February 23rd, 2012 edition

New uncovered evidence shows that Goerge Allen could not have been the source of the semen found at the scene of the stabbing of Mary Bell,on Feb.4,1982.

A homegoing service was held for Whitney Houston on Saturday at Houston's home church Pages C1

Dr. Ross receives Carver Award

Sigma

Gamma Rho recognizes kidney disease expert and diversity dean

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St.Louis American

Stress, diabetes, high blood pressure, obesity, family history and even a lack of nutrients when you were developed in the womb play a factor in manifestation of chronic kidney disease.

“Where is the outrage, where is the scientific focus? Where is the funding to address this epidemic?”

– Dr.Will Ross

Audience members at the Emerson Theatre got the word from a physician who has dedicated his life to educating and empowering others about kidney disease and how to prevent it.

Will Ross, M.D. M.P.H., associate dean of diversity and assistant professor of medicine at Washington University School of Medicine, was the keynote speaker at the 36th Annual Dr. George Washington Carver Celebration at Harris-Stowe State University.

Today’s food insecurity, the lack of access to nutritious and affordable food, can play out in future generations, Ross explained.

“In pregnant females, there is this lack of nutrients supplied and those nutrients are trace elements,

See ROSS, A7

Critical evidence withheld

Innocence Project says DNA exonerates George Allen

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

Four months ago, a team of lawyers tried to prove the innocence of George Allen, 55, a man convicted of a 1982 murder and rape, by presenting new evidence to a Missouri court.

no physical evidence or eye witnesses that connected Allen with the stabbing of Mary Bell, 31, in her apartment in the LaSalle Park neighborhood on Feb. 4, 1982.

The new uncovered evidence shows that Allen could not have been the source of the semen found at the scene, the petition states.

On Friday, the lawyers submitted an amended petition to the Cole County Circuit Court with further evidence that calls into question Allen’s conviction 30 years ago, including lab findings that were never turned over to Allen’s attorney. In Allen’s trial, prosecutors produced See

Allen’s advocates hope the new evidence will persuade Attorney General Chris Koster to move quickly to release him, said Barry Scheck, co-

The officer prompted Allen to give him answers to fit the crime, often asking Allen to change his answer to do so. Kayla Boyd,12,double-dutches while dribbling a basketball during the

Louis Department of Health.The

families within our community as part

Young

Black women deal with being better educated and more affluent than black men

By Robert Joiner Of The Beacon

million Americans. They now have access to preventive services, ranging from colonoscopies to mammograms, that previously had required co-payments. More than 1 million people

By MK Stallings For The St.Louis American

“I don’t want you to pull up to my house in an Escalade on rims when you’re living in a low-income apartment,” said Jamillah Boyd, a program coordinator for a local university. She was talking to her friend Nykea Watts, an adviser at the same institution. Although a conversation on socioeconomic differences between black men and women is not a typical

The Census estimates that 58 percent of jobs held by African Americans in the St.Louis metropolitan area are held by women.

topic for drinks after work, it flowed in a way that data cannot.

“There is a gender gap because the ratios are off,” Boyd said.

“There are not as many men at the university level, degreed, advanced-degreed.”

The 2010 Census estimates that 16.4 percent of AfricanAmericans adults in the St. Louis area hold a bachelor’s or graduate degree. The gen-

second annual So You Got Moves Expo presented by the City of St.

event was held at St.Louis Community College–Forest Park.The expo focused on healthy lifestyles for

Photo by Wiley Price

The curious case of Aretha’s ‘sick leave’ from Whitney’s services

The Queen of Soul’s spokeswoman strenuously denied that Franklin was disinvited to Whitney Houston’s funeral on Saturday because she angered the late singer’s mother, Cissy Houston, with comments she made during a “Today” show interview on Friday.

However the New York Daily News points out that the “illness” that prevented Aretha Franklin from performing was a thing of the past by evening’s end.

Franklin, 69, canceled her scheduled appearance at Hous ton’s New Jersey funeral service on Saturday, citing leg spasms, but sources and reviews note that the soul diva was in fine fettle on Saturday night when she performed the second of

two sold out concerts at Radio City Music Hall.

An insider also told the Daily News that Franklin — who paid tribute to Houston during her concert — was even feeling well enough to entertain 40 of her friends at the Ritz Carlton hotel on Central Park South after Saturday’s show.

Franklin’s rapid recovery adds fuel to the rumor that her absence from Houston’s funeral had to do with comments she made during an interview she taped with Al Roker.

Curiously, the clip is no longer available on the “Today” website, but Franklin addressed Houston’s drug problem with what sounded like veiled criticism of the tragic singer’s upbringing.

“Parents have to really talk to their children before they leave home,” Franklin told Roker. “They have to make sure when they leave home, they have all the right things. She left home with all the right things, but she just kind of lost her way along the way.”

Vanessa Long takes Eddie back

Back in December

Vanessa Long announced her filing for divorce from

Bishop Eddie Long due to irreconcilable differences. Vanessa later called the divorce off and then called it back on again. Though no official statement has been made, Dekalb County judicial records show the filing has since been “dismissed without prejudice.

Janet Hubert’s open letter to Wendy Williams

Former Fresh Prince of Bel-Air co-star Janet Hubert chose the wake of Whitney Houston’s untimely death – and Wendy Williams’ emotional reaction to Houston’s passing – as a starting point for a letter that bashes Williams and the niche she created for herself in the entertainment industry. Excerpts from the letter read as follows:

This past weekend was a very difficult time for so many of us. Though I never knew Whitney Houston, I felt a profound sense of loss and sadness.

eyes, that you would not discuss Whitney any further, but you crucified her the whole time she was alive, as you do so many people on your show. I want to ask you why? What do you get out of this besides money?

How do you sleep at night knowing that you are one of the biggest bullies in the world disguised as HOT TOPICS? Celebrities are not topics we are people, just like everyone else, we hurt and we hear and we bleed real blood, not fake blood, just as you do.

We felt like we knew her and we knew nothing about her except what we read and hear from people like you and other media outlets. I listened to her interview with you and was compelled to say out loud. “Go on Whitney tell her like it is,” when you pried into her life back then.

You said that morning with tears in your

How do we as parents teach our children to honor each other, treat each other with kindness when all they see are images of people like you who condone and promote meanness, rude reality TV stars, and your opinion as you berate world renowned people on a daily basis. I know I am going to suffer some arrows for writing this letter to you, I know you are loved by many, but remember this Wendy; they love you when you are up and they love to take you down. You will not always be up, you will not always be on the A list and attend all the parties. Ride the wave sister girl, but make sure you know how to swim when the ride is over. Artists are survivors, we work hard to build our crafts and careers and I ask that

Hubert Wendy Williams

Black radio boogies while Rome burns

In my column of July 2010, I asked, “Are the black radio and television stations today forward-thinking and positive? Black media outlets can provide valuable input and should be realistic, operational, inspirational, motivational, informative, and even emotional, and should be reassessed on a regular basis by the public that it serves.” After an assessment I am regretful to say that nothing has changed. And the emergence and resurgence of hate radio and right-wing show hosts such as Bill O’Reilly and Sean Hannity, who have tirelessly worked to undermine the accomplishments of the Obama administration, will continue to play a crucial role in the way white Americans perceive African Americans.

As a result of the overwhelming media focus on crime, drug use, gang violence, and other forms of anti-social behavior among African Americans, right-wing and mass media have fostered a distorted and malicious public perception of African-Americans and Black radio is doing nothing to correct these images.

The Bush administration plunged us into the worst economic crisis in the history of the United States yet the right wing’s flawed understandings of the Constitution and how its foundational values should be applied is relentless in their attacks on President Obama and the Black radio stations are sitting idly by and continue to amuse.

In 1963 Martin Luther King Jr. wrote from the Birmingham Jail: “I cannot sit idly by in Atlanta and not be concerned about what happens in Birmingham. Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” So how can Black radio stations continue to entertain and not be a voice for transformation?

The Right has perfected the habit of giving unto themselves the title of being the “only true patriots.” And having done so they embark on carrying out attacks on Black people and the President with an air of impunity from law and accepted norms of human rights, while we boogie and tell jokes. Black people must agree to increase the pressure on hate radio mongers as well as our leaders, elected representatives, government officials and broadcasters to take clear stands on the issue of fairness and truth. Black radio station owners and personalities too needs to be told in no uncertain terms that it has to give up its growing weakness for good times and become a vehicle for positive change.

We need independent, full-service radio outlets, offering news and formats that incorporate thought-provoking talk and music programming, and recognize and address the needs of the communities and families they serve.

We need a nationwide outreach campaign, with leaders who are concerned about the truths that still influence life in Black America and understand that race has become an institutional part of American society.

We need announcers and talk show hosts who understand that we must find opportunities and provide for African Americans in the areas of education, science, engineering and the arts. The accomplishments of African Americans should be at the forefront of popular culture in America’s battle for racial equality and our media outlets should reflect the history of African Americans’ struggle against oppression and discrimination. The media have played a key role in perpetuating the effects of this historical oppression and in contributing to our continuing status as second-class citizens, and it is time for a change.

We must make our media outlets accountable. We must

strengthen diversity among the leadership of our community with meaningful programming, digital formats, news and information services, to reach millions of listeners around the country. It is not about having fun anymore. It is a matter of

survival. Please listen the Bernie Hayes radio program Monday through Friday at 7am and 4 pm on WGNU-920 AM or at www.wgnu920am.com. And please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday Night

at 10pm and Friday Morning at 9 am and Sunday Evenings at 5:30 pm on KNLC-TV Ch. 24. I can be reached by fax at (314) 837-3369 or e-mail at berhay@swbell.net.

Bernie Hayes

EDITORIAL /COMMENTARY

Rams and pensions teach painful lessons

As a sign of the city’s ongoing absence of leverage with Stan Kroenke and the Rams, city oficials actually attempted to cheer the St. Louis Rams闇 (essentially unilateral) decision to play three of its “home” games in London.

Two current issues of grave concern to civic leaders and the iscal health of the city – burgeoning pension commitments, and the future of the Edward Jones Dome and its putative main tenant, the St. Louis Rams – provide object lessons in failed (or belated) civic leadership. It’s not much compensation, but at least Black St. Louis can console itself that one of our elected leaders tried to steer the city to the right decisions before irresponsible decisions set us on course to the current crises.

Former Comptroller Virvus Jones – as a variety of local media have had the honesty to admit in recent weeks – opposed the lavish and exploitable pension system that city government ended up awarding to Fireighters Local 73. Now in 2012 Mayor Francis G. Slay has taken on Local 73, bolstered by a stinging Post-Dispatch investigative series on abuse of the pension plan by oficially “disabled” ireighters who go on working elsewhere while drawing handsome disability pensions from the city. But when Slay was working his way up in city government as an alderman, he contributed to the voting bloc that created the pension crisis.

The same is true of the sweetheart deal the Rams signed with the city for its lease on the Edward Jones Dome. Virvus Jones acted all but alone in the region in objecting to the terms of the deal, but the groupthink among other elected oficials as well as civic leadership overwhelmed him, and we can see where we are today. The city entered into a lease that required the Rams to pay only $250,000 a year, control of all of the operating revenue from August to February, but pay no operating expense. This includes ticket sales, concession revenue, any rental revenue from non-

Rams football events and 75 percent of all of the advertisement revenue, including naming rights revenue.

As a sign of the city’s ongoing absence of leverage with Stan Kroenke and the Rams, city oficials actually attempted to cheer the Rams’ (essentially unilateral) decision to play three of its home games in London, as opposed to the Dome in St. Louis. Rather than curse a deadbeat, lease-breaking tenant, the city applauded the scheduled absence of the Rams by claiming it will “signiicantly increase booking lexibility.” Yes, when a tenant starts to move out, that certainly does “increase the booking lexibility” you have with that tenant’s space! Why we should be so happy to lose the games we spent so much public money on enticing is a question the city would have dificulty answering with a straight face.

Civic groupthink would still say no mayor wants to be the guy who lost a major league sports franchise on his watch, so the city issues nonsensical press statements attempting to sugar over the Rams’ bad business dealing and Slay refers to Kroenke – apparently one of the worst in a generation of extortionist NFL owners – as “a tenant we like.” However, emboldened by a new truce with the St. Louis Police Oficers Association and the Post-Dispatch’s evident political will to go hard against city ireighters, Slay has geared up for a ight against Local 73. We don’t see how the current ireighters’ pension system can be defended as is – we only wish the one elected oficial with the courage to ight Local 73 when the time was right had been heeded at the time.

Police association betrayed black cops group

Once again as President of the Ethical Society of Police (ESOP) in representation of its members I ind it necessary to express our organization’s opposition to Mayor Francis G. Slay’s efforts to gain control of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department and its pension via local control with the support of the Saint Louis Police Oficers Association (SLPOA). We as an organization have maintained that we do not support local control and that the SLPOA does not speak for all personnel employed by the St. Louis Police Department. In good faith our organization entered into an agreement with the SLPOA in or around January of 2011 to combine any and all efforts to defeat local control.

Both organizations during this time cited the reason for non support of local control listed below: No change in city govern-

ment: excessive alderpersons for the population of citizens in the City of Saint Louis. Lack of collective bargaining: The current police department consists of two police organizations that represent all commissioned police oficers below the rank of Sergeant. The ESOP and the SLPOA collectively should have input regarding conditions of employment.

Lack of pension protection: If the city is successful in gaining local control the police oficers’ pension will succumb to unfair changes to the current pension plan to accommodate the city’s inability to maintain its budget.

Our organization was still engaged in meetings with the SLPOA against local control. Contradictory to the SLPOA’s original stance, they now have joined alliance with the Mayor’s Ofice by entering into an agreement in April 2011 to support local control. This change was not communicated in their course of action. The SLPOA also was granted the collective bargaining agreement. The SLPOA requested a draft of the agreement before May 13, 2011 via the Mayor’s Ofice granting

their organization as the primary bargaining unit to represent conditions of employment with our employer, absent of any input from ESOP.

We do not know what other agreements may have been agreed upon between the two entities. Thus the alliance with our organization and the SLPOA against local control ceased.

The members of The Ethical Society of Police and I would once again like to go on public record as maintaining a consistent stance against local control, as well as the current collective bargaining agreement, and would like the citizens of St. Louis city to join any and all efforts to make sure that the Mayor’s Ofice does not gain total control of the city’s budget by gaining access to the St. Louis Police Department pension under the disguise of local control.

We humbly ask that citizens of St. Louis City continue to inquire about the real reason such great efforts are being cast to gain local control – and should a ballot initiative for local control be presented to vote NO. Simmons is president of the Ethical Society of Police.

COMMENTARY

Pay close attention to China

China, for better or worse, is a serious country. The United States had better start acting like one.

I got a glimpse of the future last Wednesday in the vast ballroom of a Washington hotel where hundreds of august dignitaries gathered at a luncheon in honor of Vice President Xi Jinping, who is widely expected to become China’s top leader after a year-long transition.

Xi’s status is such that he was introduced by no less than Henry Kissinger, who spoke, not for the irst time, of the Nixon-to-China breakthrough four decades ago. It is useful to remember that the country we now think of as a trillion-dollar creditor and the manufacturer of iPads was once a Maoist bastion, hermetically sealed against the capitalist inluences of the Western world.

Let me interject that this column will include quite a few Chinese names, which can be hard for English-speaking readers to follow. Please make the effort. Being an informed citizen of the world is increasingly going to require some level of comfort with Chinese nomenclature.

Xi’s father – Xi Zhongxun, once one of Mao Zedong’s lieutenants – fell out of favor and was persecuted during much of that era. Xi Jinping is part of a remarkable generation that survived the apocalypse of the Cultural Revolution; he spent long, hard years as a teenager

Death penalty and slavery

I was reading an article in the recent Missouri Bar Journal regarding a “Brief Legal History of Missouri,” and it noted a Missouri Supreme Court case –Fanny (a slave) v. State, 6 Mo. 122 (1839) – that was apparently Missouri’s irst application of the death penalty to a slave. According to the article, Fanny’s story began:

“In September 1838, William Florence, age nine or 10, the son of William Florence Sr. and the slave Fanny, was found dead in the porch orchard of neighbor William C. Prewitt. All of Prewitt’s slaves were rounded up and placed in custody. As each slave was taken to a wooded area for interrogation, the slaves pointed the inger at Fanny. Fanny was convicted of murder and sentenced to death. The trial court overruled a motion for new trial, but in a bill of exceptions the trial judge set aside the conviction and ordered a change of venue to Warren County. In her second trial, Fanny was again convicted of irst degree murder and sentenced to death. Fanny was a case of irst impression, and the issue before the Supreme Court was: Could a slave convicted of murder be sentenced to death?”

The article noted that, “At the time the Court decided Fanny, the Nat Turner slave revolt of 1831 was fresh in the minds of many. Race had become the consummate fear in the southern and border states.” Interestingly, the article points out that the Supreme Court reached its decision to unanimously uphold Fanny’s conviction because: “Fear, unfortunately, had become the common denominator in slave cases.”

