February 19h, 2012 edition

Tickets going fast for Young Leaders

Twenty awardees,including Harlan Hodge and Amber Simpson, will be honored at reception Feb.23.

New sickle cell support center

Youth and Family Center takes over United Way-funded program

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.Louis American

First the Youth and Family Center revived the old Cochran Community Center as a resource facility bathed in natural

and stabilization activities for children, teens and older adults. Now the center is set to revive an important community health component, sickle cell anemia education and awareness in the St. Louis region and across the state.

Rodney Francis, executive director of the Youth and Family Center, said the organization is assuming responsibilities for the United Way-funded program after sickle cell programs in St. Louis and Kansas City were dissolved.

“We will continue to do the education component, the support group component and will continue the family support component as well,” Francis said. Sickle cell anemia is a group of inherited blood disorders

MSD TOCONTRACT DISPARITYSTUDY

Minority inclusion goals at stake as $4.7B in work awaits

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis

American

Minority participation goals must be reached deliberately and with agreement on all sides, said Claude Brown, who was hired as a facilitator last month by the Metropolitan Sewer District to broker a deal on minority workforce goals among minority, union and trade groups. However, the district has been “talking” about workforce goals among stakeholders for a long time, MSD Trustee James Buford said at the Feb. 7 MSD stakeholders rela-

“If we wait for everyone at this table to agree on what we’re proposing, then we’d be at this for 10 years.”

– James Buford, president of the Urban League of Metropolitan St.Louis

tions committee meeting.

“They know their positions, they

See MSD, A6

MARCH 13, 1957 –FEBRUARY 1, 2012

David Peaston passes

Beloved St. Louis singer gone at 54

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.Louis American

“And this is amateur night. I’d hate to see it when the pros show up,” Bill Cosby said of David Peaston at the legendary Apollo Theatre following one of the St. Louis singer’s soul-stirring performances in the late 1980s.

Cosby was visibly stunned by Peaston’s interpretation of the jazz standard “Everything Must Change.” He looked behind the curtain as Peaston headed backstage, then looked at the crowd in awe as they rose for a second standing ovation. Peaston’s instantly identifiable voice – his trademark falsetto scat vocal improvisations, in particular – had that effect on people.

He passed Wednesday, February 1, 2012 of complications from diabetes at the age of 54. His death was international news, covered by the Washington Post and the Hollywood Reporter and many other media.

“We seek buy-in, but we don’t turn anyone away.”

– Rodney Francis, Youth and Family Center

“He had the range, depth, soul, all of it wrapped up into one person,” said Marabeth E. Gentry, president of the National Convention of Gospel Choirs and Choruses. “He would sing you up out of your seat!” Gentry’s father (the late minister of music emeritus Joshua Gentry) recruited Peaston to sing a solo at Westside MB Church. They

See PEASTON, A7

MSD trustee James Buford Public forum on prison reform

Working Group on Sentencing and Corrections reports to community

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

People who make a wrong move during parole or probation are the major drivers of Missouri’s growing prison population. In the past 20 years, the state’s prison population has doubled, and corrections spending has tripled. And 71 percent of state prison admissions are people who break probation or parole,

Photo by Wiley Price

David Peaston

Nik Ray,an after-school coordinator for Youth and Family Center,helps Nehtia Hazelwood,5,Michael White,5,and Elijah Oden,6, in the computer lab.

Photo by Wiley Price

Will Chris Brown and Rihanna hook up on stage at Grammys?

Chris Brown and Rihanna are keeping folks guessing over a possible on-stage reunion at the Grammy Awards in Los Angeles on Sunday.

The pair – who split in the wake of his infamous assault on her – have been hanging out in recent weeks, according to MTV News. Most recently, the former lovers were spotted at the same Super Bowl party at Hollywood’s Greystone Manor. Brown’s rep has denied rumors of a romantic reconciliation, tell ing ABC News, “He is with his girlfriend, Karrueche, and is not cheating.”

Neither party has commented on speculation the duo could perform together at Sunday’s Grammys. Both acts are slated to perform, though one of Rihanna’s performances is already confirmed

as a duet with British rockers Coldplay. Brown and Rihanna have six nominations between them.

Love & Hip Hop

Atlanta on the way

Back in December news leaked that VH1 had put the feelers out for a Love & Hip Hop spin off in Atlanta. According to several media reports, the franchise will indeed head south. VH1’s Love & Hip Hop has been clocking over 3 million viewers per episode, rivaling Bravo Real Housewives of Atlanta, so it’s no surprise VH1 wants to continue to cash in. So far no Atlanta cast members have been

Bus bill makes Bow Wow a wanted man

Bow Wow was ordered by a Tennessee court back in 2009 to pay almost $100,000 to a tour bus company for allegedly not paying his bill. The company then took the case to Georgia to try and get the court where Bow Wow lives to enforce the judgment. He was ordered to produce documents in his home state regarding the lawsuit, which he never did. As a result, the tour company filed

a motion to have the rapper held in contempt. Finally back in October, the judge granted the motion and ordered Bow Wow be arrested and held until he produces the necessary documents the tour bus company asked for. Now the judge has ordered Bow Wow to be arrested and held in custody until produces documents and information to the other side. According to TMZ, Bow Wow has not been taken into custody – or responded to the lawsuit – so far.

Kobe cut some slack on church assault incident

The San Diego City Attorney’s Office told TMZ that it will not pursue charges against NBA star Kobe Bryant over an altercation at a local church last year. Bryant had been accused of flipping out on Thomas Hagos at St. Therese of Carmel Church back in August – because Bryant believed Hagos snapped his picture on a cell phone during services. Hagos claimed Bryant wrestled the phone out of his hand, injuring his wrist ... but ultimately found NO pictures in the phone.

TMZ.com says cops investigated the situation and now the City Attorney has decided there is not enough evidence to prove Bryant did anything wrong.

Simon dispels Beyonce ‘X Factor’ rumors

A week after the overhaul on his Fox series

“The X Factor,” – in which judges Paula Abdul and Nicole Scherzinger and host Steve Jones were taken out – Simon Cowell addressed the controversy in an interview on “Extra.” He suggested that the firings came via a direct order from Fox. “It was fairly straight what they wanted, and we were told it had to happen straight away,” Cowell said. He praised Abdul for being “gracious” about her dismissal in their phone conversation. “She understands it’s business; it’s never personal… I would’ve liked to have kept her.” As for Scherzinger, “I don’t think she’s mad. I think she’s disappointed,” Cowell said. He heaped praise on L.A. Reid, the only personality beside him to make it to Season 2. “There’s not a record executive out there who is as good as him for the job.”

Simon Cowell

Asked about potential new judges, Cowell called rumors that Beyoncé was being considered “complete nonsense.” He said that Madonna would be “great” but “expensive,” and that Katy Perry would be “fun” and “feisty.”

Sources: Deadline.com, TMZ.com, Allhiphop.com, ET.com, MTV.com

EDITORIAL /COMMENTARY

St. Louis needs to seize its competitive advantages

The St. Louis region has seen many economic its and starts as it faces the challenge to become more competitive in today’s new global reality. New York Times columnist Tom Friedman observes rightly that in contrast to politicians, who think more narrowly and emphasize maximizing economic opportunities for their constituencies, many CEOs “increasingly see the world where their products can be made anywhere through global supply chains … and sold everywhere.” He reminds us that “this is the world we are living in … and it is not going away.”

Our region needs to respond to this new reality with a business model that recognizes the current reality, can respond to constant change and considers more carefully our natural competitive advantages. Friedman adds that in this 21st century world, the most important competitive advantage is talent and that returns on innovation are staggering. Moreover, supply logistics, where we have some natural advantages, creates a large number of middle-class jobs. Notwithstanding the shameful abdication of support of our out-of-town state elected oficials on the carefully orchestrated proposed initiative to start to build a global cargo hub with Chinese routes, we still must create a regional strategy to enhance and expand our considerable natural advantages – including our physical location for distribution, research universities, workforce, innovative advances in bioscience, ample water and moderate climate. We must offer a narrative that tells why this region is an excellent place to live, work and invest. It is not enough to brag on ourselves; we must convince others outside our

region. In this climate, the recent announcement by ARCH Grants founder and president Jerry Schlichter, in which he says he is “inviting a new generation – those already here and those who want to come – to help deine the city’s future” is exceptionally heartening because it is bold, even audacious, and forward-thinking. Schlichter is offering badly needed-leadership to help jump-start a regional economic business development sector that has been too fragmented, unimaginative, timid and lagging for many years.

ARCH Grants seeks to create national competition for entrepreneurs to bring their startup businesses to St. Louis. To their credit, they have already attracted a talented young woman as its executive director. She has a chemistry degree, an MBA from the University of California – Irvine, and has developed a coding system to deal with counterfeit medications in India, raised $2 million in venture inancing, ran a $600,000 budget and mentored startups at the Yale Entrepreneurial Institute.

Of special interest to the African-American community is Schlichter’s avowed priority of ensuring that there will be a special outreach to Historically Black Colleges and Universities and women entrepreneurial organizations – sources that have not been mined in the past for talent. This innovative approach is still in its early stages, and we must simply wait to see what evolves. Since our community has been invited to participate, to become engaged, we must be willing to step forward.

COMMENTARY

Romney ‘not concerned’ about the poor

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues Overcome too far to be taken back

Every year during Black History Month, our nation honors African Americans who have made a profound impact on American society, especially those who participated in the Civil Rights Movement. These heroes suffered unfathomable atrocities on their road to equality, such as inaccessibility to employment, business establishments, private organizations and clubs, and even the American dream.

Currently, there is an effort by Republican State Senators to undo the progress we as a country have made, and allow this type of inaccessibility to exist again. Senate Bill 592 (SB 592) will take us a step back towards those times, and make it easier for bigotry to be practiced throughout the City of St. Louis and the entire State of Missouri.

SB 592 modiies the law relating to employment discrimination and the Missouri Human

Rights Act. It removes certain measures from this historic law, degrading the law’s effectiveness at protecting the rights of individuals. Although this bill is supported by the Missouri Chamber of Commerce, it is denounced by nearly every human rights organization in the state of Missouri.

SB 592 attempts to make the following law:

Elimination of individual responsibility for discrimination in employment cases

Exemption of private clubs from the Missouri Human Rights Act

Exemption of employers with seasonal employees from the Missouri Human Rights Act

Limits on the monetary amount a citizen can receive in punitive damages from private companies

Prohibition of any monetary amount a citizen can receive in punitive damages from state government.

In 2011, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights (MCHR) received 1,443 complaints of employment discrimination. This commission investigates complaints of discrimination in housing;

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

A heartfelt hurt

“What a shock to hear of my dear friend’s passing. I am out of the country at this time. and to hear this is a heartfelt hurt! Of course, like so many of my peers, Don Cornelius played an enormous part in my career by giving me exposure when there was none for African-American recording artists on television. Don and I created the Soul Train Music Awards in my home, and needless to say our vision was to not only give the recognition of all that continually were overlooked by other award shows, but to also to let the nation know the importance of African Americans within the music industry.

My deepest condolence goes out to his family and to the multitude of his friends in this time of sorrow and grief. The world has lost an icon of the broadcasting world, and I personally have lost a dear friend Dionne Warwick, Via email

ground, have no qualms regarding the use of intimidation, coercion and denial of services to impose their dogma.

Leaders at the Komen Foundation need to rethink their decision to withhold funds from Planned Parenthood. Withholding medical services to the indigent because of religious ideology isn’t a Christian ethos.

Michael K. Broughton Green Park

Editor’s note: In response to ierce public outrage like this letter, the Komen Foundation reversed its decision on Friday.

places of public accommodations; and employment based on race, color, religion, nationality, ancestry, sex, disability, and age.

Last year, the Missouri Commission on Human Rights helped hundreds of Missourians receive damages from entities that acted in a discriminatory manner. SB 592 will drastically hinder the work the MCHR can do for you and your fellow Missourians when facing discrimination. Fortunately, we have members of our Missouri House and Senate who are working tirelessly to halt the progress of this biased and unethical bill. The entire Missouri Legislative Black Caucus has either spoken out against or ilibustered SB 592. They have bonded together as African Americans to ight for the rights of all races, as the historic American igure Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. did years ago. These legislative leaders are proof that our rich Black History motivates the leaders of today, and that our human rights struggle as a nation is not yet complete.

of pollution, as a result of two polluter-backed Supreme Court decisions. These decisions put Clean Water Act protections for 66 percent of Missouri’s streams in doubt, which could impact the drinking water systems used by nearly 2.5 million Missourians.

Last year, the EPA proposed a new guidance on Clean Water Act to redress this problem. The start of a new year is the perfect time to renew the dream of clean water. We need President Obama to resolve to put Clean Water Act protections back in place by inalizing this clean water plan.

Sarah MacFarland Environment Missouri

I wish Mitt Romney’s cavalier dismissal of poverty in America could be chalked up as just another gaffe, but it’s much worse than that. The Republican front-runner seems dangerously clueless about the nation he seeks to lead. When I first heard the nowfamous quote

Columnist Eugene Robinson

– “I’m not concerned about the very poor” – I thought it might be fodder for a snarky column about the wee little Mr. Monopoly who lives inside Romney’s head and blurts out things like “Corporations are people, my friend,” or “I like being able to fire people.” But I realized that being “very poor” is no laughing matter to millions of Americans. Putting Romney’s words in their full context makes them worse. Here is what he said on CNN: “I’m in this race because I care about Americans. I’m not concerned about the very poor. We have a safety net there. If it needs repair, I’ll fix it. I’m not concerned about the very rich, they’re doing just fine. I’m concerned about the very heart of America, the 90, 95 percent of Americans who right now are struggling.” For my part, I’m concerned about what sounds like shocking ignorance about the extent of poverty in this country and an utter lack of urgency about finding solutions.

According to a U.S. Census Bureau report released in

September, the poverty rate began rising sharply in 2007 as the recession took hold. By 2010, the report says, 15.1 percent of Americans were living below the poverty line – 46.2 million people who apparently do not merit Romney’s attention. A substantial plurality of these poor people – about 20 million – are non-Hispanic whites. Roughly 13 million are Hispanic and nearly 11 million are African-American. These figures show that minorities are overrepresented among the poor, but also that poverty is by no means some kind of “minority problem.” It’s an American problem. And even these numbers are somewhat misleading, since the official poverty threshold is set at a level that many researchers consider unrealistically low. Imagine supporting a family of four on $22,314 a year – food, shelter, clothing, transportation – and being told you’re not poor. A better measure, in my view, is the number of American families getting by on incomes that equal the poverty level plus an additional 25 percent. By this standard, fully one-fifth of the nation is poor.

Romney says we have a safety net. That’s still true, despite the best efforts of his party to rip it to shreds. For the sake of argument, let’s assume the most important support for people living in poverty – the food stamps program – continues more or less unchanged. Let’s also assume that Romney, as president, manages to “fix” Medicaid and Social Security in a way that does not reduce the benefits they provide to

poor people, and that Romney’s tax plan is altered so it does not raise taxes on the lowest earners, as many analysts say it would.

In Romney’s worldview, case closed. No need to be “concerned” about poverty as long as people are not starving.

What our society ought to be concerned about is making sure that poor people have the tools they need to lift themselves out of poverty. Liberals and conservatives might disagree on how best to accomplish this goal. We can argue about the role government should play versus the private sector. We can dispute the merits of traditional public schools versus charter schools. What we cannot do is simply write off up to one-fifth of the nation’s human potential, as if it were a footnote in a corporation’s annual report.

There was something disturbing about the icy way in which Romney, even when trying to clarify his initial remark, continued to insist that the poor receive government help and therefore need not be a focus of his policies. Even some conservative Republicans were taken aback, with Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., saying Romney should “backtrack” and make clear he does not want the poor to languish in “government dependency programs.”

DeMint suggested earlier that Romney take pains to show more empathy. I worry – and the nation should worry – that he can’t show what he doesn’t have.

Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com

Losing to a loser

It’s interesting that so many Republicans see Mitt Romney as the inevitable candidate and the most likely to beat Obama. In 2008 Romney, who had a virtually unlimited amount of money, managed to lose to John McCain. McCain went on to lose to a previously unknown Democrat named Barack Obama. Now Obama is the incumbent president and is in a much stronger position to win. Losing to a loser doesn’t make you a winner.

Marc Perkel, Gilroy, Calif.

Shame on Komen

The Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation is now shrouded with a pall of shame! The organization is the latest victim to succumb to the coercion and intimidation of the radical Christian Right.

Kowtowing to pressure from Christian organizations, leadership at the Komen Foundation decided to end their inancial support of Planned Parenthood. Over the last ive years, Komen’s support inanced more than 17,000 clinical breast exams and more than 6,400 mammograms for women who often had no other medical alternative.

Whether the poor and downtrodden get needed medical service is obviously no concern of the Christian Right. This is a segment of our society in which religious ideology trumps all, a fantasy land devoid of scientiic truth and social justice. The crusaders of the Christian Right, although claiming moral high

Stop the killing Extra, extra, read all about it! This was once a famous line in our country used by the old newspaper boys. It was designed to spark interest and sell papers. The news was thought to be so profound that one would jump at the opportunity to read the story. If someone was murdered or committed some major catastrophic act, it was an event that most wanted to read about. But this is not necessarily so in today’s society.

Many run from news of murder today. They hate seeing it on the news, they hate hearing it one the radio and they hate reading it in the newspaper. And in the St. Louis area, in just this short distance into 2012 the crime rate, especially murder, seems to be through the roof.

I encourage anybody and everybody – man or boy, woman or girl, teacher or student, worker or retired, Christian or Muslim, or whatever your belief is – to pass this message as often as possible. Extra, extra hear this: PLEASE STOP THE KILLING! CHOOSE LIFE AND NOT DEATH.

Allif H. Dove, St. Louis

Church on the streets

The Church should be on these streets stopping the violence.

Brian Irons, St. Louis

Recommit to clean water

2012 marks the 40th anniversary of the Clean Water Act, the landmark law designed to make all of America’s waters clean enough to swim in and drink and ish from. Thanks to the Clean Water Act, it’s safer to swim in many of our rivers, and the water is safer to drink.

