatherings.

Before Bebe’s opened she did the custom orders from home and worked in two shops supplying them with custom cookie orders.

“I decided to step out on faith and open my own storefront,” Tomlin said. “I wanted the shop to be in Florissant because I live in Florissant

and wanted to give back to the community that supported me when I worked from home.”

Bebe’s makes custom treats for various occasions: birthday parties, bachelorette parties, bridal showers, retirement parties, and more. They’ve even made treats for Congresswoman Cori Bush’s birthday before.

“We take a lot of pride in what we do. We have a lot of love for baking,” Tomlin said. “We ask customers to come out and give us a try. We promise we will not leave you dissatisfied.”

Bebe’s is open Tuesday through Friday, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m., and Saturdays, 10 a.m.4 p.m. Guests interested in custom orders can visit the website https://www.bebesbakeshoppe. com/ and fill out an order form, call 314-222-8555, email bakeitbetterstl@gmail.com or visit the shop in person.

animated television, streaming and cinematic features, and gaming.

He founded Lion Forge Animation Studios, based in St. Louis, which produced the Oscar-winning short Hair Love and partnered with Nine PBS on the multimedia literacy initiative Drawn In.

Kimberly Steward is an Academy Award-winning film producer with credits including Manchester By the Sea and Through a Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People. She runs her own production company, K Period Media.

The Steward Family, who will be represented by David Steward II and Kimberly Steward, will be honored along

with the recipients of this year’s What’s Right with the Region and FOCUS Alumni Awards. The 2023 What’s Right with the Region Co-Chairs are Dr. Kristin Sobolik, University of Missouri-St. Louis chancellor, and Steve Smith, New + Found founder and CEO. Tickets are now on sale at www.focus-stl.org/WRWR FOCUS St. Louis is a nonprofit that prepares diverse leaders to work cooperatively for a thriving St. Louis region through its experience-based leadership training, civic issue education and public engagement initiatives. FOCUS engages citizens to deliberate on critical regional community issues in a trusted, nonpartisan space. Find out more at www. focus-stl.org

Bebe’s Bake Shoppe owner Amber Tomlin transformed the 1,080 square foot space, which housed a Great Clips, into a sweet tooth’s paradise. The “flip” wasn’t easy nor inexpensive, costing her nearly $90,000.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

David Steward II is founder and CEO of the firm Polarity, Lion Forge Animation Studios founder, and Academy Award winning producer. Kimberly Steward, an Academy Award-winning film producer, will join Steward II to represent the Steward family when it receives the 2023 FOCUS St. Louis 2023 Leadership Award.

Photo by Whitney Curtis / Courtesy of Polarity Ltd.

n “I’m ready to play an ACTUAL PGA Tour event next week.”

– Tiger Woods on playing in the Genesis Open, which he hosts

Sports

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Trade wins

NBA wheels and deals as teams prepare for playoffs

The National Basketball Association’s series of blockbuster trades provided enough fireworks to excite numerous fan bases around the league.

The wheeling and dealing had me so riveted that I almost forgot that there was going to be a big football game in the desert on Sunday night. Kudos to “The Association” for providing great theater during Super Bowl week.

We witnessed a little of everything during the trade deadline uncertainties from potential season altering moves to subtle trades to enhance championship contenders and even some shenanigans between franchises. What we saw was the ultra-competitive Western Conference become an arms race with a sprint to the finish. So much has happened, so where do we start in reviewing all of this activity?

Of course, we start with the biggest move of all, which was Kevin Durant being traded from the Brooklyn Nets to the Phoenix Suns in the midnight hour last Wednesday night. With a new owner in place, the Suns were looking to make a big splash and they did by getting KD, who makes Phoenix an instant championship contender. Durant now teams up with young star guard Devin Booker, veteran point guard Chris Paul and young big man Deandre Ayton to form a tremendous “Big Four” nucleus. Wow!

The Nets made headlines a week before the Durant blockbuster trade when they traded star guard Kyrie Irving to the Dallas Mavericks. The move pairs Irving with young superstar Luka Doncic in what should be one of the most dynamic combinations in the NBA.

All eyes will be on how these two gifted offensive players will mesh together and how Irving will handle himself as he starts with his fourth franchise in five seasons.

The Los Angeles Lakers had a very active and productive trade deadline as they basically re-made their roster in an attempt to get into the playoff picture and perhaps make a big postseason run of their own.

The Lakers new additions include guards DeAngelo Russell and Malik Beasley along with forwards Jarred Vanderbilt and Rui Hachimura and center Mo Bamba. The biggest name to leave was guard Russell Westbrook, who was traded to the Utah Jazz, where he will most likely enter the buyout market.

Staying in Los Angeles, the Clippers were also busy as they looked to improve their second unit. They added additional offensive firepower on the perimeter with the addition of Eric Gordon from the Houston Rockets and Bones Hyland from the Denver Nuggets. They also added some

badly-needed size in veteran 7’0” center Mason Plumlee from the Charlotte Hornets.

The Denver Nuggets, who have the best record in the West, fortified its bench with the addition of center Thomas Bryant, who had some productive moments with the Lakers this season. They are also expected to add veteran guard Reggie Jackson on the buyout market.

By comparison, the teams in the Eastern Conference were relatively quiet as compared to its Western counterparts. The Boston Celtics and Milwaukee Bucks were both able to add another vital piece to their deep rosters as they continue to battle for the top spot, in the East. The Celtics added sharpshooting center Mike Muscala from the Oklahoma City Thunder while the Bucks added veteran forward Jae Crowder, who

brings toughness and 3-point shooting. Saunders gets another Super Bowl ring St. Louisan Khalen Saunders will be fitted for another ring as a Super Bowl champion. The former Parkway Central standout is a defensive tackle for the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs drafted Saunders out of Western Illinois University in 2019. In that five-year span, he has been to four AFC championship games, three Super Bowls and two Super Bowl championship teams. Saunders enjoyed his most productive season for the Chiefs as he entered the Super Bowl with 3.5 sacks and 48 tackles, which are both career highs. He recorded a sack and an assist

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Mahomes prevails in epic Super Bowl Black quarterback battle

A pair of Black quarterbacks put on a show for the ages in Super Bowl LVII. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs outdueled Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in a game that came down to the final seconds.

Mahomes won his second Super Bowl title and also his second Super Bowl MVP recognition. Had it not been for the Chiefs’ dramatic second-half comeback and game-clinching field goal drive in the fourth quarter, Hurts would most likely have been the game’s MVP. Simply put, Hurts was outstanding. The Eagles QB completed 27 of 38 passes for 304 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed for 70 yards and three touchdowns. His only blemish during the game was his second quarter fumble that was returned 36 yards for a touchdown by Chiefs linebacker

Nick Bolton, a former Missouri Tiger.

Mahomes completed 21 of his 27 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 44 yards on six carries.

After a first-quarter TD pass to Travis Kelce to tie the score 7-7, the Eagles dominated time of possession. Philadelphia took a 24-14 lead into halftime.

Alvin A. Reid

The other two Mahomes TD passes came in the fourth quarter during the furious Chiefs rally. He connected with Kadarius Toney and Skyy Moore on similar plays to opposite parts of the end zones to put the Chiefs ahead in the fourth.

Moore’s touchdown was set up by a 65-yard punt return by Toney, the longest in Super Bowl history. Toney was signed by the Chiefs during the season after the New York Giants released him. He wore out his welcome there, and the Chiefs laid down a welcome

mat. It paid off big time.

Mahomes, who had re-injured his high ankle sprain late in the second quarter, was in obvious pain when he strung together key completions and a 26-yard run to help set up Harrison Butker’s game-winning field goal.

Mahomes had high praise for Hurts following the epic battle.