Eric E. Vickers St. Louis

Ecstatic over IN UNISON

Thank you, St. Louis American and Dr. Suggs, for the tickets to see Jenifer Lewis and the IN UNISON Chorus perform with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra at Powell Hall. I

living in a cave in the poor, remote Shaanxi province.

Xi fared better than the man considered his chief rival for power and inluence in China – Bo Xilai, the Communist Party chief for the Chongqing metropolitan area, which is home to nearly 30 million people. Bo’s father, Bo Yibo, was one of Mao’s most trusted associates before being purged in the Cultural Revolution.

The whole family was sent to a prison for ive years, then to a labor camp for another ive. Bo Xilai’s mother either committed suicide or was beaten to death.

I recount this history because it helps me understand why the men – and a few women – now running China are the way they are: impatient to make up for lost time, pathologically wary of the slightest instability, tough, resourceful, adaptable, coldly unsentimental and, as Kissinger generalized in his introduction, convinced “that every solution is the beginning of a new set of problems.”

The speech Xi delivered at the luncheon was fairly stilted and anodyne, as one might have expected. He’s not president yet, and clearly he was intent on not making headline news. China wants a “cooperative partnership” with the United States, he said, adding that his meetings with President Obama and Vice President Biden were “fruitful.”

There was an overall message, however. Xi referred to the U.S.-China relationship as “an unstoppable river that keeps surging ahead.” He was pointing out the obvious: For decades to come, the United States and China will be the world’s two biggest economic

heartily enjoyed the evening of outstanding performances by all.

The symphony is one of St. Louis’ greatest gifts and the IN UNISON Chorus showcases so many great singers who come together to share their talents in such a special way under the direction of Mr. Kevin McBeth. And I cannot say enough about Ms Lewis. It was so wonderful to see her honor her Kinloch roots and share her stories of growing up in the St. Louis area. She is a rare jewel.

Linda Lockhart Kirkwood

Vaccinations and reality

As a pediatrician, I see children admitted to my service each winter with pertussis, or whooping cough. These kids are miserable as uncontrollable, painful coughing makes their throats raw, and their parents are beside themselves with fear that their children may not make it through this horrible illness. As I stand at the bedside taking care of these stricken families, I am frustrated. The number of cases of pertussis has been creeping up every year. And virtually every one of these cases can be prevented. Because vaccines have been so spectacularly successful at reducing the incidence of certain infections, many of today’s parents have never seen a case of whooping cough, measles or meningitis, and they may think it’s okay to refuse vaccination for their children. But these diseases are all still with us, and they’re having a resurgence as a result of declining vaccination rates. My fear is that your child will become very sick or might even die from an illness that is avoidable.

I would encourage parents to have a frank discussion with your child’s pediatrician about your concerns. But I would also encourage pediatricians to go beyond the science around vaccines – which unequivocally supports vaccination – and express our own fears about the clear and present danger that these diseases present to babies and young children. We all want the same thing: to keep children safe and healthy. But

powers. We’re stuck with each other, like it or not. China is a one-party state, but that does not mean there is no debate about the country’s direction. Xi is considered likely to keep the nation on its current path of free-market economic growth. His political adversary Bo Xilai advocates a more robust safety net to care for the millions who are being left out of the Chinese economic miracle. There are also internal disagreements about how aggressive China should be in asserting its military inluence throughout the region, especially in the South China Sea. Addressing the environmental cost of the country’s rapid development will be an urgent task for the incoming leadership. China’s record on human rights and political openness is still abysmal.

These are serious questions –but Chinese leaders at least are grappling with them in a serious manner. But here in the United States?

“We’re having the most frivolous of conversations – in an election year!” This assessment came from Jon Huntsman, the former ambassador to China who recently ended his bid for the GOP presidential nomination, and who attended the lunch for Xi.

We hear a lot of Chinabashing on the campaign trail. What we’re not hearing is a serious debate about farsighted reforms that are needed to keep the United States from falling behind.

If we are to thrive in a changing world, singing “America the Beautiful” isn’t enough.

we can only do that if our fears are based in reality.

Ken Haller, M.D. SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center

Columnist Eugene Robinson

Guest Columnist Eddie Simmons Jr.

St. Louis Public Library places 2nd nationally

The St. Louis Public Library earned a Second-Place ranking in the Library Category of the 2011 America’s Most Literate Cities study conducted by Central Connecticut State University. This marks the third consecutive year (and the fifth time in six years) that the city library has earned the runnerup spot. Additionally, 2011 is the seventh straight year that the St. Louis Public Library has ranked as one of the top four urban libraries in the U.S. The study focuses on cities with populations greater than 250,000. The City of St. Louis finished 8th place overall, up from 9th last year.

The Library category is based upon library support, holdings, and utilization. Four variables were considered for the final score: number of branch libraries per 10,000 library service population; volumes held in the library per capita of library service population; number of circulations per capita of library service population; and number of library professional staff per 10,000 library service population.

The study attempts to capture the literacy of the United States’major cities by focusing on six key indicators: newspaper circulation, number of bookstores, library resources, periodical publishing resources, educational attainment, and Internet resources.

To learn more about the America’s Most Literate Cities study, visit http://www.ccsu.edu/uploaded//AMLC _2011-2012_rele.pdf

McDonald’s sponsors Mathews-Dickey

Roy Williams,president of the African-American consumer market, shaked hands with Martin Mathews to announce that McDonald’s is becoming the first $10,000 naming rights sponsor of the MathewsDickey at Bob Russell Park project.Contributors to the cause include Angela Weaver of McDonald’s Corporation and fellow owner/operators Steve Dawson,Ken Nelson,Judson Pickard Jr.,Jamie Rivers and James Williams.

Earth Day slogan deadline Feb. 29

Missouri fifth-grade teachers are urged to submit student entries in the Missouri Department of Natural Resources’ 2012 Earth Day slogan and video contests. Students should base their entries on the theme “Get Out and Play in Your Missouri State Parks.”

The students submitting the winning slogan and video will be honored at the 18th Annual Department of Natural Resources’Earth Day celebration, which will be held April 20 at the Capitol in Jefferson City.

Aslogan contest entry form, rules and details are available on the Department of Natural Resources’website: dnr.mo.gov/earthday/slogancontest.htm. Video contest information is also available online: dnr.mo.gov/earthday/video-

contest.htm. Deadline for both contests is Feb. 29. The winners will be announced in March.

The slogan contest winner will receive a $50 gift card donated by Central Bank in Jefferson City. In case of a duplicate slogan contest entry, the winner will be determined by the date the entry was received.

Video entries will be featured on the department’s website and displayed at the Earth Day event, which will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The prize for the video contest winner will be announced prior to the event.

For more information about the cContest, contact the Missouri Department of Natural Resources at 800-361-4827.

Not only angels have right to vote

By Hope Whitehead Special to the American

On January 17 while most of us were commemorating the many contributions Dr. King made to the Civil Rights Movement, the Missouri Legislature was in Jefferson City creating ways to dismantle our right to vote. They held hearings on voter photo ID bills. On February 9, in keeping with Republican-controlled legislatures across the country, the Missouri House moved this repressive, regressive bill one step closer to becoming law.

In a nutshell, the voter photo ID bill requires voters to present an unexpired Missouri state photo ID in order to vote. To date, there are only two types of Missouri state photo IDs: Missouri driver’s license and Missouri non-drivers ID. Requirements for obtaining both types of identification are the same except, one also requires passing a driving test.

Those who support voter photo ID assume that every voter who lives in Missouri has a Missouri driver’s license or is capable of getting one. However, the Secretary of States office has identified over 230, 000 Missouri voters who lack a Missouri driver’s license and an additional 126,000 who have expired driver’s licenses.

Many of my clients are embedded in this 350,000 people without valid driver’s license. They have had their driver’s license suspended or revoked for years and see no reinstatement options between now and the presidential election. Their driving privileges were suspended for a variety of reasons including civil judgments, child support, DWI and warrants.

We have all seen those images of the lines formed around the block each time Better Family Life does the Amnesty project to cancel warrants. This program might cancel the warrant, but it does not restore the driver’s license. Some people may never have their driver’s license restored because the fees and fines owed are just too great for them to afford.

Should they go to the Department of Revenue and apply for a nondriver’s ID? Of course they should. But they probably will not because warrants will stop anyone from going into a government office and asking for new ID. As a result, a lot less voters will go to the polls if they have to present a Missouri state unexpired driver’s or non driver’s ID.

Perhaps you think that the people who put themselves in this web of bad circumstances should not be entitled to vote. Well, the 15th Amendment of the U.S Constitution and the Voting Rights Act of 1965 would disagree with you. It does not say only angels have the right to vote. Nor does it say only good drivers with excellent credit scores can vote.

“The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of race, color or…” driving privileges? If we are going to use the driver’s license as a condition precedent to a fundamental right such as voting, then it should not be so easily taken for running a red light.

Former State Representative Hope Whitehead is an Attorney at Law.

Hope Whitehead

HEALTH

Continued from A1

in Missouri and another 2.3 million in Illinois are benefitting from this change in national health policy, according to the Department of Health and Human Services.

Preventive coverage for children up to age 17 includes screening for vision, hearing and obesity, regular pediatric visits, and immunizations. Among services to which women have access are mammograms, contraceptives, and screening for obesity, cholesterol and blood pressure. Services for men include colonoscopies, and screenings for cholesterol, blood pressure, obesity and HIV.

Although praising these benefits as unprecedented for millions of Americans, federal health officials concede it’s hardly a new policy among many major businesses and insurers whose wellness programs predate ACA. For example, UnitedHealthCare has espoused preventive health services for years, and some of its employer-clients in St. Louis and elsewhere provide such services for workers without requiring co-pays.

“It’s always better to fix things upfront,” says Dr. Robert Smith, market medical director for United Health Care of Missouri. He says ignoring prevention is akin to driving a car without changing the oil or the transmission fluid. In such instances, he says, the owner ends up having to replace the motor and the transmission.

“The human body works the same kind of way,” he says. “That’s why we focus on these wellness things. I think

GENDER

Continued from A1

der breakdown reveals that 17.7 percent of black women

our health-care systems are learning that they have to do things differently.”

Data from the St. Louis Business Health Coalition show that 17 of its 49 member companies already offer employees preventive services without requiring a co-pay. Some of the area firms have found novel approaches to drive home their wellness messages.

Smith mentioned a St. Louis company whose workers take a form to their doctors and are expected to be proactive when discussing their health during the visit: “Doc, what’s my blood pressure? Is it good or bad? What do I need to do about it? What’s my cholesterol? What’s my blood sugar?” These are a few of the issues the patient is encouraged to squeeze into the conversation. After caring for the patient, the physician signs the form, which the patient takes back to the employer for a reward.

“The employer gives him 25 bucks,” Smith says.

Afamily practice physician by training, Smith likes to talk up the value of prevention while calling attention to the state’s health-care challenges. He’s pleased to see the United HealthCare Foundation partner with the American Public Health Association to rank states on health issues.

Prevention can trim costs

“Missouri has slipped from 39 to 40,” he says of the most recent rankings. “We have high smoking rates, a low immunization rate, a high rate of obesity. Diabetes is climbing, and we have a high rate of health disparities in some communities.”

have at least an undergraduate degree, with 14.8 percent of black men able to say the same. Collegeresults.org, an online database for higher education statistics, drills down on

The list of screenings embraced by UnitedHealthCare cover what’s in the federal law, including screening for cervical and prostate cancers, high blood pressure, diabetes and depression, as well as screenings for thyroid disease, autism, lead, tuberculosis and obesity among infants and children.

In addition, the insurer tries to educate patients through a website.

“Folks can go there and get material that has been passed through some health literacy screening,” he says. He adds that the company maintains websites for Latinos and African Americans “because health disparities occur in certain cultures, and we try hard to put the material out there.”

United Health Care’s positions on prevention are informed mainly by independent peer-reviewed, evidencebased information from the U.S. Preventive Services task force. It grades the evidence and decides whether a certain exam, technology or screening is useful in offering a short- or long-term benefit to the patient. The insurer’s decisions about which screenings to support also can be based on independent studies involving a consensus of doctors who might think a certain medical activity is effective even though there is no peerreviewed evidence that it is.

Louise Probst, executive director of the St. Louis Business Health Coalition, also favors prevention, noting that some area employers have embraced the concept for decades. Still, she says, cost could now become a big issue because the zero co-pay mandate “means that the cost of

the Census data. The most recent six-year graduation rate for area universities reveals that only Saint Louis University had a higher percentage of black males graduating than black females, with

by

Artist and Airmen

In honor of Black History Month,Lambert-St.Louis International Airport had a rededication of the mural Black Americans In Flight last week.Tuskegee Airman and St.Louis native Christopher Newman,Crystal Pruitt (the daughter of Tuskegee Airman Wendell Pruitt) and mural artist Soloman Thurman hold a painting of a scene that will be added to the mural.

these services may well go up.”

Smith adds that other challenges include covering services such as contraception that won’t be offered as part of health benefits through church groups and hospitals associated

55.2 percent of black men completing their undergraduate degree compared to 54.5 percent of black women. Black women outpace black men in graduation rates at all other area universities.

Available data show that the widest graduation gap is at the University of Missouri –St. Louis, with 31.4 percent of black women graduating compared with 22.2 percent of black men. While women, regardless of race, fare better than their male counterparts, the black gender gap impacts the social scene and emergent black families.

“St. Louis seems to have a very small black professional crowd,” said Nadia Brown, assistant professor of political science and African-American studies at Saint Louis University. “You go everywhere, and you see the same people.”

Upon earning her doctorate in political science at Rutgers University, Brown moved to St. Louis in 2010 to accept a joint appointment at SLU. Brown is in a long-distance relationship with a man who is not as educated as she is and gets paid less than she does. She said dating in St. Louis has not gone well for her and her friends.

“I think part of it is middleclass socialization,” Brown said, explaining that there are

with Catholics and other religious institutions. How these services are paid for in the cases of church groups refusing to cover the cost raises a “whole set of” issues, not the least of them being who is going to cover

“norms that middle-class black people have that working-class black people don’t have.”

She illustrated her point by recounting some dates.

“You’re not going to talk to me a certain way. You’re not going to try to come to my house and sit up or go to your house on the first date,” she said. “It needs to be an outing.”

Shante Duncan, an entrepreneur, artist and family woman, often hosts sister circles where relationships emerge as hot topics.

“We’ve been having a lot of conversations about the emotional immaturity displayed by a lot of men who seem to enter into situations that require a lot more commitment than what they are willing or ready to give,” Duncan said.

More jobs, betterjobs

Black men also lag behind black women in gainful employment. The Census estimates that 58 percent of jobs held by African Americans in the St. Louis metropolitan area are held by black women. Furthermore, 31 percent of black women hold management positions while only 19 percent of black men can make that claim.

For women like Aisha Hamilton, the socioeconomic status of prospective suitors

that cost. Smith says, “The reality is, yes, somebody is going to pay for it. My personal bias is that we all share in those costs.”

Reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org.

has decreased in importance as material comfort and educational attainment improved her way of life. Hamilton holds an MBAfrom Webster University, is a divorcee and a mother of one working in corporate America. “Had you asked me 10 years ago if economic status was important in a man, I would have, ‘Yes’because I may have felt like I needed someone to care for me,” she said. “Not just that, but I needed to be able to depend on someone in case I fell. Now, at almost 33, I don’t see myself falling.”

While divorce brought about some financial problems for Hamilton, she achieved a level of financial independence that has intimidated some men she has dated. She reflected on one experience.

“He didn’t make a lot of money. He was educated and had a degree, but was in a profession that does not make a lot of money,” she said. “Once he saw what I had – because he wasn’t bringing cash to the table – he felt like he had to bring something else and he broke his back trying to do that.”

Hamilton echoed a point that Nykea Watts had made: “I’ve never come across a man who dates a woman who makes more than him and is proud of it.”

Photo

Wiley Price

Continued from A1

like iron, zinc, selenium, riboflavin; vitamins, like vitamin A, C and D; there is this lack of nutrient deficiency that characterizes people who are in food-insecure environments,” Ross said.

As a consequence, Ross said the nutrients are pulled from the pregnant women’s body.

“These nutrients that would normally go into the kidney and normally go into the heart and would normally go into the pancreas are shut off, and they go to the brain instead,” he said. In turn, Ross says, the kidney holds on to salt, the pancreas stops producing insulin and makes existing insulin resistant because of lack of macronutrients to allow the infant to develop.

“If it’s adapted in utero, what happens when that baby grows up and is placed in an environment in the U.S. where that environment exposes that growing child to a super abundant doses of sodium and super abundant access to dense hypercaloric carbohydrates? You’ve seen it before, too –it’s called type 2 diabetes,” Ross said. “And you know the main drivers of kidney disease

ALLEN

Continued from A1

director of the Innocence Project, which has been working on Allen’s case in collaboration with Bryan Cave LLP.

Aspokeswoman for the Attorney General’s office told TheSt. Louis American, “We are in the process of reviewing the case.”

Since Allen’s original petition was filed on Sept. 26, 2011, his lawyers and Koster’s office conducted further investigations into Allen’s case.