Unfortunately, smaller, seasonal waters that feed Missouri’s rivers are at risk

Guest Columnist Michael Butler

Lutheran Schools to host Open Houses

Families of all faiths are invited to visit more than 30 Lutheran schools in the St. Louis area Sunday, Feb. 12, for a special “all schools” Open House event. Most schools will welcome visitors from 1 to 3 p.m., but times may vary. Participating schools include Lutheran High School North, and Atonement and Salem Lutheran schools in Florissant; Grace Chapel in Bellefontaine Neighbors; Our Redeemer in Overland; River Roads Lutheran in north St. Louis; Word of Life in south St. Louis; Zion Lutheran in Belleville; and Metro East Lutheran High School in Edwardsville.

For contact information, visit www.metrolutheranschools.org or call (314) 268-1520.

Parkway Hall of Fame nominations

The Parkway Alumni Association is currently accepting nominations for the 2012 Parkway Alumni Association Hall of Fame.

The Hall of Fame recognizes Parkway graduates who have brought honor to the district by distinguishing themselves through career achievements and outstanding community service in the years since they graduated from high school. Now, after four cycles of nominations and selections, the inductee list includes more than 100 outstanding Parkway graduates, including Jason James, Dr. Samantha Elliott Briggs, Kimberly Cook Davis, Esq.and Ryan Young. Completed nomination forms must be submitted by February 15 for a graduate to be considered for this honor. To download a nomination form, visit: http://www.parkwayalumni.org/ halloffame.

Students benefit young cancer survivors

Holman Middle School students present a check for $431.23 to Jennifer Ivanovich (second from right),director of the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program.Shown are,from left,Holman Principal Teisha Ashford,students Emma Hohenstein,Liz Jackson,Mikaella Rectin and Madison Blair,and Dr. Michael Fulton,Pattonville superintendent.

Before winter break,students from Holman Middle School aannounced a challenge to raise money to fight cancer.The students said if they raised $300,they would dye their hair pink.Students Madison Blair,Emma Hohenstein,Liz Jackson and Mikaella Rectin raised more than $400 for the Young Women’s Breast Cancer Program and kept their promise by temporarily sporting some colorful hair.The program,which began at the Siteman Cancer Center and Washington University School of Medicine in 2001,works with young survivors to implement strategies to meet the age-relevant needs of young women.

Free financial aid help Feb. 11

Need assistance filling out college financial aid forms? Free help is on the way!

And you could win a scholarship just by attending the FAFSAFrenzy event at St. Louis Community College’s Harrison Education Center on Saturday, Feb. 11, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

The center, located at 3140 Cass Ave. in St. Louis, will have financial aid professionals on hand to assist students and parents with the FAFSAprocess.

FAFSAis the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, which is the first step in applying for federal financial aid and many state programs. Families will be able to complete the 2012-2013 FAFSAon site and obtain valuable information.

Next school year, the U.S. Department of Education will make more than $150 billion in postsecondary financial aid available to students throughout the nation. As part of a College Goal Sunday program , FAFSAFrenzy makes applying for financial aid easier by providing students with free help.

Scholarships will be drawn for students attending the events in Missouri. Winners will receive their scholarships upon receipt of enrollment verification for the 2012 fall semester at a Missouri postsecondary institution.

For dates, times and locations for numerous FAFSAFrenzy events, go to www.dhe.mo.gov or www.masfap.org/showmetocollege. For more information about the event at the Harrison Education Center, contact Lisa Lee at 314-763-6000.

Missouri history and fairtreatment

By Tishaura O.Jones State Representative

Mr. Speaker, I have a question.

Is it too much to ask for me, a black woman, to be treated fairly under the law?

Is it too much to ask for my father, a black man who endured the Civil Rights Movement, to be treated fairly under the law?

Is it too much to ask for my little sisters, who are in college and high school, to be treated fairly under the law?

And finally, is it too much to ask for my son, a little black boy growing up who has no concept of race, to be treated fairly under the law?

I guess it is, Mr. Speaker, or we wouldn’t be standing here ... today ... in 2012 trying to make it harder for people like me to be treated fairly under the law.

Just last week Mr. Speaker, some hoodlums spray-painted KKK on the Rosa Parks Highway sign in South St. Louis County. Why?

Let’s be real for a moment. I enjoy a great relationship with my colleagues here in the House and Senate. The gentleman from Ripley and I spent a weekend with our families in Branson last year. The gentleman from Franklin hosted a winery tour in his district last fall. I even count the former gentleman from Newton as a mentor and trusted friend.

But let’s call a spade a spade. They spray-painted that sign because racism and hatred run deep in some parts of our state.

HB1219 does nothing to heal the years of pain caused by Missouri’s less than stellar history when it comes to racial equality.

Missouri is a state where until 1969 it was a felony punishable by two years in the state penitentiary for a black person to marry a white person.

Missouri is a state where until 1976 the state constitution mandated the racial segregation of public schools.

Missouri is a state where a white Democrat running for governor won 60 percent of the vote, yet a black man running for President lost the state by less than 4,000 votes.

Progress on racial equality in Missouri has come in a series of small steps over many decades. House Bill 1219 would mark a giant leap backwards.

Missouri’s existing anti-employment discrimination laws protect victims and punish wrongdoers.

Ayes vote on this bill would would turn the law on its head to protect wrongdoers and punish victims.

Ayes vote on this bill would make it easier for employers to discriminate against workers based on age, gender, disability and even religion.

Ayes vote on this bill is vote to allow an employer to fire a worker for being a devout Christian.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce ranks Missouri as 7 of of the top 10 business-friendly states. Do we really want to be known as the state that turned back time on Civil Rights?

House Bill 1219 is beyond redemption; it cannot be fixed. The only way this bill could be improved is to run it through a shredder.

Remarks made on the floor of the Missouri House in opposition to HB 1219.

Tishaura O. Jones

where normally round red oxygen-carrying blood cells are sickle-shaped. The misshapen cells carry less oxygen to the organs and sometimes clog the bloodstream, causing excruciatingly painful attacks and severe medical complications.

The disease affects millions worldwide and is much more common in people of African or Mediterranean descent, and in regions in South America, Central America and the Caribbean.

Approximately 70,00080,000 Americans have the disease, which affects one in 400 newborns in the U.S. About one in 12 African Americans carries the sickle cell trait. If both parents have the sickle cell trait, there is a one in four chance of their offspring having the full-blown disease.

The center will start off with workshops on sickle cell anemia for schools and community groups in the St. Louis area with plans to expand to other areas.

The health component of sickle cell is not entirely new to the center. Property in Jefferson County previously owned by Youth and Family Center, formerly known as Neighborhood Association,

MSD

was the first site of Camp Crescent for kids with sickle cell before it moved to another location.

“We all strongly believe that this is not inconsistent with our mission as a youth agency, as a community agency responsible for education and so forth,” Francis said.

Aspokesperson for the United Way said sickle cell anemia education and support is an important program to fund and they are happy Youth and Family Center was able to take it on. They plan to have the sickle cell program in operation by the beginning of the next school year.

The United Way also funds other Youth and Family Center programs in order to make them affordable for families, Francis said.

“We don’t turn anyone away. We seek buy-in, but we don’t turn anyone away,” he said.

He said the center is focusing on youth development programs to help working parents in the neighborhoods, summer day camps, sports and teen employment programs.

“Anything that has to do with school-age youth ages 5 to 18,” he said. That includes a computer learning lab and library where the old boxing ring for Golden Gloves fights once stood.

The center also offer aging

Continued from A1 are hunkering down and they aren’t going to move,” said Buford, president of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis.

“So someone is going to have to do what’s right. If we wait for everyone at this table to agree on what we’re proposing, then we’d be at this for 10 years. All we’re talking about is some interim goals and a disparity study.”

“We bring them to our center three days a week and pro-

In December, the board voted down a resolution to increase minority participation on construction and service contracts. Opposing trustees said the district must complete a disparity study before a policy can be passed.

However, at the Jan. 26 board meeting, MSD Executive Director Jeff Theerman said this conversation is not over, and the district should pass an interim policy while waiting for the disparity study’s completion.

“Our goal is to engage a wide variety of stakeholders on how we can improve our inclusion policies over the coming months, thereby creating a model diversity program,” Theerman said.

Deliberate but not delayed

In early January, MSD contracted Brown for six months (at $3,000 a month) to facilitate conversations about an interim policy between minority, labor and trade groups.

Brown is the vice president of the St. Louis NAACP, a retired Teamster, Democratic committeeman for the 2nd Ward and veteran political operative. His contract allows for an additional six months if necessary –which critics say leaves Brown with incentive to delay the process.

“[Stakeholders] want it to be deliberate,” Brown said, at the Feb. 7 committee meeting. “We don’t want to put together something so fast that people are back saying that this doesn’t work.”

At the Feb. 7 meeting, Brown said he will come back to the board trustees in 30 days with a proposal. However, Buford warned against the district dragging its feet.

Over the next 20 years, MSD must complete $4.7 billion in improvements. Some of these contracts are ready to be signed in the near future. And some contracts for professional

On the table for MSD inclusion numbers

services can be for 10-year periods or more.

Policy should include workforce

If the board were to speed things up, they would most likely adopt an interim policy proposed in December by MSD Trustee David Visintainer. And this policy does not address workforce goals, said St. Louis NAACP President Adolphus Pruitt.

“There’s no way in the world we cannot address workforce,” Pruitt said. “In this economy, that’s the one thing that everyone agrees is needed – jobs. So why would I agree to an interim policy that doesn’t address workforce goals?”

Visintainer proposed to set goals at 25 percent minorityowned business enterprises (MBE) and 5 percent womenowned business enterprises (WBE) for building construction subcontracting goals on projects more than $50,000. Non-building construction subcontracting goals for projects more than $50,000 would remain at 10 percent MWBE,

with at least 5 percent MBE.

Currently MSD awards 25 percent of all building contracts more than $50,000 cumulatively to either MBEs or WBEs, and its workforce participation goals are 14.7 percent for minorities and 6.9 percent for women.

Resolution 3001 proposed in December would have set separate subcontracting goals for MBE (25 percent) and for WBE (5 percent) for all construction and professional service contracts of $50,000 or more. It would have also set a new minority workforce goal of 25 percent.

Dooley ups inclusion game

St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley recently replaced one of his board appointees, Gerald Feldhaus, who voted against the resolution on Dec. 8. Dooley appointed Michael Yates, an African American, on Jan. 17. Now the board votes look favorable for passing a resolution and out-numbering two of Mayor Francis G. Slay’s appointees, John Goffstein and Visintainer, who voted against it.

trict if minority workforce goals were increased.

Although such lawsuits have been successful in cities that did not conduct disparity studies before mandating workforce goals, Pruitt said these lawsuits would lose because there have been several disparity studies done in the St. Louis region already.

“He’s using the threat of litigation as a barrier to creativity,” Pruitt said. “The threat of paying law fees should not be the one thing from keeping MSD from doing the right thing.”

Disparity study contract

At the Feb. 9 board meeting, the board is expected to adopt a contract with Mason Tillman for the disparity study. Mason Tillman, owned by an African-American woman, was recommended because of its strong track record.

At a special board meeting on Jan. 25, the board announced that the district received six written responses, and two firms were granted oral interviews on January 24. The price range of the proposals ranged from a low of $307,000 to a high of $558,000. The cost for Mason Tillman’s study is $385,000 for three distinct phases of work, and the firm will help with recommendations towards workMSD’s

Pruitt predicts that Goffstein will not vote in favor for any interim policy because some construction trade groups have threatened to sue the dis-

vide them with meals, cultural activities, field trips, exercise, all those kinds of things, arts

crafts activities – Bingo is the favorite,” Francis said.

Photo by Wiley Price

according to a data analysis of Missouri’s sentencing and correction system led by the Pew Center.

Last year, state leaders came together to reduce this financially draining trend and created the 15-member Missouri Working Group on Sentencing and Corrections.

“Perhaps the biggest waste of resources in all of state government is the over-incarceration of nonviolent offenders and our mishandling of drug and alcohol offenders,” said then-Chief Justice William “Ray” Price in his 2010 State of the Judiciary speech. Price is part of the working group.

States and the U.S. Department of Justice is part of the Justice Reinvestment Initiative, and Missouri was selected to participate.

The working group conducted an analysis of state data and trends and reached consensus on a package of reforms.

On Jan. 19, several members of the working group spoke about their findings at the Heman Park Community Center in University City.

“Perhaps the biggest waste of resources in all of state government is the overincarceration of nonviolent offenders.”

– then-Chief Justice William “Ray”Price

“It is costing us billions of dollars and it is not making a dent in crime,” Price said.

In 2011, Judge Price, Gov. Jay Nixon, President Pro Tem of the Senate Robert Mayer and Speaker of the House Steven Tilley agreed to develop strategies to reduce recidivism, improve public safety and lower the tax burden. One of their first steps was to request help from the Pew Center, which has provided or funded similar projects in more than a dozen states.

The center’s Public Safety Performance Project on the

PEASTON

Continued from A1 were both youngsters at the time, and Gentry would eventually sing with Peaston and become a lifelong friend.

“What a voice,” Gentry remembered. “David turned out Kiel Opera House when he was still in high school.”

The Sumner High School graduate and former St. Louis Public Schools educator honed his talent on some of the biggest stages in St. Louis. He was following in the footsteps of his mother Martha Bass and his big sister Fontella Bass. Martha was a St. Louis legend as a member of the internationally renowned Clara Ward singers. Fontella’s 1965 hit “Rescue Me” is still one of the world’s most recognizable tunes.

George Lombardi, director of the Missouri Department of Corrections, explained the group’s recommendations to more than 100 attending community members.

One strategy is to target high-risk offenders, who will benefit most from intensive supervision and programming. Another is to frontload supervision resources by focusing on the first days, weeks and months after offenders are placed on probation or parole – the period when they are most likely to commit a new crime.

The group also recommended incorporating incentives for offenders to comply with probation and parole officers, by awarding a credit that reduces the term of supervision by 30 days for every 30 days of compliance.

Two of the forum’s speakers, state Rep. Gary Fuhr (RConcord) and state Rep. Rory Ellinger (D-University City),

Once he hit the Apollo, St. Louis fans sat anxiously in front of television screens, eager to hear him tear the roof off with “God Bless the Child.” He won so many times that he had to be retired from the program. Adeal with Geffen Records followed. He went on to win a Soul Train “Best New Artist” Award in 1991 and enjoyed initial chart success. But ultimately his commercial career paled in comparison to his talent, and his body of work would be limited to two R&B records and one gospel album.

‘Spiritually connected’

“If I start talking about him, then I’ll have to admit to myself that he’s gone,” Peaston’s wife Marilyn said.

“We were also spiritually connected. We did so much

introduced a new bill (HB 1525) last month to put this push this recommendation forward.

“If we can nip those technical violations in the bud, then we have a better opportunity to getting people back to work, back to being productive citizens and back with their families,” said Fuhr, a former FBI agent.

The bill proposes to create a 13-member sentencing and corrections oversight commission and establish a “compli-

living together – one year was like a five-year period. We did a lot of living, and I didn’t know why at the time.”

Though they had known each other since she was 8 years old, their union began just as Peaston’s national exposure was taking off.

“He tried to make the world a better place through his music,” Marilyn said. “His desire was to transcend the barriers of the world through his music.”

After the onset of diabetes, his health failed him and ultimately led to him losing both of his legs. In spite of his ailments, he made countless appearances and contributed to shows throughout the St. Louis area. When he served as headliner for the “Distinguished Gents: Remember the Time” production, he was going back and forth from the hospital to the rehearsal hall.

ance credit” system for nonviolent offenders on parole or probation.

Fuhr said the bill may have incorporated more of the recommendations, but the state is currently revising its criminal code. The group hopes the revised code will go through this legislative session.

The room was filled with local political leaders and community members. Many who work with ex-felons urged the panelists to funnel more money into community organizations.

“He was an amazing person,” said concert promoter Alonzo Shaw. “And what he had to offer was a gift from God.”

That gift survives him.

“You can hear it everywhere,” said local gospel legend Zella Jackson Price.

“What’s so beautiful is that he touched so many lives in the

Ellinger told the audience that the working committee agreed that most of the savings that the recommendations would create should go towards probation and community programs.

Without any policy reform, Missouri’s prison population is projected to remain stable over the next few years, resulting in a population of approximately 30,787 inmates by June 2017, data show. The reforms will reduce the June 2017 popula-

secular and the gospel fields.”

He kept the joy in his voice until the end.

“Even with everything he was going through with his sickness, he still had joy,” Price said. “I will always remember that – and that high tenor voice that would ring up to the clouds.”

Ellinger asked Lombardi what he would do with any savings the reforms create.

“I’d make sure there were more help programs out on the street to help probationers be successful, so they don’t come back into prison,” Lombardi said.

Andre Jackson (right),an ex-felon,explains to St.Louis County Prosecutor Bob McCulloch,Director of the Missouri Department of Corrections George Lombardi and state Rep.Rory Ellinger how the state should prepare ex-offenders to reenter society at a recent public forum held at Heman Park Community Center.

Photo by Wiley Price

Chris Koster: not ‘Obama’s lawyer’

Veteran Republican operative and serial candidate Ed Martin is no stranger to invoking Barack Obama’s name in ridiculous claims when a political ofice is at stake. In the dog days of Obama’s 2008 campaign for U.S. President, Martin quarterbacked a Swift Boat-style attack campaign on Obama that tried to tar him as a terrorist because of Obama’s slight personal relationship with former Weatherman Bill Ayers, long after Ayers’ domestic terrorist days were over.

We saw how well that worked for Martin, as Obama won his election by a landslide.

The St. Louis Republican who ran Gov. Matt Blunt’s ofice is up to his old tricks. Now he is trying to tarnish Missouri Attorney General Chris Koster by association with President Obama, banking on Obama to drag down other statewide Democrats in Missouri in 2012. Martin recently announced his own campaign against Koster for Attorney General by attempting to brand the incumbent Democrat as “Obama’s lawyer.”

