February 16th, 2017 Edition

t. LouiS AmericAn

Tishaura rebuke of Post goes viral

A quarter-million people read her letter to daily’s editorial board on American site

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

If tweets could vote, there would be a clear new front-runner in the St. Louis mayoral race.

On Friday, February 10, The American posted a letter that Tishaura O. Jones, a candidate for mayor in the March 7 Democratic primary, had sent to Tod Robberson, Editorial Page editor at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. In the letter, which is published this week in the Political EYE column, she explained her reasons for not

meeting with the Post editorial board.

“What the editorial board and certain other reporters have done is nothing short of thinly veiled racism and preference for the status quo past,” Jones wrote. “Something this city has had enough of.”

Race is central to this election and coverage of it because only one of the viable mayoral candidates is white, Lyda Krewson (who was endorsed by the four-term white mayor vacating the seat). Jones is one of three viable

Money Edwards was watched by Barry C. Black, the chaplain of the U.S. Senate, and Pastor B.T. Rice when she performed MLK’s “I Have a Dream” speech from memory at New Horizon Christian Church in Cool Valley on Saturday, February 11 as part of the church’s 19th anniversary celebration.

More progressive endorsements for Jones

Young Democrats, Mobilize Missouri, Jake Zimmerman endorse Tishaura for mayor

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Tishaura O. Jones has received endorsements for St. Louis mayor from two progressive groups in the city, the St. Louis Young Democrats and Mobilize Missouri, as well as Jake Zimmerman, St. Louis County assessor and recent candidate for Missouri attorney general.

The St. Louis Young Democrats, a group of 18-40 year olds dedicated to electing Democrats to office and promoting the concerns of young people in the political arena, voted on an endorsement after the group’s mayoral forum on February 7. Jones won a clear majority – 58 percent – of the 59 St. Louis Young Democrats members who voted, distantly followed by Lyda Krewson (25 percent), Lewis Reed (9 percent) and Antonio French (7 percent).

“Tishaura is the candidate working hard to

‘Corruption, racism and cronyism’ alleged in police department

Black police association plans to file complaint with Civilian Oversight Board

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

The city’s black police officers association plans to file a complaint with the Civilian Oversight Board about “corruption, racism and cronyism” in the police department, and it intends to use the city’s new whistleblower law to shield officers from retaliation.

While the group represents about 250 mostly black officers and civilians, not all of the officers who will join them in the complaint will be people of color, Heather Taylor, president of the Ethical Society of Police (ESOP), said at a press conference Tuesday, February 14.

“Racial disparities exist with promotions, discipline, transfers – they exist,” Taylor said. “However, things morale-wise are so bad now that any officer is up to be the next person to face discipline that’s not justified – no matter what race you are or gender you are.” A St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department spokesperson said that Chief Sam Dotson “takes all allegations seriously and is committed to working with the organization to address their concerns” in

Photo by Wiley Price

The St. Louis Young Democrats board: Joe Jovanovich, Shayn Prapaisilp (vice president), Sergio Haro, Rosetta Okohson-Reb (secretary), Elise Miller Hoffman (president), Joe Wilson. Not pictured: Luke Sapa (treasurer). The Young Democrats endorsed Tishaura O. Jones for St. Louis mayor in the March 7 primary.

Photo by Allison Carmen

Heather Taylor, president of the Ethical Society of Police

Bobby Brown boiling mad about Bobbi Kristina biopic

Over the weekend, news

leaked that TV One was working on a biopic about the late Bobbi Kristina Brown

Her father, Bobby Brown, is said to have had no idea and is none too pleased. Insiders reportedly told urban entertainment news site The Jasmine Brand that Brown is furious about the biopic and that the rights were sold before he had any knowledge of it.

The source went on to say, “TV One doesn’t have to clear anything through Bobby.”

Steve Harvey still trying to explain Trump visit

Fans of comedian and talk show host Steve Harvey were

fit to be tied over his visit with Donald Trump after he was elected president. A month later, Harvey continues to attempt to justify his actions.

“They know how hard I fought for the Democratic ticket. It just didn’t work out. So, he’s the president, and he was a smart guy that day,” Harvey said. “It’s just a lot of people don’t understand so I can’t worry about that. I went up there to talk about stuff from the community that I’m from. I grew up in the inner city, I was a street guy. So I just want to help and he was open to that. I can’t get mad about that.”

Santana trying to get Beyhive to simmer down after Beyoncé remarks

The music industry has been engaged in a debate regarding Beyoncé’s loss to Adele in several categories at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards on Sunday.

Even Adele – a professed faithful member of the Beyhive – said that her album of the year was ‘Lemonade,’ when she accepted the honor, and

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

later asked, “What the [f-word expletive] does she have to win for ‘Best Album?’”

Legendary musician Carlos Santana felt otherwise.

“I think that Adele won because she can sing, sing,” Santana told an Australian newspaper. “With all respect

to our sister Beyoncé, Beyoncé is very beautiful to look at and it’s more like modelling kind of music - music to model a dress - she’s not a singer, singer, with all respect to her.” Yesterday, Santana took to Facebook to “clarify his remarks.”

“My intent was to congratulate Adele on her amazing night at the Grammys,” Santana said. “My comment about Beyoncé was regretfully taken out of context.

Jackson is speaking out against claims he’s been abusing his aunt Katherine Jackson.

The younger Jackson appeared on the podcast “Crime Stories with Nancy Grace,” which released Monday.

He denied allegations he has been trying to control the 86-year-old Jackson family matriarch.

Katherine Jackson was granted a temporary restraining order against her nephew, who according to court documents is accused of having “manipulated her” and “preyed on her kindness.”

I have the utmost respect for her as an artist and a person. She deserves all of the accolades that come her way.”

Trent Lamar Jackson claps back at elder abuse claims against Katherine Trent Lamar

“Trent has made it his business to regulate Mrs. Jackson’s interactions with her children – screening phone calls, not relaying messages, not allowing privacy during visits or phone calls,” a statement included in the restraining order reads.

But Trent said during the podcast that the allegations are not true and insisted his aunt has frequent contact with other family members.

“How can I keep her from her family when they come there every day” he said. “She

has the attorneys making sure her money is being applicated (sic) in the right way, and we also have an accountant who looks at all the bank statements.” Trent Jackson said his aunt flew to London to see her youngest daughter, Janet Jackson and her newborn son – and he has not been in contact with her since she left. He also said he’s never been served with the restraining order and is still at the house. A hearing in the case is set for March 1.

Sources: Facebook, CNN, The Jasmine Brand

Bobbi Kristina Brown

Katherine Jackson

‘The government is now working for the polluters’

Missouri Sierra Club joins ‘100 Hours of Action’ opposing Trump’s environment agenda

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

In response to Donald Trump’s first 100 hours as president, environmental groups nationwide conducted “100 Hours of Action” to oppose his administration’s policies.

In St. Louis, the Missouri Sierra Club and community leaders held a press conference on January 25 to discuss the impact of air pollution on childhood asthma and how that affects health outcomes as well as educational outcomes for children in Missouri and the St. Louis region.

“Absenteeism has been blamed on skipping or issues with home life,” said Susan Jones, president of the elected St. Louis Board of Education.

However, she said research shows that one of the leading reasons that students stay home from school is asthma.

In 2013 alone, there were 29,616 asthma emergency department (ED) only visits and 6,525 hospitalizations in Missouri, according to the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. Children under 15 years of age accounted for 41.9 percent of all asthma ED visits, with the highest asthma ED visit rate for children ages 1 to 4 (15.5 per 1,000 people).

The highest rates were in the St. Louis and Kansas City metropolitan regions.

“On the national scene, there is some good news and bad news,” said John Kissel, retired physician and a member of the Sierra Club.

The good news is that asthma nationwide has leveled in the last few years, after increasing for the first 10 years of this century, he said.

“Experts say that’s largely due to

and carried out unauthorized multimillion-dollar expansions at two units of its Rush Island plant, resulting in excessive sulfur dioxide emissions.

Kissel said that these excessive emissions surely had an impact on people’s health.

Michael Moehn, president of Ameren Missouri, told The St. Louis American that the company disagrees with the ruling and believes the court “misapplied the law and ignored the evidence presented at trial.”

“The Rush Island Energy Center is among the most efficient plants in the country and burns some of the lowest sulfur-coal available, and SO2 emissions are more than onethird lower than when the projects at issue were performed many years ago,” Moehn told The American in a statement. “Air quality in and around the Rush Island facility is 64 percent below the current federal mandated level. We plan to appeal at the appropriate time.”

Kissel said the federal agency was the only one that was willing or capable of doing anything about the plant’s excessive emissions.

“So now we have an administration coming in that swears it’s going to increase its use of fossil fuels,” Kissel said.

Sierra Club leaders said Trump has been in office only a short time and is already launching a systematic assault on protections that safeguard the country’s environment and public health.

SLPS embraces immigrant and refugee students

By Kelvin Adams Guest columnist

Saint Louis Public Schools reaffirms its commitment to diversity, inclusion and the embrace of immigrant and refugee students to our school district. The district’s English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) Program currently supports more than 2,600 English language learners (ELLs) who come from 53 countries and collectively speak 46 different languages.

We have seen enrollment in the ESOL Program grow, with the most dramatic increase in the current school year as a result of the crisis in Syria and continued political situations in Somalia, Congo and other countries. More than 500 new ELLs joined Saint Louis Public Schools this school year. Many of them started their education at Nahed Chapman New American Academy.

improvements in air quality,” Kissel said. “But the bad news is here in St. Louis, we have not seen that leveling off of prevalence in asthma and we haven’t seen improvement in air quality.”

He explained there are two kinds of pollutants that are particularly problematic for people with asthma.

The first is ozone pollution, and the St. Louis area has not met the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s standards since the standards were introduced in 1990. The second is air pollution. “Sulphur dioxide. When you

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inhale this, it contacts the water in your lungs and turns it into sulphuric acid,” Kissel said. “And, you as you can imagine, that’s a bit of a problem for people with lung disease, children with asthma, as well adults with emphysema.”

A Missouri federal judge recently ruled that Ameren Corp. violated the Clean Air Act by making major upgrades to a coal-fired power plant without obtaining the required permits or limiting emissions.

The EPA sued Ameren Missouri in January 2011, alleging the company skirted the regulatory process

“From the Centers for Disease Control to Environmental Protection Agency to Department of Transportation, the entire government is now working for the polluters, on the taxpayers’ dime,” said Rajiv Ravulapati, of the Missouri Sierra Club.

Missourians of all political affiliations must let their elected officials know that environmental health and safety concerns are beyond partisan politics, said Rev. Rodrick Burton, pastor of New Northside Missionary Baptist Church.

“They are about collective survival,” Burton said. “Everybody drinks water and breathes air. There is no alternative to that fact.”

Named for its founder, the New American Academy provides wraparound services to ELL newcomers and prepares them to transition to neighborhood and magnet schools within our District where they continue to receive ELL supports, work on attaining proficiency in English and mastery of content in various academic disciplines. Along with academic supports, the ESOL Program also provides language support to ELL students and families through the district’s bilingual team.

It is our responsibility as the public school system of the City of St. Louis and our privilege as educators to help welcome these new Americans to the Saint Louis Public Schools family. By inviting and encouraging children from all different backgrounds and nationalities to fully participate in our classrooms, all of our students will be better prepared to lead and succeed in the dynamic, diverse world that awaits them.

Kelvin Adams is superintendent of Saint Louis Public Schools.

Photo by Rebecca Rivas

Susan Jones, president of the elected St. Louis Board of Education, discussed the impact of air pollution on childhood asthma at an “100 Hours of Action” press conference on January 25.

Guest Columnist Kelvin Adams

Tishaura wakes up America with tough read of Post

The editorial board of the St. Louis PostDispatch got a justified comeuppance before the eyes of the nation since we published last Thursday. On Friday, February 10 we posted to our website a letter that Tishaura O. Jones, a candidate for St. Louis mayor, sent to Tod Robberson, Editorial Page editor at the Post, outlining why she would not meet with them – and giving the blunt arguments for change that she did not trust the Post to fairly report coming from her.

Jones has come under sustained attack from the Post throughout this mayoral campaign, which led her rightly to disregard any possibility that the paper would endorse her, the outcome one seeks in meeting with an editorial board. Rather than sit still for what she expected to be more abuse from the Post’s all-white editorial board, she went on the offensive. She accused the city’s daily newspaper of “thinly veiled racism and preference for the status quo” in so relentlessly opposing a strong black woman change agent for mayor.

Very cleverly, in addressing a newspaper that has targeted her personally in a crowded mayoral field (with only one viable white candidate), she made her attack personal to Robberson, a recent transplant to St. Louis. “You just moved here. It isn’t your city, yet,” she wrote, after quoting something Robberson had written about “our” city and its offensive (to him) graffiti. “And graffiti is not what’s killing it. What is killing our city is poverty.” She then put Robberson in the back of the change bus, as a sightseer who was missing the action in this city that is not yet his. “I think you were in Texas during Ferguson,” she wrote. “If so, you may have missed what happened here: We woke up. Black people woke up. Allies stood up. Young people spoke up.” She wisely named the coalition of voters that has always been vital to her path to victory, regardless of who else is in the race: black people who know her North City roots and remember what a daring leader her father, Virvus Jones, was when he was the city’s comptroller; allies, the white progressives who keep handing her critical endorsements; and young people who are mostº likely to respond to the most forceful cry for change. What’s amazing is that America woke up over this scathing letter indicting a daily newspaper’s editorial board. It went viral after cultural legends like LeVar Burton and political luminaries like Howard Dean tweeted the link with enthusiastic comments. Burton – one of the nation’s most beloved and credible public figures, with nearly 2 million Twitter followers – commented, “This is the kind of civic leader this nation needs” above his link to her letter on our site. That was, overwhelmingly, the vote of Twitter, arguably our nation’s most political and activist social medium. More than a quarter-million people have read her letter on our site, with many thousands making supportive comments. We are gratified that Tishaura rubbed Ferguson in Robberson’s face. The Post’s coverage of this pivotal mayoral election –

the first since the Ferguson protests erupted in 2014 – shows that our city’s daily paper was essentially a tourist in Ferguson. They came for the protests and stayed for the well-deserved team Pulitzer Prize for photojournalism. They did difficult and critical investigative work in St. Louis County municipal courts that will, indeed, improve the lives of many African Americans. But in so many ways, the paper wasted a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to transform its own culture and its own primary stance in relation to racial equity and white Democrats’ suppression of black political power in St. Louis.

We saw this first in the behavior of Post staff on the ground in Ferguson. While one of our lead Ferguson reporters lives so close to the Ferguson police station she walked to protests and covered the concerns, literally, of her neighbors, Post reporters never lost the air of having parachuted in among enemy combatants. This perspective was laid bare in a highlight reel edited by the paper’s pictures editor, Lynden Steele. It opens – not with decades of racial oppression and unrestrained police violence in black communities – but with a police scanner reporting that a large black male, who turned out to be Michael Brown Jr. in the last hour of his life, had boosted some cigars from a convenience store in Ferguson. The reel, when we saw it, ended with an elderly white reader complaining in a phone message that she wanted her old Post-Dispatch back.

Unfortunately, in this mayoral election, the Post’s older, majority-white readers got their old Post-Dispatch back. Tishaura Jones was courageous enough to point that out in great detail – detail that was annotated and illustrated by CityLab (www. citylab.com), an imprint of The Atlantic magazine. And now the nation knows yet another of St. Louis’ dirty little secrets – now, no longer a secret. Thank you, Tishaura Jones, and thank you, America, for listening. We hope that St. Louis voters are listening, too.

Real leadership, real change

I have been in every neighborhood across this city and residents are united in their desire for safer streets. People are tired of crime. That will by my number one priority as mayor. The focus on crime will go hand in hand with a focus on job creation, youth services, healing the racial division in our city, eliminating health disparities, continuing to improve our educational systems, and development of neighborhoods that have long been ignored. I am, by far, the most experienced candidate in the race for mayor. I have been dealing with citywide issues and concerns in neighborhoods all across this city. I have fought the tough battles and made the tough decisions. I have added money to youth programming and our recreation centers. I have rebuilt neighborhoods while keeping them diverse. I added fairness and diversity to committees at the Board of Aldermen. I have fought for and stood up for the community. I have dealt with citywide issues for years. I do what is best for the city, and not just what is popular at the time. I know what this city needs.

I will create jobs by investing in our small businesses and marketing our city to large corporations across the country.

I will continue to provide funding to youth services and direct resources to provide

children with social services they need for a productive childhood.

I will use my life experiences and respect for diversity to heal the racial divide in our city because I know we all want the same things for our families and our neighborhoods.

I will deploy necessary resources and access to services to eliminate the vast health disparities in our city because it is the right thing to do.

I will continue to work closely with St. Louis schools to improve education for our children. I will make sure development hits all parts of this city because all of our residents deserve the dignity of a developed neighborhood, and our city cannot operate with only half of a tax base. There is a clear choice for change in this election.

Lyda Krewson and Tishaura O. Jones both have important members of the Francis G. Slay regime very high up in their campaign operations. How can you be a candidate for change when the old regime is at the top of your operation? Of us three, I am the only candidate that is independent from the old Slay regime. I am the

The GOP’s profiles in cowardice

Imagine how Republicans would have reacted if former president Obama had attacked a retailer for dropping his daughter’s product line. Or asked senators to confirm a Cabinet pick who said guns are needed in schools to defend against grizzly bears. Or tried to undermine the independence of the federal judiciary. Or equated the United States’ moral standing with that of Vladimir Putin’s Russia.

There would have been howls of outrage, multiple investigations and even calls for impeachment. But it’s President Trump doing all those things, so Republicans in Congress are as meek and quiet as mice.

Perhaps the most striking thing about the chaotic and exhausting first three weeks of the Trump administration is the degree to which Republicans have held together, placing loyalty above all else. The party of Lincoln has sold its soul – and like all Faustian bargains, this one will not end well.

At present, Trump looks likely to get every one of his Cabinet nominees approved. Billionaire Betsy DeVos gave the worst performance in memory, surely one of the worst in history, at her confirmation hearing, displaying a level of ignorance that was truly shocking. Only two Republican senators –Susan Collins of Maine and Lisa Murkowski of Alaska – had the integrity to vote against her. Vice President Pence had to break a 50-50 tie, but DeVos is now the secretary of education.

And that was the closest thing we’ve seen to a GOP revolt in these confirmations. Not one Republican voted against confirming former U.S. Sen. Jeff Sessions as attorney

general, despite his ugly history on civil rights. Majority Leader Mitch McConnell went so far as to formally squelch

U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, D-Mass., so she could not read aloud a letter criticizing Sessions written decades ago by the late Coretta Scott King.

Trump’s pick for the Labor Department, fast-food magnate Andrew Puzder, has conflicts of interest and a nanny problem; he may face some pushback. Ben Carson has zero qualifications to lead Housing and Urban Development. But if DeVos got through, it’s hard to imagine who would be deemed unacceptable by the GOP majority.

Over in the House, meanwhile, all the zeal for holding the executive branch accountable has gone poof. Remember how eager House Oversight Committee Chairman Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, was to investigate every real or imagined question about the Obama administration? Remember how he went after Hillary Clinton over her emails?

Suddenly he declines to launch any probe that might be seen as a “fishing expedition.”

Trump’s attack on a private company, Nordstrom Inc., for no longer carrying his daughter Ivanka’s line of merchandise?

“Not a big deal,” Chaffetz said. Trump’s hotel lease for the Old Post Office Building, which makes him both landlord and tenant? Chaffetz is “curious” but wants to wait for an opinion by the General Services Administration, which now reports to Trump.

Letters to the Editor

We must resist and prepare

Cesar Augustus sent out a “decree,” Pharaoh said “so let it be written, so let it be done,” Hitler orders were called “dictates” and Trump has given us over 21 and counting commandments called executive orders. We must continue our nonviolent protest, education and registration drives as we prepare for local, state and the mid-term elections in 2018.

James J. Hankins Wilmington, North Carolina

only candidate that will provide real change, new opportunities and a bold new direction for this city.

I have always been guided by values of fairness, equity, consideration of others, diversity and accountability. All of these things are a part of my personality and have been cornerstones of my entire time in public service. For some, it is just a campaign pitch.

All of us who wanted better for our city came so very close in the last election. Because of that, everyone knew, whether Francis Slay ran or not, that I would be running again. But, don’t be discouraged by the number of candidates in the race. The community can still win this thing if everyone goes into the ballot booth and makes the right choice. We can do what is necessary to reduce crime. We can address the racial divide in our city. We can have more jobs in our city. We can be the generation that sees an increase in population in the City of St. Louis. The stakes are too high to stay at home on March 7. I will make you proud of this city and proud that you voted for me to be your mayor. Lewis Reed, who is presently president of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen, is a Democratic candidate for mayor in the March 7 primary election.

Silencing Coretta Scott King

Majority Leader Mitch McConnell attempted to silence not only Senator Elizabeth Warren, but the late Coretta Scott King. It was a shameful attempt to stifle the thorough debate on President Trump’s nominees that the American people expect and deserve.

I applaud Senator Warren and my Democratic colleagues in the Senate for fighting on behalf of the millions of Americans who

have demanded that the next U.S. Attorney General be committed to upholding our most fundamental constitutional rights. In the battles to come, both in Washington and in communities nationwide, I urge my colleagues to follow Senator Warren’s lead – as she persisted last night, so must we. We do not have the right to remain silent.

U.S. Rep. Elijah E. Cummings (D-MD) Baltimore

Sen. Koenig’s cash grab

State Senator Andrew Koenig, has apparently chosen to prioritize interests of Joplin billionaire David Humphreys, CEO of TAMKO, who contributed more than $150,000 to Koenig’s senatorial campaign –nearly half of Koenig’s war chest. Koenig formed his 2020 re-election campaign committee; then sponsored SB 285, a bill to cut the corporate income tax over a few years from 6.25 percent to 4 percent. At 6.25 percent, Missouri’s corporate tax rate is lower than Kansas (7 percent), Nebraska

The many potential conflicts of interest posed by Trump’s worldwide business interests? Chaffetz stifles a yawn. And only a few Republicans, including U.S. Sen. John McCain, have shown any interest in investigating the biggest question hanging over the Trump administration: What role did Russia play in the election? This abdication of duty is cynicism of the highest order.

The dawn of the Trump presidency has inspired a groundswell of progressive activism around the country. The energy generated by the massive Women’s March on Washington and its satellite marches last month has been sustained. Republican members of Congress have been deluged by phone calls at their offices and confronted by protesters in their home districts. “The women are in my grill no matter where I go,” U.S. Rep. Dave Brat, R-Va., complained. If opposition to Trump unites and motivates Democrats the way opposition to Obama did for Republicans, GOP strategists should be very worried.