“Every single piece of evidence unearthed during the past four months either confirms or further proves that police withheld critical, exculpatory evidence and that Mr. Allen is innocent,” the Feb. 17 petition states.

In the original petition, attorneys established, through DNAevidence and previously undisclosed serology testing, the presence of semen on the robe that the victim was wearing when she was attacked that didn’t match the DNAof Allen or of the victim’s known sexual partners. According to scratched out markings on a report from the analyst who performed the serology, the semen came from a donor with B antigens.

– you guys remember this –are high blood pressure, diabetes and being overweight.”

Ross said it is surprising how young some of the patients are who are being treated for what was used to be adult onset, type 2 diabetes.

“I look at people walking in my office and sometimes I am stunned, because they are 16 years old and they are 17 years old, they are 20 years old and they have diabetes, high blood pressure and they have kidney failure,” Ross said.

“I say, my goodness – this is an incredible paradigm. Where is the outrage, where is the scientific focus? Where is the funding to address this epidemic that is absolutely devastating our community? We don’t quite see the outrage because we don’t understand it.”

Ross explained that kidney disease is a slowly-growing process of the kidneys deteriorating and the waste products building up. All undetected.

“There are people walking around with a time bomb in their kidneys, ready to explode,” he said, particularly with the ravages of racism, stress and health issues.

Despite being at higher risk for certain health conditions,

Ross said there are simple things everyone can do to prevent kidney disease.

“Lose two pounds a

Since that filing, attorneys deposed the St. Louis Police Crime Lab serologoist Joseph Crow about the scratched out marking.He claimed to have no independent recollection of the testing, but after reviewing the documents, he said that he believes he obtained what he referred to as a “weak” reaction for B antigens on the robe, wrote the B antigen finding on this worksheet, but later decided to delete the finding before the final lab report was typed up.

An affidavit filed Friday from a nationally recognized serology expert confirms that Crow was obligated to report the results and turn them over to the defense even if they were, as he claimed, “weak” results. The expert said the test Crow was using does not allow for false positives, so even a weak result means the B antigen is present.

George Allen’s blood type excluded him as the source of the B antigen.

Moreover, Crow has now admitted that he cannot rule out the fact that he may have known George Allen was excluded by the B antigen before he decided to cross out the finding.

Unreliable confession

In papers filed Friday, attor-

month,” Ross said. “Cut your sodium intake to one teaspoon of sodium a day. That’s two grams and most Americans consume eight or nine grams,”

neys also point to new evidence that the police investigating the crime were concerned about the reliability of Allen’s confession.

Although police were looking for another person when they arrested Allen, they decided to interrogate him anyway. Allen, who is a diagnosed schizophrenic and had been admitted to psychiatric wards several times, eventually ended up making a recorded confession.On the recording, Allen informs the officers that he is under the influence of alcohol. Throughout the interrogation, the officer prompts Allen to give him answers to fit the crime, often asking Allen to change his answer to do so.

Attorneys recently deposed Detective Ron Scaggs, one of the detectives involved in the interrogation.When asked whether he recalled questions being raised within the department about whether or not this was a good conviction, he admitted that “we were iffy about it.”

He also confirmed that there were problems with the way the interrogation was conducted and agreed that it “was not the way that [he was] trained to do interrogations.”

He agreed that Detective Herb Riley, the head investigator on the case, asked “leading questions” and that this “runs the

risk that you would be inadvertently suggesting to a suspect how to answer a question.”

He also agreed that it was problematic to have shown Allen photos during the interrogation because “you may be inadvertently feeding information that you, the investigator, would prefer to get from the suspect himself to make sure that you’re getting reliable information that only the police and prosecutor would know.”

He acknowledged that several of Allen’s incorrect claims about the crime were “red flags” that Allen’s confession may not be reliable.

Additionally, the diagram Allen drew of the crime scene was inaccurate and never turned over to defense, as required by law.

“Mr. Allen’s mother has been waiting for justice for a very long time,”said Olga Akselrod, Innocence Project staff attorney.“Hopefully the evidence uncovered in today’s filing will finally end this terrible injustice.”

Acopy of the Amended Petition for Writ of Habeas Corpus that was filed Friday in the Circuit Court of Cole County is available at: http://www.innocenceproject.or g/Content/Legal_Documents_f rom_Allen_v_Dormire.php

Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority awarded Dr.Will Ross of Washington University School of Medicine with its George Washington Carver Award during a special presentation recently at HarrisStowe State University, where Dr.Ross discussed chronic kidney disease and the African-American community.

Ross added.

“Do that and just walk –please – just like, 30 minutes, five times a week,” Ross said. Abooth with kidney health

information from the American Diabetes Association and National Kidney Foundation was also available for those in attendance.

The Jan. 28 event was sponsored by the Zeta Sigma Chapter of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority.

Photo by Wiley Price

Who’s who in black (female) St. Louis

Lois Ingrum, Crystal Howard, Vanessa Hughes, Khalia Collier, Ericca Willis, Trina Claggett, Shuntae Shields Ryan, Eleanor Higgins and Capt. Mary Edwards-Fears represented at the kick-off luncheon for the local host committee for Who’s Who in Black St. Louis

Committee luncheon launches tribute to women

By Crystal Howard For The St. Louis American

Who’s Who in Black St. Louis

Associate Publisher Ericca Willis recently took over the reins from long-time publisher and her husband, Keith Antone Willis Sr., with a kick-off luncheon for the local host committee.

The committee, which reads like a who’s who of black St. Louis women, was welcomed by the Gateway Classic Foundation CEO Rich Gray at a luncheon held at the Foundation’s building. The luncheon launched activities celebrating the region’s exceptional women of color, leading up to the unveiling of the ninth edition of Who’s Who in Black St. Louis later this year.

“I am truly excited about highlighting and documenting some of St. Louis’ most phenomenal women and the organizations that serve them,” Ericca Willis said. “I have a great host committee that wants to reach for the stars. We will be celebrating the achievements of women of color all year long!”

Host committee co-chair

Vanessa Foster of AnheuserBusch, one of the founding corporate sponsors of Who’s Who in Black St. Louis, addressed the group. “We are proud to continue our support this year, as the focus is on extraordinary women. Let us bring the power of our creativity and passion to achieve something that has never been done before with this publication.”

Other host committee members in attendance include Peggy LeCompte, AKA /TLOD/ Limelight News; Chon Tomlin, Manager, Save-A-Lot Food Stores; LaShone Gibson, Assoc. Dean of Global Relations, Saint Louis University; Jan Hess, Vice President, St. Lukes Hospital; Ronda F.Williams, Sr. Corporate Counsel, Savvis; KhaliaCollier, Owner, St. Louis Surge Basketball; Marion Brooks, Owner, Alpha Omega Educational Services; Shuntae Shields Ryan, Marketing Manager, Downtown St. Louis Partnership; Comptroller Darlene Green; Andreal Hoosman, President, Haywood Realty;

Capt. Mary Edwards-Fears, Commander of Fifth District, St. Louis PoliceDepartment; Eleanor Higgins, MBA/BBA Certiied Leadership Coach, American Family Insurance; Michelle Tucker, Sr. Vice President, Bank of America; Trina Claggett, Marketing & Special Events Specialist, St. Louis Gateway Classic Foundation; Vanessa Hughes, Executive Assistant, St. Louis Gateway Classic Foundation. Committee members not in attendance include Cheryl Polk, Exec. VP & COO, United Way of Greater St. Louis; Rita Holmes-Bobo, Mgr. Comm. & Public Relations, AmerenUE; Barbara Wilson, Director, The Boeing Company; Vickie Newton, News Anchor, KMOV Channel 4 (co-chair); Shawneen Thompson, Station Manager, WFUN-FM/WHHL-FM Radio One; Adrian E. Bracy, CEO, YWCA Metro St. Louis (cochair); Rolanda Jasper, Sr. Account Director, Express Scripts and Jan Banks, Owner, High Society Gal.

‘Africa to America’ at Twillman Elementary

Heather Himes and Floyd Wilson of Beyond Measure Dance Theater dance to jazz and swing music during “Africa to America,” a Black History Month program at Twillman Elementary School, sponsored in part by Springboard and Twillman’s PTA.

Beyond Measure Dance Theater entertains and instructs for Black History Month

Special to the American Twillman Elementary School, in the Hazelwood School District, kicked off Black History Month with a visit from Springboard’s program, “Africa to America.” Beyond Measure Dance Theater members Alicia “Sunshine” Gbaho, Floyd Wilson, Heather Himes and Jermaine Gbaho led students on a musical journey, highlighting Malian, jazz, swing and hip-hop dances. Africa to America is sponsored in part by Springboard and Twillman Elementary’s PTA. Gbaho said the performance would teach students about the connections among, culture, history and music as well as links to their ancestral pasts. She spent time between each dance section providing factoids about the musical styles and the context surrounding them to the students.

To open the show, Himes read a poem about Africa while Alicia Gbaho danced her interpretation of the words. Next, the dancers performed the Jansa, a celebratory dance

performed in West Africa while Jermaine Gbaho accompanied them on the djembé drum. Alicia Gbaho said the Jansa is performed on a variety of occasions – when the moon is full, during the harvest season and to mark the end of winter.

The dancers called for eight student volunteers to assist them. Four girls and four boys soon stood before their classmates wearing accessories - decorative headbands for the boys while Heather and Alicia wrapped the girls in oversized but colorful garments that fit over their school uniforms. Jermaine Gbaho then led the volunteers through several dance steps, and then he watched the students perform the entire dance.

Meanwhile, Wilson and Himes changed from their Malian attire into clothes from the jazz and swing eras. During the jazz and swing portion, Alicia Gbaho pointed to four terms posted on the wall – free style, individual style, improvisation and syncopation. She also asked if the students noticed how many instruments they could

hear – the piano, saxophone, drums, trumpets and bass.

She told the students that free style means they could dance however they wanted while individual style meant there are certain rules and styles demanded by certain dances. Improvisation means when one builds on an established style by adding his or her own variations to the dance while syncopation means to emphasize the lesser harmonies or rhythms in music.

One by one, the three dancers changed into jeans and black Beyond Measure Dance Theater T-shirts for the finale – hip-hop – and they demonstrated some very fluid dance steps. After they finished, they called for additional student volunteers to show off their free style dance moves.

At the end of the performance, Alicia Gbaho kept four student volunteers on stage and asked them questions related to the information she gave during the show. Those who answered correctly had the opportunity to draw small prizes, such as pencils, from a prize box.

Elderly & Disabled Notification Program

Elderly and disabled customers are eligible for a special program aimed at preventing interruption of natural gas service during the winter. If you or a member of your household are age 65 or older, or are disabled, you are encouraged to register for this program.

Once registered and before a winter interruption becomes necessary, Laclede will:

• send two notices to the customer by mail; attempt to reach the customer by telephone, if possible; and make personal contact on the premises with the customer or any member of the family who is over the age of 15; and

• notify a party selected by the customer; such as a family member, social service agency or charitable organization, so that outside help can be provided.

Customers who register, and designate a third-party contact, have the peace of mind that Laclede will notify someone who can work on their behalf to avoid natural gas service interruption.

For further information on this program, to request a registration form and to hear about special payment arrangements, please call (314) 621-6960, or write to:

Laclede Gas Company

Customer Relations Dept.

Drawer 9 St. Louis, Missouri 63166

“Avoid Becoming A Couch Potato”

We’re in the Heart of St. Louis.

It’s bright. It’s bigger and it’s the best. It’s 14,000 square feet of first class space. It’s not what you’d expect. This adult day health center is a step above all others. We’ve got limited space; but want to include you.

Heart of St. Louis serves the needs of seniors and disabled adults by challenging body and mind in a safe, modern environment. We concentrate on abilities, not disabilities.

Our mission: to build and maintain an individual’s independence, interests and abilities.

Dedicated professionals trained to handle medical, social and psychological needs.

Particular emphasis is placed on communication among the Primary Care Physician, the family caregiver, and our highly experienced, devoted staff, which includes:

• Licensed Nurses

• Podiatrist

• Occupational Therapist/ Physical Therapist

• Certified Nursing Assistants

• Case Manager

• Recreational Director

• Support Personnel

We develop individualized care plans, including, but not limited to:

• Monitoring and Charting of Vital Signs

• Medication Administration

• Personal Grooming Assistance

• Nutrition Counseling

Adults with physical impairments or memory loss of Alzheimer’s disease get the chance to interact socially while being monitored medically.

Breakfast. Soulful Lunch. And two snacks. Loved ones stay full while having a full day.

Caregivers have peace of mind, knowing adults in our care will be well fed, mentally stimulated, and physically active. They’ll meet new friends and greet old friends while enjoying:

• Arts and Crafts

• Exercise Room

• Bible Studies

• Birthday Parties

• Field Trips

• Games and Tournaments

• Computer Classes

• Library

• Literacy Training

• Sewing and Crocheting

• In-House Theatre

• Music Therapy

• Water Therapy

• Physical Therapy

• Occupational Therapy

“Community” is the key: sensitivity to the unique needs and tastes of this community sets us apart.

Free transportation to and from the center is also available in addition to weekly excursions, to shopping, parks, recreations and doctors appointments. Best of all, this great experience is FREE and is covered by Medicaid if you qualify. We also accept private pay.

We’re open Monday through Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Contact Information: Jeanine Berry, Director of Operations Office: 314-932-1449

Fax: 314-932-1455

2200 Washington Avenue St. Louis, MO 63103

years of Delores Martin (nee Flowers); dear father of Victoria Martin and Samuel Thomas Martin IV (Angela) ; Proud grandfather of Sydney Pearl Martin and Samuel Thomas Martin V. Sam was a kind uncle, nephew, cousin and friend to host of relatives and friends.

Bessie Mae Newman Boyd

Bessie Mae Newman Boyd was the youngest of four children and was born on March 17, 1927 to Frank and Marye (Harvey) Newman in St. Louis, MO. Being of a family with deep religious roots, she gave her life to Christ at an early

Obituaries

age and was a member of St. Paul AME Church. She was educated in the St. Louis Public School District and attended Wilberforce College, the oldest private African-American university in the United States, located in Wilberforce, Ohio. She married Nathaniel “Mickey” Boyd in 1948. One child was born of this union, Sheila Marye Boyd. Bessie worked as a fashion model and an administrative assistant for the United States Government and the St. Louis Public School District. She was very articulate, memorable and deeply dedicated to her family.

Our Lord and Savior called Bessie home after a brief illness on Saturday, January 28, 2012 to join those preceding her in death: her parents, Frank and Marye; her loving husband, Nathaniel; and both sisters, Thelma Holcomb and Nello Parker. Left to mourn her passing is her daughter, Sheila Marye Moore; three grandchildren, Tammi T. (Fred) Moore Robinson, Terry T. Moore, and Steven T. Moore, Sr.; two great-grandchildren, Steven T. Moore, Jr. and Janai B. Robinson; her brother, Chris-

topher W. Newman; a cherished niece, Veoris Holcomb Ezell and an innumerable host of cousins, nieces, nephews, sisters- and brothers-in-law, and devoted friends.

Frank Otis Mosby

Sunrise: August 6, 1939

Sunset: February 8, 2012

Frank Otis Mosby was born August 6, 1939, in St. Louis, Missouri. He was the first of three children born to Daisy Mosby Pryor. Frank attended St. Malachi Elementary School and Vashon High School. After high school, he joined the Air Force and served 4 years. When Frank returned, he married his high school sweetheart, Beverly Anne and to this union was born three children, Darryl, Sanford and Daniel. He later met and married Arlene and they had two children, David and Veronica.

Frank has always tinkered with electronics (just ask his sister Barbara) so while working at McDonnell-Douglas, he attended Washington University earning an Electronics Engineer Science Degree.

Frank held many jobs including teaching at Control Data Institute, St. Louis Community College, owning his own business Home Entertainment Systems, working as Nursing Home Administrator at Sabbath Manor. He was the Nursing Home Administrator of Country Haven until his death.

Frank volunteered for many organizations, including St. Vincent DePaul, St. Charles Lwanga Center, St. Augustine

Men of Faith and National Black Catholic Conference.

Frank leave to cherish in his memory, five children, Darryl Sr., Sanford (Jennifer), Daniel, David and Veronica Mosby, 12 grandchildren, Darryl II, Roshaudalyn, Shavondalyn, Brittni, Randall, Brendan, Jasmine, Brandon, Jeremiah, Brianna, Riley and Sophia; two sisters, Barbara Jovita Mosby and Carlotta Camilla Ingram; nephews, nieces, cousins, and his sweetheart Beatrice Armstrong. Among those in Frank’s life that he treated as his own, Matthew Mickens, Rodney, Lisa, and 60 foster children.

Frank never met a stranger and never refused to help anyone that asked. He became ill on Monday, Feb 6 and passed away on Wednesday, Feb 8 at 4 pm.

Dwight Carlton Burns

Born: December 2, 1956

Passed: February 20, 2005

Sadly missed by his mother, Mrs. Ola Burns Beauregard; sisters, Paulette Harvey, Norma Rogers and Andrea Bennett; brothers, Michael and Bradford Burns. You will always be in our hearts. Sleep on and take your rest in the arms of Jesus.

