February 20th, 2014 Edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Young Leaders draws over 400

By Bridjes O’Neil

Alumna to keynote Cardinal Ritter gala

Margena A. Christian (Class of ’85) now senior editor at Ebony

By Bridjes O’Neil

Louis

Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory High School will host its third annual “Celebrating Success in Urban Education” Gala on Friday, February 28 at Kemoll’s Restaurant, 211 North Broadway.

Native St. Louisan

Margena A. Christian, senior editor for Ebony magazine and a Cardinal Ritter alumna, is the keynote speaker. Christian will speak about the importance of supporting schools like Cardinal Ritter, an Archdiocesan Catholic high school, and how attending the school shaped her life.

n The theme reflects the school’s 35-year history of providing a quality education to predominately AfricanAmerican students.

“Cardinal Ritter is where the foundation and the groundwork was laid,” said Christian, who graduated from Cardinal Ritter in 1985. Her life was changed forever when Sister Barbara, knowing Christian’s love of writing, suggested that she participate in a journalism workshop.

“It was a nun who did not look like me,” Christian said of Sister Barbara, “but she saw something in me.” Although Christian was only a

endeavors,” said Donald M. Suggs, president of the St. See LEADERS, A6

By Rebecca Rivas Of The

n “The developers do not represent the interests of the taxpayers – that is the job of SLDC.”

– Aldermanic President Lewis Reed

State to take over Normandy finances

Will take ‘any and all measures’ to keep kids in local schools this term

By

The Missouri state Board of Education surprised the Normandy School District Tuesday by voting to take over its finances in a bid to bolster chances that the district would get $5 million in emergency funds to help it finish the school year.

The board also directed the commissioner to appoint a transition task force immediately to develop a detailed plan for the operation of Normandy Schools starting in July 2014, if the legislature fails to appropriate additional funds for the district and if the district lapses. The unanimous vote, which Normandy Superintendent Ty

Photo by Wiley Price

Margena A. Christian

Photo by Wiley Price

See BALLPARK, A6

Dale Singer Of St. Louis Public Radio

Unchecked child support

could land R. Kelly in the clink

R. Kelly is reportedly in hot water again for allegedly falling behind on child support payments and sources say his lawyer fears the R&B star could face jail time.

Kelly is accused in court papers filed last week by his ex-wife Andrea Kelly of failing to pay $20,833 a month in child support he owes. The claim comes after he reportedly fell behind more than $100,000 in payments last year, but then paid the debt off.

Kelly’s trouble doesn’t end there: One of his attorneys has told Kelly’s camp that if the singer doesn’t appear at a March 27 hearing in his child- custody battle in Chicago, a judge could give him 30 days to six months behind bars because Kelly didn’t show up at a November hearing.

case if Kelly’s camp didn’t get in touch.

He recently left top music firm Red Light Management for Devyne Stephens’ Georgiabased Upfront Megatainment. But now, “There’s a line of people Kelly owes money to who worked really hard on his last album,” another source said. “Who knows what Kelly and Devyne are doing, but burying your head in the sand isn’t the answer.”

Kelly previously has owed millions in unpaid taxes to Uncle Sam, and one of his homes was auctioned off this year.

Brian McKnight’s back taxes and no money blues

Brian McKnight claims his accountant was so fraudulent, so deceptive, the money man stooped to secretly getting a United States congressman to help cover up his misdeeds.

Brown knew he screwed up and secretly contacted Congressman Henry Waxman and gave him a phony sob story that got Waxman to contact the IRS and get McKnight back on an installment plan.

McKnight says Brown was so incompetent that he screwed up the installment plan and the taxes were never paid.

McKnight says his credit is now in the toilet, his house has a lien, his music royalties have been frozen and his life is in shambles. Not only that, McKnight says his driver’s license has been suspended for failing to pay back taxes, and because his son shares the same name, his license was suspended McKnight says he landed on California’s Top 500 Delinquent

Wright told TMZ that Mathew Knowles now owes her $32k in back child support and that she and four year old Nixon have to make ends meet with $300 from her state issued EBT card.

Mathew Knowles failed to show up for his last court hearing but blamed the arrears on a clerical error.

Kenya claims NeNe was high during brawl episode

Multiple sources say that despite his troubles, Kelly is “in a bunker” and “unreachable.” A source said lawyer James Quigley’s firm may have to withdraw from the

According to TMZ, McKnight has filed a lawsuit against Vernon Brown and Company, claiming Brown ruined his life by failing to pay any of Brian’s taxes for close to a decade, resulting in more than a million dollars in back taxes, and an additional $500,000 in penalties and interest. In the lawsuit, McKnight claims

Mother of Mathew Knowles’ child living on public aid

Back in August Alexsandra Wright – the mother of Mathew Knowles’ love child – took the former music mogul to court claiming he was $24k behind in child support.

According to reports, Knowles still hasn’t paid a dime forcing Wright to apply for public assistance.

NeNe Leakes

The feud rages on between Real Housewives of Atlanta rivals Kenya Moore and NeNe Leakes as Kenya accuses NeNe of being under the influence of a controlled substance during the infamous “Pillow Talk” episode. Kenya took to her twitter account to put Leakes on blast, saying, “I wish Brandon would take a screenshot and post the many texts from NeNe #showthereceipts #dontrememberthingswhenurhigh.”

Leakes fired right back at Moore with a tweet of her own.

“It’s really horrible when somebody has to go public and tell a VICIOUS, RUTHLESS, COLD HEARTED LIE on you!” Leakes tweeted. “You are DEAD to me.” Sources: New York Post, TMZ.com, Eurweb.com, Twitter.com

Bringing legal service to the mentally ill

Legal advocacy project helps

clients with civil cases

By Ciera Simril

For The St. Louis American

Given the nature of the volunteer work done by Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, many of its clients would prefer to remain anonymous. Such is the case of one client we will call Harold.

He lost his job, fell on hard times and then lost his home. He was beset by legal tangles.

“At the time, I wasn’t in good mental health shape, so I shut down,” he said.

He didn’t know where to turn until he was introduced to Patrick Mobley, a Legal Services staff attorney who directs its Legal Advocacy for Adults with Mental Illness (LAAMI) project.

“He’s taking over, which takes a tremendous stress relief off me,” Harold said of Mobley Mobley represents clients in a wide range of civil legal matters, with the goal of solving their legal issues while allowing them to continue their behavioral health treatment.

Legal Services provides free civil (non-criminal) legal representation to low-income individuals and the elderly. If a prospective client doesn’t meet the income requirements for free representation, they are referred to a private attorney

Justice For All Ball

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri (LSEM) will hold its 24th Annual Justice For All Ball on Saturday, February 22 at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd.

The black-tie event begins at 6:30 p.m. with cocktails and a silent auction; dinner will be served at 8 p.m., followed by the Charles Glenn Band. The auction items include a Broadway weekend package, a London and Paris luxury stay, U.S. Open golf package, sports tickets and collectibles, and a broad selection of fine wine, jewelry and art.

through the Missouri Bar Association.

Most low-income people who suffer from mental illness don’t know that they can receive free legal representation. “That’s one of the loopholes,” Mobley said. “That’s why I’m helping.” Legal Services partners in the LAAMI program with agencies like the Independence Center, Family Care Health and Bridgeway Behavior Health. Mobley said he is focused on “making his services better known,” and he does so in part by spending one hour a week at the Independence Center where people can meet with him.

“We enjoy being available in hopes that we can reach people with mental illnesses,” he said.

The Independence Center has a diverse group of clients who are given the necessary tools to start taking ownership of their lives back. It currently serves some 230 clients who have access to

The Young Friends of LSEM will hold their fifth Annual Ball After Party from 9 p.m. to 1 a.m. in the Lindell Ballroom at the Chase Park Plaza. There is no charge for the After Party, which is open to Justice For All Ball guests, Young Friends members and young legal professionals. Tickets for the Justice For All Ball are $185 and $285 per person; tables of 10 may be reserved for $1,850, $2,100, $2,500 or $3,000. For tickets or more information, contact Louisa Gregory at 314-256-8736 or lmgregory@lsem.org.

free checking accounts and educational, social and housing opportunities. In collaboration with BJC HealthCare, the center also provides clinical case management and partial hospitalization services.

Working alongside Mobley is Emily Autrey, general case manager with Legal Services. She contributes, in part, by understanding clients and their struggles.

She provides the social work dynamic for the client in order to obtain more information to help the attorney provide the best service. Autrey also provides help with housing, benefits and employment, which can have a major impact on clients.

“They’re still in recovery,” she said of their client base. “I listen for however long it takes.”

Contact Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, 4232 Forest Park Ave., at 314-534-4200 or 1-800-444-0514.

Artist in residence

State offers tax filing tips

The Missouri Department of Revenue offers the following tips for taxpayers as they prepare for the tax return filing season. The Internal Revenue Service began processing individual tax returns on Jan. 31. After Jan. 31, the sooner a tax return is filed, the sooner a refund will be issued. Waiting until the April 15 deadline will result in a delay in getting a refund. Here are other tips: File electronically. Electronic filing is a secure way to avoid errors. E-filing is a service provided by almost all tax preparers, or individual citizens can purchase tax preparation software. Many citizens may qualify for free electronic filing through the Federal Free File Alliance (http:// www.freefile.irs.gov). Nearly 80 percent of Missourians

now file electronically. Use electronic forms. Missourians choosing not to E-file can still save time and reduce errors by using electronic forms, which can then be printed out and mailed. Missouri tax forms for Tax Year 2013 and other years are available on the department’s website at http:// dor.mo.gov/forms/. The forms include a 2-D barcode that helps speed up processing after they are mailed to the department. Direct deposit of a refund is also an option for those choosing to use the 2-D barcode forms. Protect your information. Saving drafts of confidential returns would not be recommended for people using public computers, such as in a library, where computer access is open to anyone. Ask questions online or

over the phone. The Missouri Department of Revenue answers many frequently asked questions about filing tax returns on the department’s website at www. dor.mo.gov. Missourians can also call 573-751-3505 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays or email the Department at income@dor.mo.gov with questions about filing tax returns. Ask questions in person. The department also has tax assistance centers located in seven cities: Cape Girardeau, Jefferson City, Joplin, Kansas City, St. Joseph, St. Louis and Springfield. Office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday. Contact information and office addresses are available at http://dor.mo.gov/contact/ assistance.php.

Editorial /CommEntary

Moral reason and public education

For an eloquent cry of moral reason on the subject of public education, we keep handy an opinion that Judge Michael Wolff wrote when serving on the Missouri Supreme Court. Judge Wolff – who is now dean of the Saint Louis University School of Law – dissented from a majority opinion, in part, because that opinion was too complacent with structural inequalities in how the state funds public education. The way the state funds public education, Wolff wrote, reinforces appalling disparities. “These disparities – where the lowest-spending districts have only one-third of the money of the highest-spending districts – persist despite the fact that the entire scheme of funding public education is dictated by state law under the authority of the state constitution,” Wolff wrote. “For instance, the property tax wealth per pupil in the wealthiest districts is 15 to 20 times that of the property tax wealth per pupil in the poorest districts.” Education is administered at the state level in our federal system, but the problem is a national one. Matt Miller, a senior fellow at the Center for American Progress, has decried the “uniquely American local system of school finance – one that dooms millions of poor children to the least-qualified teachers and most run-down facilities in the country. No other wealthy nation tolerates the funding disparities between rich and poor districts that the U.S. does.”

Because districts are compelled to teach a “common core” and take standardized tests, despite large disparities in resources, the way states administer public education becomes an official ritual of blaming victims. “The least we can do,” Wolff wrote, “is to avoid adding to their humiliation by saying that poor districts are losing because they are bad districts ... they do not try hard enough to support local schools, the neighborhoods are less supportive and the parents ... well, you see my point. This

system – statewide in design but local in its effects – is rigged.”

Wolff was writing in 2009, during the era of unaccredited school districts – the new rationale by which some poor districts are judged to be “bad” districts – but before a state law was passed that added a new dimension of disparities. Now poor districts that have been judged “bad” (unaccredited) must pay tuition and (in select instances) transportation costs for their students to transfer to better-funded, betterfunctioning districts. Thanks to the effects of this law, one “bad” (unaccredited) district –the Normandy School District –faces bankruptcy before the end of this term, and several other poor districts will soon follow, if the state Legislature does not fix the mess it created. We commend those state legislators who are now racing to address this crisis, but consider what a frustrating humiliating predicament they have placed themselves in. In a state with so many problems when it comes to education, the Legislature is racing to find $50 million that will do nothing but temporarily stabilize a district that is heading for collapse eventually, unless much more difficult and substantial changes are made to how the state administers – and funds – public school districts.

A detailed Post-Dispatch report revealed an even more humiliating facet of the current school transfer crisis. Except for the St.

Louis Public Schools, every accredited district accepting these transfer students is billing these students’ home districts. However, except for the Ferguson-Florissant School District, these districts are not even spending the money on instructing their new students. The administrators interviewed by the Post give reasonable explanations for why they are not spending the money –basically, they can’t count on the continued funding or the continued influx of students. The question remains, then: How can they justify accepting the money from impoverished school districts knowing they are not going to spend it to educate the students from those districts?

We believe it is essential that the Legislature immediately find the money to keep Normandy schools open until the end of term. The Legislature also needs to remedy the school transfer law that created this crisis –putting a cap on tuition the unaccredited districts pay and mandating that accredited districts spend that tuition on instruction would be a good start. Once the crisis is averted, every decision-maker in the state should revisit the questions raised by Judge Wolff in his 2009 opinion in Committee for Education Equality v. State of Missouri: How can we rest content with a system of funding public education that is structurally unequal?

Michael Sam and American masculinity

By Thabiti Lewis Guest Columnist

Finally, the perfect storm has hit men’s professional sports. It arrives in the form of a 6’2”, 260 lb. defensive end for the Missouri Tigers football team. Michael Sam, who recently announced that he is gay, is a perfect storm because of his credentials: Defensive Player of the Year in the best conference in college football (the SEC) and first-team All-American. He played an entire season, openly gay among his teammates, and that team was runner-up in the SEC. Thus, he has shown that he can compete against the best and that his sexuality will not be a distraction.

The Missouri Tigers’ performance is proof that the presence of an openly gay teammate does not pose a problem in the locker room. If teens and twenty-somethings in Missouri can display the proper maturity to deal with homosexuality, then certainly adult professional football players – and executives – can as well. I disagree with NFL executives who claim our society is two decades away from accepting an openly gay man in pro football. If we waited for people to be “comfortable,” society would have remained segregated. Moreover, it would be a sin, in

a league that is over 70 percent African-American, if players were to display discrimination or intolerance.

We only need to look at Major League Baseball’s history to dismiss concerns about how Sam will be received. When the prospect of bringing black players to MLB was broached, many team owners said the white players would not accept a black teammate. Sam’s sexuality has evoked a similar response. However, unlike Jackie Robinson’s historic barrier-breaking experience, contemporary athletes are already playing with gay teammates; they are just not openly gay. I am concerned that some players might mistake the onslaught of ignorant media queries about Sam as a distraction, when the real distraction is the reporters who keep asking the same trite question. I suggest that players turn the question around and ask every reporter if they have an openly gay colleague and would they find working with one distracting?

The people who need to be interviewed are the team owners, executives and league officials. They set the tone for these organizations. They decide whom to hire and fire. They cut the paychecks. We want to hear from these powerbrokers.

A bigger question is how we understand gender and masculinity in sports. Since the early twentieth century, as the American economy shifted toward more sedentary occupations, American men

The GOP’s health crisis

The Republican Party’s worst nightmare is coming true. Obamacare is working.

The news that nearly 1.2 million people signed up last month for insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchanges is highly inconvenient for GOP candidates nationwide. It looks as if the party’s twoword strategy for the fall election – bash Obamacare –will need to be revised.

Last week’s status report on the health insurance reforms was by far the best news for Democrats and the Obama administration since the program’s incompetent launch. January was the first month when new enrollments surpassed expectations, as the balky HealthCare.gov website began functioning more or less as intended.

Cumulatively, 3.3 million people had chosen insurance plans through the state and federal exchanges by the end of January. That is fewer than the administration originally hoped, but well above the predictions of critics who believed – or hoped – that the program would never succeed. The Congressional Budget Office now projects that 6 million people will have chosen plans through Obamacare when the initial enrollment period ends March 31, down from a prelaunch estimate of 7 million.

The numbers are even more encouraging when you look

more closely. The proportion of young people – from 18 to 34 – who chose insurance plans through the exchanges increased slightly to 27 percent, compared with an average of 24 percent in previous months. This is important because premiums would have to rise if not enough young, healthy people enroll.

The administration had hoped the percentage of young enrollees would reach about 40 percent. But the January figure – and the rising trend – should put to rest any notion that the whole program could go down the drain in an actuarial “death spiral.”

According the January report, about 80 percent of those signing up for Obamacare are eligible for subsidies to help them pay for insurance.

The administration believes, but does not yet have the data to prove, that most of the new enrollees were previously uninsured.

These figures do not include the additional people who have been determined newly eligible for insurance under the federal-state Medicaid program. Overall, the program appears to be doing exactly what it was designed to do: making health insurance accessible and affordable for those who truly need it.

The Affordable Care Act could be doing even more if Republican governors and legislatures were not doing all they could to sabotage the program. But even in states that refused to set up their own health insurance exchanges or expand Medicaid eligibility, growing numbers of the uninsured are obtaining coverage.

Letters to the editor

CORReCtION

A recent caption misidentified the employers of Belinda Perkins and Jamie Saunders. They work for Catholic Charities Community Services – St. Jane Center, not Cardinal Ritter Senior Services. We regret the error.

Suppressing the vote

have sought physical ways to define their masculine sense of self. Sports remain one essential conduit. Gail Bederman explains how modern masculinity has relied on sport in her book Manliness and Civilization. Thus, the resistance to Sam reflects the fragility of the modern masculine psyche.

America’s sense of masculinity is closely tied to sports culture and its heroes. People are comfortable with what Mark Anthony Neal, in his book Looking For Leroy, terms “legible masculinity.” Football is marketed as a heterosexual sport. Perhaps owners and executives are concerned that the presence of an openly gay male threatens their vision of selling a “man’s-man” brand of entertainment.

Michael Sam is far from a distraction, but rather an example of confidence and courage. He is a positive example for those who are conflicted and misguided about what it means to be masculine. When the first openly gay man takes the field representing one of the NFL’s beloved teams, the notion of “man’s-man” may take on new meaning for fans and society. Perhaps people might follow Sam’s example and become more comfortable in their own skin and start to define for themselves what it means to be a man.

Thabiti Lewis is a visiting scholar in the Center for the Humanities at Washington University in St. Louis. He is also the author of “Ballers of the New School: Race and Sports in America.”

The Missouri Association for Social Welfare (MASW) opposes both HB 1073 and HJR 47 because we believe the right to vote will be suppressed, especially in two populations. Forty percent of Missouri households have annual incomes of less than $31,000. The federal poverty level is outdated and does not measure the true cost of living accurately, but officially 16 percent of Missourians live in poverty. Getting a photo ID can be almost impossible for persons with no discretionary income, little access to transportation, and long distances between themselves and sites where IDs can be obtained.

Also, it is very difficult for a person who is transgender to get a photo ID that matches their current gender. Those who cannot afford surgery often have no access to an ID that accurately reflects the name and gender by which they are now known. Do we have “liberty and justice for all” if persons with very low incomes, including persons who are transgender, experience barriers to voting?

Jeanette Mott Oxford, executive director MASW, St. Louis

Meningitis vaccine is critical

While visiting the doctor or pharmacist this winter, make sure all vaccinations are up-to-date, especially the oftenforgotten meningitis vaccine. Meningococcal disease, commonly known as meningitis, is a deadly and highly contagious

Politically, this is terrible news for Republicans who hoped that the botched website launch and President Obama’s misleading “you can keep your insurance” pledge would be the gifts that kept on giving. Bashing Obamacare will always have resonance for the GOP’s conservative base. But if you’re trying to win the votes of independents, it’s more profitable to target a failed program than a successful one. Attack ads against vulnerable Democratic senators, such as Kay Hagan of North Carolina and Mary Landrieu of Louisiana, are already trying to paint Obamacare as a character defect – the president and his supporters “lied” when they said everyone could keep their insurance. The response from Democrats should be to shift the focus to the actual program and its impact. Imperiled incumbents can point to constituents who are benefiting from the Affordable Care Act in life-changing ways. Polls consistently show that even if voters have mixed views about the health care reforms, most do not want to see them repealed. By the fall, the whole Obamacare-isa-disaster line of attack could sound stale and irrelevant. Republicans may even have to take the drastic step of saying what they advocate, rather than harping on what they oppose. Is there a GOP plan to cover those with preexisting conditions? To cover the working poor? Is expanding access to health insurance really such an awful thing? Sorry, I didn’t catch what you said.

disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), anyone can get meningitis, but it is most common in infants and young adults ages 16-21. College students living in dorms are at especially increased risk. This disease progresses quickly, starting with flu-like symptoms that escalate rapidly, sometimes leaving survivors with damage to the nervous system. According to the CDC, one in 10 meningitis patients will die.

I re-introduced Senate Bill 748, which requires the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services to publicize rules governing the immunization against meningitis for children attending public, private, parochial or parish schools. The bill also requires that students attending public colleges and universities in Missouri who plan to live in on-campus housing receive the meningitis vaccine, unless they have a medical or religious exemption.

It is absolutely critical that both parents and college students in Missouri are aware of the risks of meningitis and the importance of getting vaccinated now.

State Sen. Gina Walsh Jefferson City

God’s impartiality

Recently, while eating breakfast and watching the early morning news, word spread quickly of Justin Bieber’s recent arrests. Without hesitation, Madison (my 8-yearold) inquired as to whether Bieber would have to go to “celebrity jail.” Out of the mouths of babes. Already Madison is acutely aware of the privileges, or lack thereof, extended to the haves and the have-nots. However, I was quickly reminded of the scripture that sums up the politics of Jesus. It is not of God’s character to favor one person over another, nor does he pay attention to a person because of wealth or social status. Regardless of the world’s view, God is fair and just and merciful of all, both

Columnist Eugene Robinson

the haves and the have-nots. Let us be grateful for God’s impartiality.

Leslie T. Broadnax, Clayton

Thabiti Lewis

Photo by Wiley Price

Giving a kid a smile

Emma Carter, a 5th grader at Pierremont Elementary School in the Parkway School District, got her teeth cleaned by Dr. Michael Frith at the “Give Kids A Smile” free dental clinic hosted recently at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education, 3320 Rutger St.

Black Pages hosts Empowerment Conference

The St. Louis Black Pages Business Directory and Transformational Agenda Magazine will present its 2014 Empowerment Conference 9 a.m.- 6 p.m. Saturday March 1 at Cardinal Ritter Prep High School, 701 N. Spring Ave. It will feature 120 free seminars covering over 40 topics including relationships, health and homeownership, concluding with a concert featuring musicians and poets. The event is free. For more information, call 314531-7300 or email Nikki Smith at nsmith@black-pages.com.

Candidate filing opens Feb. 25

Secretary of State Jason Kander reminds Missourians that the first day to file as a candidate for the 2014 primary and general elections is Tuesday, February 25. Visit http:// www.sos.mo.gov/elections/2014primary to learn important information and view a new webinar providing an overview of the filing process.

Unless a candidate is member of the armed services on active duty or unable to appear due to a physical disability, the candidate must file in person at the secretary of state’s office at 600 W. Main St. in Jefferson City. Candidate filing takes place during regular business hours, beginning at 8 a.m. on February 25 and lasting through 5 p.m. on March 25.

Cold Water Elementary recognized as ‘Exemplary’

Cold Water Elementary in the Hazelwood School District was named one of 15 2014 Exemplary Schools by the Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE). The award acknowledges Cold Water staff for their promotion of learning with collaborative teams and using data to increase student achievement.

“Since 2009, we have been implementing data to drive all of our decisions at Cold Water. By using data, we are able make academic plans for individual students as well as the entire grade level,” said Christa Warner, principal of Cold Water Elementary. “Each week our teams meet and plan collaboratively, which has become a powerful learning experience for our entire staff. By focusing on individual students and specific learning outcomes, we increased our Missouri Assessment Program (MAP) scores.”

Getting back to black history

By Erica Van Buren For The St. Louis American

While obtaining my B.A. in English at Fontbonne University, I took a course on African-American literature from Reconstruction to the present. I was introduced to Charles W. Chesnutt, James Weldon Johnson and “The Autobiography of Malcolm X.” These literary works excited me, but it also made me sad that I was not introduced to this literature at a younger age.

At the time, my child was enrolled at Ritenour Middle School. Instead of discussing Frederick Douglass or W.E.B Dubois, my son’s class read “The Diary of Anne Frank.” My frustration at the lack of African-American literature and history being taught at the middle-school level prompted me to share my experience with my child.

We are both amazed at where our journey of discovery has taken us, reading writers such as Hallie Q. Brown, Olivia Ward Bush, Josephine Brown, Pauline E. Hopkins and a host of others.

Reading slave narratives by Frederick Douglas and Harriet Jacobs inspired me to create my own slave narrative for my senior thesis. My narrative centered on a dialogue between a mother passing a folktale from her mother to her daughter, then the daughter sharing her knowledge with her class at school. In that tale, a fictional female slave hero visits plantation after plantation, saving slaves from the hands of vicious slaveholders.

This experience has inspired me to continue learning about African-American history and providing inspiration to my son, so maybe he will become an inspiration to his friends.

“From the time children enter school, most AfricanAmerican children read literature that seldom offers messages about them, their past or their future,” B.R. Heflin and M. A. Barksdale-Ladd write.

“All too often books used in primary classrooms contain too few African-American characters, or they include characters who are African American in appearance only. Many of these stories say little about African-American culture or they present only the history of African Americans as slaves without including any. In short, today’s African American children often cannot find themselves in the literature they are given to read.” I can only hope that reading with my child and sharing my experience with others will spark more discussions about the importance of incorporating African-American literature in the classroom at the elementary and middleschool levels.

Erica Van Buren is a former St. Louis American intern and contributing writer to the paper.

Erica Van Buren

Photo by Wiley Price

BALLPARK

Continued from A1

Ballpark “tenants” –including Cardinals Nation, Fox Sports Midwest Live!, Budweiser Brew House and PBR – have been completing millions of dollars in construction costs inside the building. None of the work is being monitored by the city for inclusion. Without the Board of Aldermen’s knowledge, the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) negotiated a development agreement that allows developers to leave millions in interior construction costs unmonitored for minority participation. Both SLDC and the developers have refused to provide contract amounts for the millions of tenant construction costs.

The St. Louis American submitted a Sunshine Law

CHRISTIAN

Continued from A1

sophomore and the workshop was geared toward seniors, Sister Barbara encouraged her to give it a try. Christian became the first sophomore to participate in the Minority Journalism Workshop, sponsored by the Greater St. Louis Association for Black Journalists.

request to SLDC on Jan. 24, asking for the project’s budget and contract amounts for the all the general contractors on the project. SLDC provided the information on Feb. 18 and only provided PARIC’s contract amount.

According to the budget provided to The American SLDC vaguely states that “user improvements” in the “retail element” totaled $23 million. SLDC’s executive director Otis Williams is a mayoral appointee and reports directly to the mayor’s office. Mayor Francis G. Slay said he did not know about SLDC’s negotiations with Ballpark Village leaders regarding inclusion. He said he first found out on Jan. 30, the same day The American requested comment from the mayor. He didn’t respond regarding his knowledge of SLDC’s negotiations until Feb. 19. Slay said he has directed SLDC leaders to determine

Her mentors were industry professionals like George Curry and the late Gerald M. Boyd, former Post-Dispatch staffers and founders of the Minority Journalism Workshop.

LEADERS

Continued from A1

Louis American Foundation and publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American newspaper.

Suggs introduced Orvin Kimbrough, himself an African American under 40 who is president and CEO of the United Way of Greater St. Louis. Kimbrough said the awardees were among the best and brightest the community has to offer.

“You are a young professional by virtue of your age and occupation,” Kimbrough said. “You are a young leader by virtue of

By attending the workshop, she discovered her calling to be an entertainment reporter. She shared her aspirations with Curry, whom she described as a “hard-nosed” reporter.

“That really shaped me as a person, having somebody behind me in the industry,” she said. “It showed me that writing is writing, and it doesn’t matter what kind of story you’re telling – whether it’s a news story or something about entertainment.”

Christian interned at The St. Louis American and Sylvester Brown Jr.’s respected, nowdefunct news magazine Take 5. She later worked as a language

your service and commitment to advancing the common good.”

Suggs encouraged the Young Leaders to provide for those who come after them.

“It is not enough to make your own fortune, you must be involved in helping others,” Suggs said. “The remedy for more progress, even if only incremental, must be collective.”

This encouragement registered with Young Leader awardee Danielle Y. Blount, a senior analyst of diversity and inclusion at the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis.

“I really want to begin to plant the seeds in the community,” Blount said, “and hopefully my peers will

“how that happened.”

As the project has received a generous amount of local and state subsidies, developers are required to abide by certain minority participation requirements.

The city’s Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Office is responsible for making sure the developers meet the city’s goals –awarding 25 percent of all contracts to minority-owned business enterprises (MBEs) and 5 percent to women-owned business enterprises (WBEs).

The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) is in charge of reviewing minority workforce participation, and this project’s goals for “boots on the ground” are 17.7 percent AfricanAmerican workers and four percent other minorities.

Several aldermen expressed frustration that they were uninformed of the SLDC’s negotiations when they voted

arts teacher at Bishop Healey Catholic School during the day and wrote entertainment columns by night – and began to accumulate clips of her professional work.

Then John H. Johnson, founder of Chicago-based Johnson Publishing Company, publisher of Ebony and Jet magazines, hired her as an assistant editor in 1995.

“The person whose place I took was actually leaving the company to become an educator,” she said, “and I was leaving from education to become a writer.”

She worked directly under Johnson’s tutelage until his death in 2005. She became a

do so as well.”

The foundation received dozens of nominations of accomplished AfricanAmerican professionals, representing diverse professions in the private, public and non-profit sectors.

The awardees, chosen by a committee of their peers, participate in several of the region’s professional networks, such as the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative, the Charmaine Chapman Society

on the development agreement.

Board President Lewis Reed and Alderman Terry Kennedy are working on legislation that would prevent SLDC from allowing another inclusion loophole.

“The developers do not represent the interests of the taxpayers – that is the job of SLDC,” Reed said. “In this case, SLDC failed in its duty to the Board of Aldermen and the citizens they represent to sufficiently communicate the participation goals of the agreement in its entirety – and that cannot happen again.”

According to a letter sent from developers to SLDC, Ballpark Village developers have promised to obligate the tenants’ contractors to abide by the city’s inclusion laws.

In their Feb. 5 letter to SLDC, Cordish Vice President Blake Cordish and Cardinals President William DeWitt III wrote that “our agreement with the city does not set forth

senior writer at Ebony in 2009.

From Johnson, she said, she learned that failure was never an option.

“He knew that African Americans had stories to tell and that we were doing more than what the world was willing to show,” she said of Johnson.

Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, will serve as emcee for the February 28 Cardinal Ritter gala, and Carol Daniel, KMOX news anchor, will serve as mistress of ceremonies.

John Saunders Jr., advancement director at Cardinal Ritter, said the gala’s

and the young professionals affiliates of the Regional Business Council (RBC), the United Way and the Urban League.

n “I really want to begin to plant the seeds in the community, and hopefully my peers will do so as well.”

– Danielle Y. Blount

Emerson was once again the event’s presenting sponsor. Partner sponsors included Edward Jones, Wells Fargo Advisors and the RBC.

“We have developed a network of over 2,000 young diverse professionals,” Sally Roth, area president for Regions Bank and vice chair of partner sponsor the RBC, said of the

any M/WBE participation or workforce goals for tenant improvements.”

However, the leaders state that they have “contractually obligated” the tenants’ contractors to comply with the city’s MWBE goals.

They also state that they will hire a third-party consultant to review and report the tenants’ minority participation to SLDC.

In an email to The American, Zed Smith, director of asset management for the Cordish Company, stated, “The tenants of Ballpark Village have voluntarily agreed to participate in an effort to achieve the inclusion and participation goals set forth by the city.”

Smith also stated that the developers have hired MOKAN, Inc. as the thirdparty monitor. MOKAN will “work with our tenants to review minority contractor participation, provide recommendations

theme “Celebrating Success in Urban Education” reflects the school’s 35-year history of providing a quality Catholic education to predominately African-American students.

The student body is comprised of young AfricanAmerican men and woman from across the socioeconomic spectrum, according to Saunders, and 95 percent of its 2013 graduates were accepted into various colleges or universities.

Tickets for the event are still available. All proceeds benefit Cardinal Ritter’s financial assistance and scholarship program for deserving students and their families.

RBC’s Young Professionals Network (YPN). “Over half the awardees are members of the YPN.”

Emily Pitts, principal of inclusion and diversity at partner sponsor Edward Jones, encouraged the awardees to lead courageously. She said one of the responsibilities of a true leader is to help develop others.

Mary Atkin, chief administrative officer for partner sponsor Wells Fargo Advisors, said that leadership “encompasses many qualities and takes on different forms.”

The event is one of the city’s premiere networking opportunities, said mistress of ceremonies Rebeccah Bennett, senior public engagement

to improve participation levels, and monitor workforce participation moving forward,” he stated. Smith did not respond to questions regarding whether or not MOKAN’s reports would be shared with the public.

The advocacy group Congress of Racial Equity (CORE) helped lead protests at Ballpark Village regarding this issue. Eddie Hasan of CORE said he and others – including state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed –met with the mayor’s office on Feb. 10 regarding inclusion on the project. The mayor’s staff provided the group with the developer’s letter to SLDC.

“Wherever the blame is, the result is less jobs for African Americans and greater chance crime in the community,” Hasan said. “We want to make sure they are employing the people whose taxes are supporting this project.”

The gala will begin at 6 p.m. February 28 with cocktails. Business attire is requested. For more information about the gala or how you can give, contact John Saunders Jr. at 314-792-7732 or johnsaunders@archstl.org.

Also, the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists will host a fundraiser for the Minority Journalism Workshop 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb 27. at BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups,700 S. Broadway. Adults 21 and over may purchase tickets for $10 in advance at gslabj.eventbrite. com and $15 at the door. For more information, contact GSLABJ@gmail.com.

consultant at Vector Communications. Bennett said the awardees have helped to create a field of enlightenment “that makes it easier for all us to shine and be radiant.”

In addition to a crystal award, each of the awardees received a $50 gift certificate to Vincent’s Jewelers. They also received two tickets to the 27th annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala in September.

Net proceeds from the Salute to Young Leaders event will benefit scholarships to high-potential local minority students awarded annually by the St. Louis American Foundation.

NORMANDY

Continued from A1

McNichols said he did not expect, comes after state education officials analyzed the district’s finances, which were termed “very, very fragile” by Ron Lankford, deputy commissioner for elementary and secondary education.

“It really is not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when,” Roger Dorson, who led the team doing the financial review, said of the likelihood that the district would go bankrupt from the costs of tuition and transportation for transferring students.

The vote on Normandy finances came after the state board heard details of a five-tier plan designed to prevent struggling schools and districts from becoming unaccredited, to help unaccredited districts turn things around and to put chronically underachieving districts out of business.

n “Those young people in unaccredited districts have not failed. There is a state full of adults who have failed them.”

– Mike Jones, vice president of the state board

The program relies heavily on early intervention when districts show signs of falling short of state goals. Provisionally accredited districts would have to enter into a contract with the state board of education, spelling out specific goals they must meet to avoid falling into unaccredited territory.

On the Normandy question, Chris Nicastro, the state’s commissioner for elementary and secondary education, told the board that taking over the district’s finances was the best way to help ensure that the students now attending Normandy schools will be able to finish the year in their home district and “put to rest their

anxiety about the remainder of the school year.” The unanimous vote imposes financial oversight over Normandy effective immediately. Any spending, contracts or other actions with financial implications must be approved by state education officials for the remainder of this school year. And, Nicastro said, the vote obligates the state to take “any and all measures necessary” to make sure Normandy makes it to the end of the school year. She said that the district has cooperated with state officials in their financial review. Normandy already has closed an elementary school and laid off more than 100 employees, but the costs of the transfer of about 1,000 students to nearby accredited school districts is costing about $1.3 million a month – a financial drain that is unsustainable. If necessary, Nicastro said, other “necessary and significant adjustments” to expenditures may have to be made, including more layoffs, termination of contracts or other measures. The board’s vote would give the state the power to take such actions, she said.

State board member Joe Driskill of Jefferson City asked whether Normandy had already made the decisions it should have made at this point “or are we taking on the responsibility to make decisions they don’t want to make?”

Nicastro replied that Normandy has not made such decisions. “For many reasons,” she said, “they may or may not be prepared to make some of those tough choices.” Interviewed after the vote,

McNichols, who sat in the back of the room at the meeting, said that the board’s decision effectively means the district has lapsed because it doesn’t have any control over its finances. And, he wondered, if the state doesn’t appropriate the $5 million in emergency funds, where DESE is going to come up with the money.

“Are they going to be able to cut $5 million worth of stuff?” McNichols asked. “If so, we would love to know where they’re going to cut that from.”

Asked about the implication that Normandy can’t take care of itself and needs state oversight to make the proper decisions, McNichols responded:

“I believe our community has stepped up. I think that’s why the legislators are currently considering the $5 million. I don’t think it’s because DESE’s been at the doors. I think it’s because our community has stepped up to show that they’re interested in saving the community.”

Mike Jones of St. Louis, vice president of the board, said the focus needs to stay on students.

“I want to take a minute just to talk to those young people in specifically the unaccredited districts of Normandy, Riverview Gardens and Kansas City,” Jones said.

“Over the last five or six months, a lot of the conversation has been about those specific districts. We have had that conversation like students in those districts were inanimate objects who could not understand what was being said. We talked about them. We talked at them. We have never spoken to them…. My point is that they have not failed. There is a state full of adults who have failed them.”

Edited for length and reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio. org.

Salute to Young Leaders Networking & Awards Reception

Last week, more than 400 attended the St. Louis American Foundation’s fourth annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking & Awards Reception at the Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis. Twenty outstanding African-American professionals, under age 40, were honored at the special recognition event. These Young Leaders are high-performing, aspirational individuals who are already making a positive impact in our community. St. Louis-based Emerson served as the presenting sponsor of the event.

Photos by Wiley Price and Maurice Meredith

The 2014 Young Leaders: Seated left to right: Sheena Hamilton, Kewana Regans, Clarissa Okpaleke, Danielle Blount, Vanessa Cooksey, Irasa Downing, Keisha Mabry, Brittany Packnett, Tasha Turner, Alexandria McCuien

Standing: Ronald Roberts, Steven Harris, Henry Johnson, Naretha Hopson, Timon Edwards, Ramon Stewart, Cedric Cobb, Jeffrey Bickley, Bill Fronczak, Candice Smith

Awardee Keisha Mabry

Daniel Acosta, Michelle Fontaine, Lisa Clancy and Rob Wasserman

Rosetta Okohson and Chelsey Oliver

Gwen Packnett and awardee Brittany Packnett

MJ Stewart, awardee Ramon T. Stewart and awardee Steven Harris

Awardee Noretha Hopson with Henrietta and Nate Hopson

Awardee Bill Fronczak and Raven Fronczak

Awardee Candice Smith

More than 400 enjoyed the elegant evening at the Four Seasons Hotel.

RBC’s Chelsea Osterby and Katie Kaufmann with awardee Kewana Regans Wayne and Sherri Hamilton with awardee Sheena Hamilton

Awardees Danielle Blount and Tasha Turner Marquis MillerMike Jones

St. Louis American Foundation president Donald M. Suggs welcomes attendees.

Awardee Vanessa Cooksey, Beverly Foster and Antonniquie Day

Young Leader alum Kim Stemley

Awardee Ronald Roberts with Adisa Roberts and Myisha Roberts

Raquelle Wallace, Adrienne Hughes and Stephanie Griffin from St. John knits.

Young Leader alum Lakesha Butler and Kristen Polchinski

Sherman George, awardee Henry Johnson, III, and Henry Johnson, Jr.

Awardee Clarissa Okpaleke, James Bell and Ald. Jeffrey Boyd

St. Louis City Treasurer Tishaura Jones and Urban League president and CEO Michael McMillan present Sheaila Washington with an iPad from one of the attendance drawings

Bob FoxRobin Billups

Jasmine Davis and Young Leader alum Kira Van Niel

United Way of Greater St. Louis president & CEO Orvin Kimbrough addressed the crowd.

Young Leader alum Desiree Coleman, Holly Carroll, awardee Vanessa Cooksey, Mary Atkin and Steve Swymeler

Young Leader alum Michael Whitley, the St. Louis American’s Kate Daniel and awardee Cedric Cobb

Sarajeni Hammond, Willie Mannings, awardee Irasa L. Downing, Annie Preston, Rev. Clyde Crumpton, Kurtis Downing and Joyce Carter

Edward Jones’ Emily Pitts presents Timon Edwards with his award.

Regions Bank’s Sally Roth, representing the RBC, presents Alexandria McCuien with her award.

Harris-Stowe’s Constance Gully

City and county: expensive apart

Last week, the so-called “grassroots project” Better Together released the first of six so-called “community-based studies” that will examine how municipal services are delivered to the people who live in St. Louis city and county. Though the initiative claims to be leading a “transparent process of developing and assembling valuable information,” its name does a very poor job of disguising its foregone conclusion that the city and county would be better together.

This first release is a study of public finance in St. Louis city and county, as well as the 90 municipalities and 23 fire districts within the county. We are told that the city and county and a “vast majority” (but not all) of the county’s municipalities and fire districts provided data for this report, and that Stifel, Nicolaus & Company helped to collect and tabulate the data.

Whether or not all of these government entities would be better together, this report makes it clear that they are very expensive apart. Better Together reported that the costs associated with funding all 115 of these various government entities with their collective population of 1.3 million has reached “a staggering $2 billion per year,” of which $1.6 billion stems from annual tax revenue with the remaining coming from fees and other revenue streams. In addition, these governments are responsible for over $1.25 billion of outstanding debt of one sort or another.

That’s a lot of money – and a lot of debt.

Again doing a poor job of hiding its eventual foregone conclusion, Better Together attached to this first report a legal memo provided by Polsinelli, PC, regarding the disposition of St. Louis city’s debt should it be incorporated into St. Louis County as a municipality. In a finding that will shock no one, Polsinelli reports that no other government entity would take on the city’s debts. The city would be “solely responsible for its legal debts” and its employee pensions.

As The American noted in an editorial at the time Better Together was announced, “Of course, no one believes these studies will conclude that a tiny St. Louis city should remain isolated politically from a sprawling and fragmented St. Louis County with 91 municipalities and 23 fire districts. Of course, we will be told we should streamline political entities and consolidate government services, both to eliminate waste and to create a more unified and competitive region, politically and economically. The problem, as always, will be in finding enough grassroots support for these big-picture changes to overcome the varied, entrenched vested interests in the city and county that oppose it.”

Of course. And, as always, this huge problem of forcing political change against a mess of entrenched interests remains.

No Rodney Gee

The EYE previously reported that incumbent St.

Louis Community College trustee Libby Fitzgerald faces two challengers, both AfricanAmerican men, to retain her Subdistrict 4 seat. But the EYE has since been told by one of those challengers, Rodney Gee, a principal at Edward Jones, that he will not run.

That leaves Fitzgerald going head-to-head with Daniel Henderson, president of Henderson’s Electric LLC, a working man with no previous political experience. Fitzgerald, a retired associate professor in counseling at St. Louis Community College-Forest Park and past board chair, played a key role in eliminating Chancellor Myrtle Dorsey Dorsey lost her contract in a 3-3 vote. Fitzgerald was joined in her opposition to Dorsey by Hattie Jackson and Joan McGivney. The election is April 8.

Graham supports Hudson

The open STLCC Subdistrict 1 seat also has a head-tohead contest between Redditt

Hudson, the former ACLU staffer and current NAACP field organizer, and Theodis Brown Sr., chief of the Castlepoint Fire Protection Association, who has run for the seat and lost six times. Subdistrict 1 includes the Hazelwood, Ferguson/ Florissant, Riverview Gardens, Jennings, Pattonville, Ritenour, University City, Normandy, Clayton and Ladue school districts. Hudson has the strong endorsement of Doris Graham, vice chair of the STLCC Board of Trustees. “I strongly support Redditt Hudson for election to the STLCC trustee board,” Graham notes. “He is a good honest man.” The election is also April 8.

Ferg-Flor board majority at stake

Also on the April 8 ballot, three African-American candidates – F. Willis Johnson Jr., Donna Paulette-Thurman and James Savala – are running as a de facto ticket for the Ferguson-Florissant school board. Paulette-Thurman is a

former principal in the district, Savala is a parent in the district and Johnson is a senior minister at Wellspring Church.

Two of three incumbents who voted to axe Superintendent Art McCoy Jr. – Paul Morris, president of the board, and Rob Chabot board secretary – are running for re-election. If the three seats at stake in April are captured by pro-McCoy candidates, the new members plus the one incumbent who sided with McCoy, Paul Schroeder, would make up a majority of the board.

Also on the April 8 ballot are LaWanda Wallace, Kimberly Benz and Larry Thomas

‘So unconstitutional’

St. Louis Public Radio and the Beacon reports that “before Missouri legislators can enact any sort of photo ID requirement for voters, they first must get voter approval to change the state constitution.”

“A wise path on this is to pass the constitutional question, for the voters to decide,’’ Missouri House Speaker Tim

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon poses with a drum corps during the 250th birthday celebration of the City of St. Louis at City Hall in St. Louis on February 15, which was notable for its lack of African-American participation.

(UPI/Bill Greenblatt)

Jones said. “And that’s all we should likely do this year.” If the measure is approved by voters this fall, the Missouri General Assembly can then focus in 2015 on what the photo ID requirements should be.

The Missouri Supreme Court tossed out a photo ID law before the 2006 election because it violated Missouri’s constitution.

Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander said current Republican proposals for voter ID are “so unconstitutional that the bill sponsors have to change the Missouri constitution before it can take effect.”

State Rep. Stacey Newman D-Richmond Heights, an ardent opponent of voter photo ID, said she expects organized opposition should a proposed constitutional amendment get on the November ballot.

Track that bill

St. Louis Public Radio and the Beacon has launched a legislative tracker to follow some of the major bills of the 2014 session. Readers can follow bills in five categories: education, elections and ethics, guns, health, and jobs and the economy. A sixth category, recent actions, tracks bills on which the legislature has most recently acted. As the legislative session proceeds, new categories, or any new bills that seem to be gaining traction, will be added. Access the tracker at www. mo.billtracker.org.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Gateway Elementary School 5th grade teacher

Rhonda

Harris, Nyla Burns, and Amarhyrious Edwards on reading skills using the newspaper for their STEM lesson. The school is in the St. Louis Public School district.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN-AMERICAN AQUATIC

BIOLOGIST, RESEARCHER, AND EDUCATOR:

Carol L. Folt

SCIENCE CORNER How Deep is The Ocean Floor?

An oceanographer is a trained scientist who studies the various physical properties and processes of oceans. The study of underwater depth is called Bathymetry. Oceanographers map the ocean floor to record great mountain ranges, valleys, and canyons. To date, only about 5% of the ocean floor has been explored and mapped in the same detail as current land maps, or even the Moon.

The ocean floor is mapped in two ways. Oceanographers use satellite altimeters and echosounders mounted to the underside of research ships. Acoustic echosounders measure the depth of the ocean by sending pulses of sound and observing the time it takes to receive an echo back from the bottom. Satellite altimeters use radar to profile the shape of the sea surface, which is similar to the shape of the seafloor. Before the depth of the ocean can be measured, the mean sea level must first be established. This is done by a device

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

In this experiment, you will learn about depth and pressure.

Materials Needed:

Paper

Process:

q Punch holes up the side of a paper cup.

w Cover the holes on the outside of the cup with a strip of masking tape.

e Set your cup in a sink or outdoors and pour water into it continuously.

MATH CONNECTION

Use the following formula to answer the word problems.

Volume = length x width x depth

q A puddle is 7 inches long, 5 inches wide and 3 inches deep. What is the volume? ___________

w Your swimming pool is 10 ft long, 8 ft wide and 6 ft deep. What is the volume? _______________

DID YOU KNOW?

The Pacific Ocean’s name has an original meaning of “Peaceful.”

called a tide gauge. After the sea level is established, the acoustic echo-sounding and satellite altimeter data can be analyzed.

Many adjustments to the data have to be made when mapping the ocean floor. Factors such as air pressure, water vapor content in the atmosphere, as well as waves and the effects of tides. The processing is very difficult. Both tide and satellite measurements use averaging to reach millimeter accuracy.

The average depth of the ocean is about 14,000 feet. The deepest part of the ocean is located beneath the Pacific Ocean in the Marianas Trench.

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

Carol L. Folt was born in 1951. She received her bachelor’s degree in aquatic biology and her master’s degree in biology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Next, Folt earned her doctorate degree in ecology from the University of California, Davis, in 1982. Her doctorate studies focused on zooplankton. In 1983, she was hired as a faculty member at Dartmouth College. Fourteen years later, she became a full time professor of biological sciences. From there, Folt was elevated to associate director of the Dartmouth Toxic Metals Research Program, which examined ways toxic metals affect the ecosystems and human populations. In 2004, she was selected to serve as Dean of the Faculty. Six years later, she was named provost of Dartmouth College.

Through her educational career, Folt has served as a mentor to a great number of students. She is also a participating member in the Dartmouth’s Women in Science Project. Although she has taken on leadership roles at the university, she still continues her research. She has received over $40 million in grants and funding for her research, focusing on aquatic food webs and animal behavior in ocean wildlife, such as the Atlantic salmon and the water flea.

She was awarded the John M. Manly Huntington Award for Teaching in 1991. She was named a fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) in 2010. Folt has been an active participant in many organizations, including the Ecological Society of America and American Society of Limnology and Oceanography.

Discuss: In what ways has Dr. Folt’s research impacted your life? Why is it important to study the ecosystem? What do you think an aquatic biologist does? Would you like to be an aquatic biologist? Why or why not?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made a contribution in the field of math, science, and technology.

MAP CORNER

r Observe how far the water goes as it leaves each hole. (The water will force the tape loose from the holes.)

Analyze: The deeper water leaving the bottom hole goes farther because it is under more pressure. The water pressure increases with depth because the weight of the water is pushing down from the top of the cup. This is why deeper ocean water is under greater pressure than shallow water.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete a task. I can evaluate and analyze my results.

e Your bathtub is 5 ft long, 3 ft wide and 3 ft deep. What is the volume?

r You have a tank 100 feet long and 10 feet wide that holds a volume of 15,000 cubic feet of water. Find the depth of the tank.

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

The largest ocean on Earth is the Pacific Ocean, covering 30% of the Earth’s surface.

Use the newspaper to complete these activities to sharpen your skills for the MAP test.

Activity One —

Calculate It: Use the newspaper to find an ad for flooring. Estimate the size of your classroom in square feet and determine the cost to install new flooring. Next, determine the size of your cafeteria in square yards and calculate the cost of new flooring using the same ad.

Activity Two — You are the reporter: Reporters are responsible for background research and interviews to develop a well-written article. Imagine you have the chance to interview any person in history (living or deceased). What questions would you ask? Complete a mock interview and the necessary research and write a news article about your historical person. Be sure to include quotes in your article.

Learning Standards:

I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem. I can complete research and write a summary.

Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: nie@stlamerican.com.

Stovall works with students Antonio

Photo: Wiley Price / St. Louis American

70% of Earth’s surface is covered by oceans.

The Atlantic Ocean’s name refers to Atlas of Greek mythology.

Amelia Earhart became the first female to fly solo across the Atlantic Ocean in 1932.

Richard J. Mark, president and CEO of Ameren Illinois, speaks to the company’s first and second line supervisors at the Extraordinary Leadership Program.

“It is vital to communicate to all employees our strategies so they can help us reach our goals,” Mark said.

Business

‘Mark’

of a successful executive

How

did

an early childhood education major became CEO of Ameren Illinois?

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

How do you become president and CEO of a major subsidiary of a Fortune 500 company right in your hometown? If you are Richard J. Mark, president and CEO of Ameren Illinois, headquartered in Collinsville, it went something like this. You come back home after graduating from Iowa State University, where you benefitted from a football scholarship, because the economy is in the dumps. You get a teaching job at a private school in East St.

n “If you can read and comprehend and are curious, then you can teach yourself anything you need to know.”

– Richard J. Mark, CEO of Ameren Illinois

Louis, with the help of your old high school principal (Ron Woods), because your degree is in early childhood education. You go watch football practice at your old high school, because you miss the game, and your old football coach (Lloyd Dunne) drafts you to help coach the team.

Helping to coach the team, you are told by a player that his father, Collinsville Police Chief Nick Mamino, needs someone to help him run a new grant-funded youth program. So you go to work for the police chief and soon become his assistant.

Working for the police chief, you come into close contact

with Collinsville Mayor Gene Brombolich. He likes the way you work, so he poaches you from the police chief and you become assistant to the mayor. Suddenly you are working on large budgets, putting together tax districts and buying large chunks of real estate.

Working for the mayor, you come into close contact with chairman of the St. Clair County Board, Jerry Costello. He likes the way you work, so he poaches you from the mayor, first as division manager of employment training and then as

See MARK, B6

Disparities persist at fire department

Testing and promotion process needs to be reformed

By Abe Pruitt For The St. Louis American

Members of Firefighters Institute for Racial Equality (F.I.R.E.) have participated in another promotional exam administered by the personnel division of the City of St. Louis for positions of captain and battalion chief.

Personnel Director Richard Frank chose the same questionable testing firm, EB Jacobs, that then-Fire Chief Sherman George opposed because of horrible results in 2004 regarding fair testing. George was later unfairly forced out of leadership because he refused to promote from the resulting list. In the past 13 years, promotions in the St. Louis Fire

Department from 2000 to 2014 are as follows:

• Of 115 firefighters promoted to the position of captain, only 22 blacks (19 percent) were promoted.

• Of 25 captains promoted to the position of battalion chief, only seven blacks (28 percent) were promoted. The disparities are evident when you consider that, according to the 2010 census, the city’s population is 45.9 percent white and 48.5 percent black. If a fair selection and promotion process were in place, over the past 14 years

there would be at least 210 black firefighters living in the St. Louis community with a combined annual salary of approximately $7.7 million. There would be at least 60 black captains with a combined annual salary of approximately of $3.8 million. There would be at least 10 black battalion chiefs with a combined annual salary of approximately $820,000. And there would be at least three black deputy fire chiefs with a combined annual salary of approximately $253,000. Most of this black middleclass wealth would likely reside in the 11 wards that are led by

John W. Thompson

John W. Thompson has been named chairman of the board of directors of Microsoft, replacing Bill Gates, the company’s cofounder and CEO. Thompson, who joined Microsoft’s board in 2012, is CEO, a board member and an investor in Virtual Instruments Inc., a cloud-computing firm based in San Jose, Calif. He is the former chairman and CEO of Symantec Corp., which he led from April 1999 to April 2009, growing the firm’s revenues from $600 million to over $6 billion.

Rhonda Carter Adams has been hired as the executive director for the St. Louis/Eastern Missouri area for the Mid-States Minority Supplier Development Council, one of 24 affiliates of the National Minority Supplier Development Council serving Central Illinois, Indiana and Eastern Missouri. She most recently served as the supplier diversity specialist with the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis.

Lizabeth Coleman has been appointed as president and chief executive officer for Community Asset Management Company. She has over 35 years of experience in the professional management of single and multi-family housing. Her most recent role with the company for the past five years was vice president / operations officer overseeing the daily company and property operations.

Tony O. Dukes has been promoted to vice president of program management / construction management services for KAI Design & Build. He is responsible for identifying business opportunities for KAI’s construction services, cultivating relationships and developing competitive strategies for project pursuits both regionally and nationally. He was promoted from construction inspector.

Business Briefs

Baxter to succeed Voss at helm of Ameren

On Tuesday, Ameren Corporation announced that Warner L. Baxter will succeed Thomas R. Voss as president of Ameren, in connection with Voss’ planned retirement as CEO and chairman, and has been elected to Ameren’s Board of Directors. Baxter will become CEO on April 24, at which time Voss will become executive chairman. Voss plans to retire from Ameren and the Board of Directors on July 1, and Baxter is expected to succeed him as chairman of the board on that date. Since 2009, Baxter has served as the president and CEO of Ameren Missouri and will remain so until a successor is named.

Association for inclusion in construction ceases operations

The Association for Construction Careers, Education and Support Services (ACCESS) Board of Directors decided to cease operations effective February 12, 2014.

In March 2004, the Regional Economic Review Council (ERC) was convened by Metro in partnership with the St. Louis Minority Business Council and the St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative. Out of the ERC, ACCESS was formed to address issues related to inclusion in the area construction industry.

n Black elected officials, especially those at the top, must send a stronger message to the personnel director for things to change.

black alderpersons. So why aren’t more black alderpersons fighting harder on behalf of this potential economic treasure? It would certainly be in their best interests. The more blacks with stable, good-paying jobs, the greater the chances for creating positive change in our community. However, the St. Louis Fire

See FIRE, B2

James Webb, treasurer of ACCESS, said, “While the region still has many challenges ahead, the Board of ACCESS determined that the other groups in the St. Louis region have sharpened their focus and are doing great work in this area.”

$56.6M public bond offering for Arch grounds improvements approved

The Board of Directors of the Great Rivers Greenway District approved the sale of a $56.6 million public bond offering at its Feb. 11 board meeting. The funds will be used to pay for improvements to the Gateway Arch grounds as authorized by the Proposition P initiative passed by voters in St. Louis city and county in April 2013. Stifel Nicolaus is the senior bond underwriter and Gilmore & Bell and White Coleman & Associates are co-bond counsel.

The first two projects on the National Park Service grounds to receive Prop P funds will be improvements to the landscapes on the north and south sides of the Arch. These projects will be out to bid this spring and are scheduled for completion prior to October 2015.

Photo courtesy of Ameren Illinois

Abe Pruitt

Rhonda Adams

Lizabeth Coleman

Tony O. Dukes

By Jason Alderman

One topic I’ve learned to avoid with new acquaintances until I know them better (along with politics and religion) is where they stand on the treatment of pets. Some people, when their dog gets sick or badly injured, say, “It’s an animal – that’s just part of the circle of life.” Others consider Rover a close family member and would take out a second mortgage to save his life. Pet owners from both camps probably see the barrage of ads for pet insurance and wonder whether it’s worth the expense, which might be several thousand dollars over the life of your pet. I did some research and the best answer I can come up with is, it depends.

Should you buy pet insurance?

First, ask yourself: Do you regard pet insurance as a financial investment, where you expect to get back more in benefits than you paid out in premiums over the pet’s life? Or, is it more like auto or homeowner’s insurance, where you hope nothing ever goes seriously wrong, but you want coverage in case there’s a catastrophe?

Either way, here are some basic facts about pet insurance that may help you decide whether it’s right for you: Pet insurance shares many features with human health insurance: Policies typically have annual deductibles, copayments and exclusions, and some limit which veterinarians, clinics and hospitals you can use.

But there are numerous differences as well. For example, pet insurers are allowed to refuse coverage for preexisting conditions and to set annual and lifetime payout limits. Among the many other restrictions you should watch for when comparing plans are:

• Premiums vary greatly depending on where you live and may increase based on your pet’s age, breed, veterinary cost inflation and other factors.

• Typically you must pay the vet or hospital bill out of pocket and get reimbursed later.

• Many plans deny or restrict coverage for congenital or hereditary conditions (like hip dysplasia in dogs or kidney

Kander releases business creation data

New business filings in MO up by nearly 25 percent over past 5 years

American staff

Last week Missouri

Secretary of State Jason Kander released 20 years of Missouri business creation data. The new collection of information includes annual numbers for all forprofit business registrations from 1994–2013, as well as monthly numbers for January 2014 and the previous 10 Januarys.

“My office is committed to providing information to policymakers and the public that will help efforts to

continue to grow Missouri’s economy,” Kander said. The new collection of data makes it easier and more accessible to study an important aspect of Missouri’s improving economy. For example, the new data shows that business creation filings have risen by nearly 25 percent over the past five years. The information’s release marks the beginning of a new effort from the secretary of state’s office to provide monthly updates on new business creations. The data were compiled

by the secretary of state’s business services division, the first stop for new businesses, whether they register as a general corporation, limited liability corporation, limited partnership or other entity. The data are available at http://www.sos.mo.gov/ business/corporations/ filing_data/. Any questions about registering a new business should be directed to Kander’s office toll-free at (866) 223-6535.

failure in cats) and preventable conditions like periodontal disease.

• Along with annual and lifetime maximums on benefits paid out, there may be a limit on how much it will pay for treatment of an individual illness or accident.

• If your pet suffers a particular disorder one year, don’t be surprised if that condition is excluded at renewal – or if you’re required to pay an additional fee for future coverage.

• Pets over certain age limits frequently are denied coverage.

• Certain breeds are often excluded or only eligible for

FIRE

Continued from A9

Department is currently far from reflecting this fairness and equality.

It was proven in a court of law that the current fire chief was chosen because he was white, according to the jury that decided that Deputy Chief Charles Coyle (an African American) was more qualified than then-Battalion Chief Dennis Jenkerson, but was purposely passed over and discriminated against.

The department still has only one black deputy fire chief and four whites. There are only three black battalion chiefs with minimal authorities and 17 whites. The disciplinary panel for the department is practically all-white. And Firefighter’s Local #73 has an established history of not

restricted coverage.

• Some carriers let you augment your accident and illness policy with optional “wellness care” coverage for things like spaying and neutering, annual physicals, vaccines and routine tests. Make sure the additional premium is worth the extra cost.

Perhaps the biggest challenge when choosing pet insurance is trying to compare plans, apples to apples. There are about a dozen carriers in the U.S. Each offers a variety of plans with varying deductible, copayment and maximum coverage amounts, as well as different covered benefits and exclusions. You can go directly to

supporting fair employment practices, to the extent that F.I.R.E. had to be created.

The following steps are needed to make it difficult to manipulate or cheat on firefighter exams, thereby giving everyone a fair opportunity to succeed:

* A diverse assessor panel should be established for all candidates

* An audio record of candidate presentations should be made

* A fair appeal process should be created

* The multiple choice test should be graded on site

* The testing process should be better secured

their websites for plan details and to request a quote, or use an independent comparison website to pull quotes from multiple carriers. I’d recommend creating a spreadsheet to compare benefits and costs side by side, just as you would when shopping for auto insurance.

Bottom line: If you decide pet insurance isn’t right for you, at least be sure you’re setting money aside to cover expected – and unexpected expenses.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To participate in a free, online Financial Literacy and Education Summit on April 2, 2014, go to www. practicalmoneyskills.com/ summit2014.

* Personnel Director Richard Frank should be mandated to uphold the above recommendations.

F.I.R.E. appreciates that the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, especially Comptroller Darlene Green and aldermanic President Lewis Reed, supported these fairness procedures. But because the director of personnel didn’t enact them, it was for naught. Black elected officials, especially those at the top, must send a stronger message to the personnel director for things to change. If our black youth are to have any chance to work and succeed in the fire service, we need you to join us in our fight for fairness and equality in the St. Louis Fire Department. Email F.I.R.E. at firefightersinstitute@yahoo. com to find out how. Abe Pruitt is a captain in the St. Louis Fire Department and president of Firefighters Institute for Racial Equality.

n “We came here as an underdog. We are hungry men, and hungry men are angry.”

– Jamaican Olympic bobsledder Winston Watts

InsIde sports

With Earl Austin Jr.

NBA’s Mount Rushmore

It’s Russell, Magic, Jordan, Chamberlain for Earl

Miami Heat superstar LeBron James sparked quite a bit of conversation recently when he said that he would eventually be on the Mount Rushmore of National Basketball Association players.

That got me to thinking: What would be my NBA Mount Rushmore? It took me all of 30 seconds to figure out what four figures I would put on that mythical mountain of NBA gods.

My Mount Rushmore consists of Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson and Michael Jordan. Not only were these gentlemen great individual players with championship legacies, but they were also absolute gamechangers in one way or another. They were transcendent figures as well as all-time great players. The game is different because of their participation, on and off the court. They are icons.

Sir Charles: the unlikely spokesman

Call’

n Not only were they great individual players with championship legacies, they were also absolute gamechangers. rams roundup

Bill Russell: The greatest winner in North American sports history, Russell was the catalyst of the Boston Celtics dynasty. He led the Celtics to 11 championships in 13 years. He also led San Francisco to two consecutive NCAA championships and undefeated seasons in 1955 and ’56. He was also the captain of the USA team that won the gold medal at the 1956 Olympics. Russell was the greatest defensive player in the history of the game. He made defense a big part of the game. Although he wasn’t the first African-American player in the NBA, Russell was the NBA’s first AfricanAmerican superstar. At a time of great racial strife and segregation in the country, Russell was a very outspoken figure against racial injustice in the U.S. He was the first AfricanAmerican coach in American pro sports. Russell received the Presidential Medal of Freedom from President Barack Obama in 2010.

Wilt Chamberlain: The most dominant

player to ever play the game. The accomplishments and outrageous numbers that Wilt put up are well documented. He scored 100 points in a single game. He had 55 rebounds in a game. He averaged 50 points in a single season. He never fouled out of a

With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Bradford’s big contract keeps rumors churning

Just like the 30 NFL starting quarterbacks not named Russell Wilson or Peyton Manning, St. Louis Rams QB Sam Bradford probably watched the Super Bowl at home. He might have invited a few friends and relatives to the house, ordered some pizza and wings and enjoyed the show. Now that the season over, Bradford is likely keeping one eye ahead on the strenuous road to recovery and the other over his shoulder. As the 2014 NFL Draft approaches, the STL spotlight is firmly affixed to

Rams draft wish list

Some help for new defensive coordinator Gregg Williams

Williams was the person intended to run this defense in the first place. Bountygate or not, Gregg Williams is one of the best defensive coordinators of our generation. At every stop during Williams’ career, he has produced a top five defense. Will he produce another top five defense in St. Louis? It depends on what the Rams do during free agency or through the draft. So before readers start playing fantasy GM, remember the Rams are $3.7 million under the salary cap. That puts an even bigger emphasis on the NFL draft this year. This year’s draft will be deep with players at all positions. Let me throw a couple of names at you.

Darqueze Dennard (5’11” 197 lb., Michigan State). He is a hard-hitting cornerback with that pick six ability who can change a quarterback’s mind with his coverage skills. If there is a knock on him it’s that he sometimes doesn’t look back for the ball. And with the way the Rams have been penalized as of late, he’s a pass interference waiting to happen.

n This year’s draft will be deep with players at all positions. Let me throw a couple of names at you.

Bradley Roby (5’11” 192 lb. Ohio State) – He is a very physical cornerback who hits like a strong safety and has very good speed. Roby was ranked fifth on CBS.com for corners in its mock draft.

game. He averaged 30 points and 22 rebounds for his career. He even led the league in assists one year. What made The Big Dipper a gamechanger was that he was responsible for several

See INSIDE, B5

Kyle Fuller (6’0” 190 lb., Virginia Tech) – He is the most disruptive cornerback in the draft. He plays like he has the wingspan of a big cornerback like Brian Dawkins did with the Philadelphia Eagles a few years ago. He likes to get dirty and is not afraid to tackle and get physical, if need be.

works to determine where it’s headed in the future. Lately there have been lots of murmurs and whispers about Bradford’s contract situation. As the final QB to cash in on the pre-rookie salary cap era, the former No. 1 overall pick is set to earn $27 million over the next two seasons. While those numbers wouldn’t be outrageous if the Rams were perennial playoff contenders, the price tag seems steep considering Bradford’s career record of 18-30-1 and

the team’s nine-year playoff drought.

n The Rams would be silly to walk away from the draft without a viable QB.

The Rams’ woes aren’t all Bradford’s fault. Until recently, the front office was worse than an NBA Slam Dunk contest. With a few notable exceptions, the roster was full of average Joes. Recently, however, the Rams penchant for peril has changed. General Manager Les Snead and Co. have deftly navigated through the draft to bring young players with potential superstar talent to St. Louis. In addition to building a stout defense, which takes the pressure off a starting QB, the Rams have invested premium picks on offensive players. If Bradford is ever going to be successful in St. Louis, now is

Palmer L. Alexander

Earl Austin Jr.

Rams QB Sam Bradford is set to earn $27 million over

which seems steep considering Bradford’s career record of 18-30-1 and the team’s nineyear playoff drought.

Often considered the greatest NBA player ever, Michael Jordan joins Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson and Bill Russell to complete Earl Austin’s NBA Mount Rushmore.

With Palmer L. Alexander III

Claib’s Call

With Mike Claiborne

Sir Charles: the unlikely spokesman

JUPITER, FLA – While

Charles Barkley and I have been on the opposite sides of a couple of issues, the fact that White America has now chosen him to be Black America’s spokesman is amusing. Barkley is on camera for any and all subjects. “Whatever Charles says must be the way the rest of them think” has been the meeting room banter when it comes to getting that “tell it like it is” guy on the air who may just say anything. Barkley has emerged as mustwatch TV, whether it is his insightful analysis on TNT or a one-onone with President Obama recently. He was really good. When it comes to social issues like the Michael Sam situation, Barkley said all the right things to Wolff Blitzer on CNN, coming clean on the locker room issues. While there are many black people who may be smarter and more in tune with reality than Barkley, Sir Charles is the flavor of the month and he should run with it as if it were the Olympic torch.

The X Olympics

The Olympics is like no other event in the sports world. An athlete trains tirelessly for years to get one chance, and all of a sudden, because it may not be their day, it’s gone, over, thank you for coming. Just like that, you are back in the real world. Aside from hockey, this Winter Olympics has been a snoozer. You have to wonder: What if they had not come up with the X Games produced by ESPN a few years ago? Some of these events are now “Olympic events”? Who is kidding who here? These are as much an event as me going down Art Hill in Forest Park on an inner tube in July! Sorry, Olympics, bring back my regularly scheduled programming. The bigger story appears to be how the American press has painted Russian President Vladimir Putin as a modern day Al Capone. Heck, it worked over here, why not Russia?

Agree or disagree with him, he is a distinctive voice – a voice that will cause you to laugh or raise an eyebrow with a response of “what did he just say?”

subjects.

Blacks contend for Cardinals

I wish I could tell you

more about Cardinals spring training, but we are in the very early stages where rounds of catch and batting practice are the norm. There will be competition for a few spots for sure, as this team is being built to play in October. It will have a different look then than it does now. As for the annual question about the Cardinals – where are the African-American players? – one has a chance to make the team. Left-handed reliever Sam Freeman is fighting for a spot in the bull

pen. Despite his size, 5’11”, 165 lbs., Freeman throws hard and will be a handful from the left side for the Cardinals.

Another intriguing player who may start in the minors is Xavier Scruggs. A first baseman by trade, Scruggs set the team record for home runs in class AA in Springfield last season. He is now working at third base where his chances to get to the big leagues should be better.

Incognito must go

A raise of hands. if you please. Who is tired of hearing the name “Richie Incognito”?

That is what I thought. This guy will not go away. After a Twitter tirade that was followed by a scathing report from the NFL investigation, which implicated him and others in the Jonathan Martin case, it seems that Incognito wants to continue his banter, if not his career.

A free agent in March, Incognito will have a chance

to sign with any team, as it has been made very clear that he will no longer play for the Miami Dolphins, who suspended him during the season. Now that the league has scorned him, what NFL owner will take it upon themselves to give this guy a job? He is an embarrassment for the league, and yet he feels entitled to a job because he has above-average skills. If the NFL wants to do the right thing, they need to turn the page on this guy. This is the NFL, and this no fantasy league when it comes to ending someone’s career for indefensible acts toward the Shield. Quickies ...

to win at least two in the conference tournament if they do not want to find themselves in the NIT. If that happens, Frank Haith will be introduced to the well-known hot seat. That is how they roll in Columbia. I always found that amusing, considering none of the previous coaches have ever found their way to the Final Four. What will Lo Lo Jones do next after the

Continued from B3

Mack (6’3”, 248 lb., Buffalo) – He is by far the best linebacker in the draft. In several mock drafts, I see him going to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with the 7th pick. He got the attention of everyone in the country with his performance against Ohio State. Even though he played in a 3-4 defense in college, he has the skill to play in a 4-3 scheme in the NFL.

Ryan Shanzier (6’2”, 230 lb., Ohio State) – He is the second best linebacker in the draft and would be a perfect fit with a Gregg Williams as a defensive coordinator. Everything Shanzier hits explodes. He plays angry and would complement Alec Ogletree exceptionally well.

Telvin Smith (6’3”, 218 lb., Florida State) – He can be very explosive. He’s not afraid to take on an offensive lineman. He is a very intelligent player, but the Rams already have someone with a similar build in Ray-Ray Armstrong.

Tune into Rams Roundup at Stlamerican/youtubevideo.

st. louis the ameriCan

now offers a special free newspaper reading service for blind or visually impaired persons.

Mike Claiborne

Suddenly, Charles Barkley is on camera for any and all

Khalil

PreP BASketBALL noteBook

With Earl Austin Jr.

Playoffs get underway

Postseason basketball is upon us on both sides of the river, as the Illinois girls playoffs are underway while the small schools on the Missouri side get started next week. The Missouri Class 3 playoffs begin on Saturday at Hancock with the District 3 tournament. Defending state champion Madison Prep will open defense of its title as the No. 1 seed in the district. The Bears will receive a first-round bye and will play the Cleveland Naval Jr. ROTC-Herculaneum winner on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 5 p.m. The championship game will be held on Saturday, March 1 at 6 p.m. The Bears are led by 6’8” senior Arlando Cook, 6’1 senior guard Anthony Lee and talented freshmen Levi Stockard and Daniel Farris. The District 4 tournament will begin next Monday at Whitfield. Host Whitfield is the top seed, followed by No. 2 Maplewood. Monday’s first round games are Whitfield vs.

INSIDE

Continued from B3 rule changes in the game because of his dominance. They widened the lane, outlawed goal-tending and offensive basket interference and changed several other rules to try to counteract his sheer dominance.

Magic Johnson: Nobody had ever seen a player of Magic’s size and dimensions (6’9” and 230 pounds) play point guard before he came along. He was the leader of those great Lakers’ “Showtime” teams that won five NBA titles in the 1980s. Magic did it with style,

CLUTCH

Continued from B3 the time. Fans are getting fed up with excuses and are ready to return to winning football. Bradford’s injury-shortened season gave us mixed results. Statistically, Bradford was on his way to a career year with 1,687 yards through just seven games, alongside 14 touchdowns and just four interceptions. Recordwise, he was just 3-3, if you discount the game he was injured, including three straight losses following a victory over the Arizona Cardinals to start the season. It seemed like the team was on the road to another ho-hum season, nonplayoff bound season. With Bradford’s guaranteed money being fulfilled, it’s easy to see why some are questioning whether the Rams will dump the QB and his bulky salary and start fresh with the No. 2 and No. 13 selections in this year’s draft. After all, the NFL is a cutthroat business and nonguaranteed money isn’t worth the paper it’s printed on.

Valley Park at 3:30 p.m., John Burroughs vs. Brentwood at 5 p.m., Maplewood vs. Principia at 6:30 p.m. and Lutheran St. Charles vs. Kennedy at 8 p.m. The semifinals will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. with the championship game set for March 1 at 5 p.m.

The top two teams in the girls district tournament are Lutheran St. Charles and Principia. Lutheran St. Charles rallied to defeat Principia in the district finals last season en route to winning the state championship. The championship game is set for Saturday, March 1 at 3 p.m.

The District 5 tournament at Lutheran North has one of the most competitive fields in the state with Cardinal Ritter getting the top seed, followed by North Tech, Lutheran North and Northwest Transportation and Law. Next Monday’s first round games include: Trinity vs. Northwest at 4 p.m., Cardinal Ritter vs. Metro, 5:30 p.m., Lutheran North vs.

passion, enthusiasm and great competitive fire. He made it cool to pass the ball and empowered tall kids all over the world that they could play anywhere on the court and not just in the low post. Magic is also largely responsible, along with Larry Bird, for bringing the NBA back from the abyss. When he entered, the league was widely unpopular to the point where the NBA Finals were broadcast on tape delay.

The Magic-Bird rivalry rescued the NBA and brought its popularity to an all-time high at the time. Their epic 1979 NCAA championship game showdown also changed the college game forever.

Michael Jordan: Considered by many to be the greatest

Underperforming players with multiyear contracts get cut like NBC sitcoms.

According to coach Jeff Fisher, all the talk is for naught. The coach has consistently affirmed Bradford’s status as the starting QB for 2014, assuming health. Fisher has never wavered in his support for Bradford, but that doesn’t mean Snead won’t look toward the future and draft a potential successor with one of those premium picks, or trade down and select a QB later in the draft. In fact, the Rams would be silly to walk away from the draft without a viable QB. While backup Kellen Clemons performed admirably after Bradford’s injury, he’s certainly not the team’s longterm option at the QB position. If the team isn’t sold on Austin Davis as a future starter, they need to groom somebody who can be. Bradford is a leg tackle or awkward fall way from landing back on the IR. Yes he deserves a chance to lead the talent built around him. Fans deserve insurance that sevenwin seasons, as the team has accumulated in three of the past four years, are not the best

Sumner at 7 p.m. and North Tech vs. Orchard Farm at 8:30 p.m. The semifinals will be held on Wednesday, Feb. 26 at 5:30 and 7 p.m. with the championship game set for Saturday, March 1 at 2 p.m.

The girls side figures to be just as competitive with top-seeded Cardinal Ritter, North Tech and Metro leading the way. The girls begin play on Tuesday, Feb. 25 with the semifinals scheduled for Thursday, Feb. 27 and the championship game set for Saturday, March 1 at noon.

Girls regionals

The Illinois girls Class 3A and 4A regionals will be settled this week with the champions advancing to next week’s sectional playoffs.

Perennial power Edwardsville is the top seed at this week’s Class 4A Granite City Regional. The championship game will be on Friday at 7 p.m.

The Belleville East

player of all time, Jordan has transcended into pop culture. MJ led the Chicago Bulls dynasty of the ‘90s, which included two three-peats and six total championships. Jordan averaged 30 points for his career and was perhaps the most cold-blooded clutch competitor ever to play. He also won two gold medals for the USA in the Olympics. He took the mantle from Magic and Bird and increased the NBA’s popularity to a worldwide level. He brought the marketing aspect of the league to new heights along with Nike and famous director Spike Lee with those Air Jordan commercials. Everyone wanted to “Be Like Mike.” Television ratings reached all-time high levels during the Jordan era.

we can hope for.

The best-case scenario is for the Rams to draft a talented QB in the first or second round who can sit and learn the first year or two. With an extra first-round pick from Washington from the RG3 deal, now is the perfect time to use an extra pick on a quarterback. Sure, the team has other areas of concern, but time and time again elite quarterbacks have proven that their talent can compensate for shortages in other areas. Don’t believe it? See Kurt Warner’s Super Bowl run in Arizona in his final season.

If Bradford’s ACL is strong enough to help him leap to the next level and help the team become a perennial playoff contender, great. But if not, it’s much better to have a successor in place now. Besides, young and talented backup quarterbacks will always be worth their weight in gold on the trade market. Drafting one now gives the Rams a rare chance at a win/ win. Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk and on Google+.

Regional features No. 1 seed Belleville West and Southwestern Conference rivals East St. Louis, Belleville East, Collinsville and O’Fallon. The championship game is set for Thursday at 7 p.m.

The two regional winners will meet in the Sectional semifinals at Edwardsville next Monday at 7 p.m. Conference showdown

There are some big games on the docket this weekend. Edwardsville will visit Alton on Friday night in a Southwestern Conference showdown at 7:30 p.m. Both teams entered the week in a first-place tie in the league. Alton defeated Edwardsville in the first meeting two weeks ago.

Other top games this weekend include, CBC at SLUH, Fort Zumwalt South at Fort Zumwalt North and East St. Louis at O’Fallon.

Career high

St. Mary’s senior guard Josh Robinson erupted for a career-high 56 points in the Dragons’ 85-76 loss to Christian-O’Fallon last week in the Archdiocesan Athletic Association Showcase. Robinson entered the week averaging 34.8 points a game.

Prep Athletes of the Week

Darrion Beane

East St. Louis – Boys Basketball

The 6’3” senior guard enjoyed two big games in leading the Flyers to two victories over Southwestern Conference rivals last week. Beane scored a game-high 20 points to lead the Flyers past Edwardsville 63-47. He also had seven rebounds, three assists, two blocks and hit two 3-pointers. Beane also had 12 points, nine rebounds, four assists and five steals in a 65-44 victory over Belleville West.

For the season, Beane is averaging 13.2 points, 5.7 rebounds, 2.8 assists and 1.7 steals per game. He is shooting 47 percent from the field and 38 percent from 3-point range for the 14-7 Flyers.

Alecia Sutton

Parkway North – Girls Basketball

The 5’8” sophomore guard is one of the top players in the St. Louis area. She led the Vikings to two victories last week. She had 19 points to lead the Vikings to a 58-53 victory over Rockwood Summit. She also had 17 points, five rebounds, five assists and three steals in a 67-45 victory over Hazelwood West. For the season, Sutton is averaging 19.2 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.9 assists and 3.4 steals. She is shooting 53 percent from the field and 83 percent from the free throw line in leading the Vikings to a 15-5 record. Parkway North is also in first place in the Suburban South Conference.

St. Louis University’s Dwayne Evans (21) attacks the boards last Saturday against rival VCU. The Billikens went on to win their 17th straight game 64-62.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

MARK

Continued from B1

executive director of the grants department.

Working for the county chairman, you come into close contact with all sorts of decision-makers. Many of them like the way you work, so you get recruited to join St. Mary’s Hospital in East St. Louis as vice president of government affairs.

Six months on that job, the hospital’s chief operating officer and financial officer report that the hospital is projected to lose $5 million per year – and are fired. With virtually no hospital administration experience, you are promoted to chief operating officer of the hospital and then, five years later, to chief executive officer.

You quickly prove yourself as someone who can turn around a struggling publicservice business under dire circumstances. You turn the only hospital in East St. Louis, which had been projected to lose $5 million per year, into a profitable venture. You oversee the construction of a new medical office building, the first in the city in decades, the formation of a physicians’ group and the development of a Medicaid managed care program.

This gains you the attention of the governor, who appoints you to chair an oversight panel with the mandate to perform a similar turnaround job on East St. Louis Public Schools.

Over 10 years of volunteer service on this oversight panel, you achieve just that. After the panel’s commission is allowed to expire by the state Legislature, you have helped to take a district that was more than $4 million in debt and left it with $20 million in reserves and a $100 million building fund.

That puts you on the radar of everyone in the region who follows the news, including then-Ameren President and CEO Chuck Mueller, who hires you (in 2002) as

vice president of customer service of the Fortune 500 company. A year later, you are moved to vice president of governmental policy and consumer affairs. Within two years you rise to senior vice president of Ameren Missouri energy delivery – becoming the first African American to hold this position. In 2009 this position is expanded to senior vice president of customer operations. Then, in 2012, you are promoted to president and CEO of Ameren Illinois, a major subsidiary of the 373rd largest Fortune 500 company. Your promotion is accompanied by a jobs boost to the St. Louis region and, indeed, your hometown, as the Ameren

n “If you go around saying, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’ll take care of that,’ and you don’t, you lose credibility.”

– Richard J. Mark, CEO of Ameren Illinois

Illinois head office is moved from Peoria to Collinsville, where you grew up. You are now responsible for electric and gas distribution to more than 1.2 million electric and 806,000 gas customers across three-quarters of the state of Illinois.

Reading, credibility, giving back

How, again, do you do all that – starting with an education in early childhood development?

Mark said there are three keys to his success. The first and most important is –surprisingly, perhaps, for a business executive – reading. “I know it sounds weird,” Mark said. “But you have to read – constantly. You have to learn. If you can read and comprehend and are curious, then you can teach yourself anything you need to know.” His parents, Joseph and

Cleola Mark, encouraged his education from his earliest years, and his mother used to read aloud to him as a boy. He was a successful student throughout his formal education, but still found himself unprepared for “the flood of mail and stuff to read” that hit him as a hospital CEO.

“So I took classes to improve my reading comprehension and would take more classes every couple of years,” Mark said. “To this day, people will say to me, ‘How did you know that?’ And I will say, ‘I read it. You put it in your email.’”

Ameren recently sent him to MIT to attend nuclear reactor school for executives. Reading got him through that, too. “It was challenging for me, as a non-engineer,” Mark said, “but what got me through was reading, researching and figuring it out.”

But understanding is not enough. You also must act. You must do things – in particular, the things you say that you will do. That is his second key to success.

“Credibility,” Mark said. “Do what you say you’re going to do. You hear so many people say, ‘I’ll get back to you.’ If I say I am going to do something, I do it. And if I realize that I can’t do it, I get right back to the person and say I can’t do it. If you go around saying, ‘Yeah, yeah, I’ll take care of that,’ and you don’t, you lose credibility.”

Finally, Mark said, to succeed you must realize “it’s not all about you.”

“You have to try to help other people and give back,” Mark said. “Some people get so focused on moving up in their career, they lose everything else around them. It’s as if people think it will stall their own career if they help other people. Actually, if you help other people to become successful, it will come back and reward you also.”

Financial Focus

By Veronica Coleman

between saving and investing, let’s do a quick comparison. Suppose you put $200 per month into a savings account that paid hypothetical 3% interest (which is actually higher than the rates typically being paid today). After 30 years, you would have accumulated about $106,000, assuming you were in the 25% federal tax bracket.

Now, suppose you put that same $200 per month in a tax-deferred investment that hypothetically earned 7% a year. At

S.L.I.M. brings 2 Chainz to STL

Local promoter builds bond with Atlanta rapper

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

American

Louis

“I used to do SoSo Def Weekend in Atlanta, and back in 2005 or 2006 he came to the door trying to get in,” LooseCannon S.L.I.M. (St. Louis is Mine) said about the rapper that would come to be known as Two Chainz. Back then, he was known by a moniker that’s not necessarily safe for the St. Louis American and was trying to gain free entry into the club for the party that S.L.I.M. was promoting.

“He said he was a rapper with whoever he was with at the time, and I told him, ‘Nah man, you have to pay,’” S.L.I.M. said. “I said, ‘You asking me to get in free, but you ain’t busting no rap for free.’”

S.L.I.M. admitted that there was something about the rapper that struck him though. “I told him, ‘I’ll tell you what, if you blow up tomorrow, will you give me a verse for free if I let you in free tonight?’”

S.L.I.M. said. He said, ‘Hell, yeah.’ He went on in, we

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

Louis American

I was at my uncle’s 50th birthday party a couple of weeks back, and because I don’t make the time to attend family functions often, I’ve become sort of a novelty.

I’m interrogated about everything under the sun – where I live, what kind of car I drive, the shows I attend for work, and so on and so forth.

But the hot topic is always about my personal life, or lack thereof.

A hush goes over the room when someone works up the nerve (or has had enough shots of liquor) to ask me about my love life – more specifically, why there is no love life.

“I don’t understand it,” one cousin will say. “You have a good job. You’re nice-looking – you’re fat, but so-and-so is twice as big as you and she keeps her a man – and you’re fun to talk to.”

n She told me, “If you want a husband, start acting like a wife.”

That’s the standard preemptive remarks for “Why don’t you have a damn husband?” This time it was my cousin – the daughter of the birthday boy.

“Kenya, why don’t you have a husband … or at least some kids?” she said. Her sister rushed to my defense: “Hey, you don’t have a husband or kids either.”

“Yes, but she’s way” (hold the way for 10 seconds) “older than I am. And everybody knows I’ve been in relationships – I’m in one now. Have you ever seen her with a man? I know she doesn’t come around much, but still.” Initially, I had to stop myself from choking her out. But I took a deep breath, and my inner voice hit me with three words with more impact than a Bruce Leroy roundhouse kick.

“I’m not ready.”

What? I’m not ready? I’ve been single my whole doggone life. Why aren’t I ready? What would it take for me to get ready?

By Danie Rae, The Style Broker For The St.

American

During this winter season, our skin takes a beating. One day without proper moisture, and it looks like you’ve

Kimberly Jade Norwood, a Washington University professor, is the editor and co-author of “Color Matters: Skin Tone Bias and the Myth of a Postracial America.”

By Timothy Fox Washington University

After I said it out loud, it seemed as if the universe went about the business of offering me proof. I thought about all of the time I spent trying to make the wrong man my “Mr. Right.” Not ready. I was reminded of all the work I don’t do for the sake of selfimprovement. And when you’re married, you have to multiply that times two and put in the bonus work of building a healthy relationship and/or marriage. Not ready. My house and my affairs aren’t in order as an individual. I would lose my mind if I had to keep up with all the things that come with a

The classic sounds of Maze Featuring Frankie Beverly brought the house down Friday night at The Chaifetz Arena as the soul icons headlined the St. Louis Music Festival. The legendary band was joined by Leela James, Joe, Anthony Hamilton and Doug E. Fresh for a well-rounded evening of R&B. Photo by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

black history month

Thurs., Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., Westminster Christian Academy presents Night of the Arts: A Celebration of Unity: Black History Month 2014. To honor and celebrate the achievements of black Americans throughout history, Westminster will host a Black History Month event featuring Westminster music, drama, and poetry students. 800 Maryville Centre Dr., 63017. For more information, visit www.wcastl.org.

Sat., Feb. 22, 1 p.m., St. Louis County Library

Black History Celebration 2014 presents Gift of Gospel Celebration. Lewis & Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., 63136. For more information, visit www.slcl. org/black-history-celebration.

Fri., Feb. 28, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library Black History Celebration 2014 presents Set the Night to Music with Wendy Gordon & Friends. Florissant Valley Branch, 195 S. New Florissant Rd., 63031. For more information, visit www.slcl. org/black-history-celebration.

concerts

Through Feb. 22, Jazz St. Louis presents Christian McBride with pianist Christian Sands and drummer Ulysses Owens, Jr., Jazz at the Bistro.

3536 Washington Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Feb. 22, 8 p.m., Friends of the Sheldon present Aaron Neville. Proceeds from this special evening benefit Sheldon Educational Programs. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Thur., Feb. 27, 7 p.m., Team Morris presents An Evening with St. Louis’ own Jazz Vocalist – Denise Thimes. Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 533-0534 or visit www. lanetabernaclestl.com/492634. html.

Fri., Feb. 28, 8 p.m., The Sheldon presents Habib Koite and Raul Midon. This inspired cross-genre pairing unites Malian superstar Habib Koité with American singer/ songwriter Raul Midón. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., Feb. 28, 8 p.m., The Chaifetz Arena presents 2 Chainz & Pusha T. One S. Compton Ave., 63103.

Mar., 5 – 8, Jazz St. Louis presents Sean Jones Quartet. 3536 Washington Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Mar. 8, 8 p.m., The Fox Theater presents Robin Thicke. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.fabulousfox.com.

Sat., Mar. 8, 7:30 & 9 p.m., Lumiere Place Casino & Hotels presents Chrisette Michele. 999 N. Second St., 63103.

Sun., Mar. 9, 6 p.m., The Bistro at Grand Center presents Andre Delano. Andre Delano has demonstrated his amazing ability to woo a crowd with his saxophone time and time again. 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Thur., Mar. 13, 8 p.m., The Fox Theater presents Experience Hendrix. Celebrate the music and legacy of Jimi Hendrix. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Mar. 15, 8:15 p.m., The Sheldon presents Renée Fleming - Sheldon Gala 2014. One of the most beloved and celebrated musical ambassadors of our time, soprano Renée Fleming captivates audiences with her sumptuous voice, consummate artistry, and compelling stage presence. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. sheldonconcerthall.org.

Sat., Mar. 15, 7 p.m., Parkway Instructional Service Center host Spring Concert. Come enjoy live entertainment by the “Splen . Dour “ Band as they bring you the hottest spring concert for 2014 with live music from R&B, Blues, Motown, Neo Soul & more. 12657 Fee Fee Rd., 63146. For more information, contact Ossie

Wallace (314)-458-5056.

Thur., Mar. 20, Kwame Foundation presents Live Your Dream Concert Hosted by Jade Harrell of Magic 100.3/Hallelujah 1600. Performances by Brianna Elise & Trio. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. Tickets can be purchased at eventbrite.com.

local gigs

Sun. Mar. 16, 3 p.m., Hatheway Cultural Center presents Masters of Motown. In the early 60’s some of the most iconic names in the history of popular music were discovered in the Motor City, better known simply as Motown. Masters of Motown is a celebration of these artists, their music and their style. The show features stylishly costumed fully choreographed tributes to both male and female groups of the era. Masters of Motown’s dynamic vocalists are backed by a band of seasoned musicians who have been performing together for decades. 5800 Godfrey Rd., Godfrey IL, 62035. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Wed., Mar. 19, 8 p.m., The Sheldon presents A Celebration of Art and Sound. Celebrate and support the return of classical music to the St. Louis airwaves by attending this inaugural evening of outstanding performances. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Lumiere Place Casino & Hotels presents Chrisette Michele. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Fred Walker and his Saxy Jazz Music Show returns to Ms. Piggie’s Smokehouse on Sundays with the best in live and recorded Jazz and Gospel. 12noon - 4pm 10612 Page Ave. St. Louis, Mo. 63132 call (314) 428-7776 for information.

special events

Sat., Feb. 22, 6 p.m., The Ritz-Carlton presents American Heart Association Heart Ball. This event will raise funds and awareness for its lifesaving mission “to build healthier lives free of cardiovascular disease and stroke.” The 2014 Heart Ball is chaired by Steve and Denice Martenet, President, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield and vice chair Lynn Britton, President/CEO, Mercy. 100 Carondelet Plaza, 63105. For more information, visit heart. org.

Sat., Feb. 22, 6: 30 p.m., Legal Services of Eastern Missouri presents 24th Annual Justice For All Ball. The mission of Legal Services of Eastern Missouri is to provide high quality civil legal services to low income individuals. The Chase Park Plaza Hotel, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 256-8736.

Sat., Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Scottish Rite Cathedral hosts COTA for Kara Trivia Night. Support a little girl’s journey for a new kidney. There will

also be a silent auction, raffle, door prizes, 50/50, and a snack bar. 3633 Lindell Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314)680-1410 or email Cota.karac@yahoo.com.

Thur., Feb. 27, 6 p.m., The Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists will host an Open Mic Night. Evening will include an opportunity to relax with professional journalists while enjoying live music from headliners, SHE, an all-female funk/neo-soul band from Chicago, various performances from other others brave enough to approach the microphone, as well as a silent auction. Proceeds will fund the association’s Minority Journalism Workshop. BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups, 700 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, email gslabj@ gmail.com

Through Feb. 28, 9 a.m., St. Louis Community College presents Road to Freedom: Dred Scott Exhibit. This exhibit contains images of documents, photographs and objects from the collection of the Missouri Historical Society tracing the pursuit of freedom in 19th century St. Louis. Florissant Valley Campus, 3400 Pershall Rd., 63135. For more information, call (314) 513-4200.

Sat., Mar. 1, 11 a.m., International Tap HouseSoulard hosts iTapMardi Gras Party. iTap Soulard will be holding it’s first VIP Mardi Gras Party at this year’s Mardi Gras. This is an All Inclusive Day. Unlimited Draft Pours, food provided by Gulf Shores Grill, and clean & warm restrooms. 1711 S. Ninth St., 63104. For more information, visit www. internationaltaphouse.com.

Sat., Mar. 1, 10 p.m., Bel Airs presents Mardi Gras. 700 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www. belairs.com.

Thurs., Mar. 6, 10 a.m., America’s Center hosts St. Louis 37th Annual Builders Home and Garden Show. The Builders Home & Garden Show is the place to see, learn about and buy the latest home products and services from approximately 500 companies covering more than 9 acres of exhibit space. 701 Convention Plaza, 63101.

Mar. 7 – 8, St. Louis Brewery and Taproom presents Stout and Oyster Festival 2014. The biggest

food & beer festival of the year, flown in are 35,000 fresh oysters and teams of star shuckers from both coasts.

Indulge in several varieties of oysters and pair them with 3 styles of Schlafly stout: Oatmeal Stout, Coffee Stout, and Nitro Irish Stout. 2100 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit schlafly.com.

comedy

Feb. 22, 3 p.m., New African Paradigm presents A Comedy, Poetry, Entertainment Showcase at Better Family Life, the event will serve as a fundraiser for the clinic in Ghana. For more information, visit www. sabayet.org.

Sat., Mar. 1, 9 p.m., The Ambassador presents Michael Blackson. The African King of Comedy. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Mar. 15, 7:30 p.m., Peabody Opera House presents Gabriel IglesiasUnity through Laughter. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit fluffyguy.com.

Sat., Mar. 15, 8 p.m., The Fox Theater presents Ricky Smileys House Party. Featuring Rickey Smiley, Salt-N-Pepa, Big Daddy Kane & Sugarhill Gang. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit metrotix. com.

theatre

Through March 2, The Black Rep presents For Colored Girls who have Considered Suicide when the Rainbow is Enuf. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit metrotix.com.

Through Feb. 23, Mustard Seed Theater presents Gee’s Bend. The story of the Pettway women, quilters from the

isolated community of Gee’s Bend Alabama. Beginning in 1939, the play follows Alice, her daughters Sadie and Nella, and Sadie’s husband, Macon, through segregation, family strife and the Civil Rights movement. 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. mustardseedtheatre.com.

Through March 2, The Fox Theater presents Jersey Boys, The musical about Rock and Roll Hall of Famers The Four Seasons: Frankie Valli, Bob Gaudio, Tommy DeVito and Nick Massi. This is the story of how four blue-collar kids became one of the greatest successes in pop music history. 527 N Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit metrotix.com.

Thurs., Feb. 20 – Fri., Feb. 21, The Gaslight Cabaret Festival featuring stage and screen veteran Ken Page, The Gaslight Theater 358 N. Boyle St. Louis MO 63108. For tickets, go to www.LicketyTix. com.

Sat., Feb. 22, 2 p.m., Tower Grove Abbey presents The Little dog Laughed. A devilishly hilarious Hollywood agent, a movie star with a recurring case of homosexuality, and a hustler and his ambitious girlfriend struggle to uncover the truth about what they really want. 2336 Tennessee Ave., 63104. For more information, visit www.straydogtheatre.org.

Feb. 28 – Mar. 1, COCA presents Continuing the Legacy. Written and directed by COCA alumnus Christopher Page, Continuing the Legacy uses dance as a vehicle to take audience members through black history – from slavery to the jazz era, through the civil rights movement, to modern times. Continuing the Legacy includes imagery that may be disturbing to young children. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www. cocastl.org.

literary

Thur., Feb. 27, 11 a.m., St. Louis Community College presents Major Black Writers: Harlem, USA. Florissant Valley’s spring 2014 Major Black Writers class will make presentations about Harlem Renaissance authors. From James Baldwin and Zora Neale Hurston to Langston Hughes and Richard Wright, the Harlem Renaissance was undeniably one of American literature’s most influential movements. Florissant Valley Campus, 3400 Parshall Rd., 63135. For more information, call (314) 513-4132.

Thurs., Mar. 6, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Ishmael Beah, author of Radiance of Tomorrow Ishmael Beah, author of A Long Way Gone, discusses his first novel, Radiance of Tomorrow, an affecting, tender parable about postwar life in Sierra Leone. 650 Maryville University Dr., 63141. For more information, visit www. left-bank.com.

The Ambassador presents Michael Blackson: The African King of Comedy. See COMEDY for details.

arts

Thurs., Feb. 20, 7 p.m., International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum presents Intellectual Property for the Visual Artist. This introduction to intellectual property issues for visual artists explains copyright, trademark, and right of publicity concepts with concrete examples. Photographers and other visual artists will learn how to be sure they own what they create and how to avoid claim from models, businesses, and other artists. 3415 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www.iphf.org.

Feb. 21 – May 18, The St. Louis University Museum of Art presents Tradition Redefined: The Larry and Brenda Thompson of African-American Art. The Thompson collection includes the work of notable artists, as well as those by artists who have been considered emerging, regional or lesser known and has typically not been recognized in the

traditional narratives of African-American art. 3663 Lindell Blvd., 63108.

Through February 28, Portfolio Gallery, in collaboration with the Edwardsville Arts Center, Edwardsville, IL presents Ebony Creations. This show will feature the work of 28 artists represented by the Portfolio Gallery and will include paintings, photos, textiles, and sculpture for sale. This exhibit will give patrons of the Arts Center an opportunity to view a collection of work from professional artists from the St. Louis area and beyond. The Edwardsville Arts Center is located at 6165 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville, IL 62025. 618-655-0337 Map directions to EAC at WWW. Portfoliogallerystl.org

lectures

Sat., Mar. 15, 8 a.m., Building Bridges-Men Taking Stand Against Domestic Violence, Men’s Conference. Our focus is to bring awareness to ending domestic violence. Keynote Speaker-Pastor Jacob Washington & Guest speakers: Pastor Harry Stanford, Minister Dawon Gore, Apostle Gerald Higginbothan, Pastor Kenneth McClamb, Apostle Brian Pruitt. Come enjoy food, workshops, resources and prizes. Comfort Inn,12031 Lackland Rd., 63146. For more information, visit www. healmending.org.

health

Sat., Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Scottish Rite Cathedral hosts COTA for Kara Trivia Night. Support a little girl’s journey for a new kidney. There will also be a silent auction, raffle, door prizes, 50/50, and a snack bar. 3633 Lindell Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314)680-1410 or email Cota.karac@yahoo.com.

Sat., Feb. 22, 10 a.m., Stepping Into Good Health Health Fair, Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, Pneumonia shots, Vision screening, Nutrition education, Podiatry evaluation and Alzheimer’s information North Galiliee Christian Worship Center. 9864 Jacobi Ave, St. Louis, MO 63136. For health fair information, call 314-4223320 or call 314-495-7242.

Fri., Feb. 28, 9 a.m., UMSL College of Nursing presents 7th Annual AfricanAmerican Nurses’ History Conference. This year‘s conference is entitled Health Disparities: Initiatives That Are Bridging The GAP, and will focus on health disparities involved with diseases such as: Cancer (Breast, Colon, and Prostate), HIV/AIDS, Obesity, Mental Health, and increase awareness on the initiatives in the St. Louis Metropolitan area that are being implemented and found to have a positive impact on the community. J.C. Penney Conference Center, One University Blvd., 53121. For more information, call (314) 516-5655.

spiritual

Sat., February 22, 2:15 p.m. True Light Missionary Baptist Church celebrates Black History, “A Taste of Blackness” after the program in Clopton Hall. 2838 James “Cool Papa” Bell Avenue (All are welcome; Free Will Offering collected) For more info, please call the church office at (314) 531-1801.

Sat., Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Scottish Rite Cathedral hosts COTA for Kara Trivia Night. Support a little girl’s journey for a new kidney. There will also be a silent auction, raffle, door prizes, 50/50, and a snack bar. 3633 Lindell Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314)680-1410 or email Cota. karac@yahoo.com.

COLOR

Continued from C1

“My first day in Shanghai, I noticed that on beautiful sunny days many people, particularly women, were walking around carrying umbrellas,” she says.

“When I asked my Fudan University chaperones about this, one of them told me that the purpose of the umbrellas was to block the sun. After all, the student added, ‘Who wants to be dark?’”

While in China, she noticed that the working classes appeared to have darker skin tones, while the more well-todo people and professionals were lighter in skin tone. Virtually every image of females on television, on billboards and in advertising portrayed Asian women with barely a hint of their Asianness.

“Colorism is also huge in India,” Norwood said. “India and China together make up a third of the world’s population. Do you know what that means? That means at least a third of the world population is literally uncomfortable in their own skin. That reality overwhelmed me.”

Norwood decided to put together an anthology about colorism. She convinced 12 authors to submit nine essays on various aspects of colorism. Norwood wrote the introduction and two essays.

“It’s a bias that you see everywhere, from Jamaica to the Philippines to Europe to the United States,” Norwood said.

“White imagery is omnipresent and advanced as supreme. White represents power, success, desirability, and many people think, ‘I want that!’”

Colonization has had a significant impact on colorism.

“Most formerly colonized countries took on the values and culture of the colonizer

SINGLE

Continued from C1

household. Not ready. I haven’t grown the point where I see sacrifice and compromise as anything other than surrender. Not ready.

I could go on and on, but I’m still quietly looking to be pursued – so I won’t put any more of my flaws on the table, except to say that I have plenty of work to do before I’m in marrying shape.

But I will say this: I dare to

n “We live in a very colored world that is built upon a color caste system where dark people are relegated to life at the lowest levels of society.”

– Kimberly Jade Norwood

such that, even today, while independence reigns in many of these formerly colonized nations, the culture and values – including the symbiotic connection between white skin and power – remain firmly embedded within them,” she said.

Colorism in this country can be traced back more than 300 years. During slavery, sexual unions between slave women and white male slave owners produced “mulattos” who were often lighter in skin tone. Those children, while still slaves, often were preferred over their darker-skinned counterparts.

believe that most relationships fail because one – or both –parties aren’t prepared for the strength and stamina it takes to maintain one.

I mean, I can’t even motivate myself to get on the treadmill every day, how can I be conditioned to handle going the extra mile for somebody else? And imagine the strength training it takes to constantly balance feelings and emotions or practice the restraint and discipline that it takes to hold a marriage together. About 12 years ago, I begged a woman who was said

During Reconstruction, biracial and multiracial people were also often better equipped to transition to freedom. Ironically, their “privileged” status set them so apart from their darker-skinned counterparts. Many went on to establish separate communities, neighborhoods, associations and schools.

“The famous ‘paper bag’ tests, ‘blue vein’ societies and ‘ruler’ tests were proof of the perpetuation of the value of light skin,” Norwood says. “And in many circles, circumstances and situations today, this preference continues to be played out.”

Colorism touches every corner of society, especially the law.

“In the United States, darkerskinned men and women are more likely to be arrested, convicted and sentenced to death than their lighter-skinned counterparts,” she said. “Juries view (and therefore value the credibility of) people differently based on the color of the defendant’s skin, the witness’s skin and the lawyer’s skin.”

She said employment decisions, hirings, promotions and demotions often can be traced to colorism as well.

“We live in a very colored world that is built upon a color caste system where dark people are relegated to life at the lowest levels of society,” she said. “And the color caste is poised to become sharper, clearer and more impenetrable. We hope to add our voices to the call toward the eradication of this growing form of discrimination.”

Kimberly Jade Norwood will sign copies of her book at the Cultural Connections event 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 22 at Portfolio Gallery, 3514 Delmar Blvd. Email portfoliogallery@att.net.

to be blessed with prophetic powers to ask God why I wasn’t married. She told me, “If you want a husband, start acting like a wife.”

I had no idea what she meant – or the type of work that is required to be a wife –until a few weeks ago.

Most of us singles are in the dumps about not being married – even if it means that we get into a marriage that’s doomed to fail. Today, I proclaim that I’m so glad that I didn’t have to find out that I wasn’t marriage material by being served divorce papers.

CHAINZ

Continued from C1

gave each other daps – and I’ll be damned if he didn’t come back and do it.”

The St. Louis hip-hop scene has been wondering how S.L.I.M. snagged one of the biggest rappers in the game on his “Free Promo” mixtape since it dropped in 2012 … that’s how. Seven years after the unknown Atlanta rapper made a gentleman’s agreement with S.L.I.M. for free entry, 2 Chainz was giving S.L.I.M. street cred on the rap scene.

2 Chainz will further lend himself to improve S.L.I.M.’s reputation as an arena concert promoter when he brings his tour to the Chaifetz Arena on Friday, Feb. 28.

“He could have given that show to Live Nation, or anybody else, but he gave it to me,” S.L.I.M. said. “And I wanted to prove a point that I could put some people in seats, because the last couple of promoters that have been bringing the hip-hop concerts haven’t been doing too well. They don’t have their finger on the pulse like we do.”

S.L.I.M is a celebrity in

SKIN

Continued from C1

different beast. The face is the first to be affected by the winter weather harshness. The importance of finding a facial cleanser can not only impact the overall look of your face, but it also can determine whether you will have breakouts and hyperpigmentation. Different ingredients like glycerol and retinal deeply cleanse your face and assist in keeping your skin’s elasticity intact. Moisturizing after cleaning your skin is the most important step of your skin care regimen. Even if your face tends to get a little bit oily throughout the day, it is still important to put moisture back in after you have done a deep cleansing. Try to avoid products with a petroleum base. Petroleum is traditionally used to provide a thick, greasy layer of protectant, but it can also clog your pores and promote growth of any skinrelated bacteria. Siliconebased products are a better

his own right on the St. Louis entertainment and nightlife scene. He’s been a promoter since 2002 and has made a name for himself beyond the 314 in cities like Miami, Atlanta, Indianapolis and Cincinnati.

He has that equal parts charm and arrogance that makes for the stereotypical mogul. In addition to promoting concerts and weekly nights at clubs around the city and beyond, he’s working with rising rappers Lil St. Louis and Vega Sills. He’s passionate about getting into the business of making movies sooner than later – he even co-starred in “Streetballerz” several years back.

But in the meantime, he’s working hard at being the hype man for the city.

“What I do is go out and try to represent St. Louis real hard,” S.L.I.M. said. “I want to make DJs shout out St. Louis in clubs across the country off tops like they do New York and Atlanta. If somebody in our city has something that people halfway like, I want to put them out there and get them put on.”

S.L.I.M. is trying to

alternative.

Going the natural route to taking care of the skin is the thing to do nowadays. I’m a big fan of incorporating an essential oil into my skin regimen. Using oils like tea tree oil and peppermint oil can heal breakouts and assist in any flaking or extreme dryness of the skin.

n Moisturizing after cleaning your skin is the most important step of your skin care regimen.

Coconut oil and Jojoba oil can be great rejuvenating and moisturizing oils. Most natural oils can be found at natural food stores. Our diets, especially during the winter months, affect the health of our skin. The most important thing to do when it comes to skin

make the city a serious contender on the nightlife scene. He brings celebs to host events, parties and do shows at clubs. He holds his own parties and has hosted a celebrity basketball tournament at Chaifetz for the past four years.

“From A-List to D and F list, I don’t care, as long as people come out and kick it and have a good time,” he said. “I get a kick out of seeing people kick it. Somebody told me a long time ago: ‘Find a job that you love, and you’ll never work a day in your life.’ I’m getting paid to pop these bottles.” He’s also getting paid to bring shows. He’s presenting 2 Chainz and company in Cincinnati and Indianapolis as well.

“I don’t want to jinx myself, but they better get their tickets because they are going,”

S.L.I.M. said. “And it’s going to be rockin’ up in there too.”

The Too Good to be TRU tour starring 2 Chainz, August Alsina and Pusha T will be at the Chaifetz Arena on Friday, Feb. 28 at 8 p.m. For tickets or more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

nutrition is to stay hydrated. We all know water is the universal necessity needed to stay healthy. If you find that your skin is extremely dry even when you use proper moisture, try drinking more water over a period of time and see how the skin becomes less inflamed, itchy and dry.

Eating raw fruits and veggies is the best way to promote the topical treatments that are in use in your skin care routine. Raw foods are a direct source of nutrients that provide vitamins and antioxidants. And with the implementation of other healthy eating choices, the fruits and veggies help take care of your skin and your entire body. Before starting a new skin care regimen, please consult a physician, especially if the ingredients are not natural. Many people aren’t aware of skin conditions that they might develop or chemicals that they might be allergic to. If any product that contains possible allergens is used, be sure to see a dermatologist or primary care doctor.

By Melanie Adams

Percy Green II speaks

Activist’s story included in ‘250 in 250’ exhibit

By Devi Acharya, Rachele Banks, Elizabeth Freihaut and Jacob Laseter For The St. Louis American

The Missouri History Museum’s Teens Make History Exhibitors are currently working on an oral history project interviewing St. Louis activists involved with civil rights, labor rights and LGBT activism. Through these video interviews, we seek to collect and share the stories behind the movements for change that have shaped St. Louis, as well as allow for a wider discussion of activism and its role today.

Activism has long been a prominent part of our city. From the founding members of CORE to today’s labor activists from Jobs with Justice, our city is a hotbed of social and political action. Through our project, we have observed how activism is a complex and vital part of our world today, and we have seen how activism involves many individuals working together toward a common goal.

In honor of Black History Month, we would like to highlight our interview with Percy Green II, an activist noted both for his leadership in the fight for civil rights and for using dramatic protests to draw attention to issues.

After learning about the white power structure from Eugene Tournour, Percy became devoted to fighting for equality. Initially involved in CORE and the Jefferson Bank boycott, Percy later helped form an organization called ACTION, which used nonviolent direct action protests to bring awareness to inequality.

The most noted of these protests occurred in 1964, when Percy and a fellow activist climbed a leg of the Gateway Arch while it was under construction. They wanted black workers involved in the building of this massive public monument. As a result of this protest trying to gain employment for black males, Percy lost his own job at McDonnell-Douglas. Later, Percy sued McDonnell-Douglas, resulting in a landmark U.S. Supreme Court case concerning racial discrimination and employment.

Percy and ACTION also worked actively against the Veiled Prophet organization, which he views as elitist, sexist and racist.

In our oral history interview, Percy frequently discussed the importance of civil disobedience as an activist tactic. He explained to us how climbing the Arch epitomized this tactic: “It’s nonviolent. It’s an eye opener. It’s awakening. You know, it makes people uncomfortable, but it forces people to focus on those particular things that the demonstration is targeting.”

Later in the interview, Percy returned again to the theme of civil disobedience, telling us, “It’s far better to engage in civil disobedience and disruption to make change, as has been

St. Louis civil rights activist Percy Green II was interviewed by the Missouri History Museum’s Teens Make History Exhibitors for an oral history project about civil rights, labor rights and LGBT activism.

historically done here, than for this thing to develop to what happens in other countries, where the only option that they have is to become a suicide bomb, to utilize that method as a wake-up call, where you’re hurting a whole bunch of people. You can’t imagine what that would be like. So I think while we have time to bring about change in a nonviolent manner, then we need to do as much as possible to pursue that.”

Percy is truly a leader in the activist community. He is not just active in the fight for civil rights; to this day, he continues his legacy of activism by working alongside those who are striving for equal and better rights – from women’s rights to the movement for raising wages for fast food workers. This, we have found, is one of the essential points of activism – working together to improve life for all people, not just one specific group.

As Percy stated in his interview, “Still, there’s much more to be done. The issue is not only more and better paying jobs for black males, but females were left out of the picture, disabled people were left out of the picture, the whole gay and lesbian question has become a concern. And so that motivation then developed in broadening my scope as to the need to further initiate the activities and be a part of these types of activities to bring about change in the best interests of humanity.”

Percy’s interview about climbing the Arch is one of the stories included in 250 in 250 the Missouri History Museum’s new exhibit celebrating 250 years of St. Louis History. Come and discover 249 more fascinating snapshots of the city’s past in 250 in 250, and stay tuned for next month when we highlight another key activist from our oral history project.

Art Museum Celebrates Women and their Stories

By Kimberly Jacobs, Romare Bearden Graduate Minority Fellow, 2013 - 2014

In celebration of National Women’s History month, the Saint Louis Art Museum presents our fourth annual If It Wasn’t for the Women program. Since 2011 the Art Museum has celebrated the triumphs of women of color with a panel of dynamic artists, scholars, community activists, and humanitarians. This year’s program will highlight the art of storytelling through oral traditions, visual art, and dance.

The way we share our cultural history plays a significant role in how we shape our future. African Americans have adapted the oratory tradition of storytelling from those of African ancestors. Throughout history the storytelling tradition has taken different forms such as quilting, folk tales, music, dance, and gospel. Fast forward into the 21st century, the storytelling tradition continues to thrive and evolve into even more unique forms. In this year’s If It Wasn’t for the Women we welcome two artists, Diane Williams and Aparna Kalyanaraman, who share a common passion for using their talents to carry on distinct variations of storytelling.

Every culture has a story to tell, and Aparna Kalyanaraman uniquely incorporates Indian, West African, and Colombian dance in her method of teaching and choreography. Storytelling through dance is a beautifully entertaining way that shares a culture’s history. The purpose of many traditional dances is to reinforce cultural lessons to be learned by all. She will share what fuels her passion for dancing, as well as various cultures’ commonality through dance and storytelling.

Aparna Kalyanaraman received a Bachelor’s of Art in Dance and English from Washington University. She shares her love for international dance with the St. Louis community by participating in events such as the Festival of Nations and the 2013 Diversity Dinner at Busch Stadium. Aparna also teaches children dance with Springboard as well as in

the

Thursday, March 27, 6:30pm. The Life and Art of Charles White, lecture by Dr. Andrea Barnwell-Brownlee, Director of Spelman College Museum of Fine Art. Saint Louis Art Museum. Saturday, April 12, 10:00am.The Art of Cultivating Roots, Cotton, and Culture in Missouri with artist Robert Ketchens and other panelists. 14th Street Gallery, 2701 14th Street.

schools and for neighborhood groups. Diane Williams is an accomplished author and storyteller who ensures through her artistic talents we appreciate the joy and lessons found in parables such as “Annie Mae Jumps the Broom” and in stories from the Underground Railroad. Along with being a celebrated storyteller, Diane Williams is also a fiber artist. Williams uses her storytelling skills to prove how images – in both pictures and threaded into quilts – can guide us to a place of cultural understanding, tolerance, and empathy. She will begin her presentation with a discussion of how African traditions are now, in America, weaved together like Kente cloth. Williams also provides a reflective look at how the designs of Underground Railroad quilts relate to storytelling, as she explores the textile artworks of Harriet Powers, Faith Ringgold, Carolyn L. Mazloomi, and late Gwen Magee.

If It wasn’t For the Women sponsored by the Saint Louis Art Museum will be held on Saturday, March 8th at 10:00 am at the Regional Arts Commission of St. Louis, 6128 Delmar Blvd. Refreshments will follow the program. This program is free and open to the public. Space is limited so we encourage you to reserve you space by emailing, Kimberly. Jacobs@slam.org or call 314.655.5373.

Aparna Kalyanaraman

Diane Williams

Judy Heard would like to announce the engagement of her daughter, Jace’Karmon Heard to Jerry Thomas, Jr., the son of Gail Cutts. Jerry and Jace’Karmon met at their alma mater, Missouri University of Science & Technology, where Jerry graduated with a BS in Civil Engineering and Jace’Karmon a BS in Engineering Management. The couple will have a Christmas in July themed wedding at St. John A.M.E Church on July 26, 2014. They now live in Dallas, TX and plan to honeymoon in the Caribbean.

Reunions

Beaumont High Class of 1964 has started planning for its 50-year class reunion. We are currently looking for participants to help with the planning. Please provide your contact information to: beaumont64alumni@gmail. com.Send your ideas as well as

~ Celebrations ~

Double celebration

William & Mercedes Hughes celebrate their 61st wedding anniversary on February 27, and William’s 80th birthday on February 24. What God has joined together, let no man put asunder...61 Years later! Congratulations Mama and Daddy, with all our love. Your girls, Pam (Woody), Carol (Sherman) and Valerie

the best time for meetings.

Beaumont High Class of 1968 46th Reunion Family Picnic will be Saturday, June 7, 2014. Meetings to plan the picnic will be the 4th Saturday of February 22, March 22 and April 26, 2014 at 2 p.m. at STL County Library 7606 Natural Bridge. For more information email bhsco1968@att.net or call 314 869-8312.

Beaumont High Class of 1984 is looking for participants to begin planning its 30-year class reunion. Please provide your contact information to: beaumont_1984@yahoo.com.

Soldan High Class of

1965 presents Washington, DC: Our Nation’s Capital, June 19-24, 2014. For more information contact: Corinne Parker-Stukes 636-294-4373, Brenda Wallace-Yancey 314-830-1334, Isaiah Hair, Jr. 314-387-7592 or email: soldanclassof65@gmail.com.

Sumner High Classes of 1954 will celebrate its 60-year class reunion August 15-16, 2014 at the Sheraton Westport, Plaza Tower, 900 Westport Plaza. Contact Audrey Poindexter (314) 383-7174; ajpoin@att. net or Marlene May (314) 5679629; onelene1@att.net.

Sumner 1964 Class Reunion Committee is looking for classmates we have lost contact

Birthdays

Happy Birthday on February 28 to the First Lady of Family of Victory Kingdom Citizens and a jewel in the body of Christ.

Love your husband, Pastor Tommie Brewer

Happy Birthday to Jamilah Nadia Brown on her 3rd birthday, February 26. You are a blessing, and you bring so much joy to our lives! With love from: Your Parents, Nanna, Papas, Granny, uncles, aunts, cousins and friends

Kayla Love celebrated her 21st birthday on February 15. Happy Birthday! Love, Mom & Dad

with. Please call or email any changes to your name, address, telephone number, and/or email to Patricia Wells Sheltonat (314) 839-2214 or patricia.shelton@att.net or Carol Strawbridge at (314) 524-8504 or strawu@AOL. com.

Sumner High Class of 1969 has started planning its 45th class reunion. Please email shsclassof69@yahoo.com for more information or call Leonard at 314-413-3104 or Meredith at 314-306-2349.

for more information.

FREE OF CHARGE

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 less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned.

Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

Sumner High Class of 1979 is looking for classmates to participate in activities leading up to its 35th Class Reunion, June 20-22, 2014 in Lake Ozarks, MO. Please forward contact information to sumner1979@ymail.com or call Sara at 314-482-1558. Various activities are planned.

Sumner High Class of 1974 has started planning its 40th class reunion. Meetings are held the third Saturday of the month from 2-4 pm at New Beginnings Missionary Baptist Church, located at 4055 Edmundson Rd., St. Louis, MO 63134. For more information please contact Denise (Washington) Nicks at Sumnerclassof74@yahoo.com, 314-642-3366 or Joyce (Bush) Cruesoe at cruesoe2195@att. net, 314-484-1552.

Sumner High Class of 1975 has started planning its 40th reunion. Please provide contact information to sumnerclassof75@gmail.com or C. Jackson 314-477-6785 All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Sumner High Class of 1984 is planning a 30 year reunion for August 22-24, 2014. For more information please contact Priscilla (Ms. Prissy) at 314556-3944, or Robin Allen at 314-369-9549.

Vashon High Class of 1974 has started planning its 40th class reunion. Meetings will be held the second Sunday of each month, 3 p.m. at the Gateway Classic Sports Foundation, 2012 Dr. Martin Luther King, St. Louis, MO 63106. Classmates can provide contact information by joining the group page at Yahoo Groups - vashon74 or by email to ljbady@yahoo.com. For more information please call 314-382-0890 or 314-6405842.

St. Louis Community College has created a districtwide

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: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

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

Alumni Association, and needs your help identifying the 1.5 million STLCC alumni. An alum is anyone who has completed at least one course at STLCC. Alumni are encouraged to visit the website: www. stlcc.edu/foundation/, to become members or update information. For more information, contact Ashley Budde, coordinator of alumni relations, at abudde6@stlcc. edu, or 314-539-5145.

Bishop from Uganda to speak at gala

Event raises funds for Microfinancing

Partners in Africa

American staff

Microfinancing Partners in Africa will host its sixth annual African Gala Dinner and Auction 5:30 p.m. Saturday, February 22 at Sunset Country Club, 9555 Geyer Rd. The guest of honor for the evening is Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa of the Masaka Diocese in Uganda, who presides over the Cow Project.

Founded in 2006 by Sr. Toni Temporiti,

n Since its partnership with the Cow Project, Microinancing Partners in Africa has raised funds to purchase 625 cows.

Microfinancing Partners in Africa works with African people to lift themselves out of poverty by providing access to funding and education to pursue entrepreneurial activities. Gala proceeds will benefit its three African partner programs in Kenya, Uganda and Tanzania.

This will be the organization’s first gala where someone directly involved in the work of one of its partners will be present. “We are so excited that Bishop John Baptist will join us this year,” Temporiti said.

Bishop Kaggwa started the Caritas MADDO (Masaka Diocese Development Organization) to provide health, education and economic development to the people living in the Masaka Diocese, regardless of tribe, religion or other factors. In 1993, MADDO started a Cow Project with three cows from Heifer International. In forming a partnership between the Cow Project and Microfinancing Partners in Africa in 2008, Bishop Kaggwa shared with Temporiti his family’s poverty when he was a boy.

“He has never forgotten how hungry

he was as a child and how he couldn’t concentrate on the Mass because of that hunger,” Temporiti said. “He also never forgot his promise to help his native people when he became an adult. He is so happy that the Cow Project provides families with resources that keep them from poverty, as well as deepens family relationships.”

The gala includes a “Fund-a-Need” portion of the evening held during the oral auction. “Fund-a-Need” benefits the Cow Project, which provides cows as a living loan for every family willing to complete rigorous training preparation. In the oral auction format, gala attendees are invited to purchase a cow, which costs $800, half a cow or a quarter of a cow, which are priced appropriately.

“Some of our gala supporters purchase a herd of five to 10 cows,” Temporiti said. Since its partnership with the Cow Project, Microfinancing Partners in Africa has raised funds to purchase 625 cows.

“This is our largest fundraiser, and our African sisters and brothers are very much a part of us as we gather on their behalf,” Temporiti said.

The evening begins at 5:30 p.m. with appetizers, open bar and a silent auction, followed by a 7:30 p.m. dinner, program and oral auction. Individual gala tickets are $125. For more information, call 314-776-1319, e-mail info@ microfinancingafrica.org or visit www. microfinancingafrica.org.

Hopefully, you agree with me that life is indeed a wonderful and spectacular journey. As Christians we know that this trip can be and often is somewhat of a hazardous adventure.

Deliberately choosing the path that Jesus walked is by no means easy and to do it publicly is tantamount to putting a bull’s eye on your back and volunteering to be target practice for life’s live fire exercises.

Message

devil will become intent on wreaking havoc on your world. He, like the Lord, is in this thing for keeps. Most of us cannot get our minds around this because few of us have ever been put to the test of putting it all on the line.

Celebrating one’s faith is giving the devil an easy target in a crowd, on a bus, in your marriage, on your job or even in church. Publicly proclaim God, and you will be tested.

As long as you’re not doing anything to attract Satan’s attention, you probably won’t. If you buy into the premise that life is a random series of events and challenges, that somehow you live as an insignificant whim of the universe, or there are no eternal consequences for your actions, then Satan need not worry about where you’ll end up. He has your room already reserved. How does the movie title say it? “Dead Man Walking.”

The title seems to make my point better than I can. However, if you just pay attention to God’s Word, listen to Jesus’ teaching and attempt to abide by the lessons of scripture, the

An example is when you gambled with real money or placed a significant sports bet and lost. Perhaps you gave your heart and your treasure away for the first time and got burned. That sinking feeling was enough to avoid playing for keeps ever in life again, and maybe even in love.

The hard part to comprehend is that the devil is playing for keeps all the time. This is his Super Bowl, and your soul is the trophy. That’s what makes God’s mercy and grace so extraordinary. In God’s game, and it is God’s game, it’s never over until you take your last breath.

Not playing God’s game is playing Satan’s game. Satan’s is like expecting to beat the house in Vegas. Soon you’ll be getting on a plane wondering where the good times and all the money went. God’s game is more like bingo, where you know if you play long enough, the prize is yours because everybody wins. Jesus guaranteed it.

The American is accepting Inspirational Messages from the community. Send your column (no more than 400 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg ile. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

James A. Washington

Bishop John Baptist Kaggwa of Masaka Diocese in Uganda (right, with Father Herman Joseph Kulungi) will speak at Microfinancing Partners in Africa’s sixth annual African Gala Dinner and Auction on Saturday, February 22.

Nine area teens recognized for health advocacy St. LouiS AmericAn

Students, teachers, school awarded over $14K by Walgreens

American staff

Nine St. Louis area high school students were recognized as winners in the Walgreens Expressions Challenge, where they used their talents in art, videography and creative writing to voice their perspective on issues such as cyberbullying, sexting, suicide, teen dating violence, STD prevention and teen pregnancy.

Area winners included:

• Dyamond Robinson, Parkway South High School, grade 11, Creative Writing 1st Place Winner

• Jasmine Davidson, Carnahan High School, grade 12, Multimedia 1st Place Winner

• Jason Vongnaraj, Metro Academic & Classical High School, grade 11, Visual Arts 1st Place Winner

• Dabreonna Douglas, Better Family Life, grade: 9, Multimedia 2nd Place Winner

• Chellsy Carter, Riverview Gardens High School, grade 12, Creative Writing 2nd Place Winner

• Marina Claunch, University City High School, grade 12, Visual Arts | 2nd Place Winner.

“I wrote this song [and created a video entitled “You Are Beautiful”] for everyone who has ever felt insecure or doubtful about the person they are,” said Jasmine Davidson, media arts finalist and senior at Carnahan High School of the Future.

“I once thought I was not deserving of my aspirations, but I soon realized I am here for a greater purpose. Life is about following your dreams and accomplishing your goals, while inspiring others along the way. We cannot let someone’s opinion shape our life choices. When someone hears my song, I want them to feel content with the person they have become.”

“The Walgreens Expressions Challenge gave me the confidence I needed in order to better my writing and be comfortable with people reading it,” said creative writing finalist and junior at Parkway South High School

Dyamond Robinson. “Honestly, I didn’t think my writing was good enough until I entered the contest. I feel like it greatly improved my self-esteem, and it brings me great joy to know that people have read what I had to say and liked it.”

In addition to their recognition, these teens will receive up to $14,000 in cash as a collective.

Jennings uses distance learning

The Jennings School District is encouraging its students to become global leaders through community service projects while also learning about other cultures. In addition to the local community service projects, which has included coat drives, food drives, and later this month hosting a bone marrow sign up drive aimed at the AfricanAmerican community, the district has selected a school in Ghana

to partner with as a sister school. Students will have a culminating project of skyping with the students in Ghana.

“With the current technology, we want to expose our students to classrooms around the world and help them learn more about other cultures,” said Jennings Superintendent Tiffany Anderson.

The district’s assessment coordinator, Monica BarnesBoateng, will travel to Ghana at her own expense to make this project come to life. Barnes- Boateng began traveling to Ghana annually several years ago. She said, “My passion for education and desire to connect with Africans on the continent has led me to find ways to bring gifts and resources to children abroad.” Several years ago she partnered with a local St. Louis non-profit organization to deliver medical supplies to the Central Region in Ghana. After her first visit, this campaign grew to include school supplies and clothes.

This year, Jennings School District has joined in her efforts. At the beginning of the 2013-14 school year, Anderson and Barnes-Boateng planned ways for teachers to teach cultural lessons while encouraging students to donate needed supplies during first semester to students in Ghana. The school that collected the most, Jennings Junior High and Jennings Junior High College Prep, won the opportunity to use distance technology to communicate with the students in Ghana.

In December of 2013, over 2700 pounds of school supplies collected by Jennings students were shipped to Dutch Komenda Basic School in the Central Region of Ghana. Jennings students will correspond with students via Skype on Monday, March 17. Students will have an opportunity to have a cross-cultural educational experience.

“In Jennings we are teaching students to learn about other cultures and serve others in their community,” Anderson said.

SLPS names Science Teacher of the Year

St. Louis Public Schools has presented the Middle/High School Science Teacher of the Year Award to a talented, generous educator who is passionate about physics and finds creative ways to make science come alive for her students.

To earn the Middle/High School Science Teacher of the Year award, nominees must explain their teaching philosophy and approach to teaching; provide examples of classroom lesson plans; and be recommended by an administrator and a professional colleague.

Merita Haxhia, the chair of the Science Department at Gateway STEM High School, has been recognized as the St. Louis Public School District’s Middle/High School Science Teacher of the Year for using her expansive knowledge to help students develop problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.

“With her students she is passionate, demanding and caring,” said Gateway STEM High School Principal Elizabeth Bender. “She creates studentcentered lessons and actively works to take learning to a higher cognitive level. Students speak of her tough classes with respect and knowledge that this type of instruction will prepare them best for college.”

Haxhia is a former recipient of the Emerson Excellence in Teaching Award and the Gateway STEM Teacher of the Year award. She taught science in Albania from 1984 to 2001 and joined the staff at Gateway STEM in 2005.

The 2013 Science Teacher of the Year was honored with an awards reception, a $1,000 award from the St. Louis Public Schools Foundation, a trophy, a plaque, and a $500 award for related education materials through the Parsons Blewett Memorial Fund.

White House announces HBCU All-Stars

The White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities recently announced its first class of HBCU All-Stars, recognizing 75 undergraduate, graduate and professional students for their accomplishments in academics, leadership and civic engagement.

Currently enrolled at 62 HBCUs, the All-Stars were selected from 445 students who submitted completed applications that included a transcript, resume, essay and recommendation. The HBCU All-Stars will serve as ambassadors of the White House Initiative by providing outreach and communication with their fellow students about the value of education and the Initiative as a networking resource.

Front row: Alderwoman Marlene Davis, Jasmine Davidson, Walgreens store manager Kara Bachman, Chellsy Carter, Dyamond Robinson, Marina Claunch, Dabreonna Douglas and Jason Vongnaraj. Back row: Alderman Craig N. Schmid, Walgreens community leader Scott Hoselton, Koran Bolden, St. Louis County Health Department educator Marian Philips-Gant, and Walgreens store managers Shaun Thomason and Felicia Mason.

The Vaporz dynamic

Newlyweds Kelley and Carlton Moran enjoyed Valentine’s Day with the sounds of the late great Luther Vandross thanks to a special tribute Friday night @ the

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

A resounding YASSS for Young leaders 4.0. When I tell you that the St. Louis American Foundation’s 4th Annual Salute to Young Leaders was everything it cracked it up to be in my previews, I’m not tooting my own horn. The hundreds of people who were in the house at the Four Seasons last Thursday would easily vouch for me. In addition to the instant swag upgrade our new venue provided, the thing that I loved most about Young Leaders is that it’s not stuffy or too formal. It’s so much fun and gives the vibe of a class reunion of all the people voted most likely to succeed in high school– well, perhaps it’s exclusive to the ones who lived up to their reputations. I had an absolute ball rubbing shoulders of the future (and current) who’s who in STL as we all teamed up to issue awards to people who show that age is nothing but a number when it comes to making an impact in all walks of life. I would need the whole section if I were to name drop, so just know anybody who was somebody was in the building to show love to the latest batch of Young Leaders. But I do want to give a salute to the 20 under 40 that made up the 2014 class, our mistress of ceremonies Rebeccah Bennett, presenting sponsor Emerson (and all of the other sponsors) as well as the past and future Young Leaders who have helped this event grow into an annual must-not miss-event. I can’t wait for year five!

Seven days ‘til Scandal. Those of you thirsting for Olivia Pope’s triumphant outerwear and tragic weave return to primetime television already know that you only have a measly week left on your countdown. But did you know that the folks at Hot 104.1 are presenting a season premiere Scandal Watch Party for the gladiators at EXO, hosted by my girl Mz. Janee? The doors open at 8 p.m.

For those of you who may want to connect with fellow gladiators in the Lou but without leaving the comfort of your own home, be sure to join The St. Louis American’s STL Scandal Talk group on Facebook. We have a blast amongst ourselves…do you hear me. Like the St. Louis American page (if you haven’t done so already) and send a request to join the group. It’s so easy to do and you will be thrilled connecting with our diehard Scandal fans in real time.

St. Louis Music Festival’s sound nightmare. You already know from this heading that I have a hint of bad news to share, but I must say that the latest St. Louis Music Festival was anything but all bad. Actually, with the exception of the sound - and the fact that I spent the night at the Chaifetz Arena Friday night–it was actually alright. Before I do anything else, I must give a super shout out to the folks that put the show together and promoted it, because it was just about sold-out. And was it me, or did every other person have on some sort of red? I felt like the seats were filled with fancy Target employees, because y’all were reppin’ V-Day strong and deep. Anyway, let me get on with the show. Because of the ice induced traffic woes just about everybody missed the raspy howls Leela James was serving on stage. But the folks who were in their seats didn’t seem to want to be bothered anyway as they scooted in wearing full fur suits (yes, the pants too) freakum dresses and everything in between. But it was a different story when St. Louis favorite Joe came to the stage ready to rip it of the hinges. Too bad he couldn’t get a full verse in without the microphone cutting out. He whisper-sang his way through the floor and stepped back on stage in utter disgust. He tried to let the show go on, but it was more of the same – and he was already quietly furious because he said they cut his show time. By the time he got to “All The Things Your Man Won’t Do” they cut the sound all the way off. But I think that had more to do with him being beyond his time limit. However, the powers that be knew by the way the folks came in on the bridge of that song like a worldly version of the Mississippi Mass Choir that they needed to go ahead and give him some sound or a riot would have ensued.

St. Louis Music Festival: Act II. But poor Doug E. Fresh didn’t fare so well at first either, because the mic cut out on him so many times that I thought he was going to have to hype the crowd with hand signals. I turned my head and he had left the stage altogether. Because the problems wouldn’t let up, Anthony Hamilton was reduced to a corded mic. So you know what that means…we didn’t get to see him catch the Holy Ghost and run up and down the aisles, or do ANY of his “Breakin’ 2: Electric Boogaloo” tribute choreography. He still tried to move the crowd with his step touches, but I could tell he felt chained to the stage. Doug E. came back, but ended up borrowing DJ Kut’s booth space off to the side to get the crowd crackin’. I heard from the most reliable source that the sound issues were because Maze demanded that their sound company do the show and they blew the cordless mics out for everybody. Oh well, I guess what’s done is done – and Maze probably figured that since their sound was right, and they were the headliner that whatever else went down was just collateral damage. Truth be told, I would have preferred that Frankie’s mic had been the one to blow out because he sounded a hot, horrible mess. Maybe the Sochi Olympics style speed skating top he had on was too tight. But the band was sickening! I got my life from that music, do you hear me! And when it was all said and done, if the sound had been together, I’m sure the show would have ended up among my more memorable list.

Seviin Li’s birthday goods. After the concert, I made my way to the Seviin Li

birthday installment of The Goods Friday night at Soho. Seviin was slaying (as usual) in her sexy corporate power suit ensemble and I had a great time hanging back with her, Murphy Lee, Shaki, T-Luv, Gabby, Kyjuan, Topher and the rest of the crew.

2 Chainz coming to the Lou. Since I’ve talked about the Chaifetz all day, I might as well say that LooseCannon S.L.I.M. is bringing your favorite nursery rhyme trap rap king there for a stop of his Too Good to be Tru tour next Friday (Feb. 28). August Alsina and Pusha T are on the bill as well, and you can get your tickets at ticketmaster.com.

duo DJ Reminisce and Shadzilla presented Brown Sugar: The Valentine’s Hangover Saturday night @ Lola

Rustic Goat Roosevelt used the

Radio personality Arika Parr moderated as soul singer Leela James give loyal listeners an inside look at her musical journey thanks to a special meet and greet/Q&A presented by Majic 100.3 Thursday night

Raven, LaShonda, Cora and Diana came to network and congratulate the latest honorees of St. Louis American Foundation’s 4th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Thursday night @ The Four Seasons

Murphy Lee and his main squeeze Seviin Li celebrated her b-day Friday night @ The Goods @ Soho

Melanie was granted the Valentine’s Day wish of posing for a pic with hip-hop legend Doug E. Fresh Friday night @ The St. Louis Music Festival @ The Chaifetz Arena

Birthday girl Claire Hay (center) celebrated with friends and plenty of soul thanks to singer Will Robinson’s weekly Sunday set @ Lola

Tracey and Traci came through to support Alex, one of the newest Young Leader Awardees @ The St. Louis American Foundation’s 4th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Thursday @ The Four Seasons

Allen of Ag Photography took the night off to spend time with his fiancée Lisa Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

Soul singer Joe enjoyed some time with STL R&B star Nikko Smith and his father, baseball legend Ozzie Smith during the St. Louis Music Festival Friday night at The Chaifetz Arena.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Marriage of convenience

Part 3 of ‘The Swap,’ a political memoir by Virvus

Jones

By Virvus Jones

For The St. Louis American

I walked briskly out of Room 200 headed back to the assessor’s office. The assessor’s office is on the first floor in the southwest corner of City Hall. I was feeling so self-conscious that I believed that everyone I saw in the City Hall corridors knew what Mayor Vince Schoemehl and I had talked about.

If my face looked anything like I felt, my staff must have thought I was in a trance when I got back to my office. As I entered the office, my secretary, Ruth Martin, handed me a stack of messages and Friday’s mail. I took the mail and messages and walked into my office and closed the door. I spent the next few minutes looking through the mail and messages, but my mind was still upstairs in the mayor’s office.

I decided at that point to call Congressman Bill Clay. I felt the need to tell someone about the conversation. It was Friday and Congress had adjourned for the week, so I had to call the congressman at his home in Maryland. After we exchanged pleasantries, I told him that I needed to ask his opinion about a possible career change. Busting out in a loud laugh, Clay said he hoped I was not going to tell him that I was going to run for sheriff again. He was referring to my losing 1984 campaign for St. Louis sheriff. Clay believed that my running for sheriff was a waste of time. He told me at the time that he believed I should wait to run for one of the Board of Estimate & Apportionment offices (mayor, comptroller or president of the Board of Aldermen). I argued at the time that getting elected sheriff would be a stepping stone for me. I found out later the real reason Clay was opposed to my candidacy for sheriff. He

See VIRVUS, D3

‘Butler’ author serves St. Louis well

Wil Haygood admires Central Library during his reading here

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St. Louis American

Wil Haygood, Washington Post reporter and author of “The Butler,” stood on a stage facing an audience full of anticipation. Haygood was moments away from giving the keynote address for the St. Louis Public Library’s Black History Month celebration held recently at the Central Library, 1301 Olive St. Word of his appearance had created a lot of buzz across the metro area. People had traveled from near and far (in the snow) to hear him speak. During his keynote address, overhead lighting hit his gold-plated tie clip. He

told the audience it was a gift from Eugene Allen – the humble White House butler who had faithfully served eight presidents, from Harry S. Truman to Ronald Reagan.

“If a president thought highly of you,”

Association for the Study of African American Life and History chose the

Freeman honored by American Bar

Celebrated for promoting a more diverse legal profession

Mustard Seed Theatre dramatizes women of Gee’s Bend

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

Upon entering Mustard Seed Theatre’s presentation of Elyzabeth Gregory Wilder’s “Gee’s Bend,” one expects to learn the quilting secrets of the famed women who rose from the roots of sharecroppers to become international sensations as artisans. Instead, the patchworks of the lives behind the quilts are on display.

“Gee’s Bend” doesn’t reveal real insight on how the quilting legacy came about or the emotions attached to the craft. But the play does show the parallels between the quilts and the women who created them – torn, tattered and mixmatched, yet woven together to make a resilient piece of history for generations to share. The distinctive quilting tradition in

See QUILT, D6

Movement.

“I have much less energy than I did 40, 50, or 60 years ago, but this honor has energized me,” said Freeman at the 2014 Spirit of Excellence Award ceremony. “I try to be a servant and try to make a difference. I am only 97, and I can still help and do something. I plan to do that because we need more diversity, and we can learn from

Mustard Seed Theatre’s production of “Gee’s Bend” continues through February 23 at the Fine Arts Building of Fontbonne University, 6800 Wydown Blvd.

See BUTLER, D3

Wil Haygood signs a copy of his book “The Butler” for Vernon

C. Mitchell Jr., a PhD candidate at Cornell University, after his recent reading at the Central Library in St. Louis.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

Virvus Jones

Spirit of Excellence Award recipients (left to right): Leo M. Romero, Wendy C. Shiba, I.S. Leevy Johnson, Frankie Muse Freeman, Brenda Harbin-Forte, Patricia D. Lee and Benjamin F. Wilson

FebruAry in bLAck hiStory

FREEMAN

Continued from D1

each other.” Freeman received her law degree from Howard University Law School in 1947 and began her practice in St. Louis. In 1952, Freeman was the lead attorney for the landmark case Davis et. al. v. the St. Louis Housing Authority, which successfully challenged racial segregation in public housing. She served as legal counsel to the NAACP legal team that filed suit against the St. Louis Board of Education in 1954 for racial equality. In 1964, Freeman was appointed by President Lyndon Johnson as the first women to serve on the U.S. Commission

on Civil Rights. She was subsequently reappointed by presidents Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter, and held the position until 1979. She also was instrumental in creating the Citizen’s Commission on Civil Rights. In 1999, she led a task force to oversee a landmark settlement that ended segregation in St. Louis-area public schools.

St. Louis attorney Bill Bay, a member of the ABA House of Delegates and the ABA’S Commission on Racial and Ethnic Diversity in the Profession, introduced Freeman at the award ceremony. He said Freeman truly embodies the spirit of the award.

“She has spent nearly a century promoting a more racially and ethnically diverse profession, more integrated

schools and housing, and a better and more just society,” Bay said.

“She is truly awe-inspiring,”

Jack Brady, president of The Missouri Bar, said of Freeman who has been a member of The Missouri Bar for 66 years.

“She serves as a role model for so many attorneys, reminding us that we should never stop working to make sure we leave our corner of the world better than how we found it.”

Freeman has received many awards and recognitions for her work, including honorary doctorate degrees from Hampton University, the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Washington University in St. Louis and Howard University. In 1990, she was inducted into the National Bar Association’s Hall of Fame. In 2007, she was

honored with a place on the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame at the Martin Luther King, Jr. National Historic Site in Atlanta. She also received the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People’s Spingarn Medal and the Hannah G. Solomon Founder’s Award in 2011. That same year she was named St. Louis’ Citizen of the Year. In 2003, she published her memoir, “A Song of Faith and Hope: The Life of Frankie Muse Freeman.”

For more information, including video of Freeman’s remarks at the 2014 Spirit of Excellence Awards, please visit: http://www.americanbar. org/news/abanews/aba-newsarchives/2014/02/2014_spirit_ of_excel.html.

had cut a deal with the South Side white elected officials to support a coalition ballot to protect Treasurer Larry Williams and incumbent Sheriff Gordon Sweitzer. Clay and the North Side black elected officials would support Sweitzer in exchange for the South Side white elected officials supporting Williams.

I told the congressman that I had no intention of running for sheriff again. I then told him about the meeting I had with Schoemehl – how Vince floated a scenario where Paul Berra would resign as comptroller, I would be appointed by the mayor to complete Berra’s term, and Schoemehl would appoint Berra to the assessor position.

Clay immediately expressed his support of the idea, but warned me about the trustworthiness of Schoemehl.

Clay told me of several times that he thought Schoemehl had lied to him. In 1986, according to Clay, he had a meeting with Schoemehl and Kim Tucci at the Mayfair Hotel to discuss the endorsement of Freeman Bosley Jr. Bosley was running for reelection as clerk of the Circuit Court. Bosley was elected Clerk in 1982, beating out one of Schoemehl’s closest allies, 17th Ward Committeeman Joe Roddy Sr. Bosley’s father, 3rd Ward Alderman Freeman Bosley Sr., ran against Schoemehl for mayor in 1985, which had created a tremendous amount of animosity between the Bosley and Schoemehl political organizations.

Although Clay had endorsed Roddy against Bosley in 1982 and had endorsed Schoemehl for mayor against Bosley Sr. in 1985, he was supporting Bosley for reelection. As payback to punish the Bosleys, one of Schoemehl’s campaign aides and closet friends, Louis

Hamilton, had been recruited by Tucci and Luther Boykins to run against Bosley Jr. Clay said Schoemehl got to the meeting first. Tucci’s secretary had called Clay earlier to tell him that Tucci’s plane had been delayed and he was running late. Clay said that he and Schoemehl started the discussion about Bosley without Tucci being present. Clay’s said that he and Schoemehl had agreed to support Bosley Jr. for clerk in exchange for Clay’s endorsement of a candidate of Schoemehl’s choosing to run for collector of revenue against the incumbent Ronald Leggett. According to Clay, when Tucci finally did arrive and was told of the agreement that Clay and Schoemehl had worked out, Tucci got upset. He was screaming at Schoemehl, telling him that his agreement with Clay would not stand and that he did not run things. Clay said he asked Schoemehl who was in charge, Tucci or him?

Clay also told me of a series of meetings he had been having

with state Representative Tony Ribaudo and St. Louis Recorder of Deeds Sharon Carpenter. Carpenter and Ribaudo were part of the coalition that defeated Schoemehl and his slate in 1986. It was common knowledge in the political community that the two of them were interested in running for mayor against Schoemehl in the next mayoral election.

At the meetings, Clay said he told both Ribaudo and Carpenter that he would only endorse a candidate for mayor who could support a black candidate for comptroller. Ribaudo and Carpenter had told Clay that they could not agree to support a black candidate against Berra. Ribaudo had succeeded Berra as the 24th Ward committeeman and was part of the Berra political machine.

Clay ended the phone call by telling me that he would support me for comptroller, notwithstanding a deal involving Berra. He also told me that he would predicate his endorsement of a mayoral

candidate on who could bring the most white Democratic committeemen to the table to endorse me for comptroller. Immediately after I hung up the phone, bells suddenly started to go off in my head. Schoemehl had to know about the conversations between Ribaudo, Carpenter and Clay when he met with me. I was basically being served up as the bride in a marriage of convenience. Schoemehl knew that Clay and I were friends and was thus going to use my relationship with Clay to try and heal the rift between the two of them and to also shortcircuit any deal between Clay, Ribaudo and Carpenter.

To be continued in next week’s Black History Month section.

This article is excerpted from Virvus Jones’ forthcoming memoir, “The Swap.” This version of events reflects the author’s personal memories of events in which he was a direct participant.

BUTLER

Continued from D1

theme to mark the 50th anniversary of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Haygood said he was thrilled to be in the historic Central Library. As a child of meager means growing up in Columbus, Ohio, Haygood said libraries were places of refuge where he could “escape his tough surroundings.”

“I spent a lot of time at libraries dreaming of what I might become in life,” Haygood said.

He shared with the audience the story of an encounter he had with a boy who had led him to a village elder in Somalia, an incident he said nearly broke his heart. Haygood had been staying in the village for several days while covering the civil war for The Boston Globe

“We’ve saved these,” said the village elder, referring to a pile of books.

The village elder told Haygood that whenever rebels invade a village, the first thing they do is burn the books.

“You should be mighty proud of yourselves for the stewardship of this great library,” Haygood said to his St. Louis audience. “Nothing is more sacred than keeping civilization alive.”

Haygood next told the story of how fate led him to Allen. In 2008, Haygood was assigned to cover the campaign trail of thenSen. Barack Obama for The Washington Post Haygood was convinced that within several days the nation would elect its first African-American president. Haygood pitched the idea to his editor of locating and interviewing someone who had worked at the White House before the passage of

the Civil Rights Act. Haygood’s story “A Butler Well Served by This Election” was published on November 7, 2008, three days after the president’s election. The article was reprinted in newspapers across the world and evolved into the best-selling book

“The Butler: A Witness to History.”

The book offers a more in-depth portrait of Allen’s lifelong journey, from his birth in 1919 on a Southern plantation to his years of service at the White House. Haygood’s book went on to become the inspiration for the critically and popularly acclaimed motion picture, “The Butler,” directed by Lee Daniels.

Haygood said Obama wrote a letter to Allen after reading the story. Allen, his only son, Charles, and Haygood were all invited to attend Obama’s inauguration. Allen told Haygood that this was the first time he had ever been invited to attend an inauguration.

“When I was in the White House, you couldn’t even dream that you could dream of a moment like this,” Allen told Haygood as Obama took his oath of office.

The gold-plated tie clip, which Haygood proudly wore, was a gift to Allen from President John F. Kennedy. He gave it to the butler while working on the Civil Rights Act that was passed after his untimely death. Haygood politely refused the gift at first, he said. Allen insisted, explaining how much Haygood had meant to him and his deceased wife, Helene. Haygood ended his address with great news.

“Just recently,” Haygood said with great pleasure, “the home of the butler, Eugene Allen, has been added to the historic register in Washington, D.C.”

Virvus Jones being sworn in by then Circuit Court Judge Michael Calvin for his first full term as comptroller in April 1989, with his nephew Todd Clark in the background.

bLAck hiStory month ActivitieS

Thurs., Feb. 20, 2 p.m., Harris Stowe State University History Museum visit, a bus trip to visit the Black History exhibit at the History Museum. For more information, call (314) 340-5030.

Thurs., Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., Black History Month Trivia Night, St. Louis County Library – Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/black-historycelebration.

Thurs., Feb. 20, 6:30 p.m., Westminster Christian Academy presents Night of the Arts: A Celebration of Unity: Black History Month 2014. To honor and celebrate the achievements of black Americans throughout history, Westminster will host a Black History Month event featuring Westminster music, drama, and poetry students. 800 Maryville Centre Dr., 63017. For more information, visit www.wcastl. org.

Sat., Feb. 22, 9 a.m., 5th

Annual St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Conference featuring special guests Professor Drucilla Pair, Ms. Konetta Alexander, Dr. Edwin Bailey and Ms. Linda Simms. William Clay Early Childhood development center, 10 N. Compton. For more information, call (314) 3403621.

Sat., Feb. 22, 1 p.m., St. Louis County Library Black History Celebration 2014 presents Gift of Gospel Celebration. Lewis & Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., 63136. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/ black-history-celebration.

Sat., Feb. 22, 3 p.m., Civil Rights Panel Discussion featuring Jamala Rogers,

Percy Green and Frankie Muse Freeman with Dr. Stefan Bradley as moderator, Julia Davis Branch Library, 4415 Natural Bridge. For more information, call (314) 5390343.

Sat., Feb. 22, 3 p.m., Meet and Greet author Min. John E. Forston, Afro World, 7276 Natural Bridge. For more information, call (314) 3895194.

Sat., Feb. 22, 3 p.m., Black History Month Celebration, Compton M.B. Church, 3141 LaSalle. For more information, call (314) 771-7971.

Through Feb. 23, Mustard Seed Theater presents Gee’s

Bend. The story of the Pettway women, quilters from the isolated community of Gee’s Bend Alabama. Beginning in 1939, the play follows Alice, her daughters Sadie and Nella, and Sadie’s husband, Macon, through segregation, family strife and the Civil Rights movement. 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. mustardseedtheatre.com.

Mon., Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Br. John’s African Folktales, St. Louis County Library – Samuel C. Sachs Branch, 16400 Burkhardt Place. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/ black-history-celebration.

Tues., Feb. 25, 6:30 p.m.,

Best-selling Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will sign and discuss her newest novel “Americanah” at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters on Tuesday, March 11.

Central Library hosts Created Equal Film Discussion: Freedom Riders. Dr. Stefan Bradley of St. Louis University will lead a community discussion of the documentary “Freedom Riders.” This community discussion is part of the Created Equal film series, generously supported by the National Endowment for the Humanities and the GilderLehman Institute of American History. 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit createdequal. neh.gov.

Tues., Feb. 25, 7 p.m., Black History Month Quiz Bowl, Harris-Stowe State University, Gillespie Residence Hall, 3026 Laclede.

Tuesdays in February, 6:30 p.m., Black History Month Film Series, St. Louis County Library – Mid County Branch, 7821 Maryland Ave. For more information, call (314) 9943300.

Fri., Feb. 28, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library Black History Celebration 2014 presents Set the Night to Music with Wendy Gordon & Friends. Florissant Valley Branch, 195 S. New Florissant Rd., 63031. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/ black-history-celebration.

Fri., Feb. 28, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library Black History Celebration 2014 presents Set the Night to Music with Wendy Gordon & Friends. Florissant Valley Branch, 195 S. New Florissant Rd., 63031. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/ black-history-celebration.

Through Feb. 28, Black History Month: African American Inventors, St. Louis County Library – Rock Road Branch, 10267 St. Charles Rock Rd. For more information, call (314) 994-3300.

Through Feb. 28, African Chairs Exhibit, St. Louis County Library – Rock Road Branch, 10267 St. Charles Rock Rd. For more information, call (314) 994-3300.

Through Feb. 28, Urban Landscape Art: The Birth of the Movement in the Inner Cities featuring Yemane Hughes, St. Louis Public Library – Divoll Branch, 4234 N. Grand. For more information, call (314) 5390315.

Through Feb. 28, Collaborate Black History Art Display featuring Zuka Arts Guild, St. Louis Public

Library – Cabanne Branch, 1106 N. Union. For more information, call (314) 5390315.

Through Feb. 28, Afrika Identity Lost and Found Art Exhibit featuring Kiarra Lynn Smith, St. Louis Public Library – Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid. For more information, call (314) 5390315.

Through February 28, Portfolio Gallery, in collaboration with the Edwardsville Arts Center, Edwardsville, IL presents Ebony Creations. This show will feature the work of 28 artists represented by the Portfolio Gallery and will include paintings, photos, textiles, and sculpture for sale. This exhibit will give patrons of the Arts Center an opportunity to view a collection of work from professional artists from the St. Louis area and beyond. The Edwardsville Arts Center is located at 6165 Center Grove Road, Edwardsville, IL 62025. 618-655-0337 Map directions to EAC at WWW. Portfoliogallerystl.org

Thursdays in February, AARP presents 2nd Annual Classic Black Film Festival: A Tribute to Sidney Poitier. Two different films starring film legend Sidney Poitier. Show your AARP card and attend free of charge. St. Louis Cinemas Galleria-6.

Tues., Mar. 11, 7 p.m., Bestselling Author Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie will sign and discuss her newest novel “Americanah,” St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh. For more information, visit www.slcl.org/ black-history-celebration.

QUILT

Continued from D1

Gee’s Bend, Alabama goes back to the 19th century, when the community was the site of a cotton plantation owned by a Joseph Gee. Influenced in part by patterned African textiles, female slaves pieced together strips of cloth to make bedcovers.

The lively improvisations and geometric shapes of Gee’s Bend quilts have been exhibited at the Museum of Fine Arts Houston, the Indianapolis Museum of Art, the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and St. Louis’ own Missouri History Museum, among others.

That part of the Gee’s Bend story is not the focal point for the play, nor is the fact that the quilting continues to this very day as more than 50 quilt makers currently make up the Gee’s Bend Collective.

Wilder’s story is hollow and formulaic, with Black History Month moments and civil rights landmarks included with the feel of a study guide. However, compelling performances and cast chemistry will keep viewers engaged – even if the story is not necessarily what they signed up for.

Marty Casey (matriarch

Alice Pettway), Jaqueline Thompson (Sadie Pettway) and Alicia Like (Nella Pettway) present the illusion that they’ve lived their whole lives together when they sit and share stories.

Patricia McKissack speaks

As a compliment to Mustard Seed Theatre’s production of “Gee’s Bend,” local children’s author Patricia McKissack – author of Stitchin’ and Pullin’ about the women and stories of Gee’s Bend – will lead a post-

n Compelling performances and cast chemistry will keep viewers engaged – even if the story is not necessarily what they signed up for.

show discussion at 8 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 15. “Mother and daughter, grandmother and granddaughter, aunt and niece, friend and friend. For a hundred years, generations of women from Gee’s Bend have quilted together, sharing stories, trading recipes, singing Hymns,” she writes in Stitchin’ and Pullin’

“All the while stitchin’ and pullin’ thread through cloth. Every day Baby Girl listens, watches, and waits, until she’s called to sit at the quilting frame. Piece by piece, she puzzles her quilt together –telling not just her story, but the story of her family, the story of Gees Bend, and the story of her ancestors struggle for freedom.”

Through her work on Stitchin’ and Pullin,’ and the relationships that grew from the book, McKissack is a valuable resource on the stories and personalities of the women of Gee’s Bend. Stitchin’ and Pullin’ will be available for sale during the run of “Gee’s Bend.”

Gee’s Bend continues at the Mustard Seed Theatre through Sunday, February 23 at the Fine Arts Building of Fontbonne University, 6800 Wydown Blvd. Patricia McKissack will lead a discussion on the women of Gee’s Bend on Saturday, February 15 following the 8 p.m. show. For more information, visit www. mustardseedtheatre.com.

Father of black history

Carter G. Woodson’s journey

By Valerie Jarrett White House blog

In the fall of 1870, a handful of students made their way through the northwest quadrant of the nation’s capital and through the doors of D.C.’s Preparatory High School for Colored Youth, the country’s first public high school for African-American children.

There, in the shadow of the American Civil War, a converted basementturned-classroom in the lower floor of Fifteenth Street Presbyterian Church bore the seeds of Dunbar High School, which would become one of the country’s preeminent institutions for African-American educational achievement. The students and teachers who graced its hallways would be heard through the years in the halls of Congress, in the highest ranks of the U.S. military, at the heart of our Civil Rights Movement and in the upper echelons of medical and scientific study.

One such voice was that of Carter G. Woodson, a journalist, author, historian, and co-founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH). It was through his work with the ASNLH that Woodson spearheaded the celebration of Negro History Week in America, which served as the precursor to Black History Month, which was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976.

The son of former slaves, Woodson grew up poor and unable to attend school regularly. Still, he managed to master scholastic fundamentals

on his own. After entering high school at the age of 20, he earned his degree in two years and continued on with an impressive academic career earning a bachelor’s degree from Berea College in Kentucky, a post as a school supervisor in the Philippines for nearly five years, a master’s degree in 1908 from the University of Chicago, and his Ph.D. in history from Harvard University in 1912.

After Harvard, Woodson moved to Washington, D.C. and joined the Dunbar High School staff, which at that point was called the “M Street School.” He taught there for years until joining the faculty at Howard University, where he began teaching Howard’s first ever black history courses.

Carter Woodson spent his career promoting the importance of black history as part of the American story, and in context of the birth and evolution of global civilizations. With the publication of The Journal of Negro History, the formation of the ASNLH, and the inception of Negro History Week, Woodson is often cited as the “father of black history,” and one of the earliest champions of African-American empowerment through historic learning.

Woodson taught us that “those who have no record of what their forebears have accomplished lose the inspiration which comes from the teaching of biography and history.”

It was his belief that a thorough and prideful understanding of our history as Americans and a full grasp

Carter G. Woodson was a journalist, author, historian, and co-founder of the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History who spearheaded the celebration of Negro History Week, which served as the precursor to Black History Month, which was officially recognized by President Gerald Ford in 1976.

of the contributions of black people would provide us the foundation and vision we need to confidently contribute to society, and reach our full potential.

I was struck by Carter Woodson’s story both as we observe Black History Month at the White House, and as I reflect on the tangential story of another Dunbar faithful.

My father, Dr. James E. Bowman, who would be 91 years old today, attended Dunbar and graduated at the age of 16, decades after Mr. Woodson had moved on, and amidst another era of struggle and restructuring in America. He would later become a renowned pathologist and expert in genetics and inherited disease, as well as the first African-American resident at St. Luke’s Hospital in Chicago and the first African American to receive tenure at the University of Chicago Division of Biological Sciences.

Like Mr. Woodson, and so many others over the years, my dad broke down barriers throughout his life and career, and left us a world better than the one he found.

Today, Dunbar struggles against many of the same economic, social, family and scholastic barriers to success that face so many schools in America, and which leave too many children fighting for the chance they deserve. But we can certainly learn from Carter Woodson that we need only look to our past to understand our capacity for forging our own destiny in the face of unrelenting challenges.

Carter G. Woodson is buried at Lincoln Memorial Cemetery in Suitland-Silver Hill, MD, and his D.C. home is preserved as a National Historic Site; see www.nps.gov/cawo.

Valerie Jarrett is senior advisor to the president and chair of the White House Council on Women and Girls.

Miss Robbie Montgomery

star of TV’s Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s.

March 8

2:00-4:30 p.m.

Miss Robbie Montgomery shares the key to Living A Soulful Life, her life as a restaurant owner and entrepreneur in St. Louis, owning a soul food restaurant, her time as an Ikette, and starring in the hit Reality TV Show Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s. Q&A follows with a meet-and-greet afterward. All ages | For details, call 314.206.6779 This event is part of St. Louis Public Library’s Food For Thought program. Celebrating a month of culinary delights. For more information go to slpl.org.

WORLD WIDE TECHNOLOGY, INC.

BLACK HISTORY MONTH

We honor the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and pay tribute to the accomplishments of African-American leaders past and present.

World Wide Technology, Inc. understands that a critical component of our success is our ability to leverage diversity and our core values—that is the strength of our people and why we celebrate Black History Month year round.

BLACK HISTORY

How Their Life Changed Yours

Dr. Ben Carson

UMSL hosts nursing history conference

‘Health disparities: initiatives that are bridging the gap’

American staff

John Hopkins Hospital

Born and raised in Detroit, Michigan, Ben Carson followed a path towards psychology and medicine. After attending Yale University, where he focused on psychology, he eventually went on to receive his Doctor of Medicine from the University of Michigan Medical School. Carson went on to become an accomplished neurosurgeon and academic professor at John Hopkins Hospital. By the time Carson was 33 years old he became the Director of Pediatric Neurosurgery, which is very young by medical standards and the youngest major director at John Hopkins Hospital. On a daily basis Carson would work with neurological disorders, epilepsy, brain tumors, and a whole host of dificult to treat diseases and ailments. Throughout, Carson emphasized pediatric care and championed the neurological care of children. Then in 1987, with a 70person surgical team, Carson completed the irst successful separation of conjoined twins. Connected at the back of the head, the surgery took approximately 22 hours and the twins still survive today.

How His Life Changed Yours

During his time as a surgeon, Carson saved countless lives and provided comfort to many children that needed medical care. His work in neurosurgery and the example he set pioneered the way for successful conjoined twin surgeries down the road. In 2013, he announced his retirement from medicine and has hinted at a career in politics.

The College of Nursing at the University of Missouri–St. Louis will host the seventh annual African-American Nursing History Conference 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, February 28 at the J.C. Penney Conference Center on UMSL’s north campus.

This year’s conference’s theme is “Health Disparities: Initiatives that are Bridging the Gap” and will focus on diseases such as cancer (breast, colon, prostate), HIV/AIDS, obesity, mental health, and their impact on the African-American community.

The conference also provides free health screenings.

This conference is intended for nurses and other professionals in the health care field, future nurses, and high school students, according to Vanessa Loyd, director of Professional & Continuing Studies and assistant professor with the College of Nursing at UMSL.

She said it is especially intended for those people in the community who are interested in “Initiatives that are Bridging the Gap” in addressing health care disparities, health care equity and health care promotion.

As a way to increase awareness and decrease the disparities in the community, the conference site will offer free health screenings to the community. Health screenings include weight/height/ BMI, blood pressure, HIV/ AIDS, glucose, cholesterol, prostate, mental health and

“To

address health care disparities, it takes organizational community involvement by increasing awareness and action.”

mammograms.

Mammograms are by appointment only with Mercy Breast Center Mammography

Van from 9 a.m.to 3 p.m.

Please call 314-251-5678 and mention the conference to schedule. All other screenings are provided on a walk-in basis.

“Minorities have higher incidences of chronic diseases, higher mortality and poorer health outcomes,” Loyd said.

“To address health care disparities, health care equity and health care promotion, it takes organizational community involvement by increasing awareness and action.”

She said the cancer incidence rate in African Americans is 10 percent higher than that of Caucasians. Additionally, she

said, adult African Americans and Latinos have approximately twice the risk as Caucasians of developing diabetes.

“Minorities also have higher rates of cardiovascular disease, HIV/AIDS and infant mortality,” Loyd said. Individuals interested in attending the conference must register in advance. The registration fee is $40, which includes a continental breakfast and lunch. Participants do not need to register and pay a fee to take part in the free health screenings. The fee is only for access to the conference speakers.

To register or for more information visit pcs.umsl.edu/ aanhc or call 314- 516-5655.

the Right Move!

– Vanessa Loyd, UMSL

Time to break the glass

By Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor

Academia provides such a unique opportunity to see the behind the scenes view of education. I recently returned from the Society of Teachers of Family Medicine meeting in Nashville, Tennessee and I was struck by many different factors. First, I was amazed by the lack of diversity among the attendees and presenters. Out of nearly a 1,000 people, I doubt if there were more than 25 African Americans or Hispanics. Where are the minority faculty educating the next generation of future Family Physicians?

Second, I was astonished at the data surrounding the lack of residency positions that are available to our medical student classes in the United States. Residency is the training programs offered to medical school graduates in their perspective fields. This is primarily the graduate’s “job” for the next three to nine years depending on their specialty. Many of you probably don’t ever pay much attention to the news outlets in mid-March surrounding “Match Day.”

However, Match Day is an anxiety-producing experience for the majority

of medical students. Students across the country, roughly at about the same time, learn where they will be working for the next several years. And uncertainty will be at an all-time high in 2014.

The Match process began in 1952 and in that year only 6,000 US medical seniors were applying to 10,400 available internship positions. Twenty years later the positions available had nearly doubled. By 1975, those internships had phased out and traditional, present day post-graduate year positions (PGY-1) had been established. Just as the number of jobs available to graduates had increased, so had the number of applicants. In 2013, having an all-time high of 40,335 registered applicants. However, there were only 29,171 positions available for the 34,335 active applicants out of that pool of candidates.

Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D.

cal students than we have jobs available for them! Essentially, we will have students graduating from medical school with excesses of a $150,000 of debt and no potential residency employment. Many of these “unmatched” graduates will eventually have to take research positions in labs, teach science in local schools, or take other career paths making less than what they would make as a resident physician.

So why do you care, why is this important to this particular audience, and how does this relate to health care disparities? So glad you asked.

Bottom line: we have more medi-

If you are like me, you’re wondering how could this happen in a country such as ours? How did we get here? The first issue came many years ago when the physician shortage was predicted due to the growing baby boomers. Medical schools responded and started accepting more students and even new schools sprung up across the nation. In addition, in 2013 we had a 50 percent increase (5,095) of US citizen International Medical Graduates in the pool of applicants. These students are they who for some reason may not have been accepted to allopathic (MD) or osteopathic (DO) schools in the US and opted to attend medical school elsewhere. There are also a growing number of foreign born graduates applying to the Match as well.

US medical school students have to apply to many more programs to increase the likelihood of finding a spot. Whereas in the past, students typically applied to five to seven programs, now they are applying to 10 or more programs. These interviews also add to the tsunami-sized debt already incurred.

A popular sign in many buildings is “In the event of an emergency, break the glass.” Therefore, I am declaring this residency shortfall as “time to break the glass.” Historically, whenever there is a shortage of anything: jobs, food, or money, under-represented minorities always get the short end of the stick. How will students afford these increased demands? In addition, residency directors are now placing substantial weight on test scores and not just on letters of recommendation and performance in clerkships. Per the data, minority students tend to do better clinically and their true ability may not be adequately represented by test scores alone. Consequently, these students may be disproportionately affected.

I fear the number of minorities completing residency will be less and less if solutions are not designed to address this problem. This could then result in greater disparities because minorities are more likely to work in an underserved area. Although the Affordable Care Act has a small provision to increase primary care, it is still not adequate enough to erase the position shortfalls. Hopefully, this will motivate our communities to be steadfast regarding STEM education. The pipeline to medical school has to be strengthened and students from under-represented groups will have to be well prepared to compete at a much higher level than in years past if they want a seat at the table.

In the event of an emergency, break the glass. The emergency is here.

Yours in Service,

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.co

Your Health MattersA

A bi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American February 20, 2014

Your Health Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D., Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Hollomon, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

the

By Sandra Jordan

Defibrillator ensures athlete’s heart rhythm

Of the St. Louis American

An All-Conference football player at Greenville College in Illinois got his game intercepted by a life-threatening heart condition last year. However, he is making the best of his senior year by volunteering as a running back coach for his former teammates and learning to live with a device designed to keep his heart in normal rhythm.

The defining moment occurred in June.

n “When I got there, I passed out and I had two seizures and they had to shock me to bring my heart back down.”

–

Immanuel Gamble

“Earlier that day I had done a regular off-season workout for football, nothing different from any other day,” Immanuel Gamble said. “That night, I came back to the YMCA to play basketball. We played about two hours and I just started feeling really, really tired and really light-headed.”

He decided to take a break, drink some water and get something to eat. Nevertheless, he wasn’t recovering.

“I was getting more drowsy and light-headed, so I tried to get up and collapsed down to my knees,” Gamble said.

An ambulance transported him to Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

“When I got there, I passed out and I had two seizures and they had to shock me to bring my heart back down,” he said. “What happened was, at the Y, my heart went into something called ventricular fibrillation.”

Instead of his heart pumping blood throughout the body, it was sputtering. And he was fizzling.

“My heart was just sputtering at 210 beats per minutes and it was just staying there,” he said. “Blood wasn’t flowing through my body and that’s why I collapsed.”

At the hospital, Gamble had surgery to insert a device that would kick in when his heart gives out.

“They had to implant a defibrillator in my chest,” Gambled said.

The battery-controlled device is an ICD, an Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillator, which controls the electric

St. Louis native Immanuel Gamble (far right) volunteers as a running back coach at his school, Greenville College in Greenville, Ill. after a heart condition discovered in 2013 sidelined his aspirations as a football player.

pulses in the heart to prevent sudden death in patients known to have ventricular tachycardia (fast heart rate of more than 100 beats per minute in adults) or ventricular fibrillation. V-fib is the most serious, and it occurs when the lower chambers of the heart quiver and the heart cannot pump blood to the body, causing cardiac arrest.

If Gamble’s ICD detects anomalies in his heart rhythm, it delivers an electric shock to the heart to resume its normal function.

Gamble also takes a beta-blocker medication to regulate his arrhythmia.

Genetic testing indicated a gene mutation and Gamble’s condition was deemed too severe to continue playing football. He said his doctor advised him to walk instead as his physical activity. However, he is struggling with leaving all of the adrenalin-pumping activities behind. Just as randomly as Gamble discovered he had a serious heart condition, he discovered that basketball does not serve as a sound substitute.

The hard way, Gamble learned that it’s not fun when a defibrillator has to activate, saying, “It feels like somebody is punching you super, super-hard in

the chest. It’s excruciating. I yelled and dropped to my knees but once it kicks in, I’m good.”

When the ICD jolts into action, the circumstances are recorded. Gamble said the most recent shock occurred in January and he was surprised what he learned about his heart rate during that incident during a recent visit to his doctor.

“I was playing basketball at 180, which is pretty normal and then it shot all the way up to 280, and the defibrillator kicked in like is was supposed to,” See HEART, page 4

UCLA study says marriage is good for men’s bones

Marriage is good for the health of men’s bones — but only if they marry at age 25 or older, new UCLA researcher suggests.

In a study published online in the journal Osteoporosis International, researchers found evidence that men who married when they were younger than 25 had lower bone strength than men who married for the first time at a later age.