“It is time to start dismantling the Obama Organization starting with his lawyers like Chris Koster,” Martin’s campaign announcement states. Martin – who styles himself “a respected Missouri attorney,” though most of us would quarrel with that descriptor “respected” – said he “wants to restore the Attorney General’s ofice to one that respects the rule of law and represents a check on state government, not a checkmark for liberal politics and policies like ObamaCare.”

That sort of rhetoric may play well to Martin’s blood-red

base, but it has the disadvantage of not being true.

Last April Koster iled a brief in support of the state attorneys general who had iled suit against the health care reform legislation so strongly pushed by Obama in his irst year in ofice. While not joining the suit, as a Republican attorney general in Missouri almost certainly would have done, Koster did argue in his brief that the federal government does not have the constitutional authority to require anyone to purchase health insurance. This was acting as anything but “Obama’s lawyer.”

“The Founding Fathers envisioned – and the people adopted – a federal government with limited, enumerated powers,” Koster writes in his brief. A quote of the Founding Fathers to underline the limitations of the federal government is far closer to Martin’s Astroturf tea party base than to “the Obama Organization,” whatever that is, which Martin says he wants to topple, starting with Koster.

“The people of Missouri, by a vote of over 70 percent, afirmed their desire to be free of congressional regulation in this area,” Koster writes, referencing an August 2010 ballot initiative. “However, this Court could rule that, in order for Missouri’s sovereign authority to be exercised under the Affordable Care Act, Missouri’s elected representatives must have an opportunity to opt out of (or into) Congress’ regulatory plan.”

Plainly, this is the reasoning of an elected oficial whose name will go on the ballot before the same voters who overwhelmingly opposed Obama’s

Affordable Care Act, however poorly they may have understood this complex legislation. Those of us who have watched the career of Chris Koster – a Republican state senator who defected to the Democratic Party and then iled for Attorney General as a Democrat – would conclude he is Chris Koster’s lawyer more than Missouri’s lawyer, and certainly more than he’ll ever be “Obama’s lawyer.”

The packaged deal

In the real world, where Chris Koster is not “Obama’s lawyer,” Ed Martin is not going to be Missouri’s Attorney General. Not that he had any chance of winning his previous race either. Martin lately has been leap-frogging from campaign to campaign. His most recent stop was in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate for Missouri, where two more electable statewide Republicans, Sarah Steelman and Todd Akin, already have their hats in the ring. This much is clear: the Missouri Republican Party wanted Martin out of that race. He

announced his candidacy for Attorney General with the advance endorsement of everyone from U.S. Senator Roy Blunt to Jim Talent to Katherine Hanaway to Phyllis Schlaly to President Pro Tem Rob Mayer to Speaker of the House Steve Tilley to the tea partiers. It certainly has the smell of a packaged deal to get him out of the U.S. Senate primary. In this regard, it is telling that Akin’s name appears on the advance endorsement list, but Steelman’s does not. One would expect Akin to do better than Steelman without another man from the St. Louis region on the ballot with him.

Ed as punch line

Missouri Republicans evidently consider Martin to be a candidate who has to be dealt with, literally, but he is a laugh line for most of the rest of us.

Missouri Democratic Party spokeswoman Caitlin Legacki got in a good one: “After declaring for Missouri’s 2nd and 3rd Congressional districts, the United States Senate and lirting

with a run for Governor – all in just the last 24 months – Ed has now announced his intentions to run for Attorney General. This most recent announcement makes ive ofices in the past two years that Ed has actively sought. We welcome Ed to the race for how ever long he decides to stay.”

The St. Louis Post-Dispatch met Martin’s announcement for AG with an extended piece of humor, delivered via an editorial where one detects the hand of longtime Ed Martin nemesis

Tony Messenger

The Post let Ed have it:

Who among potential candidates other than Mr. Martin can lay claim to being one of the principal subjects of a nearly $2 million taxpayer-funded investigation into whether he helped orchestrate multiple violations of the state’s open meetings and records law, which the attorney general helps to enforce?

Only Ed Martin can.

Mr. Martin also has been unapologetic about his effort to use the full power of the Missouri governor’s ofice to de-

When veteran Republican operative and serial candidate Ed Martin announced his campaign for Missouri Attorney General, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch treated the news with a satirical cartoon and an editorial that read like a stand-up routine.

©R.J. Matson, St. Louis Post-Dispatch

stroy the reputation of a young staff member who dared to raise questions about Sunshine Law violations.

So why not make that the centerpiece of his campaign?

Mr. Martin, for instance, could point to how adept he is at avoiding traps laid by other attorneys, like when he was deposed on Nov. 7, 2008, in the Sunshine Law investigation that was led by two ex-Missouri state patrolmen. Mr. Martin uttered numerous creative derivations of the phrase “I don’t know.” He can’t recall. He can’t remember. He doesn’t know. He can’t remember if he ever recalled. This was, of course, after Mr. Martin freely admitted regularly destroying government emails and using his ofice to coordinate political attacks against then-Attorney General Jay Nixon

As for Koster, he got his prosecutor’s steel jaw out of the closet for his response to Martin’s announcement.

“In 2008, Missourians embraced our campaign because they understood the importance of having an Attorney General who was a prosecutor, one who has personally stood in the courtroom and convicted many of Missouri’s most notorious criminals,” Koster stated. It’s not easy to picture a consummate political opportunist like Chris Koster as a steely, for-the-people prosecutor, but that role is far more convincing than the one in which Ed Martin has cast him: Obama’s lawyer. Not

By Melanie Adams

The history of Black History Month

Are we living up to Dr. Woodson’s dream?

“Do not call on some silver-tongued orator to talk to your school about the history of the Negro. The orator does not generally have much in his head. His chief qualiication is strong lungs-a good bellows. He knows very little about things in general and practically nothing about the Negro in particular except how to exploit the race. Let the children study the history of the race, and they will be the speakers who will put the spellbinder to shame.” (Dr. Carter G. Woodson)

As I read these words, I had to laugh. How many institutions had I worked at in the past 20 years that spent great sums of money to bring in big name speakers for Black History Month? Speakers that would talk about the state of Black America or how far we are from Dr. King’s Dream. They were usually actors/actress, directors, rappers, and maybe an academic or two who were heavily promoted by their agents during February.

Looking back at Dr. Woodson’s vision, I can see that Black History Month was designed to be a student-focused movement that encouraged the thoughtful study of history throughout the year and then offered occasions to share those thoughts during the month of February. Visit the Missouri History Museum in February, and you will ind programs that keep in mind the vision of Carter Woodson.

Started in 1926 by Dr. Woodson, Negro History Week began as an opportunity to infuse African American history into the school curriculum and dismantle the “stereotypes about Negros perpetuated by racist white scholarship.” Through his organization, the Association of the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), Dr. Woodson focused on providing resources on African American history to schools around the country.

Working with local teachers and through his publication, The Bulletin, Dr. Woodson provided ideas for teachers to bring African-American history into their classrooms. His ideas included activities such as studying their school’s history, collecting newspaper articles about prominent African Americans in their city, writing and performing a play or “pageant” that depicts African American struggles and triumphs throughout history. Regardless of the activity, Dr. Woodson sought to educate students as a way of encouraging racial pride and preparing the next generation of leaders.

Many St. Louisans may remember Miss Julia Davis and her untiring efforts to bring Black History to her students, the St. Louis schools, and even the general population. But when you look at today’s Black History Month programs, you

Teens Make History will perform Sticks and Stones, a 20-minute play that explores issues of identity, discrimination, and the concept of feeling comfortable in your own skin, at 11:30 a.m. February 11, 18 and 25.

have to ask yourself if they are living up to Dr. Woodson’s vision and Miss Davis’ work. Honoring Black History may have expanded from a week to a month, but are there more opportunities for students to learn about African-American history and share their knowledge with others? If those opportunities are missing, we could expand it to African American History Year and it wouldn’t make much of a difference.

Back in the fall when we began preparing our February calendar, the History Museum made a concerted effort to have Black History Month programs that involved students both in program planning and delivery. These programs provide students with African-American history plus ample opportunity to discuss and share what they know and what they learn. In the coming months the Museum will continue to implement student programs designed to educate, enlighten, and empower students not only with African American history, but also with important community topics. If we are to stay true to Dr. Woodson’s dream for Negro History, we need to always be aware of what our students want and need.

Vashon Student Activists

Atrium Exhibit • Free

This exhibit looks at student activists during the 1960s. Come hear their stories, told in their own voices, of struggle and perseverance during the Civil Rights movement.

Sticks and Stones

Teens Make History

February 11, 18, 25 • 11:30am FREE

Sticks and Stones is a 20-minute play that explores issues of identity, discrimination, and the concept of feeling comfortable in your own skin. Written and performed by the Museum’s Teens Make History students.

The Great Northwest Documentary

February 23 • 7pm FREE

Join us for this inspiring documentary about the students at Northwest Academy of Law in the St. Louis Public Schools District ighting against the odds and winning. Includes a discussion with the director following the documentary.

Obituaries

Evelyn Pierce

Evelyn

Pierce was born June 2, 1924 and passed on January 3, 2012 at St. Mary’s Hospital in St. Louis, MO. She confessed her faith in God at an early age and was a longtime member of Holy Sacrament Lutheran Church. She transferred her membership to Friendly Temple Baptist Church in 2011. Evelyn was educated in the St. Louis Public School System. She retired after many years as a cafeteria worker at Sumner High School.

Evelyn was preceded in death by one daughter, Beverly Pierce Jamerison; and two grandsons, Vernon Bernard Pierce Jr. and John Williams III. She is survived by her children, Gloria Pierce Williams, Avis Pierce (Karl Sr.) Nicholas, Vernon (Sheree) Pierce and Alvin Pierce, many grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a host of friends.

John Miller, Jr.

John Miller, Jr. was born to the union of John Miller, Sr. and Beatrice Wilson Miller at Peoples Hospital on June 5, 1949 in St. Louis, Missouri. He received his education at Saint Louis Public Schools and graduated from Beaumont High School in 1967.

John continued his education on a full track and field scholarship and graduated from Southeast Missouri State University 1972. He was inducted into the Southeast Missouri State University Sports Hall of Fame on December 3, 2010. Upon graduation he taught for a short time in the St. Louis Public School system. Extending his career, he worked as a Systems Analyst and Computer Consultant at AT&T, where he eventually retired.

John confessed his faith in Christ at an early age in a small church in Slater, Missouri where his grandfather, Elder Gordon Aldrige pastored and was baptized at West Side Missionary Baptist Church.

John departed this life on Saturday, January 14, 2012. He leaves to cherish his memory: a loving and devoted wife of 35 years, Burdette Love Miller; two sons, Attorney Brandon John Miller (Latori) and Brian Anthony Miller (Remely); three grandchildren, Brandon Sean Miller, Marissa Brianne Miller and Lilah Jane Miller from Northern Virginia; a loving sister, Willa Mae Ray; a loving mother-in-law, Lucy Love; a favorite sister-in-law, Dr. Burchell Love; grandmotherin-law, Arvella Clay Arnold; a favorite and loyal cousin (brother), Elder John Craig Morton (Karla); cousin, Kimberly Morton, Jeffrey Morton and Christian Morton (LaKeisha); loving and supporting aunts and uncle, Emma Aldridge Stapleton (Rev. Melvin Stapleton) of Columbia, Missouri, Mary Aldridge Wright (Rev. Tony Wright) of Las Vegas and Montel Aldridge (Lia) of Texas; devoted nieces and nephews, Chawn Sanders (Aaron) of California, Byron Ray (Maxi) and Ashlei Smith (Vincent); grandnephews and nieces, Abrielle M. Sanders, Aiyanna Z. Sanders, Byron W. Ray, Jr., Mekai C. Ray, Vin-

cent E. Smith, Jr. and Xavier A.J. Smith; best friends, Glenn Taylor and family; Larry Briggs (Glenda) and Clarence Finley (Johnetta).

In Remembrance of Beloved Husband and Father

Donald Craig Mitchell

May 30, 1957 – Feb 6, 2011

Donald brought so many gifts to our lives. We will never forget him!

To live in hearts we leave behind is not to die. – Thomas Campbell We miss you, Donald.

Eunice Edna Kirksey

Eunice Edna Kirksey was born in Petersburg, Virginia on August 25, 1923 to the union of Carrie and Ernest Thweatt. She was the youngest of eight children. On Monday, January 30, 2012 our beloved Eunice was called home. She passed peacefully in the early morning hours at her home. Eunice grew up in Petersburg where she attended Peabody High School and Virginia State College. During World War II she met the love

of her life Charles E. Kirksey, Sr. who was then in the army stationed outside Petersburg at Camp Lee, Va. They were married and after the war they moved to St. Louis where they raised five children. Charles, Sr. passed in 1986. For Eunice her greatest aspiration was to be a good wife and mother. This she did well. In 1958, in search of religious fulfillment, Eunice converted to the Catholic Church, and had all of her children baptized in the faith as well. She has been a member of Little Flower Catholic Church since 1968.

Her greatest strength has always been her positive outlook in spite of adversity and has allowed her to overcome many obstacles and disappointments in her life, the greatest of which was the stroke she suffered in 1983, which paralyzed her right side. With admiration her children and friends watched as she recovered and continued on with life as though nothing happened. Another of Eunice’s wonderful attributes was her quiet dignity coupled with her enduring strength. She always held her head high and was a great example to her children, imparting the wisdom of a mother and enkindling life’s lessons.

After all of her children were in school Eunice decided she needed something to fill her lonely hours so she took a part time position with Sears on Kingshighway. She worked for Sears until her retirement from the Chesterfield store.

Eunice leaves to celebrate her life: her children, Charles, Jr., Cezanne, Noren, Peter and Christopher; her grandchildren, Lauren, Cameron, Charles III, Christian, and Caitlyn.

From police chief to XBox thief

Michael Baxton busted in federal sting

We’ve all heard the expression that if you give a crook enough rope, then he’ll hang himself. Yet, you don’t expect that old saying to apply to the “good guys” too.

Well, that’s precisely what happened to former East St. Louis police chief Michael Baxton who recently resigned and, one day later, pleaded guilty to felony charges of stealing evidence and making false statements to federal investigators.

Baxton’s demise should come as no surprise to anyone who has paid attention.

I’ve dedicated a number of columns to his questionable law enforcement career, from questions surrounding his previously expunged felony record to hiring ESL cops with checkered histories or attempting to run interference for a drunken ESL officer who was asleep at the wheel in neighboring Belleville.

officer under the bus as the culprit.

Then, when presented with evidence, Baxton finally admitted to his thievery and retrieved the stolen game systems. Too little, too late. And for those who want to say that Baxton was “entrapped,” consider that the sting or “integrity test” was the result of reports (by certain Alorton police officers) of alleged theft of evidence by Baxton and preferential treatment given to detainees who were associates or family members of Baxton and others. If Baxton operated with honesty and integrity, then a federal sting would have revealed that as well. Michael Baxton was caught red-handed, with surveillance equipment, and still tried to lie to federal authorities.

The theft of federal property could net up to 10 years’ imprisonment for Baxton, while making a false statement to a federal officer is good for another 5 years of federal time.

On October 5, 2011, Baxton, then the Alorton police chief, was summoned to what he was believed was a stolen vehicle loaded with five Xbox 360 video gaming consoles.

Upon discovering the video systems, Baxton did what came naturally (for him), taking four of the games and allowing an Alorton officer, who was working in an undercover capacity, to have the fifth one.

Three months later, federal agents interviewed Baxton, who initially lied about purloining the Xbox games. When pressed further, Baxton threw the undercover Alorton

Baxton pleaded guilty to all charges in an open-ended plea, meaning that he will have to cooperate fully in any and all ongoing investigations that the federal government may be in the process of conducting. That means that anyone who may have spoken with Baxton during the two weeks between Baxton’s “interview” (on January 5, 2012) and his court appearance (on January 19, 2011) should be very worried. And you’d be worried too if you’d spilled your guts to Baxton, not knowing that he may have been a walking recording studio for the feds. But not to worry. If Baxton doesn’t manage to deliver any other East Boogie scum to the feds, at least he’ll be joined in prison by Alorton’s street director, Ronnie Cummings, who is accused of being a felon in possession of a firearm and ammunition, as well as making false statements to federal agents. I predict his sentence will be comparable to Baxton’s. So what’s left for Michael Baxton? With his career over, I think that Xbox should at least shoot a commercial featuring the soon-to-be incarcerated thief, saying something like, “Xbox – so much fun it’s worth going to jail for!” If Blago can do reality TV before going off to the big house, then Baxton should at least get a commercial. I’m just saying. If you like my column, then you will love my radio show on WGNU-920am every Sunday from 4-5 p.m. Please tune-in and call-in. I’d love to hear from my St. Louis American readers. Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com.

Evelyn Pierce

Eunice Kirksey

John Miller Jr.

Donald C. Mitchell

James Ingram

Delta VP to keynote Founders Day

Dr. Paulette C. Walker, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority National 1st Vice President, will give the keynote address at the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter’s Founders Day celebration, to be held at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel, on Saturday, February 18 at 1 a.m.

The theme: “Stepping Into 100 Years of Dedicated Service Together.” Pier Scott is Committee Chair, Aisha White and Dr. Claudine Fleming are Committee Co-Chairs and Teresa Hargrow-Simmons is Chapter President.

Dr. Walker received her

Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics Education from Michigan State University. She received her Master of Arts degree in Guidance Counseling and Doctor of Education degree from the University of Michigan. She recently retired as the Director of Undergraduate Programs and Internship in the College of Education at the University of South Florida. She was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority in October, 1966 at Michigan State University. She has served the Sorority on the local, regional and national levels. She is a Past Southern Regional Director

and Chair of the Long Range Planning Task Force. As 2013 approaches, the year that marks the 100th anniversary of the Sorority, the 2012 Founders Day tribute to the 22 visionary young women who founded the organization brings special signiicance.

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority has consistently been a positive inluence in the United States and abroad through its programs of social welfare, cultural enrichment, academic excellence and the indomitable spirit of its members.

The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority’s Founders Day Committee. First row, seated: Dorothy T. Heyward, Vivian Washington White, Aisha White, Dr. Claudine Fleming, Teresa Hargrow-Simmons, Pier Scott, Kimmala K. Cox, Delores Grice. Second row, standing: Debbie Jones Fowler, Glenise A. Cloudy, Rochelle D. Jones, Dr. Mildred Anderson, Manerva D. Todd, Mitchelle Price, Kim Banks, Jacqueline Ploudre, Shelia D. O’Conner, Rose Carnes-Bruce, Shelia Jones, Patricia Stewart, Linda Cobb. Not shown: Laurel Martin, LaTasha Gordon, Rita Logan.

“Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law’

of 10 and 18 years, recently has received a number of national accolades. People magazine named Judge Edwards as one of its 2011 Heroes of the Year, and the academy was featured on the Today show last month. But the academy’s biggest success is that it has changed the lives of many young people, helping them to turn away from problems such as gang violence. So far, 18 students have earned their high school diplomas or GED, and two of them have gone on to college.

Racist Southern strategy against Obama

By Rev Jesse L. Jackson Sr. For The St. Louis American

tive action candidate” and a “Halfrican-American.”

By Judge Richard B. Teitelman Chief Justice, Missouri Supreme Court

In light of this week’s recognition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I want to mention a true gem of the state – Frankie Freeman – a 95-year-old African-American woman who is being honored as the St. Louis Citizen of the Year and who has spent most of her 95 years marching as a true drum major for justice.

I was appointed to serve on the Supreme Court in 2002. I have been proud to serve there in the company of some of the inest jurists our state has ever known. I want to take a moment now to recognize my colleagues on the court, who

make every day of my job there special.

I start by introducing to you our newest member, Judge George Draper III. Judge Draper – who is only the second African-American ever to serve on our state’s high court – is from St. Louis, where he spent 11 years on the Court of Appeals, preceded by six years as a trial judge in St. Louis County, and before that, he served as chief trial attorney in the city’s circuit attorney’s ofice. Judge Draper, we are honored for the opportunity to serve alongside you.

I also want to recognize Judge Ray Price, whose very big shoes I have to try to ill as chief justice; Judge Patty Breckenridge; Judge Zel Fischer; Judge Mary Russell and Judge Laura Stith.

It is important for me to mention all of these judges to you because the leadership for the judicial branch of government comes from all these ine men and women who are serving and who have served on the Supreme Court. One judge in particular has been the source of much Missouri pride in recent months. Judge Jimmie Edwards, a circuit judge in St. Louis city, believed there needed to be an alternative to incarceration for juveniles who deserve a second chance through education. So in collaboration with 45 community partners, he took over an abandoned school and opened the Innovative Concept Academy in 2009. The academy, which serves as a “school of last resort” for at-risk youth between the ages

Many court employees throughout the state went to Joplin following the disaster to help the courageous citizens of Joplin rebuild their lives and their community. Our hearts go out to everyone affected by this disaster – and our appreciation goes to everyone who lent a helping hand. Vince Lombardi said, “Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work.” I am so proud to live in a state that works as well as it does because its citizens and public servants are so generous with their prayers and other assistance and are so willing to work together. As we come to the end of my speech, I am reminded by the quote carved into the dais behind me of the privilege of public service. That quote relects our state motto, “Salus Populi Supreme Lex Esto,” which means, “Let the welfare of the people be the supreme law.”

Edited from the State of the Judiciary address delivered January 18 during a joint session of the Missouri General Assembly in Jefferson City, Mo.

Consider just the Republican presidential contenders. The campaign started with Donald Trump’s ugly nonsense about Obama’s birth certiicate, suggesting that he was un-American. Newt Gingrich devoted a book, To Save America, to denouncing Obama’s “secular socialist machine that represents as great a threat to America as Nazi Germany.”

Gingrich began his comeback from life support when he reasserted his claim that Obama was the “food stamp president,” a pure dog whistle to the unreconstructed among South Carolina voters.

Mitt Romney says Obama wants to lead America into a “European social welfare society.” Obama, the theme is, isn’t like us. One of Romney’s ads in South Carolina criticized Obama for adopting “un-American” economic policies.

But the presidential candidates are simply the top of a cesspool. U.S. Rep. Doug Lamborn (R-Colo.) said of Obama that he didn’t “even want to have to be associated with him. It’s like touching a tar baby and you get it, you’re stuck.”

U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson (RS.C.) made a name for himself insulting the president in the middle of his health-care address to Congress in 2009. This year, House Speaker John Boehner scorned Obama’s agenda in his State of the Union address as “un-American.”

The activists and pundits are worse. Rush Limbaugh scorned Obama as an “afirma-

Hours after a 21-year-old Idaho man was arrested for shooting an AK-47 rile at the White House, the president of the University of Texas College Republicans tweeted: “Y’all as tempting as it may be, don’t shoot Obama. We need him to go down in history as the WORST president we’ve EVER had!” Her successor apparently wasn’t chastened by the ensuing furor, tweeting, “My president’s black, he snorts a lot of crack.” What’s going on here?

U.S. Rep. James E. Clyburn (D-S.C.) considers this a version of the Republican “Southern strategy.” “It tends to equate the president of the United States with dependency, with a lack of status,” he said.

“I believe it’s another way to separate his presidency from the presidencies of all the others before him.”

“That’s more than a dog whistle,” Fox News analyst Juan Williams said. “It’s a hoot and a holler.”

This is dangerous. Angry and upset people, frightened by an African American in the White House, feed on the signals, the hatred and the fantasies of Obama as un-American, illegitimate. Threats on the president’s life are up.

No one wants to censor speech. But we can and should call out those who are breeding hate or appealing to it. The majority of the American people elected Barack Obama. He deserves the respect and the dignity of his ofice, even if you disagree with his policies.

Missouri Supreme Court Judge George Draper III and his wife Judy Draper with Attorney Frankie Freeman. Photo by Wiley Price

Rev. Jesse Jackson Sr.

BUSINESS

– 15, 2012

The O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex – a $23 million community center near West Florissant Street and I-70 – will open its doors to North St.Louis City families.In its construction,the project has thus far employed 33 percent minority workers – about 98 percent of whom were African-American.

Kwame beats workforce goals

O’Fallon Park project successfully pilots minority participation program

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

In a couple of months, the O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex – a $23 million community center near West Florissant Street and I-70 –will open its doors to North St. Louis City families.

In its construction, the project has thus far

Regions Bank, American present business seminar

‘Ride to Success’February 16 at Four Seas Banquet Center

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St.Louis American

Regions Bank and The St. Louis American encourage small business owners to attend the “Ride to Success” Business Seminar 8 a.m.-12 noon Thursday, February 16 at the Four Seas Banquet Center, 1910 Serbian Dr. “Ride to Success,” which is free and open to the community, will feature local professionals with expertise in various areas of business. The seminar includes a complimentary breakfast and networking opportunities.

RSVPto attend “Ride to Success” by calling 314-289-5419.

See SEMINAR, B6

employed 33 percent minority workers – about 98 percent of whom were African-American.

Although many said it couldn’t be done, the project exceeded the city’s 25 percent minority workforce goal, said Zachary Hamilton, vice president of Kwame Building Group Inc., the project’s manager.

Similar doubtful voices are telling other public institutions, including the Metropolitan

Sewer District (MSD), that increasing the minority workforce goals is not possible. In December, MSD’s Board of Trustees voted against a policy that would have increased minority workforce requirements on contracts.

The decision came after many construction companies and union leaders argued against the

See KWAME, B2

ConsumerFinancial Protection Bureau issues first report

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the nation’s first federal agency to focus solely on consumer financial issues, reached an important milestone. The fledgling agency’s first report to Congress was delivered to the U.S. Senate Banking Committee on January 31 by its recentlyappointed Director, Richard Cordray.

Speaking to the committee, Cordray said, “We plan to use all of the tools available to us to ensure that everyone respects and follows the rules of the road. Where we can cooperate with financial institutions to do that, we will; when necessary, however, we will not hesitate to use enforcement actions to right a wrong.”

After officially opening for business on July 21 of last year, CFPB has had a busy six months of operations. Beyond staffing its headquarters in Washington, regional offices are also operating in San Francisco, Chicago and New York City. CFPB has also testified before Congress 12 times, held town hall meetings and its first public hearing. As CFPB moves ahead with supervision and examination of a variety of lenders, a commitment to partnerships, diversity and outreach is a key focus. The specific concerns of minorities, military members and older consumers are now being addressed through a combination of dedicated staff, strategic partners and working agreements

See REPORT, B6

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Reginald Scott

Reginald Scott has been hired as the new Executive Director of the Lemay Housing Partnership. He formerly served as Vice President of Community Development Banking for PNC Bank for the St. Louis, Missouri and Central Illinois regions. Prior to PNC Bank’s acquisition of National City Bank, he served as the Vice President and Executive Director of National City Community Development Corporation in the St. Louis market.

Brenda Battle

Brenda Battle, RN, MBA, was elected board secretary of the Missouri Foundation for Health’s Board of Directors.She is director of the Barnes-Jewish Hospital Center for Diversity and Cultural Competence.K. Beth Johnson, a partner at Mercer Investment Consulting LLC, was reelected board chair. Dr. Corinne Walentik, a professor of pediatrics at Saint Louis University School of Medicine, was reelected vice chair.

Robert Stewart

Robert Stewart recently received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the North County Municipal Police Chiefs Association. Stewart is acting district chief of police and director of emergency preparedness for St. Louis Community College. The award recognizes lifelong achievements and contributions to law enforcement throughout North St. Louis County and the State of Missouri. He has 36 years of law enforcement experience.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Cathy Hughes to receive NAACPChairman’s Award TVOne Founder and President Cathy Hughes will receive the NAACP Chairman’s Award during the 43rd NAACPImage Awards, broadcast live on Friday, February 17 on NBC. The Chairman’s Award, chosen by NAACP Chairman Roslyn M. Brock, is bestowed in recognition of special achievement and distinguished public service. Past honorees include U.S. Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin, Tyler Perry, Dr. Wangari Muta Maathai, Aretha Franklin and then-U.S. Senator Barack Obama,. Brock described Hughes as “founder of Radio One and TVOne, an advocate for small business entrepreneurship,and philanthropist.”

Lambert sees two percent increase in boarding passengers

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport saw 12.5 million passengers arrive and depart in 2011, a two percent increase in passengers departing compared to 2010. The airport saw a 4.1 percent increase in landed weight. Southwest Airlines ended 2011 as the leading airline at Lambert carrying 45 percent of departing traffic from St. Louis. American Airlines is second in market share with 17 percent and Delta is third with 14 percent. Southwest just announced four new daily non-stop flights to begin this summer to New York LaGuardia and San Antonio.

Charlene Crowell

Photo by Wiley Price

Cathy Hughes

Are you saving for retirement? For your children’s education? For any other longterm goal? If so, you’ll want to know about a sometimes subtle, yet very real threat to your savings: inflation. Inflation is the increase in the price of products over time. Inflation rates have fluctuated over the years. Sometimes inflation runs high, and other times it is hardly noticeable. The short-term changes aren’t the real issue. The real issue is the effects of long-term inflation. Over the long term, inflation erodes the purchasing power of your income and wealth. That means that even as you save and invest, your accumulated wealth buys less and less, just with the mere passage of time. And those

How does inflation affect me?

who put off saving and investing will be even deeper in the hole.

What Can You Do About Inflation?

The effects of inflation can’t be denied — yet there are ways to fight them. Historically, one of the best ways has been to utilize growth-oriented alternatives. Stocks, stock mutual funds, variable annuities, and variable universal life insurance may be options to consider. These alternatives provide the potential for returns that exceed inflation over the long term. Growth-oriented alternatives carry more risk than other types of investments. Over the long term, however, they may help you stave off the effects

upcoming $4.6 billion improvements over the next 20 years. However, Bradley declined to comment on MSD’s workforce participation goals.

increase.

With the City of St. Louis having a 50 percent AfricanAmerican population, the numbers are there, said Tony Thompson, Kwame founder and CEO. “The people are there,” Thompson said. “Everyone is trying to find 20 reasons that it can’t be done, rather than rolling up their sleeves and trying to get it done.”

‘Pilot program’

The O’Fallon Park center is a model for success, said Richard Bradley, president of the Board of Public Service. The center was the “pilot” for the 2009 city ordinance (68412), which states that civic projects $1 million or more must have 25 percent minority labor hours.

The Board of Public Service will facilitate MSD’s

“Being the pilot program for this ordinance, it took people a short time to get adjusted to it,” Bradley said. “Once you have established this and people know what to expect, they know what they need to do in the future.”

Hamilton said no one has to take his word for the workforce numbers. The labor hours were calculated through certified payroll, which tracks demographic information and hours for each worker. All workers were from Missouri. However, when it’s all completed, the project will mostly likely fall short on a few fronts. Only 15 percent of workers were from the City of St. Louis, whereas the ordinance set a 20 percent local workforce goal. Women workers so far only account for four percent, shy of the five percent goal.

PERSONAL FINANCE

By Charles Ross

of inflation and realize your financial goals. As you focus on growth, remember that prudent investing calls for diversification. Don’t risk all your wealth in aggressive investments. Consider other alternatives to balance your portfolio, and choose all your investments with an eye toward your tolerance for investment risk.

Charles Ross

The return and principal value of stocks and stock mutual funds fluctuate with

Short on apprentices

The project also failed to meet the city’s 15 percent apprentice participation goal –the project is currently at 12 percent. Hamilton said with the unemployment rate so high, it was a tough goal to meet.

“Alot of construction workers are unemployed, and apprentices have to find a job and then get a sponsor,” Hamilton said. “With so many journeyman unemployed, a few trades have closed down their apprentice programs completely.”

changes in market conditions. Shares, when sold, may be worth more or less than their original cost. There are contract limitations, fees, and charges associated with variable annuities, which can include mortality and expense risk charges, sales and surrender charges, administrative fees, and charges for optional benefits. Withdrawals reduce annuity contract benefits and values. Variable annuities are not guaranteed by the FDIC or any

tougher roads for those youths who are most vulnerable, according to a study by the Employment Policies Institute.

“Those experiencing unemployment at an early age have years of lower earnings and an increased likelihood of unemployment ahead of them,” states the institute’s report titled “The long-term effects of youth unemployment.”

“There are people that are working that wouldn’t otherwise be working without the efforts of the team.”

– Zachary Hamilton, Kwame

Missouri’s young adult unemployment rate of 32 percent is higher than the rate for African Americans statewide at 16 percent, according to Labor Bureau statistics. Policies causing youth unemployment (even unintentionally) lead to

In the Hazelwood School District, young African Americans are being kept out of the job pool, the St. Louis NAACP claimed recently.

The NAACPhas urged the school board to change a policy that permits only hiring apprentices from certain federally-recommended apprenticeship programs. In this region, only three percent of participants in these programs are minorities, according to U.S. Labor statistics.

other government agency; they are not deposits of, nor are they guaranteed or endorsed by, any bank or savings association. Withdrawals of annuity earnings are taxed as ordinary income and may be subject to surrender charges plus a 10 percent federal income tax penalty if made prior to age 59 1/2. Any guarantees are contingent on the claims-paying ability of the issuing company. The investment return and principal value of an investment option are not guaranteed. Because variable annuity subaccounts fluctuate with changes in market conditions, the principal may be worth more or less than the original amount invested when the annuity is surrendered.

The cash value of a variable universal life insurance policy is not guaranteed. The investment return and principal value of the variable subaccounts will fluctuate. Your cash value, and perhaps the death benefit, will be determined by the performance of the chosen subaccounts. Withdrawals may be subject to surrender charges and are taxable if you withdraw more than your basis in the policy. Policy loans or withdrawals will reduce the policy’s cash value and death benefit , and may require additional premium payments to keep the policy in force.

Nationwide, unemployment is higher among those with lower levels of education. And most apprentices don’t have a college education, said Thompson, an education advocate.

“Until our young people, particularly African Americans, begin to realize the importance of getting a decent education, they are going to be the highest unemployed,” Thompson said. “The best way is to help combat unemployment is to make sure they all get a good education.”

40 percent MBE

Aside from workforce, 40 percent of the project’s contractors and subcontractors were minorities, and eight percent were women, which exceeded the city’s goal of 25 percent minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) and 5 percent women-owned business enterprises (WBEs). The compliance office at St. LouisLambert International Airport is monitoring these numbers.

For workforce, the St. Louis Agency for Training and Employment (SLATE) moni-

Charles Ross is host of the syndicated radio program “Your Personal Finance.” Contact him at P.O. Box 870928; Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087; or email to charles@ charlesross.com.

tored the goals. Between the SLATE, Kwame and BPS offices, a number of resumes from minorities and women were collected, Hamilton said.

“With this job, we can say with confidence that there are people that are working that wouldn’t otherwise be working without the efforts of the team,” Hamilton said.

The goal wasn’t something that just happened, he said. The team tracked and monitored workforce participation throughout the entire process. Hamilton said the biggest lesson he comes away with is the need to start working towards participation goals early.

Another asset is having an owner who is serious about the goals.

“The mayor’s office, BPS, and the city from the very beginning took a strong position that this was not an aspiration – this was a goal we were going to meet,” said Joshua Randall, vice president of business development at Kwame.

“When you have this sort of leadership from the owner, it makes the process that much more smooth in design and construction.”

“It’s the greatest feeling in the world, man.It’s the greatest feeling of my life.”

– New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw, after his team’s 21-17 victory over New England in the Super Bowl

Host Hawks win Shootout

Hazelwood Central’s B.J. McLaughlin (#23) and Jordan Martin (#32) challenge a shot by Cardinal Ritter’s Cameron Biedscheid during the featured game at last Saturday’s Red Out Shootout at Hazelwood Central.The host Hawks defeated Cardinal Ritter 64-63.

Former Normandy star hits buzzer-beater

With Earl Austin Jr.

It was cool to see a local player like Anthony come through like that on a national stage against a nationally-ranked opponent.

The St. Louis sports community lost a great friend last week with the passing of former Saint Louis University basketball coach Charlie Spoonhour.

Spoonhour died at his home in North Carolina at the age of 72. He had undergone lung transplant surgery a year ago, but his health continued to decline during the past year.

It was a sad day for all of us who are associated with the Billikens’program. Spoon was the head coach at SLU for only seven years, but he was a St. Louis icon because of what he accomplished in those seven years.

“Spoonball” became all the rage in the mid-1990’s when he brought the SLU program into national prominence. Spoon’s predecessor at SLU, Rich Grawer, was the man who brought the Billikens’program back from the dead. It was Spoon that took the SLU program to the next level.

Spoon took the Billikens to the NCAATournament in 1994 and 1995. During those two seasons, the Billikens packed the St. Louis Arena and the brand new Kiel Center to the rafters with their exciting, fast-paced brand of basketball that featured star players Erwin Claggett, Scott Highmark and H Waldman.

The Billikens entered the National Top 25 rankings for the first time in decades and were featured in Sports Illustrated and many other national publications. Everyone wanted to be a part of Spoonball. In 1998, the Billikens returned to the NCAATournament with the great Larry Hughes as 22,000 people continued to pack the Kiel Center on a nightly basis.

Local sports fans could not get enough of the Billikens as their games became the place to be seen on Saturday nights. It was common to see the Who’s Who of St. Louis at SLU games, including Rams, Cardinals, Blues players and other local celebs. At the center of all of this was Spoon, who was not only a great coach and game tactician, but a warm individual who made everyone feel special when they were around him. Going to SLU games back then was just like going downtown to visit Charlie’s house for a couple of hours to be entertained. Spoon was indeed a man of the people. He shook every hand and treated everyone the same way. It didn’t matter if you were a bigtime celebrity attending a SLU game or a custodian cleaning up after the game; Spoon always had a minute and a kind word for you. When Spoon was getting a bite to eat at his favorite spot, Tom’s Bar & Grill on Euclid, people would literally get out of their cars to get a word with Spoon and share a story. Spoon was at home in every setting imaginable. It didn’t matter if he was around black folks, white folks, blue collar folks, the rich and famous,

Photo by Leon Algee

SEMINAR

Continued from B1

Attendees can expect three main presentations during the seminar: Improving Financial Accounting with QuickBooks by Scarborough Tax Services, Writing a Business Plan/Making Your Business Credit Worthy by Regions Representative Mac McDougell and Leaving a Legacy by Regions Trust Group Ed Ryrie.

Attendees will learn how to write a business plan, which includes a mission statement, target demographics, business competitors and future revenue projections. They will discover how to meet business loan criteria, which can vary depending on whether you are a new or experienced business owner.

Tracy Brees, Regions Marketing Manager, says there is a common misconception

REPORT

Continued from B1

binding both.

CFPB’s Office of Minority and Women Inclusion (OMWI) is forging equal opportunity and inclusion at all agency levels, but additionally performs outreach to forge participation of minority-owned and women-owned businesses in CFPB’s programs and/or contracts. This specific initiative, originally spear-headed by California’s Congresswoman Maxine Waters, also assesses the diversity policies and practices of companies that CFPB supervises.

In just six months, $7.2 million – over 21 percent of CFPB contract dollars – went to small, disadvantaged businesses. During this same period, other contracts with small businesses owned by women account for an additional $2.2 million.

Looking forward, the report states, “The CFPB’s Procurement office will work

that small business owners can not qualify for loans. Brees said, “Banks are lending. Regions is lending.”

In fact, a Regions Bank press release noted that Regions Bank won its eight National Greenwich Excellence Award for Small Business and Middle Market Banking in 2011.

Greenwich Associates stated that Regions Bank loaned a combined $47 billion to both small businesses and commercial customers in 2011. John Asbury, head of Business Services for Regions, said, “We are pleased to be recognized by Greenwich Associates and our clients as a bank that is willing to lend money and provide the financial tools to help businesses succeed.”

“Ride to Success” will also cover how businesses can leave a legacy and how to protect your assets. Living trusts, annuities, savings, 401Ks and

with OMWI to research and develop further strategies to increase the levels at which minority and women owned enterprises – both large and small – participate in the CFPB’s contracting opportunities. OMWI will also develop procedures to promote opportunities for fair inclusion of women and minorities within the population of contractor staff, and as applicable, subcontractor staff in accordance with the Dodd-Frank Act.”

While minority inclusion in staffing and contracting moves forward, another targeted initiative addresses financial challenges that military families face, especially during times of deployment. The Office of Service Member Affairs, led by Holly Petraeus, has developed a database that tracks scams targeting the military community. Guiding these efforts is a formal joint statement of principles endorsed by the Department of Defense and Judge Adjutant Generals representing each branch of the military. Additional CFPB agree-

other affordable asset protection and investment options that can create multi generational wealth will be discussed.

Regions Scholarship Essay Contest

During the seminar, a Regions Representative plans to discuss the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship Essay Contest. In celebration of Black History Month, high school seniors are asked to write about an inspirational African American who has had a positive impact on their life. Students may win one of 25 $5,000 scholarships. The contest is open to students who reside in any of the 16 states within Regions banking areas. Students are asked to visit regions.com/ridingforward for more details. RSVPto attend “Ride to Success” at 314-289-5419.

ments have been established with the Federal Trade Commission, Department of Education, and the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG). CFPB’s communications and coordination with NAAG will share information, data, and when appropriate, support one another through joint or coordinated enforcement actions.

While partnership and outreach activities continue, CFPB is also receiving and responding to consumer complaints. Between July 21 and December 31, 13,210 consumer complaints were received.

Twice a year, CFPB is required under the Dodd-Frank Act to report on developments in enforcement, supervision, rulemaking and more. Additional information on CFPB is available at CRL’s web: http://rspnsb.li/y8yi8o Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

Prelude to a starchild

Seeing through blind eyes

Martin Sophia’s production of Butterlies are Free plays this weekend

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Martin Sophia owes the inspiration for the play he is producing this weekend to a chance encounter on one of his day jobs. He was driving a cab when he picked up a blind man as a fare.

“I was fascinated how he was able to live without seeing,” said Sophia, age 31. “He was giving me directions.”

Though Sophia found it interesting that a blind man could give directions to

Dancing in the library

Melissa and Mairio Bradley hosted an elegant and distinctive all black attire cocktail party/baby shower on January 7, 2012. Guests of honor; expectant parents Brandon and Brittani Marcell Williams (Team BMW) and host for the evening son/big brother to be, Peter James Jackson

The affair was held in Melissa and Mairio’s posh O’Fallon, MO. home. Guests had a funilled time with plenty to eat and drink while enjoying live entertainment. Grandmother to be Dr. Elinor Hancock – Florissant Pediatrics and Peter James greeted guests upon arrival. Everyone adhered to the “all black cocktail” attire theme. Brittani and Brandon were overwhelmed by the outpouring of love and friendship from guests including Clarence Williams, Farrell McClure, Brelon Buckner, T. Richard Hancock, Tammy Davis, Fay Davis, Joy Williams, Michael Williams, Jr., Alexis Hodges, Marniesha, Macee and Madisen Rian Bradley (a supermodel who is currently the face of South Africa) and Gwen and Michael Key.

Brielle Marcell Williams was born on January 12, 2012 at St. John’s Mercy Hospital at 8:23 p.m. The little

Kari Christian, 3, Zariyah Rogers, 2, and Tra’Nyah Jones, 4, try to follow the steps of the African American Ensemble during a Black History Month dance at the Lewis and Clark Library in the Riverview Gardens School District. Photo

anywhere, his destination gave the cabbie/ director more to marvel at.

“I was taking him to an anger management class,” Sophia recalled. “I said, ‘Okay, you are blind. Why are you going to an anger management class?’”

It turns out the blind man was merely on his way to work, but for the split second that Sophia wondered what anger management issues plagued this blind man, he had entered imaginatively into the world of the

16,

Local youth subjects of new reality show

On Thursday, February 16 at 8:30 pm., STLTV will premier Teen Swag: Road to

, the irst teen

ity show of its kind. The show will focus on what teens go through in their everyday life, the trials and tribulations and how they juggle school, work, teen pregnancy and teen parenthood.

“We are honored to be a part of such a great project, and this TV series will

surely change the lives of our youth to make positive steps in their lives,” said Ernest Crowder, Executive Director of Teen Swag USA, a St. Louis-based non-proit youth organization that focuses on the health and well-being (through music) of youth ages 8 to 18. Teen Swag USA was contacted by Andre Holman, Production Manager of STLTV, to be part of STLTV’s new

St. Louis American night at Powell Hall set for Feb. 25

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

While I consider myself to be a worldly, open-minded person when it comes to entertainment – music and ilm, in particular – I would be a liar if I said classical music is on my radar. Sure, I’ve gone to the required lyceum events and assemblies that highlight the art form – I even studied violin in the 6th grade and voice in the 9th and 10th grades. But once it was no longer expected for me to be engaged for the sake of my GPA, I could no longer be bothered. I’d love to tell you that I heard a snippet of the irst movement of Mozart’s Symphony No. 25 and took it upon myself to attend the most recent offering of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra. But we’d all know better, wouldn’t we. I was asked by the powers that be at the paper to take in an evening at the symphony, and it was actually an enlightening experience. I recommend every adult to – at least once in your life – willingly attend the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at Powell Hall. Lucky for all of you, The

Teen Swag: Road to Success, a new locally produced teen reality TV show, will premiere Thursday, February

Dana G. Randolph

Peter James Jackson was handsome in his tux as he hosted the baby shower for his little sister, Brielle Marcell Williams.

Photo provided by Brittani Williams

by Wiley Price

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

Calendar listings are free of charge, are edited for space and run on a space-available basis. The Anticipation 2our starring Trey Songz. See CONCERTS for more information.

concerts

Fri., Feb. 10, The St. Louis Symphony presents Lift Every Voice: AConcert in Celebration of Black History Month feat. JenniferLewis. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.stlsymphony.org or call (314) 534-1700.

Sat., Feb. 11, 7 p.m., The Lumiere presents Eric Benet, Lumiere Theatre. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Sun., Feb. 12, 7:30 p.m., The Anticipation 2ourstarring Trey Songz and Big Sean, The Fox Theatre. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com

Sat., Feb., 25, 7 p.m., St. Louis-native Shirley Brown headlines the 7th Annual St. Louis Blues Festival, Mel Waiters, Sir Charles Jones, Millie Jackson, Bobby Rush and Theodis Ealey are also scheduled to perform. Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Sat., Feb. 11, 8:00 p.m., AT&TReal Yellow Pages and Anheuser-Busch Companies, Inc. presents Chucho Valdes & the AfroCuban Messengers. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Ave. For more information, call (314) 5341111 or visit www.thesheldon.org.

Sat., Mar. 3, 2012, 6:30 p.m., Granite City Illinois and Surrounding Area Business Owners prsents AWorld Famous Concert Starring the World Famous Platters Granite City Township Hall, 2060 Delmar Ave., Granite City, IL., 2040. For more information, call 618-6100935.

Mon., Mar. 5, 8 p.m., Cappodonna: Black Cloud Tour2012. 408 N. Euclid, 63108. For more information, visit www.clubvivastl.com.

local gigs

Grown Folks 2 for1 Happy Hourwith Ms. Silky Sol, Saturdays from 5 p.m. – 8 p.m., The Avenue, 1901 St. Louis Ave.

Sundays, 7 p.m., StarCity

recording artist FRED WALKER performs his SAXYJAZZ music show every Sunday at: “JAZZ ON BROADWAY” 554 East Broadway, Alton, Il. 62002. Call 618-465-5299 for more information and directions.

special events

Feb. 8 – Feb. 12, 58th Annual Progressive Insurance St. Louis Boat & Sports show, America’s Center. For more information, visit http://www. stlouisboatshow.com/

Thur., Feb. 9, 5:30 p.m., St. Louis College of Pharmacy and The St. Louis American Newspaper present Two Stories, Two Memorable Moments That Changed the Landscape of Education in America: Brown vs. Board of Education and The Little Rock Nine. Whelpley Auditorium, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, 4544 Parkview Pl., 63110.

Thur., Feb. 9, 7 p.m., Black Women Rock. Pilot House, UMSL-Millenium Student Center, One University Blvd., 63121.

Fri., Feb. 10, 6 p.m., Cardinal RitterCollege Prep Annual Gala: Celebration Success in Urban Education. Missouri Athletic Club, 405 Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, call (314) 792-7732 or email him at AaronEmig@archstl.org.

Fri., Feb. 10, 7 p.m., Diva Night. Studio 6 Salon and Spa, 3318 N. US Highway 67, 63033. For more information, call (314) 337-8087 or (314) 831-3036.

Sat., Feb. 11, 7 p.m., The Zipetts present ‘AValentine Dance’. Machinist Hall, 12365 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call 314-993-1385 or 314-6234475.

Sat., Feb. 11, Saint Louis City Open Studio and Gallery presents Wall Ball 2012. Engaging an eclectic mix of artists, patrons, collectors and admirers, Wall Ball comes but once a year. Don’t miss this chance to purchase amazing art work from St. Louis’most admired artists at unreal prices.Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar

Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.scosag.org or call (314) 865-0060.

Sat., Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m., The Traveling Flea Market. Hilton Airport, 10330 Natural Bridge, 63134.

Tues., Feb. 14, 6 p.m., Auxiliary to the Mound City presents Kisses & Hugs For Valentine’s Day—Nursing School Scholarship Fund Raising Dinnerand Dance. Hilton St. Louis Frontenac Hotel, 1335 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 265-8556.

Through Feb. 15, St. Louis County Library’s fourth yearof participation in Warm Up America, The afghans are donated to local charity organizations such as Lydia’s House, CASAof St. Louis, Peter & Paul Community Services and Pathways Community Hospice, which distributes them to their clients in need.Those wishing to participate are asked to knit or crochet a 7x9” block using worsted weight acrylic yarn. The blocks can be dropped off at any St. Louis County Library branch. The library will work with craft groups to join the blocks together to make full size afghans. The library will also accept gloves, hats and socks. (More information about what gauge needles are preferred is available by calling 314-994-3300.)

Representatives of the recipient agencies will come together to receive the items on Wednesday, February 15, 2012.

Thur., Feb. 16, 6:30 p.m., Hazelwood Kindergarten

Information Night.

Jamestown Elementary School, 13750 Old Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more indormation, call 314-953-4300.

Thur., Feb. 16, 7 p.m., Your Vote Counts Rally. University City Library Auditorium, 6701 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, visit www.protectvoters.com.

Fri., Feb. 17, Ivy League Entertainment and Leisure Studies (LOLA) present “Masq & Beads” Mardi Gras Bash. 500 S. 14th St., 63103. For more information, visit http://www.welovelola.com.

Fri., Feb. 17, 7:30 p.m., The Worship CenterChristian Church’s invites you to their First Annual Sweetheart Dinner. Mizpah Presbyterian Church, 11339 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, call (314) 2618700.

Sun., Feb. 19, 4 p.m., 2nd Annual Black Love Dinner. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112.

Sun., Feb. 19, 9 p.m., 2nd Annual Black Love After Party. Gramophone, 4243 Manchester Ave., 63110.

Thurs., Feb. 23, 5:30 p.m.,, The St. Louis American Foundation and Emerson present The 2nd Annual Salute to Young Leaders, Networking Awards Reception. Starlight Room, Chase Park Plaza, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, call 314-533-8000 or email kdaniels@stlamerican.com.

Sat., Feb. 25, Scottrade Center presents This is War: Alexandervs. Maidana. 1401 Clark Avenue, 63103.

Sun., Feb. 26, 1 p.m., SumnerAlumni Association presents its 9th Annual Round-Up. For more information, call (314) 556-3944 or (314) 454-0029.

Tue., Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Community Forum—Homelessness Explore ways in which homelessness is being addressed in the St. Louis region, including the efforts of organizations like Gateway 180: Homelessness Reversed. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Wed., Feb. 29, 8:30 a.m., Conservation Lobby Day. Join us on Leap Day to help make environmental protection a priority for Missouri’s legislature in 2012! Missouri State Capitol Building, 201 W. Capitol Ave., Jefferson City, MO. 65101. For more information, visit www.movotesconservation.org/our-legislativework/conservation-lobby-day/ or call (314) 725-9494

Sat., Mar. 10, 10 a.m., St. Louis Craft Mafia presents Third Annual Green With Indie Craft Show. Grant Gym, Webster University, 175 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, visit www.greenwithindiecraftshow.com.

Mon., Mar. 12, 7 p.m., Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis presents Ninety-Fourth Annual DinnerMeeting. Millennium Hotel St. Louis, 200 S. 4th St., 63102. For more information, call (314)

615-3688 or email specialevents@urbanleaguestl.org.

Sat., Mar. 24, Centerfor Survivors of Torture and WarTrauma – an organization dedicated to facilitating the healing and self-empowerment of torture and war trauma will be hosting their 10th Anniversary Gala and Auction with special guest acclaimed author Alice Walker, the Saint Frances Xavier Grand Ballroom, located on the campus of Saint Louis University. To reserve tickets for the 10th Anniversary Gala or for more information about the Center for Survivors of Torture and War Trauma, please contact 314-541-4610 or visit the organization’s website at www.stlcenterforsurvivors.org.

Wed., Mar. 28 6:30 p.m., Hazelwood Kindergarten Information Night. McCurdy Elementary School, 975 Lindsey Ln., 63031. For more information, call 314-9534650.

Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m., Love and LaughterTour featuring Kem, Babyface and Rickey Smiley, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit MetroTix.com, call (314)5341111 or stop by the Chaifetz Arena

Sat., Feb. 18, 2 p.m., Julia Davis Public Library will host authorLinda PorterHarrison, author of Think Like a Man…And Here’s a Thought…Start Acting Like a Man. 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 63115. Feb. 25, 11 a.m., Lydia M. Douglas and Candy Pettiford will join together for a book signing, Brinell’s Christian Headquarters, 226 Jamestown Mall Florissant, MO 63034. Sat., Feb. 25, 5 p.m., Sues News will host St. Louis author Daunte Henderson author of Things I Learned While Walking. St. Louis Galleria, 1117 St. Louis Galleria, 63117. Sun., Feb. 26, 2 p.m., Christ Church Cathedral will host author Angela Davis, author of Are Prisons Obsolete and Abolition Democracy. 1210 Locust St., 63101. For more informatino, call (314) 5390346.

painters: FatherJames Hasse of the Society of Jesus and Judge Nathan B. Young with its exhibit Spirit and History For more information, please visit http://sluma.slu.edu or call 314.977.2666.

lectures

Fri., Feb. 10, 4:30 p.m., Clay Class taught by Dail Chambers. GYA, 2700 Locust, 63103.

Sat., Feb. 11, 10 a.m., St. Louis Community College invites you to FAFSAFrenzy. Get FREE help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). William J. Harrison Education Center, 3140 Cass Ave., 63106. For more information, call (314) 763-6000.

Sun., Feb. 12, 2 p.m., Harris Stowe State University invites you to FAFSAFrenzy. Get FREE help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). AT&T Library and Technology Center, Harris Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103.

Tues., Feb. 14, 7 p.m., Free Seed Starting Workshop/Seed Swap. Early Childhood Center, 2801 Oakland Ave., 63143. For more information, visit www.richmondheightsgardenclub.org.

Wed., Feb. 15, 7 p.m., The Black Leadership Organizing Council presents Caught Black Handed: ADiscussion on Race and Crime. SGA Chambers,UMSL-Millennium Student Center, One University Blvd., 63121.

Thurs., Feb. 16, 8 a.m., Regions Bank presents Ride To Success Business Seminar, Four Seas Banquet Center. For more information, or to RSVP, call (314) 289-5419.

Wed., Feb. 22, Wells Fargo Advisors present “Take the Stairs” Live Seminar with Rory Vaden. Rory has part-

nered with The Crown Council and their charity, “Smiles for Life”, to put on live events for the community to help raise money for St. Louis Public School Foundation. Learning Center Auditorium, 2801 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.southwesternconsulting.com/takethe stairsbook/events

Wed., Mar. 7, 7 p.m., Mayor Cory Booker: How to Save the World With YourBare Hands. Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121.

Tue., Mar. 13, 7 p.m., Lisa Ling: Open Heart, Open Mind. Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121.

Thur., Mar. 22, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis Community College invites you to FAFSAFrenzy. Get FREE help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Wildwood Campus, 2645 Generations Dr., Wildwood, MO. 63040. For more information, call (636) 422-2000.

Tue., Apr. 3, 7 p.m., Common: It’ll All Make Sense One Day. Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121. Missouri History Museum presents The Civil Warin Missouri. Border state, slave state or Southern state, we may not agree on the label, but we can agree on the problem. It is too late to change the past, but it is the right time to learn from it and make a better future. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

TMAPYouth Empowerment Sessions, Thursdays, 4:45 p.m., 5019 Alcott Walbridge C.E.C. Riverview West Florissant -TMAPmeet for Youth Empowerment Sessions facilitated by Keith Minor Nuisance Coordinator in the 27th Ward and feature a variety of positive role models from the St. Louis Metropolitan area listen to and dialogue with youth in the Walnut Park neighborhood.

Topics vary and are youth driven. Call the RWF-TMAP office at (314) 381-6999.

Toastmasters International St. Louis presents Primary Conversations! Want to develop in Public Speaking? Visit Toastmasters Primary Conversations Club every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6pm. Please call 314-225-9098 for more information.

Matiff OPEN DANCE

CLASSES,7 p.m. Monday and Friday, Male and Female dancers ages 6 and up specializing in modern, street, hiphop, and lyrical dance. Wohl Community Center, 1515 North Kingshighway. E-mail: matiffdance@gmail.com or call 314-687-5585.

health

Thur., Feb. 9, 10 a.m., Free Healthy Vision Screening. Afton Senior Center, 9801 MacKenzie Rd., 63123. For more information, visit http://www.mlerf.org.

Fri., Feb. 10, 8 a.m., Her Heart: Every Beat Counts!

St.Louis’own Shirley Brown headlines the 7th Annual St.Louis Blues Festival.For additional details,see CONCERTS.

Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center, 1410 S. 5th St., St. Charles, MO. 63301. For more information, call (866) 7763627 or visit www.ssmhealth.com/heart.

Feb. 10-11, 8:30 a.m., Give Kids ASmile Free Dental Clinic. Registration deadline is Tuesday, Jan. 31. Saint Louis University Center for Advanced Dental Education, 3320 Rutger St., 63104.

Sat., Feb. 11, 9:30 a.m., Christian Hospital Heart Fair. Detrick Building Atrium, 11133 Dunn Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 747-9355.

Mon., Feb. 13, 10 a.m., Look Good Feel Better. American Cancer Society program to help women with physical side effects of cancer. Barnard Health & Cancer Info Center, Siteman Cancer Center. For more information, call (314) 362-7844.

Wed., Feb. 15, 8:30 a.m., I Can Cope cancersupport seminar. May Room at SSM DePaul Health Center. Fore more information, call (314) 344-6060.

Wed., Feb. 15, Cholesterol and the Heart Healthy Jamestown Mall Food Court, 175 Jamestown Mall, 63034. For more information, call (314) 747-9355.

Wed., Feb. 15, Free mammograms at SSM Breast Care at St. Mary’s Health Center. 1031 Bellevue Ave., 63117. For more information, call (314) 768-8697 or visit www.ssmhealth.com/stmarys.

Tue., Feb. 21, 6 p.m., Alzheimer’s Association presents CaregiverSolutions for Dementia Care. Christian Hospital Detrick Building Atrium. For more information, call (314) 747-9355.

Fri., Feb. 24, 7 a.m., Annual African American Nursing History health disparities Conference. Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, call (314) 516-5994.

Sat., Feb. 25, 10 a.m., Total Rehabilitation Program Community Resources and Development Corporation are offering FREE wound care supplies for individuals who have acute or chronic wounds. The Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63120. For more information, call 314 385-4100.

Tues., Feb. 28, 8:30 a.m., AARPDriverSafety Course. For more information, call (314) 747-9355.

Sat., Mar. 3, 10:30 a.m., Girls Holla Back! Spring Session Free Registration & Health Fair. In an effort to reduce new cases of HIV/AIDS and drug use among African American females in St. Louis, an 8-week FREE prevention program complemented with fun-filled communications and bonding activities will be hosted for girls ages 12—17 and one of their adult female family members. 5400 Arsenal St., 63139. For more information, call (314) 877-6487, Wed., Mar. 7, 6:30 p.m., St.

Louis Diabetes Coalition presents My Eyes and Diabetes: Knowing How to Maintain Excellent Vision. Richmond Heights Community Center, 8001 Dale Ave., 63117. For more information, call (314) 338-3460.

Sat., Feb. 11, 12 p.m., The Royal Vagabonds Foundation, Inc. & The Royal Vagabonds, Inc. invite you to attend ACelebration of Religious Leadership. St. Louis Hilton at the Ballpark Hotel, 1 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, call (314) 367-8739.

Sat., Feb. 11, 4 p.m., Christ the King United Church of Christ presents AValentine’s Social. 11370 Old Halls Ferry Rd., 63033.

Sun., Feb. 19, 3 p.m., Joys of Glory Gospel Singers Salute African-American History Month. Solomon Temple M. B. Church, 4859 St. Louis Ave., 63115. Sat., Feb. 25, 1 p.m., Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Church Black Hat/Black Tie Bling Fling, Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Church, 4700 Washington Blvd. For Tickets contact: Lorna Graham Ruffin at (314) 830-3475 or 941-6909 or Margaret Franklin (314)361-2852 or 954-0792.

Fri., Feb. 10, Safe House starring Denzel Washington and Ryan Reynolds opens in theatres nationwide.

Thur., Feb. 23, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents The Great Northwest Documentary. A documentary about the students at Northwest Academy of Law in the Saint Louis Public School District fighting the odds. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

SWAG

Continued from C1

program formatting.

“We are so excited to be a part of this project, to not only be ambassadors for the City of St. Louis but to show that we also have a dream,” said Amber Woods, age 16, an alumna member of Teen Swag USA. Since the beginning of production last year, the organiza-

PLAY

blind.

“I was fascinated,” Sophia said. “He was a very human being. He goes through things in life just like you and I.”

tion has been dedicated to the completion of this project and to send their message, with the help of sponsors such as Washington University in St. Louis and Krispy Kreme Doughnuts.

“I’m proud of these kids,” said Alderman Jennifer Erby of Moline Acres, who has been a longtime supporter of Teen Swag USA.

“They’ve taken a positive turn in their lives, and no one deserves it more than they do, They’ve earned the right.”

Vonda Carson of Don King

very different from what I was used to. In a way, it resonated with me – that first time I got here.”

Productions, also a supporter of Teen Swag USA, stated Teen Swag is not just an organization, “it’s a movement. It teaches kids if you’re going to be a part of a gang then be a part of a positive gang.” Other supporters include Jacque Land, Innovative Concept Academy, and the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis. Teen Swag: Road to Success will premiere Thursday, February 16, at 8:30 pm. on the STLTV network.

Continued from C1

Brittani and Brandon were featured on the cover of the Love Section in the January 23, 2012 issue of Jet Magazine Congratulations Team BMW and PJ! Red Tails – I thoroughly enjoyed this movie. It is a great tribute to the brave and legendary Tuskegee Airmen, a squadron of African American pilots who fought in World War II The movie is still airing in many local theatres. If you haven’t seen it, do so and take your children. Unfortunately, the motion picture industry didn’t believe our community would support this film. We did! Next they said we wouldn’t continue to support past the first weekend. We will!

Ken Calvert’s Brush and Canvas opening reception at the 10th Street Gallery was well attended and Ken’s work was well received. The gallery hosted

about 75 people that evening. It was a great showing for a Wednesday night in downtown St. Louis. A few on hand included Lance Omar Thurman, James Tatum - Tatum Insurance, Professor Adelia Parker, Lamont Shannon- President & CEO of Multimedia Publications Inc., Naretha Hopson, Director of Diversity Outreach -Beauty Times, Charles Brown- Adjunct ProfessorWashington University, Chester Deanes –Director – Father’s Support Group, Arnold Sams Atty. Danielle Smith and Vincent St. Vincent Happy Birthday to James Hill (January 12). James celebrated his birthday at the popular Chaser Lounge at the Chase Park Plaza on January 11,2012 with a host of family and friends including Jody Squires Mayor Kyra Watson (Berkley, MO), Larry Thomas Donald Gage Kelley Hoskins, Bernard Whittington and Howard Richards. The highlight of the evening was the presentation of a Rams jersey with his name on the back. James was thrilled to

have everyone join him in celebrating his special day. Alliance Sports CEO Rocky Arceneaux was proud to have three clients representing their respective teams and network in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI. Chad Jones (#35) – New York Giants; Chad has been on injured reserve this year but will be ready to rock and roll with his team this summer. Dan Connolly (#63) – New England Patriots and former St. Louis Ram and Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk on the NFL Network.

Sophia will put this insight to work this weekend when he plays the lead role of Don Baker in his own independent production of Leonard Gershe’s play Butterflies are Free

Sophia cast himself as the blind man because he identifies with the role as an immigrant who came to St. Louis from the east African nation of Kenya – essentially flying blind into a new life where he had disadvantages as a dark-skinned immigrant with an accent.

Continued from C1 princess weighed in at 5lbs.

I know you are looking forward to the St. Louis American Foundation’s Second Annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception on Thursday, February 23, 2012 at 5:30PM. The event will be held atop the Chase Park Plaza in the handsomely appointed Starlight Room. Kevin Powell (activist, public speaker, writer, and entrepreneur) will host. Awardees will include; Lamar Agard – Director Risk Management – Solutia, Inc. and Rhonda Williams – Sr. Corporate Counsel – Savvis, Inc. Please contact Robin Britt or Kate Daniels @ 314.533.8000 for ticket information. For Kevin Powell’s story, see Kenya Vaughn’s motivating feature in the February 2, 2012 edition of the St. Louis American Cheers, it’s Black History Month!

“The character has this thing about life where he says, ‘Just because I’m blind doesn’t mean I need to limit myself,’” Sophia said. “I can relate to when I first came to this country, trying to make it in a very distant world,

SYMPHONY

the symphony to offer a special evening (at a special price) for you to do that, but I’ll get to that in a bit.

I thought you might be further compelled to attend our night out at Powell Hall on Saturday, Feb. 25 after I share my experience of soaking in the strings, horns and percussion – and concertmaster David Halen’s jaw-dropping solos –highlighted through the music of Carl Maria von Webber, Felix Mendelssohn and Franz Schubert.

First, anyone would have been inspired by guest conductor Stanislaw Skrowaczewski as he stood before orchestra at age 89 defying his body as he led the entire show’s selections.

Sophia has adapted to well to St. Louis, though like most immigrants he has to hustle. “I work about 100 hours a week sometimes. I work for Scholastic Book Fair about 55 hours a week, then I drive a cab on the weekend, do personal training midweek and maybe give a massage,” he said.

He works so hard so he can fund his own independent theatrical productions. That, too, takes a lot of work in a city that has more options for live theater than it has audience to support the scene.

“Getting an audience has been the biggest challenge,” he said. “I was prepared for that, though, because I am not known here and hence my ticket sales have just been from word of mouth.”

For Butterflies are Free, he will be joined by an actor from home, Yvonne Carter, a Kenyan actor now living in South Carolina. The blind man’s mother is

The world-renowned conductor (and composer) was innately connected to the each section –and selection – on the evening’s bill.

The crossroads of Classicism and Romanticism were the order of the day. Von Weber and Schubert fell within the 70-year period ending with the death of Beethoven in 1827, while Mendelssohn ushers in Romanticism. Each composer‘s passion and mastery of their craft was apparent – even beyond the fact that the work has withstood nearly two centuries since their composition. These young artists (all died before the age of 40) explored the possibility within their genre, and the idea of them doing so lit a fire under me as well.

The sounds were distinctly different, and the order of the program illustrated the variation in the instrumentation and the composition techniques.

The Oberon Overture started the show. It bounced from the choppy, pounding and climactic movements with a pace that kept musicians and listeners delightfully on edge. There was almost something call-andresponse about Oberon in the orchestration of the instrument groups.

Mendelssohn’s Violin Concert in E minor, op. 64 – i.e. the Romanticism of the night – was something indeed to behold and to hear. Violin soloist David Halen elicited a standing ova-

a major supporting role in the play. “I needed someone to play my mom, and obviously it was better to cast someone with the same accent that I do,” he said. The play dramatizes a son who learns to live independently of his mother. Sophia also can relate to that. He grew up with a single mother and learned to take on many responsibilities at an early age.

“I was an adult at the tender age of 9,” Sophia said. “I cooked for my two sisters, went grocery shopping and pretty much raised them. I was the man of the house, something my mom made very clear to me and I thank her to this day for that.”

Martin Sophia’s production of Butterflies are Free will play at Shrewsbury Civic Center, 5200 Shrewsbury Rd., 6:30 p.m. Friday, February 10; 3 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday, February 11; and 3 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, February 12. Tickets are $20 at the door or $15 advance. For advance tickets, call/text 314757-4527.

tion and applause that seemed to near five minutes after he all but set his bow on fire as he ripped across his instrument to produce notes that didn’t seem possible for his chosen musical vessel.

The three movements within the opera were each distinctly different – and equally challenging – and the musicians commanded praise with their delivery of each.

While I wasn’t planning to doze off, I can’t say that I was expecting to be so engaged with the sounds being offered, with both halves of the concert program breezing through to a grand finale.

I couldn’t help but cringe with regret at the fact that I chatted and clowned my way through most of the classical music programs of my youth as one of the most rowdy audience members in the auditorium. But I was impressed and appreciative of the unlikely opportunity that came my way. And now, it is coming your way! St. Louis American Night at the Symphony will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. In honor of the occasion, $22 tickets will be available for all STL American readers. Tickets will be available through the Box Office at 314-534-1700 or stlsymphony.org/stlamerican. Simply ask for the special St. Louis American price when ordering. See you at the symphony!

James Hill and Bernard Whittington (former NFL player) in the lobby at the Chase Park Plaza celebrating James’ birthday. Photo provided by James Hill

Good Times Productions pulls off another big time affair

If it was love you were looking for then you found it in the air at Good Times Productions Pre-Valentine Gala held last Saturday night.GTP is known for throwing classy and upscale events for the grown and sexy adults in the STL. The crowd was jamming to the sounds of “The 45 King” G-WIZ. The party was hosted by radio air personalities Tammy Holland and Mishelae from Majic 104.9 along with B.J.the DJ and Majic 104.9’s Sylvester The Cat.

“Setting the Tone for Excellence in Entertainment from Start to Finish”

The hundreds in attendance included St.Louis city’s second in command,Board of Alderman President Lewis Reed,Channel 4’s rising personality Andre Hepkins and lengendary event promoter Robert Spain. Door prizes included concert tickets to the Love and Laughter tour starring Kem,Babyface and Rickey Smiley,a limosine ride to and from the show courtesy of Quality West Limo service. Plus dinner for two at Ruth Chris Steakhouse. Event spon-

sors included:Johnson-Gray,Attorneys at Law,Smith and Associates,Attorneys at Law,Princess Beauty Supply, Ultimate Supreme Detail Center,Community Renewal Development Inc,D.Dean Plocher,Attorney at Law and Tri-Star and Honda of Frontenacs Michael Frazier. GTP is just getting started for 2012... keep your ears open for more upscale and classy events throughout the year.

(Photos by Glenn Billingsley)

If you are interested in placing photos of your event in The St. Louis American, please call the sales dept. at 314-533-8000.

Newlyweds

Katrina Artilia Shannon and William “Tank” Shelby III were married on July 9, 2011 at the Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Gallery. The couple honeymooned in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Katrina, an attorney, is a Regulatory Compliance Manager for Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital and an adjunct professor at Webster University. William is an ITEngineer for SBX Creatix, LLC.

Reunions

Beaumont of class of 1967 will host its 45th class reunion on Saturday, June 9, 2012 at The Sheraton Westport Hotel, 191 Westport Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146. Cost is $100 per person. On Friday, June 8, there will be a meet and greet and on Sunday, June 10 worship service and a brunch— locations to be determined. For

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Centenarian

Ethel Wilson Washington celebrates 100 years of life on February 9, 2012. Still as vivaciousas ever, Mrs. Ethel Wilson is a testament to what determination and a positive attitude can do.

“Nanna”, as we call her, is themother of four,a grandmother ofeight, and a greatgrandmother of five.We all adore her and cherish her and would love for everyone to join us in celebration of this historic milestone. We love you Nanna!

questions/info on these events our e-mail address is beaumontclassof67@sbcglobal.net

Berkeley Class of 1982 is celebrating its 30 year class reunion August 17-19, 2012 and is seeking classmates to attend the reunion and reunion planning meetings. For more information about the reunion please call Anthony Wilder 314-479-0110, Portland (Matthews) Whitlock 314-7669108, or Tammy Davis 314302-1339.

Hadley Tech Classes of 19621963 are preparing for our 50th reunion in October of 2012. If you are interested in participating, your contact information is needed as soon as possible. Please call Virdell Stennis at 314-773-8177,

Just arrived

Prince Nathaniel Andrew Jordan II made his grand entrance on January 6, 2012 at 5:45 am to Nathaniel and April Jordan of St. Louis. Nathaniel weighed 7 lb. 3 oz. and was 20 inches long. He was born at Missouri Baptist Medical Center and is the couple’s first bundle of joy.

Hellon Jefferson at 314-3073681 (jeffersonhellon@yahoo.com), or Wilhelmina Baker at 314588-0779/314-630-9647.

O’Fallon Technical High School Class of 1963 is planning its 50th reunion for the fall of 2013. If you are interested in participating, your contact information is needed as soon as possible.Please contactJustine Crow at (314) 838-2010 or jcrowsnest@aol.com

McCluerNorth Class of 1992 is looking to celebrate its 20year reunion. We are in the process of planning a dinner/dance. Your contact information is needed ASAP. Go to the web-site at mccluernorth1992.com

Birthdays:

Charletta Haley — February 7

Paul Jones (50) — February 8

Ovelet Coates (95) — February 9

Princess Shahanah (6)— February 9

Ann Glass

February 10

Brandi Hollins (39)—February 11

Angela Hinton (39)—February 11

Aigna Barber (21)— February 12

SumnerAlumni Association presents its 9th Annual RoundUp Sun., Feb. 26, 2012, 1-4 p.m. at Sumner High School. Reception will be held in the gymnasiumfrom 1-1:45 p.m. with displays, souvenir items, photographer, and more.New and renewal of alumnimemberships acceptedin the foyer. Program starts at2 p.m. in the auditorium.Round-Up focus is “Salute to the Military” (Sumner Alumni Active/Retired) and Entertainment.For more info, contactP. Mason at 314.556.3944, J. Vanderford at 314.454.0029 or email:sumnersince1875@yahoo.com. Vendors are welcome($50 in advance); contact B. Louis at 314.385.9843.

SumnerHigh School class of 1962 is planning its 50-year reunion for June 2012 and is looking for the January and June graduates to participate in the planning. Please call Eldridge”Bogie”Bryant, Sr. at 314-489-0532, email address eldridgbrya@sbcglobal.net and Lillian Foster Curlett at 314269-6450.

Vashon High School Class of 1965 will be celebrating “The Class of 65 at 65” at The Hilton St. Louis Airport on April 21, 2012 beginning at 7p.m.- Midnight. The cost is

Ovelet Coates

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, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or

Princess Shahanah Aigna Barber

$50.00 per person. For information contact Cleo at 3831934, Bernice at 534-8282, or Yvonne at 618-206-8101 or email

Vashon65Alumni@yahoo.com

Vashon High School Class of 1972: Plans are underway for our 40th class reunion. Please forward information on the names, addresses and phone numbers of classmates and info regarding classmates who are deceased. Meetings are being held every 2nd Thursday of the month at 5:30 p.m. at the new Vashon High School; located at 3035 Cass Ave. We look forward to hearing from you. Eufabya Edwards–McFadden, P.O. Box 454, Florissant, Missouri 63032-0454, email: vashonclassof72@yahoo.com

Vashon High School Class of 1977 is planning its 35th reunion for August 10-12, 2012 and looking for all classmates to participate with the planning.For more information email your contact information to Vashonclassof77@yahoo.com

Yeatman School alumni and former staff, as part of the school’s 45th anniversary observance, you are cordially invited to attend a ribbon-cutting and celebration for the

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to:

Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. 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

Praiz’ receives minister license

American staff

Vance Watt, better known to local gospel fans as Praiz’, recently received his minister’s license in the state of Missouri. After 15 years of serving in the Christian Faith, Praiz’ has accepted the higher call of training and responsibilities of pastorship.

The ceremony took place January 15 at The Worship Center Church in Bridgeton. The license was presented by Rams’ Superbowl-winning champ Pastor Ray Agnew and Pastor Carlos Mayfield. In attendance were some of Praiz’s close friends and family: local singer Samuel Huddleston, St. Louis American spiritual columnist Joy Blair and Willie Stepney of Stepney Brother Auto body.

n Praiz’ is especially

God’s Kingdom doesn’t slow down

When The Economy Slows Down God’s Kingdom Doesn’t is coming to the Demetrious Johnson Center Saturday, Feb. 11 to benefit two charities, The Guardian Eye an Anti-Bullying Program and The Food Search Backpacks Program. This half-day event features speakers on leadership, networking and finance, praise dancing, spoken word, comedy, gospel hip-hop and theatre.

tion with an early 1700s flavoring; and Soul Vibe performing a collective piece about Black History,rRelationships, spirituality and life.

Vance Watt continues to release music under his stage name Praiz and is looking forward to bringing encouragement to the community through WORD and song.

Praiz’ is especially excited about the new honor of facilitating wedding ceremonies, prison ministry, as well as hospital and public school chaplain opportunities.

From 2-5 p.m., speakers include Dwayne T. Bess: Being Selfless and Exceeding Your Goals; Chris Robinson: How to Be a Person of Influence; Gina Montgomery: Being Resilient in 2012; Jermaine Andre: Controlling Your Mind in Today’s World; Steve Himmel: A Right Now Word!; Jana Gamble: 107 Ways to Give; and John Parker: Setbacks to Setups.

From 7:30-10 p.m., entertainment includes Sieglinda Fox performing a tribute to Mahilia Jackson; Morrell “Iz” Roberts reenacting the Fredrick Douglass Address; Brickz the Poet doing a spoken word interpreta-

Sunshine will dance ballet, jazz and contemporary styles; Joel P. E. King will deliver an act from his play Deeper Shades of Blue; Christian hiphop phenom Robby Jerome will show that loving God doesn’t have to take your swag.

Chi Mathias will sing both original and cover ballads; New York transplant Alicia Triece will perform a one act; Ashley Minor will perform mime; and a special guest from L.A. will perform a tribute to Michael Jackson.

The event will be hosted at the Willie Mae Binion Community Center, 724 N. Union Blvd. For more information visit: www.godseconomyworks.com.

New Horizon hosts Rosa Parks Holiday In 2004, state Representative Esther Haywood passed the Rosa Parks State Observance Day Bill. At 2 p.m. Sunday,

February 26, the St. Louis County Branch NAACP will host a Rosa Parks Holiday celebration at New Horizon Church, located at 206 Emerling Drive. Missouri Supreme Court Justice George W. Draper III will serve as this years keynote speaker. The event will be emceed by KMOV News Channel 4 anchor Andre Hepkins. Please contact the County Branch of the NAACP for questions at 314389-1552.

Christian Valentine’s Day Social

Christ the King United Church of Christ will host a Happy Valentine’s Day Social 4-7 p.m. Saturday, February 11 in Fellowship Hall (lower level) of the church, located at 11370 Old Halls Ferry Road. The event will feature love-themed games: bingo, trivia, karaoke, prizes, food, fun, fellowship and special surprises. For family and friends; all ages are welcomed. Hosted by: Agape Circle, Women’s Ministry.

Indulge my sports analogy please. In hockey when there’s a contested situation, the referee calls for a “face-off.” The winner of said face off puts his team momentarily in a position to control what happens next. It struck me that some of us in critical moments of faith adopt the face off position. We take an antagonistic approach to what’s in front of us. The bible often refers to Israel time and time again as being “stiff necked.” You know what I’m talking about; when you’ve made up your mind that you’re going to do something, knowing it’s wrong, but due to pride (disguised as principle), you’re going to do it anyway, come hell or high water. Have you ever heard someone justify bad behavior because they claimed to be ready for whatever consequences would come their way? Are you ready to face off with God? I ask the question because like it or not, it’s coming.

The struggle to give up control and submit to the will of God can be intense and extremely uncomfortable. Like anyone who has developed bad habits or has an addiction, it is more than a notion to stop and even more of an effort to create new behaviors and new good habits, if you will.

Once you start seeking the Lord, my personal experience says He’s pretty easy to find. Once found, however, be prepared for the only way to face off with Him. Stiff necked or not, this is not an eyeball to eyeball event like hockey. Some of you remember the play, Your Arms Too Short to Box with God! I just don’t want you to go to this face off thing thinking you’re going toe to toe with the Almighty. That posture might work with Satan, but in this case a slightly more humble position is definitely required. I’m thinking eyes closed, face down, praying you don’t get a whipping like you used to when Mom or Dad was really mad. Matthew 5:33: “But first seek His kingdom and His righteousness and all things will be given to you.” It sounds simple, doesn’t it? But ask anyone who has found their way to God, including me, how it actually happened and most will tell you that they finally admitted in a faceoff with themselves that they needed divine help. In that moment of clarity, sobriety, desperation, God knew the plea was real; the faceoff an authentic effort to pray. Let me tell you one thing. Authentic prayer gets God’s attention every time. It lets Him know, you know you cannot do it on your own, but He can.

James A. Washington

Pastor Ray Agnew, Praiz’, Pastor Carlos Mayfield

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

MU Medical partners with Catholic schools

American

The University of Missouri School of Medicine is the only medical school in the country and the only institution in Missouri to become a national partner ofthe Cristo Rey Network of high schools for disadvantaged urban youth. The partnership will strengthen the institutions’efforts to help students with limited educational options to pursue careers in health care.

National partnership in helping disadvantaged students

All 47 students in the Cristo Rey Kansas City Class of 2011 attended college in the fall. Of that group, 98 percent were the first members of their family to attend college.

“We hope the students who benefit from our outreach and development programs will ultimately become successful professionals.”

The Cristo Rey Network is comprised of 24 Catholic college preparatory high schools that serve nearly 7,000 urban young people.

MU and the Cristo Rey high school in Kansas City have worked together since 2008 to expose Cristo Rey students to careers in health care.

“MU’s medical school has long admired the quality of education Cristo Rey provides, and we’re excited about strengthening our commitment to Cristo Rey’s exceptional students,” said Kathleen Quinn, PhD, director of MU’s Area Health Education Center.

“Becoming a national partner of Cristo Rey will help MU’s medical school reach more economically disadvantaged students who might be interested in a career in health care or science.”

Since 2008, a program sponsored by MU’s Area Health Education Center has

Jaysyn Craddock,a junior at Cristo Rey High School in Kansas City,learns about radiology at the MU School of Medicine.More than 60 Cristo Rey students have tried on careers in health care during an annual summit at MU.

allowed students from Cristo Rey High School in midtown Kansas City to visit MU forthree days each summer for

an annual Health Professions

Summit. More than 60 Cristo Rey students have already had the opportunity to try on

careers in the health professions through a rotation of activities and informational sessions hosted by the MU School of Medicine, Sinclair School of Nursing, School of Health Professions, and West Central Missouri Area Health Education Center, which conducts a year-long health career curriculum specifically for the Kansas City Cristo Rey students.

As a Cristo Rey national partner, the MU School of Medicine will have the opportunity to host students from all Cristo Rey high schools.

“Without Cristo Rey, I wouldn’t have made the connections to MU that I have now,” said Maureen Tanner, an MU sophomore and 2010 graduate of Cristo Rey high school in Kansas City.

“Because of the relationships I made with Dr. Ellis Ingram at the medical school and other staff on campus, I felt like I had a good support system at MU before I even arrived here.”

Now pursing a degree in biochemistry, Tanner attended the MU Health ProfessionsSummit for four years before enrolling at MU.In addition to her studies, she is a coordinator for a precollege student outreach pro-

gram led by Ellis Ingram, MD, senior associate dean for diversity and inclusion at the MU School of Medicine. His office supports educational outreach programs for middle school and high school students in St. Louis, Columbia and Kansas City. At the same time, Missouri Area Health Education Centers coordinate educational outreach and professional development programs for students throughout Missouri, especially those in rural areas.

“We hope the students who benefit from our outreach and development programs will ultimately become successful professionals who give back to the communities where theywere raised,” Ingram said. “When it comes to medicine, data proves that students from underserved urban or rural areas are much more likely to return to those areas as physicians.”

Cristo Rey national partners include both public and private institutions from across the country. MU and eight other institutions are among a new group of universities that are supporting Cristo Rey Network students at the national level. ? For more information, visit <http://www.cristoreynetwork.org/>.

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week Liquid Assets keeps Club Amnesia crackin’ on a regular basis with a host of celebrity guests, and last Saturday was no different. Yandy – one of the stars of VH1’s hit show “Love and Hip Hop” – was in the building and June 5th’s Brooke Holladay and DT were just some of the pretty faces on deck for the evening.

R.I.P. David Peaston. Even though he had been sick for awhile, my heart still sunk with shock and despair when I got the call Wednesday night that St. Louis own R&B star David Peaston passed away at the tender age of 54. We will always love you and remember how you put on for our city and shut the Apollo stage down EVERY WEEK. I know you are in a better place – and doing your trademark scats from beyond the sky!

Plush new soul. Before I really get into my instant replay for this show, I must give Harry Colbert and company a major shoutout for giving the for real grown folks (and obviously the black-to-the-basics conscious crowd) an opportunity to hang with good people and good music. It felt like the 5 spot all over again. I’m looking forward to more! Okay, on with the show. Julie Dexter and N’Dambi were the dynamic soul duo tapped to open up the all new Plush – which is located in what I’m assuming is the new capitol of the urban club scene. I know N’Dambi well, but was essentially introduced to Dexter by her performance on Saturday. While I was thrilled that she was only a set of tribal scars away from serving me Tashi of The Color Purple, nothing really moved me – or kept my attention – beyond the opening number. Her scat-illed jazzy remix of the Blue Ivy, Sr. hit “De Ja Vu” offered much life, but I noticed when she wasn’t scatting her voice was pretty unspectacular. Her British accent was cute though. The good news is once I had come to the conclusion that she wasn’t my order of the day, I was still able to be entertained by her bossing with the most aggressive hand gestures I’ve ever seen used as cues.

N’Dambi came out with a bang – accompanied with high kicks and hunches – that exceeded my already stellar expectations. She popped and twerked to her most recent hit “Can’t Hardly Wait” and got the crowd hype at hello. I must admit her outit, comprised of a tired combination of liquid leggings, a god awful mock turtleneck catwoman top and some George brand boots, initially had me judging her relevance. Any woes from her extremely late wardrobe selection were forgiven by her energy and gamekilling performance. It was like Nona Hendrix and Nina Simone had a baby! Her vocals were absurd (imagine an entire evening of Rachelle Farrelle’s lower register) and her energy was non-stop. I caught so much life that I found myself doing re-enblactments throughout the week. That being said, hopefully my neighbors can forgive the ill-executed six-o’clock kicks I randomly punished them with while making my way to the car and/or taking out the trash.

Café Soul’s change of scenery. Since I’m already talking about Plush, I might as well go ahead and deliver the news that it will be the housing beloved open mic session Café Soul from this point forward. It’s a perfect spot for Café Soul too. And based on Tracey’s magic poncho performance at the N’Dambi ‘nem show, I’m expecting the energy of Lucas Schoolhouse, but with the layout of the Old Rock House. Y’all will be able to tell me “I told you so” on the 17th of this month (that’s next Friday) when Angie, Nichol, Tendai and company re-launch with what I hear is an all-star evening of local (and I heard some national acts will be in the building too) soul. Super Bowl soirees. My last round of weekly street beating began at 5 p.m. and didn’t shut down till just before the cock crowed thanks to the variety of festivities fashioned around football’s grand inale. Go Giants! Okay, enough of that. My evening – well, I guess afternoon would be more accurate – began with the 13 Black Katz as Tommy Wilder played host to a Super Bowl spread that had me ready to clock a sugar daddy, if for nothing else but kick my feet up in his palatial palace. I’m not going to give the location of Tommy’s – because some of the more desperate ladies would be camping on his porch after I describe the levels of revelers that went from the basement on up to an attic area sitting room. And the food, you know what … I’m not going to touch upon the buffet because I’m still trying to present the illusion that I’m sticking to my resolution. But Charlie Tuna, Virvus Jones and his lovely wife Sable were just a couple of the folks who came through.

I left The Black Katz to kick it with the whipper snappers over at EXO for the Black Girls Rock Super Bowl and scooted on down the block to spend a little time over at the City. Word on the curb is that there was a friendly competition between those two regarding who had the biggest crowd. Well, as the objective bystander I’m here to tell you the size was exactly the same – and good times were had at both places. When it was all said and done with the game, I headed on down to Lola for Rockhouse’s Super Bowl afterset edition of So Sexy Sundays. And I don’t know what y’all looked like when you faced your bosses on Monday morning, but the folks GOT.IT.IN.

Return of the Trey. Resident R&B clothesburner Trey Songz is steadily adding fuel to the rumors that he has a side baby in St. Louis with his nineteenth visit since 2008. Just kidding but not really. The Lou loves him, so I see no reason why he should stay away … and apparently he doesn’t either. He’ll be headlining his Anticipation 2our (his spelling, not mine) with medium Big Sean on Sunday night. I’m expecting to hear the shrills from North County to South City if he even threatens to remove his shirt onstage.

My beloved Benet. Have I ever apologized for my obsession with Eric Benet? I hope not.And I will be the one wearing a “Chocolate Legs” t-shirt and falling out like Ms. Eva on “It’s Showtime At The Apollo” (which suddenly gave me the urge to say R.I.P. to David Peaston again) when he comes to the Lumiere Theatre on Saturday night – just in case you think to yourself “who is that fool” at any point during the show, I’m letting you know now … it’s me. Y’all better get a ticket if it’s not too late, because he serves with EVERY SHOW.

Mousie Royale at the InSpot. I thought it sounded so cute together, so from this point forward it is how I will be referring to one of my favorite petite sisters in all of the city. Her new name comes in honor of the bash she’s throwing herself on Saturday at the InSpot. Y’all better be sure to stop through and show her some love!

Carl, Chris, Nicole and Charlie Tuna were just a few of the folks who had a fantastic time thanks to the 13 Black Katz Super Bowl Party Sunday

Brian and Tasha were among the irst audience members to get a feel for the all New Plush Saturday night

It was all about team Black Girls Rock and Starpower for the Super Bowl Sunday night @ EXO

Rhashad, DJ Reminise and Javon Bibbs were vibing Saturday night @ Lola

Kevin, Janee, Elemuelle, Angela and Nichol after enjoying the soulful sounds of N’Dambi Saturday night @ Plush

Tamia, Sable, Brian, Evan, Curtis and Rachel kicked it with the 13 Black Katz from kick-off through the end of the game Super Bowl Sunday

Ernest Bradley,Mishelae of Majic 104.9, KMOV-TV’s Andre Hepkins, Tammie Holland of Majic 104.9 and STL Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed @ Good Times Productions Pre-Valentine’s Day Gala

Photo by Kruushem Photography

Candice and Mo-B were in the building for Ladies Night Friday @ Lola

Team Starpower was more than happy to join forces with Black Girls Rock for a Super Bowl celebration Sunday @ EXO

Nikki celebrated her b-day with Kat Saturday night @ Cuetopia

Desiree and Tee @ Ladies Night Friday @ Lola Friday

Aris and Beelat Major were feeling the music and energy Friday night @ Lola

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Continued from B1

her paper, “Educating Missouri’s Black Citizenry from Emancipation to Brown.” Gerald Early, Washington University, will examine Jackie Robinson’s court marital and explore how Robinson’s activism impacts the larger struggle for civil rights.

bonita Cornute, Fox 2 News broadcast journalist, will moderate the evening’s panel and field questions from the audience.

Documented Rights

This program, which is free and open to the public, is held in conjunction with Documented Rights, an exhibition that

showcases milestone documents (facsimiles) drawn from National Archives holdings to illustrate this nation’s continuing process of defining human and civil rights. Among the many historical records featured, visitors will find documents (facsimiles) from the landmark Brown v. Board of Education court case, Jackie Robinson’s court marital by the U.S. Army for refusing to give up his seat on a bus, James Meredith’s battle to enroll in the University of Mississippi and a host of historic documents from our St. Louis holdings as well as 14 other National Archives locations from around the country. The Documented Rights exhibit comes with a website that contains historical summaries and images of the documents featured in the exhibit. Here’s the link: http://www.archives. gov/exhibits/documentedrights/ . At the website page, all you need to do is click the

box that reads “enter exhibit.” The St. Louis exhibition starts with section three titled This Land Is Your Land and includes the following sections: A Change is Going to Come, We Shall Overcome and a special section created exclusively by St. Louis archivist Corey Stewart titled Holding the Line. This last section contains documents and images that chronicle historic moments from James Meredith’s horrific struggle to enroll in the University of Mississippi in 1962. The Documented Rights exhibit runs through May 31 at the National Archives at St. Louis’ new facility (online exhibit at www.archives.gov/ exhibits/documented-rights).

The exhibit is open Monday – Friday (except Federal holidays) from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. For special tours call Wanda Williams at 314-801-9313 or e-mail wanda.williams@nara. gov.

Continued from B1

They also offered a new vision for the next 20 years.

The program Chairs Miriam Wilhelm and Neil Westbrooks designed a program which included congregants participating in African Drumming led by Sky Kingsland, who leads the University City drumming circle; reflections on the King Memorial in Washington, D.C. from four individuals who have recently seen it; musical selections from the Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church Choir and the Central Reform Congregation Band; and a classical piano solo by 16-year-old AfricanAmerican University City high school student Khalid McGhee, who received a standing ovation. He is a part of Mark Sarich’s Orchestra of Diversity.

A highlight during the Service was the 2nd annual mini dialogue discussion led by Lawson Calhoun and Ben Senturia. The congregation divided into small mixed groups reflecting and sharing on the legacy of Dr. King. There was a specially designed program book which included a detailed history of the Joint Venture along with photos of the King memorial.

The service traditionally ends with Rabbi Randy Fleisher leading congregants as they stand and link arms singing

FRAZIER

Continued from B1

ny Liston. But she also taught me about heavyweights that only the Corinthians – the true, committed fans – followed: Eddie Machen, Thad Spencer, Doug Jones, Zora Folley, and Cleveland Williams.

All of these fighters were serious contenders at a certain point in their careers before they ultimately became “dogmeat,” the expression used in Philadelphia gyms to describe a fighter who is just a steppingstone, or a meal, for an up-andcomer or an easy notch for a champion looking to defend his title without having to train too hard.

But I grew up among black and white working-class people in Philadelphia, and boxing was in the blood, in the genetic makeup of the city. Boxers loomed over the landscape, symbolic and ornamental, portentous and implike, like angels and gargoyles in the architecture. Boxing called to me from the pavement; it stalked me in the very air.

My wife, Ida, on arriving in Philadelphia as a college freshman, said the city “had an attitude. Hard, crowded, tough, untrusting, as if being nice was a sign of weakness. It seemed like a place where everybody lives on top of each other and everybody was at war with everybody else.” She was right. That was Philadelphia exactly, or at least the Philadelphia of the working poor, for whom boxing was a form of morality and the representation of a conceit.

I hated the city with a ferocity that I felt rightly or wrongly

“We Shall Overcome” with guest civil rights icon Sister Antona Ebo standing with the clergy. All of this was followed with an outstanding meal, providing additional time to share and build bonds.

The Joint Venture Interfaith Service at Central Reform Congregation is one of the longest ongoing King Celebrations in the St. Louis region, but is only the most visible project of this very active 20-year relationship demonstrating what can be accomplished when two racially and religiously diverse congregations work together on problems facing our city.

Some of the projects have included mentoring a second

grade class at Cote Brilliante Elementary School from grade school through college, building a Habitat for Humanity home, marching in the King Parade behind a joint banner, sharing service projects at the City Youth Detention Center, jointly helping with weatherization of homes in the Grace Hill neighborhood and supporting a dialogue group that has been meeting every month for a shared dinner in each other’s homes for over 15 years. The 20th anniversary of their service

helped to keep me alive, and I loved the city more than anything but God. Philadelphia was, during the drunkenness of my boxing passion, a sort of God for me. When I first met Ida, nothing gave me greater pride than to act exactly how she thought Philadelphians, at least black ones, acted: as if they carried the world’s biggest chip on their shoulders and wanted, for all the world, to kick someone’s ass. I winked at her once and called my attitude “boxing chic.”

What my sister or my other relatives couldn’t teach me about the Stern Art of Bruising, the kids and adults in the neighborhood did. All the street gangs – and Philadelphia was rife with them in my youth, such that it was impossible for me as a boy to go where I wanted to without stress and risk – had their warlords, the kids with the best, the fastest pair of hands, the best handto-hand fighters, the kids who could really duke it in a “fair one,” the supreme ass kickers.

I saw a lot of these kids fight on the streets when I was growing up. Some of them were really good. A few of them became professionals. Three I knew became champions –Matthew Saad Muhammad, Tyrone Everett, and Jeff Chandler, the Lords of the Jungle. (North Philadelphia, where the largest black population lived, was called the Jungle, although the three champions I knew came from South Philadelphia, where W. E. B. Du Bois did his study of the Philadelphia Negro at the end of the nineteenth century.)

I was an eager pupil for the lore and the gore. God, how I thought I loved boxing then, and for a good many years to follow, as if my heart were wired to the throbs of training

gyms. It was the only worthy thing in the city for me. And so it was that I entered the world of boxing in Philadelphia and followed avidly the careers of Eugene “Cyclone” Hart, Sammy Goss, Stanley “Kitten” Hayward, Bad Bennie Briscoe, Joey Giardello, Rubin “Hurricane” Carter, Gypsy Joe Harris, and the rest of the mad warriors who made up the local fight scene. The Philly fighter: the guy who fought as hard in his gym workouts as he did in his actual fights, sometimes harder, because it meant something to be the king of the gym – less than being a champion, but for some not a lot less. Joe Frazier arrived sometime in 1961, as I was beginning my true boyhood education in boxing, to work for a local slaughterhouse called the Cross Brothers. The hero, not the dragon, came with the art of fire breathing, scorching and cleansing and laying bare all that was around him. He became the king of all Philly fighters. He became – this black southerner with no education, Gullah roots, a passel of children, a desire to be somebody, a sense that he had a rendezvous with destiny – everything that Philadelphia, or more precisely a significant portion of working-class Philadelphia, was and aspired to be: tough, proud, ambitious, dumb, and lucky. He could only hope that his body would last long enough for him to become a world-class athlete and make a lot of money. The third and final part of the essay will be published in next week’s Black History Month section. Gerald Early is Merle Kling Professor of Modern Letters and director of the Center for the Humanities at Washington University

in St. Louis.

My sister also taught me about heavyweights that only the Corinthians – the true, committed fans – followed: Eddie Machen and Zora Folley (squared off against each other in 1958, above), Thad Spencer, Doug Jones and Cleveland Williams.

The Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church Choir sang praise at the Martin Luther King Jr. Birthday Interfaith Service at Central Reform Congregation on Jan. 11. Photo by Philip Deitch

Freedom Riders at Long Elementary

The theme for the Hands-on Black History Museum at Long Elementary School in 2012 is “Next Stop Equality…A Freedom Rider’s Journey.”

Hands on Black History Museum exposes children to Civil Rights Movement

American staff

Hands-on Black History Museum is pleased to announce that the museum will be on display at Long Elementary School during the month of February. Long Elementary is part of the Lindbergh School District, and is located at 9021 Sappington Road. The museum, in its ifth year, highlights the many accomplishments of African Americans in our country’s history. The museum debuted on Wednesday, February 1 and

closes on Friday, February, 24. It will be housed in the school’s library, and is open to students between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. The museum’s curator is Deborah Nelson Linck, a Long kindergarten teacher who has been with the district for 25 years. The theme for 2012 is “Next Stop Equality…A Freedom Rider’s Journey.” The Freedom Rides of the early 1960s played an invaluable role in the Civil Rights Movement. This role will be an area of concentration during this year’s museum display.

Matthew Walker Jr. was a passenger on the irst Freedom Bus into Jackson, Miss. in 1961, and was arrested because of his participation. He will speak to students about his days as a Freedom Rider on February 9. Mr. Walker will be traveling from Nashville, TN where he is president of the Nashville Civil Rights Veterans Association. For more information, contact Deborah Nelson Linck at dlinck@lindberghschools.ws or 314-385-8782.

American Red Cross celebrates Black History Month

Frederick Douglass, Dr. Charles Drew were early advocates

American staff

African Americans play an important role in American Red Cross history. After the Civil War, Clara Barton, the founder of the American Red Cross, sat around a dinner table with famed abolitionist Frederick Douglass and talked about establishing a Red Cross Association in the United States. Mr. Douglass supported Miss Barton’s efforts and continued to support the work of the Red Cross after it was founded in 1881.

In the 20th century, Charles Drew, M.D., was recognized as one of America’s foremost physicians and as a pioneer in blood collection and plasma processing. During World War II, Dr. Drew helped form a blood bank to aid wounded soldiers on the battleield. The Red Cross received millions of blood donations during the war that helped save thousands of U.S. servicemen. Today, African Americans contribute to the success of the Red Cross in many ways, including regular blood and platelet donation. More than half of African Americans in the United States have type O blood. Type O blood is the blood type most requested by hospitals. Type O negative blood is called the universal

donor because it can be given to a patient of any blood type during an emergency. The Red Cross invites you to honor the past and give to the future by donating blood. You can celebrate Black history month in February and throughout the year by donating blood regularly.

Locally, you may give blood on the following dates: Feb. 1, 6:00 p.m. – 10:00 p.m. at Leonard Missionary Baptist Church, 1100 Compton Ave., St. Louis, MO Feb. 2, 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. at Lewis & Clark Community College, McPike Complex, 5800 Godfrey Road, Godfrey, IL (Sponsored by the Black Student Association) Feb. 3, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at St. Louis Police Department – North Patrol, 4014 Union, St. Louis, MO Feb. 5, 11:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m. at Central Baptist Church, 2845 Washington Blvd., St. Louis, MO Feb. 6, 5:30 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. at Harris Stowe State University – Business School, 5707 Wilson Ave., St. Louis,

Charles Drew, M.D

CBTU gives MLK awards

Ed Bell; Roosevelt Broadnax, Workers United; State Representative Karla May; St. Louis American photojournalist Wiley Price; Ken Rigmaiden, International Vice President, Painter Union and keynote speaker; Lew Moye President STL CBTU; State Senator Robin Wright Jones; State Representative Clem Smith; Roz Sherman Voellinger; Sonja Gholston Byrd, CWA Local 6300 and STL CBTU.

Edward Bell, Wiley Price, Roz Sherman Voellinger honored

The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists (CBTU) sponsored the 34th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Human Rights Awards Banquet on Monday, January 16, 2012 at IBEW Local 1 Union Hall.

Dr. King Awards are given to individuals for their contribution to the struggle for social justice, labor and human rights in the tradition of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Awards were presented to Edward Bell, Retiree of UAW Local 110, member of the St. Louis CBTU Chapter; Wiley Price, Photojournalist for the S. Louis American newspaper; and Roz Sherman Voellinger, AFL-CIO Community Service Liaison for the Greater St. Louis United Way.

Monument reminds us of his challenge

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

He would be an elder statesman now, a lion in winter, an American hero perhaps impatient with the fuss being made over his birthday. At 83, he’d likely still have his wits and his voice. Surely, if he were able, he would continue to preach, and to pray – and to dream. For the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., dreaming was not optional. It was a requirement of citizenship to envision a fairer, more prosperous nation no longer shackled by racism and poverty. It was a duty to imagine a world no longer ravaged by senseless wars. His most famous speech was less an invitation to share his epic dream than a commandment. In these sour, pessimistic times, it is important to remember the great lesson of King’s remarkable life: Impossible dreams can come true.

and marginalized. It is difficult for young people to believe that overt discrimination – “You can’t have that job because you’re black” or “I’m going to pay you less because you’re a woman” – used to be seen as normal.

Today, the nation is suffering what I see as a crisis of confidence. Economic globalization and advances in productivity have hollowed out the U.S. manufacturing sector, eliminating millions of blue-collar jobs. For the first time, parents have to worry whether their children’s standard of living will decline rather than improve.

Columnist Eugene Robinson

This is not a partisan message; King was every bit as tough on Democrats as Republicans. His activism even transcended ideology. His call for social justice and his opposition to the Vietnam War were rightly seen as liberal, but his insistence on the primacy of faith and family was deeply conservative. His birthday is a national holiday because his words and deeds ennoble us all.

Thinking about King’s legacy reminds me that this is hardly the first time our society has been bitterly divided and fearful of an uncertain future.

When he led the 1963 March on Washington and gave his indelible “I Have a Dream” speech, many Southern whites, including officials, were still determined to resist racial integration by any means necessary. Many black Americans were fed up, no longer willing to wait patiently for the rights promised them under the Constitution.

We were inured to television images that today would be shocking. Police dogs turned loose on peaceful protesters. Columns of smoke rising from cities across the land following King’s assassination.

As he predicted, King did not live to reach the mountaintop.

But his leadership –and that of so many others in the civil rights movement – set us on a path that changed the nation in ways that once seemed unimaginable. Racism, sexism and all the other poisonous -isms have not been eradicated, but they have been dramatically reduced

Demographic change is about to make this a nation without a white majority; by the middle of the century, we’ll be an increasingly diverse collection of racial and ethnic minorities – held together, even more than in the past, by the ideals of the nation’s founding documents. We’re struggling to climb out of the worst recession in decades. We’re deeply in debt. Most of us agree on the need for a social safety net but not on how to structure it or how to pay for it. Our political system is sclerotic if not dysfunctional. The last few elections have not produced a consensus on the way forward. The next won’t, either. I consider myself fortunate that when I’m feeling pessimistic about all of this, I’m able to visit the new King Memorial that was dedicated in October. The towering statue of King looks out toward the Jefferson Memorial, honoring the man whose stirring words now apply to all Americans, not just a few. Behind King is the Lincoln Memorial, a tribute to a leader who shepherded the nation through days much darker than these. The plaza surrounding King’s statue opens up to the Tidal Basin as if to demonstrate how our nation, at its best, embraces possibility. The first time I visited the memorial, I ran into former Sen. George Allen from Virginia. He and I disagree on almost everything – and since he’s running for office again, I’m sure we’ll be on opposite sides of many issues. But on a crystalline morning, we were able to stand together, awed by King’s moral vision and humbled by his challenge: We can be better. We must. We will. Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.

RIDE TO SUCCESS

To help business owners gain more control and balance over their companies’ finances, Regions Bank and The St. Louis American are presenting Ride to Success. This complimentary seminar will provide information on a variety of topics to help you achieve more financial control than ever before, including:

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Thursday, February 16, 2012 at 8 a.m. Four Seas Banquet Center 1910 Serbian Dr. St. Louis, MO 63104

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• Making Your Business Credit Worthy

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