Fourth graders learn business through Junior Achievement

Trent Rouse and EileenWellinghoff’s fourth grade class at City Garden Montessori School recently completed the Junior Achievement Program entitled Our Region. The program introduces students to the relationship between natural, human, and capital resources found in different regions.

The students explore regional businesses that produce goods (such as foods in local supermarkets) and services (such as energy and transportation). Using materials supplied by Junior Achievement, the students were able to create their own phantom businesses and to understand how profit and loss is impacted by the regions selected and resources required within each micro economy.

Fourth grade teachers Trent Rouse and Eileen Wellinghoff have worked with Junior Achievement many times over the past years. According to Wellinghoff, “The hands-on, interactive nature of the Junior

Achievement program is very much in tune with the Montessori teaching philosophy which is embraced at City Garden. The students seem to enjoy the volunteers and the Junior Achievement curriculum is a nice supplement to our Social Studies program.” The program was conducted by outside volunteer, Elizabeth Bridge, Director of Marketing for Media Management, Inc. City Garden Montessori School (www.citygardenschool. org) began as a preschool in 1995. By 2008, the school was expanded to include an elementary program with 53 students in grades kindergarten through third grade. The school will continue to add 25 students and one grade level until it is a K-6th grade school with a capacity of 175 students. City Garden Montessori continues in the tradition of being rooted in the community, committed to diversity, nonviolence, simplicity and sustainability.

Bessie Mae Boyd

Samuel Martin III

Dwight Burns

Frank Mosby

Tribute to Judge Draper

Second African American to serve on Missouri Supreme Court

By Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay

For The St. Louis American

Today, I am honored to pay tribute to a great American – a remarkable trial attorney, prosecutor, circuit and appellate judge, my dear friend … the Honorable George W. Draper.

I want to commend Governor Nixon for selecting such an exceptional jurist to serve on the Missouri Supreme Court. Judge Draper ascends to the high court after 17 years on the bench and 10 years in the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s ofice. He is only the second African

American to serve on the Missouri Supreme Court, which makes this appointment truly historic.

While serving here on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Judge Draper authored several hundred opinions.

Prior to his appointment to the appellate court, Judge Draper served irst as an associate circuit judge from 1994 to 1998, and then as a circuit judge from 1998 to 2000 in St. Louis County.

While serving as a prosecutor with the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s ofice from 1984 to 1994,

Mathews-Dickey turns 52

Rev. Gillespie

award goes to Ameren CEO Thomas Voss

Judge Draper prosecuted numerous major felony cases and worked closely with law enforcement.

I have been blessed to know Judge George W. Draper, his wife, Judge Judy Draper, and his wonderful family, for more than four decades.

His dedication to the law, to our state and to this community is legendary.

Let me conclude my remarks by quoting another esteemed member of the bar:

Missouri Public Service Commissioner Robert Kenney. When notiied of Judge Draper’s appointment, he told the St. Louis American this:

“The psychological impact of Judge Draper’s appointment is immeasurable. It is important that African-American lawyers, and African Americans generally, see living, breathing members of our community succeeding in academic and intellectual pursuits. The effect of seeing black achievement at the highest level of the legal system cannot be overestimated.”

I think that says it all.

So to my dear friend Judge Draper, congratulations, may God bless you, and I am so proud to call you my friend.

Edited from remarks made February 10 at the Missouri Court of Appeals in St. Louis when Judge Draper was sworn onto the Missouri Supreme Court.

Special to The American

The Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club celebrated 52 years of service to St. Louis’ youth by “Fielding Dreams Today for Tomorrow.” The festivities unfolded at the 52nd Anniversary Alumni Celebration & Awards Showcase on Feb. 11-12. The entire weekend was dedicated to co-founders Martin Luther Mathews and the late Hubert “Dickey” Ballentine.

“For 52 years our goal has remained to give youth the vision, courage and determination to achieve personal and career success,” said Mathews. “We’re expanding this outreach to children in the North County area with the restoration of 10 baseball diamonds at the Mathews-Dickey at Bob Russell Park.”

KTVI Fox 2’s Bonita Cornute and veteran broadcaster Bill Wilkerson co-emceed the alumni celebration on Feb. 11 at the Sheraton West Port. The entertainment also included Collage Pianist Tim Huskey, recording artist Jamie “King James” Dennis with Lady Sovereignty, and international vocalist Sandra Jamerson of Chicago who serenaded Mathews for his 87th birthday.

New York’s WBLS Radio & Soultown Sirius DJ Jeff Foxx, whose light was cancelled due to inclement

weather, provided a recorded congratulatory message to the audience.

The club’s highest honor, The Rev. William G. Gillespie Spirit of St. Louis Award, was presented to NewsChannel 5 President & General Manager Lynn Beall and Ameren Corporation Chairman, President & CEO Thomas Voss. Education Reporter Sharon Stevens accepted the award on behalf of Beall.

The Meritorious Service Award went to Eleanor Higgins, regional marketing

n “We’re expanding outreach to children in North County with the restoration of 10 baseball diamonds at the Mathews-Dickey at Bob Russell Park.”

– Martin Mathews

manager for American Family Insurance; Greg Marecek, founder/president, St. Louis Sports Hall of Fame; and Jeffrey Schwartz, a Stolar Partnership attorney. Robert Russell Jr., director of economic development for the City of Florissant, took home the “In Appreciation of the Year” plaque.

Outstanding Alumni honorees were Patricia Gillespie, Anastasia Gordon-Stevenson, Jaison McCall and Osbie Savage Jr. Club Board Education Chair Keith Williamson, Centene’s senior vice presi-

dent, corporate secretary and general counsel, bestowed an inaugural $1,000 scholarship upon Southern Illinois University at Edwardsville teacher education major Zachary Sanderson in memory of St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Dr. Cleveland Hammonds Jr. Hammonds’ widow Yvonne, and Dr. Linda Morice, SIUE associate professor and Department of Educational Leadership chair, took part in the ceremony.

“We’re very thrilled to honor a trailblazer for education,” said club VP PR & Special Events Barbara A. Washington. “Special thanks to the Hammonds family and other supporters for helping us create a lasting tribute to a great man.”

Roy Williams, McDonald’s African-American consumer market president, announced a $10,000 naming rights pledge to the Bob Russell Park. On hand for the presentation were Angela Weaver of McDonald’s Corporation and owner/ operators Steve Dawson and Ken Nelson. Judson Pickard, Jr., Jamie Rivers and James Williams contributed to the fund, but were unable to attend.

On Feb. 12, 1,000 youth athletic achievers gathered at Mathews-Dickey for the Youth Trophy Showcase. Mathews-Dickey Vice President Sports & Operations Tom Sullivan and Director of Sports & Operations Leroy Witherspoon emceed the gala, with KTVI Fox 2 Sports Anchor/Reporter Maurice Drummond offering commentary on sportsmanship and character development.

Judge George W. Draper and U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay at the Missouri Court of Appeals in St. Louis on February 10 when Judge Draper was sworn onto the Missouri Supreme Court. Photo by Wiley Price

Vocalist Sandra Jamerson serenading Martin Mathews for his 87th Birthday.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

George Carper: Tuskegee Airman from St. Louis

George Carper is an avid of The St. Louis American who signed up for the Tuskegee Airmen after graduating from Sumner High School in 1941. At only 17 years old, he was too young to fly so he was put in mechanics training until he was of age. This was a big disappointment, but his father’s pointed question put him back in the game.

“You wanna fly, don’t cha?“ he asked young George, meaning this was a necessary step to get inside the cockpit.

Carper had a stroke in December and was recovering in a rehabilitative facility. When I visited Carper, his paralysis was noticeable and his speech slow and sometimes laborious. But his eyes flickered with delight when he talked about that time in history.

“One of those white boys told me, ‘You people can’t drive a truck,’ implying that flying a plane was waa-ay out of their reach,” he said. When Carper finished his pilot’s training, he went back to the guy and said, “I may not be able to drive a truck but I can fly a plane!”

– Jamala Rogers

Teaching MLK and Ghandi through youth

Gitana stages local tour of Living the Dream

Gitana Productions is taking the nonviolent principles of Dr. Martin Luther King and Mohandas Gandhi on a local tour performed by area students.

From January 29 to February 24, the local arts organization that focuses on increasing cross-cultural awareness and collaboration, is touring Living the Dream, by local playwright Lee Patton Chiles, with choreography by Vivian Watt. Chiles and Watt worked extensively with youth to use their experiences in developing the play

and and provide dynamic dance pieces that highlight the themes of nonviolence and love.

The tour began with the “Republic Day of India” celebration on Sunday, January 29 when the play was performed for 250 Indian students and their families celebrating “Republic Day,” the commemoration of the Constitution of India.

This was be the first time that an MLK play has been presented in collaboration with the Indian community of St. Louis.

“The link between Mohandas Gandhi and Dr. King lies in their common commitment to nonviolence and belief that truth and love is the foundation for effective social change,” said Gitana Executive Director Cecilia Nadal.

The play shows how the nonviolent principles of Dr. Martin Luther King and Mo-

Area youth perform in Gitana Productions’ Living the Dream, by local playwright

with

handas Gandhi apply to current challenges of youth within the home, at school and within the community. It features student actors, primarily African Americans and immigrants from Burundi, the Congo, Ethiopia and Mexico. Living the Dream moved from the the “Republic Day of India” celebration at Ladue Middle School to the Carpenter Branch Library. The last performance is Friday, Feb. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at St. Louis County Juvenile Detention Center. There is no charge to the public for these presentations but you are encouraged to call Gitana for reservations and to determine which locations are available. For more information, call Gitana at (314) 721-6556 or email us at info@ gitana-inc.org.

From the very beginning you’ve kept your head up and your nose to the grindstone. Today, you keep the faith. And the dream lives on. That’s why AT&T is proud to celebrate this day with you.

AT&T is pleased to support Black History Month and we’re proud to connect people with their world. Always.

American staff

Lee Patton Chiles

choreography by Vivian Watt.

The case of the disappearing endorsement list

Last week, the EYE let Susan Montee have it for the appalling racial tone deafness and political insensitivity of her strategy for announcing her campaign for Lieutenant Governor. By embracing Mayor Francis G. Slay and operative Brian Wahby, she managed to run off almost every black elected oficial in the region with the choice of her setting to make her announcement.

If Montee wakes up and decides to work for some black support, she will have to look elsewhere than to Slay or Wahby, who remain politically toxic in the black community. She also won’t want to follow the lead of another young operative who lanked Slay on the opposite side from Wahby during her announcement at City Hall: Martin Casas. Casas is a Brian Wahby scrub who has led the city’s Young Democrats group during Wahby’s heyday as Central Committee chair. Bad habits seem to have rubbed off on the young man.

About a month ago, a state representative who has concerns about Casas’ campaign for the state House (to ill the seat being vacated by Tishaura O.

Jones, who is running for city Treasurer) contacted the EYE. This state rep alerted the EYE to a page on Casas’ campaign site that listed his “Support” – a fudge word for endorsement, though given this is a political campaign site, endorsement clearly was suggested by the listing. “I’m honored to have earned the support of our city’s elected leaders,” Casas stated on the “Support” page, then listed Slay, Wahby, operative Gregg Christian (part of the Slay-Wahby-Montee glue) and an impressive list of alleged black supporters.

What Casas came up with for black support on his campaign site was not far from the list any statewide candidate like Montee would want to produce at St. Louis City Hall when announcing her campaign: Aldermanic President Lewis Reed, License Collector Michael McMillan, state Rep. Tishaura O. Jones state Rep. Jamilah Nasheed, state Rep. Chris Carter and Alderman Antonio French The only problem is, none of these people actually had endorsed Casas.

When the EYE contacted these oficials, Reed said he was

concerned with his own immediate political future, not that of Martin Casas. Everyone else said the listing of their name was not appropriate and said they would tell Casas to take their name down. Names began coming down off the candidate’s site. Yesterday when this column was edited, the “Support” tab on Casas’ campaign site, when clicked, produced the rather gloomy error message “Nothing for support.”

That sounds more like it.

For the record, Casas is

likely to have an African-American challenger for House 79 in Michael Butler, the son of a politically engaged family with experience in Jefferson City as a legislative aide for State Sen. Robin Wright-Jones

LG free for all

It’s a shame no AfricanAmerican candidate is emerging to challenge Montee for LG, because that race could become a free for all. The Beacon did

an even-handed proile of the four women who plan to run as Democrats: Montee, former state Rep. Judy Baker, state Rep. Sara Lampe and state conservation commissioner Becky Plattner. We’ll see if any of these other candidates have better sense than Montee for engaging the black base during an election year when (hello?!) a black man is running at the top of the Democratic ticket.

The Beacon story surely prompted some male Demo-

crats to start looking into a race where four women are competing. The Beacon reported that a poll being circulated by Montee included the name of former state Rep. Fred Kratky and that Senate Minority Leader Victor Callahan has a hefty campaign account suggestive of statewide ambitions. The EYE looks at a ield of four white women candidates and wishes there were a black man in Missouri with statewide electability – admittedly, it seems like an impossibility given that even Barack Obama lost here in 2008 when he won the national election by a landslide. Not long ago, then-state Rep. John Bowman was being groomed by progressive operatives for a statewide campaign. Then Bowman lost control as Black Caucus chair, got nailed for credit card fraud, and the rest is black history.

School choice wives

Speaking of men and women, both Brian Wahby (who is in the crowded ield for Treasurer) and his apprentice Martin Casas will face political enemies made for them by their wives. Wahby’s wife Robbyn Wahby is the school choice hawk who works Mayor Slay’s educational policy, and Casas’ wife Katie Casas works for the grand school choice hawk himself, Rex Sinqueield, as state director of the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri. The teachers’ union certainly has some targets on the ballot in Missouri in the 2012 Democratic primary.

Now, children

Whoever ends up in the primary against Montee, they can start looking for support in the Missouri Senate. The Beacon asked the candidates how they would use the ofice of LG, including its function of presiding over the state Senate. The Beacon reported: “Montee said the Senate could beneit from having an ‘adult in the room,’ adding that was not a ‘party-centric remark.’” That “not a party-centric remark” dug Montee a deeper hole, since it makes her sound like she is dismissing as childish not only all of the Republicans in the Senate, but also her fellow Democrats serving there. Friends like these!

Kinder has company

Last week the EYE talked about Montee as if she were bound for a general election runoff against the damaged political goods that is incumbent Republican Lieutenant Governor Peter Kinder. But The Beacon report serves as a reminder that, even if Montee gets there, Kinder may not be there to dance with her. The Beacon notes that three other GOP candidates – state Sen. Brad Lager, state Sen. Luann Ridgeway and Wentzville attorney Mike Carter – have either announced a run for the ofice or have iled paperwork to raise money.

Jamala Rogers of the Coalition Against Police Crimes and Repression testiied before the Public Safety Committee of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen recently. The coalition opposes a local control ballot initiative funded by Rex Sinqueield and endorsed by Mayor Slay and the St. Louis Police Oficers Association. Photo by Wiley Price

BUSINESS

FEBRUARY23 – 29, 2012

Tough love for small businesses

Regions Bank, American partner in successful ‘Ride to Success’seminar

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St.Louis American

There was a special energy among the crowd of more than 60 small business owners who sat inside the Four Seas banquet center bright and early Thursday morning.

As proprietors and presenters carried on throughout the course of the Regions Bank

Black MBA Entrepreneur Think Tank gets grant

Walmart Foundation funds program to help minorities start businesses

American staff

The National Black MBAAssociation – St. Louis Chapter recently received a $12,500 contribution to assist with its Entrepreneur Think Tank. The grant – which was given to the non-profit organization through the Walmart Foundation’s State Giving Program – will help minorities start their own business.

“Our think tank includes continuing support and programs to entrepreneurs focused on business growth and development.”

– Jacquie Vick

“This donation from the Walmart Foundation will allow interested and budding entrepreneurs to attend our Entrepreneur Think Tank at no cost,” said Jacquie Vick, president of the association’s St. Louis chapter. “Our think tank not only includes a one-day workshop, but also continuing support and pro-

See GRANT, B6

“Ride to Success” Business seminar – an event co-presented by The American – there was a kinetic electricity in the room. Attendees were eager to take the words of wisdom being offered at the workshop and apply them to their business practices.

Owners of business lines that included nail care, healthcare, construction, non-profits and many others were engaged from start to finish

– and one by one, each speaker drove home the hard facts that come with owning and operating a successful business.

While all of the information was constructive, there was a tough love approach to getting in the trenches.

