February 22nd, 2018 Edition

Bishop Blake: We need a national call to action

COGIC partners with AFSCME to mobilize voters

By Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr.

For The St. Louis American

“The nation is sick. Trouble is in the land; confusion all around.” This may sound like a statement for our times, but it is one Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made in 1968 to a group of Memphis sanitation workers engaged in the fight of their lives. In the heart of the Jim Crow South, these African-American workers endured degrading working conditions for poverty wages, until two of their brothers were crushed to death in the compactor of their malfunctioning garbage

Costumed to sell cookies

Dylan Nolan, 5, had the support of her father, Kevin Nolan, as they sold Girl Scout cookies, while dressed as a cookie and carton of milk, at the intersection of Forest Park Parkway and Skinker Boulevard on Sunday, February 18. Dylan is a member of Girl Scout Troop #1259 and a student at Columbia Elementary School in its Gifted Program.

Free police recruitment program starts February 27

Ethical Society of Police prepares candidates for the Police Academy

By Rebecca Rivas

n “We know exactly what it takes. They have a leg up in being prepared to endure the rigors of the academy.”

– Clarence Hines, retired police sergeant

said Hawkins, a patrolwoman for District 2 in South St. Louis. “You’re outside every day. You get to interact with a million different people.” When she was applying to the St. Louis Police Academy about three years ago, a sergeant told her that she could increase her chances of being accepted by

‘It takes a village to raise a success’

2018 class of Young Leaders celebrated in typical lively fashion

Dr. Guion ‘Guy’ Bluford answers our questions

Photo by Wiley Price

See BLUFORD, A7

Photo by Wiley Price

Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr., the presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ Pre-Academy Recruitment Program participants celebrated their graduation from the St. Louis Police Academy on June 30, 2016: Det. Keaton Strong; Police Officers Amber Hawkins, Rosa Rojas, Christopher Jamison; and Sgt. Bill Clinton.

Dr. Guion “guy” Bluford

The 2018 class of Young Leaders beamed after receiving their awards during the St. Louis American Foundation’s 8th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception Thursday night at The Four Seasons.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Imprisoned former NFL star Rae Carruth wants custody of son

Rae Carruth, the former NFL star that has spent the last 18 years in prison after being convicted of the murder of his then pregnant girlfriend, told WBTV in a recorded interview that he wants custody upon his release. His son was severely impaired – and suffers from cerebral palsy – because of being in the womb at the time his mother was fatally wounded.

Carruth told WBTV:

“I feel responsible for everything that happened. And I just want [Cherrica’s mother] to know that truly I am sorry for everything.”

“I’m apologizing for the loss of her daughter. I’m apologizing for the impairment of my son.”

“If I could change anything, I’d change the whole situation. His mother would still be here and I wouldn’t be where I’m at. So that’s what I’d want to change. I want the incident to never have happened at all.”

“I let [my son] down as he came into this

world and the only way that I can make that right and the only way I can work out my relationship with my son is to be there for him.”

“I should be raising my son. His mother should be raising her son. Ms. Adams should not be doing this and I want that responsibility back. I feel like he might not ever have his mother in his life but he could still have me and I could still make a difference and I don’t think that’s anyone’s responsibility when I’m still here.”

Wendy Williams has Graves’ disease, forced to take hiatus from show

(CNN) – Talk show host Wendy Williams revealed on Wednesday that she has Graves’ disease.

The host of “The Wendy Williams Show” made the announcement during her syndicated show, saying she will take three weeks off starting on Thursday to focus on her health.

“My doctor has prescribed ... are you ready? As of today, three weeks of vacation,” she told the audience. “What? Who are you? I was [expletive.] [off].”

Graves’ disease is an autoimmune disorder that causes overstimulation of the thyroid, which can lead to puffy eyes,

anxiety, fatigue, insomnia and elevated blood pressure, according to endocrineweb.com.

Williams canceled several shows last week after announcing on social media that she was experiencing flu-like symptoms. Her health has made headlines in recent months after she fainted on-air during an October 31 episode of her show. At the time, she told viewers that she collapsed as a result of being “overheated.”

“I’ll be back in two [weeks],” Williams joked during her show on Wednesday. “I’m not an heiress. Who is going to pay my bills? Are you serious? I’m just saying, I come from working class.”

Toni Braxton engaged to Birdman

(CNN) -- In a tweeted teaser for the sixth season of her family’s WE realty series, “Braxton Family Values,” singer Toni Braxton shared some news.

“I have an announcement to make,” Braxton saids. “I’m engaged!” She then flashed a massive rock. And while

Braxton doesn’t say who her fiancé is, fans suspect it’s rapper and hip-hop mogul Birdman Braxton, 50, and the Cash Money Records co-founder (who is 49) first went public in 2016 with an appearance at the BET Awards. But the pair have tried to keep their relationship under wraps.

Her sister Tamar Braxton has been pretty chatty about her older sister and Birdman, telling talk-show host Wendy Williams in September that she believed the pair were secretly married. “I think that’s my brother-in-law, I do,” she said. “I think they eloped. ‘Cause he was there in the way like a brother-in-law.”

Did Althea go upside Benzino’s head?

According to TMZ.com, things got physical between “Love & Hip Hop Atlanta” star Benzino and his child’s mother, Althea Eaton. She reportedly hit him in the head in front of police Sunday night after an argument escalated to the point where law enforcement had to be called. The entertainment news and gossip site said Eaton was arrested and booked for misdemeanor battery. Her bail was set at $20k – and she was said to have been bonded out Monday morning.

Sources: CNN.com, TMZ.com, WBTV.com

“It

Wendy Williams

Getting juveniles out of detention

St. Louis County court aims to reduce disparities in juvenile justice

By Jessica Karins For The St. Louis American

When St. Louis County Family Court administrator Ben Burkemper took over the job in late 2015, he knew something was wrong.

“Within the first couple of months, I noticed there were about 35 kids in detention and about 34 were black,” Burkemper said. “That was shocking to me.”

That snapshot that alarmed Burkemper was not just a coincidence. In July of 2015, the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) had released a report finding a pattern of constitutional violations in the county’s juvenile justice practices.

“The Justice Department found that the family court fails to provide constitutionally required due process to children appearing for delinquency proceedings, and that the court’s administration of juvenile justice discriminates against black children,” the report said. Their findings included patterns of failure to ensure children in the court system had adequate legal representation, failure of ensure children who entered legal pleas knew what they were agreeing to, and failure to make adequate determinations of probable cause. They also found that the court’s internal structure was “rife with conflicts of interest” and that there was a pattern of disparate treatment of black children who entered the court system.

In that environment, Burkemper was looking for a way to make a change.

He found it in a program that had been on the Family Court’s radar since about 2006, but never fully implemented: the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative (JDAI). JDAI is a program of the non-profit Annie E. Casey Foundation aimed at keeping families and communities together by reducing the population in juvenile detention. The model is used in nearly 300 counties nationwide.

Burkemper said he knew he needed everyone in the Family Court staff to be on board for the changes implementing JDAI would require. He initially faced reluctance from some of the court’s staff, but everyone is now united.

“My father told me a long time ago that if you don’t have resistance, you’re not making change,” Burkemper said.

Thea Sherry, the administrative judge of the Family Court, said some in the organization have long been committed to the ideas behind JDAI. For the last few years, though, she said that commitment has become an institutional practice.

“JDAI is reaching out to the community to keep these children in their homes with their families,” Sherry said.

Alternatives to juvenile detention might include electronic monitoring, home visits from court workers, referrals to appropriate crisis services, and intensive in-home therapy.

to see the benefits.

Sherry is given recommendations from the court’s juvenile officers about what would be most appropriate for a child who comes before her court, but the ultimate decision rests with her. That decision involves weighing the mission to keep as many children as possible in the community against any possible risk that they might hurt other community members.

“You’re trying to balance the needs of the child, the needs of the family, if there is a victim you need to hear the voice of the victim as well,” Sherry said. “We’re not trying to punish these kids, we’re trying to help them.”

Sherry said these alternatives, which can involve substantial involvement in the lives of the young offender’s whole family, meet with mixed reactions from parents. However, even some of those who are initially reluctant come

“It always makes me feel terrific when I hear a mother say, ‘I can’t thank you enough,’” Sherry said.

Tymesha Buckner-Dobynes, the director of court programs in Family Court, oversees the implementation of JDAI. She said the practices of JDAI can help reduce racial disparities in the court system.

“Many of the kids of color have direct benefit if they are involved in our system,” Buckner-Dobynes said.

In 2016, the court entered into an agreement with the DOJ to address the problems identified in its report.

Requirements included, among others, more training more juvenile justice officers, standardized legal proceedings, data reporting and holding public meetings. The DOJ declined to comment on the ongoing implementation.

Rick Gaines is the head

juvenile officer for the court; he and his deputy officers work most directly with juveniles when they come into contact with the court system. They make recommendations on whether the child should be detained, a process that uses the Juvenile Detention Assessment t Tool (JDAT).

The JDAT is intended to take much of the subjectivity out of the recommendation process. It considers factors like the crime committed, the individual’s previous record and any history of not appearing in court. Those factors produce a number that tells the officers

Gaines also considers it part of his mission under JDAI’s model to talk to others, including law enforcement, about how they can get behind the mission, and why they should.

“We should be working with law enforcement, schools, on

how to work with kids way before it gets to the point where a referral has to generated for the juvenile court process,” Gaines said. “We do our best in partnership with our agencies to try and start the discussion on, you know, if you see these kids coming down the pike, how can we intervene way before it gets to that crisis mode?”

On February 8, BucknerDobynes and other representatives of the Family Court hosted the second in a series of JDAI Community Collaborative Meetings, intended to bring together stakeholders from the St. Louis County community to discuss the program’s progress and goals.

The meeting was attended by officials from the County Council and County Executive’s offices, employees of area school districts and law enforcement officers, among others. Presenters focused on strategies responding to the DOJ’s report intended to minimize racial and ethnic disparities.

“I think we all feel much more positive about where we are going,” Sherry told the audience. “Change is hard work, and I know you all know that.” There will be another Community Collaborative Meeting this May. By then, Buckner-Dobynes said, they hope to see even more participation from people in the community, including parents.

“This is a very exciting time for you,” Buckner-Dobynes said. “We’ve created that interest community-wide.” Family Court Judge Margaret Donnelly shared a statistic at the meeting that seemed to encapsulate the mission of JDAI. On Feb. 8, 2017, she said, there were 29 individuals in juvenile detention. That morning, there were nine.

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Family Court

Thea Sherry, the administrative judge of St. Louis Family Court, spoke at the court’s Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative collaborative meeting on Thursday, February 8.

As we see some youth from Majory Stoneman Douglas High School in Florida and across the nation demand change from their political leaders on a central issue in their lives that has cost them the lives of their friends, we can’t help but remember a similar uprising here in Ferguson. The youth in Ferguson rose from the streets, but many youth in the schools also rose with them. Their demand was very similar to the core demand being made by Florida students: Stop them from killing us. In Ferguson, young people demanded that lawmakers and prosecutors do something to ensure that police officers could no longer kill unarmed people – particularly, unarmed black people – without facing punishment. They wanted punishment for killer cops, yes, but above all they wanted to establish new policies, laws and legal precedents to make it less likely that cops, in the future, will kill unarmed people. The focus on unarmed black people was not intended to denigrate the value of other people’s lives, but merely to focus on the lives that are most common and repeatedly lost to police violence.

The youth in Florida – whose message, like the Ferguson protest message, is quickly spreading nationwide – want very much the same thing. They don’t want to see any more people who look like them killed for no reason and no action being taken to prevent it from happening again. Just like it took unafraid young black people who felt like they had nothing to lose by confronting the police, it took young students willing to stand up to the National Rifle Association and the politicians all over Florida and the United States who fear the NRA. If the only reason to have an assault rifle is to rapidly kill large numbers of people, and over and over again, we see civilians use assault rifles to do just that – often in recent years, at public schools – then we should stop allowing civilians to buy assault rifles.

Editorial /CommEntary

like no one has been trying to stop the madness and save their lives; in fact, on both issues, unpunished police violence and suicidal gun laws, many have tried and many have failed. But now, while grief is still fueling the adrenaline and the new change agents believe and are speaking as if they can change the world, let’s consider what they do have on their side.

They have social media, which makes it more difficult to silence them, as it made it difficult to silence voices of dissent from Ferguson. They are showing remarkable sophistication. Rather than simply focusing on the tragedy they just survived, they pivoted instantly to the underlying issues, as Ferguson activists also did. And though they went immediately to their state Capitol where they were stonewalled for their first political defeat (surely, of many), they were wise in planning to wait a month to go to Washington, D.C., where these issues should be settled for the safety and security of our entire nation and its children. Also, though these courageous youth already are being trolled ruthlessly by shaken and even terrified conservatives, they have the distinct advantage of bearing a message that cannot be segregated by race and dismissed as “black racial extremism,” or however one chooses to trivialize black lives.

n The focus on unarmed black people was not intended to denigrate the value of other people’s lives, but merely to focus on the lives that are most common and repeatedly lost to police violence.

Importantly, they understand that while Facebook and Twitter have helped swell protests across the country and Snapchat and Instagram have documented the activities around these demonstrations, these young people know they will have to become fearless, effective organizers to prevail against the inevitable backlash from the NRA and its political sycophants that has already started. We have already heard some shameless right-wing smears and innuendo directed against these young activists.

It’s a clear and simple argument, and – we believe – one that should be acted on strongly. We should stop allowing civilians to buy assault rifles, as well as enact a great many other direly needed reforms to our tragically (indeed, suicidally) permissive gun laws. We must enact stricter gun laws. These youth in Florida, like the youth of Ferguson, will have many rude awakenings and disappointments ahead of them. The deeply entrenched problems they seek to address will outlive the initial rush of grief-fueled adrenaline. Gradually, they will learn that it only seemed

While grief is still fueling their outrage and these new change agents are believing and speaking as if they can change the world, let’s listen to their powerful testimony and indulge in some hope for our collective future in these dire times. “You are directly responsible for every community that has lost people to gun violence, and you have the power to change this. If you don’t, then we will change you,” Florence Yared, a 17-year-old survivor of last week’s school shooting, said in front of the Florida Capitol.

“We are too young to vote, but soon we will be able to vote, and we will vote you out. Many students throughout the country can’t wait to go vote, can’t wait to run for office, to make a change, to make a safer world.” Bring it on. Save yourselves. Your activism can help save our democracy.

Commentary

Don’t tell me the issue is mental health. The truth is this: There would have been no tragic shooting February 14 in Parkland, Florida, if a troubled young man had not gotten his hands on a military-style assault rifle and as much ammunition as he wanted.

Many people knew that Nikolas Cruz was troubled, violent and liable to explode. Yet nothing kept him from acquiring the gun he allegedly used to kill 17 students and faculty members at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, in yet another senseless slaughter of the kind that still shocks but no longer surprises. President Trump addressed the nation, saying we must “answer hate with love” and vowing to “tackle the difficult issue of mental health.” But he made no mention of gun control – meaning he might as well have said nothing at all.

According to news reports, Cruz, 19, had been repeatedly suspended and then expelled from the high school for disciplinary problems. He had sought and received treatment at a mental health clinic, but stopped attending. He showed signs of depression. His posts on social media were so unsettling that they scared acquaintances away. His father died several years ago and his mother, with whom he was close, passed away around Thanksgiving. The leader of a white nationalist group claimed that Cruz was a member.

And he had a fetish for guns.

“I think everyone in this school had it in the back of their mind that if anyone was

supposed to do it, it was most likely going to be him,” a former classmate told the Post – “do it” meaning the kind of homicidal rampage we saw last Wednesday. A math teacher at the school told the Miami Herald that Cruz had threatened students before being expelled, and that “he wasn’t allowed on campus with a backpack on him.”

How many alienated and disturbed young men are out there, rattling around peaceful suburbs like Parkland?

Many thousands, surely. Some will get the help they need; some won’t. Most will never act on their violent urges; some will. It is impossible to imagine a mental health system with the scope, authority and resources necessary to prevent every Parkland or Newtown or Columbine. In Cruz’s case, in fact, the existing system worked: He got professional help. School administrators knew he could pose a threat. According to news reports, a tipster even tried to alert the FBI that Cruz wanted to be “a professional school shooter.”

Yet in February 2017, Cruz was able to legally purchase an AR-15-style assault rifle from a local gun shop. With no criminal record or anything else in his past that would raise

‘Black Panther’ and black history

By Mike Jones Of The St. Louis American

I want to have a conversation about Black History Month within the context of the cinematic and cultural tour de force film Black Panther

The antecedent of Black History Month was Negro History Week, launched in 1926 by the scholar and historian Carter G. Woodson. (Woodson was the second African American to earn a PhD from Harvard; W.E.B. DuBois was the first.) Woodson was a brilliant academic chronicler of the AfricanAmerican experience and, like DuBois, a political activist and intellectual of the first order.

Woodson’s motivation had as much to do with his concern for the political condition of black America at the beginning of the 20th century as it did with history. American history was being written to portray Reconstruction as a failure and to legitimize the marginalization of African Americans in post-Civil War America. For Woodson, Negro History Week was about black survival.

“If you can control a man’s thinking, you don’t have to worry about his actions,” Woodson wrote. “If you can determine what a man thinks, you do not have to worry about what he will do. If you can make a man believe that he is inferior, you don’t have to

compel him to seek an inferior status; he will do so without being told.”

There’s a canon of black intellectual thinkers and writers who have produced serious, intellectually rigorous narratives about the black experience in America, from the perspective of black people. We’ve produced serious black artists who have created an aesthetic that has influenced and largely defined American culture. This body of work is worthy of so much more than an annual review.

But that’s not the history I want to talk about. The time before written records is considered prehistory. At its foundation, prehistory exists in a space where myth and fact coexist. All people have a story about how they came into being and their place in the universe. These stories are called creation myths. Creation myths explain the beginning of the universe and, in metaphorical terms, explain who you are as a people in the context of that universe. They define the foundational values and create the cultural norms that will transfer those values

Letters to the editor

Make February worth celebrating

The effects of racism are deep. We can’t nice our way out of it, or cute our way, or be kind enough to solve racial equity problems. This work requires anger, action, and realworld solutions.

Don’t think by spending this month parading black inventors and civil rights leaders that you have made a difference in the black community. Teachers and organizations do this every year in February. Instead, examine what you have learned from those inventors and leaders.

an official red flag, he sailed through a background check.

Apologists for the National Rifle Association will cynically use this circumstance to argue against a common-sense measure that four out of five Americans support: universal background checks for gun purchases. That wouldn’t have stopped the Parkland massacre, they will claim – diverting attention from the fact that universal checks could have prevented some mass shootings in the past and would surely prevent some in the future.

At the heart of the matter, though, lies the gun.

Only the United States suffers mass shootings so regularly that they have almost become routine. Why? Because you can’t shoot up a school or a night club or a country music concert the way it was done in Parkland, Orlando and Las Vegas if you don’t have access to weapons of war that were designed for the battlefield.

The U.S. Supreme Court has made clear that the Second Amendment, while guaranteeing the right to keep and bear arms, is not absolute. The Bill of Rights was written in the era of muskets and dueling pistols. We don’t allow private citizens to own surfaceto-air missiles capable of downing an airliner, so why do we let them own assault rifles designed to kill human beings in large numbers?

This is madness. Look at those grieving parents in Parkland. Know that because of the NRA, others surely will soon join their ranks.

What have you done to make a difference? What are you willing to risk to stand up for real racial justice and equality? It might feel good to march with like-minded individuals or to argue with others on social media. But, when you are with family and that one uncle makes a racist joke, do you laugh?

When you look around your workplace and see only white faces, do you speak up and question if that is intentional? Do you pay attention to whether you have black neighbors?

We are smart, capable, hardworking, beautiful people. If you know and realize this, then help us tell others. Better yet, help us show others. If you can, hire us. Contract with us. Don’t just shop at our stores. Use us for bulk orders and long-term purchase commitments.

Vote for us. Support our campaigns. Recommend us for leadership positions. Stop talking and listen to us. Give to our organizations. Volunteer with us. Become as intentional about eradicating racism as those past racists were in employing it.

Only then will February be a month worth celebrating.

Erica Williams, Florissant

We will defeat Trump’s unwise proposal

The president’s proposal to eliminate federal funding for afterschool programs is bad for children, bad for families,

from one generation to another. Malcolm X used to say that we couldn’t be Negroes because everyone has to come from somewhere, and where is Negroland? Who were we before we came here? It’s this cosmic unknown that I believe causes many of the psychotic disorders that plague the black community.

It’s this existential dilemma that makes Black Panther – the film directed by Ryan Coogler, and written by Coogler and Joe Robert Cole – so sublimely satisfying. Black Panther is a serious work of art built on a black aesthetic that becomes your creation story as you watch it. Black Panther provides a balm in Gilead that will make you feel whole; it is inspirational and could also become transformational. It provides comprehensive, emotionally satisfying answers to those eternal existential questions: Who are we? Where did we come from? Why are we here? For the two hours of this film, we know what it feels like to be a whole human being. Mike Jones is a former senior staffer in St. Louis city and county government and current member of the Missouri State Board of Education and The St. Louis American editorial board. In 2016, he was awarded Best Serious Columnist for all of the state’s large weekly by the Missouri Press Association.

All letters are edited for length and style.

bad for our education system, bad for our workforce, bad for our economy and bad for America. Zeroing out funds for afterschool programs is short-sighted and dangerous. It ignores decades of research demonstrating the many ways afterschool programs support student success. It betrays millions of families who rely on these programs to keep their kids safe, inspire them to learn and provide parents with peace of mind during the sometimesperilous after school hours. It is, quite simply, a terrible idea. Last year, when President Trump proposed eliminating the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative –the chief federal funding stream for afterschool and summer learning programs – parents, educators, business leaders, community organizations and others responded with outrage. Congress listened, rejecting the proposal outright. Today, it seems, the administration learned nothing from that experience, renewing its attack

by proposing a cut that would take afterschool programs away from 1.7 million children in Fiscal Year 2019.

A 2017 Quinnipiac national poll found that 83 percent of voters oppose cutting funding for afterschool and summer programs, with just 14 percent supporting the administration’s position. There is good reason for the overwhelming public opposition to this proposal; it would imperil children and families across the country. Children would be denied safe places in the afternoon that their parents have come to count on. As we did last year, we will work with lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle to defeat the proposal. We will again mobilize the millions … who recognize the important work done in afterschool programs. We will defeat this unwise proposal.

Jodi Grant, executive director Afterschool Alliance www. AfterschoolforAmerica.org

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Columnist Mike Jones

Normandy students win entrepreneurship competition

Normandy High School Sophomores Nathaniel Johnson, Raheem Larry and Deimon McKinney took top honors in the Entrepreneurship Event: Innovation Plan category for their Double Backer Packer business idea at the recent 2018 DECA District 7 Competition. The trio, shown here with Normandy High Principal Pablo Flinn, will move on to the DECA State Competition in Kansas City.

Free preschool in Ferguson-Florissant

The Ferguson-Florissant School District’s Early Education begins preschool enrollment on March 5. A free quality preschool experience with degreed, certified teachers is available to district children who are 3-years-old before August 1. Registration will be held at the Early Childhood Center office, located on the McCluer High School campus, at 1896 S. New Florissant Road from 8 a.m. until 4 p.m. Three-year-olds attend class two mornings per week; 4-year-olds attend three or four half-days. A limited number of full-day openings are available. Classes are held in several different elementary schools. Families with children enrolled in preschool receive free Parents as Teachers personal visits.