Beyond the political risk, there is the existential risk of blindly following a man who continues to demonstrate his unfitness for the presidency. Trump shows no respect for American institutions or traditions. He sees those who disagree with him as “haters” and dismisses inconvenient facts as “fake news.” He deliberately stokes fear. He bristles at constitutional checks on his power.

And to think, there once was a Republican president who summoned “the better angels of our nature.”

(7.81 percent), Iowa (12 percent), Illinois (7.75 percent) and Arkansas (6.50 percent).

Some of the lost revenue would come from cuts to the Senior Citizens Property Tax Relief Tax Credit, the LowIncome Housing Tax Credit, and the Seed Capital Tax Credit, a credit to encourage new businesses to invest in Missouri. Over $100 million would have to come from other sources, like education and roads.

This cash-grab is even more harmful because Missouri enjoys a federal match for many of the dollars it spends in the state; every state dollar spent on roads buys $5 in road repairs after federal matches. Schools across the state now have four-day school weeks to deal with state budget cuts, which is job-killing and educationally harmful. This has occurred before Gov. Greitens ordered even more cuts to education.

I hoped Sen. Koenig would have placed concern for state needs and his constituents over his next campaign fundraiser. SB 285 suggests that is not the case. Judith Parker St. Louis

Guest Columnist Eugene Robinson

Big truck fan

FBI warns about jury duty scam

The FBI St. Louis Division is warning the public about a telephone scam claiming you have failed to report to jury duty. During the call, the perpetrator impersonates a law enforcement officer or officer of the court. The caller claims you failed to report for jury duty and may even threaten criminal prosecution or jail time. The scammer then asks for personal information such as your birth date or social security number for “verification purposes.” The caller may even have some of your personal information and ask that you provide your bank account number or credit card number to “pay a fine.”

If you or someone you know receives such a call, do not provide your personal information. Write down the phone number on your caller ID and contact FBI St. Louis at (314) 589-2500. When you hear the recorded menu options, press “0” for the operator and say you are calling about the jury duty scam.

Free tax preparation for low-income households

United Way 2-1-1 is partnering with local tax coalitions to provide free tax preparation services to St. Louis-area families with a household income of $54,000 or less in 2016. The coalitions also focus on bringing awareness to local individuals and families who qualify to receive a refund through the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), a federal tax credit designed to help people increase their financial stability. The average national EITC refund in 2016 was more than $2,455.

Anyone interested in receiving tax preparation help and who is eligible under the $54,000 household income threshold may contact United Way at 2-1-1 or 1-800-427-4626, or visit www.211helps.org for information on qualifications, locations, dates and a list of documents required for services. Sites operate on an appointment or walk-in basis.

Mayoral race exposes lack of leadership

By Jamala Rogers Columnist

I’ve come to accept the “social” in social media, especially Facebook, rather than see the media as an effective political tool. Sharing photos of newborns, family gatherings and what people ate for lunch. Periodically there’s some political gems in between the social stuff. I stumbled across an example of this with a posting from local activist attorney Jerryl Christmas.

Christmas’ posting on January 26 was both poignant and sarcastic.

“Today is the last day to withdraw from the mayor’s race,” Christmas posted. “I’m supporting Lewis Reed for mayor but I wish we had black leadership in St. Louis that understood consolidation of power. Tishaura Jones belongs in Congress, Antonio French should be the next president of the Board of Alderman, Jeffrey Boyd should run Veterans Affairs for the city and we can support Jimmie Matthews in his spiritual growth.”

About the same time as this posting, mayoral candidate and 28th ward alderman Lyda Krewson released some polling results. Not surprising, the poll show Krewson leading the pack with almost 30 percent of the vote. Running 10 percentage points behind her was Lewis Reed, followed by Antonio French and Tishaura Jones.

There’s conjecture that the white mayoral candidates came to a meeting of the minds. Police Chief Sam Dotson would step down if he was guaranteed the chief position after the election. Gregory F.X. Daly can keep his job as Collector of Revenue. What we do know is that there is now only one viable white candidate running for mayor. And if you’ve been paying attention, race matters in this town.

Christmas’ posting produced a flurry of responses that I believe should’ve been part of a more robust discussion planned prior to the filing date for mayor. Who has the moral or political authority to call for such a consensus meeting? Does anyone have the right to tell a citizen that they can’t run for office regardless of their ability to win? Should the community be looking at platforms/ plans rather than personalities? Are the candidates’ history in the offices they currently hold evidence that they can produce the kind of transformation this divided and declining city is begging for.

These are age-old questions that emerge every time the African-American community comes to this juncture.

There have been consensus sessions before, some more public than others. The democratic process says anyone can run for office who is eligible. The democratic process also allows for organized efforts to suggest to people who to vote for. At the end of the day – or, in this case, the election – it’s about who out-organizes the competition. And we’ve seen in past elections, including state and national ones, that money is not always the decisive factor. It’s organization and strategy.

All the top black candidates currently hold public office. It’s a starting point to determine their vision, imagination and competency. They all are or have been lawmakers. What kind of legislation did they propose to move the city forward?

Antonio French and Jeffrey Boyd are alders. Would a look at their respective wards serve as microcosms of their vision for the city be insightful and compelling?

Tishaura Jones is city treasurer and before that she was a state rep. What does her history reveal about her important role as a change agent?

Lewis Reed is one-third of the powerful Board of Estimate and Apportionment, the city body that makes the important financial decisions about how our tax dollars get spent. Has he effectively wielded his power and influence as president of the Board of Aldermen to chart a new direction for the city?

After the election on March 7, we can count on endless chatter about who was right and what went wrong. But in a “Trump” world, enlightened and empowered citizens don’t have the luxury of promoting egotism and pipedreams. We can’t squander valuable time and resources.

More importantly, we absolutely shouldn’t be dashing the hopes of our people with the notion that we don’t have the committed leadership to not only resist the avalanche of right-wing populism and policies but to build the people-power to aggressively advance our human rights to live with dignity and without fear.

Jamala Rogers

King Whitmoore, 4, took his toy truck to check out the real thing at the Monster Jam at the Dome at America’s Center on February 3.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

POST

black candidates, along with Lewis Reed and Antonio French.

Many people outside of the city also have had enough of “thinly veiled racism” posing as journalism, it became clear as Jones’ letter on The American site went viral. At press time, more than a quarter-million people had read Jones’ letter posted on stlamerican.com and it had been the subject of at least four national news stories.

Her rebuke of the Post editorial board went viral thanks to prominent people sharing a link on Twitter.

Legendary actor LeVar Burton tweeted it to his nearly 2 million followers, as did former Vermont governor and U.S. presidential candidate Howard Dean and

JONES

Continued from A1

Adam Savage, former co-host of “Mythbusters” (with 1.3 million Twitter followers).

Supporters of Planned Parenthood, who organized a march to coincide with a protest at St. Louis’ Planned Parenthood facility, outnumbered their opponents as they took to the streets of St. Louis on Saturday, February 11. In many cities, prochoice demonstrators outnumbered people participating in a nationwide day of protest against Planned Parenthood.

“This is the kind of civic leader this nation needs,” Burton commented when tweeting the link.

“She tells it like it is,” Dean commented when posting the link.

“St. Louis’ Tishaura Jones is today’s silver lining and MY NEW HERO,” Savage commented above the link. “I wish all politicians had vision like this.”

Continued from A1 bring all sections of St. Louis together,” said Sergio Haro, St. Louis Young Democrats’ director of local politics & grassroots organizing. “As a Latino in this city, it is exciting to have a candidate that will look at policy decisions through a racial equity lens.”

A link to her letter was tweeted by Khalil G. Muhammad (Harvard University professor and director emeritus of the Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture), Ms. Foundation for Women (which was founded by Gloria Steinem and Marlo Thomas), Jamelle Bouie (chief political correspondent for Slate and CBS News political analyst), actress Patricia Arquette and

n “What the Post editorial board and certain other reporters have done is nothing short of thinly veiled racism and preference for the status quo past.”

– Tishaura O. Jones

John Roman, a staffer in the Mayor’s Office of Criminal Justice in New York City.

National journalist JoyAnn Reid and Stefanie Cargill, her producer at MSNBC, tweeted a link, as did local activists and journalists with a wide social media reach, including Brittany Packnett, Johnetta Elzie and Sarah Kendzior, and hundreds of other people from all over the country and world.

“This made me get out of bed, and stand up, here in California,” an African-

The St. Louis Young Democrats, which has 136 members, will participate in a canvassing event for Jones. Mobilize Missouri – a grassroots coalition of progressive organizers and volunteers founded by the former state leadership of the Bernie Sanders campaign – said Tishaura Jones “has the vision, passion and understanding of the issues that will help move our city forward.”

“After four years in the Treasurer’s Office, she has brought fresh ideas and programs to the city,

American U.S. Navy veteran from California commented above the link. “Can she run for Congress already?”

Most of the quarter-million people who read the letter will not be able to vote in St. Louis on March 7, though many said they would contribute to her campaign – which received more than $30,000 from 513 donors in the first 24 hours after the letter was posted, according to Jones.

Jezebel posted the first national news report as the letter went viral, giving The American proper credit and

modernized our parking systems, and created a nationally recognized program helping our children save for college,” Mobilize Missouri stated in a lengthy endorsement.

“She speaks about being smart on crime, not just tough on crime, and wants to bring social workers on to assist

linking to the paper’s site, followed by Daily Kos, which embedded a link to Jones’ letter on stlamerican.com before reprinting it in full (without naming the original source), and The Root, which gave the paper proper credit.

The most impressive and detailed report came from Brentin Mock on CityLab (www.citylab.com), which is published by The Atlantic. Mock illustrated and annotated Jones’ letter substantiating her harsh claims about the decline of St. Louis under Mayor Francis G. Slay, whom the Post has supported uncritically, and the decline of the Post itself. Its print circulation dropped to 98,104 for weekday newspaper sales and 157,543 for Sunday in the third quarter of 2016.

Mock substantiated Jones’ closing dig at the Post for its paucity of diversity by sourcing a piece written by

the police department and close down the workhouse; a symbol of what’s wrong with our justice system today. She knows development cannot just focus on the wealthiest neighborhoods if we want to improve the lives of all of our citizens and she has bright ideas about how to address those inequities.”

Zimmerman – who served with Jones in the Missouri House of Representatives 2008-2012, when Jones became the first African American elected by her Democratic colleagues to serve as assistant minority leader –called her “a great progressive voice for the region.”

former Post staffer Richard Weiss and published in The American, citing the Post’s own audit that the percentage of blacks on its staff is just eight percent – 10 people among 118 in the newsroom at that time – in a city that is 49 percent black.

None of those black staffers serves on the Post’s editorial board that interviews and endorses candidates. Jones pointed that out in a closing zinger, that also pokes fun at Robberson, a recent transplant to St. Louis who actually published a column stating he lives in one of the city’s safest neighbors yet is still afraid when he walks his dog here.

“I think there might be enough city voters who are with me and are ready to vote for that change in March and April,” Jones wrote. “After we do that, you and your dog will be safer. And maybe you will consider hiring an AfricanAmerican editorial writer.”

n “She will be a great progressive voice for the region.”

– Jake Zimmerman, endorsing Tishaura Jones for mayor

“The mayor of St. Louis is the leader of the region’s largest municipality. The city mayor’s authority and influence on economic development and transportation issues match that of the county executive, and affect the direction of all our lives. That makes the person city voters choose really matter to county residents,” stated Zimmerman, who votes in St. Louis County and will not be able to vote in the March 7 primary in the city.

“I believe that the region is best served by the election of Tishaura Jones as the city’s next mayor. I got into politics to make sure the system works for everyone, not just the privileged and connected. I have known Tishaura for over a decade as a hard-working state legislator and as an innovative municipal executive. I know she shares my values. She will be a great progressive voice for the region. I am proud to support her today.” Last week, another of their former House colleagues, Jason Kander, who narrowly lost a bid for U.S. Senate in November, also endorsed Jones. Others who have endorsed Jones include state Senator Jamilah Nasheed, St. Louis Sheriff Vernon Betts, Alderwoman Megan Green and St. Louis County Councilwoman Rochelle Walton Gray.

The municipal primary election is Tuesday, March 7. Absentee voting is underway.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

school board members, Cheryl Latham, Brenda Youngblood, Desiree Whitlock and Karlton Thornton; and two Caucasians, Ann Gibbons and Richard Roberts. Three of the seven board seats will be on the April 4 ballot. Youngblood is up for re-election; Gibbons is not running again and Woods resigned.

The Hazelwood NEA Teachers’ Union recently endorsed three candidates for the open board seats: Margo McNeil, Elizabeth (Betsy) Rachel and Marcus Allen.

Quoting from his social media post, Behlmann said: “FYI, teachers union decided not to endorse me. The interview team had three African-Americans on their group and they were told by someone on the current board that I was a racist. The teacher’s union is endorsing Becky (A nice lady who has put together the audit) but no board experience.” (The Becky he refers to is actually Elizabeth “Betsy” Rachel.)

Diane Livingston, president of the Hazelwood teachers’

COMPLAINT

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 an email statement.

This month, the Board of Aldermen passed a whistleblower law, which outlines protections for city employees who report information about improper government action and penalties for any city employee who engages in retaliation. Taylor said a number of officers will join her in filing a complaint to the Civilian Oversight Board, which formed almost one year ago to review complaints against police and department policies.

Taylor said that many officers – black and white – are questioning the department’s internal investigations.

union, said she did not want to comment on Behlmann’s post. However, she said the interview committee followed a “long-standing process.”

“We’ve been doing it this way for years,” Livingston said.

The audit Behlmann references is the result of concerned parents who successfully led a signature petition to get Hazelwood School District audited to see if it is wasting taxpayer dollars. The district had announced financial troubles and proposed cuts to elementary music, gym, as well as teacher and staff cuts – and parents did not take the news sitting down. In his post, Behlmann went on to say: “Margo McNeil who is the termed out state rep (puppet to Desiree on the current board) and a black guy Marcus Allen who works for the Urban League and knows nothing about a Hazelwood Board of Education. The black negotiators would not allow a three member white slate. Obviously I cannot publicly post this information. Only spreading this around to close white friends.”

The black female board member Behlmann talks about in his posting, Desiree Whitlock, was someone he

“The SLMPD isn’t capable of policing itself internally,” she said. “The [Civilian Oversight Board] has the ability to recommend changes and policy. These are civilians. I believe what they can do for our department.”

In July, ESOP gave a 112page evaluation of the police department to aldermen, the mayor and some administrators. The report shows that black officers represent 34 percent of the force and about 24 percent of commanders, as of data compiled on February 15, 2016.

“Cronyism, favoritism, and other biases have continued under Chief Dotson’s leadership, but have existed for decades under various leaders within SLMPD,” the report states.

Some internal practices and the Collective Bargaining Agreement negotiated by the St. Louis Police Officers Association have also played into excluding qualified officers in promotions, the report states. The gravest disparities exist regarding discipline, according to the report, which details several cases where black officers allegedly were disciplined more severely than white officers for lesser offenses.

once vigorously supported.

Livingston said the union’s committee interviewed the six candidates who met certain eligibility requirements.

Candidates were asked about their vision for the district, as well as questions about hiring

n

and retaining staff, evaluating teachers, and trust between the different employee groups and the administration and school board.

“We ask about teachers, public education and students,” Livingston said. “That’s our yardstick.”

“The SLMPD isn’t capable of policing itself internally.”

– Heather Taylor, Ethical Society of Police

“Chief Dotson and his command staff is committed to a workplace free from harassment, discrimination or racial disparity and will continue their efforts to foster such an environment,” the department stated. “The Ethical Society of Police is invited to sit down with Chief Dotson and his command staff to discuss their concerns.”

ESOP has question the department’s treatment of Ryan Cousins, the former police commander of the department’s Sixth District.

Last February, Cousins was told he was being investigated for an incident when a man’s home had been broken into, according to several sources close to Cousins. The owner used a gun to protect himself

In a social media post, Mark Behlmann, a former Hazelwood school board member who is running as a candidate on April 4, explains to his “close white friends” why he did not get the endorsement of the Hazelwood NEA teacher’s union.

After some of Behlmann’s white friends shared his post with their black friends, it launched other social media responses. One read: “the remaining board members are smarter than that.”

investigated for, according to sources.

“The criteria that the city uses for putting someone on unpaid leave is whether they are a danger to themselves, other officers or the department,” said Lynette Petruska, Cousins’ attorney, at a May 2016 press conference.

from the intruders, which is not illegal. But the man was not supposed to be in possession of a gun because he was a convicted felon. When Cousins arrived, the homeowner was in handcuffs. Cousins told other officers to release him because he wanted to talk to him, sources said.

This incident is the only point of misconduct that Cousins was told he is being

“Going into a home and telling people that the victim of a crime should be treated like a victim and not like a criminal is not something that warrants forced leave.”

Cousins has been off the force since May 2016.

Taylor encouraged people to ask Dotson why he chose to go public with allegations against Cousins and other

One former top Hazelwood School District administrator who wants to remain anonymous responded: “Don’t believe the hype!!!!! Word also is that he plans to sue the Board, if they don’t appoint him. Now, what about the deficit, Mr. IWanttobebackon theHSDBoard?!!!! That doesn’t sound like a good steward of your taxpayers’ dollars. But wait, you were really never a good steward, except for when it came to giving teachers a raise, because after all, the district had to settle that $800K with your boys. Yep! You got paid from that too! #dontbelievethehype; silent no more!!!!!”

The $800K payout refers to an alleged legal dispute between the district and Wright Construction. Reportedly, Behlmann was deposed to speak on behalf of the construction company, rather than in support of the district as a board member. The board announced the vacancy on January 31. It accepted application letters for the appointment for the two-week period of February 1-15. The school board will announce its decision at a later date.

African-American officers but he doesn’t with other cases. At the press conference, Taylor was initially unable to approach the microphone because she was overwhelmed with emotion.

“You can see the kind of pressure our officers are under” when they speak out, said Redditt Hudson, a former officer in the department and member of National Coalition of Law Enforcement Officers for Justice. “The position that she’s in – in terms of retaliation that has been directed at her by those who are in power – that’s the kind of toll it can take on good officers.”

By Barbara L. Finch Guest columnist

Names are important. Names are the first gifts that parents give their children.

Names, chiseled in granite headstones, may be the last gift that children give their parents. When names are grouped together, they can make a powerful statement. Maya Lin’s

incredible Vietnam Memorial in Washington, D.C., gets its impact from the list of names inscribed on its face. The memorial to victims of the 9/11 attacks in New York City

has the same effect. Even if we didn’t know any of these people, we run our fingers over their names and remember that they lived, and how they died. Members of Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice, a local grassroots education and advocacy organization, recognize the powerful impact of naming those who have been lost. That’s why the group has attempted to document the names of every individual in St. Louis city and county who was a victim of gun violence during 2016. This list, which has been carefully researched and compiled, was extracted from real-time data published online by the Gun Violence Archive. The archive was established in 2013 to provide free online public access to accurate information about gun-related violence in the United States. Firearm violence and crime incidents are collected and validated from 2,000 sources daily.

Early in December, members of Women’s Voices began to compile the local list to post online as a “virtual vigil,” to coincide with vigils across the country on December 14, the 4th anniversary of the massacre of students and teachers at Sandy Hook Elementary School. The list, now complete for 2016, includes victims of accidental shootings, homicides and suicides. It contains 242 names and can be seen online at www.womensvoicesraised. org/remember-the-victims. Clicking on the list of names gives viewers the ages and dates of death of local gun violence victims; there also are short stories and photos of a representative sample of our neighbors. We see 14-year-old Jamyha Luss pictured on her knees, hands folded, as if in prayer. We learn that Jose Garcia was a gift-bearer when Pope John Paul visited St. Louis in 1999. We note that 15-yearold Jorevis Scruggs was shot by police, and Police Officer Blake Snyder was shot while responding to a disturbance call. We learn that Joseph Reise was killed by his son, and 8-month-old Reign Crockett was killed by his father. We note that 15-year-old DaMontez Jones was able to obtain a loaded, unlocked gun in his home. And we mourn that Jamarr Mack Jr. 14, was killed while walking home from the library.

These names matter. These lives mattered, and how they died should matter to all of us. One person who was personally impacted by the list is LaMena A. Smith of Conyers, Georgia. She wrote to Women’s Voices: “I am Rolando L. Bolden’s Mom. I want to personally thank you for bringing awareness online to this horrible violence that has to

Tishaura Jones slams Post editorial board while declining interview

On Monday, February 6, Tishaura O. Jones declined an editorial board interview with the St. Louis PostDispatch. Jones, of course, is a Democratic candidate for St. Louis mayor in the March 7 primary election and current city treasurer. She explained her reasons for not meeting with the Post editorial board in a letter to Tod Robberson, Editorial Page editor at the Post Two weeks ago, you used some of your ink to outline what questions you would be asking of mayoral candidates. You complained that “decades of sustained, abject neglect by city leaders have allowed a bombed-out graffiti-covered, war-zone image to prevail.”

You said you were afraid to walk your dog at night and you called for a plan to “address blight and abate the graffiti that’s killing our city.”

Tishaura O. Jones in a meeting in the St. Louis Treasurer’s Office with a team from the Common Cents Lab at Duke University on Tuesday, February 7.

You just moved here. It isn’t your city, yet. And graffiti is not what’s killing it. What is killing our city is poverty. Since you’re new and you live in a great neighborhood, you probably don’t know that the poverty rate doubled during Mayor Francis G. Slay’s 16-year tenure. What is killing our region is a systemic racism that pervades almost every public and private institution, including your newspaper, and makes it nearly impossible for either North St. Louis or the parts of South St. Louis where African Americans live to get better or safer or healthier or bettereducated.

polite incremental kind that Alderwoman Lyda Krewson promises. I mean change.

St. Louis needs to change. I am not afraid to say that. And I don’t mean the

I will look at every issue through a racial equity lens. I will ask if every decision we make helps those who have been disenfranchised, red-lined and flat-out ignored for way too long. I will look through each and every program in city government and make the changes necessary to ensure that government is working for those people. From participatory budgeting to the modernizing of services, I will take steps to make city government easier to navigate, easier to participate in and easier to understand. I’ll ask police officers and

firefighters what would make their jobs easier. I’ll put social workers into the police department so that trained practitioners will be doing the jobs police officers aren’t trained to do. We do not need to invent new programs for much of what I plan to change. There are programs all over the country we can learn from and that we can adopt. I know this because I’ve traveled to see them. I know that galls your writer who wrote that I am “high-flying” and should be grounded. I suspect she meant that I was “uppity” or had a “bad attitude,” but didn’t have the honesty (or courage) to be that overt. I plan to work hard as your

mayor, but I do not plan to waste time ignoring things that are working well elsewhere.