“If there were any doubters left there shouldn’t be now,”

in the Chiefs’ victory over Philadelphia in the Super Bowl. Saunders was also a hit during the Super Bowl Week media sessions with his impressions of Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes. Nick Bolton shines in Super Bowl Former University of Missouri standout linebacker Nick Bolton had a team-high eight tackles, plus the biggest defensive play of the Super Bowl when he scored on a 36-yard fumble recovery in the second quarter to tie the game at 14-14. Bolton has been one of the Chiefs top defensive players since being drafted in 2021. Bolton has recorded a total of 282 tackles in two seasons with the Chiefs. Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs outdueled Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles 38-35 in a game that came down to the final seconds.

Mahomes said.

“I mean, the way he stepped on this stage, and ran, threw the ball, whatever it took for his team to win. I mean, that was a special performance. I don’t want it to get lost in the loss that they had.”

If any football fan doubted that Mahomes is among the greatest quarterbacks to step on to an NFL field, he put those thoughts to rest. He willed his team to the win with his arm,

injured leg, and heart.

He is the seventh quarterback to win both the NFL MVP and Super Bowl MVP awards in the same season and is the sixth player ever to win multiple Super Bowl MVP awards.

On Monday, during the Super Bowl MVP press conference, Mahomes said he was aware that people doubted him and his team in the Super Bowl.

“I’m not a guy who’s gonna respond and say stuff back to people or anything like that on social media. I’m just gonna go out and prove it on the football field. Once you do that, there’s nothing they can really say,” he said.

Super job in the Super Bowl, Patrick Mahomes

The Reid Super Bowl Roundup

Eagles receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith were magnificent. Brown snared six passes for 96 yards and a 45-yard touchdown grab. Smith seemed unstoppable in the first half and

closed with 100 yards on seven receptions…All the bluster about the defensive holding penalty on James Bradberry should be silenced. Juju Smith-Schuster was about to sail uncontested into open space and Mahomes would have had another touchdown pass. Bradberry did what he had to – hold. All the “it was a penalty, but the ref should not have called it” talk is ridiculous…The Eagles vaunted pass rush finished the Super Bowl with no sacks. The Chiefs registered two, one each by Leo Chenal and Khalen Saunders… “Congratulations to the Kansas City Chiefs, Patrick Mahomes Travis Kelce and Andy Reid for a great Super Bowl win and for sustained excellence,” tweeted former President Barack Obama. “And shout out to the Eagles and Jalen Hurts outstanding competitors with a bright future.”…The Chiefs are the betting favorite to win next year’s Super Bowl.

Earl Austin Jr.

While Kevin Durant is recovering from a knee injury and has not played a game for the Phoenix Suns, the team and NBA released this image of the newly acquired star who was traded from Brooklyn.

Photo courtesy of the Phoenix Suns

Missouri Foundation for Health invests millions in St. Louis Community Credit Union

The Foundation joins the credit union’s Community Impact Deposit program as an anchor institution

In moving toward achieving health equity in Missouri and ensuring that its work is focused on breaking down long-standing societal barriers, Missouri Foundation for Health (MFH) is announcing an investment of $10 million in St. Louis Community Credit Union’s (SLCCU) Community Impact Deposit program. The funds will be used to enable a range of consumer loans, payday-loan alternatives, and home loans, as well as a wide variety of business loans from $10,000 to $5 million. Basic banking and loan services are a key element to social mobility in the U.S., and lack of access to these financial pillars is yet another way that Black and Latino Americans have been held back from building wealth for themselves and their descendants.

St. Louis Community Credit Union has served the St. Louis region for more than eight decades as one of the few Black-owned minority deposi-

tory institutions in the Midwest and is one of the largest Blackowned credit unions in the country. As a not-for-profit financial cooperative, the institution is committed to building the financial capacity and capability of all its members, focusing special attention on financially underserved communities.

Like any depository institution, SLCCU depends on the savings of its account holders to be able to lend and sustain its operations. The organization’s ability to grow depends on the economic well-being of its average deposit account holder. At SLCCU, the average member has 33% of the savings of members at peer institutions, which are predominantly comprised of white households. This disparity in personal savings means that, despite its relatively large membership base, SLCCU is hundreds of millions of dollars smaller in total assets than its peers. This

is a manifestation of the racial wealth divide.

“The reality is, your financial health is deeply tied to your physical health, in both visible and invisible ways. This investment represents a new and different approach for us to foster systems change and a more equitable region,” said Dr. Dwayne Proctor, MFH’s President and CEO.

“We’re joining an impressive list of partners involved in the Community Impact Deposit program, including BJC Healthcare. We hope that our participation encourages additional organizations to join us.” Visit stlouiscommunity. com to learn more about or join SLCCU.

Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis opens 2023 grant applications to local artists and arts organizations

The Regional Arts

Commission of St. Louis (RAC), the largest public funder of the arts in St. Louis, has opened 2023 grant applications to local artists and arts organizations. Submissions for both Artist Support Grant and Program Support Grant categories are due on March 27, 2023.

Since RAC began in 1985, the organization has provided more than 7,000 grants worth over $100 million. “RAC’s top priority has always been supporting the diverse collective of artists and arts organizations that make our world-class arts and culture community so vibrant,” said RAC President and CEO Vanessa Cooksey. “A thriving arts sector is critical to our region’s current and future growth.”

2023 Grant making updates include a more efficient application process, more clearly defined evaluation metrics, and increased opportunities for technical assistance.

Prior to the opening of the current grant cycle, RAC provided support to potential applicants in the form of detailed grant guidelines posted to the organization’s website, in addition to a series of free, accessible grant workshops covering a variety of helpful topics from writing grant narratives to developing budgets.

Eligibility requirements for individual artists include being 19 years or older and maintaining primary residence in St. Louis City or County for at least one year. Arts organizations must have a programming focus local to St. Louis City or County and be in good standing as a nonprofit organization.

Applicants are strongly encouraged to review all eligibility requirements, the full list of guidelines, and recordings of the grants workshop series found within the newly updated grants section on RAC’s

website, where applications can also be created and submitted. These materials and more are accessible at www.racstl.org/ grants

Hazelwood School District to host recruitment fair February 25

The Hazelwood School District is seeking teachers, counselors, librarians, and administrators for the 20232024 school year. The district will host a recruitment fair on February 25, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Hazelwood West High School. Interested applicants are encouraged to register for the fair by visiting bit.ly/W orkWithHSD and submitting a recruitment fair application. Walk-ins will be welcomed, and there will be on-site application stations. Participants are encouraged to bring copies of resumes, credentials, and other professional documentation.

Deaconess Foundation to award $100,000 to policy initiatives that help families

The Deaconess Foundation will distribute up to $100,000 in grants to grassroots campaigns and public policy efforts aimed at changing public policy to better support families.

Deaconess leaders will consider a wide variety of issues affecting local communities

including healthcare access, mental health care, education, environmental justice and systemic racism, said Bethany Johnson-Javois, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation.

“This opportunity is one of many that we’re hoping to unfold that our community can

take advantage of to make sure that democracy is headed in the direction of the people,” Johnson-Javois said.

Deaconess will accept applications through Feb. 27 to qualify for the grants. Organizations can receive between $50,000 and $100,000. The funding will

support an organization or campaign’s functional support.

Johnson-Javois said the foundation is open to a variety of different grant proposals and will award the funds based on a community’s needs. The foundation awarded $100,000 to Action St. Louis and Missouri

Jobs with Justice in 2019 to mobilize voters to support Medicaid expansion. The latest round of grants are part of its plans to support more partnerships.

“Although a little bit novel, it works,” Johnson-Javois said. The foundation will accept

applications from organizations and campaigns in Missouri and Southern Illinois. JohnsonJavois said while each state has different policies, residents on both sides of the river face the same issues such as climate change and reproductive health.

A tale of two centuries Fair games

Gamers Island a techie paradise in Ferguson

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

Welcome to the digital jungle known as Gamers Island. A wall-to-wall paradise filled with PS5 game stations, VR head sets, and much more.