The following documents are required for registration: updated occupancy permit within 30 days including the child’s and parent’s name; lease or mortgage payment bill; student’s original state-issued birth certificate; student’s social security number; up-to-date immunization record; and photo ID of parent. If living in someone else’s home the parent must provide a lease or mortgage bill of homeowner, current business mail in the name of the person registering the student, and updated occupancy permit. Enrollment forms will be available at www.fergflor.org. For more information call 314-506-9066.

SIUE Homework Hotline expands services

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Homework Hotline has expanded its services to offer faceto-face tutoring at the SIUE East St. Louis Center (ESLC). The enhanced initiative will allow SIUE student tutors to assist K-12 students in-person at the ESLC Monday through Thursday after school. SIUE student tutors are also available by phone from 6-10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday to offer help to area students in grades 5-8. Access the free service by calling 618-650-3072. The program is run through the SIUE School of Education, Health and Human Behavior (SEHHB), in partnership with the Illinois Society of Professional Engineers. It has fielded nearly 1,350 calls since 2014.

Why I fight for worker rights

By Jamala Rogers Columnist

There is a lot of hoodwinking and shell-moving tactics going on by the Trump administration as it tries to paint a rosy economic picture for the country. The president has touted low employments rates, including for African Americans. Then there’s the “biggest tax cut” ever that made big corporations richer and so benevolent that they could dole out bonuses to their grateful employees.

The problem with employment statistics for black folks is that they never truly reflect our current reality – that we have income-generating jobs not counted by the Department of Labor, that some of us have long stopped looking for jobs, that some of us have been sucked into the prison-industrial complex, that some of us have multiple undesirable, low-wage jobs, etc.

I must always keep in mind black, low-wage workers when anyone starts with alternative facts about how good things are. That’s why I actively fight for worker rights – livable wages, safe working environments, the right to unionize.

Part of that continuum for workers’ rights is the struggle that is unfolding by the janitors employed by Centaur Building Services. Theirs is a fight for higher wages, real benefits, and dignity. The mainly black work force cleans the offices of several local big corporations who use a page out of the Walmart playbook. Pay the workers low enough wages and they qualify for subsidies like food stamps, child care and housing. It’s shameful.

The workers are asking those corporations who contract with Centaur to support their demands. One of those companies is Express Scripts, a Fortune 500 company with annual revenues that exceeded $100 billion in 2016. ES is the largest pharmacy benefits management company in the whole country, so it has the economic and political clout to bring legitimate pressure to a negotiations process. But will it?

Centaur workers who do the cleanup at Express Scripts corporate headquarters in St. Louis County make as little as $8 an hour. A big bone of contention is the lack of access to affordable health care, which is so ironic. While ES racks in mega-profits, office cleaners work hard, then face stressful struggles to make basic ends meet. This lifestyle can’t help but open them up to unhealthy situations that eventually require medical care.

The Service Employees International Union Local 1 surveyed Centaur employees last November and found that 70 percent of them either had no health coverage benefits or they relied on Medicaid or Medicare programs. The Centaur health plan is totally inadequate and surely doesn’t reflect the kind of health care package enjoyed by Express Script employees.

When ES broke ground to expand its facility in North St. Louis County back in 2010, it received a sweet multi-million-dollar incentives package from the state and county. Charlie Dooley, then St. Louis County executive, bragged that the announcement was a “Christmas present” for the region, but some argued that Express Scripts was the main beneficiary of goodies.

At that time, the company extolled its commitment to the region. That commitment should look like making sure residents have jobs with livable wages and basic human rights, such as decent housing, quality education and affordable health care. If that commitment is still there, Centaur and Express Scripts should work together to ensure they are impacting the families they touch in the most positive way possible.

Seminal reports like For the Sake of All and Forward Through Ferguson have challenged the private sector to step up its responsibility in a demonstrative, pro-active way. This means being champions that support – and create, if necessary – the policies and practices that eliminate racial, social, and economic inequities that undermine the well-being of families, especially African American families, and stifle the growth of viable neighborhoods. This would truly be a gift to the region.

Jamala Rogers

POLICE

participating in the PreAcademy Recruitment Program, a free, 10-week program sponsored by the Ethical Society of Police.

She took him up on it. The program did help her prepare for the academy, Hawkins said, but it also taught her skills that she still uses every day on the job.

“I’m open to not only doing my job professionally, but also knowing that some people deserve a second chance,” said Hawkins, a Cahokia, Illinois native. “I’m not just looking to nail people to the board.”

One of the most remarkable things about the program was the wide variety of guest speakers, Hawkins said.

“They had everyone from the chief of police down to protestors and families whose loved ones were killed by

BLAKE

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 truck. In a strike that risked their jobs and their freedom, they took to the streets with signs proclaiming, “I AM A MAN” and Dr. King rallied to their side with his famous “Mountaintop” speech to urge them to soldier on.

On that fateful eve before an assassin gunned him down, Dr. King’s last public words called for “a kind of dangerous unselfishness” in which we band together in a battle against systemic racial and economic injustice.

Fifty years later, trouble is in the land still. In fact, today we have 60 percent more Americans living below the poverty line, eight-fold more prison inmates, and soaring economic inequality that is tearing apart the fabric of our nation. With roughly half of

law enforcement. It gave me an invaluable perspective and helped me understand that there is always gray areas to this job,” she said.

“I think some people would like to think that the job is black and white, and if you see someone doing a crime, there is only one way to handle the situation. Everything shouldn’t be a sentence or blemish on a person’s record.”

The next Pre-Academy Recruitment Program 10-week course begins on Tuesday, February 27, from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. and continues Tuesday and Thursday evenings through May 3. Classes will be held at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, 3701 Grandel Square. The free program is open to individuals of all races and genders, 19 and older.

Retired city sergeant Clarence Hines, the program’s coordinator, said they have had 37 participants hired on a police department since 2015.

“That has stirred my heart,” Hines said.

black workers earning less than $15 an hour, we are no closer to providing a living wage than we were in 1968.

Nearly one in every 13 black Americans can’t vote because of disenfranchisement policies dating back to Reconstruction. If ever there were a time to heed Dr. King’s call to lift each other up, it is now. That’s why the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) and the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) have launched I AM 2018, a national organizing movement to tackle racial and economic injustice and mobilize turnout for the 2018 elections and beyond.

With this movement, the influential ministry that hosted Dr. King for his “Mountaintop” speech and the union that still represents Memphis sanitation workers today will continue their unfinished work to confront prejudice and poverty and advance the freedom of all

All of the instructors in the recruitment program are all former police academy instructors, he said.

“We know exactly what it takes to have them ready from day number one,” Hines said. “They have a leg up in being prepared to endure the rigors of the academy. The ones who have gone through have done very well.”

The Ethical Society of Police, an association that advocates for racial equity in the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, started the program because they wanted to increase diversity in the department, Hines said. And the increase in minority officers shows that it has done that, he said, especially considering what happened when the program lost funding in 2017.

officers) while it was going,” Hines said, “and just in this one year with the program not being funded, the number for St. Louis police dropped to 30 percent. We believe it has tremendous value to make sure there is diversity within in the ranks.”

n “I deal with people of color who still have distrust because I wear a blue uniform to work.”

– Police Officer Amber

Hawkins

From Hawkins’ experience, having more AfricanAmerican officers in the department would be beneficial, she said. “I deal with people of color who still have distrust because I wear a blue uniform to work,” Hawkins said. “Even though they’re apprehensive, they still seem to feel less guarded around me. I’m not sure if it’s the way I speak with them, or if it’s because I’m female or AfricanAmerican.”

“The data says that they were at 34 percent (minority

working people.

It is as true now as it was 50 years ago that entrenched poverty and systemic injustice can breed crippling despair. Poor academic achievement, financial disenfranchisement, high unemployment, soaring crime levels, the desperate state of the black man and the breakdown of the family plague too many of our communities today. Faced with such challenges, it can seem hopeless to effect change, and easier simply to turn away. But as Dr. King reminded us, “either we go up together, or we go down together.” Each of us must do our part.

In “Mountaintop,” Dr. King cautioned against preaching about the promised land while neglecting God’s work at home. “It’s all right to talk about ‘streets flowing with milk and honey,’ but God has commanded us to be concerned about the slums down here, and his children who can’t eat three

difference. “People will engage more with someone who looks and talks and sympathizes the same way that they do,” Jamison said.

Jamison, who grew up in Ferguson, decided to take the recruitment courses after applying to the St. Louis County Police Department two times and not making it in.

The program helped him “in a big way” with his interviewing skills, he said.

“Interviewing for any job is kind of hard to come in blind and not know what to say or do,” Jamison said.

The interviewing preparation and the courses gave his overall score a boost, he said, and the networking opportunities were invaluable.

Chris Jamison, a graduate of the program and an officer in the 5th District, also sees the

square meals a day,” he said. “It’s all right to talk about the new Jerusalem, but one day, God’s preacher must talk about the new New York, the new Atlanta, the new Philadelphia, the new Los Angeles, the new Memphis, Tennessee.” COGIC is taking this to heart.

In St. Louis General Board

Member Bishop Lawrence M. Wooten and COGIC Urban Initiatives President Bishop Edwin Bass are helping ex-offenders with job placement, tutoring and educational counseling for young people, and providing housing assistance for the homeless.

In Los Angeles, we’re putting a group of at-risk youth on the path to success with academic support, job training and community engagement, while offering financial counseling and homeownership classes to neighborhood adults.

In Texas, we opened a

State Rep. Bruce Franks Jr., who has been a speaker for the program since the beginning, stepped in this year to secure funding for the program through the St. Louis Regional Chamber and the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. The Ethical Society

50,000 square foot warehouse to help Texas pastors provide food, water, clothing, transportation and gift cards to families struggling to recover from Hurricane Harvey.

And in Chicago, our Preservation of Life campaign is blanketing the community with support and solidarity amid an alarming number of senseless deaths, while we engage directly with gang members to tackle the root causes of gun violence and crime.

These are all part of an Urban Initiatives campaign intended to foster real and measurable change in the 12,000 American communities we serve through education, economic development, crime prevention, family life and financial literacy programs.

As the nation’s largest black Pentecostal denomination, we have the duty and the privilege to serve. But one doesn’t need to lead a church

also is partnering with the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE) to provide job support to attendees who may not qualify to become police officers. To become a police officer in Missouri, candidates must be at least 21 years old, a U.S. citizen with a high school diploma or GED and no criminal record, must graduate from an authorized police training academy, and must pass the Missouri Peace Officer License Exam. Hines stresses that participating in the program doesn’t guarantee entrance into the academy. But Hawkins said it is worth it regardless.

“For anyone who is looking to become a police officer,” she said, “there are a lot of things that happen in the class that will help you decide if this is the right career for you.”

Class size is limited. To register, call 314-478-8140 or connect via Twitter at @ STLMin_Recruits.

to do God’s work. In order to “make America what it ought to be,” as Dr. King fervently encouraged those Memphis sanitation workers years ago, we can each strive to be all that he was: activist, change seeker, community pillar, faith leader, peaceful protestor, and follower of Christ. Together, with the “dangerous unselfishness” he dreamed of 50 years ago, we can build our promised land today.

For more information about IAM 2018 go to www.iam2018. org Bishop Charles E. Blake Sr. is the presiding bishop of the Church of God in Christ. COGIC is one of the oldest and largest Pentecostal denominations in the world and the fourth largest Protestant group in the United States with churches in 87 countries worldwide and a membership of nearly 6.5 million adherents.

BLUFORD

Continued from A1

As a NASA geek, I cannot express the honor of having a captive audience with the first person of my ethnicity to do something so astounding. To this day, at the age of 75, he is still supporting, meeting with, and encouraging more people of color and women to explore space and follow their dreams.

St. Louis American: What got you interested in aerospace engineering?

Guy Bluford: I like airplanes. Remember: I grew up in the ‘40s and ‘50s. I was born during WWII. The exciting technology was jets and atomic energy. So, kids

LEADERS

Continued from A1

As per usual for the Young Leaders event, the room was on fire with positive energy ushered in by Mistress of Ceremonies Rebeccah Bennett, founder and principal for Emerging Wisdom. The audience could hardly wait to cheer on the 20 young men and women at the celebration presented by the St. Louis American Foundation and Wells Fargo Advisors. Bennett urged them not to be shy about it.

“Salute to Young Leaders is its own breed of celebration,” Bennett said. “It does not follow conventional standards. We do not ask you to hold your applause – so that people know how much we value and appreciate their talent, their expertise, their intelligence, their commitment and their genius. How do the young people say it? Let’s turn up.”

The crowd was ready for the “turn up.” It was hard to tell which guests belonged to which respective young leader, because everybody was rooting for each other in addition to the friend, family member, spouse,

everywhere made model airplanes, rockets, all that sort of stuff. And if you walked into my room as a kid, I’d have models and pictures of airplanes all over the place. I enjoyed it so much, I decided to make it a career.

The American: Are you still in touch with anyone from your astronaut class? Guy Bluford: My astronaut class met in December (2017). We got selected 40 years ago, and so we met as part of an astronaut reunion. There’s 25 of us left out of 35.

The American: Have you had a chance to meet Dr. Mae Jemison? Guy Bluford: I know Mae. I go back to the

co-worker, or church member whom they came to support.

When it was her turn to speak on behalf of sponsor organization the Regional Business Council, President and CEO Kathy Osborn asked for all the people who had been rooting all night to stand and be recognized.

“I feel very strongly that achievement is never a solitary accomplishment,” said Osborn. “Our careers and our lives depend on many people and many relationships.” Bennett echoed Osborn’s sentiments.

“It takes a village to raise a success,” Bennett said. “In this room tonight, we not only have an abundance of talent, but we have individual and collective genius. We have resourcefulness, and we have the ability to change the world. It is happening right here with the 20 people we are saluting tonight – and those of you who are supporting them. We honor and acknowledge the village that is in the room today.”

The honorees came from a host of professions and areas of service, and with each came a steady stream of turn up.

But when Tracey O. Hermanstyne, a neuroscientist for Washington University

astronaut office once a year for an astronaut physical. And they tell me I’m getting older and more decrepit all the time. And when I do that, I look up the black astronauts. Right now, we have 44 astronauts in the office. We have three (black ones): Stephanie Wilson, Victor Glover, and Jeanette Epps.

(Editor’s note: According to the Houston Chronicle, Epps was removed in midto-late January from her mission assignment in the space program, where she was set to be the first African American to serve as a resident crew member aboard the International Space Station. Little is known about the reasons behind it.)

And my curiosity is running wild as to what happened [with

School of Medicine, was recognized, Bennett and everyone else took the liberty of an additional moment to bask in celebrating her.

“I don’t want anybody in this room to say they’ve never met a neuroscientist. I don’t want anybody in this room to say they have never met a black neuroscientist – a black female neuroscientist,” Bennett said. “Take this in. All those long nights of studying. A black female neuroscientist. I might just kick off my shoes and run off this stage. Y’all know what I’m talking about, right?”

Bennett was able to contain the “shout” she felt coming as she explained that Hermanstyne studies molecular and cellular mechanisms that underlie the functioning of the brain’s clock – which controls circadian rhythms in physiology and behavior.

“Tracey will translate what that means after the event,” Bennett joked.

The evening was light and fun, but praising the work of this year’s young leaders was serious business.

“You have taken your passion and turned it into your profession, but you also have purpose – which is why you

Epps] … I have ideas, but I don’t even want to speculate. And I’m tempted to not even push it on to that. If she talks, she talks. If she doesn’t, she doesn’t. I have suspicions, but I won’t go beyond that.

The American: Do you have any involvement with the Next Frontier (a National Space Council meeting inside Kennedy’s Space Station Processing Facility, scheduled for February 21, to discuss “Moon, Mars, and Worlds Beyond: Winning the Next Frontier”).

Guy Bluford: I’m wondering what it is about, too. The space program has had its ups and downs. We had a couple of accidents, we had to refocus, we did the moon. And then we had a change in

give back, make a difference and help others,” said Michael McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis CEO, as he presented on behalf of the organization, which was also a sponsor. “We expect even bigger and better things for the future.”

As she spoke on behalf of sponsor Webster University, Nicole Roach, associate vice president of Diversity and Inclusion, charged the honorees to not let anyone or anything stand in the way of their journey.

Osborn and Bennett asked them to pave the way for someone coming behind them, but not before they stopped to enjoy being praised for what they’ve accomplished so far – and acknowledge the cheerleaders and support systems that blessed them along the way.

“I can’t emphasize how important it is for you to take in all of the love and adoration and support that you are getting,” Bennett said. “We say a lot about haters on the path. And they might in fact be there. But we want you to know that for every one of them, there are 10 of us – those who are not threatened by your brilliance and applaud your service.”

administration, and we said, “No, that’s too expensive; we can’t do that. And then we’ll take a look at asteroids.”

People are always concerned about the cost, but you need to set a long-term goal, ignore the costs, make a commitment, and go from there.

If you take a look at the

International Space Station, it’s amazing we were able to lead a consortium of countries to put the ISS up. I think that’s what we’re going to have to do to go to Mars and possibly back to the moon. My biggest concern is that we may break up that consortium at the end of the ISS.

Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception

Last week, nearly 400 attended the St. Louis American Foundation’s eighth 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. St. Louis-based Wells Fargo Advisors served as the presenting sponsor of the event. It was an evening of celebration that was energized by an appreciative audience that was inspired by the accomplishments and service of these honorees.

UMSL had a strong contingent of alumni and staff in this year’s Young Leaders Class: Lauren Collins, Channon Peoples, Antione Lawrence, Alandrea Stewart, Alona Sistrunk and Christina Dancy

World Wide Technology’s Ann Marr and Young Leader Monica Millien

Nicole McPherson gives greetings on behalf of partner sponsor Edward Jones.

Michael McMillan of partner sponsor the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Vanessa Cooksey (2014 Young Leader) of presenting sponsor Wells Fargo Advisors

Young Leader

Michael Woods and Nicole Roach of partner sponsor Webster University

The 2018 Class of Young Leaders: (front left to right) Alona Sistrunk, Jonathan Hamilton, Christina Dancy, Christopher Creath, Lauren Collins, Byron Caskey, Christopher Carroll, Antione Lawrence, Joshua McLeod, (back left to right) Monica Millien, Kendrick Jones, Shakaye Peters, Tracey Hermanstyne, Candice Nance, Lydia McGhee, Alandrea Stewart, Turan Mullins, Michelle Mitchell, Channon Peoples, Michael Woods

Ric McGough, Seanna McGough, Young Leader Shakaye Peters, Mary Peters and Burt Peters

Young Leader Christopher Creath and William Tart

Young Leader Turan Mullins (center) and guests

Maryville University’s Tom Eschen and Young Leader Turan Mullins

Doniele Troupe, Young Leader Lauren Collins and 2014 Young Leader Alexandria McCuien

Young Leader Jonathan Hamilton and Kathy Osborn of partner sponsor The Regional Business Council

Photos by Lawrence Bryant, Kenya Vaughn and Vince Lang

Angelia Bills of the Urban League and 2015 Young Leader Kim Burke

Anne Larson and Laraine Davis of presenting sponsor Wells Fargo Advisors

Kathe Lyuon and Young Leader Christina Dancy

The St. Louis American’s Ishmael Sistrunk with wife Ebony

Young Leader Antione Lawrence and Brooke Lawrence

Young Leader Michelle Mitchell and Paula Hughes

Dr. Dwaun Warmack and Young Leader Alandrea Stewart of Harris-Stowe State University

Emcee Rebeccah Bennett of Emerging Wisdom, LLC

Young Leader Christopher Carroll and Kyleen Carroll

Morgan Williams, Zemetria Sanders, Young Leader Tracey Hermanstyne, Young Leader Candice Nance, Bridget Jones and Angelia Bills

Tom Schaller, Angie Cronin, Young Leader Josh McLeod, Matt Lawrence and Scott Sabbert

2012 Young Leader Michael Whitley and Young Leader Byron Caskey

Young Leader Kendrick Jones and Kathy Osborn of partner sponsor The Regional Business Council

Young Leader Candice Nance and Harold Clark

Centene’s Adella Jones and Young Leader Lydia McGhee

2017 Young Leaders Chavelle Patterson and Phillip Sangokoya

The Art of Science and Science of Art

By Jade Powers, 20172018 Romare Bearden Museum Graduate Fellow

If It Wasn’t for the Women: Science, Shape, and Self

In celebration of the achievements of women in the arts, the Saint Louis Art Museum will present If It Wasn’t for the Women, a program dedicated to honoring women of color making significant impacts in the arts. Please join us Saturday, March 10 at 11 am for this free annual presentation in the Museum’s Farrell Auditorium. This year’s theme focuses on the role of science in the arts and humanities. Three local artists—Eugenia Alexander, Yusra Ali, and Wyndi DeSouza—will discuss how art and science work together to influence their individual works.

Saint Louis Art Museum Farrell Auditorium Saturday, March 10, 2018, 11am-12:30pm

Eugenia Alexander is a multimedia artist who looks to traditional African symbolism and textile design to inspire her artwork. Alexander creates stories told through the repetitive line patterns found in her work. Visual artist Yusra Ali focuses on ideas of identity and draws from her heritage as a Muslim American. Patterned mosaics similar to ones found in mosques often adorn Ali’s work. With an interest in visualizing

trauma, artist Wyndi DeSouza creates what she calls “abstract data” by mapping emotion, location, and relationships between people. Inspired by tree rings, DeSouza’s work maps situations everyday life. DeSouza, Alexander, and Ali will each give a short presentation about their respective works and interests in science which will be followed by a panel discussion. Not only do all three of these women create sensational works of art but they also bridge the gap between the arts and the sciences. The Saint Louis Art Museum hopes that you will join us for If It Wasn’t For the Women: Science, Shape, and Self on Saturday, March 10 at 11 am in The Farrell Auditorium. The program is free, but tickets are required. Tickets may be reserved in person at the Museum’s Information Centers or through MetroTix at metrotix.com or 314.534.1111. All tickets reserved through MetroTix incur a service charge; the service charge is waived for tickets picked up at the Museum. Same day tickets can be obtained on-site.

Wyndi DeSouza

Eugenia Alexander

Yusra Ali

Why should blacks be motivated to vote for McCaskill?

State Rep. Bruce Franks Jr. (D-St. Louis) held a town hall and voter empowerment meeting on Saturday, February 17, where residents could informally ask him questions in an open forum at Central Library in downtown St. Louis. He also asked people to pledge to register 50 individuals to vote and handed out voter registration kits.

At one point in the meeting, a woman – who appeared to be white and middle-aged –brought up the fact that U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, a Democrat, could lose her seat to a Republican challenger (likely Missouri Attorney General Josh Hawley) in the November general election.

The entire exchange was so telling of the challenges that McCaskill faces this fall that we transcribed it and lightly edited it for length.

Woman in the crowd: When you talk about voter registration and getting out the vote, how you are working in your district to further, not just your chances, but for other candidates?