We have too much at stake in this community to do any differently, and we have too much to do.

It’s the same way I have run the Treasurer’s Office. When I was elected, I found an office that did a lot of things inefficiently, and I looked for ideas for how to improve. Over the past four years, I modernized parking and launched a major effort to change lives practically with the Office of Financial Empowerment. You described that as “just doing my job” and wrote that the white guy you endorsed would have done the same thing. At least two of you have lived in Texas, so you will understand what I mean when I call that bullshit. As mayor, I’ll take the same approach.

I’m not against using tax incentives for development. But, I want to make sure that we are using those incentives for blighted areas as intended and those we are coupling those tax incentives with community benefit agreements. Community benefit agreements can make sure there is a priority for those who are living in the area to get the jobs created by the development, that these jobs are living-wage jobs, and that they lead to real investment in the community. For decades, St. Louis has jumped around, investing here, giving tax breaks there, without any real reason for why or where. As a result, subsidy has often gone to the parts of the city that need it least. That practice needs to stop. We need a comprehensive plan for the entire city – one that recognizes that more needs to be outside the central corridor. I will work to close down that rat hole of a Workhouse. Taxpayers spend millions of dollars a year to keep that place open to accommodate many people who do not need to be there, or be there so often. I’ll put the same resources into mental-health services, substance-abuse centers, re-entry programs, and job training. We also need to work with the rest of the region to ensure that they are doing their fair share around homelessness, not just dropping people off downtown or incarcerating them. Too many people who live in North St. Louis have a hard time getting to centers of employment and recreation because we do not have transportation options that work for them. I’ll make that a priority, headlined with planning and development of a North-Side light rail system. We need to protect our most vulnerable citizens by expanding access to responsible banking and credit, by insisting on a minimum wage that is a livable wage, by instituting paid family leave policies. We need to create a Tenant’s Bill of Rights so that renters across our city have the tools they need to ensure their housing is livable and safe. We need to do what we can as a City to make sure we are laying a foundation that allows all citizens to be successful and to thrive.

I think you were in Texas during Ferguson. If so, you may have missed what happened here: We woke up. Black people woke up. Allies stood up. Young people spoke up. Our best minds listened and produced a pair of remarkable documents, the Forward Through Ferguson report and the For the Sake of All report, that are blueprints for the next four years of a mayor.

I understand that the PostDispatch is hurting right now. I hear that soon you will have to lay off more employees. With readership down to below 100,000, it makes sense why you would resort to a more inflammatory news reporting style to boost readership. There are some talented reporters at the Post who are very good at their jobs. I’ve had the privilege of talking with many of them. They have written about me fairly, objectively, and positively. I appreciate criticism when it’s due. But what the editorial board and certain other reporters have done is nothing short of thinly veiled racism and preference for the status quo past. Something this city has had enough of. I think there might be enough city voters who are with me and are ready to vote for that change in March and April. After we do that, you and your dog will be safer. And maybe you will consider hiring an African-American editorial writer.

Photo by Wiley Price

Yummy Yogurt!

Nutrition Challenge:

Yogurt is a healthy food powerhouse. It is a great source of calcium, vitamins A and D, potassium and protein. Greek yogurt is usually the highest in protein. Yogurt is also a great way to regulate your

Winter Activities

Conflict Resolution

Now that the temperature has dropped, how can we stay active and fit this winter? Ask your parents where you can set up a work-out corner in your house for exercising (jumping jacks, stretching, dancing, etc.) Here’s an idea — why not stay active while watching TV? It’s easy to do! Instead of sitting and

When you find yourself in a conflict (fight/disagreement) with someone, practice these 5 steps for conflict resolution.

1. Identify the conflict. (Why aren’t we getting along?)

2. Agree to disagree. (Nobody has to be “wrong.”)

3. Listen to each other. (Really listen to the other person’s side.)

Healthy Kids Kids

digestive system. It contains “good” bacteria called probiotics that can help your stomach and intestines work better. If you’ve ever been constipated or had diarrhea, you know how uncomfortable it can be when your digestion isn’t working properly.

watching your favorite TV show, you can stand and walk briskly in place. Raise your knees and swing your arms as you walk. You can easily get in 20-30 minutes every night just by remembering this easy fitness trick!

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

4. Negotiate. (Discuss possible options.)

5. Compromise on a solution. (Each person can give a little.)

Look through the newspaper for a story where two people (or groups of people) are in a conflict. Write out how each of these steps could help the situation.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

How to “sneak” yogurt into your diet:

> Substitute your usual sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.

> Use plain yogurt as a dip for celery or carrots.

> Mix vanilla yogurt, fruit and granola into a tasty breakfast parfait.

Learning Standards:

HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

Healthcare Careers

LaKetia Carrell, President, Owner and LPC

Where do you work? I am the owner of the Institute of Personal and Professional Development, LLC.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Beaumont High School in St. Louis. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from the University of Missouri, Columbia, and a Master of Education from the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

What does a licensed professional counselor do? I talk to kids and adults to ask them how they are doing today. If they are having trouble or problems with anything, they can talk to me about it. I will help them figure out what to do or how they can handle the situation better, so that they can live a better life.

Why did you choose this career? I like talking to people and helping them do their very best! Being a counselor gives me the opportunity to help others improve in their personal lives.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy seeing others get well and learn new skills for dealing with problems in their lives. When someone calls me and says, “Thank you! I feel better because of you!” That makes me happy!

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

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

Gateway MST Elementary 4th grade teacher, Erin Jackson, shows students Catherine Johnson and Rickie Richardson how to use the newspaper to improve vocabulary as a STEM lesson.

Gateway MST Elementary School is part of the St.Louis Public Schools district.

SCIENCE CORNER

Computer Coding

Computer coding is the process of typing in a “code” to get your computer to complete a task. It is a fun way to develop critical thinking skills. There are many apps and computer programs you can use to explore coding.

Scratch allows you to create interactive animations, stories, and games. You can even share them online with other users. Visit their website to get started. https://scratch.mit.edu/

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

African American Computer Scientist Tonya Noble

Tynker starts with blocks, similar to Minecraft, and then it progresses into a text-based program. You can create apps, build games, create Minecraft modifications, fly drones, etc. Visit their website to get started. https://www.tynker.com/

In this activity, you will create a secret message for your friends.

Materials Needed:

• Paper • Scissors • Tape • Pen or Pencil • Soda Can • Paper Towel Tube, Broomstick, or other Cylinders Procedure:

q Cut a piece of paper into a couple of long strips. Then tape them together so you have one really long strip.

w Next, tape one end of the long strip of paper to a soda can. Wrap the strip around the can in a spiral (like a candy cane) and tape the other end in place. Make sure the paper doesn’t overlap.

e Write your message across the can. Write one letter on each stripe of paper. The letters should all be next to each

z Keith forgot to install the new antivirus software for his computer. A virus has now infected his computer that destroys 20% of the hard drive each day. If he has 900 megabytes of information stored on his computer, how many megabytes will be left after 4 days? _________

In Code Monkey, you will use real programming language to help the monkey solve problems. This is a great game if you like to be challenged. http://www.playcodemonkey.com/

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.

Scytale Messages

other. If you have more than one word in your message, leave a space in between.

r Write some other letters and numbers above and below your actual message. These are random letters and numbers that will keep your real message a secret.

t Unwrap the paper from the soda can and give it to a friend.

y In order to decode your message, your friend will have to put it on a cylinder that is the exact same size. Try creating a scytale message on other types of cylinders, such as a paper towel tube or a broom stick.

Analyze: Why does a scytale message only work when it is placed on a cylinder the exact same size?

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete directions. I can analyze results and draw conclusions.

Computer Problems

b A school district ordered 12 shipments of laptop computers. If there were 8 laptops in each shipment, how many did they order? _________

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

x In 2010, 67 out of every 100 school-age children had access to a computer both at home and at school. Write this ratio as a percent. _________

c A computer is selling for ¾ of the original price. The sale price is $280.What is the original price? _________

v Marissa received 23 spam email messages in one day. If she has a total of 115 emails in her inbox, what percent of her messages are spam? _________

Tonya Noble always enjoyed science fairs and projects, but her true passion grew the day she received a Commodore computer. Her mother subscribed to a magazine where Noble could learn computer programming.

“I would spend days typing line by line, attempting to generate computer games and other programs,” said Noble. Although neither of her parents had been able to attend college, they took notice of Noble’s exceptional grades and math skills and encouraged her to seek college opportunities. Her advanced mathematics teacher would give her special challenge assignments that other students were not ready to attempt.

Noble attended Western Michigan University where she received a bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering with a minor in math. While attending college, she interned at Ford Motor Company. Next, Noble received a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from Webster University, where she graduated with a 4.0 and was recognized as one of only two “Distinctive Graduates.” She has also earned an MBA from Washington University.

She began her career at Boeing as a software engineer developing software for military aircraft flight simulators. After six years, she was promoted to a leadership position of software engineer manager, and she was in charge of cost, schedule, and technical performance. She continued to advance in the company, working as a deputy to the program manager, executive assistant to the vice president, and senior manager in the Training Systems division. She was responsible for a team of employees to create training devices used by the U.S. Navy for P-8A military aircraft. As a Director in Training Systems, she had the responsibility of managing over $1 billion in accumulated orders for a portfolio of programs. She currently works as a director to oversee modifications, upgrades, and post-production support for U.S. Navy and U.S. Marine Corps AV-8B, T-45 and F/A-18 military aircraft.

Noble is a member of many organizations, such as Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, the Academy of Science, National Society of Black Engineers, Boeing Women in Leadership, and Boeing Executive Focal for Missouri Science and Technology. She has received numerous awards and honors, including the Outstanding Woman in Technology Award, National Society of Black Engineers, Distinguished Alumni award from both Western Michigan University and Webster University, Women of Color Science Technology Engineering and Math (STEM) Conference, recipient of the U.S. Black Engineer of the Year and the Most Promising Engineer in Industry. She was showcased in the Black Creativity 2005 exhibit entitled “Engineering the Future” at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry, and was highlighted in Ebony Magazine as a future leader to emulate.

Her advice for students is to get involved in STEM activities early. Find a mentor to discuss interests. Learn time management early. Learn to use a planner to keep track of assignments, due dates, and appointments. Research STEM

MAP CORNER

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

Activities — Newsworthy: Pick two stories on the front page of the newspaper. Answer the following questions about them: 1) When did the story take place?

2) Where did the story take place? 3) What happened? 4) Who was involved? 5) Why is it newsworthy?

Lines: Use the newspaper to find examples of perpendicular, parallel and intersecting lines.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Concerns with Gorsuch’s past rulings

By Marc H. Morial National Urban League

“Looming over this moment is the fact that the current Supreme Court vacancy is the result of more than 300 days of tremendous political obstruction that has undermined the integrity of the Court as an institution. Thus, any new justice must be someone who will restore the standing of the court, while bringing true independence to the role.”

– Kristen Clarke, president and executive director of the national Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

The United States Supreme Court has played an important role in the progress of the Civil Rights Movement. The executive and legislative branches of government have, at times, had to be prodded toward active reform of racial justice. It is the most vulnerable in our society who have the most to gain or lose by any change in the direction of the Supreme Court.

That’s why when the new president announced his nomination of Neil Gorsuch to the court, I vowed that the National Urban League would conduct a thorough review of Gorsuch’s judicial record and public statements to determine whether he is fit to serve on the nation’s highest court. How might he be expected to decide in a case of such monumental significance as Brown or Loving?

At first glance, I have concerns about Gorsuch’s apparent judicial extremism and his criticism of those who

President Donald Trump with his controversial nominee for Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch.

a police used a stun gun to kill a young man suspected of growing marijuana. Gorsuch said the use of force was justified even though “the crime of which he was suspected was not itself a violent one, he was likely to be apprehended eventually and he hadn’t harmed anyone yet.”

Community Briefs

Public meeting on Coldwater Creek remediation

have sought advancement of individual rights through the courts. Gorsuch has consistently ruled against the rights of workers and consumers who were harmed by employers and corporations, and against disabled students pursuing their right to a meaningful education. He has ruled against the rights of workers and consumers who were harmed by employers and corporations, and against disabled students pursuing their right to a meaningful education.

I was especially alarmed by Gorsuch’s ruling in an excessive force claim in which

The Supreme Court’s function is to serve as a check on the power of Congress and the president. With the current president’s proclivity for authoritarianism, this responsibility is graver than at any time in modern history. Does Gorsuch have the integrity to stand up to the man who appointed him, as circumstances are almost surely to require?

The Enlightenment Age political philosopher Montesquieu, whose work heavily influenced our Founding Fathers, said “There is as yet no liberty if the power of judging be not separated from legislative power and the executive power.” To ensure liberty, we must determine whether Gorsuch can be independent.

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

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, St. Louis District will update residents on the remediation of Palm Drive Properties and current site updates 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 16, 2017, at Hazelwood Civic Center East, 8969 Dunn Rd. The meeting will include an update on the current Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP), planned remedial activities at the Palm Drive Properties, and information regarding long-term monitoring. The updates will be followed by a breakout session. Experts from FUSRAP, Missouri Department of Natural Resources, and Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry will be present to address any specific concerns or issues. Find out more about FUSRAP data, analysis, conclusions and updates at http://bit.ly/FUSRAPstl.

Circuit Court to debut new jury system

The City of St. Louis will be the pilot location to implement Show Me Jury, a new jury system that the Missouri judiciary plans to introduce across the state in October 2018. The St. Louis Circuit Court will mail new Show Me Jury summonses starting February 24, for jury service beginning April 3. When residents receive jury service summons, they will be directed to www.courts.mo.gov/ejuror, where they will fill out a qualification form. This online questionnaire gives citizens the opportunity to choose their preference of communication — whether by U.S. Postal Service, e-mail or even text message. Paper copies of questionnaires can be obtained by calling the jury supervisor’s office.

Guest Columnist

Marc Morial

Do-gooder speed networking

Monsanto Fund experiments with leveraging its community investments

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Coming from the business side at Monsanto Company, Al Mitchell had experience telling people they can’t invest in things because the return on investment was not high enough. When he took over as president of Monsanto Fund, the company’s philanthropic arm, last year, suddenly he was not considering investments in products or processes, but rather in social service organizations, many of them serving youth.

“If you save one child, that’s a high enough return,” Mitchell said.

He was addressing a very unique group at Monsanto’s corporate headquarters in St. Louis County on a recent Friday afternoon. They were

n “If one connection was made that helps reach more students in the region, then I feel the event was a success.”

– Al Mitchell, Monsanto Fund

representatives – mostly very senior, often the chief executive – of 30-some organizations that Monsanto Fund has invested in. The range was wide. There were representatives of universities, a public school foundation, a public school

district, charter schools, youth development agencies, a boys and girls club, a group that feeds the hungry, community gardeners, arts organizations, civic-minded tech startups, a chess club and a magic house.

Mitchell told them that Monsanto Fund had invested in “a large number of non-profits in St. Louis, with everyone striving to attain some goal, improve someone’s life.” He subjected that to a simple business principle: “I have been wondering how we might start leveraging these assets, these investments we have made and are going to make.” He had pulled the numbers. In 2016, Monsanto Fund had granted this group of

See MONSANTO, B6

WUSTL launches free summer business program

Program will run July 23-29, deadline is March 1

By Diane Toroian Keaggy Washington University

Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis is launching the Olin Fleischer Scholars Program, a free one-week residential summer program for high school students who have limited financial resources or who will be the first in their families to attend college. Scholars will live and learn on Washington University’s campus and visit some of St. Louis’ top enterprises. The goal is to give students a clearer picture of what careers in business look like and what skills they need to succeed, program director Chris Presley said.

“Shows like ‘Grey’s Anatomy’ and ‘Law & Order’ show what it’s like to be a doctor or a lawyer, but if you don’t come from a long line of business people, you may not know what it’s

Kelvin R. Adams will be presented with the 2017 Leadership Award by FOCUS St. Louis. He is superintendent of Schools for Saint Louis Public Schools. This award is presented annually to individuals who demonstrate remarkable and courageous community leadership, have meaningful impact on the community, and encourage strong community leadership in others.

Elizabeth McCormick graduated from the St. Louis Fire Academy to earn the title of Probationary Fire Private in the St. Louis Fire Department. She is the first female graduate since Firefighter Cherri Merchant in 2008. Thirty probationary firefighters completed the demanding sixteen week course full of both academic and physical requirements.

Donovan Duncan joined Urban Strategies, Inc. as senior vice president. He will assume a range of leadership, operational and implementation strategies for the organization to help transform and energize neighborhoods throughout the country. Along with other executive committee members, he will also oversee management and implementation of the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants and Byrne Grants.

Gwendolyn D. Packnett was elected to serve on the Saint Louis Zoo Association’s executive committee. The Saint Louis Zoo Association provides leadership for fundraising, conservation education, programming, facilities, government relations and special events. She is assistant vice chancellor for Academic Affairs at University of Missouri-St. Louis.

Kadesh Reaves has joined the office of state Rep. Bruce Franks Jr. (D-St. Louis) as an intern. A senior journalism student at Lincoln University from Florida, he will be assisting the newly elected state representative during the fall legislative season. Franks said he is excited to be working with Lincoln students and becoming more involved with the university community.

Julia Burke was appointed to serve on the Board of Directors of Annie Malone Children and Family Services. She is associate superintendent for Human Resources in the Hazelwood School District. She is graduate of Saint Louis University, where she majored in Communication Disorders. Burke holds a Master’s degree in Educational Administration from the University of Missouri-Saint Louis.

Kelvin R. Adams

Donovan Duncan

Gwendolyn D. Packnett

Kadesh Reaves

Elizabeth McCormick

Julia Burke

Al Mitchell, president of Monsanto Fund, recently gathered 30-some not-profits serving children for a speed-networking session.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by James Byard/Washington University

Make the most of your rewards program membership

By Nathaniel Sillin

I’m often intrigued and sometimes inspired by stories of people traveling the world using points and miles. There’s a well-known (within certain circles, at least) man who earned over a million airline miles by purchasing more than $3,000 worth of pudding during a special promotion in 1999. Or, you might have heard about people using coupons during a grocery store’s membership-only sale to get food and household products for free.

While I might not be as enthusiastic as some world travelers, or as extreme as some couponers, I do see the benefit in a program that’s free to join and offers you potentially money-saving perks. However, I also know it’s important not to get so caught up that I wind up spending more money than I would otherwise. As a friend of mine loved to say, “never spend a dollar to save a nickel.”

The perks of membership.

By Jeff L. Pittman Guest columnist

Since I arrived at St. Louis Community College in 2015, there has been much data

There are many loyalty or rewards programs to choose from and the rules and benefits can vary. For example, a grocer’s program might offer the same in-store savings and exclusive coupons to all its members. By contrast, travel rewards programs often have tiers, different levels of membership with varying benefits depending on how often you travel or how much you spend. While the basic tier may offer discounted hotel rates or free Wi-Fi, the higher tiers might come with free room upgrades (including to coveted suites) and guaranteed early check-in and late check-out.

Recognize why companies might have rewards programs. When you’re a big fan of a company or product, getting rewarded for your loyalty can be great. After all, it’s a free perk if you were going to make the purchase anyway. But try not to get too attached to a particular company or product based solely on the

rewards program.

Buying something simply because you get a discount as a member, or making a purchase “for the points,” might be a waste. You could find yourself with a pantry full of products that are slowly going bad, or paying more for a trip because you didn’t comparison shop

the offerings from other airlines or hotel chains.

Joining a rewards program could lead to overspending if you’re not careful. Recognizing that the programs could be designed to get you to spend more, and more often, can help you

refrain from overspending. Here are a few additional ways to make sure you maximize your benefits.

• Don’t double-count your savings. You’re tricking yourself if you consider the rewards points from a retailer’s program as savings when making a purchase and then consider the same points as savings (again) when you redeem them for store credit. Count the rewards once, or don’t make them part of your buying decision at all.

• Keep your programs organized. Points in some programs expire if you don’t use them within a specified period or have recent account activity. You could use a website, app or spreadsheet to help track your accounts, how many points or miles you’ve earned and when they expire. Another way to avoid overspending is to consider your net cost when comparison shopping. To do this, you’ll need a list of the dollar value of each programs’ rewards points.

Missouri’s forgotten middle

Community college addresses critical workforce problem

presented and information shared about the tightening labor market in the St. Louis metropolitan statistical area, and how this issue is presenting problems for many

employers across the region in finding workers with needed skills and education. By most measures, the national and regional economies have fully

recovered from the great recession and are on a steady growth trajectory. However, directly correlated to this recovery is a shortage of labor that is creating issues for many employers, even to the extent of becoming a barrier for expanding product and related employment within their organizations.

Among higher education and workforce officials, there is quite the buzz around the problems associated with the need for “middle-skill” jobs at the national level. According to the National Skills Coalition, “middle-skill” jobs are defined as those jobs which require education beyond high school but not a four-year degree, such as an associate’s degree, certificate, or industryrecognized credential.

But for many community leaders and the general public in St. Louis, what exactly does the nomenclature of “middle-skill” mean? Do middle-skill jobs equate to high wage jobs and do such jobs meet employer needs? Most importantly, how do we begin to tackle the problem of attracting high school graduates and adult learners into these important occupations?

In reality, the concept of middle-skill jobs has been around for some time, and is transitioning as time progresses. Harry Holzer does an excellent job in a research brief in defining middle-skill jobs and how they are moving into new industry sectors due to several environmental factors.

In general, many of the “older” middle-skill jobs are declining due to forces such as digital technologies and globalization, while the “newer” middleskill jobs are rapidly gaining ground in numbers of jobs

WUSTL

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like to work on Wall Street or run a business,” Presley said. “We want to introduce students to the possibilities of business while they are in high school so they know what to reach for in college.” The program will run July 23-29. During that week, students will work in teams to establish a new business venture. Along the way, faculty will teach students about entrepreneurship, marketing, finance, accounting, supplychain management and

You could take a shortcut and copy the values other enthusiasts place on each program’s points. Or, you could make estimates of your own based on trips or purchases you regularly make. Now you’ll know when 1,000 points are worth $1 or $10 and can plan your purchases accordingly. In the end, you want to be able to make as close to an apples-toapples comparison as possible, inclusive of the value you place on the rewards.