“I don’t want to sound negative, but I’m

See SEMINAR, B2

Fee structure must adapt to business model

County Health director defends changes to food code for farmers’markets

By Dolores J.Gunn,M.D. St.Louis County Department of Health

As you may know, the Saint Louis County Department of Health has proposed revisions to the Saint Louis County Food Code to more accurately reflect the way modern farmers’markets operate. We believe this legislation is an effective way to update the code to reflect reality while reducing costs and paperwork for most vendors – all while continuing to protect public health. Unfortunately, there has been a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation about what we are trying to do. I want to clarify our actions and what they would mean. Last year, a number of farmers’ markets approached the department seeking changes to our permitting fee structure. Until relatively recently, farmers’markets operated along more traditional lines; that is, they served as venues where local farmers could sell their agricultural products directly to the public, including fruits, vegetables, eggs, meat, and cheese. In recent years, however, there has been a trend towards vendors who

Dolores J. Gunn,M.D.

are clearly not farmers selling prepared food and other products at these markets. Under our current fee structure, the only option for these non-farmer vendors wishing to sell prepared food products at farmers’markets is the 14-day Temporary Food Establishment Permit. The cost for this permit is $35. Over the traditional sevenmonth season of most farmers’ markets, a vendor purchasing one of these permits every two weeks could be spending up to $525 just to keep their permit valid. To address this situation, the department has proposed the creation of a new Farmers’Market Vendor Permit, which would be good for seven months. The first permit would cost $75, but if a particular vendor wanted to operate in more than one location at a time, a second permit would only cost $50. In fact, all additional permits would each only cost $50 and the entire expenditure would be capped at $193, regardless of the number of permits an individual vendor required.

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Ola Akande

Benjamin Ola Akande Ph.D. has been elected to the Missouri Baptist Medical Center board of trustees. The 25-member board supports the mission of the medical center to ensure that the highest quality care is delivered to patients in the communities Missouri Baptist serves. Akande is professor of economics and dean of the George Herbert Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University.

Wanda LeFlore has been selected to serve as a member of the Administrators’ Task Force Advisory Panel for the National Association for Gifted Children LeFlore isprincipal of Kennard Classical Junior Academy, the only full-gifted elementary school in Missouri. The school has been recognized as a Missouri Gold Star School and a No Child Left Behind-National Blue Ribbon Award School.

E.Nance

The Rev. Earl E. Nance Jr. was awarded the Congregation Temple Israel’s Malachi Award for Interfaith Relations and Understanding. Rev. Nance, pastor of the Greater Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, was selected by an independent panel of leaders and representatives from a broad spectrum of faith communities. The award recognizes the importance of interfaith cooperation in the St. Louis area.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Micro-business loans

$500 to $35K from Community Credit Union

St. Louis Community Credit Union is now offering business loans for St. Louis small business owners. The MicroEnterprise Loanwilloffer loans from$500 to $35,000 for start upor existing ventures. All loans will be originated with St. Louis Business Resource Center.Interested parties can fill out the loan package at the business center with the center’s staff. Applicants must have a completed business plan, loan application andsupported loan documents. Call 314- 514-5540 for an appointment.

Emergency Preparedness Academy forbusinesses

The American Red Cross St. Louis Area Chapter is hosting an Emergency Preparedness Academy.For businesses with established continuity plans to groups new to preparedness, the Red Cross Emergency Preparedness Academy will help organizations refine and advance their emergency response plans.Registration is now open for the March 27Academy at Edward Jones, Highway 270 and Dorsett Road.

The Red Cross is also hosting aPreAcademy on March 26 at the St. Louis Area Chapter for those interested in learning and practicing emergency preparedness skills. For more information or to register, visit www.preparednessacademystl.com.

U.S. has added private sector jobs for23 straight months

In the most recent national employment report, the unemployment rate fell 0.2 percentage point to 8.3 percent, from a high of 10 percent in October 2009. The drop in unemployment over the month was entirely due to employment growth, as the labor force participation rate remained constant, once new population weights are taken into account. The unemployment rate has fallen by 0.8 percentage point in the last 12 months. Private sector payrolls increased by 257,000 jobs and overall payroll employment rose by 243,000 jobs in January. The economy has added private sector jobs for 23 straight months, for a total of 3.7 million payroll jobs over that period. In the last 12 months, 2.2 million private sector jobs were added on net.

Rev.Earl

Benjamin

Wanda LeFlore

Photo by Wiley Price

Kevin Wilson presents “Developing aBusiness Plan”at the Regions Ride to Success –Small Business Seminar last Thursday.

Heis a Director for the Missouri Small Business Development Center located at the Greater St.Louis Empowerment Zone, specializing in issues dealing with the urban core.

Is the financial aid game worth playing? There’s a tremendous amount of paperwork involved. The rules are obscure and often don’t seem to make sense. And it takes time. But make no mistake, the game is definitely worth playing. Financial aid can be a valuable source of funds to help finance your child’s college education. And you don’t necessarily have to be “poor” to qualify. In some circumstances, families with incomes of $75,000 or more can qualify.

What about financial aid forcollege?

U.S.Government Grants

The federal government provides student aid through a variety of programs. The most prominent of these are Pell Grants and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs). Pell Grants are administered by the U.S. government. They are awarded on the basis of college costs and a financial aid eligibility index. The eligibility index takes into account factors such as family income and assets, family size, and the number of college students in the family. By law, Pell Grants can pro-

hobby.”

going to bring it to you,” said presenter Alma Scarborough –a small business owner herself via Scarborough Tax Services. “Do not try to change the law to try to make it work for you when you file your taxes –because it won’t work. You change tax laws at the polls, not the tax return.”

She discussed the mistakes and pitfalls commonly encountered by small businesses and what can be done to avoid them. She relied on her more than 30 years of experience with the IRS and 10 years of successful operation of Scarborough Tax Services.

“Well, what if you have a business and you haven’t made any money from it for a few years?” an audience member asked.

“If you haven’t made money for three years, the government doesn’t consider you a business,” Scarborough replied. “What you have is a

Scarborough didn’t sugar coat anything. This seemed to further ignite the crowd and engage them in her conversation that touched upon accounting – managing expenses, in particular – in addition to proper procedures when dealing with taxes for the small business owner.

“If you have to use a line of credit to make payroll, you need to let somebody go,” Scarborough said. “Fire them. I don’t care if it’s your mama –man up or woman up – you just don’t hire anybody you can’t afford.”

The tough love continued.

“Watch your money – and go slowly. If you can’t afford to move into your own office, work in the kitchen,” she said.

“And you can’t put receipts in a shoebox and expect to go to the next level. You need a systematic approach to handling your business because it’s much cheaper to pay in front than it is from behind –especially when it comes to the IRS!”

vide up to $5,550 per student for the 20112012 award year.1 However, only about 25 percent of receipients currently qualify for the maximum. The average grant was $3,828 in 20102011.2 Students must reapply every year to receive aid.

By Charles Ross

Charles Ross

Most colleges will not process applications for Stafford loans until

‘A viable product that fills a need’

As the first presenter, Scarborough set the tone for keeping it real. The unguarded exchange continued throughout the course of the seminar.

“You need a product or service that meets the need of an entire market,” said Kevin Wilson, Director for the Missouri Small Business Development Center, as he spoke of the importance of developing a detailed, applicable and tangible business plan.

“Not just one or two people – but a viable product that fills a need within the marketplace. If you don’t have a well thought out operation, you will have a difficult time digesting growth.”

“How long should it be?” a guest said from the back of the room. “Mine is 40 pages, and I know that I need to narrow it down.”

“There’s no set number of pages,” Wilson replied. “It’s whatever works – some people might have 10 pages, and others [like yourself] might have 40 pages. But it doesn’t have to be a book. You don’t need War and Peace. You just need something to walk you through

needy students have applied for Pell Grants. Students with Pell Grants also receive priority consideration for FSEOGs. Students who can demonstrate severe financial need may also receive a Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant. FSEOGs award up to $4,000

the process.”

As the seminar continued, there seemed to also be a sense of ease as attendees nodded and took notes about what they should be doing.

“Abusiness plan says, ‘I want to have a comfort level for where I’m going and know that I’ve thought about all of the landmines,’” Wilson said.

Building a legacy

As Wilson broke down the importance of planning for success in the start up phase, Regions Trust Group representative Ed Ryrie spoke on the importance of building a business that can become a legacy.

“How many of you are second-generation businesses?” Ryrie said as a couple of scattered hands went up. “What about third-generation?” No hands whatsoever were raised.

“It’s okay,” Ryrie assured the audience. “That’s because less than 20 percent of all small businesses make it beyond the second generation. That’s what I want to help you with – to give you tools that can help your business get to the third and fourth genera-

State Grants

Many states offer grant programs as well. Each state’s grant program is different, but they do tend to award grants exclusively to state residents who are planning to attend an in-state school. Many give special preference to students planning to attend a state school.

College Grants

Finally, many colleges and

tion.” He gave a myriad of examples – coupled with suggestions for trusts, wills and insurance options to grow the business beyond the current generation.

“Don’t ever think that what you’re doing is not important,” Ryrie said. “Just about every major corporation in this country started out as a small business. In 1977, two young guys were fiddling around in one of their parents’garage and calling it a business. Can anyone tell me what company that is?”

‘Microsoft,” the audience said in unison.

The session wrapped with a reminder about the Regions Bank Riding Forward Black History Month Scholarship deadline of February 29.

The audience was beyond grateful for the learning opportunity.

“I felt that it was very beneficial to be here,” said Nichole Bell, nail technician at Salon Vibe. “I’ve gone through a business plan when I was in college, but the reiteration of how important it was right on point. This is very much needed in the community, and I’m appreciative that they care enough – about not only small

universities offer specialized grant programs. This is particularly true of older schools with many alumni and large endowments. These grants are usually based on need or scholastic ability. Consult the college or university’s financial aid office for full details. Charles Ross is host of the syndicated radio program “Your Personal Finance.”

Contact him at P.O. Box 870928; Stone Mountain, Georgia 30087; or email to charles@ charlesross.com.

businesses, but the AfricanAmerican community as a whole – to put an event like this together.”

For more information on the Regions Riding Forward Scholarship, visit www.regions.com/blackhistory.

MODEL

Continued from B1

Please note: The proposal will only affect those vendors who are cutting, prepping or cooking food for sampling or selling. It will have no affect on farmers selling raw agricultural products at farmers’ markets. Our goal here was to be progressive and recognize that the traditional business model of a farmers’market has changed. We feel that our proposal is a very reasonable suggestion that has the potential to dramatically lower costs for non-farmer vendors at farmers’markets, while still providing the necessary oversight to maintain safe and healthy food handling and preparation in order to protect public health. Despite this, as I mentioned above, there has been a lot of misunderstanding and misinformation in the community about our proposal, so let’s set the record straight. It has been said that the proposal will change food container requirements for farmers at farmers’markets. This is untrue. Nothing in the proposal will change food container requirements for farmers selling raw agricultural products.

It has been said that the proposal will increase costs for vendors at farmers’markets. This is inaccurate for almost all vendors who would now only have to purchase one permit every seven months instead of every 14 days. The only vendors whose costs might rise are those that currently buy only one or two 14-day permits a year. It has been said that the proposal will limit farmers’ markets to seven months of operation. This is not true. Most farmers’markets in Saint Louis County currently operate for only seven months or less in any given year, but nothing in the proposal would prohibit them from operating year-round. However, certain vendors at such markets might need to purchase a second seven-month permit once their first permit has expired. It has been said that the proposal will create a new requirement that will prevent open-air vending, mandating that everything be under a roof or tent. In fact, this is existing law and has been for years. Our current Food Code (Section 807.201.1) requires overhead protection to prevent other sources of food contamination from reaching food. This is important for public health.

It has been said that the proposal will create new requirements for farmers that cut up produce for sampling. In fact, all the provisions governing this kind of activity are part of existing law and have been for years. Nothing in the proposal will change regulations for this type of activity.

Dr. Gunn is director of the Saint Louis County Department of Health.

“It’s time to move forward.It’s like another chapter in my life and it’s time to open a new one.”

— Albert Pujols

In last weekend’s Missouri Class 4 state wrestling championships in Columbia,Parkway South’s Donnell Walker defeated defending champion Evan Boehm of Lee’s Summit West in the finals of the 285-pound class.

RAMS ROUNDUP

With Palmer L.Alexander III

Donnell Walker pins defending champ Rams toughen up staff

By Earl Austin Jr. Of The St.Louis

of the most anticipated matches of last weekend’s Missouri Class 4 state wrestling championships in Columbia was the finals of the 285-pound class between Parkway South’s Donnell Walker and defending champion Evan Boehm of Lee’s Summit West. Boehm had defeated Walker 4-2 in the state semifinals on his way to winning the state championship at the 2011 state championships. Walker provided a different outcome last

Saturday night as he pinned Boehm in stunning fashion to win the state championship and earn a measure of revenge in the process. Walker pinned Boehm in four minutes and 50 seconds to win his first state title and finish his senior year with a 39-1 record.

The state title ended a great three-year run for Walker at the state tournament. He finished sixth as a sophomore and fifth as a junior to earn All-State medals. Now, he will conclude his career as a state champion.

Another first-time state champion was junior Chris Wilkes of Whitfield, who won the Class 1 state title at 126 pounds. Wilkes had an easy time in the finals as he defeated

Troy Kyser of Knob Noster 18-6 in the state finals to finish the season with a 49-1 record. Wilkes also sparked the Warriors to the Class 1 team title, which was their third state title in five years. Wilkes adds his statechampionship medal to the two third-place medals he has earned in two previous trips to state.

McCluer High’s Jon Cain and McCluer South-Berkeley’s John Williams earned state runners-up medals after advancing to the state finals. Cain placed second in the Class 3 meet at 220 pounds. He finished with a 37-3

See FINALS, B4

Devon ‘AfterDark’

Local star squares off on HBO at Scottrade Center

Earl Austin

The St. Louis Rams have been keeping themselves busy this offseason.

First, the Rams named Les Snead as the general manager. I like the move. Rams COO Demoff took his time in his selection for the position. And I know some are thinking about Snead being the second consecutive person tapped for the job from the Atlanta Falcons organization. But, it’s only a coincidence this time. Les Snead has a strong reputation as a game filmwatching freak. Snead spent the last three years as the director of player personnel with the Falcons. Most important, Snead was great in determining the value of all player acquisitions. That sounds like a foreign language to me. I’m just kidding. Snead has a keen eye for talent and he has the track record to prove it. But, the Rams are not done yet with offseason moves.

Alexander will be making his debut at 147 pounds against the hard-hitting Argentinean, who is 31-3 with 28 knockouts.

The professional boxing world will showcase the city of St. Louis once again as local star Devon Alexander takes on the hard-hitting Marcos Maidana on Saturday night at the Scottrade Center. Alexander will be making his debut at 147 pounds against the hard-hitting Argentinean, who is 31-3 with 28 knockouts. Alexander is 22-1 with 13 KOs to his credit. He will also be fighting for the first time for Golden Boy Productions. Saturday night’s fight will be televised nationally on HBO’s Boxing After Dark. The Alexander-Maidana bout will be televised along with the co-main event, which features undefeated junior lightweight world champion Adrien Broner defending his title against Eloy Perez of Salinas, California.

lesser opponent in a tune-up fight. Instead, Alexander took on Argentinean brawler Lucas Matthysse six months later. Alexander survived a knockdown to defeat the tough Matthysse by a close decision in a fight that was held in St. Charles. It should be another entertaining evening of professional boxing in The ‘Lou on Saturday night. I hope everyone gets a chance to take it in. Small MO schools

Chuck Cecil has been added to Jeff Fisher’s coaching staff as the defensive secondary coach. Cecil is remembered by most fans as a tough, hardhitting, ruthless, strong safety who played from 1988-1995. He was selected to the 1992 Pro Bowl. After he retired from playing, he wound up on Fisher’s staff, where he started as a defensive assistant. Then he moved up as a secondary coach for the Tennessee Titans. Cecil then got promoted to defensive coordinator. In 2007 the Titans’defense intercepted off 22 passes. The next year, they sent three players from the secondary to the Pro Bowl. And in that season, the secondary picked off 19 passes, which ranked second in the NFL. And just because Cecil retired that doesn’t mean that his demeanor has changed and he’s mellowed out. Cecil is just as fiery as a coach. In 2010, Cecil flipped off the officials when the Titans were playing in Denver because he was dissatisfied with the calls. I like that. The Rams have been in need of an identity for the longest of time. And on defense, on paper, just the coaching staff alone says that the Rams will not be getting pushed around no more. I am anxiously waiting for the free agency period to start on March 13. And with these former Titans on the staff on the defensive side of the ball, it’s only natural there will be

The one thing I will always admire about Devon is that he is not afraid to take on the toughest opponents. After suffering his first loss to Timothy Bradley in a junior welterweight unification bout in January of 2011, he could have easily taken his next fight against a

The small schools on the Missouri side of the river will begin to play in district basket-

nasty reputation. Wow. We might be able to say “nasty” and “Rams” in the same sentence, without it being bad. I’m no Bart Scott. But, I can’t wait. For more Rams talk tune into Moses Keeping It 100 on

Photo by Ryan Henriksen of the Columbia Daily Tribune

Palmer L. Alexander

Courtland Finnegan is one of three Titans that went to the 2008 Pro Bowl.

Jr.

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

Really? Political correctness has gone too far?

The Jeremy Lin phenomenon continues, and what a ride it has been so far. No one has gotten off to a start like Lin. No Asian, black, white or any other nationality has put these numbers up, the world is embracing it unlike anything we have seen in sports and he is taking it all in stride. With the stride has come a step into political correctness that has to be enforced.