Bruce Franks: Before I became state representative, we registered every young person to vote. Between December 2014 and December 2015, we registered 2,000 people between the ages of 18 and 24. But it’s not just enough to register them, you have to have events that speak to their needs and their interest levels. We would register folks to vote all year long and continue to engage them by inviting them out to neighborhood meetings and giving them things to read.

Woman: I understand engaging them, but getting them out to vote on the actual day. Franks: We say that we want folks to engage and they have to exercise their right to vote and it’s their fault if they don’t vote. But in getting out the vote, they have to have something or someone to vote for. It’s not just enough to say to go vote for somebody or a particular proposition. Why should they vote for this person? Sometimes they feel like they don’t have a choice, because neither candidate speaks to the needs of their community. Best way to get out the vote is to have someone to vote for. Those of us who are

politically engaged, we need to do better at vetting candidates and educating our community about the candidates. The next politicians aren’t going to be the ones who have been doing it for 16 years or their kids. The community organizers and teachers and the people who are in the community dealing with the real issues – those should be the next politicians.

Woman: We have a potential tragedy in Missouri. We could lose a Senate seat. Hawley could win, and McCaskill could lose. She may not be speaking to folks, but we have an opportunity to lose an important seat in the Senate. How can we get folks out to vote for that, understanding that it’s touchy?

Franks: As a black man in a poor black community, how would you express to me the need to vote for Claire McCaskill?

Woman: That’s a good question.

Franks: I understand what you’re saying. I’m going to vote for Claire. I so appreciate

this question, but we have folks who don’t come from this particular community and don’t understand the barriers and challenges. They come in and they say, “Listen, we could lose a Senate seat.” And they’re telling us that we can lose a senator that we never knew existed because this person hasn’t shown up in our community. This person hasn’t spoken to our needs. I understand that Claire votes good on some stuff and doesn’t vote good on other stuff. We can go back and forth on that all day. But when people start to bring up specifics, you try to telling that mother who lost her 14-year-old kid who doesn’t get to reap the benefits from anything that she’s voting for that you have to save this Senate seat – that you have to vote for this person. I was asked this at the Hadley Township meeting. A lady said, “Well, something’s better than nothing.” I said, “Not when you already have nothing.”

Woman: Let me push back. Look at what you are getting with [U.S. Senator Roy] Blunt [R-MO]. You’re getting a lot less with Blunt.

Sean Thomas, an intern for state Rep. Bruce Franks Jr., passed out packets of voter registration materials at Franks’ voter empowerment town hall on February 17.

are having trouble voting for Claire. So her votes on the good stuff, those are crumbs. Her rhetoric, those are crumbs. But when we have tangible things that we are seeing each and every day that are saving young people’s lives, who had no hope, who come from a disenfranchised community, we can’t consider that crumbs. I’m not lobbying here for Roy Blunt. I’m never going to vote for Roy Blunt, and I told him that to his face. But I will thank him for doing this particular piece of his job.

Woman: That’s … he’s giving you crumbs!

Franks: When I’m saving young black lives every day, we can’t consider that crumbs.

That’s a whole loaf. What happens is, now we are talking about folks who, chances are,

Franks: Can I push back right there? As a black man from a poor black community who voted for Jason Kander who would vote for Jason Kander any day over Blunt: One thing I can tell you about Roy Blunt is Roy Blunt is the chair of appropriations. He appropriates the federal funding that comes down that funds Youth Build (a program that connects low-income youth with jobs and educational opportunities). The entire Youth Build program. One place Senator Blunt has always fought for and made sure we had funding was Youth Build in St. Louis.

I’m going to vote for Claire, but Claire is going to have to bring her ass to St. Louis. Period. (Applause.) She’s going to have to show up, and it’s not just about talking. You have made some folks upset and if there is a reason why you voted this way, then you need to effectively communicate that. You have to talk to the Hispanic population in my community and explain why, because they were ready to shut it down. I understand where you’re coming from, but relaying that to folks who feel underrepresented, it’s tough. Woman: I don’t like a lot of what she’s done either. But the last thing I want is another Roy Blunt. We can’t sectionalize ourselves so much that we lose. It would be a tragedy to lose that seat. A black woman in the crowd: It would be a tragedy to let her go again just because she’s a Democrat. Because that thinking there would have put a pedophile in the Senate. She has got to earn the vote. And being

Alice Willie Lee Fitzgerald Ryan

Photo by Rebecca Rivas

Breakfast Club turns 20

Community support group celebrates living, loving, thriving beyond breast cancer

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

When you ask these ladies what The Breakfast Club means to them, the answer is unanimous: “Everything.”

“Now I tell people now that my breast cancer is a blessing,” Breakfast Club member Ella Jones said. “The reason is because, I made a covenant with God. I didn’t know what I was supposed to do … He healed me, and I have met my covenant with Him.”

“There is nothing they could ask me that I would not do,” Jan Bordeaux said. “God puts people in your path for a duration or for a lifetime. I feel they are in my life for a lifetime.”

The American met with some members of The Breakfast Club at the home of its cofounder, president, and rock, Sherrill Jackson. The group recently celebrated

n “It makes a difference when you have sisters who are going through the same journey or can give you some advice on what to do.”

– Ella Jones

its 20th anniversary with a jazz brunch at Orlando’s in Maryland Heights.

The Breakfast Club got its name from Jackson reaching out to a church member who was recently diagnosed with breast cancer by inviting her to breakfast so the two could talk and share.

“That was a four-hour breakfast,” Jackson said. “Now, what I don’t know is how

women heard we were having breakfast and joined us.”

Word got around. It grew from there.

“At a point, we had to decide whether we wanted to be small and intimate or whether there was a bigger reason,” Jackson said, “and we decided that there must be a bigger reason for us to get together.”

They went from restaurants to eventually church, and the Breakfast Club has been at Centennial Christian Church (4950 Fountain, St. Louis 63113) ever since, for regular monthly sharing meetings and other programs.

Through grants and private donations, the Breakfast Club educates and promotes breast examinations and mammogram screenings and brings in speakers to discuss various health topics. It also provides free comfort

By Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D.

Of The St. Louis American

n Per the American Journal of Medicine, among highincome nations, 91 percent of children younger than 15 who were killed by bullets lived in the United States.

Whereas, on Wednesday, February 14, 2018 another school shooting occurred in the United States of America, killing 17 innocent people at a high school in Florida; Whereas, according to state law, background checks are not required in private gun sales in the state of Florida; if a convicted felon, a mentally ill person, or an underage person privately bought a gun, the State of Florida wouldn’t know; and under Florida law, it’s illegal to create a database of gun owners; Whereas, 24 children are shot every day in the United States; Whereas, per the American Journal of Medicine, among highincome nations, 91 percent of children younger than 15 who were killed by bullets lived in the United States; Whereas, Nikolas Cruz viciously murdered 17 people in Florida, though when he was apprehended by the police, he was not shot and killed like Mike Brown in St. Louis, who did not murder anyone, nor did he die via a chokehold like Eric Garner, father of 6, who was selling loose cigarettes; Whereas, by the end of 2017, roughly 3,000 people had been shot in Chicago as compared to Japan, which sees about 10 gun deaths per year; Whereas, it is estimated that there are anywhere from 270 to 310 million guns in the U.S., enough to put one gun in the hand of every child and adult; Whereas, Canada has only about 10 million guns; Whereas, the United States and Yemen, a terrorist-harboring nation, have the highest number of firearms per 100 residents, with the U.S. being number one in this category; Whereas, the average age of the gunman in mass shootings in the U.S. is 34;

Race, insurance status linked to job loss after breast cancer

Black patients four times more likely to leave the workforce than white patients

By Neil Schoenherr Of Washington University

Job loss following early-stage breast cancer diagnosis is associated with race and insurance status, but not with any clinical or treatment-related factors, finds a new study from the Brown School at Washington University in St. Louis.

Not only were an African-American patient or an uninsured patient four times more likely to leave the workforce despite fighting a cancer with high survival rates, but they also were more likely to return in a lesser job within the first two years cancer-free. The study, “Early-Stage Breast Cancer and Employment Participation After 2 Years

As

for

n An African-American patient or an uninsured patient were four times more likely to leave the workforce despite fighting a cancer with high survival rates.

of Follow-Up: A Comparison With AgeMatched Controls,” was published February 13 in the journal Cancer “We examined post-treatment employment patterns in early-stage breast cancer patients,”

Christine Ekenga, an assistant professor at the Brown School at Washington University, is the lead author of “Early-Stage Breast Cancer and Employment Participation After 2 Years of FollowUp: A Comparison With Age-Matched Controls.”

See ANDERSON, A13

The Breakfast Club in St. Louis is celebrating 20 years of support for women who experience breast cancer. Left to right: Ella Jones, Jan Bordeaux, cofounder and President, Sherrill Jackson; Carolyn Vaughn and Diane Stevenson.

See CLUB, A13

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

Photo by Wiley Price

Dr. Lindsay Kuroki

A vaccine for cancer prevention

For The St. Louis American Parents and guardians do their best to keep children safe and happy. However, sometimes it’s hard to realize that the choices you make now for your child will affect his or her health in the future. Fortunately, a vaccine for adolescents offers a rare opportunity to help prevent certain cancers later in children’s lives.

We’re talking about cancers caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), a

Turning 109 in hospice care

Family, friends, and Hospice of Southern Illinois’ caregivers and care team celebrated East St. Louis resident and patient Parthena Mims on her 109th birthday on December 18. She passed away on January 14.

sexually transmitted infection that affects 90 percent of U.S. adults who are sexually active at some point in their lives. Most people with HPV don’t know they have the virus because there often are no symptoms. But the effects are apparent: a greater risk of cervical, vaginal and vulva cancers in women, penile cancer in men, and head and neck cancer in both men and women.

By vaccinating adolescents against HPV before they’re sexually active we can help lower their risk of HPV-related

cancers when they’re adults. There is no cure for HPV, so it’s best to vaccinate adolescents ahead of time and be safe, rather than sorry. The vaccine has been available for more than a decade and is safe and doctorrecommended. It’s also effective, preventing more than 90 percent of HPV cases. These are cases that otherwise could lead to cancer, perhaps causing infertility or even death.

The Centers for Disease

Dr. Lindsay Kuroki

Control and Prevention (CDC) suggests that girls and boys ages 11 and 12 be vaccinated with a two-shot vaccine. The second dose should be administered within one year after the first for this age group. Adolescents and young adults can be vaccinated until age 26, including after exposure to HPV. Being vaccinated after initial exposure isn’t ideal but still will help reduce the risk of future HPV infections.

Adolescents and young adults who receive the HPV vaccine at age 15 or later require a three-dose vaccination series. Both Missouri and Illinois children fall behind the national averages for HPV vaccination rates. In addition, African-American and Hispanic women have the highest rates of cervical cancer compared to all races and ethnicities. With the HPV vaccine, these rates could improve as our children’s risk of adulthood cancers declines.

You’re already vaccinating your children at wellness appointments. Ask your pediatrician to add the HPV vaccine schedule appropriate for children ages 11 and up. The HPV vaccine is an opportunity parents and guardians should not pass up.

Dr. Lindsay Kuroki is a gynecologic oncology surgeon at Siteman Cancer Center and an assistant professor of obstetrics and gynecology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

CLUB

Continued from A12

kits to women undergoing chemotherapy and radiation, breast forms and bras to women who have no insurance or who are underinsured.

“When funds run out, then we just sometimes use our own funds so that we don’t have to cut the program out, especially when we know it’s needed.” Jackson said.

The type of support Breakfast Club members provide for each other goes deeper – to the heart. It may be a listening ear, somewhere to get answers to your most intimate questions, sometimes even before you know how to ask it. It is supporting each other during the loss of loved ones. Their support for one another forms powerful

CANCER

Continued from A12

said lead author Christine Ekenga, assistant professor at the Brown School.

“During the two-year follow-up, African-American patients were four times more likely to leave the workforce than white patients, and

ANDERSON

Continued from A12

and enduring bonds between women who have faced breast cancer.

“It makes a difference when you have sisters who are going through the same journey or can give you some advice on what to do,” Jones said.

The club’s Buddy Program pairs a member with a woman newly diagnosed with cancer. Being recommended by another member to become a Buddy gave Diane Stevenson a sense of purpose that answered her prayers.

“Just knowing that you are helping these women out here, it has meant the world to me,” Stevenson said. “So, basically, the Breakfast Club is my family now and I am there to share, I am there to educate and to do whatever I can whenever it’s needed.”

“Sometimes it’s spiritual, sometimes it’s about your faith,” Jones said. “Sometimes

uninsured/publicly insured patients were 4.7 times more likely to leave the workforce than privately insured patients.”

As part of a larger cohort study of 1,096 patients with early-stage breast cancer and same-aged women without breast cancer, data from 723 working-age women 40-64 years old (347 patients and 376 controls) were analyzed to evaluate four employment

you can be in a financial situation that you don’t want to tell everyone, but your Buddy is your confidante and your Buddy can help you.”

Carolyn Vaughn came to the Breakfast Club to run its Faith on the Move program in area churches. She said it opened her eyes to how much women needed to talk and learn about breast health and breast cancer. “It was so warm and wonderful for the ladies to share,” Vaughn said. Faith on the Move is now involved with 40 churches, Jackson said, offering mammograms to women in St. Louis city and county.

Its Healthy Eating program, funded by the Missouri Foundation for Health, teaches women about breast health and making healthier food and lifestyle choices to reduce obesity and the risk for breast cancer.

trajectories: sustained unemployment, diminished employment, emerging employment and sustained employment.

The study focused on patients with early-stage breast cancer, a population that has an excellent prognosis for diseasefree survival.

Fatigued patients, AfricanAmerican patients, and publicly insured/uninsured patients

Jackson said AfricaAmerican women have always had a higher mortality rate for breast cancer, though white women got breast cancer more than black women. Now, she said, due to obesity black woman are contracting breast cancer more often – “and they are still dying from it.”

For exercise, some club members regularly participate in the Livestrong program at the YMCA for cancer survivors. Anyone who has had any cancer at any age qualifies for the Livestrong program, Jackson said.

“We don’t focus on losing weight, we focus on trying to change behaviors,” Jackson said. “But along the way, a lot of the ladies who participate are losing weight.”

The Breakfast Club’s Breast Health Outside the Box program serves beauty

with cancer were more likely to experience diminished employment after two years of follow-up.

The study collected information regarding a participant’s inability to work, but participants were not asked why they were unable to work.

A follow up study aims to address this question.

Although cancer survivors are more likely to report

Whereas, the youngest shooter in these mass attacks to date was Andrew Douglas Golden, age 11, who along with Mitchell Scott Johnson, age 13, killed students and teachers as they left Westside Middle School in Arkansas in 1998; Whereas, the National Rifle Association (NRA), founded in 1871, is one of the most powerful gun-lobbying organizations in the U.S. and has been a major player in politics for quite some time; Therefore be it resolved that we are a nation of cowards if we continue to idly sit by and watch our children and everyone else be senselessly murdered. We cannot continue to allow groups like the NRA hold us hostage to its policies, which have been contributing to much chaos in our society. We should fire every congressman who allows themselves to get bullied by the NRA. In addition, all of our citizens deserve due process when being apprehended by the police. Their fate should not be determined by the color of their skin. I am sure if Nikolas Cruz’s parents had been alive, they would have appreciated not seeing their son

shops and health fairs and reaches out to women in assisted-living facilities and at the St. Louis County Justice Center. “We are trying to expand that some so that when they are ready for release, we can help them,” Jackson said. Jackson said there are about 250 Breakfast Club members, including The Breakfast Club Brothers – men who support their women and meet separately – and Breakfast Club Kids, children of cancer survivors, who perform community service.

Jackson’s husband Ronnie was right by her side during her journey with breast cancer and the Breakfast Club. He even used to show women how to perform breast self-exams.

Ronnie passed away a few months short of seeing the organization through its 20th anniversary celebration. The ladies said his presence was

unemployment than individuals without a cancer history, working after diagnosis may represent a return to normalcy for some patients with breast cancer, Ekenga wrote in the paper.

certainly felt, and the Breakfast Club was there for Jackson in her grief. In the spring, Breakfast Club members are looking forward to being at the annual St. Louis Pow Wow of American Indians, to be held April 21 at Washington University. They are coordinating getting a mammogram van there for breast screenings. “It’s a community thing, a labor of love, not just for African-American women or minority women,” Bordeaux said. “It’s for all women to participate and learn of each other. And when we learn more, we can do better.”

For more information about The Breakfast Club, call 314-972-8883, email bci@ breakfastclub-stl.org or visit www.breakfastclub-stl.org.

“In addition to the added benefit of employer-sponsored health insurance, paid employment has the potential to mitigate the financial stresses associated with cancer,” she wrote.

“Moreover, for women with breast cancer, employment could play a significant role in post-diagnostic health. Health benefits associated with employment include an increased sense of purpose, higher self-esteem and a stronger sense of social support from others, all of which have been associated with improved quality of life.”

shot down by police. I wish countless black mothers had experienced this same courtesy. By no means does this justify any illegal behavior and, in the case of Cruz, mass murder. But as vile as his behavior, was he still deserves to participate in this democracy and not be tried and executed on the streets. Be it resolved, that we are united in our fight for true gun reform. These most recent children who lost their lives must not die in vain.

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., is assistant professor at SLUCare Family Medicine and medical accuracy editor of The St. Louis American. Email yourhealthmatters@ stlamerican.com.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Yummy Yogurt!

Nutrition Challenge:

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

Yogurt is also a great way to regulate your

While we will most likely have more weeks of cold weather, how can we stay active and fit?

Winter Activities

Conflict Resolution

Ask your parents where you can set up a workout corner in your house for exercising (jumping jacks, stretching, dancing, etc.) Here’s an idea — why not stay active while watching TV? It’s easy to do! Instead of sitting

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

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

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

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

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids Healthy Kids

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

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

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

4. Negotiate. (Discuss possible options.)

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

How to “sneak” yogurt into your diet:

> Substitute your usual sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.

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

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

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

Healthcare Careers

Chiquetta Spinks, BSN, RN

Where do you work? I am a director of nursing and nursing supervisor for Healthcare Management System.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Sumner High School. I then earned an LPN from St. Louis College of Health Careers, an ASN from Deaconess College of Nursing, a BSN from Webster University and I’m currently pursuing an MSN/PNP from Maryville University.

Pickle Roll-Ups

What does a director of nursing/nursing supervisor do? I go to the homes of children with special needs and interact with them to see how they are progressing with the skilled nursing services that are being provided in their homes. Some children require nursing to attend school. Why did you choose this career? I chose to become a nurse because I love caring for children. I enjoy helping them become and stay healthy. My oldest daughter was born very sick. I watched as the nurses in the neonatal intensive care unit nursed her back to health and I knew then, this was something I was meant to do.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? The best part of my job is seeing my healthy patients years later and they still recognize me as the nurse that helped them when they were sick. I can honestly take a trip to Wal-Mart right now and run into a kid I used to service and they will say, “Hi nurse.” I love it.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

The Saint Louis Zoo is currently accepting applications for Zoo ALIVE, our teen volunteer program. High school students 15 and older may apply. As a Zoo ALIVE volunteer, you can share your love of animals with our diverse audiences by helping at classes, camps, overnights, birthday parties, and special events. Volunteers can also participate in group conservation activities, camping trips, and more. This is a year-round program for dedicated and responsible teens.

For more information, visit stlzoo.org/education. Join Zoo ALIVE: Active Leaders in Volunteer Education!

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Teachers, if you are using the

csewell@stlamerican.com

SCIENCE CORNER

Did you know that in order for you to see it takes more than 2 million parts of your eye working together? Light enters the eye through the cornea and lens at the front of the eye and ends up at the retina at the back of the eye. The cornea is see-through and it is similar to a window. It allows light to enter the eye. The colored part of the eye is the iris, and the pupil is the hole in the middle of the iris. These two parts control how much light enters the eye. The lens bends the light so that it can create an image when it reaches the retina. The retina’s job is to turn light into signals about

How Do the Parts of the Eye Work?

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Depth perception is the ability to judge how near or far objects are. Do you think you have better depth perception focusing with one eye, or using both eyes? In this experiment, you will test your theory.

Materials Needed:

Five Pennies • Small Paper Cup

• Somewhere to Sit • A Partner (preferably a desk or table)

Procedure:

q Place the cup in front of your partner— about 2-3 feet away from him.

w Ask your partner to close one eye.

e Hold one of the pennies in the air about 18 inches above the table. Move it around slowly.

MATH CONNECTION

Did you know the sense of sight is important for mathematics? Sight allows us to notice things such as size, color, shape, distance, etc. All of these are important math concepts.

For this activity, you will use items in your classroom. Each student will use an item found in his backpack or desk. Place all items in the center of the room. First, sort all of the items by size: small, medium, and large. How many items are in each category? Next, sort the items by color. How many colors are represented? Then, sort the objects

DID YOU KNOW?

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN MEDICAL PIONEER IN THE PREVENTION OF BLINDNESS— Patricia Bath

Patricia Bath was born in Harlem, New York, in 1942. Her parents encouraged her to do well in school and taught her to love books. Bath developed a passion for science when she got her first chemistry set.

images that the brain can understand. Think about a digital camera. The retina is like the camera’s processor that interprets the images so they can appear on the camera’s screen. The optic nerve then transmits those images to the camera’s memory card for storage. We see things when our eyes send light information about objects to our brain.

For More Information: Check out this website to learn more about sight and eye health— http:// kidshealth.org/kid/htbw/eyes.html

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for background information.

Test Your Depth Perception

r Your partner will tell you when the penny is lined up with the cup and will give you the command to drop it.

t Repeat this experiment with all five pennies. Record the results. Next, try the experiment allowing your partner to keep both eyes open. Record the results.

Analyze the Results: Do you have better depth perception using one or both eyes?

Learning Standards: I can follow step-bystep instructions to complete an experiment. I can analyze the results.

by shape. How many shapes are represented? Which group had the most shapes? Finally, line the objects up to create a straight line. How far is the line? What is the total distance?

Learning Standards: I can classify and sort items by a common trait.

In high school, she became editor of the school’s science paper and won many awards. Bath was chosen to participate in a summer program offered by the National Science Foundation. While there, she developed a mathematical equation for predicting cancer cell growth. Her findings were published in a paper presented in Washington, D.C., in 1960. Bath then won a Merit Award from Mademoiselle magazine. She took only two and a half years to complete high school and she went on to Hunter College in New York to study chemistry and physics. In 1964, she earned her bachelor’s degree. Her next step was medical school at Howard University in Washington, D.C. She earned her medical degree in 1968 and returned to New York.

In New York, Bath worked as an intern at both Harlem Hospital and Columbia University. She noticed that the patient population at Harlem, which was mostly African American, had a much higher rate of blindness and visual impairments. Bath concluded this happened because those patients weren’t able to get proper eye care. She worked to find resources to provide affordable eye care to all of her patients.

Patricia Bath was a pioneer and was the first to receive many honors. She was the first African American female surgeon at the UCLA Medical Center. She was the first woman to be on the faculty of the UCLA Jules Stein Eye Institute. She was the founder and first president of the American Institute for the Prevention of Blindness. She was elected to the Hunter College Hall of Fame in 1988 and elected as Howard University Pioneer in Medicine in 1993.