Bottom line: Consumer rewards programs offer a wide variety of benefits, including exclusive savings and complimentary perks. While it’s often free to join the programs, and you could get rewarded for doing so, keep the big picture in mind and be careful about letting your membership lead to unnecessary purchases.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

for employers and increased skills and education for the employee.

Today, disciplines associated with health care, mechanical maintenance, advanced manufacturing, IT, automotive service, construction trades and bio-sciences are excellent examples of what aligns with the St. Louis MSA in the middle-skill job arena.

According to National Skills Coalition data, the demand for middleskill jobs is strong and will remain strong in the future. In fact, 53 percent of job openings by skill level in Missouri will be in middle-skill jobs through 2020. There is currently a gap in such jobs in this State, as middle-skill jobs account for 54 percent of Missouri’s labor market, but only 47 percent of the state’s workers are trained to the middle-skill level. This statistical gap, combined with a rapidly graying workforce, will increase significantly if educational institutions and state and federal policies do not align in the near future to address this significant issue.

Today’s middle-skill jobs equate to high wages, and St. Louis Community College and the community need to unite to educate the public of the great career opportunities that exist for high school graduates and adult learners. According to Anthony P. Carnevale, director of the Center on Education and the Workforce at Georgetown University, 40 percent of middle-skill jobs pay more than

communications. “Business is about so much more than crunching numbers; it’s about communication,” Presley said. “How do you compromise? How do you lead? How do you handle conflicts? How do you work as a team?” Students also will meet with Undergraduate Admissions and Student Financial Services representatives and participate in workshops to better understand how to pair their passions and their profession. Students may apply to the program starting Jan. 2. Student must provide a short essay and two letters of recommendation. To learn more, visit the Olin

$55,000 a year, and 14 percent pay more than $80,000 per year (by comparison, the median salary for young adults with a bachelor’s degree is $50,000). The work of the College’s Strategic Plan-Initiative 4 (Aligning Programming with Workforce Needs) is well underway as we continue to interface with employers to determine the type of education and skills their employees need. The college will soon begin working through a sector strategy by either utilizing current sector studies or, in the event such studies do not exist in certain areas, invite representatives from different industry groups (i.e., IT or manufacturing) to listen to their workforce needs.

In addition, we are in the process of working with our K – 12 and other higher education partners to deploy career pathway strategies that align and integrate education, job training, counseling and support services to create seamless pathways to postsecondary credentials and employment. Finally, we will work with state and local elected officials to shed light on this issue and take action to assist in developing policy that aligns training and education efforts with area needs. At St. Louis Community College, we have 90 career and technical education programs that are geared to prepare students for careers in a wide variety of fields. We look forward to working with our educational, workforce and industry partners to address “Missouri’s forgotten middle” in the years to come!

Jeff L. Pittman is chancellor of St. Louis Community College.

Fleischer Scholars Program website. Washington University alumnus Mort Fleischer, who earned a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1958, and is founder and chairman of the board of STORE Capital, conceived and funds the program. He already has launched Fleischer Scholars programs at Arizona State University and the University of Arkansas. The deadline is March 1. For more information on the Olin Fleischer Scholars Program or to apply, visit https://olinwustl.campusgroups. com/bsba/olin-fleischerscholars/.

Jeff L. Pittman

n “I’m going to speak my mind because guess what...that’s right for a looonngg time my ancestors didn’t have a voice.”

– Martellus Bennett, New England Patriots

Battle of state-title contenders

PreP BasketBall NoteBook

With Earl Austin Jr.

The postseason is right around the corner, but there is one more tasty non-conference matchup on the docket Thursday, February 16 when Webster Groves pays a visit to Vashon in a battle of statechampionship contenders. Tip-off is at 7 p.m. and a sellout is a virtual certainty.

The Wolverines are gearing up for another run at the Class 4 state championship, which they won last year. Webster Groves is in the hunt for a Class 5 state championship. Tonight’s game will serve as a perfect tune-up before the district playoffs begin at the end of the month.

Vashon has a veteran team that is battle-tested with its national schedule, which helped them get in the national rankings early in the season. The Wolverines are led by its senior trio of 5’11” guard Daniel “Peanut” Farris, 6’8” Kansas State recruit Levi Stockard and 6’3” Koray Gilbert. They have also been getting excellent play in recent weeks from 6’8” junior Joseph Reece, a long and skilled combo forward. Sophomore guard Mario McKinney brings offensive firepower off the bench.

The Statesmen feature the one-two punch of five-star prospects Courtney Ramey and Carte’are Gordon. The 6’3” Ramey is averaging 19.6 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 6.6 assists a game. The talented junior guard recently gave a verbal commitment to Louisville. The 6’8” Gordon is averaging 18.4 points and 9.5 rebounds since joining the lineup in late January. Gordon has already verbally committed to Saint Louis University. The Statesmen also get excellent contributions from explosive 6’1” senior Cam Potts, 6’4” senior Isaiah Ford, 5’9” defensive stopper Kevin Butler and 6’3” sophomore sharpshooter Ray Adams.

District playoffs begin for small schools

The district playoffs will begin for Class 1, 2 and 3 schools in the state of Missouri, beginning this weekend. Here is a look at some of those district tournaments, involving St. Louis area teams. To see the full brackets, visit the website, www.mshsaa. org.

Class 3 District 4 (at Valley Park)

The NBA’s biggest and brightest stars are ready to put on a dazzling display of dunks, three-pointers, killer crossovers, no-look passes and matador defense. Yes, All-Star Weekend is upon us. Of all the professional sports leagues, the NBA highlights its All-Stars the best. By setting aside a full weekend for the festivities, the NBA is able to highlight its most talented players, most athletic players, best shooters and future superstars in one felled swoop. While some complain about the lack of defense in the weekend’s marquee event, the All-Star game is really about showcasing the otherworldly abilities of the best basketball players in the world. Defense wins championships. Offense wins All-Star games – and NBA fans. As the Eastern and Western

Conferences prepare to square off in New Orleans, here are some cash money All-Star predictions you can take to the bank. KD and Russ 24/7

The never-ending soap opera between former teammates Russell Westbrook and Kevin Durant will hit a crescendo Sunday night. The two superstars will share the court as teammates instead of nemeses, for the first time since Durant left OKC for golden pastures. Well, they are expected to share the court. There has been some chatter and speculation that Steve Kerr could opt to keep the former BFFs from being on the court at the same time. After all, Saturday night’s match-

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

MLB’s lack of blacks displayed in Top 10 player rankings

The MLB Network has compiled its “Top 10 Players Right Now” lists for each position, and several black players are represented. The computerized “Shredder” measures numerous statistical categories to figure the rankings – which means the human factor has been removed.

The computer sees no color. However, in the late 1970s a computer analysis concluded that Philadelphia 76ers guard Bobby Jones, who is white, was the NBA’s best all-around player.

The late Richard “Onion” Horton responded, “Well, then you have a racist computer.”

The “Shredder” might not be racist, but omitting Baltimore Orioles centerfielder Adam Jones from its Top 10 is ridiculous. Also, the Pittsburgh Pirates have moved Andrew McCutchen to right field from center – and he certainly is better than several of the 10 listed here.

It’s difficult to imagine that just 30 years ago, this compilation would have been dominated by African Americans. That was then, this is now, and MLB is slowly beginning to realize the historic and athletic importance of introducing more black youths and collegians to baseball.

The St. Louis Cardinals currently have one black player on the 25-man roster, centerfielder Dexter Fowler. Fowler, who signed with the Cards after helping the Chicago Cubs win the 2016 World Series, is ranked 10th

The Top 10 centerfielders, with black players highlighted, are Mike Trout—L.A. Angeles; Christian Yelich—Miami Marlins; George Springer—Houston Astros; Jackie Bradley, Jr.—Boston Red Sox; A.J. Pollock—Arizona Diamondbacks; Adam Eaton—Washington Nationals; Lorenzo Cain—Kansas City Royals; Charlie Blackmon—Colorado Rockies; Kevin Kiermaier—Tampa Bay Rays and Fowler

The lone position where a black player is No. 1 is right field. The summit is held by Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts. He topped Bryce Harper of the Washington Nationals. After his down season in 2016, Jason Heyward of the Chicago Cubs fell off the

list. Stephen Piscotty of the Cardinals is ranked 10th Betts—Red Sox; Harper—Nationals; Nelson Cruz - Seattle Mariners; Giancarlo Stanton - Miami Marlins; J.D. Martinez - Detroit Tigers; Jose Bautista - Toronto Blue Jays; Carlos Gonzalez - Colorado Rockies; Hunter Pence - San Francisco Giants; Josh Reddick - Houston Astros and Piscotty – Cardinals. Seriously, Ryan Braun of the Milwaukee Brewers is ranked as the top left fielder in baseball. The “Shredder” must have overdosed on WD-40. Khris Davis of the Oakland A’s, whose father is black and played professional baseball, is fourth. St. Louis’ Randal Grichuk is a surprising No. 5. Braun, Brewers; Yoenis Cespedes - New York Mets; Starling Marte - Pittsburgh Pirates; DavisAthletics; Michael Brantley - Cleveland Indians; Grichuk - Cardinals; Justin Upton - Detroit Tigers; Carlos Beltran - Houston Astros; Brett Gardner - New York Yankees and Adam Duvall - Cincinnati Reds. Addison Russell’s grand slam in Game Six of the World Series against the Cleveland Indians was just the 19th in the Fall Classic’s history. Russell joins Heyward and relief pitcher Carl Edwards Jr., as the first (and only) black players to play for the Cubs in the World Series. I wrote all that to say Russell is 10th among shortstops, somehow ranked behind the Cards’ Aledmys Diaz at No. 7. Corey Seager - Los Angeles Dodgers; Francisco Lindor - Cleveland Indians; Carlos Correa - Houston Astros; Trea Turner - Washington Nationals; Brandon Crawford - San Francisco Giants; Trevor StoryColorado Rockies; Diaz - Cardinals; Xander Bogaerts - Boston Red Sox; Troy Tulowitzki - Toronto Blue Jays and Russell - Cubs. David Price of the Boston Red Sox did not make the Top 10 of starting pitchers and there are no African Americans among MLB’s elite group. The only starting pitcher who is a minority is Johnny Cueto of the San Francisco Giants. Price had a much better 2016 that Zach Greinke and should be ranked above him. This is a travesty. The Top 10 are Clayton Kershaw – L.A. Dodgers;

Max Scherzer - Washington Nationals; Madison Bumgarner - San Francisco Giants; Jake Arrieta - Chicago Cubs; Jon Lester - Chicago Cubs; Corey Kluber - Cleveland Indians; Chris Sale - Boston Red Sox; Cueto, Giants; Noah Syndergaard - New York Mets and Zack Greinke - Arizona Diamondbacks.

There are no black catchers among the MLB Network Top 10. The Cardinals’ future Hall of Famer Yadier Molina is ranked sixth at a position dominated by Hispanic players. Buster Posey - San Francisco Giants; Jonathan Lucroy - Texas Rangers; Yasmani Grandal – L.A Dodgers; Wilson RamosTampa Bay Rays; Russell Martin - Toronto Blue Jays; Molina – Cardinals;Francisco Cervelli - Pittsburgh Pirates; J.T. Realmuto - Miami Marlins; Salvador Perez - Kansas City Royals and Welington Castillo

- Baltimore Orioles.

First base, home to several black Hall of Fame players, has no African Americans amongst its Top 10 heading into 2017. The Cards’ Matt Carpenter is ranked seventh Paul Goldschmidt—Arizona Diamondbacks; Miguel Cabrera—Detroit Tigers; Joey Votto—Cincinnati Reds; Anthony Rizzo—Chicago Cubs; Freddie Freeman—Atlanta Braves; Edwin Encarnacion—Cleveland Indians; Carpenter –Cardinals; Brandon Belt—San Francisco Giants; Chris Davis—Baltimore Orioles; Jose Abreu—Chicago White Sox. The only hope for a black player among the Top 10 at second base is Brandon Phillips, who was traded from Cincinnati to Atlanta on Monday. However, he didn’t make MLB Network’s list, leaving the position, where Jackie Robinson starred, without an African American amongst its best.

Jose Altuve—Houston Astros; Robinson Cano—Seattle Mariners; Daniel Murphy—Washington Nationals; Dustin Pedroia—Boston Red Sox; Ian Kinsler—Detroit Tigers; Jason Kipnis—Cleveland Indians; D.J. LeMahieu—Colorado

Rockies; Brian Dozier—Minnesota Twins; Logan Forsythe—Tampa Bay Rays and Ben Zobrist—Chicago Cubs. Where have you gone Terry Pendleton? Third base is also devoid of blacks amongst its Top 10. Josh Donaldson—Toronto Blue Jays; Kris Bryant—Chicago Cubs; Manny Machado—Baltimore Orioles; Nolan Arenado—Colorado Rockies; Justin Turner—Los Angeles Dodgers; Adrian Beltre—Texas Rangers; Kyle Seager—Seattle Mariners; Jung Ho Kang—Pittsburgh Pirates; Anthony Rendon—Washington Nationals and Evan Longoria—Tampa Bay Rays. Relief pitchers? Another shutout, although the Top 10 is quite international and includes Cardinals’ closer Seung Hwan Oh.

Andrew Miller - Cleveland Indians; Aroldis Chapman - New York Yankees; Zach Britton - Baltimore Orioles; Kenley Jansen - Los Angeles Dodgers; Wade DavisChicago Cubs; Mark Melancon - San Francisco Giants; Oh - Cardinals; Dellin Betances - New York Yankees; Jeurys Familia - New York Mets and Will Harris - Houston Astros.

HBCU baseball showcased

Unknown to most American baseball fans is the fact that HBCUs have a legacy of outstanding baseball programs and talented players. Black College Nines (www. blackcollenines.com) is a website devoted to “Current and Historic HBCU Baseball News.” It offers game recaps, features on players and coaches and a HBCU Baseball Poll. With respective teams’ HBCU baseball seasons just getting underway, here is the 2017 preseason poll for large and small school divisions. Large Schools – 1. Alabama State; 2. Florida A&M University; 3. BethuneCookman; 4. Jackson State University; 5. Norfolk State University; 6. Grambling State University; 7. Texas Southern University; 8. University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff; 9. North Carolina Central; 10. Southern University. Small Schools – 1. Edward Waters College; 2. West Virginia State University; 3. Winston Salem State University; 4. Benedict College;

While Harris-Stowe State University was not in the preseason small school Top 10, the Hornets could be included when the first in-season poll is released later this month. I learned at Black College Nines that the Hornets won a pair of doubleheaders last weekend at Crowley Ridge College in Paragould, Arkansas, to move to 6-2 on the season.

“We pitched very well this weekend and our guys did a great job catching the baseball behind them. Offensively we did a nice job of getting to their bullpen and we made a lot of improvement running the bases from last week,” Harris-Stowe coach C.J. Bilbrey said. Of course, today’s HBCU baseball is different than that of its past.

In 2014, Newday columnist Shaun Powell penned an article for Sports on Earth detailing how many HBU team rosters have a majority of white players.

Former Winston-Salem pitcher Scott Wells said when he and other white players are together headed to class or to practice he has heard from fellow students, “Oh, you must be the baseball team.”

“People know who we are. It’s no secret. It’s never done negatively or anything like that. It’s all in fun. But, yeah, we get that sometimes,” he said. Powell wrote, “Truthfully, the makeup of baseball teams at more than half of the HBCUs has been mostly white for years now, a racial transition that underlines the speed in which blacks have abandoned the national pastime since the 1980s.

“Imagine that: Blacks aren’t even playing baseball en masse at schools originally created to educate blacks.”

MLB Urban Invitational

The MLB Network is scheduled to air the Grambling State University vs. Southern University game at 6 p.m. Saturday, Fb. 18 from the MLB Urban Invitational Tournament in New Orleans.

Alcorn State University, Grambling, Southern and the University of Illinois-Chicago will tangle during the weekend tournament February 17-19.

This is the ninth year for the tournament, which was formerly held in Houston.

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows, including Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box” on KFNS. His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

n The lone position where a black player is No. 1 is right field. The summit is held by Boston Red Sox star Mookie Betts.

Mookie Betts of the Boston Red Sox is rated the top right fielder in Major League Baseball.

from The eAST Side

With Maurice Scott

Tommie Liddell III inducted in SLU Hall of Fame

Saint Louis University

Director of Athletics Chris May rolled out the red carpet to former Vashon alumni and Saint Louis University alltime leading scorer Anthony Bonner and a slew of others on Saturday night. However, in a very surprising gesture, SLU also honored East St. Louis’ own Tommie Liddell III as one of their all-time greats by inducting him into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame last weekend.

Liddell, who starred for the Billikens from 2005-09, was recruited by then-Billiken head coach Brad “Lost in Space” Soderberg, who is now an assistant at the University of Virginia, and Angres “AT,” Thorpe now an assistant at the University of Missouri at Kansas City. They also recruited Belleville Althoff’s Kevin “Honey Badger” Lisch, forming arguably the second best Billiken backcourt of all time, behind only Billiken greats Roland Gray and Monroe Douglass. Gray and Douglass amassed 3,757 points for the Billikens, compared to 3,238 points for Lisch and Tommie Liddell III.

The 6’4 swingman played for the late Dennis Brooks at

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Continued from B3

grill for the entire weekend. The only person who stands even a miniscule chance of getting as much screen time as Durant and Westbrook during All-Star Weekend is Chris Paul by way of those State Farm commercials that just won’t go away. James Harden for MVP While I stated that Westbrook would go all out to attempt to win a thirdstraight All-Star MVP award, I didn’t say he will win. It’s definitely possible the league could go the cheesy route and selected Westbrook and Durant as co-MVP’s should the West win (they will) and both have strong games. However, I have a feeling that James Harden will be playing with a huge chip on his shoulder.

Though Harden is averaging a ridiculous stat line of 29.1 points, 11.3 assists and 8.2 rebounds per game, he has largely been overshadowed by Westbrook’s epic triple-double season (30.9 points, 10.1 assists, 10.4 rebounds per game) and the star-studded teams in Golden State and Cleveland.

It’s undeniable that

PREP

Continued from B3

Dates: Feb. 20-25. Championship Game, Saturday, Feb. 25, 3 p.m.

Outlook: Whitfield drew the No. 1 seed. The Warriors are looking to get back to the Final Four where they finished fourth last season in the state tournament. They are led by 6’5” junior guard Torrence Watson, who is averaging 28 points a game. Whitfield’s top challengers in the district will be No. 2 seed Hancock and No. 3 seed Valley Park. These two conference rivals have already met twice with Hancock winning both games, including a 90-86 classic two weeks ago. District 5 (at Vashon)

Dates: Feb. 17-24. Championship Game, Friday, Feb. 24, 7 p.m.

Outlook: Cardinal Ritter is a solid favorite as the No. 1 seed.

The Lions advanced to the state

ESL natives joins ranks of athletic greats

East St. Louis and spent his senior year of high school at Hargrave Military Academy that has produced such legends as Coach Larry Brown and former St. Louis Rams wide receiver Torry “Big Game” Holt. In addition, he also played with the prestigious St. Louis Eagles AAU Basketball Club.

“That senior year of high school at Hargrave Military Academy in Chatham, Virginia really changed my life and made me mature as a young man,” said the soft-spoken Liddell.

“My support system was strong, and my determination to play at the collegiate level made me buckle down and do what I needed to do to get to Saint Louis University.”

Liddell’s career started off like a blaze as he earned freshman All-American honors in some publications.

Many Billiken faithful wouldn’t know how impressive Tommie Liddell III numbers were, since he had the ball taken out of his hands after late Billiken head coach Rick Majerus took over at SLU in 2007.

Both Liddell and Lisch were performing at All Conference levels in the Atlantic 10 under Soderberg. However, both Tommie Liddell III and Kevin Lisch’s play diminished under Majerus.

It’s important to note for those of you who may be thinking I’m picking on the late

coach. In previous articles I’ve often praised his X’s and O’s ability. However, I was one of his biggest critics when it came to treatment of his players, assistants and support team.

A couple of things that I still remember about Majerus during his tenure were the disdain he had for the local talent that Billikens supporters wrapped their arms around, which led to the famous quote about the “618 Backcourt,” referring to Lisch and Liddell: “They didn’t ask for me, and I didn’t ask for them.”

Or the time he ran off sensational guard Rueben Cotto from Alton High school because he thought one of his recruits Kwamain Mitchell was

going to transfer. Or last but not least on senior night Saint Louis University administration having Liddell and Lisch saying farewell to the Billiken faithful after the game in a conference lost to LaSalle in front of an empty building.

But Director of Athletics Chris May and the athletic administration showed their love for Tommie Liddell III and his family on Saturday night. And the numbers TL3 put up during his career proved them right.

Liddell finished eighth all-time in scoring at SLU behind some former players who would make your mouth water regarding the company

Westbrook is having a season for the ages, however, Harden’s Houston Rockets currently sit as the #3 seed in the West, behind the Warriors and Spurs, while the Thunder occupy the #7 spot. I fully expect Harden to come out and make a huge statement during the AllStar Game that he deserves to be right at the top of the list when it comes to regular-season MVP. Besides, if Westbrook won’t pass to Durant, Harden certainly will. The beard will bring home the hardware.

Aaron Gordon’s revenge Many people thought Orlando Magic forward Aaron Gordon deserved to

quarterfinals last season and are currently No. 1 in Class 3 this season. Their main challenges could come from Maplewood, Carnahan and Brentwood, who are talented but very young teams.

District 6 (at Orchard Farm)

Dates: Feb. 20-24. Championship Game, Friday, Feb. 24, 7p.m.

Outlook: This will be one of the most competitive Class 3 districts in the state. Northwest drew the No. 1 seed, but seven of the eight teams feel like they could make a run to the district championship. No. 2 seed Duchesne will mount a big challenge with its juniorladen lineup. McCluer SouthBerkeley, North Tech, Trinity, Lutheran North and Orchard Farm are also solid.

McCluer Comets are surging

The McCluer Comets have been on a roll in the past two weeks with a seven-game winning streak. McCluer

win last year’s dunk contest against Zach LaVine in one of the greatest slam dunk contests of all-time. LaVine bowed out this season, and then ruptured his ACL, eliminating any chance of a rematch of the epic 2016 battle.

Gordon is back hoping to win the crown and his competition is limited. DeAndre Jordan is a spectacular in-game dunker, but I have my doubts that the Clippers’ bruising center has what it takes to truly dazzle the judges in a competition. At 6-foot-11, he’s at a distinct disadvantage. Taller dunkers don’t look as graceful.