Located in the downtown Ferguson area, owners Tashauna Parker and Kalonda Cloyd say their new business venture is a fami-

I get Lifted

‘Lift Every Voice and Sing’ in tune with Black history

By Ashley Winters

St. Louis American

Lift Every Voice And Sing: Celebrating Black Excellence program is honoring local and national Black change makers of yesterday and today, and future history makers.

On February 24, 2023, the Lift Every Voice And Sing program will feature local talent, three-time Emmy Award-winning storyteller and author Bobby Norfolk at the Westport Playhouse Theater.

There will be three showings, with 9:30 a.m., 11:30 a.m., and 1:30 p.m. curtains.

Program coordinator Dr. Vanessa Howard, Harris-Stowe State University clinical director for field experience pre-service, says the program helps students honor the legacy and achievements of African-Americans.

“It starts with teaching kids, because as

ly-friendly futuristic haven needed in north county.

“Gamers Island is a safe place for youth and families to enjoy and explore the world of gaming,” said Parker.

“Kalonda and I live in niches. We are always trying to think about what’s missing in our communities,” said Parker.

Both Cloyd and Parker are mothers of gamers. Cloyd says her daughter has been gaming since she was five years old, and points out that many Black families are unaware of the financial gain gamers can receive by playing video games.

Parker said they want to help bring financial equity into underserved neighborhoodsand gaming is an additional way to do it.

“Our kids now have a chance to turn recreation into a profit,” said Parker.

Popular young YouTuber Ryan Kaji made his debut at just three years old back in 2015.

According to a story written by NASA Academy, his parents filmed him opening and reviewing the latest trend in toys on his YouTube channel.

Dr. Vanessa Howard, program coordinator of Lift Every

Rachel, a child author of the books The Life and Times of

of Fun for Curious Kids at the St.

Public

and

and

downtown Mon. Feb. 13, 2023.

they grow and learn they can go back and make the changes our country needs,” said Howard. Howard noticed a “lack of zeal” in the education system during Black History Month.

“It’s not enough to learn about Dr. Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. or put pictures on the wall. “Lift Every Voice And Sing is designed

The Rep’s production of Confederates on stage now through March 5

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

The stories of Sara, an enslaved rebel turned union spy, and Sandra, a contemporary tenured professor at a predominantly white private university, unfold in Confederates on stage Feb. 11- March 5 at The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis’ LorettoHilton Center. Photo courtesy of The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis Sara and Sandra’s conversations prove race issues in America haven’t changed much between the two eras. The characters endure similar encounters with institutionalized racism and gender biases. Classism is also a factor in their respective lives.

n “If I’m going to talk about the past, I also have to talk about the present. I wanna see what has and hasn’t changed from the time of enslavement, and what freedom fighting looks like being in a modern institution built on slave money.”

Tiffany Oglesby describes her character Sara as “a resilient, brave survivor on the path to liberating herself.”

“She takes on the mantle of becoming a leader instead of waiting for others to liberate her,” Oglesby said.

“She’s learning not to allow others to stand in the way of what she believes she deserves for herself. She believes education equals liberation and liberation equals freedom.” Tatiana Williams, who plays Sandra, calls her character “complex and nuanced with emotions as wide and deep as the ocean.”

“She’s a Black woman in academia which means a lot is put on her and she constantly has to have a shield and a mask in a society that has conscious and unconscious biases toward her,” Williams said.

“She’s fighting for the greater good in the world she works in and is seeking change.”

Playwright Dominique Morriseau wrote Confederates for the Oregon Shakespeare Festival and Penumbra Theatre.

“I wanted to tell a story about what it looked like to be a freedom fighter back in the day,” Morriseau said.

“If I’m going to talk about the past, I also

The

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Voice And Sing

Nala

Nala

Nala Shades

Louis

Library

See Gamers, C3

See Lifted, C8

See Confederates, C8

- Actress Tiffany Oglesby

Brian Munoz I St. Louis Public Radio

Confederates actresses Tatiana Williams, left, Tiffany Oglesby, right, and San Francisco-based director Elizabeth Carter, center. Williams plays the role of Sandra, a college professor, and Oglesby plays the role of Sara, an enslaved woman and Union spy in the Civil War era, in the play.

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Gamers Island staff, front row - Marcus Bennett, Kalonda Cloyd (co-owner), Terrell smart, Tashauna Parker (co-owner), Darris Ford Jr. Back Row - Dimitrious Jackson and Maurice Taylor.

St. Louis American staff

The tragic and inspirational story of 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama is a historic chapter in the civil rights movement. In 1963, four Black girls were killed in a terroristic bombing that horrified most of America.

Folk singer Joan Baez created a chilling ballad called “Birmingham Sunday,” that touched the nation.

16th Street Baptist Church will receive repairs through a grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation to rehabilitate African American churches across the country. A privately funded nonprofit organization, the D.C.based National Trust for Historic Preservation works to save historic sites in the U.S., tell full stories regarding American history and build stronger communities.

During the federal holiday honoring the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., the organization’s African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund announced $4 million in grants to 35 historic Black churches across the United States.

“Leaving an indelible imprint on our society, historic Black churches hold an enduring legacy of community, spirituality and freedom that continues to span generations,” said Brent Leggs, executive director of the African American Cultural Heritage Action Fund and senior vice president for the National Trust for Historic

Alabama’s 16th Street Baptist Church, known as the site of the bombing that killed four little girls in 1963, tragically and famously advancing Black history; First Bryan Baptist Church in Savannah, Georgia, one of the oldest African American Baptist churches in the U.S.; Ohio’s Cory United Methodist Church, where the Rev.

Preservation grant categories include Endowment and Financial Sustainability, Organizational Capacity Building, Capital Projects, Project Planning, and Programming and Interpretation. Dr. Henry Louis Gates Jr professor, historian, filmmaker, and national advisory council member for the African American Cultural Heritage Fund,

The first round of grantees include the following churches:

The 16th Street Baptist Church, where four girls were killed in a 1963 bombing, is one of

part of a $4 million historic preservation grant from the National Trust for Historic Preservation.

An All-Star Pitcher for the Ages: Satchel Paige

By Adam Kloppe Missouri Historical Society

St. Louis is the home of many baseball legends, players like Stan Musial, Dizzy Dean, and Bob Gibson. But there’s one legendary pitcher who had a long and storied history with the city of St. Louis, even though he never played for the Cardinals and didn’t play in Sportsman’s Park until he had already been a pro for almost 15 years. He’s a Hall of Famer and considered one of the 20 greatest baseball players of all time: Leroy “Satchel” Paige.

The first time St. Louisans got a look at Paige, they could have been forgiven for thinking he wasn’t that special. The year was 1927, and Paige was pitching in one of his first games for the Birmingham Black Barons of the Negro National League, who were in St. Louis visiting the fabled St. Louis Stars. Paige didn’t even make it out of the first inning—he hit the first three batters he faced. The third batter, Stars catcher Mitchell Murray, was so sure Paige was targeting him that he chased Paige around the field with his bat, starting a massive brawl between the clubs.

Though Paige’s career got off to a rocky start in St. Louis, he soon became one of the most recognizable names in Negro League baseball. By 1941, Paige was such a star that two promoters organized a Fourth of July game at Sportsman’s Park to be played between Paige’s Kansas City Monarchs and the Chicago American Giants, another Negro League team.

Paige was featured in nearly every advertisement for the game that ran in the city’s newspapers. The event was a massive success: Over 19,000 Black and white baseball fans in St. Louis came out that day to watch Paige. In subsequent years, several additional Negro League games featuring Paige were scheduled at Sportsman’s Park.