Bath’s greatest accomplishment was becoming the first African-American female doctor to patent a medical invention. Her patent was for a method of using a laser to remove cataracts. This method was more accurate and less painful for the patient.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography and find the main idea and supporting details.

MAP PREP

Use your newspaper to complete the following activities.

Activity One: Find 5-10 numbers in the newspaper. Cut them out and use them to create a pattern. Trade patterns with a partner. Study the numbers and identify the pattern.

Activity Two: Syllable Sort. Create a three-columned chart labeled: one syllable, two syllable, three syllable. Try to find five words for each column.

Activity Three: Scavenger Hunt. Use the newspaper to find the following items: read a sports article and name the person involved, find an article about national news, find an article about local news, find an article about education, find an example of good news in the community, find an interesting photo and write a creative story about it.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to find information. I can create and identify patterns. I can determine the number of syllables in a word.

Selena Eastling-Chalmers’ 4th Grade Class Annette Officer Elementary

At Annette Officer Elementary in the East St. Louis School District, 4th grade teacher Selena Eastling-Chalmers shows students Korey Suttles, Turon Johnson, Chrishaun Hyde and Jayel McDaniel how to rewrite headlines using the newspaper‘s STEM page. Photo by Wiley Price

St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email:

Maintaining ‘the glory’ of Forest Park

Lawrence E. Thomas, a partner at Edward Jones and longtime Forest Park Forever board member, is the new chairman of Forest Park Forever’s Board of Directors.

Larry Thomas takes over as board chair at Forest Park Forever

Bruce Franks Jr. was named among “The Great 28” by BET Network. The designation celebrates the work and accomplishments of individuals who have acted as pillars in their community, heeded the call to social justice, and impacted society as a whole in their own way without falling victim to the system. Franks is a state representative, youth mentor, and activist.

LaVicki Hart was elected vice chair of the MathewsDickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club Board of Directors. She also serves as chair of the Board Governance Committee. She is a senior vice president at Citibank North America and previously held strategic and accounting positions with Monsanto, Philip Morris and Lockheed Martin.

Theo Jamison was honored for his career in dance by the Lulu Washington Dance Theatre. He is a master dancer, a certified Katherine Dunham Technique instructor, and former SIUE East St. Louis Center for the Performing Arts program director. He said that Dunham “taught me that dance, activism and self-development are a way of life.”

By Jessica Karins For The St.

Louis American

Forest Park Forever has a new chairman of its Board of Directors: Lawrence E. Thomas, a partner at Edward Jones, is a longtime Forest Park Forever board member. Thomas learned to love Forest Park as an undergraduate student who came to Washington University from Vicksburg, Mississippi.

“It was a long time ago when I came to St. Louis as a college student, and Forest Park was my back door and front door,” Thomas said.

Thomas spent many hours during college in the park across Skinker Boulevard, collaborating with fellow students, meeting new people, and even snow sledding down Art Hill, a sports exercise not available back in Vicksburg. He currently serves on the Board of Trustees at

n “It was a long time ago when I came to St. Louis as a college student, and Forest Park was my back door and front door.”

– Lawrence E. Thomas

Washington University and said he still considers the surrounding area his home.

Thomas said Forest Park still provides a welcoming entrance to college life for Washington University students like him.

“It benefits all that kids that come here to interview,” Thomas said. “They get to see the park, they get to what their home is going to look

like for the next four years.”

Thomas was first asked to consider joining the board of Forest Park Forever by the late Lee Liberman, a former head of Laclede Gas (now known as Spire). The non-profit, now in its 32nd year, contributes to restoration and maintenance of Forest Park’s grounds in partnership with the City of St. Louis. Thomas was elected to his first term in 2000. Since then, he said, he has learned a great deal about the operations of the park – particularly about the fact that the funding which helps it stay open does not come exclusively from the City of St. Louis. Forest Park Forever, a private nonprofit conservancy, has now taken on a collaborative role in maintaining the park, in a public-private partnership funded in large part by

See THOMAS, B6

Finding youth jobs in Ferguson

STL Youth Jobs partners with Ferguson Forward

By Ashley Winters Of St. Louis Public Radio

Through a recent partnership between STL Youth Jobs and the Ferguson Forward Initiative, young people in Ferguson and Dellwood now have the opportunity to get employment training and ultimately jobs.

Zharria Henry, a student at St. Louis Community College-Florissant Valley, found a job at the Missouri Veterans Home through the program. Henry credits STL Youth Jobs for helping her prepare for the job and then landing it. At the veterans home, she works as an administrative assistant and transports patients. She said the job helps pay for her education and allows her to help her mother out financially.

She also said the training and work have improved her patience level, which she believes she will need in the health and education fields. She is considering a career in each. Henry was between jobs before she connected with STL Youth Jobs and credits the program for getting her on track.

See JOBS, B2

Charlotte Gaddie, a graduate of STL Youth Jobs, works at SSM-St. Mary’s Hospital.

Phyllis Washington will be inducted into the Missouri Public Affairs Hall of Fame on April 13. She was principal of E.F. Swinney Applied Learning Magnet, one of the first magnet schools in the Kansas City school district’s courtordered desegregation plan, and is now superintendent of Allen Village college and career-preparatory school system.

Reynaldo Piniella will play Romeo in Shakespeare Festival St. Louis’ 2018 production of “Romeo & Juliet,” June 1-24. He is a New York-based actor with theater, film and TV credits, including The Signature Theatre and Theatre for a New Audience, the 2018 Sundance Film Festival, “Sneaky Pete,” “Flesh & Bone,” “Greenleaf,” and “The Daily Show with Jon Stewart.”

Lindsey M. Griffin graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland, San Antonio, Texas as U.S. Air Force Airman. She completed an eightweek program in military discipline and studies, physical fitness, and basic warfare principles and skills. She is the daughter of Demerrio A. Griffin of Florissant and La’Kenya T.

Theo Jamison

Lindsey M. Griffin

Reynaldo Piniella

LaVicki Hart

Phyllis Washington

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Ooh St. Lou Studios

For-profit charitable callers must follow the rules

By Colleen Tressler Of the FTC

“I’m not calling for a donation.” (But really, I am.)

Have you gotten this call?

You already may know that The Do Not Call Registry is designed to stop unwanted sales calls, but it has some exceptions. One exception allows for-profit fundraisers to call you on behalf of charities even if your telephone number is listed on the Do Not Call Registry. But when these charitable fundraisers call you, they must still follow the Telemarketing Sales Rule (TSR).

For example:

• They can’t call you before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m.

• They must promptly tell you the charity they’re calling for and tell you if the purpose of the call is to seek a donation.

• They can’t make a false or misleading statement to persuade you to donate.

• They can’t misrepresent information during the call, such as:

- The fundraiser’s connection to the charity.

- The mission or purpose of the charity.

- Whether a donation is tax deductible.

- How a donation will be used or how much of the donation actually goes to charity programs.

• They can’t use a robocall or prerecorded message to reach you unless you have

supported the charity in the past.

• They also can’t call you again if you tell them that you don’t want any more calls from that charity.

So, when the FTC learned that a fundraiser that solicits charitable contributions was violating the TSR, the agency took action. The FTC alleges that InfoCision, Inc., violated the TSR by telling people at the beginning of telephone calls that the purpose of the call was not to ask for a donation. Instead, InfoCision asked people to hand-deliver to family, friends, or neighbors materials asking them to donate to a charity. Later in many of the same calls, InfoCision asked people to make a donation anyway.

InfoCision has agreed to a proposed settlement order with the FTC that prohibits future violations of the TSR and requires the company to pay $250,000 in civil penalties.

If you hear from fundraisers who don’t follow the rules, hang up and report them to the FTC. Reports that include information about what is said during the call, and the names of the fundraiser and the charity, can help law enforcement agencies put an end to unfair and misleading practices.

Report a complaint to the FTC at https://www.ftc.gov/ complaint. Sign up for the Do Not Call registry at www. donotcall.gov.

Colleen Tressler is a consumer education specialist for the FTC.

Telemarketers can’t make a false or misleading statement to persuade you to donate.

Community College to host three career fairs

St. Louis Community College will host three free career fairs in March to connect the community with potential employers for fulland part-time positions.

The Forest Park campus will host a career fair 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. March 1 in the Student Center Cafeteria, 5600 Oakland Ave. Employers include BJC HealthCare, SSM Health, Enterprise Bank, Neighbors Credit Union, St. Louis County Government,

JOBS

continued from page B1

The program provides young people with a job coach and financial literacy and life skills training.

Executive Director Hillary Frey said it’s a way for area businesses to invest in their community.

More than 90 percent of the people who completed the program felt equipped with the necessary tools for their next job, according to the group.

Frey said STL Youth Jobs is grateful to have the opportunity to work with partners in Ferguson and other nearby communities. Protests after the 2014 shooting death of Michael Brown by a Ferguson police officer highlighted the need for jobs in those areas for teens and young adults.

“If you look at the region

Missouri Department of Health and others. Contact: Career and Employment Services, ces-fp@ stlcc.edu, 314-644-9225

The Meramec campus will host a career fair 9 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. March 8 in the Gymnasium, 11333 Big Bend Rd. Employers include UPS, Abbott EMS, Whelan Security, Gateway Region YMCA, Ballpark Village, IKEA, St. Anthony’s, State Farm and others. Contact: Career and Employment Services, ces@

n “There is a significant gap in youth employment opportunity, specifically paid employment opportunities, especially in underserved communities.”

– Hillary Frey, STL Youth Jobs

as whole there is a significant gap in youth employment opportunity, specifically paid employment opportunities, especially in underserved communities,” Frey said. Frey also said the program aims to place participants in a job that will fit their interests and where there is a high demand for future

stlcc.edu, 314-984-7611

The Florissant Valley campus will host a career fair 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. March 21 in the Student Center, 3400 Pershall Rd. Employers include United Healthcare, Missouri State Highway Patrol, Enterprise, Caleres (formerly Brown Shoe), Commerce Bank and others. Contact: Career and Employment Services, fvces@stlcc.edu, 314-5134218

opportunities. However, because Ferguson and nearby communities have such a high need for youth employment, the program, which serves about 100 young people, has a waiting list that is three times more than what they can serve.

“If you look at the disparities related to youth development and success beyond high school in our region, there are many benefits in what a job can provide to someone, especially to a young person,” Frey said. “One of the reasons why this so important is because if you look at the numbers in the region, there is a skills gap that we are facing.”

Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org. Follow Ashley on Twitter: areneewinters. For more information, visit http://stlyouthjobs.org or call 314-499-8176.

n “We will definitely not shut up and dribble.”

Sports

Racists don’t

Postseason is ahead

Prep teams move into final week of season

This is the final week of regular season basketball for the large schools in the St. Louis area. The district playoffs for Classes 4 and 5 schools will begin this weekend and will run through next week.

As we head into the postseason, here are some of storylines to watch as district play begins at the Class 4 and 5 levels.

• The Vashon Wolverines are aiming for their third consecutive Class 4 state championship. Vashon’s quest for a three-peat begins at the Class 4, District 4 tournament, which will be held at Normandy. The Wolverines are young, very athletic and have played a very challenging national schedule. They scored a big victory over Webster Groves 75-70 in a big showdown last week at Meramec C.C.

• Webster Groves will open defense of its Class 5 state championship as the top seed of the Class 5, District 6 tournament at Oakville. The Statesmen have been challenged all season by an aggressive national schedule. They are led by five-star point guard Courtney Ramey, who continues to shine after missing the first month of the season with a broken wrist.

• St. Mary’s figures to be a prime challenger for the Class 4 state championship this season with its talented and veteran crew. The Dragons are the No. 1 seed at the Class 4, District 3 tournament, which they are hosting. A big challenger in that district looming is Confluence Academy, which has emerged as a prime-time team led by dynamic guard Brandon

Alexander outboxes Ortiz

In a battle between former champions, Devon Alexander stepped into the ring Saturday night against Victor Ortiz. In just his second fight following a two-year layoff, Alexander (27-4-1) looked sharp, swift and composed across the entertaining 12-round fight. Working behind a nice job and constant two- and threepunch combinations, Alexander looked more like the Devon of old, the guy who held titles in the super lightweight and welterweight divisions, than the one that dropped three out of four fights before his two-year sabbatical. Though Ortiz (32-6-3) fought aggressively and gave a gallant effort, it was clear to nearly everyone watching that Devon was the victor. However, boxing is a lot like politics in that oftentimes those charged with making the decisions don’t care what the people think. Case-in-point, despite putting forth his best all-around performance in

years, Alexander got stuck with a miserable majority decision after two judges scored the bout even at 114-114 and the other scored it 115-113 for Ortiz.

I’m not sure how a judge found seven rounds to award to Ortiz. It’s not that Ortiz fought poorly, he simply was outperformed by Alexander. The St. Louis native routinely landed the cleaner, more impactful punches. According to CompuBox, Alexander landed 155 out of 485 punches (35 percent) while Ortiz landed 137 out of 550 punches (25 percent). Furthermore, the hard-hitting Ortiz was battered and bruised after 12-rounds while Alexander barely showed evidence that he’d been in a fight. “Devon was clearly robbed of the decision,” Kevin Cunningham, Alexander’s trainer, told BoxingScene. com. “Everybody that watched the fight had Devon winning except for the three judges.”

Many media outlets had Alexander winning big including ESPN.com (118-108) and CBS Sports (117-111). The headline over at RingTV.com aka The Bible of Boxing, read, “Devon Alexander Dominates Victor Ortiz But Held to Draw on Judges’ Scorecards.” Alexander was disappointed, but not dejected by the deci- See CLUTCH, B5

sion. “This was my first draw, and I hate it,” Alexander said after the bout. “It’s a bad feeling because I thought I won, but we’ll go back to the drawing board and get better.” Though this wasn’t officially a title eliminator, many believed that the winner of Alexander vs Ortiz would be in line for a welterweight title

— LeBron James

Earl Austin Jr.

See PREP, B5

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

Juan Yepez/Premier Boxing Champions

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Racists don’t have a ball (or puck) when black athletes challenge them

Each year, the National Hockey League is adding more players of color. Importantly, many of these players are stars or headed toward stardom.

Black and interracial NHL players used to be extremely rare. Now, there are few teams without one.

This is why the racist episode in Chicago last Saturday is so disgusting.

Washington Capitals forward Devante SmithPelly was serving a penalty for fighting during a road game against Blackhawks. Four fans began taunting him with the chant “basketball, basketball, basketball.”

The racism is obvious even though some Americans are finding ways of excusing these four cretins because they didn’t use profanity or the N-word.

Smith-Pelley says he and other players of color still must tolerate racial taunts, but this time he had enough. He tapped his stick on the glass separating him from the idiots in question and was ready to discuss the matter face-to-face.

“We’re at a time now where you can’t brush it under the rug,” he said following the game.

“You got to start calling people out and making sure people see other peoples’ true colors. A few ignorant people being idiots – that’s it.”

Smith-Pelley is one of 30 black players in the NHL. He is in his seventh season and this is his first with the Capitals. He has seven goals and nine assists – and this is not his first run-in with racist fans.

Last season, he told the Toronto Star that he was told “go back to playing basketball” during a rookie tournament in British Columbia.

with you.”

The Chicago incident was captured on camera, which is probably why it is receiving much attention.

Said Blackhawks forward Anthony Duclair, another player of color, “I’m glad that it was caught on camera and that Devo actually spoke out. It’s unacceptable to be honest

“I can’t go to anyone on my team and have them understand really how it is to be in my shoes. Just because I’m a professional hockey player: they just don’t understand. So, it’s really lonely in that sense. You don’t really have anyone,” he said.

“I mean, it’s obviously a white sport and you just want to go out there and compete and do what you love every day. There’s some ignorant people in this world, you got to deal with that.”

Some of those ignorant people work in the White House.

The Blackhawks took action. The four fans have been banned from home games.

“We have contacted the select individuals involved in the incident on Saturday to notify them that they are no longer welcome at our home games,” spokesman Adam Rogowin said.

“Racist comments and other inappropriate behavior are not tolerated by the Chicago Blackhawks.”

The folks in question will probably find ways to sneak into an occasional game at the United Center. They also could travel south down I-55 and catch a Blackhawks game in St. Louis. I wonder if the Blues fans sitting near them would call them out, or cheer them on.

Know your place, boys.

The NHL incident happened days after LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers and Kevin Durant of the Golden State Warriors were interviewed by Cari Champion on the online network Uninterrupted.

They were critical of the president and spoke candidly about race and social justice in America.

The nerve of them Negroes.

FOX News host Laura Ingraham said James and Durant “should shut up and dribble.” She also said political commentary should be left to people who did not leave

high school early. (Note to Ingraham; James did not attend college, he was drafted into the NBA directly from high school and he did not “leave early.” Durant played one season at Texas before entering the NBA draft.)

Within hours she was defending herself, saying that the comments were not racist. She invited James to be on her show.

Don’t hold your breath until that happens, Laura.

Ingraham’s comments are indeed racist because she is ignoring two of the president’s most vocal critics and champions of social justice: San Antonio Spurs coach Greg Popovich and Warriors coach Steve Kerr

Popovich was asked the importance of the NBA’s annual salute to Black History Month.

“It’s pretty obvious. Our league is made up of a lot of black guys. To honor that and understand it is pretty simplistic. How would you ignore that?” he said.

“More importantly, we live in a racist country that hasn’t figured it out yet. It’s always important to bring attention to it, even if it angers some people. The point is, you have to keep it in front of everybody’s nose and let them know it still hasn’t been taken care of and we still have a lot of work to do.”

In the wake of the 17 shooting deaths at a south Florida high school, Kerr did not mince words.

“It doesn’t seem to matter to our government that children are being shot to death, day after day in schools. It doesn’t matter that people are being

shot at a concert, at a movie theater. It’s not enough, apparently, to move our leadership, our government, the people who are running this country to actually do anything. That’s demoralizing,” he said.

“But we can do something about it. We can vote people in who actually have the courage to protect people’s lives, not just bow down to the NRA because they’ve financed their campaign for them.”

I’m still awaiting the “stick to coaching,” comment from someone, anyone at FOX. Dwyane Wade, who was recently traded back to the Miami Heat, summed up Ingraham’s comment by saying on Twitter “They use to try and hide it ... now the president has given everyone the courage to live their truths.”

Blues honored Bain

Jake Bain, the John Burroughs star quarterback who came out earlier this year, was honored by the St. Louis Blues on Feb. 6 before a game against the Minnesota Wild. In a combination of Pride Night and Hockey is for Everyone, the Blues hosted an impressive evening.

Bain is a member of the Burroughs organization, Spectrum, a club for diversity awareness. While he had told family and friends that he is gay, he wanted to do something special for National Coming Out Week. He told his story during an assembly at his school.

“My goal was never to draw attention to myself,” Bain said. “My goal has always been to show the generation of kids that come after me that it’s okay to be whoever you want to be.”

The Metropolitan Community Church of Greater St. Louis, “an inclusive, welcoming, Christ-centered congregation made up of diverse people: black, white, gay, straight, cisgender, transgender, Christian, agnostic, Jewish and more,” performed the national anthem that evening.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, is a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and can also be heard on Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box.” His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

Washington Capitals forward Devante Smith-Pelly was serving a penalty for fighting during a road game against Blackhawks. Four fans began taunting him with the chant “basketball, basketball, basketball.”

inSide SPorTS

With Earl Austin Jr.

NASCAR, college hoops and prep wresting

In the last three or four years of his life, my late father Earl Austin Jr., really started to take a liking to watching NASCAR on television.

I would call him up on a Sunday to ask what he was doing and he would be watching the Daytona 500, the Charlotte 600 or whatever race was going on that weekend.

Earl Sr. would have loved watching last weekend’s Daytona 500 to watch the historic runner-up performance by Darrell “Bubba” Wallace Jr. His second-place finish on NASCAR’s biggest stage was the best ever by an AfricanAmerican racer. The previous best finish by a black driver was the 13th place finish by the late Wendell Scott in 1966.

Before Wallace joined the NASCAR circuit, Scott was the last African-American on the circuit in 1971. He is a NASCAR Hall of Famer. Wallace was hired by NASCAR icon Richard Petty and drove the No. 43 in the race. Congratulations to Bubba Wallace on his historic finish. And to do it during Black History Month. Very cool, indeed.

Postseason College Basketball in the Lou

The St. Louis metro area will be somewhat of a college basketball mecca in the next couple of weeks with a number of postseason tournaments

coming to town.

The State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Tournament will be returning to the Scottrade Center from March 1-4. Without a dominant program such as Wichita State, that is no longer in the conference, “Arch Madness” promises to be as competitive and wideopen as ever. Loyola of Chicago is in the top spot, with schools such as Southern Illinois, Drake, Illinois State, Bradley and Missouri State in the mix.

The Great Lakes Valley Tournament will be held from March 1-4 at the Vadalabene Center on the campus of

Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville. The GLVC is one of the top NCAA Division II conferences in the country, with such programs as Bellarmine (Ky.), Southern Indiana and Drury (Mo.) along with local schools such as Maryville, Missouri-St. Louis and McKendree. The beauty of the MVC and GLVC Tournaments is that several former St. Louis area prep standouts play for these schools and this is their chance to play in front of their friends and family in a high-stakes postseason event. Those two events are just

the prelude to the Southeastern Conference Tournament, which will be making its debut in St. Louis at the Scottrade Center from March 7-11. The SEC has once again become one of the top conferences in the country, with several teams looking good to make the NCAA Tournament, including the University of Missouri, which is enjoying a renaissance under first-year coach and East St. Louis native Cuonzo Martin.

Congratulations to CBC

The CBC Cadets were the toast of the high school football season during the fall as they won the Class 6 state championship over Blue Springs. The Cadets won another state

championship last weekend as they won the Class 4 title at the Missouri State Wrestling Championships in Columbia. Senior Malik Johnson finished a stellar career by winning his fourth consecutive individual state championship. Johnson defeated Cameron Fusco of Seckman 7-5 in the state championship match to finish with a 30-0 record. Johnson is headed to the University of Missouri. Fellow senior D.J. Shannon was the individual state champion at 182 pounds, giving him three state championships in his career. He is headed to West Virginia University. Joshua Sanders was the state champion at 132 pounds and Cevion Severado won the championship at 113 pounds.

realized that the league needed to make a drastic change to the game’s format to keep people from changing the channel the following season. Therefore, the East vs West format was scrapped in favor of a schoolyard selection of players by LeBron James and Steph Curry, the two leading vote getters for the 2018 All-Star Game. In addition to allowing team captains to choose their rosters (from the pool of All-Stars), the league initiated a few other changes to help incentivize the players to compete harder. The bonus’ for the winning team was bumped up to $100,000 (from $50,000 in previous years). The league also donated $350,000 to the charity of choice for the winning team versus just $150,000 for the losing squad. Did the changes make a difference? Absolutely!

The league enjoyed its best and most-competitive All-Star game in several years when Team LeBron defeated Team Steph 148-145. I know what you’re thinking. That’s still a lot of points. However, it’s 81 less points that last year’s game. Also, if you dig deeper

into the box score, the difference is evident. In the 2017 All-Star Game, the West totaled zero blocks and the East totaled two rejections. This year, Team LeBron swatted three shots and Team Steph returned five shots back to the sender. This year, the players also racked up 24 free throw attempts versus just seven a season ago. Those numbers are a clear sign of more effort on the defensive end. Watching the game was a

great balance of what basketball between the world’s greatest players should be. There was still showmanship, such as when James bounced an alley oop pass hard off the floor to Anthony Davis and Victor Oladipo’s fast-break rock-abye reverse. But there was also defensive effort. There was no better example of the enhanced effort that the final play of the game, where Team LeBron smothered Curry and Co. as they frantically tried (and failed) to get off a shot to force overtime.

Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal showed that he belonged in the AllStar Game after putting up 14 points and helping Team LeBron pull out a 148145 victory over Team Steph.

• Fergie got giggles and side-eyes for her attempt at a jazzy Star-Spangled Banner. It wasn’t as bad as I expected considering I saw the social media shade before I actually saw the performance.

• The Migos performance dry performance fell flat but the halftime show was saved by Pharrell and N.E.R.D. whose energy was off the charts.

Continued from B3 in an 86-75 victory over Mineral Area College and 15 points in a 77-69 win over West Kentucky Community College. For the season, Loyd is averaging a team-high 11 points a game while shooting 80 percent from the free throw line for the 16-10 Archers.

PREP

Continued from B3 “L’il Buckets” Frederick. This potential championship game could be a lot of fun.

• Chaminade is seeking a fourth consecutive trip to the Final Four of the Class 5 state tournament. The Red Devils are the No. 1 seed at the Class 5, District 3 tournament at Ritenour. Chaminade is a high-scoring outfit, led by North Carolina State recruit Jericole Hellems. In the past three years, the Red Devils have finished third, first and fourth in the state tournament.

• Parkway Central head coach Rick Kirkby is stepping down after a stellar career on the sidelines with the Colts. Kirby’s team would love to send him out with another trip to the Final Four of the Class 4 state tournament. The Colts are the No. 1 seed in the District 5 tournament at MICDS. All of the key components from last year’s fourth-place team in the state tournament are back as seniors for another run.

• Francis Howell has enjoyed an excellent season with 22 victories heading into the postseason. The Vikings are the top seed and host school of the Class 5, District 4 tournament. The Vikings have some solid challengers in the field in Marquette, Eureka and Lafayette.

• Pacific has fielded some strong teams in Class 4 in recent years, but the Indians have been denied the big prize at districts by St. Francis Borgia. Is this the year that Pacific finally solves the Borgia riddle. The Indians are

the No. 1 seed at the District 6 tournament at Union, plus they have a regular-season victory over the Knights as well.

• One of the more wide open districts is the Class 5, District 4 tournament at Kirkwood. Parkway South is the No. 1 seed, but CBC, Kirkwood and DeSmet will also be hot pursuit of that championship as four. Any one of these teams is capable of winning it.

• Hillsboro and Farmington have waged some spirited games during the past few seasons and that figures to continue at the Class 4, District

2 tournament. Hillsboro is the No. 1 seed while Farmington is No. 2. The potential fly in the ointment is North County, which has an upset win over Farmington this season. They are the No. 2 seed.

• On the girls’ side, Incarnate Word Academy is seeking a fifth Class 4 state championship in the past six years. The Red Knights are the prohibitive favorites and top seed at the Class 4, District 7 tournament at Fort Zumwalt East.

• Kirkwood’s girls are seeking a repeat as the Class 5 state champions. The Pioneers are

PreP AThLeTe of The Week

Rozell Baker

Cahokia

The senior standout captured the Class 2A state championship in the 170pound weight class at last weekend’s IHSA Class 2A state championships in Champaign, Illinois. Baker pinned three of his four opponents at the state meet to become the Comanches’ first individual state champion since 2005. Baker pinned Nick Fetzner of Crystal Lake South in the second period

– Wrestling

to clinch the state title and finish the season with a 39-5 record. In his first three matches, Baker pinned Major Dedmond of Freeport and Paul Gilva of Brother Rice and top-seeded Brycen Kellett by injury default en route to the championship. Baker qualified for the state championships by winning the regional title at Mascoutah and sectional title at Lincoln.

Quick notes on All-Star Weekend

• St. Louis’ own Bradley Beal had a solid showing for Team LeBron. Beal scored 14 points on 5-10 shooting in his first career All-Star Game.

• Jayson Tatum also gave a nice showing in the Rising Stars challenge, scoring 15 points and 4 rebounds for Team USA.

the host and No. 1 seed at the Class 5, District 4 tournament.

Class 3 District winners move to Sectionals

The winners of this weekend’s Class 3 district tournaments will move on the sectional round next Wednesday night. Sectional games involving area teams will be held at Jefferson College, St. Charles West and Moberly Area Community College. The girls’ games will tip off at 6:15 p.m., followed by the boys’ games at 7:45 p.m.

• Dennis Smith Jr. was robbed. His 360 between-thelegs dunk was the best of the competition. His behind-thehead, between-the-legs reverse dunk might not have been a showstopper, but it was worth much more than the 39 that he was given.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

Dominique Loyd

St. Louis Community College – Basketball

The freshman guard from Kirkwood High led the Archers to three consecutive big victories. The 6’3” Loyd scored 20 points and made all eight of his free throws in a 75-73 victory over Three Rivers Community College. He followed up with 17 points The ST. LouiS AmericAn AreA coLLege AThLeTeS of The Week

Lauren White

SIU-Edwardsville – Women’s Basketball

The senior guard from Edwardsville High continued her strong play for the Cougars last week. The 5’8” White had 16 points, three rebounds and four in a 77-68 victory over Murray State. She also had 16 points against TennesseeMartin and 21 points, five

rebounds, two assists and three steals against SEMO. For the season, White is averaging 14.3 points and 4.4 rebounds and a team-high 71 assists and 29 steals for the Cougars, who are 15-12 and 12-4 in Ohio Valley Conference play.

Earl Austin Jr.

THOMAS

continued from page B1 donations.

The $15 million a year required to maintain the park’s upkeep came as a surprise to Thomas when he first joined the organization.

“That’s really funding that comes from private citizens that partner with the city to make that a reality,” Thomas said. “Again, beforehand, why would I have known? I know today and I’m able to tell the story and help others understand. We’ve got great citizens of St. Louis that have stepped up and really helped out.”

At the end of 2017, Forest Park Forever completed a successful fundraising campaign that raised $30 million for immediate projects and $100 million for the park’s

endowment, a fund that will ensure maintenance money is always available to maintain and sustain the park at a high level.

Thomas, who served on the cabinet of that campaign, said he emphasized to donors the unique nature of Forest Park.

At 1,731 acres and with 12 million visitors a year, Forest Park is the seventh largest park in the United States and one of the largest located entirely within an urban area.

“I think about the people that get to use the park, no matter how old they are or young they are,” Thomas said.

“It’s available, it’s accessible, it’s right in the middle of our city.”

In addition to its role as a recreation space and the several museums it is home to, the park also has many employees, in forestry as well as its financial and operational departments. Forest Park Forever is currently

looking to hire for several positions, and is also accepting applications for summer interns in horticultural and nature reserve positions.

In the board’s 2018 elections, board members Vic Richey and Benjamin Akande were appointed to the board’s Executive Committee and previous director Barbara B. Taylor returned to the board as a full member.

Thomas said his tenure as chairman will be devoted to continuing Forest Park Forever’s success as one of the St. Louis region’s greatest civic assets that is welcoming to everyone.

“We have restored the park to glory,” Thomas said, “and now we really have to maintain the glory.”

For more information, visit https://www.forestparkforever. org, email info@ forestparkforever.org or call 314-367-7275.

March 15 deadline for arts entrepreneurs competition

The Arts and Education Council (A&E) is accepting applications for the stARTup Competition for arts entrepreneurs through Mar. 15. Competition winners receive resources needed to accelerate their ideas, including seed funding; mentorship

from entrepreneurial experts; administrative facilities and infrastructure in A&E’s Centene Center for the Arts; and professional development and networking opportunities. A&E and the PNC Foundation have earmarked $20,000 for the competition.

Individuals in the 16-county bi-state region and organizations that have been in existence for two years or less are welcome to apply by March 15. For criteria and application information, visit KeepArtHappening.org/startupcompetition.

WWT makes top 100 Best Companies to Work For

For the seventh year in a row, World Wide Technology (WWT), headquartered in Maryland Heights, is one of the 2018 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For, according to global research and consulting firm Great Place to Work and Fortune. Earlier this month, WWT was also named one of the 2018 Best Workplaces for Giving Back.

WWT ranked 45th on the 100 Best Companies to Work For list and 43rd on the Best Workplaces for Giving Back

The 100 Best Companies to Work For list is based on survey responses from more than 310,000 employees rating their workplace culture on 50-plus elements of the workplace. These include trust in managers, compensation,

fairness, camaraderie and workplace traits linked to innovation.

Ann Marr, vice president of Global Human Resources at WWT, said the company will continue to invest in its employees through “a strong workplace culture, creativity and innovation, workforce diversity and robust benefit programs.”

The ‘Coming to America’ connection

‘Black Panther’ picks up where Eddie Murphy film left off

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

While making rounds to movie theatres of sold-out showings Saturday, I thought, “I wonder what Eddie Murphy thinks about ‘Black Panther?’” African prints and dashikis seemed to be the unofficial “Black Panther” viewing uniform. But some people came people dressed-up paying tribute to Zamunda on their way to Wakanda. It drove home the significance of his film “Coming to America” as it relates to the Marvel Studios and Disney release. “Black Panther” broke box office records with more than $426M globally in four days and became a bona fide cultural phenomenon in the process.

Ironically, the Ryan Coogler directed film based on the Marvel Comics character starring Chadwick Boseman, Michael B.

I’d go so far to say that Murphy helped lay the foundation for the arrival of “Black Panther” on the big screen with “Coming to America.”

Denise Thimes to play Jazz at Lincoln

By Kenya Vaughn Of The

St. Louis American

She certainly left an impression on Jazz at Lincoln Center last year with her performance as part of the festivities when the organization headed by Wynton Marsalis presented David and Thelma Steward with their prestigious Ed Bradley Award. Even still, local jazz diva Denise Thimes found it hard to believe when she was invited back to New York City for her own set. She received the e-mail and didn’t tell a soul for more than a month. She could recite the introductory line from the note verbatim.

“I opened it and it said, ‘Dear Ms. Thimes, we wanted to congratulate you and let you know that you have been chosen as a part of the 2018 lineup for the Dizzy’s Coca-Cola Room at Jazz

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

“Ferguson 365” filmmaker Chris Phillips had a unique vantage point as he captured the unrest in Ferguson that followed the death of Michael Brown on August 9, 2014. A resident of the Canfield Green Apartments, the site where former Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson fatally shot the unarmed teen, Phillips could provide insight on life in Ferguson before the St. Louis County municipality became the flashpoint for conversations on the long-fractured relationship between law enforcement and the black community.

He sat with newly appointed ArchCity Defenders Executive Director Blake Strode on Friday, February 9 during a screening of his film. The screening was a fundraiser that commemorated the three-year anniversary of the legal advocacy organization’s class action lawsuits against the cities of Ferguson and Jennings. Phillips shared his experiences before the unrest, mainly about the heavy police presence as he made his commute to work at Webster University. There were cop cars strategically placed along the entire stretch of West Florissant all the way to I-70 and Lucas and Hunt. There

Jordan, Lupita Nyong’o, Danai Gurira, Letitia Wright,

Angela Bassett, Forest Whitaker and St. Louis’ own Sterling K. Brown was released just a few months shy of the 30th anniversary of Murphy’s blockbuster romantic comedy that also explicitly illustrated the wealth and prosperity of a fic-

tional African nation (Zamunda). In 1988, “Coming to America” allowed black

See THIMES, C4

fundraiser for the organization on Friday, February 9 at the KDHX Stage.

Photo by Vincent Lang

Denise Thimes

Veteran group Jagged Edge (above) rocked the house with a trip down R&B’s memory lane for their portion of the St. Louis Music Festival Friday night at Chaifetz Arena. They shared the stage with fellow Atlanta-based quartet 112 for the show that also included Next, Ginuwine, Doug E. Fresh, Guy and was hosted by St. Louis’ own Gary “G-Thang” Johnson. Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Doug E. Fresh Ginuwine

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.

concerts

Fri., Feb. 23, 7:30 p.m., St. Louis Symphony presents Lift Every Voice: Black History Month Celebration. Feat. Oleta Adams and the In Unison Chorus. 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.slso.org.

Fri., Feb. 23, 8 p.m., Mvstermind with Jordan Ward, Brock Seals, Najii Person. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. delmarhall.com.

Feb. 29 – Mar. 3, Jazz St. Louis presents the Sean Jones Quartet. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit jazzstl.org.

Sat., Mar. 3, 7 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. thesheldon.org.

Sat., Mar. 3, 7 p.m., Ol’ School 95.5 & Smooth presents R&B Legends with Howard Hewitt, The Delfonics Revue and Glenn Jones. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., Mar. 4, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents Famous Dex. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.thepageant.com.

Wed., Mar. 7, 8 p.m., The Pageant presents Vince Staples. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112.

Fri., Mar. 9, 10 p.m., Marquee Restaurant & Lounge presents Webbie 1911 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

local gigs

Sat., Feb. 24, 4 p.m., Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church presents Sax of Love Jazz Concert. 3200 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5338763.

Sat., Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., The St. Louis Artists’ Guild presents Blues Night with Brian Curran. 12 North Jackson Ave., 63105. For more information, visit www. stlouisartistsguild.org.

Sun., Mar. 11, 11:30 a.m., Brunchin’ with the Chuck Flowers Duo at The Dark Room, 3610 Grandel Square. Tables can be reserved by calling (314)776-9550.

special events

Thur., Feb. 22, 5 p.m., Grand Center Arts Academy presents Black History STEAM Museum. Join us as we recognize the contributions of Black Americans throughout history. 711 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Fri., Feb. 23, 3 p.m., The Engineering Center of St. Louis presents Student Discovery and College Fair High school students can explore the field of engineering with leading STEM companies and speak to college recruiters.

Sat., Feb. 24, 5 p.m., Take Action St. Louis 2nd Annual Black Tie Gala. The OC, 4436 Olive St., 63108. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Feb. 25, 1 p.m., Sumner Alumni Association 15th Annual Alumni Round Up, Sumner High School Auditorium, 4245 St. Ferdinand.

Sat., Feb. 24, 6 p.m., DRIVE:

Kenya Vaughn recommends

2018 CAM Gala. Help us raise funds to continue driving the culture and the next generation of art lovers. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, 3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.camstl.org.

Sun., Feb. 25, 3 p.m., Vashon High School classes of 1968/1969 Reunion Celebration. 4575 Cadet Ave., 63110. For more information, email maryjsanders@gmail. com.

Mon., Feb. 26, 9 a.m., Right at Home Hiring Event. We are hiring compassionate caregivers for full-time and part-time positions. Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, 8960 Jennings Station Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 5675545 or visit www.facebook. com.

more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Mar. 4 – 18, A Call to Conscience presents Black Women Speak. A series of events celebrating Women’s History Month. The Griot Museum of Black History, 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63106. For more information and a complete list of events, visit www.facebook.com.

Thur., Mar. 8, 7:15 a.m., The “She” Suite: Celebrate International Women’s Day with Women in the C-Suite and in Leading Roles. Knight Hall, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information or to register, visit www.olin.wustl. edu/events.

Sat., Mar. 10, 2 p.m., Queen Scene Prom & Pageant Resale Fundraiser. Multiple vendors will be selling discounted designer gowns, shoes, accessories, and more. Karma Studio, 3006 N. Lindbergh Blvd., 63074. For more information, call (314) 330-8915 or visit www. facebook.com.

The Pageant presents Vince Staples. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Sun., Mar. 11, 1 p.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter presents the Ida Goodwin Woolfolk Memorial Gospel, Jazz and Blues Brunch. St. Louis Union Station Hotel, 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.dst-sla.org.

literary

Thur., Feb. 22, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts Jeffrey Haas, author of The Assassination of Fred Hampton: How the FBI and the Chicago Police Murdered a Black Panther

Sat., Feb. 24, 12:30 p.m., Meet and Greet with Laura Williams, author of Every Fatherless Girl Needs a Pops: A Novel of Short Stories. Jane finds herself going through life’s struggles as a young single mother. 10776 W. Florissant Ave., 63135. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Sat., Mar. 10, 6 p.m., The Show Up & Show Out Talent Show. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 625-6688 or visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Feb. 24, 3 p.m., The Honorable Betty Thompson Book Signing. 1204 Washington Ave., Ste. 100, 63103. For more information, call (314) 862-5344.

Mon., Feb. 24, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Gordon Whitman, author

Wed., Feb. 28, 7 p.m., Not So Late Night: Eve L. Ewing, Hanif Abdurraqib, Katarra & the Sofolkz and Cheeraz Gormon. 2720 Cherokee Performing Arts Center, 2720 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Thur., Mar. 8, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum hosts author Elizabeth Hinton, author of From the War on Poverty to the War on Crime: The Making of Mass Incarceration in America 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

comedy

Thurs., Feb. 22 – Sat., Feb. 24, The Laugh Lounge presents The Wild Boyz Comedy Tour starring Chico Bean, DC Young Fly and Billy Sorrells, The Laugh Lounge, 11208 W. Florissant. For more information visit www.thelaughloungestl.com.

Sat., Mar. 17, 8 p.m. Festival of Laughs starring Sommore and featuring Earthquake, George Wallace, Tommy Davidson, Tony Rock and Bruce Bruce. Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.ticketmaster.com

theatre

Feb. 23 – 24, The Lamar Harris presents Superheroes of Blackness. LJay explores the implications of our world’s future in the year 2609 by examining the problems we face in 2018. .Zack, 3224 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Feb. 23 – 25, JPEK CreativeWorks Theatre presents The Meeting Stage Play. A depiction of the supposed meeting of Malcolm X and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., as they debate social problems. Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand, 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Tues., Feb. 27, 6 p.m., Black Excellence: A La Salle Middle School Production. In our second annual Black History Month Production, our student performers will be exploring the theme of black excellence. 1106 N. Jefferson Ave., 63106. For of Stand Up!: How to Get Involved, Speak Out, and Win in a World on Fire. 399 N. Euclid. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

Feb. 24 – 25, 2 p.m., “I, Dred Scott, A Musical. The story of Dred and Harriet Scott and their two daughters’ fight for freedom. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

Through Feb. 25, Metro Theater Company and Jazz

St. Louis present Bud, Not Buddy. Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www.metroplays.org.

Mar. 1 – 4, SLU Theatre presents Rhinoceros. The story of one man’s struggle to maintain his identity in a world of conformists, while shining a light on the absurdity of the human condition. Xavier Hall, 3733 W. Pine Mall, 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Mar. 2 – 4, Fox Theatre presents Chicago. A universal tale of fame, fortune and all that jazz. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103.

Sun., Mar. 4, 3 p.m., #MeToo. Her voice must be heard! Lewis Auditorium, 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www.brownpapertickets. com.

Mar. 9 – 10, The Fox Theatre presents Guess Who Showed Up at Dinner? The tale of Sugarbread Robinson, a musician who journeys to his roots in the Deep South to find inspiration for his new music project. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

art

Sat., Feb. 24, 11 a.m., Professional Development Workshop. Susan Kime will discuss appraising art, and how to assess value for work by emerging artists.

St. Louis Artists’ Guild, 12 North Jackson Ave., 63105. For more information, visit www.stlouisartistsguild.org.

Through February 28, Portfolio Gallery’s presentation of All Colors Visual Arts Invitational & Juried Exhibition, the exhibition features the work of invited AfricanAmerican and juried artists from across the country.

St. Louis Artists’ Guild, 12 North Jackson Ave., 63105. For more information, visit www.stlouisartistsguild.org.

Mar. 3 – Apr. 21, Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries presents School Focus; Cardinal Ritter College Prep Student Exhibit. Featuring drawings, paintings, and ceramics by the students. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.thesheldon.org/

Kenya Vaughn recommends

upcomingexhibits.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Feb. 22, 6:30 p.m., Dred Scott: The History You Never Knew. Hear the story of Dred and Harriet Scott, as told by their great-great granddaughter, Lynne Jackson. Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer, 63143. For more information, visit www. maplewoodpubliclibrary.com.

Fri., Feb. 23, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library invites you to Black History Celebration Keynote Speaker Event with Judge Jimmie Edwards. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org.

Sun., Feb. 25, 3 p.m., Heartland St. Louis Black Chamber of Commerce presents Politics of Business and Business of Politics in Black St. Louis. We will discuss where we are as a community, how we got here, and future potential. Williams J. Harrison Education Center, 3140 Cass Ave., 63106. For more information, visit www.

eventbrite.com.

Tues., Feb. 27, 7 p.m., Free Your Mind: The Psychological Dismantling of Oppression. Dr. Kira Hudson Banks discusses appropriated racial oppression and racial identity development. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Wed., Feb. 28, 6:30 p.m., The African American Chapter UMSL Alumni Association and the Associated Black Collegians present Black in St. Louis: Sculpting the Future, featuring the Honorable Hazel Erby, Nicole Adewale, Cordaryl Patrick and King L. Taylor and Mike Jones as moderator, University of Missouri-St. Louis J.C. Penny Summit Lounge.

Thursdays in February, Missouri Humanities Council presents A View of African American History and Culture. Henry Givens Jr. Admin Building, Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. mohumanities.org/educationprograms.

Thursdays in February, Missouri Humanities Council

presents A View of African American History and Culture. Henry Givens Jr. Admin Building, Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. mohumanities.org/educationprograms.

Tues., Mar. 6, 7:30 a.m., The New Normal: Reframing Diversity in Tech & Entrepreneurship. Kathryn Finney addresses the technological and historic barriers to diversity in these industries and how companies can address them. Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www.cocastl.org.

Fri., Mar. 9, 7 p.m., Women in the Arts Lecture Series presents The Construction and Perpetuation of Female Identity in Ancient Egypt St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.slam. org.

Sat., Mar. 10, 11 a.m., St. Louis Art Museum presents If It Wasn’t for the Women: Science, Shape, and Self A panel discussion featuring three local St. Louis artists as they discuss how science has shaped their work and how art has shaped them. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr.,

Fri., Feb. 23-Sat., Feb. 24, The Legend Singers Annual Spiritual Festival, Central Visual and Performing Arts High School, 3325 S. Kingshighway. For more information, call (314) 5249086.

Sun., Feb. 25, 3 p.m., Installation Service for Rev. Dr. Aaron Letcher as the 7th Pastor of Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church The Community and Clergy are welcome to attend. 1220 Rev. G.H. Pruitt Place at Page. Mar. 18, 3:30 p.m. New Salem MB Church 90th Anniversary, 1905 Arlington, St. Louis MO 63112.

Sat., Mar. 3, 11 a.m., Pastoral Installation of Pastor Jeane Smith & Church Dedication of Redeem COGIC. 5855 Dr. Martin L. King Dr., 63136. For more information, call (314) 265-3844.

Sat., Mar. 3, 5:30 p.m., Saving a Generation Tour 2018. Pastor Tim Rogers & The Fellas along with Le’Andria Johnson and Mike J will speak and then give a concert. Christ Pilgrim Rest MBC, 1341 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63113. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

health

Thur., Mar. 1, 6 p.m., Barnes-Jewish Hospital Listening Sessions. We invite you to share your BarnesJewish Hospital experiences, as well as your vision for better health care. Casa de Salud, 3200 Chouteau Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 362-7705.