In case you have not heard, the two-headed monster of racism and failed comedy has again resurfaced.

Over the weekend ESPN fired a copy editor for its website for posting the headline “Chink in the Armor” after the Knicks’first loss with Lin as a starter. Yep, he is done as dinner. Another broadcaster was suspended for using the same term on the air. It did not take ESPN long to know that they had people who stepped in it, and they acted swiftly. Another sensitivity training session for someone gone awry. Here is the bigger issue. The rush to defense by other media members who barely know the situation, yet try to defend these actions by the individuals who have been disciplined. Even some local talk show hosts stated that there was some overreacting to what happened. As if it was all good, especially because it did not effect their ethnic crew. That is the problem.

how it works.

Better yet, give me a break.

Mike Claiborne

The callous, disrespectful manner in which some carry on with issues of this nature, with everything being for comedic effect, is par for the course, as it never hits most sports media close to home. Maybe it should. No this is not a black man overacting because one of his own has been made fun of. It is again the same old story of some guys sitting in the newsroom with nothing else to do but try and amuse each other when they are not sizing up the females in the work environment, which leads to the sexual harassment allegations that our industry has been known to endure, from time to time.

Funny, he he, ha ha! While I understand that this is a serious offense, all parties involved have done the right thing. Lin has moved on, both individuals have apologized, with one pointing out that his wife is Asian.

In case you have not heard, the two-headed monster of racism and failed comedy has again resurfaced.

“You could tell that they meant no malice in their statement,” one said. Another went on to say, “Political correctness has gone too far.” Really? How can you tell, so I can be on the lookout next time? Explain to me where the politically correct line should be drawn so those who have been disparaged should know

Great, so where should the line be drawn? What should the penalty be for being politically incorrect?

Firing a person is a serious offense. It is a statement by an employer and a label by that individual who is terminated that is at times hard to shake when it comes to finding the next job. So is there middle ground? Yes. Here is how it should work. As part of orientation, a new employee should go through a sensitivity training program that is as mandatory drug testing. Skirting the issue would prevent that employee from being hired. No if’s ands or buts.

If that employee crosses the line then he is not fired for his remarks, he is fired for stupidi-

ty and wasting the company’s time as they put him or her through the program and they are too dumb to follow direction. Adios.

If there is no program in

place that individual should get a month off and also while they are off they should attend training to that effect. They should also be required to go into a school and talk about

FINALS

Continued from B3

record. Williams earned a second-place medal in the Class 2 tournament at 120 pounds. His only loss of the season came in the state championship match against Cody Hummer of Savannah.

McCluer North’s Darrell Pampkin and Gordon Phillips earned All-State medals in the Class 4 state meet. Pampkin finished fourth at 126 pounds while Phillips finished sixth at 182.

Daniel Vaughn of Hazelwood West took home a fifth-place medal at 285 pounds in Class 4. In Class 3, Akintunde Odunleye of Hazelwood East finished sixth

their experience and hopefully save a future moron from committing such an asinine act. The media industry has to be better when it comes to this, as they are the eyes and ears

at 182. At the Illinois state championships in Bloomington, Mascoutah High senior Lavion Mayes made history by becoming the first individual

Another first-time state champion was junior Chris Wilkes of Whitfield, who won the Class 1 state title at 126 pounds.

state champion in the history of the school. Mayes defeated Cahokia’s Bernard Gantt 15-6 to win the Class 2Astate title at 145-pounds. Mayes finished the season with a 43-1 record. He defeat-

for the public. Yes, there should be a greater accountability. As for stupidity, that is an age-old search for the cure to that.

ed Gantt three times this season, including victories in the regional and sectional tournaments this month. Mayes finished third in the state tournament as a junior last year. Junior Mech Spraggins of Belleville West finished fourth in the Class 3Astate tournament at 126 pounds. Spraggins becomes the first wrestler in Belleville West history to win three consecutive state medals. He finished third in his two previous appearances at the state meet. David Frazier of Cahokia earned a state medal with a fourth place finish in Class 2A at 152 pounds. Kameron Harris of Belleville Althoff finished third in Class 1Aat 182 pounds while Althoff teammate Michael Harris finished sixth at 126.

Asian-American basketball player Jeremy Lin has been the object of quite a few racial slurs since he started playing regularly for the New York Knicks.

No. 3

The Bombers are led by junior guard Foye Oloukon. Whitfield has a balanced team led by senior guards Zach Ellis and Darion Harris while North is led by junior guard Anthony Virdure. The championship game will be held on Friday, March 2 at 6 p.m. Bayless is the No. 1 seed at the District 4

greet students and give away

tournament at Crystal City. Host Crystal City is the No. 2 seed. It’s championship game will be held on Friday, March 2 at 7:30 p.m.

Verbal commitment

Junior football standout

Aarion Maxey-Penton of CBC recently gave a verbal commitment to attend the University of Missouri. The 5’11” 175-pound wide receiver/defensive back was a big part of the Cadets’13-1 team that advanced all the way to the Class 6 statechampionship game. As a junior, Penton had 40 receptions for 482 yards and 18 touchdowns. On defense, he had 51 tackles and two interceptions. Penton is also a standout guard on the Cadets’ basketball team.

White

DeSoto – Boys Basketball

The 6’2” senior guard went over the 2,000-point mark in his stellar career last weekend during the Dragon’s 50-49 victory over Cape Notre Dame. Afour-year starter at De Soto, White will finish his career as the Dragons’alltime career scoring leader. In addition to leading the Dragons to the victory over Notre Dame, White also had 15 points, seven rebounds and seven assists in a victory over Oakville last week.

White finished the regular season with a scoring average of 21.2 points per game. He also averaged 7.1 rebounds, 6.4 assists and 4.4 steals in leading De Soto to a 22-4 record. White was also a standout football player for the Dragons during his prep career. He signed a national letter of intent to play basketball at Southeast Missouri State in the fall.

Malcolm Hill, Jr.

The standout 6’6” junior guard has been on a scoring rampage during the past two weeks in leading the Lancers to five consecutive victories. In his last three games, Hill is averaging more than 35 points a game. He scored 32 points in the Lancers’93-75 victory over Alton. He scored a careerhigh 40 points in a 59-51 victory

service for blind or visually impaired persons.

Local star Devon Alexander visited his alma mater Vashon High School on Tuesday to

tickets to his fight Saturday night at the Scottrade Center against the hard-hitting Marcos Maidana.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

WITH DANA G. RANDOLPH

Super Superbowl party in North

County

Laurel Bell and Edythe Granberry hosted a well-attended Superbowl party at Edythe’s posh North St. Louis County home.

By Dana G. Randolph

From Gateway City to Motherland

Africa World Doc Film Fest connects with STL

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

For the 5th annual presentation of the Africa World Documentary Film Festival, the showcase presents a ilm that creates an unlikely bridge from the Gateway City to the Motherland.

In Give a Damn, ilmmaker Dan Parris has enlisted his two friends to help him peel away the layers that separate the population of prosperity from extreme poverty and put living on a $1.25 a day in perspective. One friend is an atheist who could care less about the plight of African people and the other is an idealist Christian activist who dreams to make the world a better place. The three set off on a hitchhike to Africa

and experience poverty along the way.

As they depart from their homes in St. Louis, they experience more plot twists and turns than even the most skilled screenwriter in Hollywood couldn’t

themselves – for what unfolds over the course of their journey.

Eyes are opened early on as the three explain their attempt to collectively live on less than the price of one cup of Starbuck’s

Soulful send-off

Star-studded homegoing celebration for Whitney Houston

Fans across the nation celebrated Super Bowl XLVI with theme parties illed with lots of fun and laughter. St. Louis sisters Edythe Granberry and Laurel Bell hosted a well-attended event at Edythe’s posh North St. Louis County home. Guests utilized the entire home. There were special rooms designated for the “serious football fans” and separate rooms for those who preferred a good card game like “Pass the Trash.” Drinks were plentiful and the scrumptious buffet was loaded with great cuisine from chili to chitterlings. Giants and Patriots fans on deck included Marilyn Hicks, Albernice Fagen, Georgia Rusan, Ruth and Floyd Lewis Joe and Barbara Dorsey, Henry and Belma Givens, Gwen and Michael Key Yvonne and Farrell Chatwell, Dame Mary A. Polk, Tom and Ruth Gaines, Gary and Karen Watkins and Georgia White Native St. Louisan Sheila Banks (Washington, DC) is excited about the release of her upcoming novel Bittersweet and …. we are too! Bittersweet published by Sweet Earth Flying Press will hit the shelves on April 1, 2012 and is currently listed at barnesandnoble.com for pre-orders. Bittersweet is

Fans of iconic performer Whitney Houston delivered a gasp that could be heard around the globe when her family announced that there would be no public service in the wake of her tragic, unexpected and untimely death at the age of 48.

In a bit of a compromise, provisions were made for cameras to ilm the service being held on Saturday at Houston’s home church of New Hope Baptist in Newark, N.J. – a small sanctuary that barely seats 300.

The world tuned in as some of the biggest names in entertainment gathered to say goodbye and subsequently sat in virtual pews. They watched and were blown away by what is standard operating procedure for the Black Church – a soulful sendoff to heaven.

“I’ve never seen anything quite like it,” CNN’s Piers Morgan said. “Apparently they call this a homegoing celebration in the Baptist church.”

A long goodbye marked by

songs and touching words by many is not exclusive to the Baptists. It is a tradition within the black community, regardless of the denomination. It is nothing new for many – including the big names in the building early Saturday morning for a touching and mostly personal service for Whitney Houston.

Whitney’s impact on the music industry was felt long before the speeches and musical selections presented by her peers.

In the opening selection an anonymous soloist belted lead vocals that were all but identical to Houston’s delicate vibrato, with perfect pitch and acrobatic vocal riffs. The song was not a part of the late Houston’s catalogue. But this unknown singer achieved what many of the music divas in the “post-Whitney” generation have attempted – masterfully predicting how Houston

See HOUSTON, C4

Also, St. Louis American Night at the Symphony this Saturday

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

“I’ve performed on stages all over –including the world-famous Carnegie Hall,” singer and actress Jenifer Lewis said in front of a packed audience at Powell Symphony Hall at the annual

Black History Month Program. “But even being on that stage doesn’t feel as good as being here on this stage right now.”

As she returned to the spotlight for the second half of the St. Louis

Louis American

Dana G. Randolph

Elections! ilmmaker Sengbe Kona Khasu documents Liberia闇s irst democratic election in more than 25 years.

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Jenifer Lewis headlined the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s IN UNISON Chorus闇 Black History Month concert at Powell Symphony Hall. Photo by Wiley Price

A homegoing service was held for Whitney Houston on Saturday at Houston闇s home church of New Hope Baptist in Newark, N.J. –a small sanctuary that barely seats 300.

theatre

Fri., Feb. 24, 6:30 p.m., Black History Production: The Journey Continues (The Past, The Present, The Future). Multipurpose Room, Building D, East St. Louis Higher Education Campus, 601 James R. Thompson Blvd., East St. Louis, IL. 62201. For more information, visit www.siue.edu/elsc/performingarts.

Mon., Feb. 27, 7 p.m., The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents ASpecial Evening of Conversation on Racism with Carol Daniel of KMOX. 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-4925 or visit www.repstl.org.

Through Mar. 4, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Race. When two high-profile attorneys find themselves defending a privileged white executive accused of raping a young black woman, facts quickly become secondary to underlying agendas. 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-4925 or visit www.repstl.org.

Through April 14, Shakespeare Festival St. Louis Shake 38 Performer Registration. Shakespeare Festival St. Louis, 5715 Elizabeth Ave., 63110. For more information, call 314/531-9800, ext. 113.

arts

Through March 4, Saint Louis University Museum of Art will allow individuals to experience the AfricanAmerican journey through the brush strokes of two noted painters: FatherJames Hasse of the Society of Jesus and Judge Nathan B. Young with its exhibit Spirit and History For more information, please visit http://sluma.slu.edu or call 314.977.2666.

lectures

Fri., Feb. 24, 12 noon, Harris-Stowe State Unversity welcomes writer, activist, entrepreneur and public speaker Kevin Powell, Harris-Stowe State University, in the Emerson Performance Center’s Bank of America Theatre. For more information contact (314) 340-3391.

Sat., Feb. 25, 8 a.m., Breaking Barriers 2: Plotting the Path Towards Academic Success for

School-age Black Males. Room 157, DuBourg Hall, St. Louis University, One Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.eec4justice.com.

Wed., Feb. 29, 6:30 p.m., Lessons In Living: Making Love Work-Getting To Happily EverAfter! As the final installment in InPowers’ three-part February love series, this workshop shows what good love between healthy people looks like. InPower Institute, 5400 Nottingham Ave., 63109. For more information, visit www.inpowerinstitute.com.

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

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

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

Sun., Mar. 25, 2 p.m. University City Public Library, in partnership with AARP Chapter 4048 University City/Clayton, will host a discussion series of the book Twelve Steps to a Compassionate Life by acclaimed scholar of comparative religion Karen Armstrong. The library is pleased to have Carolyn Wright, M.Div., of the Aquinas Institute to facilitate these discussions of the importance of community, civility and compassion in daily life.

Tue., Apr. 3, 7 p.m., Common: It’ll All Make Sense One Day. Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121.

Dynamic Marriage Course: 8-week Marriage Enrichment Class, This 8 week, interactive, self educating course creates real and lasting change in your marital relationship. January 2012 Classes are forming. Contact (314) 265-5124 for more information.

Missouri History Museum presents The Civil Warin Missouri. Border state, slave state or Southern state, we may not agree on the label, but we can agree on the problem. It is

too late to change the past, but it is the right time to learn from it and make a better future. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

TMAPYouth Empowerment Sessions, Thursdays, 4:45 p.m., 5019 Alcott Walbridge C.E.C. Riverview West Florissant -TMAPmeet for Youth Empowerment Sessions facilitated by Keith Minor Nuisance Coordinator in the 27th Ward and feature a variety of positive role models from the St. Louis Metropolitan area listen to and dialogue with youth in the Walnut Park neighborhood. Topics vary and are youth driven. Call the RWF-TMAP office at (314) 381-6999.

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

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

health

Thur., Feb. 23, 6:30 p.m.,

Living From the Inside Out: Assessing YourLife’s Values. Comediscuss the ways in which our values drive our

Mike Epps returns to the Chaifetz Arena.See COMEDY.

decision-making and the quality of our live experiences. InPower Institute, 5400 Nottingham Ave., 63109. For more information, visit www.inpowerinstitute.com.

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

Sat., Feb. 25, 10 a.m., Total Rehabilitation Program presents Wound Care Assistance Program. The program provides education to patients on wound self-management to include nutrition, smoking cessation, stress reduction, and psycho-social issues.Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd., 63120. For more information, call 314-400-4051 or 314-400-4052.

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

Thurs., Mar1, 7 p.m., The

Washington University and Barnes-Jewish Heart & VascularCenter will discuss the heart arrhythmia atrial fibrillation at the free event “And The Beat Goes On.” Thursday, March 1, 7 p.m. - 9 p.m., Doubletree Hotel in Chesterfield, 16625 Swingley Road. For more information or to register, visit barnesjewish.org/classes

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

Wed., Mar. 7, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis Diabetes Coalition presents My Eyes and Diabetes: Knowing How to Maintain Excellent Vision. Richmond Heights Community Center, 8001 Dale Ave., 63117. For more information, call (314) 338-3460.

Wed., Mar. 21, Free mammograms at SSM Breast Care at St. Mary’s Health Center. 1031 Bellevue Ave., 63117. For more information, call (314) 768-8697 or visit www.ssmhealth.com/stmarys.

Fr., Mar. 23, The 9 Energizing Breaths. Want more energy or mental clarity? Come learn the 9 Energizing Breaths from the book, The Power of Prana: “Breathe Your Way To Health and Vitality.” InPower Institute, 5400 Nottingham Ave., 63109. For more information, visit www.inpowerinstitute.com.

Sat., May 5, 9 a.m., 8th Annual Walk Run ‘n Roll. Tremayne Shelter, Creve Coeur Park, 11400 Olde Cabin Rd., 63141. For more information, visit www.WalkRunNRoll.org.

Free Flu Shots will be provided by Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers to the Hazelwood School District during the last few weeks in December. The vaccinations will be made available during regular school hours. For more information, please call (314) 367-7848 ext. 1209.

Sat., Feb. 25, 1 p.m., Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Church Black Hat/Black Tie Bling Fling Cornerstone Institutional Baptist Church, 4700 Washington Blvd. For Tickets contact: Lorna Graham Ruffin at (314) 8303475 or 941-6909 or Margaret Franklin (314)361-2852 or 954-0792

Feb. 24-26, St. Louis Bible Way Church is celebrating their 40th Church Anniversary Opening service Friday at 7 p.m. 6719 Page Blvd., 63133. For more information, call (314) 7255257.