But Paige’s ties to St. Louis don’t stop there. In 1951, only four years after Jackie Robinson broke Major League Baseball’s color line, the 45-year-old Paige signed with the St. Louis Browns. Over the next three seasons, Paige pitched over 300 innings for the Browns and became the first Black pitcher selected to the American League All-Star Game in 1952. Paige left the Browns after the 1953 season but returned to the major leagues for one game with the Kansas City Athletics in 1963. In that game, he pitched three innings and even struck out a batter—not bad for a 59-year-old. Less than a decade later, Paige became the first Negro League player to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Satchel Paige is just one of many Black individuals whose stories are celebrated during Black History Month. On Thursday, February 23, the Missouri History Museum’s Thursday Nights at the Museum series will present RACE: Listen. Learn. Live. Celebrating Black History Month At 6:30pm, 5 On Your Side’s Kelly Jackson and Brent Solomon will moderate a panel

of athletes, businesspeople, and students who will talk about their experiences and perspectives on race. Attendees can also view past 5 On Your Side RACE specials. Food and drink will be available for purchase from Sugarfire, and the Museum’s exhibits will be open from 5:30pm to 8:00pm.

A Soldiers Memorial program, Victory at War and at Home: Civil Rights Activism in World War II, will be presented at 11:00am on Friday, February 24. Dr. David Lucander, author of Winning the War for Democracy: The March on Washington Movement, 1941–1946, will discuss Black American activism during World War II with a focus on St. Louis.

On Tuesday, February 28, join the Missouri History Museum for Black Resistance: Extraordinary Black Missourians at 11:00am. Dr. John A. Wright Jr. will explore the history of Black resistance in Missouri and in St. Louis, highlighting historical figures from the book Extraordinary Black Missourians. Dr. John A. Wright Sr. served as chief author of the first edition, with Sylvia Wright and Dr. John A. Wright Jr. as coauthors of the second edition. This program will be followed by a book signing in the Missouri History Museum Shop.

For more information about these programs, visit mohistory.org/events. Black History Month at the Missouri Historical Society is presented by Wells Fargo.

Gamers

Continued from C1

Two years later his videos were bringing him millions of dollars and views. By 2018, Kaji’s annual income had doubled to $22 million; and in 2019, he earned $26 million.

Ryan’s World YouTube channel is now at 30.4 million subscribers, with over 48 billion views. Ryan’s World has a net worth estimated to be $32.

Parker admits she was a parent who did not understand the gaming world. The mother of a teenage boy didn’t understand why he would rather stay in the house and play video games instead of playing outside.

But after becoming involved in gaming, she realized that friendships are formed through gaming. She says the misconception is that gamers are “non-social kids, who won’t amount to anything.”

Gamers Island offers popular

gaming streaming services like Youtube, where kids can safely interact while playing games.

“Kids get a chance to walk into this whole new world and escape reality for a little bit,” said Cloyd.

A “gamer” according to the Merriam-Webster definition is a person who regularly plays computer or video games. It seems it is much more than that. Gamers have their own community, style, and language.

Cloyd and Parker are inviting all gamers to their grand opening on February 25th. There will be live music, and guests can play video games and tour Gamers Island. A PS5 game will be raffled.

The entrepreneurs live in the Ferguson area and are aware of the scars left from the tragic events of 2014.

Both have witnessed misguided youth near Gamers Island trying to break into cars.

“We want to make an impact, we want to bring kids into Gamers Island to show

them there is something else they could be doing, something more productive,” said Parker.

“We want to be a part of rebuilding Ferguson.”

The duo met in college at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE), with both studying mass communications. They say having a degree in communications encompasses everything they are doing at Gamers Island. Everything is about media, almost everything is digital.

“So welcome to the digital jungle,” both said in unison. Gamers Island is available for birthday parties and corporate events. It plans to offer summer camps and incorporate programs that teach financial literacy, gaming entrepreneurship, and computer construction and repair.

“This is our next journey to make a difference, everything we do is for the community,” said Parker.

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

• Certified event planner recognized for seamless organizing and spotting even the smallest details

• Highly experienced consulting services cover countless details including: table arrangements, seating charts, budgeting, etiquette, logistics, crisis management, and so much more!

• Creates a “day of” master timeline to ensure the seamless flow of each special moment

• Presents premium preferred vendor list while coordinating and overseeing communication flow

• Day of coordination specializes in overseeing details others often miss

• Managing a productive rehearsal ceremony and timeline

Photo courtesy of The Missouri Historical Society

Satchel Paige reading a newspaper in his bullpen rocking chair during a baseball game, ca. 1952. Missouri Historical Society Collections.

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Gamers Island, located in downtown Ferguson, is a family friendly, safe, social-gaming environment that offers a premier gaming experience.

HOUSING COUNSELOR

The Housing Partnership, Inc. has an immediate opening for a Housing Counselor. The Housing Counselor supports the Housing Program Manager in the day-to-day operations of the Homebuyer Services program. Primary duties include processing documents required for agency programs and working directly with clients to help them meet their homeownership goals.1+ year of experience in mortgage lending, real estate, case management, or related field preferred. Familiarity with housing and financial education sectors preferred. HUD Housing Counseling Certification preferred, or willingness to obtain within 6 months of employment.

For a full job description go to www.TheHousingPartnershipSTL.org Submit resume to The Housing Partnership, Inc. P.O. Box 16356, St. Louis, MO 63125 or via email to Kevin@TheHousingPartnershipSTL.org

Apply by February 17, 2023. An Equal Opportunity Employer

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs this summer. The six-week program provides summer enrichment for children and families.

The Site Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations and serves as the supervisor for one CDF Freedom Schools program site. The Site Coordinator should be capable of leading an intergenerational staff. The Site Coordinator should be committed to the goals of the program, able to work collaboratively with all program constituents and be familiar with the culture and dynamics of the community.

Starting salary range is $23.00 to $26.00 per hour.

To apply for this position, upload resume and references, all as one document, at: https://deaconess.org/joinus

SERVANT LEADER INTERN FREEDOM SCHOOLS

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs this summer. The six-week program provides summer enrichment for children and families.

Servant Leader Interns (SLI) are responsible for the front-line care and nurturing of the children. Using the Integrated Reading Curriculum, they serve as facilitators in the classroom. Deaconess will hire 12-20 Servant Leader Interns.

Starting salary range is $17.00 to $20.00 per hour.

View a full job description at: https://deaconess.org/joinus. To apply for this position, upload resume and references, all as one document.

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Urban Strategies, Inc is seeking applicants for the Senior Project Manager. View the full job description here: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/ web.php/jobs/ ViewJobDetails?job=96931 &clientkey=B8689C441 EB9B37FC4441ADD2BE6 1EE7 or our website www.urbanstrategiesinc.org

After entering our website, click on Who We Are and select Join Our Team to find career opportunities. USI is an Equal Opportunity employer, and this poisiton is funded in whole or in part with Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant funds from the US Department of HUD. Deadline to apply is 02/28/2023.

FOOD PANTRY SUPPORT AIDE

PT position (25 hours/week) assists with food pantry operations, including picking up donations, stocking shelves, assisting clients with shopping, and maintaining storage areas and vehicle. Excellent customer service skills, ability to lift 50 lbs., and clean driving record. $16-17/hr. Resumes: hr@gasastl.org. EOE. www.gasastl.org

FOOD PANTRY SUPPORT AIDE

PT position (25 hours/week) assists with food pantry operations, including picking up donations, stocking shelves, assisting clients with shopping, and maintaining storage areas and vehicle. Excellent customer service skills, ability to lift 50 lbs., and clean driving record. $16-17/hr. Resumes: hr@gasastl.org. EOE. www.gasastl.org

MAYOR’S ASSISTANT & PROJECT MANAGER

The City of Wellston will be accepting applications for 2- two year grant funded positions. The Mayor’s Assistant and the Project Manager will take directions from the Mayor or the City Administrator and City Council. The project is in relationship to the vacancies adjacent to the housing authority properties. Interested parties who would like additional information may contact Janice Trigg , via email at jann.trigg@gmail.com

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

The City of Vinita Park is accepting proposals for Police Department Towing Services RFP’s can be obtained at City Hall 8374 Midland Boulevard Vinita Park, MO 63114 M-F, 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. or email at cityclerk@vinitapark.org Proposals will be accepted until 4:00 p.m., Monday, February 20, 2023. The City reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids and or combination thereof, and to waive any minor irregularities.

Brent Bury, City Clerk

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Property Management and/or Brokerage City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office www.stltreasurer.org/ request-for-proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: BROWN & CROUPPEN located at 4914 Daggett Ave.

PARIC Corporation is soliciting bids for BROWN & CROUPPEN located on 4914 Daggett Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. The project consists of 46,600 SF tenant build out of an existing building. Access to documents is available from our SmartBid link. If you do not receive a bid invitation, please send your company information to tlalexaner@paric.com

BIDS WILL BE DUE ON MARCH 1st, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Send all questions to Kory Kostecki (kKostecki@paric. com).

Goals for Construction Business Enterprise:

21%

American

All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace HVAC MSHP Troop E HQ Building Poplar Bluff, MO, Project No. R2142-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 14, 2023 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities www.stlamerican.com

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

BIDS

Bids for Replace Roofs - 4 Buildings, Moberly Correctional Center, Moberly MO, Project No. C1913-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 9, 2023 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

Bids for Campground Loop 5 Montauk State Park Salem, MO Project No. X2204-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 9, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

THE METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT (DISTRICT)

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Infrastructure Repairs (Rehabilitation) (2023) Contract B under Letting No. 13019-015.1, at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Wednesday, March 22, 2023

All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT 2350 MARKET STREET.

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

The work to be done under this contract consists of the rehabilitation of approximately 56,333 lineal feet of sanitary sewers varying in size from 6-inch to 42-inch in diameter, utilizing cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) methods. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Boundaries, inside the city(ies) of St. Louis and various municipalities in St. Louis County and unincorporated St. Louis County in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

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

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

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

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

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

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS –SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE

KIPP St. Louis is currently seeking fixed price proposals for contracted food service management of their breakfast, lunch, snack, and after school programming. KIPP St. Louis Public Charter Schools operates six schools across the City of St. Louis consisting of a high school, two middle schools and three elementary schools. KIPP currently enrolls 2,600 students and has a planned enrollment for the 2023-24 fiscal year of approximately the same.

Companies wishing to respond may obtain a copy of the RFP by visiting the KIPP St. Louis website at www.kippstl.org/, or request a copy by email to pfedchak@kippstl.org. Responses are due to the KIPP St. Louis’ Regional Office before 2:00PM CST on April 6, 2023. A mandatory pre-bid meeting and walk through of select facilities will occur at 10:00AM CST on March 29, 2023.

Complete proposals must be delivered to the KIPP St. Louis Regional Office, 1310 Papin Street, Suite 203, St. Louis, MO 63103 by 2:00PM CST on April 6, 2023. Electronic proposals will not be accepted. A public opening will occur at that time. KIPP St. Louis reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Radio Tower Replacements, MSHP Troop D and Service Center Springfield & Carthage, MO, Project No. R2001-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 21, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Pergola Roof, Carnahan Memorial Garden, Capitol Complex, Project No. O2321-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 14, 2023

For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

HANKINS CONSTRUCTION BID OPORTUNITY

Project: Gateway STEM Emergency Shower/ Eyewash Station Replacement Estimator: Stephen Hankins Owner: SLPS PLEASE SEND ALL BIDS TO OFFICE@HANKINSMIDWEST.COM

If you need help accessing the specifications for this project, please call 314-426-7030.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Renovate Interior & Exterior, Project No. T2209-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 21, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Roadway Improvements, Capitol Circle Drive, Project No. O2293-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 16, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

INVITATION TO BID

SEALED BIDS

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Construction Manager at Risk for the New Laboratory Campus, MultiAgency, Jefferson City, MO, Project No.O2301-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 10, 2023. For specific RFQ information, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting bid proposals for Annual Inspection, Repairs and Monitoring services.

The request for proposal is available on the Court’s website www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com Click on General Information, Then Request for Proposals. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on March 7, 2023 at 9:30 a.m., at the Carnahan Courthouse, Room 308, located at 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63101. EOE

INVITATION TO BID

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Head Start/ Early Head Start is posting this bid request for food service management companies wishing to provide breakfast, lunch, and afternoon (PM) snacks for approximately 895 children ages 0-5 and 145 adults. Meals must comply with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Child and Adult Care Food Program (CACFP) meal patterns. The contract period will cover April 1, 2023, through March 31, 2024.

Written bids must be received by 2:00 p.m. on February 8, 2023, at Urban League Jennings Head Start Center, 8964 Jennings Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63136. Bids must be sealed and marked “Food Service BID” on the sealed envelope. Appointments will be scheduled with each bidder on February 16, 2023, at the Urban League Jennings Head Start Center. Each bid will be opened, read, and recorded at that time. Bids received before opening will be securely kept and unopened until the appointed time.

Bid forms and specifications may be obtained by calling Erin Weekes at 314-295-2353.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Resurface and Rehabilitate Paved Trail, Phase-1 at Babler Memorial State Park, Project No. X2119-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 9, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. This is an equal opportunity bidding event and MBE/WBE firms are encouraged to respond. Federal funds are being used in the project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The Webster Groves School District is seeking bids for “Clark Elementary Courtyard Improvement Project”. Work shall include demo, privacy screens, concrete, ADA ramping/railing and drainage. For more information please visit: https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/ site/Default.aspx?PageID=3025

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Sealed Proposals for B23-1221 Laundry Vending Services will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept. 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg., Jefferson City, MO 65101 until 2:00 PM CT on 10March2023. Download Proposal Request at http://www. lincolnu.edu/web/purchasing/bids

ST. LOUIS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS ENGINEERING SERVICES

Issued February 1, 2023

Responses due February 27, 2023

This RFQ and required Response Form is available online at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement.cfm

St. Louis Development Corporation is seeking Statements of Qualifications from engineering firms for the purpose of establishing a “short-list” of prequalified firms from which it and its constituent agencies may secure professional services as needed. The “short-list” is expected to include firms who are qualified in one or more of these disciplines: civil engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, marine engineering, and land surveying.

For more information, contact: Peter Phillips, at phillipsp@stlouis-mo.gov

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) allocated to SLDC, passed through the St. Louis City Community Development Administration, may provide funding for certain projects. SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PHA 5-YEAR ACTION PLAN

A draft copy of the 2023- 2027 5-Year Action Plan for The Housing Authority of St. Louis County, the Housing Authority of the City of Hillsdale, the Housing Authority of the City of Pagedale, and the Housing Authority of the City of Olivette. Will be available for review by interested parties at the following locations Monday through Friday from 8:30 - 4:30 pm.

• 8865 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, Missouri, 63121

• 133 Plum, Maryland Heights, Missouri, 63043

• 2876 West Pasture, St. Louis, Missouri, 63114

• 6203 Cote Brilliante Avenue, Wellston, Missouri 63133

• Housing Authority of St. Louis County website (www.haslc.com)

The Housing Authority of St. Louis County will hold a public hearing on March 07, 2023, from 11:00 – 11:30 am. on ring Central to review the plans and receive comments. Ring Central Meeting https://v.ringcentral.com/join/586837819? pw=466d27d0b6496a06447e0aa684fc0328

Meeting ID: 586837819

Password: 8LPseiY8Re

One tap to join audio only from a smartphone:

+16504191505, 586837819,,,8577349873, United States (San Mateo, CA)

Or dial:

+1 (650) 4191505 United States (San Mateo, CA) Access Code / Meeting ID: 586837819 Dial-in password: 8577349873

RESIDENT ADVISORY PUBLIC NOTICE

PHA 5-YEAR ACTION PLAN

A draft copy of the 2023- 2027 5-Year Action Plan for The Housing Authority of St. Louis County, the Housing Authority of the City of Hillsdale, the Housing Authority of the City of Pagedale, and the Housing Authority of the City of Olivette. Will be available for review by interested parties at the following locations Monday through Friday from 8:30 - 4:30 pm.

• 8865 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, Missouri, 63121

• 133 Plum, Maryland Heights, Missouri, 63043

• 2876 West Pasture, St. Louis, Missouri, 63114

• 6203 Cote Brilliante Avenue, Wellston, Missouri 63133

• Housing Authority of St. Louis County website (www.haslc.com)

The Housing Authority of St. Louis County will hold a Resident Advisory Board public hearing on March 07, 2023, from 10:30 –11:00 am on ring Central to review the plans and receive comments. Ring Central Meeting

Please join using this link: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/225373903?pw=9ecc3d2fac2e4932c19dd8ed7af0ad22

Meeting ID: 225373903

Password: eqzGWYHXH5 One tap to join audio only from a smartphone: +16504191505,,225373903,,,3794994945, United States (San Mateo, CA)

Or dial: +1 (650) 4191505 United States (San Mateo, CA) Access Code / Meeting ID: 225373903 Dial-in password: 3794994945

INVITATION TO BID

PARIC Corporation is requesting bids for the: MU NEXTGEN PRECISION HEALTH BUILDING –LEVEL 4 SHELL SPACE FITOUT

The project consists of:

Project consists of the 4th Level Fitout of the Lab Bar and Innovation Tower in the existing Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Building (NGPH).

Documents: https://securecc.smartinsight.co/#/ PublicBidProject/685931

Bids are being requested for the following: Proposals are due on March 1st at 10:00AM by email to Mskalski@paric.com or bids@paric.com. We as that Subcontractor’s S.O.W due prior on February 28th. PARIC’s proposal is due to the Owner by March 3rd.

A pre-bid meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m., C.T., February 16, 2023 in the General Services Bldg., Room 194A, followed by a site walk-through.

A Diversity Participation Goal of 10% MBE, 10% Combined WBE, DBE, Veteran Owned Business and 3% SDVE has been established for this contract.

This Project is Prevailing Wage

This Project is Tax Exempt

All requests and questions will be received until February 20th. After that time, no requests for clarifications or questions will be accepted. No questions or requests are to be made directly to the Architect, Engineer or the Owner.

All questions regarding this Invitation to Bid shall be directed to: Michael Skalski (Mskalski@paric.com)

Bids shall be delivered to (Bids@paric.com) or (Mskalski@paric.com)

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Constructions Services, Project Nos. IDIQMCA-3001 and IDIQMCA-3002, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 3/2/2023 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: https://oa.mo. gov/facilities/

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Color Art Construction, a general contractor is seeking construction services for the UMSL School of Nursing Administration Building Fire Alarm and Lighting Upgrades. The scope of work includes providing a new fire alarm system within the Administration building. The building currently does not have a fire alarm system. All notification, initiation, relays, HVAC shutdown modules, panels, etc. required to provide a new code and UMSL compliant alarm system is required. Due to the nature of the project, many of the existing spline ceilings will need to be removed. The scope is to replace the existing spline ceilings with new 2 x 2 ceiling grid and tile. New lighting and controls will be part of the upgrade, including modifying the existing grilles/ diffusers to fit the new 2 x 2 grid with upgraded grilles/diffusers. Contractor modificationsto the existing mechanical system will need to be field verified due to the limited access duringdesign above the existing spline ceilings.

The project scope includes demolition, acoustical ceilings, painting, HVAC, electrical, and fire alarm. The bid walk is scheduled for Thursday February 16th @ 10:00am. Location: UMSL School of Nursing Administration Building 1 University Drive St. Louis, MO 63121. Bid details will be posted on Building Connected. Bids due 2/27/2023 at 2:00pm Please email bids or questions to: bidrequestsCAC@color-art.com

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

THE METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT (DISTRICT)

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Bissell - Coldwater - Missouri - Meramec Public I/I Reduction (2023) Contract E under Letting No. 12587-015.1, at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Thursday, March 23, 2023. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT 2350 MARKET STREET.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of: The work to be done under this contract consists of the rehabilitation of approximately 44,078 lineal feet of sanitary sewers, varying in size from 6-inches to 36-inches in diameter, utilizing cured-in-place-pipe (CIPP) methods, 27 manholes, 756 service connections, and 34 point repairs. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Boundaries, inside the Cities of Ballwin, Fenton, Ladue, Manchester, and Valley Park, in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

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

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

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

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

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:

SSD 105-23: NORTH TECH DENTAL SCIENCES LAB AT NORTH TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL.

Project Manual and drawings will be available through County Blue Reprographics beginning on February 28, 2023

A $100.00 refundable deposit check made out to Special School District will be required for paper copies of plans, a $50.00 non-refundable fee will be required for electronic digital downloads.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 3rd at North Technical High School, 1700 Derhake Road, Florissant, MO 63033.

Bids are due at 2:00 pm on March 30, 2023, at Special School District Purchasing Department, 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

# NMSA-7, DESIGN SERVICES –NEW STEM BUILDING AT HSSU

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting qualifications for Design Services for the new STEM Building to be located at HSSU.

A copy of the request can be obtained by contacting Ms. Corey Freeman at email address: freemanc@hssu.edu or telephone #: (314) 340-5763.

Qualifications must be emailed no later than 10:00 a.m. on Thursday, March 2, 2023, to freemanc@hssu.edu. Responses to the Request for Qualifications will be opened and the names read at a virtual bid opening on Thursday, March 2, 2023 at 10:15 a.m. No award shall be made at the time the names are read.

The link to the virtual bid opening will be emailed out to all interested parties at a later date.

This Request for Qualifications does not commit the University to award a contract or to procure or contract for the services. The University reserves the right to accept or reject any or all responses received, or to cancel this request in part or in its entirety if it is in the best interest of the University to do so.

HERE FOR YOU

Services for Sexual/Domestic Violence & Rapid Rehousing for Families Fleeing Violence

Drop-In Center: Weekdays 8:30am – 5pm 24/7 Crisis Help Line: 314.531.7273

Head Start Early Childhood Education

Nationally Accredited Program of Excellence

Serving pregnant women and children ages 6 weeks to 5 years 9 Centers and 12 Childcare Partners

Economic Empowerment

Career opportunities for single mothers seeking better employment

Newly Renovated and Now Booking!

Phyllis Wheatley Heritage Center

Historic Event Venue

Contact Rita Frazier: 314.740.9594 or rfrazier@ywcastlmo.org

ywcastl.org

Confederates

Continued from C1

have to talk about the pres-

ent. I wanna see what has and hasn’t changed from the time of enslavement, and what freedom fighting looks like being in a modern institution built on slave money.”

Confronting past and current issues for Black women in different time periods isn’t an easy task, according to the actors.

During a recent rehearsal, Oglesby cried because “old wounds” were opened on stage.

“I’m learning to give myself and my character grace, and learning to be patient with myself by allowing raw emotions to come out,” she said.

“In those moments where I’m feeling overwhelmed or feeling what am I doing, I take that time to think about my ancestors’ journeys and thank them for their sacrifice.”

Lifted

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to highlight all the contributors to Black history. We need to take value in educating our students about Black history,” she said.

“Our education system needs to take pride in celebrating our culture too.”

The opening of the program portrays a journey across the Atlantic Ocean to Africa.

Drummer Kenya Ajanaku takes guests on the voyage to the largest continent through the sounds of a drum solo.

The history of “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” which is often called the Black National Anthem, is woven into the show, as are the works of Carter G. Woodson.

Williams called playing Sara “difficult, rewarding, and tough.”

“Her job wants her to carry herself in a certain way, whether it’s students or another colleague,” Williams said. “They take jabs at her or try to cut her [down] in a way. It’s an interesting idea of giving a Black woman a compliment and in the same breath taking a hit at her.”

Morriseau says Confederates walks a line between dramatic realism and satire. She said if people take the show too seriously they’ll miss enlightening moments.

“People can come to this play to be disarmed and enjoy the sarcasm, cleverness, and wit,” Morriseau said.

“Don’t expect to come see a story about enslaved people and think you can’t laugh. The same way you look at folks and think [expletive] when they say some crazy stuff racially to you is what I believe my ancestors did.

Howard includes a spiritual praise dance performance by Quincy Fielding, and a reading by Nala Rachel from her book “Nala: Life And Times Of A Curious Kid.”

The stories of St. Louis icons Tina Turner and Josephine Baker Howard will be highlighted in the program, along with the legal battle for freedom by Dred and Harriett Scott.

Faye Collins of Faye In The City, a social media content creator, will serve as host.

“I hope Lift Every Voice And Sing will help create a feeling of togetherness in our neighborhoods. It’s a time for all of us to learn, share and have more memories of fun and laughter,” she said.

“So many spaces only honor what is considered mainstream Black History. They’re not really honoring us. ‘Lift Every

“This is about rebel spirits and where we got our rebel spirit from, the rebels who were fighting for some of the most important things to fight for in the world, which includes your freedom.”

Oglesby said she wants audiences to pay attention to the gender biases and racism discussed in the production between Sara and Sandra.

“Respect Black women and listen to Black women,” Oglesby said. “We have something to say. We are the backbone of this nation. Without us, there is no you.”

Morriseau said “I hope people come out and bring an open mind.”

“I want people to be willing to be their full self and not center themselves. This play is an exercise in getting free. I hope you get free with us.”

For tickets and more information, visit https://www.repstl. org/events/detail/confederates/.

Voice And Sing’ pays homage to the whole story,” said Collins.

Nala Rachel, a third grade student said “ We get to celebrate people who are Black, who saved the world.” She said she enjoys learning the story of Harriet Tubman. Born into slavery, Tubman escaped and subsequently made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 slaves, including family and friends.

“Black history is not just for February, Black history is just as important as traditional American history. In fact, it is American history, “ Howard said.

“We need to honor our past so that we can have a better future,”

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

Vashon High Basketball: 1983 State Champions

By Earl Austin Jr.

St. Louis American

Floyd Irons began his legendary career as the head coach of Vashon’s basketball program in 1974.

A former standout point guard at Vashon, Irons continued the program’s great tradition by leading the Wolverines to the Final Four of the state tournament in 1977, 1979, and 1982.

It was the following season in 1983 when Irons guided the Wolverines to the Class 4 state championship, which was the first in his Hall of Fame coaching career.

What made this Vashon team unique is that it wasn’t the typical large-school state championship team, loaded with height and size on the front line. It was small in stature, but huge in speed and quickness. Its players applied full court pressure from the opening tip off to the final buzzer and literally ran opposing teams into the ground with withering, up-tempo play. The tallest player in the

starting lineup was 6’2” senior Russell Arms, a determined young man who battled bigger players on a nightly basis with his heart and hustle.

Coach Irons employed a four-guard offense, which was

perfect for the Wolverines fullcourt pressure defense. The offensive standouts were 6’2” junior guard Ramon “Pistol” Trice and 5’10” junior Altonio “Shotgun” Campbell. Trice was a talented southpaw

with a smooth jump shot while Campbell was a tremendous point guard who could score and distribute the ball with

See Vashon, D4

Celebrating Black History

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

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

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

The St. Louis American celebrates the 40-year anniversary of the 1983 Vashon Wolverines basketball team that won the Missouri Class 4A state championship.

Key issues facing African American community during Black History Month

By James E. Williams

For the St. Louis American

Recently I challenged ChatGPT, the popular artificial intelligence (AI) chatbot, with this question: “During Black History month, what are the key issues that should be addressed in an article about building and sustaining successful businesses in Black communities of the United States?”

Within seconds the human-like chatbot (which passed four law exams at University of Minnesota) gave the following advice:

“Some key issues that should be addressed in an article about building and sustaining successful businesses in Black communities of the United States during Black History Month include:

1. Access to capital and funding: Discuss the challenges that Black entrepreneurs face in obtaining the funding they need to start and grow their businesses.

2. Systemic barriers: Highlight the systemic barriers and biases that Black business owners face, including discrimination in lending, lack of access to networks and mentorship, and disparities in business education and resources.

3. The importance of community support: Emphasize the importance of Black communities supporting Black-owned businesses through purchasing decisions and advocacy.

4. The impact of Blackowned businesses on the larger economy: Discuss the economic impact that Black-owned businesses have, both within the Black community and on the broader economy.

McDonald’s Owner/ Operator Jimmy Williams presented a $15,000 Black & Positively Golden Scholarship check to Howard University student Asia Bradley on Wednesday, Dec. 22, 2022, at his store on 7171 Natural Bridge.

Davis understood the value of building strong relationships, exchanging ideas, and attending networking events. He joined industry groups and maintained connections with other business owners.

6. Black business success stories: Highlight successful Black entrepreneurs and businesses as examples of what can be achieved with determination, hard work, and support.”

While the AI tool generated typical seminar-style talking points, I reflected on how those answers compare to the “real-life” lessons offered by the late Dr. Ben Davis, a dentist and a McDonald’s restaurant owner/operator in the St. Louis region. One of my earliest mentors, he built the first floating McDonald’s in the United States on the Mississippi Riverfront in the 1980s. As a teen, I worked behind the counter of anoth-

5. The role of government in supporting Black entrepreneurship: Discuss the role that government can play in addressing the challenges faced by Black entrepreneurs, including increasing access to capital, providing business education and resources, and promoting diversity and inclusion in the business world.

er McDonald’s Dr. Davis owned in my hometown, East St. Louis, Illinois, soaking up valuable business practices. Today, as a small-business owner, I operate McDonald’s franchises in the two-state metropolitan area.

Here are keys to success I learned from Dr. Davis:

Creativity: Dr. Davis thought out-of-the box. He envisioned the Mississippi River as a platform to sell McDonald’s hamburgers, though initially a few local officials didn’t understand or accept the idea of a McDonald’s floating barge near the iconic Gateway Arch. The venture was a financial success and generated $100,000 annually in local tax revenue.

•Adaptability: In the1980’s, Dr. Davis keenly observed that the St. Louis

Riverfront had become a leisure-time destination point. McDonald’s restaurants were typically located in traditional commercial districts, but Dr. Davis saw an opportunity to capitalize on his creativity by offering consumers the unique option of dining while sightseeing along the Mississippi River.

•Risk-taking. A sound financial planner, Dr. Davis also knew the value of taking calculated risks. After careful study, he concluded that a floating McDonald’s would be a good risk.

• Continual Learning: Dr. Davis never stopped seeking new information that would give his restaurants a competitive advantage. He stayed abreast of the latest trends.

• Networking: Dr.

•Giving Back: Dr. Davis continuously supported individuals and communities through extensive volunteer work that included monetary donations in addition to lending his time and expertise to community projects.

•Reputation: Because of his character and integrity, Dr. Davis earned a loyal following at his stores. My mother, Mrs. Lillian Williams, was a typical customer of the good doctor. She appreciated the quality of the hamburgers at his restaurants. Dr. Davis not only survived but thrived because customers trusted him and took him to be a man of his word.