Gordon is 6-foot-9, but is

continued its streak with impressive victories over Pattonville and rival McCluer North. The Comets have an athletic team with many key players between 6’0” and 6’3’. The Comets are led by 6’1” senior forward Damond Gathing and 5’11” senior point guard Anthony Harris. McCluer has also been getting good play from 6’3” senior Gerald Moore, 6’3” sophomore Dareon Graham and 6’0” senior guard Jaylen Kemple.

Liberty wins a conference title

Wentzville Liberty has only been in existence for four years, but the Eagles now call themselves conference champions after winning the Gateway Athletic Conference Central title last week. Coach Chip Sodeman has an excellent junior duo leading the way in 6’4” Kaleb Overall and 6’1” Jaylen Sims as well as a fine post player in 6’4” senior Brian Jones.

Saint Louis University honored East St. Louis’ own Tommie Liddell III as one of their all-time greats by inducting him into the school’s athletic Hall of Fame last weekend.

and great memories for Tommie on Saturday night, exchanging congrats and gratitude from many, including longtime Billiken broadcasters Bob Ramsey and our own St. Louis American sports editor Earl Austin Jr. during the halftime ceremony. In addition, both former Billikens and NBA players Anthony Bonner Larry Hughes showed their appreciation to the local hero staying home like they once did and playing for the Billikens.

he’s with. In order, Anthony Bonner (1,972), Erwin Claggett (1,910), Roland Gray (1,880), Monroe Douglas (1,877), Scott Highmark (1,703), Kevin Lisch (1,691), Kwamain Mitchell (1,575) and Tommie Liddell III (1,547). In addition, Liddell finished his career currently number at No. 8 all- time in rebounding (740), No. 2 in minutes played 4,306 total, first in average minutes played 34.4min ppg, currently tied for sixth all- time in games started with 121, fourth all-time in 3-point field goal percentage at .454 percent (49-108). He also averaged an astonishing 6.9 rebounds a game as a freshman. It was a night of reflection

While Durant and Westbrook might have all the spotlight, James Harden may have the recipe to win the All-Star Game MVP Award.

much more nimble and agile than Jordan.

The Indiana Pacers’ Glenn

Tommie’s mom Diane Rhodes was all smiles seeing her son walk onto the court at halftime as the Billiken crowd made a thunderous applause when her son name was announced over the public address system.

“I am so honored being here tonight to honor my son achievements at Saint. Louis University,” she said. “It has been such a great weekend for Tommie and our family.” I was so proud of one off the all-time great East St. Louis Flyers on Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena and wouldn’t have missed it for the world. Finally, he got the send -off that he deserved from the Saint Louis University basketball community. Hats off to Director of Athletics Chris May, and the basketball family at Saint Louis University.

Robinson III is making his debut in the dunk contest. Judging by his extra-regular (shout out to Kenya Vaughn) in-game dunks, his chances are slim-to-none. Most of this year’s buzz is around Derrick Jones Jr. of the D-League Phoenix Suns. The 6-foot-7 rookie forward has bounced between the Phoenix Suns and its D-League affiliate the Northern Arizona Suns. During his time in the development league, he terrorized opponents with above-the-rim highlight reel finishes. His bounce is the closest thing you’ll see to LaVine’s gravity-defying ability. However, there’s a certain pressure that comes with the dunk contest. Jones can barely get off the bench in Phoenix but is expected to get up and perform in front of 17,000 screaming fans in New Orleans. Crazy hops won’t be enough. There’s a level of creativity and composure needed to walk away with the crown. Maybe Jones has the juice to pull it off, but my money is on Gordon’s experience pulling him to a narrow victory. One thing is for sure, he and Jones should put on one heck of a show in the finals.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

Berlin Roberson

McCluer South-Berkeley – Boys Basketball

The 5’8” senior guard averaged 31 points a game in leading the Bulldogs to a couple of victories last week.

Roberson had 26 points, four rebounds and three steals in a 73-55 victory over Lift for Life. He followed that up with 36 points, eight assists and seven steals in an 85-71 victory over Whitfield. For the season, Roberson is averaging 21 points a game while shooting 39 percent from 3-point range. He has connected on 61 3-pointers this season. Roberson is also averaging 2.5 assists and 2.5 steals a game for the 12-8 Bulldogs, who are currently on a six-game winning streak.

Maurice Scott

MONSANTO

continued from page B1

30-plus organizations a total of $1.1 million. Their programs collectively had touched 74,000 adults and 187,000 children.

“You change lives,” Mitchell said. “But I started to wonder how we might leverage the great work you’re doing with each other.”

He had the idea of putting them all in a room, giving each one minute to describe the organization’s mission and what they were looking for, and then break out into three-minute speed networking meetings. And that is what he had brought them out to Creve Coeur to do.

Everyone introduced themselves and described their organizations and the work they are doing. It was an impressive parade of services being poured into our community, mostly where they are needed most. Not

everyone mentioned anything in particular they were looking for by attending, but the needs that were presented covered a wide range.

Matt Menietti, executive director of Global Hack, which uses technology to solve civic and social problems, was looking for pilot schools for its coding programs.

Christie Huck, executive director of City Garden Montessori School, said they were looking for help in “addressing how segregated our region’s schools are and how to make them more racially and socioeconomically integrated.”

Matt Schindler, executive director of Gateway Greening, said they were looking for three or four acres of good earth in the city to consolidate their scattered operations.

Then they all went through a structured cycle of speed networking, trying to match needs to resources, or at least start conversations about future collaborations.

“I enjoyed hearing from

each community partner during the one-minute speed networking time,” said Michael Whitley, development director for the St. Louis Public School Foundation.

“Although more time was needed to share or connect more with others in the room, it was helpful to understand the needs of so many.”

Afterwards, Mitchell said he was “hopeful this meeting helped spark relationships” that will enable Monsanto Fund to reach even more people in need with its future investments.

“Our goal was to provide a venue for these organizations to meet one another and find common ground,” Mitchell said. “If one connection was made that helps reach more students in the region, then I feel the event was a success. Looking around the room and seeing all the positive interaction that took place, and hearing some of the feedback, I’m very encouraged.”

Financial Focus

By Veronica Coleman

Overcome ‘roadblocks’ to a comfortable retirement

In

•

how long you’ll live, but you can make some reasonable guesses – and you might be surprised at your prospects. According to the Social Security Administration, men reaching age 65 today can expect to live, on average, until age 84.3, while women turning age 65 today can anticipate living, on

•

Photo by Wiley Price

Lucinda Perry, director of strategic initiatives for Operation Food Search, connects with Al Mitchell, president of Monsanto Fund, at a speed-networking session for nonprofits serving children that the fund hosted recently.

Living It

Jazz great Al Jarreau passes at 76

Couples and St. Louis music fans had an opportunity to cap off Valentine’s Day weekend with a dose of throwback R&B thanks to K-Ci and JoJo. They performed a string of hits from their Jodeci days as well as their spin off hits as a duo before a packed house at The Pageant Sunday night. The show, presented by RockHouse Ent. and Liquid Assets, also showed love to St. Louis talent by featuring singer Nikko Smith and comedian Darius Bradford.

‘We’re In This Love Together’ singer dies days after announcing retirement

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Just days the after seven-time Grammy Award-winning beloved jazz vocalist announced his retirement from touring due to failing health, Al Jarreau died Sunday in Los Angeles at the age of 76.

On Thursday, the singer’s representatives announced via Twitter that he would not return to the stage.

“He is thankful for his 50 years of traveling the world in ministry through music, and for everyone to share this with him – his faithful audience, the dedicated musicians, and so

many others who supported his efforts,” the announcement said. His manager Joe Gordon confirmed Jarreau’s passing Sunday morning.

“He was in the hospital, kept comfortable by Ryan, Susan, and a few of his family and friends,” Gordon’s statement read.

Nicknamed the “Acrobat of Scat” for his innovative vocal stylings, Jarreau released more than 20 albums over the course of his career and achieved success that rippled from jazz into the genres of Pop and R&B music.

See JARReAU, C4

Lady Day’s revolutionary beauty, spirit and power

Max and Louie to present Billie Holiday musical at The Kranzberg

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

LeVar Burton on the power of storytelling

talk Wednesday

Actor and advocate demands community to ‘rise up’ and unite for education

By Harlan McCarthy

For The St. Louis American

“Storytelling has always provided for us a context of who we are,” Emmy Award winning actor, director and education advocate LeVar Burton told the audience during his talk Wednesday (Feb. 8) at Saint Louis University’s Marvin and Harlene Wool Center. Burton illustrated the important link between storytelling and learning for his contribution to the speaker series presented by SLU Great Issues Committee and the Department of English.

He is perhaps best known for his starring role in “Roots” and as host of “Reading Rainbow,” a television program which ran for 26 years – and is the fourth longest running show in PBS history. Burton recollected how he and the creators of Reading Rainbow used television to steer kids in the direction of literature.

Since the show ended in 2009, Burton has redirected his focus towards a newer generation of children with the Reading Rainbow App (http://apple.co/2k7v6sr). Burton credits this app as part of the future platform of solving the crisis of literacy and education. He believes that the technology in place now can give kids more of an interactive learning experience.

n “We need to fund the soldiers in ourselves, rise together, and make our voices heard.

- LeVar Burton

“She died in 1959, so the big question is, ‘what is so compelling about Billie Holiday’s story that nearly 60 years later that we are still intrigued by her?’” Abdul Hamid Royal, who portrays her pianist Jimmie Powers, in the upcoming Max and Louie production of Lanie Robertson’s “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” asked the question and provided the answer.

“There’s a lot to be said about the enduring spirit of black people – and the ways in which we can create in the midst of incredibly difficult and trying circumstances,” Royal said. “We’ve always been able to create beauty in the midst of horror and find joy in the midst of pain. That’s

See LADY, C4

“People ask me all the time, printed or digital books? I don’t care, I just want kids to read,” Burton said. The foundation for his love of literature and arts stems from his mother, Erma Gene Christian. He also stressed the importance of diversity in media platforms to create healthy self-images. Burton cited Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry as someone who inspired him at an early age to realize there was a place for him and other minorities on TV. His childhood fantasy came to reality when he played Lt. Commander Geordi La Forge, in “Star Trek: The Next Generation.”

“I share with you my love for science fiction literature, and when I was growing up it was certainly rare for me to see depictions in the pages of those novels of heroes who looked like me,” Burton said. “Television was hardly better in terms of reflecting a world as racial diverse as the one I lived in every day. It was rare to see lead actors like Clarence Williams III. Seeing ‘Star Trek’ on TV was huge for me growing up – having seen Nichelle Nichols on TV. What Gene was saying is that when the future came, there was a place for me.”

During the Q&A session of the lecture, Burton was asked to share his thoughts on the current state of politics, in particular, the recent confirmation of Betsy DeVos as Secretary of Education under the Trump administration.

“Rise the [expletive] up,” Burton said. “We need to fund the soldiers in ourselves, rise together, and make our voices heard. We must be loud enough and long enough until the listening begins.”

Burton recalled the time he joined Fred See BURTON, C4

Photo by Harlan McCarthy Emmy Award-winning actor, director and education advocate LeVar Burton during his

at Saint Louis University’s Marvin and Harlene Wool Center presented by the SLU Great Issues Committee and the Department of English.

Alex J. Roston will portray Billie Holiday in Max and Louie’s production of ‘Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill’ which opens this weekend at The Kranzberg Arts Center and continues through March 4.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

black history activities

Thur., Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m., Maplewood Public Library presents The Incredible Story of Reconciliation

The remarkable story of Harriet and Dred Scott clearly resonates on the eve of the 160th Anniversary of the Dred Scott Decision. Hear their story from their great-great granddaughter, Lynne Jackson, President and Founder of the Dred Scott Heritage Foundation. 7550 Lohmeyer, 63143. For more information, call (314) 781-2174 or visit www.maplewood.lib.mo.us.

Thur., Feb. 16, 7 p.m., National Blues Museum and HEC-TV host A Conversation with Reena Evers-Everette and David Dennis, Sr.: Inside the Civil Rights Movement. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information or to RSVP, call (314) 925-0016 or visit www.nationalbluesmuseum.

org.

Fri., Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents Lift Every Voice: Black History Month Celebration. Join the STL Symphony, guest Byron Stripling and the IN UNISON Chorus to commemorate culture and community. 718 N. Grand blvd., 63103. For more information call 314-534-1700 or visit www.stlsymphony.org.

Sat, Feb. 18, 8 a.m., The Black History Month Health Fair & Luncheon. Free lunch and a performance by J Moss. St. Louis Union Station, 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 692-5639 or visit www.heart. org/2017stlmlk.

Sun., Feb. 19, 6 p.m. (5 p.m. doors), Community Women Against Hardship Black History Month Benefit Concert with special guest Russell Gunn, Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington. For more information, call (314) 571-6000.

Mon., Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., Webster University MCISA Black History Month Event with keynote speaker Soledad O’Brien. Join us as we discuss race relations and social inequality. Loretto-Hilton Center for the Performing Arts, 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 246-7658 or visit www. events.webster.edu.

Tues., Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., The Loyola Cemetery in French Guiana: Memory of Slavery at a Sugar Plantation. Réginald Auger discusses the 500 slaves labored on a sugar plantation to produce a number of cash crops under the close supervision of a handful of missionaries. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd.,

Featured Event

Fri., Feb. 24, 7 p.m., National Blues Museum presents The Great Migration Tour feat. Fernando Jones, Marquise Knox, and Vasti Jackson. 615 Washington Ave., 63101.

63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Wed., Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m., Mound City Bar Association’s Historical Tribute to Celia. Celia was a Missouri slave that was tried and executed for killing the master who raped her. 10th Street Gallery, 419 N. Tenth St., 63101.

Thur., Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m.,

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 7th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking & Awards Reception. See SPECIAL EVENTS for additional details.

Concert Series with Eugene Johnson Band. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseumorg.

Fri., Feb. 24, 7 p.m., National Blues Museum presents The Great Migration Tour feat. Fernando Jones, Marquise Knox, and Vasti Jackson. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. Fri., Feb. 24, 8 p.m. Charlie Wilson’s In it to Win It Tour featuring special guests Fantasia and Johnny Gill, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

special events

(314) 352-2900 or visit www. slpl.org.

The Lawyers’ Association Black History Month Dinner. Westin Hotel, 811 Spruce St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 454-6543.

Thur., Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., Conversations with a King: The Life and Speeches of Martin Luther King, Jr. Gregory Carr will perform four of Martin Luther King, Jr.’s greatest speeches, Ferguson Municipal Public Library, 35 N. Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www. ferguson.lib.mo.us.

Thur., Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., Maplewood Public Library presents St. Louis Freedom Struggle, 1821-1968. The program will focus on St. Louis’ role during the periods before Brown v. Board of Education and the modern Civil Rights Movement. 7550 Lohmeyer, 63143. For more information, call (314) 7812174 or visit www.maplewood. lib.mo.us.

Thur., Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents The Black Experience: Specializing in the Art of the Impossible Dr. Stefan Bradley and De Nichols discuss unlikely victories and impossible odds that face African Americans. Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl. org.

Sat., Feb. 25, 1 p.m., Black History Month Cinema: Coach Carter. St. Louis Public Library, Buder Branch, 4401 Hampton Ave., 63109. For more information, call

Sat., Feb. 25, 2:30 p.m., True Light Missionary Baptist Church Progressive League hosts its Annual Black History Program featuring The Dynamic Silver Wings, 2838 James “Cool Papa” Bell Ave., 63106 at Glasgow Ave. For more information, call (314) 531-1801.

Sat., Feb. 25, St. Louis County Library presents the Gift of Gospel Celebration Featuring Eneazer Blissett Layne, Pastor David Catron, and the New Mount Zion choir. Lewis & Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., 63136.

Tues., Feb. 28, 6:15 p.m., Westminster Christian Academy presents Night of the Arts: a Celebration of Black History Month Featuring performances from all of our performing arts groups: choir, band, jazz band, orchestra, drama, and dance. 800 Maryville Centre Dr., 63017. For more information, call (314) 997-2900 or visit www.wcastl.org.

Through Feb. 28, African American Inventors Exhibit St. Louis County Library, St. Louis County Library – Thornhill Branch, 12863 Willowyck Drive. For more information, visit www.slcl. org.

concerts

Fri., Feb. 17, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents Set the Night to Music feat. Rod Tate and Love Jones the Band. Lewis & Clark Branch, 9909 LewisClark Blvd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 9943300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Fri., Feb. 17, 7 p.m., The National Blues Museum presents Howlin’ Fridays

Wed. Feb. 15, 9 a.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc., St. Clair County Division Hiring Event. Over 20 employers will be present with hundreds of job opportunities including: Boeing, UPS, SSM, Fed Ex, and more. Village of Cahokia Fitness Center, 509 Camp Jackson Rd., 62206. For more information, call (618) 2741150 or visit www.ulstl.org.

Sat., Feb. 18, 1 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents Gentlemen of Vision The dance troupe will take you on a journey with stepping. Jamestown Bluff Branch, 4153 N. Highway 67, 63034. Sat., Feb. 18, 6:30 p.m., Gitana Productions presents Faces of Love Concert and Dinner. Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 721-6556 or visit www.gitana-inc.org.

Sat., Feb. 18, 9 p.m., Phi Chapter of Alpha Psi Kappa Fraternity, Inc. will be hosting its 3rd Annual Bowties & Stilettos – a fundraiser , 14th Street Artist Gallery, 2701 North 14th Street.

Sun., Feb. 19, 11 a.m., I Do I Do Wedding Show. Bridgeton Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (636) 492-1750.

Tues., Feb. 21, 6 p.m., St. Louis Downtown Neighborhood Association hosts the 5th Ward Alderman Candidate Forum. Candidates will discuss their vision for the 5th Ward and the City of St. Louis. Confirmed candidates include Megan Betts, Robert Green, Reign Harris, Tammika Hubbard, and Bob Ray. St. Louis Public Library, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Tues., Feb. 21, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis Legacy Ensemble invites you to Legacy Jam 2017 feat. Steve Ewing. The evening starts with a clinic for the students followed by a set, and then a Professionals of Legacy Set. BB’s Jazz, Blues, & Soups, 700 S. Broadway, 63012. For more information, visit www.

stlouislegacyensemble.com.

Wed., Feb. 22, 6 p.m., Wake Up Judah, LLC presents Black Business & Pleasure Mixer. Join us as we celebrate and support Black Business with a night featuring local artists and entrepreneurs. Bar Code Sit & Sip, 10806 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63074. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Thur., Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m.,

The St. Louis American Foundation’s 7th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking & Awards Reception. Four Seasons Hotel, 999 N. 2nd St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 533-8000 or visit www. stlamerican.com.

Sat., Feb. 25, 2:30 p.m., True Light Missionary Baptist Church Progressive League hosts its Annual Black History Program, 2838 James “Cool Papa” Bell Ave., 63106 at Glasgow Ave. For more information, call (314) 5311801.

Sat., Feb. 25, 7 p.m., Africa: We Love to Dance - Mega Concert. Star dancer Malena Amusa & Co. take you on a rare journey into African dance, from the Congo, Guinea, South Africa, and urban Black America. The Lux Theater, 2619 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 458-4282 or visit www. africawelovetodance.com.

Feb. 25 – 26, Peabody Opera House presents Shen Yun. A wondrous tapestry of heavenly realms, ancient legends, and modern heroic tales, taking you on a journey through 5,000 years of genuine Chinese culture. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (858) 405-1261 or visit www.tickets.shenyun.com.

Tues., Feb. 28, 11 a.m., St. Louis Community College Career Fair. Ninety companies looking to fill full- and part-time positions, as well as offer internship opportunities, will be on

campus during the events. Forest Park Campus, Cafeteria, 5600 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 984-7611 or visit www. stlcc.edu.

comedy

Sat., Feb. 18, 6 p.m., Christians Need To Laugh Too presents Post-Valentine “It’s All About Love” Gospel Music & Comedy Blowout There will be various dynamic musicians, singers, and comedians. Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 1440 S. Compton Ave., 63104. For more information, call (314) 2254338 or (314) 388-1718.

Fri., Feb. 24, 8 p.m., Maryville African Students Organization invites you to African Comedy Night Featuring Africa’s finest, IamDulo. Buder Commons, 650 Maryville University Dr., 63141. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Mar. 4, 8 p.m., The Center Stage Comedy Tour starring Sommore, Arnez J, Tommy Davidson and John Witherspoon, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

literary

Fri., Feb. 17, 7 p.m., Living Legends: Sheroes of the Millenium Book Signing. A collection of poetry based on the life and times of two sisters, Adrienne L. Draper and Aja La’Starr. 14th Artist Community Gallery, 2701 North 14th St., 63106. For more information, call (314) 456-7520.

Tues., Feb. 21, 12:30 p.m., Mariah Richardson will read and discuss her new book Madeline Delilah, Student Center – Café West, St. Louis Community College –Forest Park.

Tues., Feb. 21, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Kathleen Grissom, author

of Glory Over Everything A heart-racing story about a man’s journey through the twists and turns of the Underground Railroad on a mission to save the boy he swore to protect. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 3676731 or visit www.left-bank. com.

Tues., Feb. 21, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Elliot Ackerman, author of Dark at the Crossing Set in 2013 as the Syrian revolution wanes and the Islamic State rises, this is the entangled story of an IraqiAmerican intent on crossing the border to fight in Syria, and a Syrian couple scarred by the loss of their only daughter. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org.

Sat., Feb. 25, 1 p.m., Sunni

include Dave Stone, Brian Curran, Sole Loan, and many others. 7190 Manchester Rd., 63143. For more information, call (314) 781-4440 or visit www.artistsfirststl.org.

Sat., Feb. 18, 1 p.m., Golden Galleries & Art by Golden invite you to an Art Exhibit & Sale. Over 150 pieces will be on exhibit. Proceeds will benefit Christian Hospital Foundation. 11133 Dunn Rd., 63136. For more information or to RSVP, call (314) 6534410.

Mon., Feb. 27, 7 p.m., Citizen Artist St. Louis invites you to a Mayoral Town Hall on Arts and Culture. Topics will focus on leadership and policy development for the arts. Confirmed candidates are Jeffrey Boyd, Antonio French, William Haas, Tishaura Jones, Lyda Krewson, Jonathan McFarland, and Lewis Reed. The Luminary, 2701 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www. citizenartstl.com.