Mar. 9 – Mar. 10, The Midwestern District Council Missionary and Christian Women present: “Women Empowered To Pull Down Strongholds, “ Friday, March 9, 7:00 p.m. at the Temple Church of Christ, 4146 Washington Blvd., Eld. Ron Stephens, host pastor. This service is free and open to the public. Saturday, March 10, 2012 at the St. Louis Hilton, Frontenac, 1335 South Lindbergh, beginning at 9:00 a..m., there will be a prayer breakfast for a donation of $30.00 For more information, (314) 867-7201. Deadline for tickets is March 5, 2012.

Sat., Mar. 10, 7 p.m., MW Entertainment and Powerof Change music Ministry presents Benefit Campaign Concert feat. Kierra “KIKI” Sheard. Power of Change Christian Church, 2348 Jerome Ln., Cahokia, IL. 62206. For more information, visit www.poccc.org.

Continued from C1

might interpret a song.

Over the course of nearly four hours, the “who’s who” of black entertainment and the black church stood together to memorialize her.

T.D. Jakes, Tyler Perry, Alicia Keys, Kim Burrell, BeBe Winans, CeCe Winans, Stevie Wonder, R. Kelly, Donnie McClurkin stood center stage, while guests like Oprah Winfrey, Chaka Khan, Rev. Jesse Jackson and Rev. Al Sharpton sat among Houston’s family and friends.

“There are two constants that I know about Whitney Houston, and one is there was a grace that kept on carrying her all the way through – all the way to the top of the charts and to sing for presidents,” Perry said.

“This is the other thing I know about Whitney Houston that was more important to her than anything else and that is Whitney Houston loved the Lord. What I know is nothing – no matter what she was

POTPOURRI

Continued from C1

a powerful, multi-generational family epic based on real life stories told to Sheila by her Mother and Aunt. Sheila is an award winning journalist, public relations professional and author based in Washington, DC. Book and history lovers order your copies now. I am sure this will be a favorite of book clubs for years to come. Sheila’s brother Atty. Richard E. Banks says he worked with top event planner Gary Boyd on the St. Louis Guardsmen’s exclusive Valentine’s dinner at The Four Seasons on February 11. Richard was escorted by the lovely Larissa Steele. Members and wives or signiicant others enjoyed a reception before dinner in the private dining room off the picturesque Cielo Bar. The ladies received special personalized gifts and long stemmed roses. Gary also planned a fun-illed interactive game for the couples which everyone thoroughly enjoyed.

OWN (Oprah Winfrey Network) will present the award winning documentary “Family Affair” on March 1, 2012 at 7PM/CST. The network purchased the rights to Chico Covard’s ilm based on his challenging personal family

going through – separated her from the love of God. And if there was a grace that carried her through, it was the same grace that carried her home.

Y’all can say what you want about Whitney, but God was with her and now she’s singing with the angels.”

Clive Davis – whom Houston often referred to as her “industry father” – talked about how Whitney was preparing herself for an August comeback.

“Whitney, I’m holding you to it,” Davis said. “I want you to be ready to blow God away by what he created in you as a part of heaven’s choir.”

Highlights of the services included CeCe Winans singing “Don’t Cry for Me” and Kim Burrell’s modiied rendition of Sam Cooke’s “A Change Is Gonna Come.”

The lowlight of the service was Pastor Marvin Winans’ message. He never even mentioned Houston’s name during the entire eulogy as he spoke of prosperity.

But her co-star Kevin Costner provided an “unoficial eulogy” with his nearly 20-minute speech. He admit-

history at the Sundance Film Festival in 2010. The ilm was also screened during the 19th annual St. Louis International Film Festival that year. The Black Rep’s 35th Anniversary Season Fundraiser “RepTies,” will be held Saturday, March 10, 6pm –Midnight, at “Living World” housed in the St. Louis Zoo. David and Joyce Price will be honored for their years of support to the organization. Edward D. Jones & Company will also be recognized for their continued backing. The annual event raises funds for The Black Rep’s Education and Community Programs, which last year reached more than 20,000 young people through workshops, curriculum-driven touring shows, and main stage student matinees. For ticket information please contact Ameer Harper at The Black Rep (314) 534-3807. International Stage, Film and Television actor Richard Gant will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

Cinema St. Louis hosts its annual Oscar Night® America fund-raiser, St. Louis’ only Oscar® party oficially sanctioned by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, from 6-10:30 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at Monarch Restaurant. For ticket information call Brian Spath at 314-289-4153.

It isn’t too late to get tickets

ted he shared “roots” with Whitney as a product of the Baptist Church. He spoke of his unyielding determination to have Houston co-star in The Bodyguard – despite the obstacles that instantly went up because of Houston’s race, inexperience and hectic touring schedule.

He gave a step-by-step account of Whitney’s screen test for the role and how she longed to be perfect.

“Whitney was scared,” Costner said. “Arguably the biggest pop star in the world didn’t think she was good enough.”

The audience laughed as he talked about how she had put on too much makeup and how it had melted under the cameras.

“The Whitney I knew despite her success and worldwide fame wondered, ‘Am I good enough? Am I pretty enough? Will they like me?’” Costner said. “It was the burden that made her great and the one that made her stumble in the end. Whitney, if you could hear me I would tell you, ‘You weren’t just good enough. You were great.’”

for the St. Louis American Foundation’s Second Annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception tonight, February 23, 2012 at 5:30PM. The event will be held atop the Chase Park Plaza in the handsomely appointed Starlight Room. Kevin Powell (activist, public speaker, writer, and entrepreneur) will host. Awardees will include; Nate K. Johnson – Broker/Owner – Real Estate Solutions, Amber D. Simpson - Vice President & Manager National Multicultural Markets, Community Affairs -U.S. Bank, Carmen R. Guynn -DBE / Workforce Development Manager -Mississippi River Bridge ProjectKwame Building Group and Stefan M. Bradley -Assoc. Professor of History and African American Studies -Saint Louis University Please call Robin Britt at 314.533.8000 for tickets.

The St. Louis Public Library concludes its Black History Month celebration on Sunday, February 26 from 2pm-4pm. The keynote speaker will be ProfessorAngela Davis - Social Equality Activist and Author (UCLA). The lecture and book signing will be held at Christ Church Cathedral.

Laissez les bons temps rouler!

FILMS

Continued from C1

coffee.

Even before they leave the states, they come to the understanding that the concept of poverty in the U.S. vs. Africa is beyond comparison, as they have access to clean water and couches even as they crash in abandoned buildings. They even had the opportunity to use the internet for homeless lounging through couchsuring. com in Europe – but with no running water or electricity the opportunity to do so wouldn’t be an option in their inal destination in Kenya.

They conduct interviews with oficials, educators and activists during the day and Dumpster dive for food in the evenings before taking to the parks for sleep.

Arrival in Kenya supplies Give A Damn with a dramatic and tragic twist that changes the course of the ilmmakers’ journey and even the cast of the ilm.

Even though the ilm is a documentary, the turn of events are so unexpected – and blindsiding – that to give complete

UNISON

Continued from C1

Symphony Orchestra’s IN UNISON Chorus concert, she was overwhelmed by the love and support shown in repeated resounding applause.

Her sister Wilatreal Rice was in the chorus accompanying her, while her mother, brothers, sisters and other family members sat throughout the venue. She was eager to point them out – and give them credit for giving her the support and encouragement she needed to pursue her career.

“I’m just a little girl from Kinloch,” she said as her eyes welled up and her body threatened to become overwhelmed with emotion.

But just then, the sassy, spunky personality that has made her the unoficial designated black mama of Hollywood broke through instead.

“People say to me, ‘Jenny, why you always play everybody’s mama?’” Lewis said. “And I say, ‘Honey, the type of money they pay me, I’ll play the daddy.’”

She offered guests a sample of her wit when she talked about her homecoming and how good it felt to be performing for an audience in St. Louis for the irst time since she shot to national fame thanks to a steady stream of memorable performances on ilm and television.

“I haven’t been on a stage in St. Louis since 1979,” Lewis said. “I was one of the stars of the hit touring show Eubie

details would be an unfair spoiler to the viewer. The event jeopardized Parris’ ability to complete Give A Damn, but the show went on. And even as an extreme plan B changed the face of the ilm, viewers will get an opportunity to see both how poverty impedes opportunity – not just for an individual, but from a global perspective –and how the heart-illed passion for change and the willingness to move towards change can make a difference.

Give A Damn screens at 6:30 p.m. on Fri., Feb. 24.

Selection vs. Election

Through the lenses presented by the Annual Africa World Documentary Festival, viewers will have the opportunity to witness another element of the American experience that citizens often take for granted –democracy.

In No More Selections! We Want Elections! ilmmaker

Sengbe Kona Khasu documents Liberia’s irst democratic election in more than 25 years. The lack of leadership by the people has contributed to a catastrophic outcome of poverty, civil war and a gross imbalance of

when it was at The Fox Theatre.

Someone else might say I was a part of the chorus, but the point is it took me almost 35 years just to cross the street.”

It was a wonderful homecoming indeed for Lewis, who had already narrated the St. Louis premiere of the epic piece

“Kabo Omowale” (Welcome Home Child) with IN UNISON during the irst act prior to taking the stage as a soloist.

The piece was a potpourri of black music ranging from ancient tribal sounds to hip-hop – and everything in between.

“Every beat, heralding the cycle of existence,” Lewis said with fervor and conviction.

“Each song an answered prayer come to life.” It was a itting climax for the chorus. Under the direction of Kevin McBeth, IN UNISON gave audiences a healthy heaping of black pride, faith and humanity through selections such as “Lift Every Voice and Sing,” “My Soul’s Been Anchored in The Lord” and “Bridge over Troubled Water.”

“I’ll bet Paul Simon has never heard his song like this,” McBeth commented as the audience rose to their feet following the selection.

But the evening was even more special as Lewis – who is typically known for her strong supporting roles – was in the spotlight.

She sang songs she revised to relect her homecoming – like “As If We Never Said Goodbye” from Sunset Blvd. And paid tribute to the seemingly eternally smooth skin African Americans are known for in “Black Don’t Crack.” She jok-

wealth. Everything was on the line in 2005 as 23 candidates iled for the presidency – which was whittled down from 59. Khasu captured the Liberian people as they listened to the campaigns of individuals who range in status from celebrity athlete to bank clerk. The people’s passion for change is apparent as the prospective presidents make their agendas plain and the people vow to head to the polls and vote towards a new destiny for Liberia. No More Selections! We Want Elections! Screens at 2 p.m. on Sat., Feb. 25.

The 5th Annual Africa World Documentary Film Festival will take place on Friday, Feb. 24 and Saturday, February 25 at the Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd. in Forest Park. There will be a special open discussion at the conclusion of both days’ screenings featuring the ilmmakers of Give A Damn (Fri., 8 p.m.) and No More Selections! We Want Elections (Sat., 3:05 p.m.). For more information and a full schedule of the featured ilms, visit http://www. africaworldilmfestival.com/.

ingly said Tina Turner – another star with St. Louis roots – is 263 years old. Her emotional inale was “I know Where I’ve Been,” a song originally written for Lewis, who was slated to appear in the stage show, but contractual obligations prevented her from doing so. As she fought back tears, it was apparent she left her heart on the legendary stage of her hometown. And the unforgettable experience was capped off with an exchange of love for love as she bore witness to the rousing applause and ovation that immediately ensued. When her performance was over it was apparent she was no longer that little girl from Kinloch, but a bona ide star with legitimate talent and undying affection from the city where it all began.

American Night at the Symphony

The St. Louis American has teamed up with the symphony to offer a special evening (at a special price) our readers. St. Louis American Night at the Symphony will take place on Saturday, Feb. 25 at 8 p.m. In honor of the occasion, $22 tickets will be available for all STLAmerican readers. Tickets will be available through the Box Ofice

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Titanic tourism in STL

St. Louis celebrates Titanic Centennial Weekend,

April 13-15

One hundred years ago this April, a reporter for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch scored one of the biggest stories of the 20th century – the sinking of the H.M.S. Titanic St. Louis journalist Carlos Hurd was aboard the Carpathia, the vessel that scooped up Titanic’s lifeboat-clinging survivors. Hurd and his wife Katherine were the irst to interview the eyewitnesses to the downing of the “unsinkable” ocean liner. He wrote the worldwide headline story on rolls of toilet paper during the voyage that brought those rescued into New York harbor. Today, the legendary ship continues to make headlines in St. Louis where a weekend of special commemorative events will take place to remember this everfascinating piece of history. Cruise into the Gateway City to experience the history, fashion, food and music of the elegant Edwardian era during St. Louis’ Titanic Centennial Weekend, April 13-15, 2012. For more information, click on www. explorestlouis.com or www.titanic2012stl. com or call 314-657-5033. Tickets for all events and accommodations are also available through Metrotix at 314-534-1111 or www. metrotix.com

On Friday, April 13, the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park serves up an Edwardian Champagne Reception prior to a screening of the classic 1958 Titanic ilm, “A Night to Remember.” Guests also will view Titanic-related artifacts from the Museum’s collection.

The highlight of the weekend takes place at the Fabulous Fox Theatre on Saturday, April 14. The Fox’s executive chef Stephen Proctor along with the culinary teaching staff at L’Ecole Culiniare will recreate the original First Class menu served to Titanic guests on the actual 100th anniversary of the last dinner on the ship. The historic menu was meticulously researched to authentically recreate the sumptuous eleven-course meal and accompanying wines. The Titanic-sized menu includes oysters a la Russe, poached salmon, ilet mignon, chicken Lyonnaise, roasted squab and Waldorf pudding.

Diners will have the opportunity to experience ATaste of History: Last Dinner on the Titanic while seated on the stage at St. Louis’ Fabulous Fox Theatre. The evening is black tie. Dinner guests are encouraged to wear vintage attire (white tie for men). Upon arrival, guests will receive a boarding pass and envelope containing the name and biography of an actual irst-class passenger from the Titanic. Guests can be assured that the only ice aloat at the Fox this evening will be found in drinking glasses.

Prior to dinner, a period-style cocktail reception featuring live music popular during 1912 will ill the Fox Theatre’s elaborate Grand Lobby. Between courses, guests will be entertained with incredible stories about the Titanic told by actors portraying passengers and crew who had been aboard the fateful ship including Missouri’s-own “Unsinkable” Molly Brown. Proceeds from the evening beneit the Fox Performing Arts Charitable Foundation, a not-for-proit which fosters and promotes the performing arts in the St. Louis area.

Those who survive the Saturday evening soiree can partake in a special champagne brunch at the Piper Palm House, the oldest

Recreating Titanic’s final 11-course dinner menu is just one of the special events slated for St. Louis’ Titanic Centennial Weekend, April 13-15, 2012.

standing greenhouse west of the Mississippi River. Located in St. Louis’Victorian-designed Tower Grove Park, the Palm House’s distinctive architecture, soaring ceiling, stately windows and exotic plants, resemble the Titanic’s Verandah Café. The brunch will be recreated from a Titanic irst class breakfast menu. The buffet service meal features, along with other delicacies, smoked salmon, lamb chops, sirloin steak, prepared-to-order omelets, fruits and baked goods.

The three events range in price from $10 to $500, so everyone can “step back in time” and experience the history, fashion, food and music of the elegant Edwardian Era. A special St. Louis Titanic Weekend Travel Package is available at the newly restored Cheshire, a landmark hotel property that embodies the charm and authenticity of a traditional British inn with all the modern conveniences of today. The $389 hotel package includes deluxe accommodation for two nights (Friday and Saturday/double occupancy), an English continental breakfast on Saturday, complimentary high tea on Saturday from 1 to 4 p.m., and round-trip transportation to the events at the Missouri History Museum, The Fox Theatre and the Piper Palm House.

True Titanic buffs will want to tour historic Bellefontaine Cemetery in St. Louis. St. Louisan Elizabeth McMillan Madill Robert was returning home from a year-long European tour and lodging in Cabin B-3 aboard the Titanic. She, her daughter Georgette Madill, niece Elizabeth Allen and maid Emilie Kreuchen were all rescued from Lifeboat 2. Mrs. Madill Roberts died in 1955 and is buried on the Madill family lot. Also resting at Bellefontaine are Carlos and Katherine Hurd who were traveling on the Carpathia, the White Star Line vessel that rescued Titanic lifeboat passengers. Hurd enlisted his wife to help him gather interviews for the news story of the century. Stop by the Bellefontaine Cemetery ofice at 4847 West Florissant Avenue for a complimentary map to these gravesites and those of hundreds of notable persons including explorer William Clark, Civil War oficers, beer barons, literary personalities and more. Information also is found at www.bellefontainecemetery.org

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

70th

anniversary

Lillie and Alphonse McCoy, Sr. will celebrate their 70th wedding anniversary on February 27, 2012. They are the proud parents of 15 children, 72 grandchildren, 84 great-grands and 11 fifth generations.

Centenarian

Elizabeth Wilson celebrates her 105th birthday on February 23, 2012. She is the mother of seven and has numerous grandchildren and great grandchildren. She has been an inspiration to many, accomplishing much in her 105 years. Join us as we honor her on this most momentous occasion. Happy Birthday Mom!