As a family-owned business, I use the latest technology to offer customers and workers the best experience possible at my restaurants. But I also

incorporate the “old-school” lessons taught to me by Dr. Davis and others from his generation. That to me is an important part of Black History Month and also a testament to the Black Excellence of Dr. Davis and others passed down through the generations. I am grateful for their leadership. Today, through the McDonald’s national “Archways to Opportunity” education program, we have awarded over $165 million in high school and college tuition assistance. McDonald’s pays the tuition up front so employees lose no money from their paycheck. Recently actress Keke Palmer joined our Black and Positively Golden Change Leaders program which encourages excellence through youth-led activism. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, local franchises donated food to those in need. I cite these examples as reminders that outreach to assist others is another sign of respect to our elders who sacrificed so much for us. I’d like to thank the many trailblazers and mentors in my life: Dr. Davis, Ralph Korte, Judson Pickard, Dick Bold, my father, the late Atty. James E. Williams Sr., East St. Louis Poet Laureate Eugene B. Redmond, the late NAACP champion Charles H. Lawson and numerous others. I treasure their commitment to creating pathways for the success of future generations.

James E Williams Jr., operator of a family-owned franchisee business and former U.S. Navy pilot, is president of Estel Foods Inc. He and his wife, Janet, have two children, Casi and Tre.

Slavery in St. Louis examined in new Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site exhibit

Area schools invited to visit

St. Louis American staff

It’s a fact. The institution of slavery existed in St. Louis for more than 100 years.

Famous African American civil rights leaders including William Wells Brown, Dred and Harriet Scott, and James Milton Turner were once enslaved in St. Louis. When the Civil War was declared, nearly 4,500 African Americans were enslaved within the city’s limits.

In recognition of this shameful era, the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is helping bring this history to life through a new exhibit now on display through Labor Day (September 4, 2023).

Using primary sources, historical artifacts, and individual stories of enslavement, this exhibit aims to connect the growth of slavery with the political, economic, and social history of the Gateway to the West during the 18th and 19th centuries.

The park will also offer special programming throughout the spring and summer in conjunction with the exhibit. This series will begin

with a presentation by Historian and Museum Curator Nick Sacco at 10 a.m. Saturday, March 18 inside the park’s visitor center theater.

“While many people are familiar with the story of Dred and Harriet Scott, the history of slavery’s broader operation in St. Louis is less wellknown,” said Nathan Wilson, superintendent of the Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site.

“This exhibit introduces visitors to our city’s complicated relationship with slavery and asks us to consider how we should remember this history in the present. We hope the community joins us in using this exhibit to have an extended conversation about the history and memory of slavery in St. Louis.”

The park is extending an invitation to area K-12 schools. Funding is available to pay transportations costs for schools that would like to schedule a field trip to see the exhibit. A trained park ranger will lead students in a facilitated conversation about slavery’s legacy in St. Louis as they explore the exhibit. To learn more about the exhibit and

schedule a school reservation, contact Historian and Museum Curator Nick Sacco at 314-8421867 ext. 229 or email at nick_ sacco@nps.gov.

“The History of Slavery in St. Louis” was developed by park staff in consultation with an advisory panel of area historians and educators. A summer teacher workshop and additional educational resources to accompany the exhibit are forthcoming.

Entrance to Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is free. For more information on the park, visit nps.gov/ulsg or call 314 842-1867.

The Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site is located at 7400 Grant Road in St. Louis County. The park interprets the life and family of Ulysses S. Grant, and the enslaved African American workforce who lived on the property known as White Haven.

The park and Visitor Center are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. with the exception of Thanksgiving Day, December 25 and January 1. Admission and programs are free. For more information visit nps.gov/ ulsg,

BL ACK HISTORY MON TH Celebrate

The Slavery in St. Louis exhibit at Ulysses S. Grant National Historic Site will run through September 4, 2023. Three of the nine exhibit panels are shown here, and the park will offer special programming in conjunction with the exhibit beginning on March 18.

Readjusting our historical perspective

By Ben Jealous

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to try to elevate his Presidential chances while doubling down on banning Black history. Meanwhile, the rest of us would be better served by reading more of it. We should go even further by mining American history to find what’s been hidden from us by previous political opportunists that can give us blueprints for how to create a national politics of unity rather than division.

I decided to start by digging into my own family’s history. What I found shocked me. At the end of the 19th century, my maternal greatgreat-grandfather, who had been born into slavery, helped build a political party called the Readjusters that took control of the state of Virginia. Here’s what got my attention – it was a multi-racial populist party led by a former Confederate general and a formerly enslaved Black person that was proworkers’ rights, pro-civil rights, pro-voting rights, and propublic education. Stop here if anyone taught you that 15 years after the Civil War, Johnny Reb and the freedmen came together to form a new party that won elections for local, state, and federal offices.

How could people who had been enslaved come together with people who had fought a war to keep them in slavery? They all wanted a better future for their kids and to hold on to the new public schools their children attended.

At the time plantationclass oligarchs were using the state’s Civil War debt as a wedge issue to anger Whites. But their class bias pushed them too far. They said they

would shut down the newly created public schools to pay for the debt. In response, many white men (remember only men voted in those days) whose families relied on and supported the schools fled the Democratic Party. They launched the Readjuster Party. Their name came from their demand: readjust the terms of Virginia’s Civil War debt to save the public schools. My grandmother’s grandfather Edward David Bland led the state’s Black Republicans into the Readjusters. It was an easy argument to make; after all Black Republicans had created the state’s public schools a little over a decade before. In the process, they became the majority of its new party’s base. In less than five years, the Readjusters saved Virginia’s public schools, expanded Virginia Tech, and created what is now Virginia State University, the first publicly supported college for training Black teachers. They raised taxes on corporations and the property they owned, reversing a deficit into a budget surplus. They did away with the poll tax and with the public whipping post. White men who rented their farms or were otherwise too poor to own land had only had the right to vote since the 1820’s. Black men had only had it since the 1860’s. And by the early 1880’s large numbers of both groups had

united in multiple states and were winning major political victories.

To break up a thriving coalition of Black and white farmers and workers, the old plantation owners turned to a tried-and-true playbook. They spread vile disinformation to make other whites fear the loss of political superiority. They accused Black men of fictitious crimes. The disinformation sparked violence in Danville where there was a majority Black city council and a fully integrated police force. Two white men responded to the propaganda by murdering whites and Blacks in the streets.

With the Readjusters defeated, white supremacist politicians went on to pass an annual poll tax (equal to $50 today). It slashed the Black vote by 80% and the White vote by 50% and it eventually was enshrined in the state constitution.

By denying the vote to so many Blacks and low-income whites, white supremacists essentially outlawed the kind of multiracial coalition that had beat them in Virginia and was chalking up victories in other states.

Even when students learn about the poll tax, that’s not the story most are taught. It’s truly a lesson in the promise of the power of coming together. It’s also a lesson in the lengths to which wealthy special interests will go to divide us. Meanwhile, that’s a lesson that DeSantis and his wealthy donors are teaching us again. After all, it’s the history we forget that is most easily repeated.

Ben Jealous is incoming executive director of the Sierra Club and former NAACP national president

Vashon

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equal effectiveness. Rounding out the starting five were guards Raymond “Mouse” Collins and Ernest Poke, who were both excellent playmakers and tough defenders who could also score The Wolverines qualified for the state playoffs by getting through the tough O’Fallon Tech district. They defeated Public High League rivals Soldan and O’Fallon Tech to

advance to the sectional round.

Subsequent victories of Mehlville and Washington landed the Wolverines back in the Final Four.

In the state semifinals, the Wolverines took on PHL rival Beaumont at the Hearnes Center in Columbia.

The Wolverines defeated the Bluejackets 64-56 to advance to the state championship game.

Waiting for them in the state finals was an undefeated Van Horn team from Independence.

The bigger and taller Van Horn team was 31-0 and favorites to defeat Vashon to complete its perfect championship

season. The Wolverines had other ideas. Vashon’s speed proved to be too much as they sprinted to a 75-62 victory to win the state championship. Trice led a balanced scoring attack with a game-high 23 points. Poke scored 18 points while Arms and Collins chipped in with 14 points each. Irons went on to lead the Wolverines to more state championships during his illustrious career on the sidelines, but it was this 1983 team that will be remembered as the one which jump-started the Vashon championship dynasty.

Columnist

Ben Jealous