Hutton’s “The Art of Hurting” Book Release. Mesa Home, 2519 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Feb. 25, 1 p.m., Sunni Hutton’s “The Art of Hurting” Book Release. Mesa Home, 2519 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Through February 28, St. Louis County Library’s Winter Reading Club. All ages are invited to participate. For more information please call 314 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org/winter-readingclub.

Fri., Feb. 17, 6 p.m., Artists First presents Arts in Unity: An Art Show and Music Event Celebrating the Beauty of Diversity. Performers

Through Mar. 31, National Blues Museum presents Women of the Blues: A Coast-to-Coast Collection 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 925-0016 or visit www. womenoftheblues.com.

theatre

Through Mar. 5, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents To Kill a Mockingbird. Scout Finch is growing up in Depression-era Alabama, where poverty and prejudice dominate daily life. With the guidance of her wise father, Atticus, the rebellious Scout discovers her own path. 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, visit www. repstl.org call (314) 968-4925.

Feb. 17 – Mar. 14, Max & Louie Productions’ presents “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill,” The Kranzberg Arts Center. For more information, visit http:// maxandlouie.com/

Wed., Feb. 22, 3 p.m., Project AWARE invites you to a Family Resource Fair. Connect with local organizations and agencies supporting families in North County. Ferguson Community Center, 1050 Smith Ave., 63135. For more information, call (314) 516-8445 or visit www.mhfamissouri.org/ resource-fair.

Sat., Feb. 27, 6:30 p.m., Sickle Cell Association Support Group. Meetings are every fourth Monday of the month. 5615 Pershing Avenue, Ste. 29, 63112. For more information, call (314) 833-6751 or visit www. sicklecellassociation.org. Mondays, 6:30 p.m., Yoga & Chill. A beginner-friendly, all levels (75 minute) class that spends time working through fundamental yoga postures and shapes while exploring alignment, breathing, relaxation techniques, and a good time. Modern Healer Studio, 1908 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

spiritual

Feb. 16 – 18, 3:30 p.m., The Legend Singers present the 2017 Festival of AfricanAmerican Spirituals. For more information, call (314) 524-9086 or visit www. legendsingers.org/EventFlyers.

Fri., Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Believer’s Temple Word Fellowship Men’s Ministry invites you to Swag with a Purpose: Faith, Family, Finance. Calling all men to come out and experience a word that is needed to uplift our men and support them through new thought processes and most importantly showing strength in numbers. 2115 Chambers Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 388-0801 or visit www. eventbrite.com.

Webster University MCISA Black History Month Event with keynote speaker Soledad O’Brien. For more information, see BLACK HISTORY MONTH ACTIVITIES.

AddLife presents ‘Africa: We Love to Dance’

Concert uses movement to commemorate Black History Month

Special to The American

“Feeling the rhythms of Africa and seeing the beautiful dance and stories, your heart will melt and expand. An incredible joy washes over you,” said Malena Amusa, founder of the entertainment company Addlife! World. “But also, people will fall in love again, with Africa, with life, and the soul of black people who continue to inspire this world.”

In honor of Black History Month, Adlife! will present “Africa: We Love to Dance” at 7 p.m. on Saturday, February 25 at The Lux (2619 Washington Blvd).

The show is jam-packed

with live music, songs, and dances inspired by Africa, from Guinea, the Congo, Nigeria, South Africa, Senegal, Mali, Ivory Coast and Egypt. This concert is one of Amusa’s biggest –providing audiences with high doses of joy and fun, along with the dance and choreography.

Coming off the heels of Valentine’s Day, “We Love to Dance” focuses on love, and the power of coming together for a bigger cause. Choreographers include Amusa, Robert ‘RauTu’ Harris, who toured extensively with Destiny’s Child, and Carrie Collins-Whitfield, an African-American ballet force. Amusa feels that one of the most exciting elements of what she offers as an artist is the weaving together of African and African-American expressions, movements, and experiences.

“In one breath, my choreography can be as fierce as Shango, the African deity, and as smooth and lyrical as a Marvin Gaye ballad in the next,” said Amusa, a Nigerian-American born in St. Louis.

The show pulls from Amusa’s extensive study of

LADY

Continued from C1

our story – and that’s Billie Holiday’s story.”

The play also stars Alexis J. Roston as Holiday in the production, which runs February 17 - March 4 at The Kranzberg Arts Center.

“Lady Day” takes place in South Philadelphia in March 1959 and sees Holiday performing in a dive club just before her passing in July of the same year. Wrapped around some of her biggest hits – such as, “What A Little Moonlight Can Do,” “God Bless The Child” and “Strange Fruit” –the play offers anecdotes that give insight on her storied career and add context to the tragic side of her life that, at times, overshadowed her gift.

“I want people to see this play and recognize the power of this black woman – and black women in general,” Royal said. “It’s easy to see the tragedy – and the ravages of what addiction can do to you. But that’s not what you leave Billie Holiday with. You leave with a longing for what would she have ultimately become. She brought a sound that we hadn’t heard before. She took what she had and because of its uniqueness, people were drawn to it.”

dance across Africa and the U.S. The cast will perform the captivating Gumboot dance from South Africa – a footstomping stepdance which Amusa learned 12 years ago while on a trip to Johannesburg, and later as a company member of the Las Vegas-based Cirque Zuma Zuma.

“I’m really excited about the Gumboot dance because it’s so complex, yet captivating,” Amusa said. “It takes you straight to South Africa, where the creative struggle to resist oppression rocked the world.”

In addition to the entertainment, Amusa ultimately hopes to reconnect people with the power of love and togetherness.

“I hope by honoring our past and present, I can put forth a vision for the future,” Amusa said. “One where families, communities, couples and individuals work together to achieve great things.”

“Africa: We Love to Dance” will take place 7pm at The Lux Theater at 2619 Washington Ave in St. Louis. Doors open at 6:30pm. Tickets are $10 to $35. For tickets and more information, call (314) 458 - 4282 or visit Africawelovetodance.com.

Holiday was as bold as she was talented and beautiful. At the height of her fame, she became an ambassador for black glamour at a time when the only images of people of color being flooded within the

JARREAU

Continued from C1

He was born Alwyn Lopez Jarreau on March 12, 1940 in Milwaukee with music in his blood.

“My mother was a piano teacher and church organist. My dad was a minister, and a singer,” Jarreau said in a 2012 interview with All About Jazz.

“My brothers were singing quartet music in the living room when I was 4 and 5 years old. They were singing ... [scatting]...stuff like that, that’s what I wanted to be like. I wanted to be like my brothers, singing this jazzy music.”

Not long after earning a master’s degree in vocational rehabilitation from the University of Iowa, Jarreau moved to San Francisco –where he began moonlighting

mainstream were negative and stereotypical.

“She was a jazz singer in the line of many greats and would set the foundation in jazz and other genres because of the way that she used her sound,” Royal said. “She presents a sort of black elegance that had not been embraced – both visually and vocally.”

Not only did she illustrate the beauty of her people, through her art, she exposed the ugliness and terror imposed on them by whites.

n “Lady Day” takes place in South Philadelphia in March 1959 and sees Holiday performing in a dive club just before her passing in July of the same year.

When she released the song, “Strange Fruit” in 1939, she could have been lynched herself for simply singing the words.

“Keep in mind, ‘Strange Fruit’ got her in trouble with the government,” Royal said.

“The FBI opened a file on her. There was something about the way that she sang – the truth and voracity of the way that she sang these words – and it unapologetically brought to the forefront the horrors of the Jim Crow South.”

Her music was revolutionary, but so was the entire genre it

as a musician in the late 1960s.

While there he met a young unknown pianist named George Duke. Jarreau decided to quit his day job and join the George Duke trio.

Duke, who became a jazz legend in his own right, would be the inspiration for Jarreau’s final studio album – 2014’s “My Old Friend: Celebrating George Duke.”

Jarreau’s ascent into jazz royalty as a solo artist began with the release of his Grammy Award-winning debut album, 1976’s “We Got By.” Jarreau’s biggest commercial success would come by way of his sophomore release “Breakin’ Away,” which included the hit single “We’re In This Love Together.” The 1981 album transcended genres and enjoy success on the Pop, R&B and jazz charts. The sound of “Breakin’ Away,” particularly “We’re In

BURTON

Continued from C1

Rogers (best known for his PBS show Mr. Rogers) and network executives to meet with then President Bill Clinton and his staff on the topic of the effect of television on children.

grew out of.

“Jazz was in many ways in response to trivialization of African-American artists. All of this art is social commentary,” Royal said. “Everything that Billie sang was infused with everything that she was. She wanted people to understand that this is revolutionary.”

Royal hopes that the show causes the audience to question the state of America today with respect to race and stand on the shoulders of her efforts to continue the fight for equality.

“If she had just been another singer, we would have been saying ‘wow, she really could sing.’ But we are talking about her on a number of levels, because she wasn’t really afraid of anything,” Royal said. “She was a black woman for real.” He believes audiences will see through “Lady Day” that Holiday lived life on her own terms – for good or for ill – and she used her art as a form of activism for the sake of her people.

“There is something triumphant about the spirit within Billie Holiday,” Royal said. “I hope people leave tapping their feet to the music, but also notice the conditions that led to ‘Strange Fruit’ and how close we are in proximity to them all these years later –and ask ourselves what we can do about things to make them better.”

Max and Louie’s production of “Lady Day at Emerson’s Bar and Grill” will run February 17- March 4 at The Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand Ave. For more information, visit www.maxandlouie.com.

This Love Together,” managed to resonate with a myriad of music lovers – from the MTV generation to disciples of “quiet storm” soul music – and yet the recording still managed to appease his core audience of jazz lovers.

Although Jarreau never replicated the mainstream success he enjoyed in the early 1980s, many of his subsequent albums topped the contemporary jazz charts and he remained a concert draw and beloved musical figure around the world.

He received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2001. And despite a series of health setbacks, Jarreau remained a relentless and committed touring artist right up until the very end. Jarreau is survived by his wife, Susan, and son Ryan.

“When it was his time to speak, he (Fred Rogers) did something simple,” Rogers said. “He asked everyone to close their eyes and think about someone who helped them reach their potential in life if that be teacher or whoever.” He then reminded the crowd to remember no one can succeed life alone.

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1967, if you have not received a letter or e-mail, call 314-533-6087 or Beaumontclassof67@ sbcglobal.net with your contact information. Several activities are planned for the week of June 6-11, 2017. Meet & greet on 6-9-17, banquet on 6-1017, church services 6-11-17 at Greater Mt. Carmel and a brunch after services. Our scheduled meetings are 2-1817, 3-18-17, 4-15-17 and 5-2017 at the Normandy library at 1:30 p.m.

Beaumont Alumni Class 1968 meetings in preparation

Celebrations

Birthdays

Happy 75th Birthday to our loving mother, Clenora Stafford, on February 19. We pray that you have many more years of love, peace and happiness. Love always, your children, Eric, Alisa and Trezette.

Happy Birthday to my son, Kafian Clarke, on February 18. Greetings from your mom Rose and wife Kamilah, with love!

Happy Birthday Robert Parker on February 21. We love and miss you! Mom, Dad and your brother Brian

Happy Birthday to J’Von T. Saunders, (left), who turns 11 on February 16. We love you! From, mom Tami Bond (RIP), dad DJ Saunders, sister Lamyah Allen, papa Dennis Saunders, nana Paula Bond, papa David Bond and all your aunts, uncles, cousins and others. Enjoy your day!

for their 50th Class Reunion will be held at STL County Library, 7606 Natural Bridge, St. Louis MO, 63121 on Saturdays, 1-4 p.m. on Feb. 25, March 25, April 22, May 20 and June 24. For more information email bhsco1968@ att.net or call 314 869-8312.

Beaumont High School, Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion in 2018. For further information, please contact: Marietta Shegog Shelby, 314-799-5296, madeshe@sbcglobal.net.

Sumner Class of 1965 is planning a “70th” Birthday Cruise for October 2017. If you’re interested and want to receive more information, please contact Luther Maufas (314) 541-4556, Brenda Smith Randall (314)382-1528, or Laura Young (314) 328-3512 with name, address so the info can be mailed to you.

Sumner Class of 1967 is planning its 50-year reunion.

Please contact Carlotte Algee Stancil at algee1999@ yahoo.com; DonnaYoung Rycraw at donnarycraw@ aol.com or Stella Smith Hunt at stellalhunt58@sbcglobal. net, 314-381-5104 with email, address and phone number.

Sumner Alumni Association hosts its 14th Annual Membership Round-Up Sunday, February 26, 2017, 1-4 pm at Sumner High School. Events: Reception 12:45-1:45 pm (gym) with displays, souvenirs and more; New/renewal alumni memberships (vestibule); Program 2 pm (auditorium) with a great line-up of entertainment. Canned goods accepted for Ville church food pantry. Contact: J. House at 314.420.3442. Vendors contact B. Louis at 314.385.9843 (fee $50 in advance) or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo. com.

Vashon Class of 1957 is having its 60-year reunion

on May 20, 2017 at the Atrium at the rear of Christian N.E. Hospital on Dunn Road. Classes 1955-1959 are welcomed. For more information, please contact Lovely (Green) Deloch at 314867-1470, Marlene (Randall) Porter at 314-653-0107, Mae (Simmons) Mahone at 314653-0818 or Phyllis (Bolden) Washington at 314-531-9925.

Vashon Class of 1967 is planning its 50-year reunion and is need of contact information for all interested alumni. Please contact JoAnn Alvoid at alvoidjoe8@gmail. com; Sarah (Taylor) Robinson at srobinson647@hotmail. com; or Sonya (Walker) Smith at 314.381.8221, with your address, email and phone

Vashon High School 90th Anniversary Celebration will be held at Renaissance Hotel Airport St. Louis, October 6-7, 2017. On October 5, 2017, there will be an Alumni Day at Vashon High School. Please save the dates.

St. Louis Community College needs your help identifying STLCC alumni. Alumni are encouraged to visit the website: www.stlcc.edu/foundation/, to become members or update information. For more information, contact Ashley Budde, coordinator of alumni relations, at abudde6@stlcc. edu, or 314-539-5145.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

on

of

and

We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Clenora Stafford

Kafian Clarke

Robert Parker

MO Catholic Conference rejects Trump’s policy on refugees

By the Missouri Catholic Conference

The recent executive order to turn away refugees and to narrow or close our nation’s doors to our migrant sisters and brothers who are fleeing hunger, hardships, violence and persecution does not represent the best of our Catholic and American values and ideals. As Catholics, we appreciate the concern shown to Christians, many of whom have been violently targeted because of their faith, murdered, and seen their churches destroyed, but we are disheartened and alarmed by actions that target and profile others because of the color of their skin, the language they speak, the religion they profess and the land they call home.

We understand and strongly support efforts to make our country safe from terrorism and violence. Every country has a right and a duty to protect its citizens and secure its borders. But our safety will not be achieved by isolation. America will be safer by seeking to create a more just and peaceful world.

The notion that a thriving society would benefit from biased policies and practices based on ignorance, fear and a disordered nationalism corrodes the very essence of our American spirit and impoverishes our democratic life. As citizens of this great land and as members of the Catholic community, we are particularly concerned about our Muslim sisters and brothers whose lives are becoming increasingly difficult and whose safety is being threatened by this recent turn of events in our structures of government and society.

Welcoming the stranger, the immigrant and the refugee have been long-standing hallmarks of our American way of life and religious convictions. Over the years, civic, government, religious institutions, and organizations in our nation and region have trusted the thorough vetting process in place, and together have labored to help resettle families, men, women and children from many parts of the world. And, in our experience of integrating our migrant and refugee sisters and brothers into our common way of life, we have seen our families, neighborhoods, cities, and faith communities flourish.

The responsibility to welcome and care for the migrant and refugee are not only public and social virtues, but also find common ground and resolve in faith: “Come you that are blessed by

my Father…for I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me” (Matthew 25: 34-35).

This Gospel mandate to actively reach out and welcome the stranger has guided our Catholic social values and practices for centuries. Throughout our Catholic tradition, we have learned to be attentive to the needs of the poor, the marginalized, and the vulnerable. In faith, we have come to recognize and know the face of Christ in the migrant and refugee. Earlier this month our Holy Father reminded us of this teaching, saying that “Biblical revelation urges us to welcome the stranger; it tells us that in so doing, we open our doors to God, and that in the faces of others we see the face of Christ himself.”

Furthermore, as Catholics we believe that our responsibility to help the most vulnerable means helping those in need, especially those who in our day are forcibly being displaced from their homes and are experiencing incredible difficulties. Our commitment to life and religious freedom teaches us that we must welcome all faiths and cultures at our shores and doors, mindful of the inherent dignity found in them and ready to grow in God’s grace. In faith, we believe that each person, regardless of their official status, is made in the image and likeness of God, and as such deserves to be treated with respect, justice, and love.

The sentiment of a protestor who branded President Trump a white nationalist in a sign displayed at a January 21 rally in St. Louis goes a little further than the Missouri Catholic Conference, who accused Trump of issuing “biased policies and practices based on ignorance, fear and a disordered nationalism.”

In this spirit of compassion and solidarity, we, the Catholic bishops of Missouri, join our brother bishops, religious and civic leaders, the larger Catholic community and people of good will in opposing the executive order which seeks to narrow and close the doors to our most vulnerable migrants and refugees. The Catholic dioceses in Missouri will continue to be places of welcome, service, and mutual hospitality, especially to the suffering and most vulnerable among us.

Let us hear the words of Pope Francis anew: “No one can remain insensitive to the inequalities that persist in the world! Everybody, according to his or her particular opportunities and responsibilities, should be able to make a personal contribution to putting an end to so many social injustices. The culture of selfishness and individualism that often prevails in our society is not, I repeat, not what builds up and leads to a more habitable world: rather, it is the culture of solidarity that does so; the culture of solidarity means seeing others not as rivals or statistics, but brothers and sisters. And we are all brothers and sisters!”

Signed by Most Reverend James V. Johnston Jr., Bishop of Kansas City-St. Joseph; Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson, Archbishop of St. Louis; Most Reverend Edward M. Rice, Bishop of Springfield-Cape Girardeau; Most Reverend John R. Gaydos, Bishop of Jefferson City.

Set free by Jesus

The revelation of Jesus as Lord and Savior removes a lot of barriers and obstacles and burdens that we as human beings place upon ourselves along with the expectations of life as we have come to know it, as well. That’s why I believe as people initially come to Christ, they are overcome by a fresh perspective about life, an enlightened one.

James Washington

Addictions are finally overcome, hurt feelings are healed, guilt is removed and insecurities conquered when Jesus is allowed to enter the picture. Fears are conquered. That’s what I believe people mean when they say “set free.” In that context of spiritual awareness being blood bought and saved, I have been set free from fear, worry, anger, greed, selfishness, self-doubt and even self-hate. These things have hopefully been replaced with honesty and integrity, hope and truth, the promise of everlasting life, confidence and, above all, love. One of the hardest things to understand in this life, and then act upon, is this love yourself thing. God even commands us to love our neighbors as we love ourselves. Without Christ in your life, the concept of self-love can sometimes be distorted and can, in many cases, become perverted. Love along with humility is an awesome thing. When love is set free within you, life takes on a whole new meaning. You no longer have to live in the shadows of pretense; rather, you can now live in the light of truth. I can be who I really am and so can you. Then the world will see you as God sees you and not who you think it ought to see. I am who God made. If that’s good enough for God, then certainly it’s good enough for anyone who wants to deal with me, including you. I am free and it is wonderful. Freedom is my gift from God, blood bought and paid for by Jesus Christ. Know the truth and the truth shall set you free. You are not what the world would have you be. You are what God made you to be. “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” Now go tell that.

Columnist

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on March 21, 2017, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Speciications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on March 7, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., Room 305, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri.

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

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

Notice

letters must be received by February 27, 2017. North Newstead Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SOLDIER’S MEMORIAL ORAL

HISTORIAN he Missouri Historical Society seeks an Oral Historian for the Soldier’s Memorial project. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer

Drivers-CO & O\Op’s.

Earn Great Money Running Dedicated! Great Beneits. Home Weekly. Monthly Bonuses. Drive

Citizens

portation system in the St. Louis region.

Requirements: Interact with members and public Knowledge of Microsot Word/Excel; database & WordPress/website experience 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, minimum 4 days/ week

Cover

LETTING NO. 8640 NORTH BROADWAY IMPROVEMENTS THRUSH AVENUE TO WALTER AVENUE FEDERAL PROJECT NO STP-9900(665)

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on MARCH 21, 2017, then publicly opened and read. Drawings and Speciications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

he prime contractor must have a fully responsive contractor questionnaire on ile with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission at least 7 days prior to bid opening date in order for MODOT to concur with the award of this project. Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including DBE policies).

here will be a pre-bid conference for this contract on March 1, 2017, 10:00 a.m., City Hall, 1200 Market Street, Room 305. All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting.

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

he City of St. Louis hereby notiies all bidders that it will airmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be aforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award. Contractors and sub-contractors who sign a contract to work on public works project provide a 10-Hour OSHA construction safety program, or similar program approved by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, to be completed by their on-site employees within sixty (60) days of beginning work on the construction project.

he DBE Goal for this project is 13%

SENIOR HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

As one of the country’s leading pipeline rehabilitation contractors, SAK ofers employees opportunities to grow personally and professionally, and contribute to the success of a dynamic organization. We’re looking for a talented, hard-working Human Resources Generalist to join our team. Come grow with us and be a part of a rock-solid family-oriented company working to rebuild America’s underground infrastructure.

As a member of the Human Resources team, the Senior Human Resources Manager works with SAK employees and management to successfully execute HR initiatives within the organization. he ideal candidate will possess a strong HR generalist background.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide coaching and guidance to managers and employees regarding policy and procedure interpretation/application.

• Assists with the execution of our competency based performance management process.

• Assists in the development and modiication of operating policies, guidelines, and workforce planning

• Provides best practices and process improvement recommendations regarding beneits, compensation planning and administration.

• Delivery of HR training on various HR topics including ethics, labor laws, policies, and procedures.

• Creates and presents complex ad hoc data analysis using various HR data bases and appropriate report writing sotware.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• 8+ years of HR generalist experience. BS/BA n HR, or related ield and at least 5 years of HR management experience. Strong knowledge of local, state and federal laws governing employment and HR business practices.

• Demonstrated experience with compensation and rewards, organizational learning and development, talent acquisition and retention; employee relations, performance management and HRIS.

• Human Resource Certiication Institute SPHR, or SHRM-SCP certiication preferred.

• Proiciency in Excel, Word and Power Point.