Sat., Mar. 3, 10 a.m., Operation Food Search presents Schnuck Markets’ Tour Event Day. This store tour shows you how to make healthy, affordable shopping choices. 49 N. Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, www.operationfoodsearch.org/ programs/nutrition-educationcalendar.

Thur., Mar. 8, 6 p.m., Goal Driven Counseling, LLC presents What is Your “Yes” Costing You? Discuss the impact of chronic stress, learn to self-assess, and execute a plan to improve self-care. InPower Institute, 4125 Humphrey St., 63116. For more information, call (314) 699-4216.

Sat., Mar. 3, 7 p.m., Anthony J. Brown Live. St. Louis Bible Way Church, Inc., 6719 Page Ave., 63133. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Feb. 24, 2 p.m., The Black Power Mixtape 19671975 Film Screening. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Feb. 24, 6 p.m., National Coalition of 100 Black Women, St. Louis Metropolitan Chapter presents Tell Them We Are Rising: The Story of Black Colleges and Universities Film Screening. Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Feb. 25, 2 p.m., I Am Not Your Negro Film Screening. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

The Sheldon Concert Hall presents Delfeayo Marsalis and the Uptown Jazz Orchestra. See CONCERTS for details.

Continued from C1

people to imagine the continent beyond the impoverished, famine-filled images from USA for Africa and those god-awful Feed The Children commercials that shaped the narrative and our assumptions about our roots at the time. The premise of an African prince with immeasurable wealth that comes to Queens, New York to find a wife may sound silly – however, the story and the characters were quite revolutionary.

At the time, Murphy was the undisputed king of comedy, and one of Hollywood’s most bankable film stars, thanks in part to his record-setting “Raw” comedy tour and film and the “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise. And at the height of his fame, Murphy bet on black – and the gamble paid off. He had a white director in John Landis, but the all-black all-star cast included James Earl Jones, Arsenio Hall, John Amos, Shari Headley, the late Madge Sinclair and Murphy. The film became an instant black comedy classic and a blockbuster by raking in more than $125M domestically. He followed up “Coming to America” with 1989’s “Harlem Nights.” Murphy himself

Continued from C1

was a red-light camera at that light and two police cars with radars pointing in each direction 300 feet from the camera as drivers passed by. He spoke of often seeing young blacks in handcuffs sitting on the curb as part of the everyday surroundings of his morning and evening routines.

“It was important for me to contextualize what the climate was like, because I think when people looked at the situation, they think they (protesters) are just responding to this young man being killed,” Phillips said. “This is more than him getting

killed. This is about decades of systemic abuses. When you see people outraged about him being killed, it was the straw that broke the camel’s back. You get tired of being harassed, losing your job, losing your livelihood, being locked up for nonsense.”

The film – a short – gave snapshots of the unrest.

“Ferguson 365” also looked at the protests in response to the death of Mansur Ball-Bey in St. Louis city, the protests in Baltimore as well as moments captured from Rev. Al Sharpton’s National Action Network march on Washington, the 50th Anniversary of Selma’s Bloody Sunday and other moments of protest around the nation that happened following

directed the film that paired him with comedy legends Richard Pryor, Redd Foxx and actress Della Reese. The film about a successful black nightclub during the prohibition era clocked just under $100M.

Murphy’s third consecutive all-black film was “Boomerang,” directed by

Ferguson.

“For me, the 365 concept is because it’s a year-round cycle,” Phillips said. “It happens everywhere and it’s constantly happening – this issue of racial injustice and police violence. It’s a full year portrait of what happened after Michael Brown got killed. The protests really went beyond 365 days.”

The short, which Phillips announced is currently being expanded into a feature film, and brief interview period with Strode following the screening sparked a lively Q&A session with the capacity crowd at the KDHX Stage in the Grand Center Arts District.

“It’s been understood for at least the last 100 years that the pathway out of poverty

In 1988, “Coming to America” allowed black people to imagine the continent beyond the impoverished, famine-filled images from USA for Africa and those god-awful Feed The Children commercials that shaped the narrative and our assumptions about our roots at the time.

East St. Louis’ own Reginald Hudlin. Murphy led the cast that included Robin Givens, David Alan Grier, Grace Jones, Martin Lawrence and Halle Berry. The film revolved around the love life of a successful advertising executive. While he was on the promotional trail for “Boomerang”

is through education and that it’s a lot cheaper to educate a person than it is to incarcerate them,” a guest said. “We see what our governor is doing – he took a $113 million out and now he wants to take another $87 million. That [money] is the seed that our education department needs so that people can grow up and have education and training have the choice to not live in an economically depressed neighborhood where there is nothing going on. What’s your reaction?”

Phillips pointed out that there is mass profit happening because of mass incarceration. Strode agreed.

“Not only is it cheaper to educate than imprison, it’s cheaper to do a lot of things,” Strode said. “It’s cheaper to provide decent housing. It’s cheaper to provide communities with jobs. It’s cheaper to not have police pull people over. The question is about priorities and why we are spending so many resources on arresting

THIMES

Continued from C1

at Lincoln Center,’” Thimes said. “This may sound a little crazy, but I wasn’t sure that it was true.” It wasn’t until she received the contract that she knew for sure that she would be performing at one of the world’s premiere institutions for jazz music.

“I was very emotional. I’m almost reliving that right now,” Thimes said. “I was just very grateful for the village of people that have been rooting for me and praying for me and supporting me. And then

back in 1992, Murphy told then “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno, “the most political thing about ‘Boomerang’ is that it has an all-black cast and it has nothing to do with being black.”

Leno then read an excerpt from a Los Angeles Times review that panned the film for its unapologetic blackness.

“The most intriguing thing about Boomerang is not it’s story but it’s racial composition,” Leno read. “This film takes place in a reverse world where white people are invisible.”

Murphy was eager to respond.

“This cat in the L.A. Times is tripping because there were no white leads in ‘Boomerang,’” Murphy said. “But you take a movie like “Boyz In The Hood,” no one tripped about that, because it dealt with a violent theme. But because it [Boomerang] dealt with business, it was like ‘where are the white people? Who’s running that office?’”

Leno pointed out that

and incarcerating. At a certain point it’s clear that it’s intentional.”

Phillips said that there are ways to generate revenue streams without doing it on the backs of poor people.

“There are some improvements where we see people giving their time and resources to Ferguson as a response – but then we look at the system as a whole, and some things are going backwards,” said Phillips. “That’s my analysis.”

He hopes that through the underlying themes of his film, which will expand to include the Stockley verdict protest, that viewers will take not of the electoral process and the importance of voting as an integral element of activism.

“Knowles is still mayor in Ferguson,” Phillips said. “When we are talking Bruce (Franks) and Rasheen (Aldridge), we are talking about 100 votes that led to victory. And Tishaura (Jones) was not the mayor of St. Louis because of 888 votes. It shows that we really have to

my father, who really wanted something like this for me –it’s the manifestation for all of that.”

She will take the stage in New York on March 6-7 for two shows along with musicians Adaron “Pops” Jackson, Jahmal Nichols, Charles Heath, Alexa Tarantino and Bruce Harris.

“It feels like a dream come true. It feels like my help has come. It feels like my ship has come in,” Thimes said.

“It doesn’t stop here. But it certainly is a confirmation for the 27-28 years that I’ve been grinding.”

For Thimes, a single parent and a full-time artist, the grind

there were no black people in “Batman,” and no one seemed to have a problem with the racial composition of that cast.

“And you had penguins and a catwoman,” Murphy said.

“They could have had a brother with a limp or something.” Leno said that perhaps that critic – and mainstream movie audiences in general – aren’t used to seeing black-led films.

“Well, you better get used to it – because I ain’t going no place,” Murphy said with a matter of fact assurance. It’s my opinion, Murphy’s “I” was black Hollywood as a collective, and his statement was a proclamation that black-led films would be a force to be reckoned with.

I’d go so far to say that Murphy helped lay the foundation for the arrival of “Black Panther” on the big screen with “Coming to America.” And these days, a powerful African nation with a supremely powerful king and an abundance of natural and intellectual resources is no laughing matter.

take charge when it comes to local elections.”

He said he saw it in Ferguson and during the Stockley verdict protests, but he is hoping that people who aren’t directly impacted by police violence and social injustice remain engaged in speaking out on behalf of people of color.

“Michael Brown being left on a street for four and a-half hours would not happen in Creve Coeur. It would not happen in Chesterfield, Wildwood or St. Charles,” Phillips said. “It shouldn’t be an issue that just affects you to get you to the table to fight. You have to look at it as a human issue –and know that it’s just a matter of time before it does affect you.”

For more information on Arch City Defenders, visit http://www.archcitydefenders. org/ For more information on “Ferguson 365,” visit http:// www.ferguson365film.com/

has been real. There were days and moments of doubt when she wanted to throw in the towel and get a full-time job. Paying the bills (including private school tuition) was more than a notion – even for a renowned performer with a steady stream of gigs like Thimes. There were the late nights of performing where she was almost meeting the sun as she rushed home to catch a nap before seeing her two children off to school each morning.

“Through the obstacles –and life in general – you just keep rolling up your sleeves and trusting that something like this is going to happen,” Thimes said.

One of the things that keeps her going is the sense of spiritual fulfillment she gets from performing.

“I look at what I do as a ministry. I have always felt that way about my singing,” Thimes said. “I know this sounds farfetched for a jazz singer – but I don’t look at myself as just a jazz singer. God uses this music to relax and make people happy and put them in a different frame of mind. When you can change a person’s feelings and energy, that’s a ministry.” She has sung for President Barack Obama and Queen Elizabeth II, but there was a giddiness to her voice as she talked about what she has lined up for her Jazz at Lincoln Center set.

“There are so many songs that I want to do,” Thimes said. One of the songs that will certainly be on the list will be a rendition of Nancy Wilson’s “Guess Who I Saw Today.”

“I can see myself perched on a chair with the lights low and singing that song – telling the story of that wonderful song,” Thimes said. “That is one of the songs I’m going to do for me.” Denise Thimes will place Dizzy’s Club on March 7 and March 8 at 7:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m. at Jazz at Lincoln Center in New York. For

A road to jazz leads home

National company premiere of ‘Bud, Not Buddy’ plays The Grandel

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

He is only 10 years old, but Bud has the type of resilience and resourcefulness that will inspire all those who see his journey unfold on stage for the Metro Theater and Jazz St. Louis presentation of “Bud, Not Buddy” playing through February 25 at The Grandel Theatre.

Based on the Newberry Medal-winning book of the same name by Christopher Paul Curtis, in the play young Bud is alone in the thick of the Great Depression. He decides to escape his less-than-ideal surroundings in Flint, Michigan to find his family’s roots. Fueled by his love of jazz, Bud believes his natural gravitation towards the music is a clue to where he belongs. A flyer he keeps among his most cherished keepsakes gives him a starting point on his map to selfdiscovery.

n The play references sundown towns as well as the ills of segregation and bigotry in a manner that is insightful without being too heavy for the young audiences.

Metro Theater’s staging is the national company debut for production of the play, which debuted at Kennedy Center in 2016. It’s a distinction that they didn’t take lightly.

Director Julia Flood, Metro Theater’s artistic director, created a pace that maintains the attention of young audiences – and is aided by the convincing portrayals of the all-adult ensemble of players that take on a host of roles to tell Bud’s story.

The set is minimal, but the language of Kirsten Greenidge’s stage adaptation and the energy of the actors is successful in encouraging the audience to use their imaginations. The only indulgence of the play as far as production is the live ensemble led by Jazz St. Louis Director of Education Phil Dunlap that delivers the musical backdrop scored by Grammy winner Terence Blanchard.

See BUD, C7

Metro

Company and

continue through February 25 at The

Suggs records oral history of ‘American’ for history museum

Part of events to celebrate his receiving the 2017 Thomas Jefferson Award

By Jessica Karins For The St. Louis American

When Donald M. Suggs is asked to tell the story of how he came to be the publisher of The St. Louis American, he goes back to the beginning. In an interview with Suggs at the Missouri History Museum on Wednesday, November 8, Suggs shared the narrative of both his life and the paper’s history – in the first Missouri History Museum event ever to be broadcast live on Facebook.

Suggs was interviewed as part of his receiving the Missouri Historical Society’s 2017 Thomas Jefferson Award. His oral history of his experience with the paper – conducted in an interviewed by Gwen Moore, the museum’s coordinator of urban landscapes and community

See

Presenting sPonsors

60 years at Children’s hospital

has been a constant at St. Louis Children’s Hospital for the past 60 years.

Velma Hunt reflects on six decades of helping care for sick children in St. Louis

By Jessica Karins For The St. Louis American

n “I have seen the doctors do all they can and walk away and say, ‘Let me try one more thing to bring that kid back, ’and the parents will never know that.”

Several months ago, a former patient came to St. Louis Children’s Hospital looking to make a donation. It was her way of thanking someone she remembered from a long-ago stay in the hospital, a woman who had taken care of her in 1959. The patient had been two years old, sick with polio and quarantined away from her parents. She still remembered her caretaker, but could not find any record of her name. The mystery was solved, though, when a hospital employee mentioned it to Velma Hunt, who works at Children’s as an emergency room liaison. When Hunt heard the story, she started to laugh.

– Velma Hunt

“She said, ‘Oh, Velma, why are you laughing?’” Hunt recalled. “I said, ‘That was me.’”

Over the past 60 years at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Velma Hunt has been a constant.

Hunt found her first job at Children’s Hospital in 1957, through a physician at the hospital, Dr. Park White. They met at Pilgrim Congregational Church, where Hunt had unwittingly become one of the first black parishioners after receiving a flyer in the mail. White had helped integrate Children’s, and eventually Hunt asked him if there were any job openings.

“I had an interview with one of the nurses who was feeding one of the babies,” Hunt recalled. “There were three questions she asked, and she said, ‘Today is your day off.’” Hunt had experience with secretarial work, but the hospital didn’t have an opening for that; they asked her if she would mind working on the floors. She was skeptical at first, nervous about interacting with patients. After she was trained and began working

See HUNT, C7

Photo by Wiley Price

Frances Levine, president of the Missouri Historical Society, watched on as Donald M. Suggs, the publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American, was congratulated by Daniel F. Cole, president of the society’s Board of Trustees, before Suggs accepted the society’s 2017 Thomas Jefferson Award at the Missouri History Museum on Thursday, November 9.

HISTORY, C9

Photos by Dan Donovan

Theater

Jazz St. Louis’ presentation of “Bud, Not Buddy” will

Grandel Theatre.

Photo to Wiley Price

Velma Hunt

Continued from C5

with young patients, that nervousness quickly dissipated.

“When a position became available for a secretary, I really didn’t want it, because I was enjoying what I was doing,” Hunt said. “We had not lost any children at that time, so I was very comfortable working on the floors with the patients.”

Hunt still vividly recalls the first patient she did lose, an infant who was being treated for dehydration. The baby was black, and the nurse treating him had not noticed that he was not breathing from the color of his skin, as she would have with a white baby. Hunt was the one who did notice.

“That taught me how to deal with my own traumas later in life,” Hunt said.

Those traumas included the loss of her own son, Albert, when he was 12. Dr. White was among the representatives from her church who came to her door and informed her that Albert and two other boys had drowned on a Boy Scout camping trip.

Hunt’s husband identified their son’s body. Deeply shaken, she dreaded the thought of the funeral, not wanting to see her son’s body.

“When the folks picked me up to go to the funeral home and I put one foot on the ground, that feeling left,” Hunt said. “I walked in smiling, saying hello to people who were there to greet us. I looked at my son, and I was at peace.”

She credits that peace to Children’s Hospital.

“That was my first loss and tragedy in my family,” Hunt said. “If I had not been working here, I would not have been able to deal with it. They taught me how to deal with death.”

Over six decades, Children’s has relied on Hunt just as much. She was in such high demand that the supervisor of the emergency room spent years lobbying Hunt to move to that department before she

agreed.

Now retired from full-time work, Hunt works part-time as the emergency room liaison, the first impression of the ER for many children and parents. As she walks through the waiting room, Hunt checks in on patients, directs parents to the right location, and helps keep everything running smoothly. She knows many of the visitors by name.

Hunt has learned to be prepared for anything, from confused families arriving at the wrong hospital to hostile parents attempting to leave before their child has been seen.

“So many parents have come back and said thank you, especially if they want to leave and I explain to them why not to leave,” Hunt said. “They say ‘I gotta go to work in the morning.’ I say, ‘I understand that, but how long did it take you to wait for that precious little bundle to show up? Nine months, and you can’t wait two hours to make sure that he’s in good health before you walk out?’ And then, ‘Oh, I hadn’t thought about it like that.’” Hunt said for as long as she has been there, Children’s has been a counterexample to the common narratives of medical

disparities that leave behind

patients who are black or poor.

Even in the 1950s, she said, the hospital would accept and treat patients without insurance.

“I have seen how we have taken care of the children,” Hunt said. “I have seen patients come in with no money. I have seen the doctors do all they can and walk away and say, ‘Let me try one more thing to bring that kid back, ’and the parents will never know that.”

In Hunt’s early days at the hospital, many patients would leave the wrong billing address because they could not afford to pay. When those unpaid bills flooded back in, the hospital simply accepted them.

During her long career at Children’s, Hunt has helped keep that spirit of equity alive.

“Many, many years ago I was working at the desk, and I came in on duty and somebody had put a sign: Medicaid patients, Illinoisan patients and cash patients,” Hunt said. “I was very upset. That was not hospital policy, and so I tore them down. You were segregating people by who could pay and who couldn’t pay, and that was nobody’s business. So that was taken care of right away, without any fanfare, and I was so proud of

n “That was my first loss and tragedy in my family. If I had not been working here, I would not have been able to deal with it. They taught me how to deal with death.”

– Velma Hunt

A scene from the Metro Theater Company and Jazz St. Louis’ presentation of “Bud, Not Buddy”

BUD

our administrator at that time.”

Although Hunt said Children’s policies have always been progressive, that does not mean she avoided witnessing discrimination. Once, she recalled, parents from Southern Missouri demanded their child be moved to a different room away from a black patient.

Student nurses who did not know the hospital’s procedure complied with the request, but as soon as Hunt reported the incident, the administration made it clear that staff should not comply with requests to segregate patients.

“That’s why I’m here,” Hunt said. “We see the dedication and the honesty of people that have worked here and how they have improved health care in the city of St. Louis for all.”

The other reason she loves her job, Hunt said, is because of patients like the woman who was treated for polio in 1959, who are deeply impacted by her work and remember her throughout their lives. Hunt met up with that former patient recently; they had lunch together.

“She thanked me, and she said, ‘You were my mother,’ because their parents couldn’t visit,” Hunt said. “And I said, ‘Then you’re my daughter.’”

Continued from C5

Though the play doesn’t specifically point out wellknown figures or situations, “Bud, Not Buddy” is still an illustration of black history.

The play references sundown towns as well as the ills of segregation and bigotry in a manner that is insightful without being too heavy for young audiences.

An effectively gelled and energetic cast of performers allows for serious subjects like death and mistreatment within the foster care system to be handled without a damper on what is ultimately a feel-good story.

There may be a tinge of disappointment that adult actor Myke Andrews leads the cast as Bud, but audiences see early on that he captures

the spirit and essence of the child he is portraying. The entire crew of performers – including FeliceSkye Hutchinson, Nicholas Kryah, Don McClendon, Carl

Jr., Reginald Pierre, Antony

and Chris Ware –proved themselves an asset to the production with genuine chemistry that made them fun to watch.

“Bud, Not Buddy,” is as motivational as it is inspirational. Viewers young and old see young Bud take action – instead of merely dreaming or waiting for someone to lead him to his happily ever after.

Metro Theater Company and Jazz St. Louis’ presentation of “Bud, Not Buddy” will continue through February 25 at The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For a full schedule of show times and additional information, visit www.metroplays.org.

Overly

Terrell

history – will be saved in the museum’s archives as part of the state’s civil rights legacy.

The life story that eventually led Suggs to The St. Louis American started in East Chicago, Indiana, which he described as a “smoky bluecollar town outside of Chicago, in an era of rigid segregation.”

“We had a small school district, which meant that as a very young person I was exposed to very diverse fellow students,” Suggs said. “Segregation was very rigid outside the classroom, but inside the classroom we had a chance to interact.”

That contrast helped Suggs develop a racial consciousness at a young age, as he started asking himself why his parents, despite their intelligence and character, worked menial jobs. That, plus the influence of teachers and labor organizers in his community, made Suggs decide to aim for a career other than working in the steel mills of his hometown. Instead, he went to dental school.

Suggs was one of only two black men in a class that was otherwise all-white. As his career as an oral surgeon advanced, he encountered persistent discrimination in the medical field. Outside of that establishment, though, he knew the world was changing. Suggs was a fan of the thriving jazz music community and the activism of Malcolm X. He wanted to do as much as he could to advance the cause of equality.

Drawn to St. Louis because of Homer G. Phillips Hospital, then a national leader in the medical education of black professionals, Suggs became

increasingly involved in philanthropy and the civil rights struggle. That was how his path crossed that of a longtime institution in the city’s black community, The St. Louis American, continuously published since 1928.

The American, Suggs said, is part of a rich tradition of black newspapers that were an important institution during segregation. They provided a forum for the black community that was willing to look at the first draft of history with honest eyes.

“The protestors today, they have social media, they can be in touch with each other, but back in the day it had to be word of mouth or media,” Suggs said. “And, of course, the general-market media was not interested in reporting anything about the AfricanAmerican community, so it was kind of useless.”

In the paper’s early years, when it had a paid-circulation model, the Pullman Railroad Company would sometimes buy every issue of The American so the public could not read coverage of its workers’ strike. That, Suggs said, does not seem too far in the past.

“We have that experience sometimes,” Suggs said.

“Occasionally, when The St. Louis American has a copy out that’s not so complimentary to City Hall, we’ll find out that papers have been taken and placed in the dumpster.”

For many years, The American was led by Nathaniel Sweets and Bennie Rodgers, an owner and editor team that mentored dozens of black journalists. The paper changed ownership several times, mostly among prominent black businessmen in St. Louis. Suggs became the majority owner and publisher in 1984.

“I was interested in the

newspaper because newspapers, for me, were an instrument to be involved in the public conversation, to have some input in terms of shaping policy,” Suggs said.

Suggs’ background was in health care, not in business, and he said some in the community were skeptical of his leadership. He proved himself, though, with his first decision about the paper’s direction. The American was losing money every month, and Suggs wanted to change that.

“I realized that this newspaper was not sustainable unless we had a business plan, a business model, a value proposition,” Suggs said. “That led me to my first major decision: to make the newspaper free. It enabled us to have a larger distribution, a larger audience.”

It worked – the paper’s increased circulation led to an increase in advertising, and the company became solvent.

The American began producing more color pages and founded a namesake charitable foundation that raises funds for and awards scholarships and grants, mostly to African-American students, educators and organizations involved in improving outcomes for young people.

Although Suggs said he is not sure what the future of print journalism will look like, he said the future of The American is bright. The paper continues to be an important record of history and have a positive impact on the city’s black community, he said.

“If you want to be informed, really be informed, I think you need to be aware of what’s being said in The St. Louis American,” Suggs said. “Remember, a lot of the content comes from the community. So, I’m just the person sitting here. I’m the least important person.”

The Organization for Black Struggle, in partnership with Radio One (104.1 and 95.5), sponsors a Black History Month Signature Blitz to get signatures to raise the minimum wage and to CLEAN MISSOURI of big corporate dollars in politics.

Listen to 104.1 and 95.5 to find out where you can sign petitions and to win prizes for answering St. Louis Black History Trivia Questions.

Look for OBS canvassers in the gold t-shirts to sign a petition.

Centene Corporation presents

BLACK HISTORY

How Their Life Changed Yours Dr. Myra Adele Logan

Her Life

Dr. Myra Adele Logan was born in 1908 in Tuskegee, Alabama. Always a gifted student, Logan graduated from Tuskegee High School with honors and then graduated valedictorian from Atlanta University, class of 1927. She later earned a Master of Science degree in Psychology from Columbia University in New York. Logan was the first person honored with the Walter Gray Crump Scholarship for Young Women in order to attend New York Medical College. After graduating in 1933, she specialized in surgery during her residency at the Harlem Hospital in New York. Eventually she was named associate surgeon at Harlem Hospital. It was at Harlem that Logan became the first woman to ever perform open heart surgery.

Dr. Logan also broke barriers as the first African-American woman named Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, in 1951. Her cutting edge research at the time developed x-ray techniques that could more accurately detect differences in tissue densities, leading to much earlier detection of tumors in cancer patients. Logan not only impacted the medical community, she was also an advocate for racial equality. She was even on the New York State Commission on Discrimination. However, she and others left the group after the anti-discrimination legislation they wrote was ignored by the governor. She went on to work for many other state and professional committees, including the National Cancer Committee and the New York State Fair Employment Practices Committee.

How Her Life Changed Yours

Dr. Myra Adele Logan spent her life healing others as a surgeon, activist and researcher. She helped to strengthen support networks for the underprivileged through her work with various committees such as the NAACP. Logan’s work developing better x-ray technology still saves lives today through early detection of cancer. Dr. Logan also founded the Upper Manhattan Medical Group of the Health Insurance Plan. This group was one of the first group practices in the United States and is still healing people to this day.

Dr. Logan with a surgical patient

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Find March Madness and Egypt’s Lost Worlds in St. Louis

By Kiara Bryant For the St. Louis American

Everyone knows that March means the return of March Madness. St. Louis is proud to welcome not only one, but two tournaments. College basketball fans are looking forward to the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Arch Madness Basketball Tournament (Mar.14) and the Southeastern Conference Men’s Basketball Tournament (Mar. 7-11) at Scottrade Center. This is the first time St. Louis will host the SEC tournament. In addition to sports, our community welcomes new experiences every year. This year is also no exception when it comes to fascinating exhibits. One must-see exhibit for 2018 is the Saint Louis Art Museum’s Sunken Cities: Egypt’s Lost Worlds, Mar. 25-Sept. 9. When you think of Egypt’s history, you may think of pyramids and mummies, but this is a different story.

More than 1,000 years ago the port cities of ThonisHeracleion and Canopus were bustling metropolitan cities along the Nile, on the coast similar to a city like Venice today. Unfortunately, these two ancient Egyptian cities and their antiquities were lost in the Mediterranean Sea until Franck Goddio, president of the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology and his team made an amazing excavation in recent years. Now this exhibition will arrive in St. Louis for the North American premiere after visiting London,

Paris, and Zurich. This exhibit is a huge investment and rare acquisition for the museum, culminating research from over the last seven years. For the Saint Louis Art Museum, this is the first exhibition of antiquities from ancient Egypt in more than 50 years.

“Sunken Cities” is co-curated by Lisa Çakmak, associate curator of ancient art at the Saint Louis Art Museum. “This exhibition tells a story that you can’t find anywhere else in the U.S. There’s a unique story and narrative,” Çakmak explained. Even as a scholar she never read about this side of Egypt. She says her favorite thing about archaeology is that there is no end to data because there are always discoveries.

“The scale and scope are beyond anything we’ve ever seen in our Western cannon of history. It’s archaeology at its finest. Beautiful works of art were found after being under the sea for over 1,000 years. You’ll learn about the context of religion, the infrastructure of the cities and ceremonies that took place.”

Beyond the desert, the people of Egypt’s lost worlds used boats to navigate along the Nile. Thonis-Heracleion and Canopus were ports, and major cross-cultural influences are seen from countries such as Italy and Greece because they were also trading posts.

Çakmak’s favorite object is the sculpture of a queen dressed in a Grecian style gown in beautiful condition made of black stone. “It’s a stunning piece of art,” she said. She also mentioned an inscription

with hieroglyphics carved into it. “The writing is very high level and aesthetic pleasing. You could see that it was buried with care to preserve it as it was wrapped face down and deposited.” Due to the large size of the exhibit, there are multiple dedications to Osiris, the Egyptian god of the afterlife, in the collection and you’ll get a special opportunity to see many examples which helped scholars uncover more about the Mysteries of Osiris.

SLAM is excited to put a unique spin on the show with the new layouts and original casework that have been built. For repeat visitors to the Art Museum, you’ll find a reversed flow. You will enter where you would normally exit. The museum has utilized more space for the show. Three sculptures between 16 and 18feet tall are too large to fit in the exhibit space so they will be lifted with cranes through the front door and installed in Sculpture Hall.

The logistics are being worked out, and we are fortunate that the exhibit coming to St. Louis. SLAM officials hope you’ll be pleasantly surprised finding that Egypt’s history consists of more than mummies. But if you want to see mummies, you can always visit the museum’s permanent Egyptian gallery.

So whether it’s basketball or ancient Egypt, we encourage you to make some fun plans and learn more about what there is to see and do in St. Louis at www.explorestlouis. com.

The man behind the Supreme Court case

Sheila P. Moses and Bobby Norfolk dramatize Dred Scott

By Kristie Lein For The St. Louis American

Though Dred Scott’s name is bound to the infamous U.S. Supreme Court case that ruled that enslaved persons were not citizens and had no right to bring lawsuits to the federal courts, Scott was also a father, a husband, a person. Sheila P. Moses hones in on his humanity in her latest play, I, Dred Scott, A Musical, which will be performed at the Missouri History Museum on Saturday, February 24. “My inspiration to write I, Dred Scott was directly related to wanting the world to see Dred Scott and his family not just as a court case but as a human being who fought for their freedom,” Moses said.

I, Dred Scott begins with a young Scott living in Southampton, Virginia, and traces his life until he is purchased by his original owner’s son and freed in 1857. Moses has spent years researching Dred Scott and his family, a process that began before the Internet was widely available.

“I had to start with the papers at the courthouse in St. Louis,” she said. “I interviewed [Scott’s] great – grandson, James Madison, and read the files at the MHS Library & Research Center.” Her extensive research informed her book I, Dred Scott: A Fictional Slave Narrative Based on the Life and Legal Precedent of Dred Scott, published in 2014.

For Moses, I, Dred Scott, A Musical presented a few hurdles in regard to content. “You can be the best actor on earth, but learning legal terms and dates that expand over 11 years can be challenging to direct – and deliver as the talent,” she said. But St. Louis actor Bobby Norfolk rose to the occasion.

Throughout his long career, Norfolk has played Negro Leagues stars James “Cool Papa” Bell and Satchel Paige; York, the enslaved man owned by William Clark’s father who was part of the Corps of Discovery; and Scott Joplin, the

king of ragtime. “I call my work ‘story/theatre,’” Norfolk said. “My past work with the Black Rep prepared me for the role of Dred Scott.” Moses is effusive about Norfolk’s performance and that of Katie Showers, a singer and the offstage voice of Harriet Scott. “Bobby Norfolk is a fine actor,” Moses said. “His ability to bring the life and times of Dred Scott alive via choreography, song, and showing his pain is for the ages.” Moses calls Showers the soul of the play. “She sings like an angel, and the audience will hear her voice in their hearts for a long time.”

The music in I, Dred Scott – largely a cappella Negro spirituals – is a powerful presence. “A lot of the songs predate the Dred Scott case, going back to the 18th century,” Norfolk said. “The music is a driving force for the listener, the viewer. It takes the imagination to another place.” Much like Dred and Harriet Scott were moved from one location to another, the music serves as a bridge for the mind to go from place to place, Norfolk explained.

Though Dred Scott v. Sandford is more than 150 years old, its effects still resonate in the modern world. “It was the first domino leading up to the Civil War,” Norfolk said. “Once the dust settled in 1875, thousands were dead over the cause of slavery in America.” After that came the 13th and 14th Amendments to the Constitution, the Reconstruction era, the civil rights movement, the Black Panther movement, and today’s Black Lives Matter movement.

“When people look at the Black Lives Matter movement, it still goes back to Dred Scott, when the United States Supreme Court said that the black man had no rights that the white man is bound to respect,” he said. With I, Dred Scott, Moses aspires to create a more complete picture of Dred and Harriet Scott’s lives. “It is my hope that people will leave the Museum with a feeling of knowing who he was as a father and who Harriet was as a mother. I want people to believe they were a real family that loved each other and wanted to stay together.”

I, Dred Scott, A Musical takes place at 2pm on Saturday, February 24, at the Missouri History Museum. Admission is free. Kristie Lein is associate editor at the Missouri Historical Society.

Shelia P. MosesBobby Norfolk

Above: “Colossal statue of the god Hapy” Thonis-Heracleion, Aboukir Bay, Egypt, 4th century BC; red granite; height: 17 feet 8 5/8 x 35 7/16 inches. Maritime Museum, Alexandria (SCA 281), IEASM Excavations.

The bust of the colossal statue of the god Hapy has been strapped with webbings before being cautiously raised out of the water of Aboukir Bay, Egypt; IEASM Excavations. Photos: Christoph Gerigk © Franck Goddio/Hilti Foundation

Celebrations

Employment Milestone

Patricia A. Fountain recently celebrated 50 years of employment with the United States Postal Service in Hazelwood. Patricia started out as Christmas help at the age of 19. She has two children, Marcus and Yolonda Fountain; grandchildren, Whitley, DeMarcus, Hillary, Marcus, and Martrez Jr. and one great child, Ka’Liyah.

Reunions

County Library - Rock Road Branch 10267 St. Charles Rock Road, St. Ann, MO 63074.

Beaumont Class of 1968 will celebrate its 50-year reunion June 8-10,2018. Yes, Class ‘68 will begin Milestone celebration 6th month on 8th day. Our 2018 meetings in preparation will be held at STL County library located 7606 Natural Bridge at 1:00 p.m..

Alabama State University Hornets, alumni, families and friends in the St. Louis area. The Alabama State University Alumni Chapter of St. Louis will have a meeting on Saturday, March 3, 2018 at 1:30pm at the St. Louis

Dates are (Saturdays) February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19 and June 2. For more information call (314) 8698312 or email bhsco1968@ att.net. Pass the word and lets celebrate!

Beaumont High Class of 1973 will hold its 45th reunion Aug. 10-12, 2018! Any questions, please call Rita (314)241-5419.

Homer G. Phillips and St. Louis Municipal School of Nursing is planning an all class reunion in June 2018. Please send your name, address and telephone number to: Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc., P.O. Box 8033 St. Louis, Missouri 63156.

McKinley Class of 1978 will celebrate its 40-year reunion July 27-29, 2018 at the Embassy Suites-Airport. For more information please contact Barbara Lindsey,

Birthdays

The family of Ms. Hazel Lowery and the Friendly Village Apartments are celebrating her 105th birthday! Ms. Lowery was born on February 28, 1913, and she is very humble, grateful, happy and full of life and history. Her special day will be celebrated with family, friends and her favorite—vanilla ice cream.

Happy 6th Birthday, Duyu, on February 16! We have watched you grow from a little bean to a big boy who can read. We are so proud of you and want you to know you are strong, smart, and you can do anything you set your mind to do! Enjoy your day, Young King, we love you so much. -The Famo

Barbara_Lindsey@icloud.com or Marvin Woods, mwoods@ projectcontrolsgroup.com , (314) 647-0707.

Northwest High Class of 1978 is planning its 40-year reunion for next year. If you have any questions please contact Sly at (314) 397-0311 or email us at northwestbluedevils@78gmail. com. Check us out on Facebook Northwest High School-Class of 1978.

Soldan Class of 1978 is planning their 40th class reunion. The dates are June 1, 2 and 3. For more information: call (314) 413-9088.

Sumner Alumni Association hosts its 15th Annual Membership Round-Up Sunday, February 25, 2018, 1-4 pm at Sumner High School with Theme “Showcase Your Talent”. Contact B. Louis at (314) 385-9843 or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo.com or to Showcase Your Talent on program (provide contact info and your talent). J. House, Chairperson (314) 420-3442.

University City Class of 1978 will hold its 40th reunion May 25-27, 2018. For more information please email ucityhs1978@gmail.com

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

Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

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

Bishop Hankerson installed as Clergy Coalition president

By Reginald Riddle-Young For The St. Louis American

Bishop Elijah H. Hankerson

III recently was installed as the newly elected president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition (SLMCC). He became the first from his denomination – the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) – to be elected to this office, the first to have a member from his denomination to deliver the installation message, and the first time the installation was held at a COGIC church.

The installation took place at the Life Center International COGIC, where religious, community, civic and governmental leaders attended, including U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill, St. Louis Board of Alderman President Lewis Reed and other members of the Board of Aldermen.

Hankerson thanked those in attendance and stated that he looks forward to offering himself as the servant leader of the coalition.

“While the Saint Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition is the oldest and largest minority clergy association in St Louis, we want to work with all clergy/ community groups in unity toward the betterment of the citizens of our city,” Hankerson said.

“Our historic focus has been education, economic development, employment and social justice. However, the reduction of crime will be one of the top goals of my administration.”

In 2017, the city of St. Louis had over 200 murders, the most it has seen in years past, reaching a 21-year high.

The remarks by Hankerson were welcoming to James Clark, vice president of Community Outreach for Better Family Life.

“It is encouraging to see the church come into light and becoming actively involved in our neighborhood, because the church is the last pillar standing in our neighborhoods,” Clark said.

“This is a very dark hour in the African-American community. The church is our last pillar in

our neighborhood. Resurrecting America must start at the bottom. It must start with the church.”

Hankerson is actively involved in his denomination, serving as president of the International Department of Evangelism for the COGIC, on Presiding Bishop’s Urban Initiative Advisory Board and as prelate to the Missouri Midwest Ecclesiastical Jurisdiction. He has preached in many capacities of COGIC on the local, regional, national and international levels.

He is a strong community advocate and life member of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). He has provided keynote speeches for the citywide Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Celebrations for the

PRESENTATION AND BOOK SIGNING

How did the “land of the free” become the

cities of Springfield and St. Louis, Missouri and St. Louis.

He believes in the oneness of the body of Christ, enabling him to serve with ministries of all denominations including: staff member, Joyce Meyer Ministries; 12 priests, Juanita Bynum Ministries/Midwest Regional Prayer Revival; co-chair, Gateway Call/Donnie McClurkin Ministries; and executive board member, Gateway Kingdom Ministries.

He has traveled extensively, including to 49 states, Canada, Mexico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, the Bahamas and France, and has also preached the gospel in Jerusalem, Israel. He holds a bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees in divinity.

Hankerson is married to Evangelist Rachel L. Hankerson, and they are the proud parents of three children: Elijah IV, Raquel and Matthew.

The SLMCC held its first meeting under Hankerson’s leadership on February 15.

Appetizing church celebration

The Progressive League of True Light Missionary Baptist Church invites the public to its annual Black History Program at 2 p.m. Saturday, February 24 at the church, located at 2838 James “Cool Papa” Bell Ave STL 63106. Jimmie Edwards, director of Public Safety for the City of St. Louis, will be the guest speaker on the program, followed by what organizers described as “an awesome African-American cuisine that will surely appease your appetite. Admission is free; generosity is priceless. Call 314531-1801 for information.

The Message

Death is God’s business

In the lives of all Christians, there is an inextricable link between faith and death. Death, in this regard, holds a particularly special place. Understandably, one must die to this world and be reborn spiritually to the next. As Christians we accept the reality that Jesus actually overcame death. He died physically on the cross and rose again in order for us to access eternal life as a true gift of the Father.

This whole life-death-life thing can be confusing and, at times, overwhelming, which is where faith comes in. Real faith requires an understanding that should affect your behavior. Life and death are part of a process, elements essential to spiritual eternity. For those without faith the concept can seem a bit implausible.

Columnist

James Washington

For those of us who claim faith in the reality of Jesus Christ, our facts are sometimes based, not on what we see, touch and understand. To the believer, life exists on many different levels. Death by itself is neither the end nor the beginning of anything. Life and death are the continuation of an existence that has always been here. Our living is a temporary form of eternal life.

Faith, which comes upon each and every one of us at different times and in different ways, demands an intellectual as well as a spiritual enlightenment, a leap of faith. If you believe in electricity, you believe when you turn a light switch on the room will become illuminated. You act accordingly. If you don’t believe in electricity, light switches and light bulbs have a very different meaning for you.

Through faith, Christians believe all things are possible because God is capable of accomplishing anything. That includes overcoming death. That includes our own immortality with Him. Hence, death is God’s business, as is life. Faith allows us to put it all in His hands. Therefore, my own death like those of my loved ones is but one step closer to God. In many cultures, worldly death is looked upon as a cause for celebration. This should be the same with Christians. “Do not be afraid of what you are about to suffer. I tell you the devil will put some of you in prison to test you and you will suffer persecution for ten days. Be faithful even to the point of death, and I will give you the crown of life. He, who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. He who overcomes shall not be hurt at all by the second death.” Revelation 2:10-11.

Bishop Elijah H. Hankerson III, the newly elected president of the St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition, and his first lady, Evangelist Rachel L. Hankerson.

CMTs & CNAs

Brooking Park is seeking to hire full-time & part-time CMTs and CNAs. Day, evenings, nights and occasional week-ends shifts are available. Prior experience or training with any or all stages of Dementia and Alzheimer’s is beneficial. Memory Care experience and insulin certification is a plus. Please submit resume to:

Brooking Park

Attention: Bree Ballentine

307 S. Woods Mill Dr. Chesterfield, MO 63017

E-mail to: bballentine@standrews1.com EOE

SYSTEM SPECIALIST (FORENSIC EXAMINER)

System Specialist (Forensic Examiner) vacancy, Eastern District of Missouri. Generous retirement/benefits package. For additional information including how to apply, see our website at www.moep.uscourts.gov Vacancy Announcement 2018-08. Equal Opportunity Employer.

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for Police Officer. Apply at www.richmondheights.org by Thursday, March 1, 2018. EOE

Principal at achapman@loyolaacademy.org by 4/6/18. No phone inquiries, please. For additional information about the school, please visit our website www.loyolaacademy.org.

SERVER/BUSSER

St. Andrew’s Management Services, a leader in management of senior services has full and part time day, early evenings and weekend Server positions in our upscale full service Senior Living Community restaurant located in Chesterfield, MO. We offer a competitive salary and an attractive benefits package. Must have a HS diploma or GED and 2+ years of actual restaurant table service experience. Interested candidates are encouraged to submit a resume and salary requirements to:

FULL-TIME PRINCIPAL

Bree Ballentine Human Resources Director Brooking Park/ the Willows bballentine@standrews1.com EOE

Responsible for handling assigned claims from initial assignment to closure as well as provide assistance in various administrative functions associated with the Treaty Reinsurance LOB. To apply, please visit: www.safetynational.com and click on the Careers tab. MAINTENANCE SUPERVISOR

DEVELOPMENT EVENTS

COORDINATOR

Saint Louis Art Museum. Development Events Coordinator. Full Time. Apply online at www.slam.org/careersby Wednesday, June 28th. EOE

MARKETING

& DIGITAL MEDIA MANAGER

Forest Park Forever is seeking a Marketing & Digital Media Manager. You can view the job description and apply online using the URL link below. Forest Park Forever is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

https://www.cbizems.com/extranet/recruiting. aspx?id=2A2725CB-7BD6-40E1-9E12-4BEC3B92A10E&src=stlamerican&rqid=01B93210939D-48BD-A294-D51B781C6DCE?id=2A2725CB-7BD6-40E1-9E12-4BEC3B92A10E&src=stlamerican&rqid=01B93210939D-48BD-A294-D51B781C6DCE

HELP WANTED

MARKETING /COMMUNICATIONS MANAGER

Please email resume/cover letter to hr@trailnet.org Trailnet. www.trailnet.org

HELP WANTED

MEMBERSHIP MANAGER

Please email resume/cover letter to hr@trailnet.org Trailnet. www.trailnet.org

De Smet Jesuit High School seeks highly qualified candidates for the full-time position of Principal beginning with the 2018–2019 school year. Successful candidates will have a minimum master’s degree in education, administration, or a related area and a minimum of ten years’ combined experience in high school teaching and/or administration, preferably in directing the planning and development of curriculum and academic programs for a Catholic high school. More information is available at https://www.desmet.org/ about/careers. Interested candidates should complete the online employment application by March 16.

Mt. Beulah Terrace, and RHF community, is seeking a qualified maintenance supervisor. Skills ad experience in general building maintenance, HVAC, electrical, plumbing, etc.is expected. Position is also required to complete custodial duties as well. Benefit package includes competitive salary, paid holidays and vacation. EMPLOYMENT IS CONTINGENT UPON SUCCESSFUL DRUG SCREENING AND CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.

APPLY IN PERSON at Mt. Beulah Terrace, 7550 Page Ave. St. Louis, mo.63133

Or request a application be emailed to you at Melissa.sims@rhf.org EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

Webster Groves School District is seeking an inclusive and visionary instructional leader as Principal of Webster Groves High School.

Education: Master’s Degree, Ed.D., and/or Ph.D. in school administration

Experience: Previous experience as an administrator with a minimum of 5 years teaching experience.

Qualifications: Missouri Principal Certification

For more information and to apply, visit: http://www.webster.k12.mo.us (Employment Opportunities)

Applicants are ask to describe their ideal high school in no more than 250 words.

Application Deadline March 19, 2018

CAREER CENTER (CONTINUED)

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it

or by calling (314) 539-5226. EOE/AA Employer.

RFP: RIVERFRONT VENDORS

The City of St. Louis, in partnership with Great Rivers Greenway and the Gateway Arch Park Foundation, is requesting proposals for riverfront vendors on Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd. between the Poplar Street Bridge and the Eads Bridge under the Gateway Arch. Check tinyurl.com/ riverfront-vending and submit by 4 pm on March 2, 2018.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

America’s Center is seeking proposals from qualified companies to provide floral and plant maintenance for the interior and exterior areas of the complex. Bid packets can be obtained from the Administrative Office of America’s Center 9:00am4pm Monday, February 26th thru Friday, March 2, 2018. Interested bidders must attend a mandatory pre-bid walk thru Monday, March 5th @ 9am at Washington Avenue Main Entrance, St. Louis, MO 63101. Please contact Mark Gruhala, at mgruhala@explorestlouis.com with any questions. The America’s Center reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. EOE.

tation, or discrimination because of race,color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or

to make any such preference,limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly

estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are

an equal

or

This project must adhere to the City of St. Louis Mayor’s Executive Order #47 requiring the following enterprise participation: 25% MBE business and 5% WBE business participation.

This project must adhere to the City of St. Louis Ordinance 69427 requiring the following Workforce participation: 25% Minority, 5% Women workforce, 15% Apprentice workforce, and 20% City Resident workforce participation.