Reunions

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

Birthdays:

On February 23, 2005, God blessed the Kirkmans with their first born son Christopher Steven Kirkman. He is a second grader at FAHLO Christian Academy and enjoys playing basketball, playing his PSPand hanging out with his best buddy, Jaylen Allen. Happy Birthday Chris!

Christopher Steven Kirkman

From Auntie Kim, Keith, Jaylen and Keilyn

Davion Jaylin Smith will celebrate his 5th birthday on February 26, 2012. He is the son of proud parents Sierra N. Burton and Anthony Smith of St. Louis. Happy 16th Birthday wishes to Dre’Von P. Franklin on February 24!

From the entire Franklin, Scott, Loveless, Grzelka & Davis Families. We love you!

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Vashon High School Class of 1965 will be celebrating “The Class of 65 at 65” at The Hilton St. Louis Airport on April 21, 2012 beginning at 7p.m.- Midnight. The cost is $50.00 per person. For information contact Cleo at 3831934, Bernice at 534-8282, or Yvonne at 618-206-8101 or email Vashon65Alumni@yahoo.com

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, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Davion

Jaylin Smith

Dre’Von P.Franklin

RELIGION

Conservatives conjure bogus religious war

Obama, a church-going Christian, falsely accused of attacking faith

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

At ease, Christian soldiers. There is no “war on religion,” no assault on the Catholic Church. A faith that has endured for thousands of years will survive even Nicki Minaj. It never occurred to me to evaluate the Grammy Awards show on theological rectitude, but apparently we’re supposed to be outraged at the over-the-top “exorcism” Minaj performed. The hip-hop diva, who writhed and cavorted amid a riot of religious iconography, is accused of anti-Catholic bigotry – and seen as an enemy combatant in an escalating “war on religion” being waged by “secular elites,” which seems to be used as a synonym for “Democrats.” Seriously? Are we really going to pretend that Christianity is somehow under siege? That the Almighty would have been any more offended Sunday than he was, say, in 2006, when Madonna – who could sue Minaj for theft of intellectual property – performed a song during her touring act while being mock-cruciied on a mirrored cross? While wearing a crown of thorns? Even at her show in Rome?

The “war on religion” alarmists are just like Minaj and Madonna in one key respect: Lacking a coherent point to make, they go for shock value. Among the loudest voices, predictably, are those of the Republican presidential candidates. Guess who’s to blame for

the attack on all God-fearing Americans who go to church every Sunday to hear sermons about the sacriice and triumph of Jesus Christ. Hint: He got in trouble four years ago, during his presidential campaign, for going to church every Sunday to hear sermons about the sacriice and triumph of Jesus Christ. President Obama is indeed waging a war on religion, Mitt Romney claimed last week at the Conservative Political Action Conference. Romney promised to rescind every “Obama regulation” that somehow “attacks our religious liberty.”

Newt Gingrich said at CPAC that Obama plans to “wage war” on the Catholic Church if he is re-elected. Those who don’t see this coming are not familiar with “who (the president) really is.” Apparently, the real Obama is about to come out of hiding, any day now.

But it is Rick Santorum who wins the award for histrionics. Progressives, he said last week in Texas, are “taking faith and crushing it.” From that ridiculous proposition, he went on in truly hallucinatory fashion:

“When you marginalize faith in America, when you remove the pillar of God-given rights, then what’s left is the French Revolution. What’s left is a government that gives you rights. What’s left are no unalienable rights. What’s left is a government that will tell you who you are, what you’ll do and when you’ll do it. What’s left in France became the guillotine. Ladies and gentlemen,

we’re a long way from that, but if we follow the path of President Obama and his overt hostility to faith in America, then we are headed down that road.”

Wow.

Just how has this “hostility to faith in America” manifested itself? Obama issued a rule requiring some church-owned or church-run institutions to provide health insurance that pays for contraceptives, which are outlawed by Catholic doctrine – and used by the vast majority of Catholic women. Obama subsequently altered the rule to placate Catholic bishops, who responded by declaring themselves implacable.

In his speech at the annual National Prayer Breakfast, Obama cited New Testament scripture in arguing for economic and social justice. Conservatives blasted him for, um, quoting the Bible. This is a war? This is a march to the guillotine?

Romney and Gingrich know better; they’re just cynically pandering to religious conservatives. Santorum, at least, is sincere in his pre-Enlighten-

By Dorothy J. Matthews For The St. Louis American

Have you ever said the phrases, “I can not afford that?” “I do not know how I am going to make it!” I know I have. There are times when I just wanted to give up. Times I asked God, “What are you doing?” “Do you see my need?” “Help God!”

Even in biblical days people were saying things like this as is the case with the woman and the jars of oil.

ment beliefs. But rejection of the intellectual framework that produced not just the French Revolution but the American Revolution as well does not strike me as an appropriate philosophy for a U.S. presidential candidate to espouse.

The Founders wisely decided to institutionalize separation of church and state. The references to God, the Creator and Divine Providence in the Declaration of Independence mask the fact that the Founders disagreed on the nature and existence of a Supreme Being. They understood the difference between faith and religiosity.

Within our secular governmental framework, religion has thrived. No other large industrialized nation has nearly so many regular churchgoers as does the United States.

And just as faith somehow survived Nicki Minaj’s burlesque at the Grammys, it will survive the attempt by Republicans to create a religious war out of thin air.

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

This woman found herself in an untenable situation faced with not only inancial ruin, but the loss of her children into slavery. She was a widow. No husband to take care of her. A bill collector was breathing down her back demanding her money or her sons (2Kings 4:1). In her desperation she cried out to the prophet of God, “thy handmaid hath not anything in the house, save a pot of oil.” She perceived that what she had was not good enough to solve her dire circumstances. But, Elisha, a prophet of God, understood that she had everything in her own home to take care of the situation. He gave her instructions:

“1) Borrow vessels from your neighbors, borrow not a few. 2) Shut the door upon thee and upon thy sons. 3) Pour out into all those vessels and thou shalt set aside that

which is full” (2Kings 4:4). She did just as the prophet instructed her. Elisha further told her, “Sell the oil, and pay thy debt, and live thou and thy children on the rest. Do not miss this! She started out not being able to pay the creditor. She started out with the sure threat of losing her children into slavery. She started out thinking she had nothing. God took what she had, multiplied it enough to meet her present need with the creditor and her future needs, “live thou and they children on the rest!”

Rather than have a pity party, rejoice. As Romans 8 says, “We are more than conquerors in Christ Jesus.” Look at your crisis from a different perspective. Look at it as an opportunity to meet the needs of your life by using the gifts God has given you. Do not dismiss gifts

Dorothy Matthews

President Barack Obama and First Lady Michelle Obama, with daughters Sasha and Malia, attend Christmas services at the Marine Corp Base Hawaii chapel in Kaneohe Bay, Hawaii, Sunday, Dec. 25, 2011.

Oficial White House Photo by Pete Souza

Snap of the

Tuning in to Young Leaders. By the time y’all read this, the St. Louis American Foundation and Emerson’s Salute to Young Leaders Reception will probably be sold out, but you might have a chance to squeeze in as somebody’s plus one. I’m just so excited about tonight (Thursday…that is…) that I can’t keep it to myself. Normally my beat is nightlife; however I deem it more than appropriate to point out an evening that highlights young people doing big things in the community. And did I mention Kevin Powell will be giving pointers on how they can keep carrying the torch of leadership and pave the way for a path to a better St. Louis. And the sexy top loor spot at the Chase Park Plaza and a bunch of folks getting their power suit swag on will be the icing and cherry on top! I wish there were one or two seats for the folks who waited ‘till the eleventh hour. If I were y’all, I’d call (314) 533-8000 by noon and work any magic you’ve got to try and reserve a spot. Two’s a crowd. My weekend started on a Wednesday night thanks to my desire to whistle along to the sounds of what I thought would be the perfect blend of alternative soul and hip-hop. When I heard Talib Kweli and Res were servin’ it up as a duo, I was expecting Ashford and Simpson meets The Throne when I stepped into 2720. And while I caught life from the “girl, you so different crowd” that was ebony and ivory in perfect harmony, the actual performance…not so much. I live for them both – just separately. You know how some people are better off being “just friends” in relationships, well the same can be said for musical partnerships. When they took the stage as a pair, the only thing I could do to keep myself from nodding off was lashback to the glorious granola with the Amish beard that was softshoe tappin’like he had the spirit in him when 18 and Counting and Nappy Needles were tearing it up on the ones and twos.

Morris. When I heard he was comin’to town to host a special Ladies Night party at the Ambassador, I was expecting the worst with respect to actor Morris Chestnut’s attitude – and I was right.And while the event was empty boots on the crowd side, I’m gonna go ‘head and charge it to the game of his bad karma. Wait, you show up at 12:15 for fans who have been waiting for hours and the irst thing you do is perch on the couch and give undivided attention to your smart phone. Really? Get over yourself – especially when your most recent credit is as part-time eye candy in an urban stage drama. I’m just sayin’…don’t actA-list when your current average is a C-AT BEST. Erro returns. Soul star Eric Roberson is coming back to town as one of a series of soul artists that are quickly givin’ the all new club Plush a reputation as the new hotspot for good quality music. Saturday night he will be front and center and providing the city with something to groove to in a way that only he can. I’ll go right to my thesaurus and see if I can’t get extra clever with the word choice I throw out during the segment of his show when he makes up songs off of the top of his head by combining words offered up by the audience. I just might go with egregious for 2012. I cannot wait to see how he uses it.

New spot, same soul. I might as well stay on the topic of Club Plush and mention that I was beyond overjoyed with the resounding success of Café Soul’s re-launch. I thought they were gonna have to start making two tiers of VIP booths and tables up in there with all of those folks! I’m tippin’ my sew-in to Angie, Nichol and Tendai for the caliber of the crowd last Friday night. While I was quietly underwhelmed with the Whitney tribute portion of the show, I must also give a shout out to the gorgeous Aunyae Heart for her “Greatest Love of All” offering. If the folks had been settled in enough to pay attention they would have been blown away. I also want to give a shout out to Tendai for her sick freestyle that inspired that anonymous rapper to give it a go on the microphone. But it was all bad for the rap game on the mic – especially those “rap vandals” in church shoes. I still had a good time and I’m captivated by the possibility that the new space allows. See y’all the next third Friday.

B.J.’s Stress Free B-day bash. Since I was in the vicinity, I skipped on over to the Loft for a special edition of Stress Free Fridays that helped pay tribute to Majic 104.9’s BJ the DJ. Truth be told, I would have gone back and forth across town for him. He’s one of the nicest, most genuine personalities in the radio game…I know I’m right about it! I love his wife Gina too. I met his brother and they look exactly alike. I said “your name must be C.J.” I was close. It’s A.J. But back to the party. I had a blast! And it was a wonderful soundtrack in the background thanks Jeffrey Hardin! Black Katz in Masks. It’s always a treat to kick it with the 13 Black Katz, so why would it be any different for Mardi Gras weekend? I stopped through their Mask Madness 2 event Saturday night and while I was beyond pleased with my experience, I must advise the HKIC (Head Kat in Charge) to explore a bigger venue for the third installment. I love the ambience of the Ginger Bistro, but I barely had enough elbow room to hold my custom crafted porcelain mask to my face…let alone get my wobble on. Mardi Gras movin’ and shakin. It seemed like I was all over this town from sun up to sun down as y’all used Mardi Gras as an excuse to have malt liquor Muscato with your Egg McMufin. I had to tilt my head back and breathe a sigh of relief that I made it through just thinking about it! It took me two hours to get down there, but I showed love to Rockhouse and Hella Fly with their special edition at The Drunken Fish on the Landing. It was baby Bourbon Street down there too! Then I headed over to the city and saw that Jason Spain has redesigned the City Again. This is the eighth time in six months. I promise they need to give him a show on HGTV ‘cause he’ll pull an extreme makeover in a hot minute. They could call it “Tearing the Club Up with J. Spain.” Six years of Eye Candy. Mo Spoon is bringing the

The folks tore it up on the floor with Kerry,Orlando and Tah @ The Drunken Fish for their Mardi Gras party Saturday night

Latrice, Shalonda and Angie were eager to get it in to the music of rap star Rick Ross Sunday night @ The Ambassador

Rapper Talib Kweli, Lamar Harris, Res, and Chris Hanson of Lola Wednesday night after Res & Talib rocked the mic @ 2720

Hilary and Ryan take in the re-launch of Café Soul Friday night @ Plush

Sharon Mike and Sherrell @ The Ambassador Saturday night for Super Smooth’s Ladies Night with Morris Chestnut

Lanell Woods, Karen Taylor and Shirley Simms @ Exo Saturday night for Mick Woods b-day party

Geraldine, Gena and Karl kicked it with the 13 Black Katz for Mardi Gras Saturday @ Ginger Bistro

Shamara and Niecy enjoyed the new energy of Café Soul Friday night @ Plush

Chris and Yalonda were in the Mardi Gras spirit for the 13 Black Katz Mask Madness 2 Saturday @ Ginger Bistro

Michelle and Vawan gear up for Mardi Gras by way of Masq and Beads Friday night @ Lola

It was a family affair as Tasha celebrated her brother Mick Woods’ b-day Saturday night @ EXO

Majic 104.9’s BJ The DJ, his lovely wife Gina and Arika Parr help him celebrate Friday night @ The Loft

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Sorority honors educators forservice, commitment

Special to The American Iota Phi Lambda Sorority, Inc. Alpha Zeta Chapter recently honored three educators from the Hazelwood School District with awards at its 30th Annual Apple for the Teacher Luncheon.

HSD awardees included Robert Lawrence, principal, Hazelwood Central Middle School; Michelle Pendleton, fifth-grade teacher, Townsend Elementary School; and Shimikqua Ellis Jackson, communication arts teacher, Hazelwood East High School. Lawrence started teaching in 1991. He joined HSD five years ago and worked as an assistant principal at Hazelwood West High School. Previously, he worked in University City and Ritenour school districts and has experience teaching social studies, government, accounting, economics, keyboarding, bookkeeping and shorthand. Lawrence is a 1983 graduate of Hazelwood East High School.

“It is always an honor to be

recognized for the effort that you give to education. To receive such recognition encourages me to keep fighting with good faith and to continue to be a positive example to others,” Lawrence said.

“I have always had a desire to help and my motivation as an educator is simple. I want to help others go higher than I did. I really enjoy when I see that lamp of learning being ignited in others,” he said.

Pendleton has been an educator for 32 years. She has experience teaching prekindergarten to college-age students at St. Louis Community College. She has been with HSD for eight years.

“I found out that a former student recommended me for this honor,” said Pendleton. “That is the highest praise a teacher can receive. When your students can see past the homework, classroom rules and discipline and want to honor you for making a difference in their lives, it is truly an honor.”

“My students inspire and encourage me. They have the

Three educators from the Hazelwood School District were honored recently with Apple for the Teacher awards,presented by Iota Phi Lambda Sorority,Inc. Alpha Zeta Chapter.Michelle Pendleton,fifth-grade teacher,Townsend Elementary School;Robert Lawrence, principal,Hazelwood Central Middle School;and Shimikqua Ellis Jackson,communication arts teacher, Hazelwood East High School were among the awardees.

right to expect my best. My motto is ‘It is not about me, it’s all about the children’and it motivates me to strive to reach all students.”

Ellis Jackson has been an educator for eight years and has worked for HSD for six

years. She has experience teaching ninth through 12th grade English.

“I am honored and grateful for the recognition,” said Ellis Jackson. “As an educator, watching students realize their own potential and helping

them set and achieve goals motivates me.”

TSA students complete training

The inaugural group of transportation security officers taking courses through a joint program between St. Louis Community College and the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) were honored recently at a special ceremony at Lambert St. Louis International Airport.

The participants completed the three credit courses required for the TSA Certificate of Achievement. They began their studies in fall 2010. They now have earned nine hours of STLCC credit and will have the opportunity to earn an associate degree in homeland security or a related field.

Bill Switzer, St. Louis TSA federal security director, said, “The program allows our officers to advance their education and improve their careers opportunities. It also strengthens TSAby giving the work force new skills and information. The program also can be a jump start for those who want to pursue a degree while concurrently working for TSA.

Homeland security is one of

the fastest growing majors today, and TSAis positioning its employees to excel among their peers in the field.”

Atotal of 44 employees have participated in the program, with 36 percent completing it and earning a certificate. St. Louis’cumulative course completion rate is 94 percent, compared to 86 percent nationally. As of fall 2011, 10 percent of eligible transportation security officers (TSOs) participated in the program by enrolling in at least one course. Of the TSOs who have taken a course, 88 percent who pass the course take another within a year. The national average is 81 percent. As the lead institution in Missouri for Global Corporate College, St. Louis Community College was selected in 2010 to deliver classes leading to a TSAHomeland Security Certificate for transportation security officers at the TSA’s St. Louis office. St. Louis was selected by the Transportation Security Agency, along with 23 other locations, which includes airports and GCC community college members. This spring, 80 airports with more than 60 partner colleges are participating in this program. Nationally, more than 2,500 students currently are enrolled.

Iota Phi Lambda recognizes Robert Lawrence, Michelle Pendleton, Shimikqua Ellis Jackson