For full job description and application process go to: sakcon.com/ careers

SAK Construction, LLC is an Equal Opportunity/Airmative Action Employer - AA/EOE/M/F/D/V and participates in the E-Verify Program.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

with the City of St. Louis’ DBE Program Oice for the following Project: 4220 Duncan Ave located at 4220 Duncan Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108. A prebid meeting and walk through to be held on hursday, March 2, 2017 at 1:00 p.m. Meet at the Tarlton construction trailer located at 401 South Sarah, St. Louis, MO 63108.

• Bid Due Date and Time: March 10, 2017 at 10 a.m.

• Deliver Bids to: • Email to JLHutchison@tarltoncorp.com

• For questions, contact: Jill Hutchison at 314-633-3327 (email: JLHutchison@tarltoncorp.com)

Bid Documents explaining the requirements for bidding and performing the work will be made available at the following locations ater 2/20/17:

• Tarlton’s website: www.tarltoncorp.com Under “Subcontractor” link, click on Plan Room to view this project in “Bid Opportunities” • Cross Rhodes Print and Technologies located at 1712 Macklind, St. Louis, MO 63110 • Tarlton’s oice trailer at 401 South Sarah, St. Louis MO 63108

An email notice is also being sent out by the City’s DBE Program Oice to all applicable MBE/WBE irms currently certiied as such

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

LETTING NO. 8635

HYDE PARK – ADA UPGRADES TO THE EXISTING COMFORT STATION & UPGRADE COMFORT STATION IN FAIRGROUND PARK TO ADA COMFORT STATION TYPE B, SITE NO. 2

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on MARCH 7, 2017, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Speciications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on February 14, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. in Room 305, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri.

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

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

LETTING #8634

Concrete Replacement Due to City of St. Louis Water Division Maintenance and Construction - 2017

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on March 7, 2017, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Speciications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

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

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

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on FEBRUARY 21, 2017 at 10:00 A.M. at the Water Department Pipe Yard Oice at 4600 McRee, St. Louis, MO 63110. Attendance to this meeting is a requirement for bidding.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT MISSOURI RIVER WASTEWATER TREATMENT FACILITY SECONDARY TREATMENT ELECTRICAL/MECHANICAL MODIFICATIONS CONTRACT LETTING NO. 12643-015.1

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

Notice is hereby given that he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Facility Secondary Treatment Electrical/Mechanical Modiications under Letting No. 12643-015.1, at this oice, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, March 14, 2017, at a place designated.

A general description of the work to be done under these contract documents is:

Installation of combustible gas detectors with both audible and visual alarms within existing areas of the Missouri River Wastewater Treatment Facility. Modiications will also be made to the HVAC systems in these same areas such that the HVAC exhaust system will be activated in the event the gas detectors detect high levels of hazardous gases in these areas.

he Engineer’s Opinion of Probable Cost for this project is $335,000.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualiied by the District’s

Engineering Department for:

Mechanical, Electrical & Plumbing Plans and Speciications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Speciications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and speciications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

A MANDATORY Pre-Bid conference will be held at the Maryland Heights Government Building in the court room, 11911 Dorsett Road, Maryland Heights, Missouri 63043 on February 28, 2017 at 9:00 a.m. with a site visit of the Missouri River WWTF following immediately thereater.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

BID NOTICE

he Saint Louis Zoo seeks qualiied contractors to submit bids for a Roof Replacement at the Insectarium. Bid documents are available as of February 20, 2017 with MOKAN, AGC St. Louis, St. Louis Minority Business Council, Dodge Construction Reports or by contacting Document Imaging Services at (314) 531-0167. Full RFP information, including mandatory pre-bid meeting and site visit, RFP deadline, and contact information may be found on the Zoo’s website: https://www.stlzoo.org/about/ contact/vendoropportunities/

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for Various Facility R

g Veterans Home, Wa

g , Missouri, Project No. U1610-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 3/16/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for Replace Chillers, Tipton Correctional Center, Tipton, Missouri, Project No. C1607-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 3/16/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for BLACK CREEK SANITARY

SEWER AND I/I REDUCTION PART 2 under Letting No. 11883-015.2, at this oice, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on hursday, March 23, 2017, at a place designated.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualiied by the District’s Engineering Department for:

SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County

drainlayer’s license required

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for Exterior Building Repairs (REBID), Dale M. Thompson/Trails West State School, Project No. E150601 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 3/16/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Project, Boone County, Missouri, Project No. Y170301 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 3/16/2017. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

Goodwin Bros. Construction Co. is requesting subcontract bids and/or material quotations from qualifying minority and women’s business enterprises for relevant phases of work for Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Request for Quote 8794 Treatment Plant – Final Clariier #9 Equipment Replacement (Tank Install). Interested parties should contact the Goodwin Oice at (636) 931-6084. A pre-bid meeting will be held at our oice at 1766 Highway 61 South, Crystal City, MO 63019 at 8:00 am on February 14th, 2017. Subcontractor/Supplier bids are due February 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on March 16th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Roof Replacement Services for Bissell Point Treatment Plant. Speciications and bid forms may be ob- tained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8826 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for Professional Engineering Services for the Traic Management Enhancement Project at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport, Federal Project CMAQ9901(644), St. Louis, MO. Statements of Qualiications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, March 2, 2017 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org, under On Line Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service 314-622-3535. 16% DBE participation goal.

,

and Speciications

of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on February 21, 2017 at 2:00 P.M. in Room 305, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri. Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

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

LETTING #8637

LIBERAL ARTS BRIDGE AND MUNY TRIBUTARY IMPROVEMENTS, IN FOREST PARK

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on March 14, 2017, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Speciications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on February 21, 2017 at 3:00 P.M. in Room 305, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri.

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

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

LETTING #8636

LORETTA HALL & FRANZ PARKS ADA UPGRADE TO COMFORT STATION

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on March 14, 2017, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Speciications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A mandatory pre-bid walk thru for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on February 21, 2017 from 1:00 p.m. until 3:00 p.m. at LORETTA HALL COMFORT STATION and February 22, 2017 from 1:00 P.M. UNTIL 3:00 P.M. AT FRANZ PARK Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Airmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Speciications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements). LETTING #8638 NORTH RIVERFRONT PARK IMPROVEMENTS Sealed proposals will

Notice is hereby given that he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Seneca Private I/I Reduction under Letting No. 11059-015.1, at this oice, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Wednesday, March 22, 2017, at a place designated.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualiied by the District’s Engineering Department for:

SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required Plans and Speciications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Speciications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and speciications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEPARATE AND SEALED BIDS

E-bid for St. Louis Community College on Bid No.

B0003619 for a contract for the purchase of Wire

Bundles will be received until 3:00 P.M. (local time) on March 8, 2017 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 300 So. Broadway, St. Louis, MO 63102, and immediately thereater opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing or call (314) 539-5225. EOE/AA Employer.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Reavsdale I/I Reduction (Mackenzie Rd and Reavis Barracks Rd) under Letting No. 12420-015.1, at this oice, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Friday, March 17, 2017, at a place designated.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualiied by the District’s Engineering Department for:

SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required Plans and Speciications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Speciications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and speciications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE TO

CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Laclede Station - Chamberlain Storm Sewer under Letting No. 11076-015.1, at this oice, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Wednesday, March 15, 2017, at a place designated.

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualiied by the District’s Engineering Department for:

SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required Plans and Speciications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Speciications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and speciications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Plans and Speciications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Speciications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1710 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and speciications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. he Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropol- itan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on March 9, 2017 to contract with a company for: LATERAL CONNECTION SADDLES WITH EPOXY. Speciications and bid forms may be ob- tained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). he bid document will be identiied as 8818 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314-768-6254 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

St. Louis Treatment Court 22nd Judicial Circuit City of St. Louis, Missouri

Request for Proposals

he St. Louis Treatment Court is seeking proposals for the following opportunities to work with participants of the St. Louis Adult Drug Courts, Family Drug Court, Juvenile Drug Court and/or Veteran Treatment Court: • Legal Services for the Family Drug Court – RFPFY17-01 • Mentoring Services for the Family Drug Court and/or Juve nile Drug Courts – RFP-FY17-02

• Alcohol and Drug Treatment Services for Adult Drug Court and Veterans Treatment Court – RFP-FY17-03

A copy of the Request for Proposals can be obtained by writing to: Treatment Court Administrator, Room 526, 1114 Market St., St. Louis, Missouri 63101 or calling 314-589-6702 for a mail out copy. Interested providers may obtain the proposal speciications by accessing www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com on that website click on Drug Court to ind the RFP. Proposals should be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on April 12, 2017 in Room 526, 1114 Market St., St. Louis, Missouri 63101.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Sealed proposals for the construction of the RECREATION CENTER ROOF REPLACEMENT 2017 (project site located at 10260 W. Florissant Ave., Dellwood, Missouri 63135) will be received by the City of Dellwood, St. Louis County, Missouri at the oice of the City Clerk, 1415 Chambers Road, Dellwood, Mo. 63135 until 11:00 a.m. local time on March 7, 2017, at which time they will be publicly opened and read aloud. Bids received ater said time will be returned unopened. All bids shall be submitted in triplicate in an envelope marked “RECREATION CENTER ROOF REPLACEMENT 2017”.

Copies of the bid documents may be obtained on or ater 1:00 PM, February 10, 2017, from WEIS DESIGN GROUP, located at 16296 Westwoods Business Park Drive, Ellisville, Mo. 63021. Contact Weis Design Group at wdg@weisdesigngroup.com, to obtain a Bid Document Request Form.

• Hard Copies: A non-refundable deposit of Fity Dollars ($50.00) is required for each set. Please make checks payable to WEIS DESIGN GROUP. No bid documents may be obtained without a deposit.

• Digital Copies: No deposit is required to obtain a digital copy of bid documents.

No bid may be withdrawn within thirty (30) days ater the scheduled closing time for receipt of bids. he City of

Dellwood reserves the right to reject any and all bids and to waive any irregularities therein. he work in general shall include tear of and replace shingled rooing, tear of of sheet rooing and replacement with PVC / TPA rooing, lashing repairs, and sheet metal capping of overhang roof edge. Additional items and estimated quantities are inclusive in the Bid Proposal.

Bidders are informed that the DBE goal for this letting is a minimum 15% of the total contract amount. Also, in accordance with the Missouri Prevailing Wage Law, the Contractor will be required to comply with the wage and labor requirements and to pay minimum wages in accordance with the schedule of wage rates established by the Missouri Division of Labor Standards.

Bidders are informed that pursuant to Section 285.530, RSMo, as a condition of the award of any contract in excess of ive thousand dollars ($5,000.00), the successful bidder shall, by sworn aidavit and provision of documentation, airm its enrollment and participation in a federal work authorization program with respect to the employees working in connection to the contracted services. Successful bidders shall also sign an aidavit airming that it does not knowingly employ any person who is an unauthorized alien in connection to the contracted services.

Bidders are informed that the Project is subject to the requirements of Section 292.675, RSMo, which requires all contractors or subcontractors doing work on the Project to provide, and require its on-site employees to complete, a ten (10) hour course in construction safety and health approved by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (“OSHA”) or a similar program approved by the Missouri Department of Labor and Industrial Relations which is at least as stringent as an approved OSHA program. he training must be completed within sixty (60) days of the date work on the Project commences. On-site employees found on the worksite without documentation of the required training shall have twenty (20) days to produce such documentation.

DATE: February 3, 2017

Sealed

be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

he prime contractor must have a fully responsive contractor questionnaire on ile with the Missouri Highway and Transportation Commission at least 7 days prior to bid opening date in order for MODOT to concur with the award of this project. Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including DBE policies).

here will be a pre-bid conference for this contract on March 1, 2017, 10:00 a.m., City Hall, 1200 Market Street, Room 305. All bidders are encouraged to attend the pre-bid meeting. All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Airmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Speciications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

he City of St. Louis hereby notiies all bidders that it will airmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be aforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry, or national origin in consideration for an award.

Contractors and sub-contractors who sign a contract to work on public works project provide a 10-Hour OSHA construction safety program, or similar program approved by the Department of Labor and Industrial Relations, to be completed by their on-site employees within sixty (60) days of beginning work on the construction project.

he DBE Goal for this project is 13%

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

MO. his is a new development consisting of a 24 Unit Apartment Building & 8 Townhomes. Proposals are due at the oice of Altman-Charter Co., 315 Consort Dr., St. Louis, MO 63011 on or before Wed., March 1, 2017 at 2:00 PM (CT). Qualiied Minority, Section 3, and Women owned businesses are encouraged to submit proposals. Plans can be viewed at FW Dodge, Construct Connect, SIBA, MOKAN, Cross Rhodes Reprographics, and the Altman-Charter plan room in St. Louis. Bidders should contact Mr. Greg Mehrmann with any questions or to submit a proposal at gmehrmann@ altman-charter.com. Our telephone # is (636) 207-8670, and our fax # is (636) 207-8671.

and or

of

NOTICE TO MINORITY AND WOMEN BUSINESS ENTERPRISES

TARLTON CORPORATION, 5500 West Park Ave., St. Louis MO

63110, is seeking qualiied Minority and Women Business Enterprises to bid on the Historic Shaw Museum project for Missouri Botanical Garden.

Tarlton has been chosen by Missouri Botanical Garden to act as the Construction Manager for this project. his project will include Restoration/Renovation and Addition to the building originally built in 1859. Restoration to the existing building includes but is not limited to restoration of existing built-in casework, windows, looring, ceilings, rooing, etc. he addition to the building will be on the east side of the existing Museum and will consist of masonry and limestone façade, new elevator to facilitate access to the museum, restroom facilities and MEP systems to support the new and existing building. Expected start for this project is March 13, 2017, with expected inish date of November 2, 2017.

Prebid will be held on February 16, 2017 at 9:00 a.m., CST. Meet at 2201 Tower Grove Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. he Minority Business Enterprise goal is 20% and the Women Business Enterprise goal is 5%.

All interested and qualiied businesses should contact Greg Sweeso or Josh Fisk at 314-633-3300 to discuss the subcontracting opportunities or for additional prebid information. All negotiations must be completed prior to 2:00 p.m. on February 28, 2017.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

Goodwin Bros. Construction Co. is requesting subcontract bids and/or material quotations from qualifying minority and women’s business enterprises for relevant phases of work for Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Request for Quote 8794 Treatment Plant – Final Clariier #9 Equipment Replacement (Tank Install). Interested parties should contact the Goodwin Oice at (636) 931-6084. A pre-bid meeting will be held at our oice at 1766 Highway 61 South, Crystal City, MO 63019 at 8:00 am on February 14th, 2017. Subcontractor/Supplier bids are due February 28, 2017 at 10:00 a.m. An Equal Opportunity Employer CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT®

and

Solicitation For Bids (SFB) for Storm Drainage and Sanitary Sewer System Maintenance Services Bids Wanted Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport - Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8184. his

accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 631032555 until 10:00 a.m. on March 14th, 2017 to contract with a company for: Roof Replacement Services for Mill Creek Pump Station. Speciications and bid forms may be ob-

Swag Snap of the Week

Gearing up for Young Leaders. This time next week (Thursday, Feb. 23), St. Louis’ brightest stars will be in the building at the Four Seasons Hotel for The St. Louis American Foundation’s 7th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Awards and Networking Reception. It is one of my favorite events of the year – mainly because we honor people who are making moves in the present to help shape the future of our region. The room is always buzzing with people swapping stories of the big moves they are making and giving the ultimate big ups to the twenty 2017 honorees. And our Young Leader alumni always show up in droves to support the current class. The whole evening is black excellence personified! I get my life every year, and next Thursday will be no different. It would behoove you to stop through to pinpoint –and celebrate – the next generation of power players. I’ll be the one slaying in the plus-size Olivia Pope power suit with matching outerwear. Young Leaders sells out every year, but you might be able to squeeze in. Call (314) 533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican. com for ticket availability.

Bland Spice. Friday night I got about the business of getting a double dose of old school, thanks to the show at The Marquee. One of the doses never panned out – and I wish the other hadn’t bothered. I could have told the folks behind it that the pairing of Spice One and Michel’le was too odd a pairing to pack the place. But I thought I would at least get a chance to ask my girl a few of the lingering questions I had about her biopic. I would have no such luck because Ms. Nicety never made her way to the Marquee. Something and by something I mean a little birdie with inside knowledge who gave me a sip of tea tells me based on the crowd, the promoters couldn’t cover the fee of both artists from they made at the door, so they settled for Old Spice. I know they are wishing that they had just sprinkled a few more coins for Michel’le because his performance was just about the biggest bust I’ve ever seen. Now I wasn’t expecting to see the Spice of 1992 –but that show was a mess even when considering he was 25 years past his prime. And he put the nail in his coffin when a lapse in judgment led him to do an a Capella freestyle inspired by Michael

come through and get down, so I saw Alphas (whaddup Anthony Kiekow), Kappas, Omegas (including one of my all-time faves Roy Robinson), Deltas and Sigma Gamma Rho. It was an old school and a new school party at the same doggone time, with at least three generation of AKA’s being the hostesses with the absolute most.

By Delores Shante dshante@stlamerican.com

Jackson’s “Smooth Criminal.” You had to be there to understand how truly bad it was. I mean, he was really trying to do the melodic cadence of the song and everything. You know things did not go well when you don’t get a single solitary clap when your set is over – and when you exit, the hip-hopheads are like “man, where Michel’le at?”

More love than beards. Saturday night the pogonophiles had HG on lock. Before your mind goes all the way into the gutter, y’all should know that’s the definition for those who love beards. They had the club going up by 8 p.m. in their quest to love up on some furry-faced men. The bad news is that while it was packed to the gills – there were about 15 buxom ladies for every beard. The ladies had it busting at the seams and I only counted eight beards. Okay, maybe ten – but if I go into the double digits, I am really pushing it. The girls came dressed to get chosen, do you hear me? They were snatched for dear life and I was so sad for them that there were hardly enough bearded hotties to spread around.

The AKAs’ Omega Center get down. As per usual, the lovely ladies of the Omicron Eta Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha had the Omega Center on lean yet again for their annual Founder’s Day Party. But the pretty girls in pink and green have an open door policy for all the frats and sorors within the Divine Nine to

Vintage K-Ci and JoJo. Speaking of 1992, it seems to me that K-Ci and JoJo jumped in a time machine and came back to STL in their prime for their show Sunday night at The Pageant. I know, I know – I have been roasting them in recent years for their – let’s just say, bizarre performance antics. They clearly got the memo, because they gave quite the show for the Liquid Assets and RockHouse Ent. joint presentation. I’m telling you this show exceeded my expectations in more ways than one. My last few visits to the shows had me pulling a “hurry up and wait” until the main performers come until the absolute final hour. But these logistics were everything. Darius Bradford had me hollering when he revived the legendary WESL roll call. And even though that amateur night he tried to cobble together was a mess (except for the dude who sang Shai) – I even caught a cackle then too, when Darius said that one of the contestants would probably sing a song we used to clean up to on Saturday mornings, based on his polyester pants suit and brim. He was right. It wasn’t the best I’ve seen of Nikko Smith, but he gave a solid show. With a handful of background singers that included Death Row’s Danny Boy, K-Ci and JoJo tore it up! Now their vocals weren’t as pristine as they were in their prime, but the background vocalists hamming it all the way up picked up the slack. He talked too much, but K-Ci’s kick, stomp and hunch game was so on point. Performance-wise this was the best I’ve seen those two since they opened up for M.C. Hammer (as part of Jodeci, of course) with Boyz II Men at The Arena back in ’91. And to top it all off, the show started and finished on time – so it goes without saying that I was absolutely thrilled.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant & John Scott

Phil of Liquid Assets and Orlando of RockHouse ENT. celebrating a job well done after K-Ci and JoJo brought the house down for their PreValentine’s Day R&B Concert Sunday night at The Pageant. The show also featured St. Louis natives Darius Bradford, Bell Darris and Nikko Smith.

Eric and Britt began celebrating their Valentine’s Day early Saturday @ Rustic Goat

Brooke and Lacey Sunday night @ The Pageant

Tommie and Heather had a ball Saturday night @ The Marquee

Lanette and Kim came through to catch a taste of throwback R&B Sunday @ The Pageant

Fe and Bella were in the building for Element Saturdays @ The Marquee

Nadia, Nia and Brianna were among the many young ladies who packed out For the Love of Beards Saturday night @ HG

Rah and Sabele stepped into Lifestyle Saturdays @ Mood

Shooter Lonnie, crooner Nikko Smith and Victoria of Radio One St. Louis after Nikko brought the house down opening for K-Ci and JoJo Sunday night @ The Pageant

Let’s be vigilant, but not afraid

American, but also the middle-aged white guy who, from the outside, may seem like he’s got advantages, but has seen his world upended by economic and cultural and technological change. We have to pay attention, and listen.

fundamental character of America. And as it turned out, America wasn’t weakened by the presence of these newcomers; these newcomers embraced this nation’s creed, and this nation was strengthened.

By Barack Obama Guest columnist

(Continued from Feb. 2-8 Black History Month Section) For blacks and other minority groups, we must tie our own very real struggles for justice to the challenges that a lot of people in this country face — not only the refugee, or the immigrant, or the rural poor, or the transgender

For white Americans, it means acknowledging that the effects of slavery and Jim Crow didn’t suddenly vanish in the ‘60s — that when minority groups voice discontent, they’re not just engaging in reverse racism or practicing political correctness. When they wage peaceful protest, they’re not demanding special treatment but the equal treatment that our Founders promised.

For native-born Americans, it means reminding ourselves that the stereotypes about immigrants today were said, almost word for word, about the Irish, and Italians, and Poles — who it was said we’re going to destroy the

Have black inventors, will travel

St. Louis-based mobile museum highlights often unsung inventors

By Kelly Moffitt St. Louis Public Radio

In 1996, Loretta Ford founded the Museum of Black Inventors with the idea of highlighting the achievements of often unsung African Americans who contributed greatly to the fields of science, household goods, engineering and technology. Housed for a while in the Central West End, the organization eventually outgrew its location and in 1998 the museum reemerged as a traveling museum and now visits schools, workplaces, and community organizations across the Midwest.

So regardless of the station that we occupy, we all have to try harder. We all have to start with the premise that each of our fellow citizens loves this country just as much as we do; that they value hard work and family just like we do; that their children are just as curious and hopeful and worthy of love as our own.

And that’s not easy to do. For too many of us, it’s become safer to retreat into our own bubbles, whether in our neighborhoods or on college campuses, or places of worship, or especially our social media feeds, surrounded by people who look like us and share the same political outlook

and never challenge our assumptions. The rise of naked partisanship, and increasing economic and regional stratification, the splintering of our media into a channel for every taste — all this makes this great sorting seem natural, even inevitable. And increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we start accepting only information, whether it’s true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that is out there.