Questions should be directed to Terry Turnbeaugh at 636-5619890 or tlturnbeaugh@paric.com

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CITY

REQUEST

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Mehl Avenue – Patterson

Road CRS Resurfacing, St. Louis County

Project No. CR-1577, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on March 7, 2018.

City of St. Louis, Board of Public Service at 314-622-3535. DBE participation goal is 7.48%.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on March 23,2018 to contract with a company for: 2018 Tandem Axle Aluminum Pusher Trailers. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9308 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

INVITATION FOR BID

Starting February 26, 2018 The Housing Authority of St. Louis County is seeking proposals for Kitchen and Vanity Cabinet Replacement. Please go to: http://www.haslc.com/vedors/ solicitations-and-bids/ For details.

Plans and specifications will be available on February 12, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Annual Research Contribution to Water Environment & Reuse Foundation (WERF). Any inquiries should be sent to ameyer@stlmsd.com.

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

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure an agreement with Mythics for the annual maintenance of District’s Exalytics Software Engineered System. The District is proposing a single source procurement for this service because Mythics is an Oracle Platinum Partner. Any inquiries should be sent to ltreat@stlmsd.com.

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

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS: PROCESS DESIGNER, FACILITATOR & STRATEGIC PLANNER

Great Rivers Greenway and project partners are seeking qualifications for a Process Designer, Facilitator & Strategic Planner for Chouteau Greenway. Check https://greatriversgreenway.org /jobs-bids/ and submit by March 6, 2018.

NOTICE OF PROPOSED TELECOMMUNICATIONS

TOWER: PUBLIC PARTICIPATION

Mobilitie, LLC is proposing to construct a new monopole style telecommunications pole at 582-594 James S. McDonnell Blvd, St Louis County, MO 63042 and N 38-46-20.5”; -090-22-57.4”. The height of the tower will be 55 feet above ground level (650 feet above mean sea level). The tower is anticipated to have no FAA lighting. Specific information regarding the project is available by calling Mobilitie LLC at 404-978-2457 during normal business hours. Interested persons may review the application for this project at www.fcc.gov/asr/applications by entering Antenna Structure Registration (Form 854) file no. A1097783 and may raise environmental concerns about the project under the National Environmental Policy Act rules of the Federal Communications Commission, 47 CFR §1.1307, by notifying the FCC of the specific reasons that the action may have a significant impact on the quality of the human environment. Requests for Environmental Review must be filed within 30 days of the date that notice of the project is published on the FCC’s website and may only raise environmental concerns. The FCC strongly encourages interested parties to file Requests for Environmental Review online at www.fcc.gov/asr/environmentalrequest, but they may be filed with a paper copy by mailing the Request to FCC Requests for Environmental Review, Attn: Ramon Williams, 445 12th Street SW, Washington, DC 20554. A copy of the Request should be provided to Mobilitie, LLC, Attn: Mikhail Raznobriadsev, 3475 Piedmont Road, NE Suite 1000, Atlanta, GA 30305.

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. 3701 Grandel Square St. Louis, MO 63108 (314) 615-3608

lmiller@urbanleague·stl.org

Join the Movement through our Weatherization Program The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. Weatherization Program (ULMSLWP) is soliciting sealed bids for the completion of Heating Ventilation and Air Conditioning Work (HVAC) to be completed in the city of St. Louis, MO. Contracts to provide weatherization work for residential properties (approximately fifteen per month) from April 16, 2018 to April16, 2019 with a first year renewal option of up to two additional years.

PRE-BID CONFERENCES: FEBRUARY 28, 2018 AT 6:00PM MARCH 2, 2018 AT 10:00 AM

BID DUE DATE: MARCH 9 AT NOON

BID OPENING:MARCH 9 AT 2:00PM

Funding on behalf of Missouri Department of Economic Development, LIHEAP, Ameren, and Spire Gas.

MWBE PreBid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on

MSD’s Althea – Aster Storm Sewer Contract Letting No.11364-015.1

This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: J.M. Marschuetz Construction Co. 15 Truitt Drive Eureka, MO 63025 636/938-3600

The meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. March 1, 2018 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

Project plans are available from MSD. For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract

MWBE PreBid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on MSD’s Blow St E of Alabama Combined Sewer (IR)Contract Letting No. 12810-015.1

This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: Bates Utility Company, Inc. 841 Westwood Industrial Park Dr. Weldon Spring, MO 63304 636/939-5628

The meeting will take place at 10:30 a.m. March 1, 2018 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

Project plans are available from MSD. For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 539-5015.

Voluntary Pre-Bid Meeting: February 23, 2018, 10:00 a.m. Meet in the Campus Service Building

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 18 602, Abatement in Communications North Building, St. Louis Community College at Meramec, until 2:00 p.m. local time Thursday, March 8, 2018. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 300 South Broadway (Room 423, Fourth Floor). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015.

MANDATORY PRE-BID MEETING: March 1, 2018 (11:00 a.m.) Meet in Communications North –Main Corridor

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for the St. Louis County Library –Meramec Valley project are being received by Brinkmann Constructors on March 7 at 2 PM All sealed bids to be hand delivered to Brinkmann Constructors 16650 Chesterfield Grove Road, Suite 100 Attn Steve Hunter, St Louis County Library

Plans may be viewed or downloaded at https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/ PublicPlanRoom.aspx?Id=350699

There will be a pre-bid/outreach meeting on February 21 at 1PM at Brinkmann Constructors 16650 Chesterfield Grove Road, Suite 100

Contact Brinkmann Constructors for further details on the project or obtaining plans at 636-537-9700

*All bidders must be in compliance with the Fair Employment Practices Commission

*This project is a Missouri Public Works Project

*St. Louis County Library & Brinkmann Constructors are Equal Opportunity Employers

SEALED BIDS for HVAC Upgrades, Troop CService Center, Park Hills, Missouri, Project No. R1601-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 3/22/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

Swag Snap of the Week

Young Leaders was lit! Y’all already know by now that I absolutely, unabashedly love saying “I told you so!” And I love it even more when I tell y’all to do something or be somewhere and I prove myself right. Well that’s exactly what happened at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 8th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception Thursday night at The Four Seasons. The folks came out in their good clothes to celebrate the 20 under 40 in the Young Leaders class of 2018. It was life more abundantly from start to finish. If Rebeccah Bennett isn’t your spirit animal and life coach in the head, then you don’t have a soul! She is everything – and once again proved herself the perfect hostess! Listen, y’all showed up and showed out. And it meant even more knowing that y’all passed up the early showings of “Black Panther” to celebrate the young folks making major moves in the city. I was racking my brain trying to pick a best dressed. It was a tough decision, but I think I’m going with Tracey O. Hermanstyne. That’s right, the neuroscientist was giving us fashion on the brain! The dress was simple and elegant – and those black patent leather Louboutin’s were opulent life! I think I was feeling the understated looks, because I got life from Jami Ballentine Dolby’s Mary Tyler Moore-inspired green dress too. And I’m convinced that Nicole Roach of Webster University is undefeated with her shoe game.

One more time for Wakanda. Since I’m already on the topic of “Black Panther” and getting life, let me tell y’all how I was beaming with black pride watching y’all do the absolute most with these outfits and routines as you made sure “Black Panther” had a record-breaking opening weekend. I know y’all saw the viral videos that ranged from opening drum ceremonies to dance routines. But we had some viral worthy moments locally. That Musa Ali and his King Jaffe Joffer tribute. Meanwhile his partners Jordan and Travis were serving Shaka Zulu realness! And one time to Will Henton, for having the whole Black Panther Mask and Lee Press on claws. Our own Ishmael Sistrunk deserves a mention for his Prince Akeem crown. It looks like I’m the only one in St. Louis without a dashiki – whether it’s a shirt, dress or catsuit. At this point you already know how I felt about the movie. But listen, I’m so thrilled by the box office beatdown that “Black Panther” put on the industry I can hardly contain myself.

Middle aged shirtless men of R&B tour. I didn’t quite know what to expect with the St. Louis Music Festival, but St. Louis native and Bounce TV star, Gary “G-Thang” Johnson had me hollering as the host Friday night at Chaifetz Arena. He might, no, I take that back – he was the best part of the show for me. And it wasn’t a terrible show. They could have used a few women on that bill, though. Next was first, and I thought they were pretty good. Based on his moves, I’m assuming the one that always had the nice body the group’s downtime as an exotic dancer. He probably got some good tips too. I wasn’t mad that he did nearly the whole show topless. RL joined the shirtless party with him. His shape wasn’t as impressive, but he still has the vocal chops. Ginuwine followed Next and did what he always does. And by did what he always does, I mean take his sweet time to transition into the songs and then accuse somebody of rushing him off stage. It was a cute enough set for Ginuwine. Doug E. Fresh is consistent as ever in hyping the party up. Every time I say, “I’ve seen him enough” and convince myself that I won’t be hyped-up by his set, he proves me wrong. I guess I should hip y’all to some of G-Thang’s shenanigans – which included clowning outfits, threatening a dance-off and shading the mess out of the amount that the festival gave towards a playground. The St. Louis Music Festival folks might not invite him back behind that joke, but he was a hoot for the whole show.

The all-male R&B revue: part two. Jagged Edge and 112 did a combined set for their contribution to the festival. It worked much better than I expected. They even performed a couple of each other’s songs. I was impressed by them – even though the tall one from 112 dances like somebody’s drunk uncle. He really tries though. I wish 112 would work “This is Your Day” into their act. Guy served as the headliner and they were by far the weakest link of the group. If it weren’t for that dancing machine Damien Hall, I might have played Bubble Blast through their whole show. I don’t think they are getting along too well these days, because they never got within five feet of each other on stage. Teddy Riley was on that keyboard, Damien Hall was dancing like an erotic wind up toy and Aaron Hall was out in the crowd struggling to hit notes. The folks were not bothered by them either. Their set was essentially the exit music. It was a shame that Guy made the show end on a low note with their pedestrian performance, because the St. Louis Music Festival was otherwise a win. The promotions and marketing team deserves a slow and lengthy clap for packing the Chaifetz out on a Friday night with no real headliner. And Other than guy, the fellas on the bill gave a decent performance.

Sunday night soul. The folks had me out in these streets when I’m usually regrouping for the next week, but I’m so glad I made my rounds out here – because it reminded me of the type of talent we have right here at home. I got things started at The Signature Room for the Beejay The DJ Birthday Celebration and Luther Vandross Tribute starring Justin Hoskin and The Movie. Justin has marvelous pitch and a smooth voice. He’s one of the few people I would trust to do Luther justice. The folks were having a party (to be sung like the chorus of “Bad Boy”) up in there. I left North County for downtown to catch a special Sunday edition of Night of Soul Searching starring St. Louis’ own Ol Skool at BB’s. They got it in. And I was thrilled to catch Theresa Payne do her thing, because I haven’t seen her on stage in a minute. I capped my night with the evening set of the Love Jones Band, which gave me life –especially Chris’ vocals on their cover of Musiq Soulchild’s “Just Friends.”

Gilbert, Eiliyah and Cory came thru on a Tuesday to chill with rapper Dave East @The Marquee

Melanie and Clarence were among the many curious folks for This Month’s “Shoot Your Shot” theme @ Urb Arts for

Jordan Flyy, Travis McKee and Musa Ali looked like royal citizens of Zamunda @24:1 Cinema when they came through to check out ‘Black Panther’ Saturday afternoon

Williams Squared and Sharhonda Williams @ The Ambassador for Live, Laugh, Love Valentine’s Day Comedy special Wednesday night

Andreae and EL continued their Valentine’s Day celebration through the weekend Friday night @ The Obar

Nala and Staci were simply just relaxing since Monday was a holiday @ Ballpark Village Sunday

Alandrea Stewart and Benjale Bailey represented for Harris Stowe State University during the St. Louis American Foundation’s 8th Annual Salute to Young Leaders Thursday night @ The Four

Carla was in the building as rising rap star Dave East had the club going up on a Tuesday for the Mardi Gras turn up @ The Marquee

Radio One

Sales Manager Christina Bailey with the one and only Teddy Riley of Guy and Blackstreet fame at the St. Louis Music Festival Friday night at Chaifetz Arena.

Photos by V. Lang

More than 70 people including Manyara met LaShell at 24:1 Theater to watch ‘Black Panther’ Saturday Afternoon

We can only assume that Will, Lamar and Larry were chopping it up about ‘Black Panther’ Saturday when HEY LUV landed back @ Lucha

Understanding your risk for heart disease and stroke

Submitted by the American Heart Association

Heart disease is the No. 1 killer for all Americans, and stroke is also a leading cause of death. As frightening as those statistics are the risks of getting those diseases are even higher for AfricanAmericans.

The good news is, African-Americans can improve their odds of preventing and beating these diseases by understanding the risks and taking simple steps to address them.

“Get checked, then work with your medical professional on your specific risk factors and the things that you need to do to take care of your personal health,” said Jin Moo Lee Professor, Neurology Attending Physician, Stroke Service at Barnes-Jewish Hospital BJC Institute of Health at Washington University, and American Heart Association St. Louis Board President.

High blood pressure, obesity and diabetes are the most common conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke. Here’s how they affect African-

Americans and some tips to lower your risk.

High Blood Pressure

The prevalence of high blood pressure in African-Americans is the highest in the world. Also known as hypertension, high blood pressure increases your risk of heart disease and stroke, and it can cause permanent damage to the heart before you even notice any symptoms, that’s why it is often referred to as the “silent killer.” Not only is HBP more severe in blacks than whites, but it also develops earlier in life.

Research suggests African-Americans may carry a gene that makes them more salt sensitive, increasing the risk of high blood pressure. Your healthcare provider can help you find the right medication, and lifestyle changes can also have a big impact.

“You can’t do anything about your family history, but you can control your blood pressure,” Dr. Lee said.

If you know your blood pressure is high, keeping track of changes is import-

ant. Check it regularly, and notify your doctor of changes in case treatment needs to be adjusted, Dr. Lee said. Even if you don’t have high blood pressure, he recommends checking it every two years.

“The No. 1 thing you can do is check your blood pressure regularly,” he said.

Obesity

African-Americans are disproportionately affected by obesity. Among non-Hispanic blacks age 20 and older, 63 percent of men and 77 percent of women are overweight or obese.

If you’re carrying extra weight, Dr. Lee suggests focusing on the quality of your diet throughout the day, not just during mealtime.

“You can add hundreds of calories to your diet just on snacking,” he said. Choosing wise snacks can be part of a healthy diet.

He also suggests limiting red meat in favor of lean meats such as chicken or fish, and watching portions on carbohydrate-heavy foods, such as pasta and rice. Look for whole grain options instead.

“Make vegetables the main part of the meal and fill up with those rather than other foods,” he said.

Diabetes

African-Americans are more likely to have diabetes than non-Hispanic whites. Diabetes is treatable and preventable, but many people don’t recognize early warning signs. Or, they avoid seeking treatment out of fear of complications.

Dr. Lee said many people associate the disease with older relatives who were diagnosed too late or had poorly-controlled diabetes and suffered preventable complications such as blindness, amputations, or renal failure.

For diabetes and other heart disease risks, regular exercise also plays a key role – both in strengthening the cardiovascular system and burning extra calories.

For more information on reducing your risk of heart disease and stroke, visit strokeassociation.org

Five fast things you should know about stroke

The American Stroke Association’s Together to End Stroke™ initiative, nationally sponsored by Medtronic, offers five things everyone should know about stroke.

1. Anyone can have a stroke

Some stroke patients don’t “look the part” and they may not have a traditional stroke risk factor like high blood pressure. Stroke is more common in older people, but young adults, teens, children and even babies can be victims.

2. High blood pressure is public enemy # 1 for stroke

103 million US Adults have high blood pressure, yet about half with the condition do not have it under control. Blood pressure the single most important controllable risk factor for stroke.

3. Stroke targets by color

While stroke is a leading cause of death for all Americans, AfricanAmericans are at an increased risk. Blacks are nearly twice as likely to have a stroke compared to whites, and more likely to have it at a younger age.

4. Stroke is largely treatable

With nearly 2 million brain cells dying every minute during a stroke, there’s no time to phone a friend or take a nap. Calling 911 is the best call for stroke.

5. Friends usually save friends from stroke

Two out of three times, it’s a bystander making the decision to call 911 or seek treatment on behalf of someone suffering a stroke. To remember the most common stroke warning signs and what action to take, learn the acronym F.A.S.T. If you see F-Face drooping, A-Arm weakness or S-Speech difficulty, it’s T-Time to call 911.

High blood pressure is public enemy # 1 for stroke.

The Barbershop Tour: Providing pathways to better health in St. Louis

By Keon L. Gilbert, Dr. PH, MA, MPA, Associate Professor, Saint Louis University, College for Public Health and Social Justice

The Barbershop Tour has become a signature program of the 100 Black Men of Metropolitan St. Louis over the last ten years. The Tour began with providing health screenings in a few barbershops in mostly North City St. Louis and North County focusing mainly on blood pressure screenings. High blood pressure (hypertension) is one of the most prevalent and severe causes of premature disability and deaths from heart attack, stroke, end-stage renal disease in black communities compared to other racial and ethnic groups in the United States. In the St. Louis region, deaths from heart disease are most prevalent in the North City and North County areas. For black men, they are 30% more likely to die from heart disease compared to white men. This is why the Tour has continued to focus its efforts throughout the years and has expanded to barbershops in South

City and St. Charles. The barbershop Tour as described by Leroy Shumpert Jr., President of the 100, “is a health initiative targeting high-risk populations providing them with free blood pressure screenings, health information about risks for chronic disease, prostate cancer awareness and HIV/AIDS Education. The goal is to inform participants how important it is to monitor their blood pressure, which can prevent heart attacks and strokes, along with the need for routine visits with their physician”.

This very important function follows a long-tradition found within barbershops where topics such as health, religion, family, politics and relationships are discussed openly and freely. The Barbershop Tour provides an opportunity for nursing students from the University of MissouriSt. Louis College of Nursing, according to Dr. Sheila Grigsby, faculty member who supervises nursing students as they, “learn first-hand about providing health care in a community-setting to understand a range of risk factors that prevent some people from accessing and using health care services”. These “real life experienc-

es allow for a richer practice experience that builds their clinical skills allowing them to work with a diverse group of patients throughout their career”.

Over the last four years the Tour has further expanded to include public health students from Saint Louis University’s College for Public Health and Social Justice. These students work under the auspices of two faculty members, Dr. Keon L. Gilbert and Dr. Stephanie McClure to teach students how to engage communities in community-based health initiatives. Public health students conduct health assessments and encourage participants to find healthful behavior strategies that will work for them in their homes, neighborhoods, with their spouse family members and friends, that will help them to lower their risk for hypertension or help them to manage it if they have been diagnosed. The Tour tries to “reach people where they are, where people may not have easy access to health care services” according to Lennie Harrison who for the last nine years has been ran the Health and Wellness Division at the 100 Black Men. He reminds those of us

involved in the Tour that the barbershops are “pillars of the community in communities that have seen many social and economic changes over several decades”. Some of the barbershops where the Tour takes place have been around for more than 50-years such as Sportsman’s and Kirk’s Diplomat. The legacy of these barbershops underscores how important it is for community-based health interventions to include barbershops and to have partners such as SLU, UMSL and the City Department of Health. With these partners, the Tour is able to reach individuals, families and communities similar to the reach of church-based health programs. The Tour relies on the steady flow of men and women who come into barbershops for services for them and their families and we engage them in conversations about their health and offer health screenings to increase their awareness about health risks for heart disease, diabetes, sexually transmitted infections and cancers. This year’s Tour runs through the weekends of March and April and with over 20 barbershops participating.

Sponsored by

Hypertension Collaborative

Affinia Healthcare’s Hypertension Education Group

(In partnership with the St. Louis Metropolitan YMCA, American Heart Association, and City of St. Louis Department of Health)

Sessions held:

Sponsored by

Testimonial:

This is the story of one of the women who participated in the Hypertension Education Group. This woman (S.G.) came to us with a blood pressure of 200’s/100’s. She had been to the ED at least 5 times in 2017 for high blood pressures. In December, S.G. had gone to the ED for high blood pressure, and

At 1717 Biddle 2nd and 4th Mondays of the month 2-4 p.m.

At 2220 Lemp Avenue 2nd and 4th Thursdays of the month 10 a.m.-12 noon

At 4414 North Florissant 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month 10 a.m.-12 noon

At 3930 South Broadway 2nd and 4th Fridays of the month 2-4 p.m.

Contact numbers are 314-814-8756 or 314-814-8759

was following up with her provider, when she was contacted by the Chronic Disease team at Affinia Healthcare. The patient was apprehensive at first, but with much encouragement from the team member, agreed to join the education group. During the first session, the patient was given a blood pressure cuff, taught how to use the cuff, and was educated on the basics of blood pressure. Over the course

of the next four sessions, the patient learned about healthy eating, the affects of blood pressure on the body, physical activity and blood pressure, health maintenance, and becoming an advocate for your care. During the 5th session, the patient came into class, and took her blood pressure. To her surprise, her blood pressure was 130/92! She was so appreciative of the education class and

the team for dedicating time to her, that she asked about continuing education and referring others to the class. This is only one example of the progress that is going on at Affinia Healthcare’s Hypertension Education Group. Let’s increase our knowledge and decrease your blood pressure.

Five easy ways to find healthier options at the grocery store

Eating right – what you put in your mouth -- starts with what you put in your shopping cart!

Want to make smart food choices but confused by all the health claims, messages and logos on foods? Use these tips to avoid the brain strain.

1. Read food labels, even for so-called “healthier” foods. Ingredients and nutrient content can vary a lot by brand and preparation. When there’s more than one choice, compare labels. Choose the item with the lowest amounts of sodium, saturated fat, trans fat and added sugars.

2. Beware of sneaky ingredients. For example, sodium and added sugars go by many different names, making it harder to tell just how much is in there.

3. Choose frozen, canned or dried

produce when fresh isn’t available or practical. It can be just as nutritious as fresh, and will last longer. Choose canned fruit packed in water, light syrup or its own juice. With canned and frozen vegetables, choose the product with the lowest amount of sodium. Heavy syrups and sauces can add unwanted ingredients to your healthy fruits and veggies.

4. Choose whole-grain foods. Lots of products claim to be, but there’s a simple way to know for sure. Look for the word “whole-grain” (or “whole” followed by the grain name) as the first item in the ingredients list. And we’re talking more than just bread. Include crackers, cereals, tortillas, pasta and other grain foods in your whole-grain quest.

5. Look for the Heart-Check mark to quickly and easily identify foods that can be part of an overall healthy eating

plan. When it’s on the label, you know the product has been certified by the American Heart Association to meet specific science-based nutrition requirements. The Heart-Check is easy to spot and takes some of the guesswork out of comparing Nutrition Facts label information.

Keep in mind, not all red hearts or check marks on food packages are the trusted Heart-Check mark! Look for the American Heart Association name if you’re unsure. And, the Heart-Check program is voluntary. That means not every heart-healthy food, such as fruits and vegetables, will apply for a Heart-Check mark. But you won’t find the HeartCheck on desserts, candy, chips and other foods that do not meet our nutrition requirements.

For more nutrition information, visit hear.org.

Sponsored by