In addition, men in stable marriages or marriage-like relationships who had never previously divorced or separated had greater bone strength than men whose previous marriages had fractured, the researchers said. And those in stable relationships also had stronger bones than men who never married.

Although for women there were no similar links between bone health and being married or in a marriage-like relationship, the study authors did find evidence that women with supportive partners had greater bone strength than those whose partners didn’t appreciate them, understand how they felt or were emotionally unsupportive in other ways.

“There is very little known about the influence of social factors — other than socioeconomic factors — on bone health,” said the study’s senior author, Dr. Carolyn Crandall, a professor of medicine in the division of general internal medicine and health services research at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.. “Good health depends not only on good health behaviors, such as maintaining a healthy diet and not smoking, but also on other social aspects of life, such as marital life stories and quality of relationships.”

Specifically, researchers said never marrying, and experiencing a divorce, widowhood, or separation are associated with poor bone health in men, whereas poor marital quality is associated with poor bone health in women.

The researchers used data from the Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) study, which recruited participants between the ages 25 and 75 in 1995–96, who were re-interviewed in 2004–05 (MIDUS II).

Specifically, the authors used hip and spine bone-density measurements obtained by standard bone-density scanners during participants’ MIDUS II visits at UCLA, Georgetown University and the University of Wisconsin–Madison and other data to examine the relationship between bone health and marriage in 294 men and 338 women from around the country. They also took into consideration other factors that influence bone health, such as medications, health behaviors and menopause.

The associations between marriage and bone health were evident in the spine but not the hip, possibly due to differences in bone composition, the researchers said.

HEART

Continued from page 3

Gamble said. “They said if it hadn’t kicked in, I probably wouldn’t have made it.”

Gamble said that was a wake-up call.

“I got into light jogging, but I am still trying to find a certain medium, because I’ve been playing football all of my life and I’ve always tried to push my body to the extreme,” Gamble said. “It’s kind of a struggle, but I’m still looking.”

Having an ICD also means Gamble has to be mindful of electronic equipment in his environment that could interfere with the device’s operation. The American Heart Association said potentially disruptive devices include those with strong magnetic fields, such home appliances and tools, cellphones and MP3 players, and certain medical and dental equipment.

Most persons with the device carry an IDC wallet ID card or medical ID jewelry in the event of an emergency.

For more information visit www.heart.org.

Follow this reporter on Twitter @YrHealthMatters.

Five heart-healthy lifestyle tips for kids

Parents are role models in heart healthy behaviors

It is never too early for you to start taking care of your heart.

Studies show children who have good heart health practices are at lower risk of developing cardiovascular diseases later in life. The first step, said Susan Haynes, M.D., assistant professor in the division of cardiology at Saint Louis University, is to discuss your family history of any heart-related diseases with your doctor before your child is born.

“Heart health needs to start early. It’s good to be proactive about knowing your family risks, making healthy choices, maintaining a good weight, lowering cholesterol and controlling blood pressure, which will keep your heart healthy,” said Haynes, a SLUCare pediatric cardiologist at SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center.

“Have a conversation about the possible risk factors with your pediatrician or even obstetrician before the child is born.” Haynes suggests five heart-healthy lifestyle practices to begin as a child or adolescent to keep your heart healthy.

Limit screen timeHaynes said kids younger than 2 should not get into the habit of watching TV or playing games on phones and children between the ages of 2 and 5 should have no more than one to two hours of screen time a day, she said. “There’s no way children can watch TV and be physically active at the same time,” Haynes reminded. Being physically active at a young age means you’re more likely to exercise when you grow older as well.

Say no to smoking - Kids look up to their parents as role models, and often emulate their behavior patterns. Studies say children of smokers are twice as likely to smoke. The American Lung Association reports almost 3,900 children under 18 try their first cigarette every day, and more than 950 of them will become new, regular daily smokers. “Not smoking that first cigarette is the best way to keep your heart healthy,” she said.

Watch what you eat - An infant’s diet can make a difference in developing hearthealthy habits. Infants should not receive more than four ounces of 100 percent juice per day with no preservatives or sugar. Similarly, when a child is ready to transition from breast milk to cow’s milk, it is important to note the percentage of fat in the milk that would be suitable for the child. That decision can be made based on the family risk factors and the child’s usual diet. Like adults, kids are generally encouraged to eat more fruits and vegetables, whole grains and fiber to maintain a healthy diet. It’s important to avoid sweetened drinks and other processed food from an early age.

Pay attention to your child’s BMI - Your child’s body mass index (BMI) – calculated from a person’s weight and height – tells you if your child is obese or overweight. “A child may look skinny to the parent, but the actual weight may or may not be in the normal range,” Haynes said. “It’s a good idea to have that number checked out.”

Check your child’s cholesterol - Recent guidelines from American Academy of Pediatrics recommends cholesterol screening for all children between ages of 9-11, and sooner if your child is obese or has a concerning family history. “If your child is obese and in that age bracket, he or she should regularly be screened for cholesterol levels,” Haynes says. “Sometimes having a specific number helps families be more aware of health problems and thus be more motivated to take action to improve habits.”

HealtH Briefs

Added sugars and syrups add to risk of dying from heart disease

According to a recent study published in JAMA: Internal Medicine, persons who ingested 17 to 21 percent of calories from added sugar had a 38 percent high risk of dying from cardiovascular disease compared to those who consumed 8 percent of their calories from added sugar. The risk was more than double for those who consumed 21 percent or more of their calories from added sugar.

Added sugars are sugars and syrups that are added to foods or beverages during manufacture or preparation.

They include sugar-sweetened beverages, grain-based desserts, fruit drinks, dairy desserts, candy, ready-to-eat cereals and yeast breads. It does not include

naturally occurring sugar, such as in fruits and fruit juices.

Added sugars have long been cited for contributing to obesity, high blood pressure and high cholesterol.

This is the first study to tie these together and show that too much added sugar could lead to heart disease and kill you, said Rachel K. Johnson, Ph.D., R.D., chair of the American Heart Association’s nutrition committee and professor of nutrition and medicine at the University of Vermont in Burlington.

According to the study, most U.S. adults consume about 22 teaspoons of added sugars a day.

The American Heart Association recommends:

• No more than 6 teaspoons or 100 calories a day of sugar for women.

• No more than 9 teaspoons or 150 calories a day for men.

“This study is another confirmatory piece in the growing body of science that supports the American Heart Association’s recommendations,” said American Heart Association President Mariell Jessup, M.D., professor of medicine at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine and medical director of Penn’s Heart and Vascular Center.

Sugar-sweetened beverages are the largest source of added sugars in the American diet. They should be limited to 36 ounces or 450 calories a week, Johnson said.

A can of regular soda packs about 35 grams of added sugars, equivalent to 8.75 teaspoons or 140 calories. Reducing or cutting out soda, fruit, sports and energy drinks as well as enhanced waters, sweetened teas and sugary coffee drinks can go a long way toward that goal, Johnson said.

The study said that federal guidelines and regulatory strategies are needed to help consumers control their sugar intake. “We should have added sugars on the Nutrition Facts label so consumers can tell how much added sugars are in the products they are buying,” Johnson said.

ADA says use fluoride toothpaste as soon as first tooth arrives

To fight cavities in children, the American Dental Association’s (ADA) Council on Scientific Affairs (CSA) is updating its guidance to caregivers that they should brush their children’s teeth with fluoride toothpaste as soon as the first tooth comes in. This new guidance expands the use of fluoride toothpaste for young children.

To help prevent children’s tooth decay, the CSA recommends that caregivers use a smear of fluoride toothpaste (or an amount about the size of a grain of rice) for children younger than 3 years old and a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste for children 3 to 6 years old.

“For half a century, the ADA has recommended that patients use fluoride toothpaste to prevent cavities, and a review of scientific research shows that this holds true for all ages,” said Edmond L. Truelove, D.D.S., chair of the Council on Scientific Affairs. “Approximately 25 percent of children have or had cavities before entering kindergarten, so it’s important to provide guidance to caregivers on the appropriate use of fluoride toothpaste to help prevent their children from developing cavities.”

Dental decay is the most common chronic childhood disease with more than 16 million children suffering from untreated tooth decay in the U.S, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control. Oral disease causes children to miss 51 million school hours and their parents to lose 25 million work hours annually. Additionally, oral disease disproportionately affects children from low-income families and these children have almost twice the number of decayed teeth that have not been treated by a dentist as compared to others in the general population.

CSA previously recommended using water to brush the teeth of children younger than 2 years old and to brush the teeth of children 2 to 6 years old with a pea-size amount of fluoride toothpaste. CSA updated the ADA’s guidance based on a review of scientific evidence

The report, “Fluoride toothpaste use for young children,” and the results of the systematic review, “Fluoride toothpaste efficacy and safety in children younger than 6 years,” are published in the February 2014 issue of The Journal of the American Dental Association.

The new guidance is intended to provide children with the full benefit of cavity protection while limiting their risk of developing fluorosis, which is a mild discoloration of teeth usually appearing as faint lines. Based on a systematic review of the evidence, CSA concluded that using just a “smear” of toothpaste for children younger than 3 years old and a pea-size amount for children 3 to 6 years helps prevent cavities and is less likely to cause fluorosis. Children should spit out toothpaste as soon as they are old enough to do so.

The ADA encourages caregivers to take their child to the dentist when the first tooth appears or no later than the child’s first birthday.

Thursdays, Feb. 20 – March 27, 1:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., Living a Healthy Life OASIS Series, NW HealthCare Community Room, 1225 Graham Rd. Florissant, Mo. 63031. This no-cost self-management course is for those with chronic conditions such as heart disease, arthritis, diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, emphysema or other conditions. Class developed by Stanford University’s Patient Education Research Center. Registration is required by calling 314747-9355.

Sat. Feb. 20, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m., “Stepping Into Good Health” Fair, North Galiliee Christian Worship Center, 9864 Jacobi Ave., St. Louis, MO 63136.

Blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar, PSA, vision and podiatry screenings; pneumonia shots; nutrition education and Alzheimer’s information. Mercy mammograms and breast screenings require advanced registration by calling 314251-6300, ext. 0 or 800-446-3742, ext. 0. For health fair information, call 314-4223320 or call 314-495-7242.

Sat. Feb. 22, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., Weekend Childbirth Class, SSM DePaul Health

Calendar

Center, 12303 DePaul Drive, Bridgeton, Mo 63044. The class assists women and their partners in preparing for the birth of their baby. This class replaces the traditional weekly series for childbirth. $85 per couple or individual registrant. To register, call 314-SSM-DOCS (7763627) or visit www.ssmhealth.com/classservicesearch/.

Sat. Feb. 22, Noon. – 9th Annual Polar Plunge benefitting Special Olympics Missouri in Creve Coeur Lake, Maryland Heights , Mo. Open to anyone age 10 and older; optional early check-in is February 21 from 5 p.m. - 9 p.m. at the St. Louis Outlet Mall near Cabela’s. Event day check-in begins at noon and the Plunge starts at 2:00 p.m. No wet suits; shoes are required. Each participant is required to raise a minimum $75 to participate. For more information, call 314-961-7755, email hicks@somo.org or online at www.somo.org/plunge.

Fri. Feb. 28, 8 a.m. – 4 p.m., 7th Annual African-American Nurses’ History Conference, “Health Disparities that are Bridging the Gap,” by the College of Nursing at University of Missouri – St. Louis, J.C. Penney

Auditorium. Health screenings available for weight/height/BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, HIV/AIDS, mental health, glucose, mammograms and prostate. Registration is $40. For more information, call 314-516-5655 or visit pcs.umsl. edu/aanhc.

Sat. Mar. 1, 10:30 a.m. – 3 p.m., Girl’s Holla Back! Orientation & Health Fair, New Northside Conference Center, 5939 Goodfellow Blvd., St. Louis, 63147. This is a kickoff to a free,16-session series of HIV/AIDS prevention workshops for African American females ages 12-17 and adult female family members. Workshops will be held 5:30-8:30 p.m. in March and April. For more information, call 314-516-8487, email girlshollaback@mimh.edu or visit www.girlshollaback.org.

Sat. Mar. 1, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m., free child ID - Missouri Child Identification and Protection Program (MOCHIP) at SSM St. Clare Health Center, Garden Level of the Conference Center, 1015 Bowles Ave., Fenton, Mo. 63026. Each participant with receive: a mini DVD containing the personal data of the child and emergency contacts, three digital photos, digital fingerprints, a dental impression on a bite wafer, providing a DNA sample and scent for canine searches, and instructions for child identification and protection. For more information, call 314-660-3026 or visit www. mochip.org.

Mon. Mar. 3, 2 p.m. – 5 p.m., For the Sake of All Community Feedback forum, Learning Lab at the Forest Park Visitor Center, 5595 Grand Drive in Forest Park, St. Louis, 62112. It is a preview of the Sake of All report on the health and well-being of African Americans in St. Louis. RSVP at http:// bit.ly/NyUpze.

Wed., Mar. 12, Food Allergies 101, Mo Baptist Medical Center, a free community panel discussion. For more information, visit aafastl.org.

Sat. March 22, 6p.m. – 10 p.m., Lupus Foundation The Purple Ball, Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel Majestic Ballroom, 800 Washington Ave. For more information, visit lfaheartland.org.

Sat. Apr. 5, 6:30 p.m. – 11 p.m., Christian Hospital Auxiliary Golden Charity Ball, Norwood Hills Country Club, One Norwood Hills Country Club Drive, St. Louis, 63121. RSVP by March 21. Cocktail reception, silent auction, dinner, live auction and dancing with the Ralph Butler Band. For more information, contact the Auxiliary office at 314-653-5634, Sheryl McClary at 314-

653-5193 or via email at SMcClary@ bjc.org.

Sat & Sun. April 5 & 6, Go! St. Louis Marathon & Family Fitness Weekend, Half marathon, marathon, marathon relay, 5K run/walk, Mature Mile, Go! St. Louis Read, Right & Run marathon and Children’s Fun Run. For more information, visit gostlouis.org.

Sat. Apr. 12, 6 p.m., 24th Annual Orchid AAFAir, by the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America, St. Louis Chapter at Four Seasons St. Louis. Cocktail reception and silent auction at 6 p.m. with dinner and live auction at 7:30 p.m. For more information, visit aafastl.org/orchid.

Sat., Apr. 26, 8 a.m., St. Louis March for Babies, Upper Muny Parking Lot in Forest Park. Registration at 8 a.m. and walk begins at 9 a.m. For more information, call 314-513-9990 or visit www.marchforbabies.org.

Sat., May 10, 4 p.m. Metro East March for Babies, GCS Ballpark in Sauget, Ill.,2301 Grizzlie Bear Blvd. Registration at 4p.m. and event begins at 5:30 p.m. For more information, call 314-513-9990 or email MO633@marchofdimes.com.

Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I-270/ Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

Mondays, 7 p.m. – “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Informational meeting, Christian Hospital, Professional Office Building 2, Suite 401. For information, call 314-839-3171.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. –STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 1807 Biddle Street. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314962-4670.

HealtHy Q & a

What is osteopenia and should I be concerned?

Osteopenia is a term to describe a decrease in normal bone density, but not severe enough to call it osteoporosis. Reduced bone density can makes the bones fragile, increasing the chance of bone fractures. Postmenopausal women and women over age 65 are at higher risk for bone density issues. Some risks, such as age, gender family history, ethnicity and previous history of bone fractures are not controllable. However, the National Institutes of Health reminds that certain risk factors can be improved or changed. These include:

• Diet - having a diet that is rich in protein, vitamins and minerals that are essential to bone health; exercising for stronger bones;

• No smoking – smokers absorb less calcium in their diets and women who smoke have lower estrogen levels;

• Certain medications – some commonly-used medicines can cause loss of bone mass, including some glucocorticoids used to control arthritis and asthma; some anti-seizure drugs and other prescribed medications

• Low body weight – women who are thin and small-boned are at greater risk for osteoporosis.

A bone density tests via a DEXA scan, identifies osteopenia or osteoporosis.

Based on test results and other risk factors, your doctor can determine whether treatment is required for the condition.

Getting enough calcium, vitamin D, along with avoiding excessive alcohol, not smoking and getting plenty of exercise can help prevent osteopenia.

For more information on bone mass, visit http://1.usa.gov/1dhCGFO

Email your health-related question to yourhealthmatters@ stlamerican.com. A health professional will provide an answer that will be printed in a future issue of Your Health Matters.

HealtHy Profile

Nursing is more than a profession for Deaconess scholar

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Nursing is in the family for Savannah Edwards, a freshman at the University of Missouri – Columbia. Seeing her older sister in action as a nurse solidified her career aspiration.

“I was only around 10-11 and visited her at work and people knew her name and was happy when they saw her and that she could help,” Edwards said.

The scholarship she received last semester from the Deaconess Foundation ensured she is well on her way to achieving her goal to be a nurse. The Deaconess Scholarship, which is a collaborative effort by Deaconess Foundation, The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis and the St. Louis American Foundation. The foundations have committed more than $100,000 annually in resources and support over a five-year-period to assist future nurses in their education and training.

She said being a Deaconess scholar is quite meaningful.

“They look to me as an advocate to

carry on their message. I can get support and promote their message; they really care about helping people,” Edwards said.

“Nursing to me is not just a profession, but it’s a way of life for me and I think that they really promote that.”

Savannah Edwards

Edwards, a graduate of Ursuline Academy in Kirkwood, Mo., is interested in children’s health and wants to work close to home.

“I just always enjoyed working with children and something I am very passionate about and when I visit hospitals it just warms my heart,” Edwards said.

“I would really like to work in St Louis

Children’s Hospital or some kind of children’s hospital so I can always be around that environment.”

In addition, she wants to continue beyond her bachelor of science in nursing to earn a master’s degree in nursing.

Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarships are awarded to 10-15 students annually (avg. award $6,000). Students must be permanent residents of the St. Louis metropolitan area and pursuing nursing (RN, BSN) at an accredited, nonprofit school. The awards are based on financial need, strength of character, and academic potential.

Applicants are required to have a valid email address when beginning the application as all correspondence will be arrive by email.

To apply, students are required to complete the two applications by April 15: the Deaconess Foundation Nursing Scholarship and The Scholarship Foundation Interest-Free Loan in Scholarship Central atwww.sfstl. org.

The AIDS Clinical Trials Site at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis was recently awarded a $4.9 million grant over the next seven years by the National Institutes of Health (NIH) to support testing of treatments for HIV, AIDS and the many complications they cause.

The grant is from the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases also supports researchers’ collaborators at Vanderbilt University.

The funding allows the Clinical Trials Site group to continue to recruit patients for testing new ways to treat AIDS and HIV through a nationwide network of research sites known as the AIDS Clinical Trials Group. Centers work cooperatively to enroll patients in trials, making it possible to conduct studies that otherwise might not recruit enough participants.

“Our site has been active in the AIDS Clinical Trials Group since 1988, and together we have led the way in optimizing treatments for AIDS,” said David Clifford, MD, the Melba and Forest Seay Professor of Clinical Neuropharmacology in Neurology. “Our work has helped change the prognosis from almost-certain death within a couple years of AIDS diagnosis to life expectancies that are now approaching normal duration.”

High blood pressure potentially more dangerous for women

Doctors may need to treat high blood pressure in women earlier and more aggressively than they do in men, according to scientists at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

In a new study, published recently in Therapeutic Advances in Cardiovascular Disease, the researchers for the first time found significant differences in the mechanisms that cause high blood pressure in women as compared to men.

“The medical community thought that high blood pressure was the same for both sexes and treatment was based on that premise,” said Carlos Ferrario, M.D., professor of surgery at Wake Forest Baptist and lead author of the study.

Ferrario said this is the first study to consider gender as an element in the selection of antihypertensive agents or base the choice of a specific drug on the various factors accounting for the elevation in blood pressure.

Although there has been a significant decline in cardiovascular disease

mortality in men during the last 20 to 30 years, the same has not held true for women, he said. In fact, heart disease has become the leading cause of death in women in the United States, accounting for approximately a third of all deaths. So why the discrepancy if men and women have been treated in the same way for the same condition?

The apparent gender-related differences in the disease and the lack of understanding of the basic biological mechanisms involved prompted the research by the Wake Forest Baptist team. In a small comparative study, 100 men and women age 53 and older with untreated high blood pressure and no other major diseases were evaluated using an array of specialized tests that indicated whether the heart or the blood vessels were primarily involved in elevating the blood pressure. The tests measured hemodynamic – the forces involved in the circulation of blood – and hormonal characteristics of the mechanisms involved in the development of high blood pressure in men and

women.

The researchers found 30 to 40 percent more vascular disease in the women compared to the men for the same level of elevated blood pressure. In addition, there were significant physiologic differences in the women’s cardiovascular system, including types and levels of hormones involved in blood pressure regulation, that contribute to the severity and frequency of heart disease.

“Our study findings suggest a need to better understand the female sex-specific underpinnings of the hypertensive processes to tailor optimal treatments for this vulnerable population,” Ferrario said. “We need to evaluate new protocols – what drugs, in what combination and in what dosage – to treat women with high blood pressure.”

Co-authors are Jewell Jessup, Ph.D., and Ronald Smith, M.D., Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.

Behavioral Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314-8393171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons affected by criminal acts. Email peggy@supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (652-3673) or visit www.supportvictims.org.

Bike helmet safety

The St. Louis County Health Department provides free bicycle helmets to St. Louis County residents between ages 1 and 17 by appointment only. Proof of residency is required. For the location nearest you, visit www. tinyurl.freebikehelmets.

HealtH ResouRces

Breast Cancer Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. to address health management issues. It’s located at Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-7763627).

Health Partnerships

The Center for Community Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial community-ac-

ademic partnerships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@wustl. edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu.

Information

Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-1-1.

Medical

Boys & Girls Clubs Dental & Vision Clinic at Herbert Hoover Club, 2901 N. Grand, St. Louis. Open year-round for members at no additional fee by appointment only. Teeth cleaning, braces, x-rays, root canals, some extractions; vision mobile unit, comprehensive exam and glasses, if required. Make an appointment by calling 314-355-8122.

Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. –2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534.

Nutrition

Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to

eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www. foodoutreach.org.

St. Louis Milk Depot - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is a breast milk depot for the Indiana Mother’s Milk Bank. Milk Depot staff will store and ship your milk to IMMB. For more information, call (314) 242-5912.

Prostate Cancer

The Cancer Center of The Empowerment Network at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. For more information, call 314-385-0998.

Prescription Cost Help

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers certain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

Wal-Mart Pharmacies – offer select prescriptions for $4 or less for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. View the complete list at www.walmart.com/ pharmacy.

ealtHy Recipe

by

Chicken Jambalaya

Serves 4

Ingredients

2 Tbsp – Olive Oil

1 ½ lbs – Chicken Breast, Skinless, Cut into bite-sized pieces

1 ¼ cups – Onions, chopped

½ cup – Pepper, Bell or Sweet, Green, Chopped

¼ cup – Celery, Chopped

1 Tbsp – Garlic, Minced

1 Tbsp – Cajun Seasoning

¼ tsp – Ground Cayenne Pepper

½ cup – Rice, Brown, Dry

3 cups – Water

1 cube – Fat-free, Low Sodium Chicken Bouillon Cube

14.5 oz – Can, No Salt-Added, Diced, Red Tomatoes

1 Tbsp – Parsley, Chopped

Preparation

• In a large, heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat, add 1 Tbsp of oil.

• Add the chicken, and brown both sides about 7 minutes, working in small batches if necessary.

• Remove the chicken once cooked, and place it on a plate.

• Add the remaining Tablespoon of oil and the onions, peppers, and celery to the same pot. Cook until the vegetables are soft; about 5 minutes.

• Add the garlic, Cajun seasoning, cayenne and stir.

• Stir in the rice.

• Add the chicken back into the pot along with the bouillon, water, and tomatoes.

• Bring to a boil, cover, and reduce the heat to a simmer.

• Cook until the liquid is absorbed and the rice is tender; about 30 minutes.

• Serve garnished with parsley.

Nutritional Information (per 1 cup serving)

Calories: 396

Total Fats: 12g

- Saturated Fat: 0.8g;

- Monounsaturated Fat: 4.7g;

- Polyunsaturated Fat: 2.3g

Cholesterol: 83mg

Carbohydrates: 35g

Sugar: 7g

Dietary Fiber: 4g

Protein: 39g

Potassium: 511mg

Sodium: 254mg

Established in 1988, Food Outreach is a volunteer-based organization in St. Louis, focused on providing nutritious meals and nutrition counseling to low-in-

come men, women, and children living with cancer or HIV/AIDS.

Established in 1988, Food Outreach continues to be the only nonprofit organization in greater St. Louis that focuses on providing critical nutritional support to low-income men, women and children battling cancer or HIV/AIDS. The on-staff Chef and Registered Dietitians are pivotal to the program. Through a combination of freshly prepared frozen meals, groceries and nutrition counseling, clients have access to critical nutrients to help them best optimize their treatments and enhance their quality of life. In 2012, Food Outreach provided more than 500,000 nutritious meals at no cost to 2,053 clients living in 174 Missouri and Illinois zip codes. For more information, call 314-652-3663 x121 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.

Photo

Wiley Price