And this trend represents a third threat to our democracy. But politics is a battle of ideas. That’s how our democracy was designed. In the course of a healthy debate, we prioritize different goals, and the different means

Honoring Washington Park Cemetery

American staff

The museum includes photographs, drawings, documentation and hands-on replicas of inventions. Ford hopes the museum will fill in an area of knowledge that mainstream education often leaves out.

“I attended predominantly African-American schools, and as part of my history lessons I really only learned about George Washington Carver,” Ford said. “I was amazed I’d gone through school and did not have this history. It’s just not taught.” The museum highlights the work of

See INVENTORS, D2

“I attended a book fair at Saint Louis University in 1995, and I picked up a book ‘Black Inventors of America’ by Burt McKinley Jr., and I saw all these amazing inventors that I had never learned about in elementary school,” said Ford. “From there I was determined to share it with as many people as I could.”

The Sheldon Art Galleries presents “Higher Ground: Honoring Washington Park Cemetery, Its People and Place,” an unprecedented multimedia exhibition, March 3 – August 26, in both the Bernoudy Gallery of Architecture and the Gallery of Photography. An opening reception is scheduled for 5-7 p.m. Friday, March 3 from and the galleries will be open until 9 p.m. for First Fridays in Grand Center. T Conceived by the photographer Jennifer Colten, “Higher Ground: Honoring Washington Park Cemetery, Its People and Place” includes 50 color photographs, some

Sarah Boone, inventor of the modern day ironing board.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

New governor speaks at MLK celebration

Governor Eric Greitens was among the guest speakers when the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus recently celebrated the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Greitens, who was the first governor in recent years to attend the annual event, shared a story about his efforts to plan one of the first MLK celebrations at Parkway North High School. The caucus recognized former chairman Tommie Pierson Sr. for his service and presented an award to state Rep. Brandon Ellington for his past service as caucus president. The event also included performances by the Lincoln University Dance Troupe, under the direction of Theresa Ferguson, and gospel recording artist Leslie Johnson. State Rep. Karla May served as the Mistress of Ceremony.

INVENTORS

Continued from D1

inventors who even under the unimaginable duress of slavery produced life-changing products.

“At some point during slavery, in 1861, slaves were able to have their inventions recognized and patented,” said Ford. “Unfortunately, they could not make decisions about profits. The slave masters would get the profits.”

In one instance, an enslaved person named Ned created in apparatus that enabled the cotton gin to operate more efficiently. He went to court against his master for rights to his profits and lost.

In many cases such as Ned’s, African-American inventors created integral parts of inventions that we know by name today. Lewis Latimer, for example, worked closely with Thomas Edison and, although he did not invent the light bulb, he was the first to create an inexpensive carbon filament that allowed a light bulb to work. Without him, there would be no light bulb.

Other inventors highlighted in the exhibition include:

Sarah Boone, who invented the apparatus you could attach to an ironing board that would allow you to iron men’s shirts sleeves.

Madam C.J. Walker, who lived in St. Louis, invented women’s creams, hair products, and more. She invented a method for smoothing and softening African-American hair, which made her both the first African-American millionaire and the first female self-made millionaire of any race in the U.S.

Lonnie Johnson, from Illinois, invented the Super Soaker water gun. “You can go to any store now in the toys department and find the super soaker water gun,” Ford said. “But he was also an engineer, a brilliant man, who was creative in his inventions.”

Philip Emeagwali developed the fastest supercomputer

software in the world and, in 1989, won the Gordon Bell Prize, considered the equivalent of the Nobel Prize.

Frederick Jones invented

and other electronic devices as well as the pacemaker.

you’ll find creativity,” Ford said.

“But St. Louis has contributed a lot. Madame C.J. Walker put us on the map being the first African American millionaire.”

n “I attended predominantly African-American schools, and as part of my history lessons I really only learned about George Washington Carver.”

the first automatic refrigeration system in long-haul trucks.

Otis Boykin invented an “electrical resistor” which is now used in computers, radios

Danny Flowers is a schoolteacher in St. Louis. In the last 10 years, he invented the first kids’ weight bench as well as an apparatus to hold a cell phone when climbing a ladder.

– Loretta Ford

“All over, in every city,

If you’re interested in seeing the Museum of Black Inventors, Ford recommends checking on the museum’s website at blackinventors.org to follow where the museum is going to be. If an event is denoted as “public,” that means people can visit for free. Likewise, Ford said she can book the museum to come to any workplace or private event. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

POWERING THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Ameren provides electricity and natural gas that is vitally important to our region, powering the quality of life for millions of people in Illinois and Missouri.

A traveling museum in St. Louis highlights the achievements of black inventors. From left, across: Granville T. Woods, Lonnie Johnson, Sarah Boone, George Washington Carver, Bessie Blount, Elijah McCoy, Madam CJ Walker, Marjorie Joyner, Philip Emeagwali.

CEMETARY

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large-scale, made by Colten over 20 years; video and oral histories by artist Denise Ward-Brown to be shown on three monitors throughout the exhibition; historical land documentation; narrative text panels; and an art installation and animated film by community activist and artist Dail Chambers, which together will provide both a poetic and didactic overview of the history and issues surrounding this predominantly AfricanAmerican cemetery.

The exhibition takes its title inspiration from Stevie Wonder’s 1973 song “Higher Ground,” which expresses resilience and perseverance. The three artists each contribute an aspect of the exhibition that will enable the subject to be presented both from artistic and historical perspectives, underscoring the humanity of the subject and shedding light on an important but neglected aspect of St. Louis’ African-American history.

Washington Park Cemetery, located near Lambert St. Louis International Airport in Berkeley, was established in 1920 as a burial ground for African Americans at a time when rigid segregation was common practice. For nearly 70 years, it was the largest black cemetery in the region, the final resting place for many prominent African Americans, including John Feugh who was assistant to Henry Shaw; Oscar Minor Waring, the first African-American principal of Sumner High School (and any Saint Louis public high school); and Dr. Miles Davis Sr., dentist and father to the musician Miles Davis.

Like many AfricanAmerican cemeteries across the country, Washington Park has both a celebrated and a troubled past. In its almost 100-year history, the grounds of the cemetery went from elegant and manicured to

Washington Park Cemetery memories sought

For the “Higher Ground: Honoring Washington Park Cemetery, Its People and Place” exhibit, the Sheldon Art Galleries is asking for loans of ephemera and photographs related to the cemetery, including cemetery sales brochures, maps or other related items. Also planned is a “memory wall.”

Organizers of the exhibit are inviting people with loved ones interred there to submit their photographs to be included on the memory wall. Photos can be emailed to, mailed to or brought by appointment to The Sheldon. Contact Paula Lincoln at plincoln@thesheldon.org to make arrangements. All original loaned items will be returned to the owners upon completion of the exhibit.

disturbed and attenuated when major construction projects like the building of Highway 70 in 1955, and the airport expansion and the extension of the MetroLink light rail system in the 1990s invaded the once-bucolic landscape. The story is further complicated by neglect and mismanagement by past owners of the cemetery. These unplanned changes to the original cemetery landscape reveal the complicated tangle of

social injustice, racial politics, imbalance of power and dismal neglect that constitute the cemetery’s long and tragic history.

Alongside the exhibition, Colten, in collaboration with the Washington University Olin Library Special Collections, will develop a resource website for the exhibit. A fully-illustrated exhibition catalogue with essays by landscape architect Azzurra

by Jennifer Colten, WPC. Section 10 [271.11], 1991 inkjet print, © and courtesy of the artist.

Civil Rights and the Blues

Cox and architectural historian and preservationist Michael R. Allen, and contributions by Colten, Ward-Brown and Chambers will also be available.

For the exhibit, the Sheldon Art Galleries is asking for loans of ephemera and photographs related to the cemetery, including cemetery sales brochures, maps or other related items. Also planned is a “memory wall.” Organizers of the exhibit are inviting people with loved ones interred there to submit their photographs to be included on the memory wall. Photos can be emailed to, mailed to or brought by appointment to The Sheldon. Contact Paula Lincoln at plincoln@thesheldon.org to make arrangements. All original loaned items will be returned to the owners upon completion of the exhibit.

The Sheldon Art Galleries are open Tuesdays, Noon – 8 p.m.; Wednesdays - Fridays, Noon – 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. and one hour prior to Sheldon performances and during intermission. Admission is free. For more information on exhibitions, visit the galleries’ website at TheSheldon.org.

National

Blues Museum gets education grant, live program on Feb. 16

staff

American

The Missouri Humanities Council awarded the National Blues Museum, in partnership with HEC-TV, museum a grant of $12,000 to support the “Music Moved the Movement: Civil Rights and the Blues” education program focusing on the links between the Blues and the Civil Rights Movement.

Through the program, invited classrooms (in-person and livestreaming) will be provided the opportunity to engage directly with civil rights activists, historians, and blues legends and descendants, thereby receiving primary source accounts of their work and primary source analysis of the subject matter. The two scheduled, live programs, both one-hour in length, will occur on Thursday, February 16 at the National Blues Museum. The programs will be recorded as they occur and archived on HEC-TV’s website for free, on-demand viewing by early March. For information about the project, contact Jacqueline Dace, director of Internal Affairs with the National Blues Museum by calling (314) 925-0016 ext. 437 or emailing jdace@ nationalbluesmuseum.org.

For more information about the grants program of the Missouri Humanities Council, call (314) 781-9600 or (800) 357-0909 or write to the MHC, 543 Hanley Industrial Court, Suite 205, St. Louis, Missouri 63144-1905.

Photo

The National Blues Museum

Black History

Thur., Feb. 16, 7 p.m., National Blues Museum and HEC-TV host A Conversation with Reena Evers-Everette and David Dennis, Sr.: Inside the Civil Rights Movement. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information or to RSVP, call (314) 925-0016 or visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Fri., Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents Lift Every Voice: Black History Month Celebration. Join the STL Symphony, guest Byron Stripling and the IN UNISON Chorus to commemorate culture and community. 718 N. Grand blvd., 63103. For more information call 314-534-1700 or visit www.stlsymphony.org.

Sun., Feb. 19, 6 p.m. (5 p.m. doors), Community Women Against Hardship Black History Month Benefit Concert with special guest Russell Gunn, Harold and Dorothy Steward Center for Jazz, 3536 Washington. For more information, call (314) 571-6000.

Thur., Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m., The Lawyers’ Association Black History Month Dinner. Westin Hotel, 811 Spruce St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 454-6543.

Tues., Feb. 21, 7:30 p.m., The Loyola Cemetery in French Guiana: Memory of Slavery at a Sugar Plantation Réginald Auger discusses the 500 slaves labored on a sugar plantation to produce a number of cash crops under the close supervision of a handful of missionaries. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Wed., Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m., Mound City Bar Association’s Historical Tribute to Celia Celia was a Missouri slave that was tried and executed for killing the master who raped her. 10th Street Gallery, 419 N. Tenth St., 63101.

Thur., Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., Maplewood Public Library presents St. Louis Freedom Struggle, 1821-1968. We will focus on St. Louis’ role during the periods before Brown v. Board of Education and the modern Civil Rights Movement. 7550 Lohmeyer, 63143. For more information, call (314) 781-2174 or visit www.maplewood.lib.mo.us.

Thur., Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis County Library presents The Black Experience: Specializing in the Art of the Impossible

Dr. Stefan Bradley and De Nichols discuss unlikely victories and impossible odds that face African Americans. Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300 or visit www.slcl.org. Sat., Feb. 25, 2:30 p.m., True Light Missionary Baptist Church Progressive League hosts its Annual Black History Program featuring The Dynamic Silver Wings, 2838 James “Cool Papa” Bell Ave., 63106 at Glasgow Ave. For more information, call (314) 531-1801.

Through Feb. 28, African American Inventors Exhibit St. Louis County Library, St. Louis County Library – Thornhill Branch, 12863 Willowyck Drive. For more information, visit www.slcl.org.

Reena Evers-Everette

of reaching them. But without some common baseline of facts, without a willingness to admit new information, and concede that your opponent might be making a fair point, and that science and reason matter then we’re going to keep talking past each other, and we’ll make common ground and compromise impossible. And isn’t that part of what so often makes politics dispiriting? How can elected officials rage about deficits when we propose to spend money on preschool for kids, but not when we’re cutting taxes for corporations? How do we excuse ethical lapses in our own party, but pounce when the other party does the same thing? It’s not just dishonest, this selective sorting of the facts; it’s selfdefeating. Because, as my mother used to tell me, reality has a way of catching up with you. Take the challenge of climate change. In just eight years, we’ve halved our dependence on foreign oil; we’ve doubled our renewable energy; we’ve led the world to an agreement that has the promise to save this planet. But without bolder action, our children won’t have time to debate the existence of climate change. They’ll be busy dealing with its effects: more environmental disasters, more economic disruptions, waves of climate refugees seeking sanctuary. Now, we can and should argue about the best approach to solve the problem. But to simply deny the problem not only betrays future generations, it betrays the essential spirit of this country — the essential spirit of innovation and practical problem-solving that guided our founders.

It is that spirit, born of the Enlightenment, that made us an economic powerhouse — the spirit that took flight at Kitty Hawk and Cape Canaveral; the spirit that cures disease and put a computer in every pocket.

It’s that spirit — a faith in

reason, and enterprise, and the primacy of right over might — that allowed us to resist the lure of fascism and tyranny during the Great Depression; that allowed us to build a postWorld War II order with other democracies, an order based not just on military power or national affiliations but built on principles — the rule of law, human rights, freedom of religion, and speech, and assembly, and an independent press.

That order is now being challenged — first by violent fanatics who claim to speak for Islam; more recently by autocrats in foreign capitals who see free markets and open democracies and civil society itself as a threat to their power. The peril each poses to our democracy is more far-reaching than a car bomb or a missile. It represents the fear of change; the fear of people who look or speak or pray differently;

a contempt for the rule of law that holds leaders accountable; an intolerance of dissent and free thought; a belief that the sword or the gun or the bomb or the propaganda machine is the ultimate arbiter of what’s true and what’s right.

Because of the extraordinary courage of our men and women in uniform, because of our intelligence officers, and law enforcement, and diplomats who support our troops — no foreign terrorist organization has successfully planned and executed an attack on our homeland these past eight years. And although Boston and Orlando and San Bernardino and Fort Hood remind us of how dangerous radicalization can be, our law enforcement agencies are more effective and vigilant than ever. We have taken out tens of thousands of terrorists — including bin Laden. The global coalition we’re leading against ISIL

has taken out their leaders, and taken away about half their territory. ISIL will be destroyed, and no one who threatens America will ever be safe.

And to all who serve or have served, it has been the honor of my lifetime to be your Commander-in-Chief. And we all owe you a deep debt of gratitude.

But protecting our way of life, that’s not just the job of our military. Democracy can buckle when we give in to fear. So, just as we, as citizens, must remain vigilant against external aggression, we must guard against a weakening of the values that make us who we are.

And that’s why, for the past eight years, I’ve worked to put the fight against terrorism on a firmer legal footing. That’s why we’ve ended torture, worked to close Gitmo, reformed our laws governing surveillance

to protect privacy and civil liberties. That’s why I reject discrimination against Muslim Americans, who are just as patriotic as we are.

That’s why we cannot withdraw from big global fights — to expand democracy, and human rights, and women’s rights, and LGBT rights.

No matter how imperfect our efforts, no matter how expedient ignoring such values may seem, that’s part of defending America. For the fight against extremism and intolerance and sectarianism and chauvinism are of a piece with the fight against authoritarianism and nationalist aggression. If the scope of freedom and respect for the rule of law shrinks around the world, the likelihood of war within and between nations increases, and our own freedoms will eventually be threatened.

So let’s be vigilant, but

not afraid. ISIL will try to kill innocent people. But they cannot defeat America unless we betray our Constitution and our principles in the fight. Rivals like Russia or China cannot match our influence around the world — unless we give up what we stand for — and turn ourselves into just another big country that bullies smaller neighbors.

Which brings me to my final point: Our democracy is threatened whenever we take it for granted. All of us, regardless of party, should be throwing ourselves into the task of rebuilding our democratic institutions. When voting rates in America are some of the lowest among advanced democracies, we should be making it easier, not harder, to vote. When trust in our institutions is low, we should reduce the corrosive influence of money in our politics, and insist on the principles of transparency and ethics in public service. When Congress is dysfunctional, we should draw our congressional districts to encourage politicians to cater to common sense and not rigid extremes.

But remember, none of this happens on its own. All of this depends on our participation; on each of us accepting the responsibility of citizenship, regardless of which way the pendulum of power happens to be swinging.

Our Constitution is a remarkable, beautiful gift. But it’s really just a piece of parchment. It has no power on its own. We, the people, give it power. We, the people, give it meaning. With our participation, and with the choices that we make, and the alliances that we forge. Whether or not we stand up for our freedoms. Whether or not we respect and enforce the rule of law. That’s up to us. America is no fragile thing. But the gains of our long journey to freedom are not assured. In his own farewell address, George Washington wrote that self-government is the underpinning of our safety, prosperity, and liberty, but “from different causes and from

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

different quarters much pains will be taken … to weaken in your minds the conviction of this truth.” And so we have to preserve this truth with “jealous anxiety;” that we should reject “the first dawning of every attempt to alienate any portion of our country from the rest or to enfeeble the sacred ties” that make us one. America, we weaken those ties when we allow our political dialogue to become so corrosive that people of good character aren’t even willing to enter into public service; so coarse with rancor that Americans with whom we disagree are seen not just as misguided but as malevolent. We weaken those ties when we define some of us as more American than others; when we write off the whole system as inevitably corrupt, and when we sit back and blame the leaders we elect without examining our own role in electing them. It falls to each of us to be those anxious, jealous guardians of our democracy; to embrace the joyous task we’ve been given to continually try to improve this great nation of ours. Because for all our outward differences, we, in fact, all share the same proud title, the most important office in a democracy: Citizen. So, you see, that’s what our democracy demands. It needs you. Not just when there’s an election, not just when your own narrow interest is at stake, but over the full span of a lifetime. If you’re tired of arguing with strangers on the Internet, try talking with one of them in real life. If something needs fixing, then lace up your shoes and do some organizing. If you’re disappointed by your elected officials, grab a clipboard, get some signatures, and run for office yourself. Show up. Dive in. Stay at it. Sometimes you’ll win. Sometimes you’ll lose. Presuming a reservoir of goodness in other people, that can be a risk, and there will be times when the process will disappoint you. But for those of us fortunate enough to have been a part of this work, and to see it up close, let me tell you, it can energize and inspire. And more often than not, your faith in America — and in Americans — will be confirmed. Mine sure has been. Over the course of these eight years, I’ve seen the hopeful faces of young graduates and our

newest military officers. I have mourned with grieving families searching for answers, and found grace in a Charleston church. I’ve seen our scientists

n “Increasingly, we become so secure in our bubbles that we start accepting only information, whether it’s true or not, that fits our opinions, instead of basing our opinions on the evidence that is out there.”

– Barack Obama

help a paralyzed man regain his sense of touch. I’ve seen wounded warriors who at points were given up for dead walk again. I’ve seen our

doctors and volunteers rebuild after earthquakes and stop pandemics in their tracks. I’ve seen the youngest of children remind us through their actions and through their generosity of our obligations to care for refugees, or work for peace, and, above all, to look out for each other.

So that faith that I placed all those years ago, not far from here, in the power of ordinary Americans to bring about change — that faith has been rewarded in ways I could not have possibly imagined. And I hope your faith has, too. Some of you here tonight or watching at home, you were there with us in 2004, in 2008, 2012 – maybe you still can’t believe we pulled this whole thing off. Let me tell you, you’re not the only ones.

Michelle — Michelle

LaVaughn Robinson, girl of the South Side — for the past 25 years, you have not only been my wife and mother of my children, you have been my best friend. You took on a role you didn’t ask for and you made it your own, with grace and with grit and with style and good humor. You made the White House a place that belongs to everybody. And the new generation sets its sights higher because it has you as a role model. So you have made me proud. And you have made the country proud.

Malia and Sasha, under the strangest of circumstances, you have become two amazing young women. You are smart and you are beautiful, but more importantly, you are kind and you are thoughtful and you are full of passion. You wore the burden of years in the spotlight so easily. Of all that I’ve done in my life, I am most proud to be your dad.

To Joe Biden — the scrappy kid from Scranton who became Delaware’s favorite son — you were the first decision I made as a nominee, and it was the best. Not just because you have been a great Vice President, but because in the bargain, I gained a brother. And we love you and Jill like family, and your friendship has been one of the great joys of our lives.

To my remarkable staff: For eight years — and for some of you, a whole lot more — I have drawn from your energy, and every day I tried to reflect back what you displayed — heart, and character, and idealism. I’ve watched you grow up, get married, have kids, start incredible new journeys of your own. Even when times got tough and frustrating, you never let Washington get the better of you. You guarded against cynicism. And the only thing that makes me prouder than all the good that we’ve done is the thought of all the amazing things that you’re going to achieve from here.

And to all of you out there — every organizer who moved to an unfamiliar town, every kind family who welcomed them in, every volunteer who knocked on doors, every young

person who cast a ballot for the first time, every American who lived and breathed the hard work of change — you are the best supporters and organizers anybody could ever hope for, and I will be forever grateful. Because you did change the world. You did.

And that’s why I leave this stage tonight even more optimistic about this country than when we started. Because I know our work has not only helped so many Americans, it has inspired so many Americans — especially so many young people out there — to believe that you can make a difference – to hitch your wagon to something bigger than yourselves. Let me tell you, this generation coming up — unselfish, altruistic, creative, patriotic — I’ve seen you in every corner of the country. You believe in a fair, and just, and inclusive America. You know that constant change has been America’s hallmark; that it’s not something to fear but something to embrace. You are willing to carry this hard work of democracy forward. You’ll soon outnumber all of us, and I believe as a result the future is in good hands. My fellow Americans, it has been the honor of my life to serve you. I won’t stop. In fact, I will be right there with you, as a citizen, for all my remaining days. But for now, whether you are young or whether you’re young at heart, I do have one final ask of you as your president — the same thing I asked when you took a chance on me eight years ago. I’m asking you to believe. Not in my ability to bring about change — but in yours.

I am asking you to hold fast to that faith written into our founding documents; that idea whispered by slaves and abolitionists; that spirit sung by immigrants and homesteaders and those who marched for justice; that creed reaffirmed by those who planted flags from foreign battlefields to the surface of the moon; a creed at the core of every American whose story is not yet written: Yes, we can.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant