February 23rd, 2023 edition

LouiS AmericAn

He’s our All Star

By Earl Austin Jr. The St. Louis American

St. Louisan Jayson Tatum’s fourth appearance in the National Basketball Association All-Star Game was a memorable one.

The former Chaminade College Prep AllAmerican debuted his new signature shoe, set a new All-Star Game scoring record with 55 points and earned Most Valuable Player honors to lead Team Giannis to an 184-175 victory over Team Lebron in Salt Lake City, UT.

Tatum surpassed the old record of 52 points, which was set by Anthony Davis in 2017. Tatum scored his record-breaking

53rd point on a free throw in the fourth quarter. Tatum scored a game-high 17 points in the first half, but he was just getting warmed up as he erupted for 32 points in the third quarter, which is also an All-Star game record.

Tatum finished the game making 22 of his 31 attempts from the field. He was also 10 of 18 from 3-point range. He also added 10 rebounds and six assists in 35 minutes of action. He became the first Celtics player to win the MVP award since 1982 when Larry Bird did the honors.

For Tatum, bringing home the MVP trophy had special meaning as the award is named after

Mayor Jones, others challenge Gardner’s

‘She needs to do some soul searching’

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, an ally of Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner, said Wednesday that Gardner has “lost the trust of the people.”

Recently retired Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald received the inaugural Lifetime Achiever in Business Award.

By Kenya Vaughn and JoAnn Weaver

fectly summed up the afternoon.

“Coming in here today, it is somewhat of a family reunion in many respects,” Kimbrough said as he accepted his award. “So many people in this room have been a part of my formation over the past 20-plus years.”

Such sentiments were reiterated throughout the afternoon from the master of ceremony – morning anchor for KSDK 5 on Your Side Rene Knott – as well as from presenters, honorees, guests and keynote speaker St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones.

“I want to thank you all – not just for your presence here at the luncheon, but your presence in the community,” Knott said.

“February is Black History Month and one of the things that we really do not give enough light to is the success of the Black business person in the United States of America – who has had to go through so much to achieve.” Thursday was a time to let their light shine. The theme for the event was expanding equitable growth

“We all know the old adage, ‘Black people have to work twice as hard to get half as much,’” Jones said. “But when you are Black

“She really needs to do some soul-searching of whether or not she wants to continue as Circuit Attorney.”

Jones spoke at an impromptu press conference at Bryan Hill Elementary School in the College Hill neighborhood before a Black History Month event.

Last July, the trial of Daniel Riley was set to begin. Several media outlets have reported that Gardner’s office was not ready to proceed. Riley was released on house arrest and was recharged the same day.

Riley violated the terms of his GPS monitoring system more than 40 times after July 18, the most recent violation was on Feb. 13.

On Feb. 18, police say he struck a car that pinned Janae Edmondson of Smyrna, Tennessee, a suburb of Nashville, between another car. Her legs were later amputated.

In a statement released late Tuesday, Gardner said, “A young girl’s life was tragically changed because of the inexcusable behavior of a young man.

“ Our hearts go out to the victim and her family for this unspeakable tragedy that will undoubtedly have a lasting impact not only on her, but her family and loved ones.

“ It’s unfortunate that there are those who choose to twist the facts to take advantage of this situation for their own selfish motives. This is not the time for finger pointing, it’s time to support this family, and ensure that justice is served.”

In remembrance of Mill Creek Valley

Historic Black neighborhood honored near St. Louis City SC stadium

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

Thursday, February 16 is a day in St. Louis history that most area residents are unaware of – but one that those with a connection to a historically Black neighborhood will never forget.

“Sixty-four years ago today, the first wrecking ball struck in Mill Creek and permanently destroyed a viable urban neighborhood of 20,000,” author Vivian Gibson told an audience who gathered at St. Louis CITY SC stadium – where a portion of Mill Creek Valley once stood – for the unveiling of Pillars of Memory, the first phase of the Pillars of the Valley exhibition. The art is part of a collaborative effort between the St. Louis CITY SC, Great Rivers Greenway and the City of St. Louis to pay tribute to the former

See MILL CREEK, A6

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Kim Gardner

Jayson Tatum holds up his MVP trophy after the NBA basketball All-Star game Sunday, Feb. 19, 2023, in Salt Lake City.

Photo courtesy of the AP

Da Brat pregnant with first child

Da Brat is pregnant with her first child. She revealed to PEOPLE she and her wife Jesseca “Judy” Harris-Dupart, are expecting their first child.

“It’s been quite a journey,” Brat said.

“There’s a lot of stuff we learned about women over the age of 40.”

Harris-Dupart has three children from a previous relationship. Brat, however, always thought kids wouldn’t be part of her life path.

“I never thought I was going to have kids,” she said. “I just thought it wasn’t in the cards for me.

I’ve had a great career, a full life. I felt like, because I didn’t get pregnant earlier on, then it just wasn’t going to happen for me.”

Brat decided to carry their child after Har ris-Dupart suffered health complications follow ing her egg retrieval

procedure. Brat also faced health issues. She underwent fibroid removal surgery and polyps developed before her embryo transfer procedure. She then had a miscarriage.

The spouses have an anonymous donor who they say is an “eager entrepreneur.” Brat is in her second trimester and is very excited about the arrival of their new baby.

Eminem takes legal action against Real Housewives

Gizelle Bryant, Robyn Dixon

name can confuse consumers who’ve known him by the aliases Slim Shady and Shady. He has used both names for entertainment purposes since 1998 and owns the trademark for “Shady” to use for merchandise.

Eminem’s objection came weeks after Dixon, 43, and Bryant, 52, filed to trademark their podcast’s name with the intent to begin selling products — such as water bottles, lip gloss, sweatshirts, hats, jackets and socks.

was the person could not manage the installation of two televisions.

“Couldn’t hang up two TVs. Six people came out to the house, didn’t know how to get the cords in the walls,” she said.

“Six different people in my house didn’t know how to hang a TV and wanted $2,000 a week. I said I’d do $1,600 a week.”

Enimem isn’t playing games with “Real Housewives of Potomac” cast members Gizelle Robyn Dix. The rapper has filed a legal opposition against the reality stars’ trademark application for their “Reasonably Shady”

He alleges his brand will be tarnished if the ladies use the trademark for their platform. He also said the podcast’s

Neither reps for Bryant, Dixon, and Eminem were available to comment, according to Page Six. The ladies have not publicly commented about Eminem’s claim. However, they must respond to his request by March 26.

K. Michelle swapped more than 100 personal assistants

K. Michelle hasn’t had much luck in finding personal assistants. She told MAJIC-FM 107.5/97.5 in a recent interview she’s fired more than 100 assistants over the course of her career.

Host Ryan Cameron asked Michelle why her last assistant got the pink slip. Her answer

Another recent assistant was fired for fouling up dinner reservations.

“I remember one day I said, ‘can you make reservations at five o’clock for four people?’ She came in, say, I made reservations at four o’clock.”

She also had a candidate admit to being on cocaine during the interview.

“I’m like ‘she’s great, she is great, I like her.’

“She says, ‘on holidays, we do drugs, we do cocaine,” Michelle said.

“I couldn’t believe it. This was my first time meeting her. I gave her two drinks and she lost it. Why would I be around stuff like that?” Michelle plans to release her sixth R&B album, “I’m The Problem,” a country album soon. Her I’m The Problem Tour comes to St. Louis March 16 at The Factory in Chesterfield.

Sources: PEOPLE, The Shade Room, Page Six

Jessica Harris-Dupart & Da Brat

Eminem

K. Michelle

“It still blows my mind that we’re having firsts in 2023.”

- Jennifer McClellan upon being the first Black woman elected to represent Virginia in Congress

Back to the beginning

Urban League opens SOS office 106 years after ESL race riots

Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has been helping turn tragedy into triumph for more than a century. Its roots are planted in the soil where one of America’s worst racially inspired riots and massacres happened, East St. Louis Illinois.

On Saturday, Feb. 18, the organization returned to the city by opening a new Save Our Sons office.

Christopher Belt, Rep. LaToya Greenwood, Mayor Robert Eastern, Jackie Joyner Kersee, Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley and the many clergy, community leaders. residents and corporate partners.

n “Today is a historic homecoming for the Urban League to be back in the city of East St. Louis, where we were founded.”

-President of the Urban League, Michael McMillan, on the opening of the new East St. Louis “Save Our Sons” headquarters.

“Today is a historic homecoming for the Urban League to be back in the city of East St. Louis, where we were founded,” said Mike McMillan, Urban League president and CEO.

“Thanks to state Sen.

“A special thanks to our own Michael K. Holmes, Tydrell Stevens & their staff for working to make this a reality. Belt thanked McMillan and the Urban League “for returning to its home.”

“Welcome back to East St. Louis as we celebrate the grand opening of Save Our Sons.”

Between 10,000 and 12,000 African American people left the South for East St. Louis, Illinois in 1916 and 1917 as part of the Great Migration. Racial tensions were brewing during the spring and summer of 1917.

In 1916, 2,500 white employees of the meatpacking industry near East St. Louis went on strike for higher wages. In response, companies hired Black workers as strikebreakers to replace them. Then in the spring of 1917, after white workers of the Aluminum Ore Company in East St. Louis voted to strike, that company also recruited hundreds of Black workers to replace them.

At a labor meeting held in City Hall in July of 1917 rumors circulated of Black men fraternizing with white women. This led to a reported 1,000 to 3,000 white men marching

into downtown East St. Louis attacking African Americans on the street, in streetcars and burning buildings.

In the end, reportedly 39 to 150 African Americans were murdered, another 6,000 were left homeless and the city suffered $400,000 (more than $8 million in today’s dollars) in property damage. Many residents impacted by the riots fled to St. Louis. There, a small group of Black and white St. Louisans came together in 1918 and founded the Urban League of St. Louis. The agency was there to serve hundreds of others who were

migrating from the South to northern cities including East St. Louis.

“The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis was actually born out of the riots of East St. Louis.

“As Black and whites came together to build a better community, they formed an organization which later became the Urban League,” Pat Washington, Urban League director of communications said..

The Urban League’s “Save Our Sons” (SOS) program seeks to help economically disadvantaged African American men find jobs and have

You deserve to get the care you need. You deserve to know someone is on your side. You deserve to keep doing what you love.

We believe that access to quality health care is a right we all share — no matter who you are, where you live, the goals you have, or the challenges you’re facing. From advanced procedures and life-changing treatments to routine checkups for your entire family, we’re here to provide the care you need, across the region we call home. When you turn to us, you are our most important patient, because you deserve extraordinary care.

State Sen. Christopher Belt (D-Ill) welcomed the Urban League of Metropolitan St.Louis back to East St. Louis, the city of its origin, during the opening celebration for the Urban League’s newest Save Our Sons office on Saturday, Feb. 18, 2023.

the opportunity to earn livable wages. The program assists participants in obtaining post-secondary education and job training and teaching the imperative career life skills and work ethic necessary to become successful employees in today’s workforce.

The St. Louis Urban League is the largest League in the nation and the first to earn a five-star rating and one of two in the country to provide services in two states, Illinois and Missouri. It serves over 100,000 individuals annually, from its 16 facilities and 45 different programs in the region.

Photo courtesy of Urban League

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Editorial

Black union workers are paid 13% higher than workers who aren’t covered by a contract, and the gender pay gap shrinks significantly for Black women in unions.

Unions are more relevant today than ever

This week marks 55 years since the Memphis sanitation strike began following the deaths of two sanitation workers, Echol Cole and Robert Walker, who were crushed by a faulty garbage truck. Organizers and activists rallied the community so that Black sanitation workers who had long experienced low wages and an unsafe work environment would finally gain respect on the job.

The strike was a watershed moment in the struggle for economic and racial justice. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. visited Memphis to support the workers and was assassinated 12 days before they won their union with the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME).

The strike is an enduring reminder of the crucial role that unions play in rectifying the impact of discrimination and racism against Black people. Many of the same issues that the sanitation workers faced five decades ago persist, and in some cases, worsened, and the need for unions has never been more urgent.

All eyes are again on Memphis after Tyre Nichols died following a violent encounter with police officers during a traffic stop. The officers were quickly fired and charged for their actions, and the labor movement joined the call demanding justice. But the incident reignited conversations on the layers of challenges that Black people continue to face in Memphis.

architect in bringing the labor and civil rights movements together. He worked alongside Dr. King and labor activist Bayard Rustin, and together with other civil rights leaders, they championed the interests of the Black workingclass. They argued that racial inequality should be at the forefront of the national labor agenda. Although they faced resistance from leaders inside the labor movement, they were eventually successful in demonstrating why these two fights were so deeply intertwined.

I am a product and beneficiary of that alliance. When opportunities began to open up in industrial communities in the North, my parents joined millions of Black Southerners who made the journey North in search of a better life.

We landed in Chicago, where my father eventually got a union job at a Reynolds aluminum factory. Our family escaped poverty, and we were financially secure for the first time. As the highest-ranking African American to ever serve in the labor movement, I want to ensure that everyone is afforded those same life-changing opportunities.

Taking a wider view, Memphis is a majority-Black community that has some of the highest rates of poverty in the country for a major city. Black residents are three times more likely to be impoverished than white residents, and Memphis has the highest rate of children living in poverty in the nation. Unfortunately, Memphis’ story can be found in communities across America.

A 2022 analysis found that the average per capita wealth for white Americans was nearly $340,000 compared to just over $60,000 for Black Americans. Black people are also far less likely to own homes than their white counterparts, and a recent report showed that chances for upward mobility have declined. Black families and communities have been disproportionately impacted by the pandemic, experiencing higher rates of sickness and financial insecurity. But there is a solution, and it runs right through the labor movement. Unions guarantee a living wage, job security, and good benefits like health care and retirement. They have long been a pathway for Black workers to ascend into the middle class.

A. Philip Randolph, my personal hero, understood the value of unions and was a key

Letter to the editor

We want to hear from you

As the region’s leading media source for the African-American community, The St. Louis American wants to hear from you.

To send a Letter to the Editor, please send to: editor@stlamerican.com.

Today, a collective bargaining agreement still has an outsized impact on the well-being of Black families. Black union workers are paid 13% higher than workers who aren’t covered by a contract, and the gender pay gap shrinks significantly for Black women in unions. Our movement is working to ensure that recent investments by the Biden administration in infrastructure and technology create opportunities for Black workers to enter high-skilled apprenticeships that are pathways into the middle class.

A study by North America’s Building Trade Unions (NABTU) showed that union programs are more effective at diversifying the pipeline to jobs in the construction industry. That is bolstered by the fact that in 2022, more than 80% of the people enrolled in NABTU’s apprenticeship readiness programs were people of color.

We also recently partnered with the Chris Gardner Foundation’s Permission to Dream program to raise the awareness of high school students in underserved communities about the quality, life-changing careers in the building trades, and aid their entry into apprenticeships. Through the partnership, we are ushering in a new generation of union members and leaders.

Fifty-five years later, as we honor the legacy of the Memphis sanitation workers, it’s clear that we still have work to do. But through the power of unions, we can unleash a new era of economic prosperity for Black workers.

Fred Redmond is the secretary-treasurer of the 59 union, 12.5 million-member AFL-CIO, America’s labor federation.

As I See It -

Readjusting our historical perspective

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis continues to try to elevate his Presidential chances while doubling down on banning Black history. Meanwhile, the rest of us would be better served by reading more of it. We should go even further by mining American history to find what’s been hidden from us by previous political opportunists that can give us blueprints for how to create a national politics of unity rather than division.

I decided to start by digging into my own family’s history. What I found shocked me.

At the end of the 19th century, my maternal great-great-grandfather, who had been born into slavery, helped build a political party called the Readjusters that took control of the state of Virginia. Here’s what got my attention – it was a multi-racial populist party led by a former Confederate general and a formerly enslaved Black person that was pro-workers’ rights, pro-civil rights, pro-voting rights, and pro-public education.

Stop here if anyone taught you that 15 years after the Civil War, Johnny Reb and the freedmen came together to form a new party that won elections for local, state, and federal offices.

How could people who had been enslaved come together with people who had fought a war to keep them in slavery? They all wanted a better future for their kids and to hold on to the new public schools their children attended.

Virginia’s public schools, expanded Virginia Tech, and created what is now Virginia State University, the first publicly supported college for training Black teachers. They raised taxes on corporations and the property they owned, reversing a deficit into a budget surplus. They did away with the poll tax and with the public whipping post.

White men who rented their farms or were otherwise too poor to own land had only had the right to vote since the 1820’s. Black men had only had it since the 1860’s. And by the early 1880’s large numbers of both groups had united in multiple states and were winning major political victories.

To break up a thriving coalition of Black and white farmers and workers, the old plantation owners turned to a tried-and-true playbook. They spread vile disinformation to make other whites fear the loss of political superiority. They accused Black men of fictitious crimes. The disinformation sparked violence in Danville where there was a majority Black city council and a fully integrated police force. Two white men responded to the propaganda by murdering whites and Blacks in the streets.

To submit a free People on the Move listing in our Business section, please send photo and write up to: kjones@stlamerican.com.

To submit a Business Brief or Community Brief, please send to: editor@stlamerican.com. For information on obituaries and in memoriams, please send to: ahouston@stlamerican.com.

At the time plantation-class oligarchs were using the state’s Civil War debt as a wedge issue to anger Whites. But their class bias pushed them too far. They said they would shut down the newly created public schools to pay for the debt.

In response, many white men (remember only men voted in those days) whose families relied on and supported the schools fled the Democratic Party. They launched the Readjuster Party. Their name came from their demand: readjust the terms of Virginia’s Civil War debt to save the public schools. My grandmother’s grandfather Edward David Bland led the state’s Black Republicans into the Readjusters. It was an easy argument to make; after all Black Republicans had created the state’s public schools a little over a decade before. In the process, they became the majority of its new party’s base.

In less than five years, the Readjusters saved

With the Readjusters defeated, white supremacist politicians went on to pass an annual poll tax (equal to $50 today). It slashed the Black vote by 80% and the White vote by 50% and it eventually was enshrined in the state constitution. By denying the vote to so many Blacks and low-income whites, white supremacists essentially outlawed the kind of multiracial coalition that had beat them in Virginia and was chalking up victories in other states.

Even when students learn about the poll tax, that’s not the story most are taught. It’s truly a lesson in the promise of the power of coming together. It’s also a lesson in the lengths to which wealthy special interests will go to divide us. Meanwhile, that’s a lesson that DeSantis and his wealthy donors are teaching us again. After all, it’s the history we forget that is most easily repeated.

Ben Jealous is incoming executive director of the Sierra Club and former NAACP national president

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Georgia grand jury sets stage for indictments

While we don’t know what crimes Trump and his allies will be charged with, the expected indictments will bring desperately needed accountability and demonstrate that no one – not even the former president – is above the law.”

-- Brie Sparkman, Citizens for Responsibility and Ethics in Washington

The American people got a brief glimpse this week into the conclusions of a grand jury that spent a year investigating “possible attempts” by Donald Trump and his allies “to disrupt the lawful administration of the 2020 presidential elections in the State of Georgia.”

We learned that the grand jurors recommended perjury charges against “one or more of the witnesses” who testified before them. But it’s what that glimpse doesn’t reveal that is perhaps most revealing.

The judge who ordered that most of the report be withheld – “for now” –made it clear that his decision was based on protecting the due-process rights of “who might now be named as indictment worthy.”

It is only because the report does not identify those who may have lied to the grand jury that Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney allowed that conclusion to be publicly disclosed.

McBurney’s decision explicitly refers to “potential future defendants.”

Raffensberger, Trump recited a litany of falsehoods about the presidential election.

Trump knew at the time that these were lies. In December 2020, researchers commissioned to dig up evidence of fraud in six states, including Georgia, told Trump his conspiracy theories were baseless. Emails show Trump knew the claims were untrue even as he swore to their truth under oath.

No matter what indictments result from the grand jury investigation, the facts reveal a breathtaking conspiracy of subversion among Trump and his inner circle, unprecedented in its scope and audacity.

The grand jury confirmed that Trump’s claims were baseless after hearing “extensive testimony” from Georgia poll workers, investigators, technical experts, state employees and elected officials – even those who continued to promote conspiracy theories.

Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis, who convened the grand jury, also referred to “future defendants,” in her argument against releasing the full report. Simply put, a grand jury report that recommended no charges against anyone could not possibly be considered a threat to the rights of future defendants. If the grand jury had concluded that no crimes – other than perjury by unnamed witnesses -- were committed, we’d all be reading the full report right now.

It’s not clear whether those named in the report as potential future defendants were among those who testified – truthfully or untruthfully. McBurney’s order alludes both to those “not afforded the opportunity to appear before the grand jury” and to “those who did appear -- willingly or not.”

Speculation about the identity of those singled out for indictment, however, should not overshadow the enormity of the misdeeds at the center of the investigation. In his January 2, 2021, call with Georgia Secretary of State Brad

Their conclusion establishes for the record that Trump’s coercion of Raffensberger to announce a “recalculation” that found exactly one more vote for Trump than his margin of loss was, in fact, an attempt to overturn the results of a lawful, legitimate election.

The investigation also examined false claims of election fraud to state lawmakers, the fake elector scheme, efforts by unauthorized individuals to access voting machines, and threats and harassment against election workers.

Though we don’t yet know what indictments the grand jury recommended against whom, we do know Trump is not one of those accused of committing perjury because he didn’t testify. At least one member of Trump’s inner circle who did appear, his former personal attorney Rudy Giuliani, also is a target of the investigation, along with 16 people involved in the fake elector scheme. Other witnesses include former Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn, U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, and Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich. Absurdly, Trump called the revelation that one or more of his close associates likely lied under oath a “total exoneration,” somehow missing the implication that indictments are imminent. Will he continue to praise the jurors’ “Patriotism & Courage” after those indictments finally are announced?

Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO

Fred

Webster Groves senior CJ Langon, sporting a Douglass High School replica jersey, drives to the basket against Eureka on Douglass Night, Friday, Feb. 10, 2023, in Roberts Gym. Both the girls and boys teams celebrated historic Douglass during respective games.

Black history celebration to honor North Webster Groves

St. Louis American staff

The Alliance for Interracial Dignity will host “Pillars of Community: A Celebration of Local Black History” at 1 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 26, at the Eden Seminary Commons, 475 E. Lockwood Ave.

The event will begin with an opportunity to visit several Webster historical sites in a small scavenger hunt. Local historians Kita Quinn and Ed Johnson will share stories of two pillars of the Webster community.

Profiled will be Walter Rusan, founder of the North Webster YMCA during the 1940s, and the African Methodist Episcopal Church, which still holds services in the same YMCA building.

Attendees will also learn how Rusan co-founded the Webster Groves Interracial Group with partners from the Eden Seminary. Black families settled in North Webster after the civil War and created a community that remains in

existence.

North Webster had churches, grocery stores, and doctors. It was also home to Douglass High School, the only accredited high school for Black students in St. Louis County during segregation.

African American students who were not from Webster commuted to Douglass, which was noted for its academic excellence.

Among its acclaimed alumnus are Walter Ambrose (class of 1937), and aide to U.S. Army General George Patton, and first Black member of the Webster School Board; John Horner, an illustrator for The Saturday Evening Post; Alphonse Smith, an All-Star player with the Cleveland Indians; and Joe Thomas, trumpeter for the Duke Ellington Band

The Webster Statesmen girls’ and boys’ varsity basketball teams wore purple Douglass High School basketball jerseys on February 10, in honor of the former school in north Webster that closed in 1956.

The revolutionary act of Black love

By Alexis Taylor

“My eye soon caught her precious face, but gracious heavens! That glance of agony may God spare me from ever again enduring! My wife, under the influence of her feelings, jumped aside; I seized hold of her hand while my mind felt unutterable things, and my tongue was only able to say, we shall meet in heaven!”

Henry “Box” Brown knew it could lead to a lashing, but it would be worth every drop of blood.

There was no price to be put on the final moments he would ever spend with his wife, Nancy, and their children, who were sold on the auction block while he worked.

“My agony was now complete, she with whom I had travelled (sic) the journey of life in chains, for the space of twelve years, and the dear little pledges God had given us I could see plainly must now be separated from me forever, and I must continue, desolate and alone, to drag my chains through the world,” recounts Brown in his autobiography, the “Narrative of the Life of Henry Box Brown.”

The year was 1848, recounts Brown in his autobiography, the “Narrative of the Life of Henry Box Brown.”

And in a final act of resistance, a final act of love, Brown did the only thing he could do: he walked side-by-side with his wife, holding her hand as she moved closer to her fate on a North Carolina plantation.

Brown would go on to become known around the world as the formerly enslaved man who “mailed himself to freedom.” And while he never laid eyes on his family again, the love of his children and his wife is palpable to this day.

I often wonder why people shy away from the stories that come from the period of chattel slavery in American history.

Is it troubling to read how our ancestors were brutally enslaved and transported during the Atlantic Slave Trade? Absolutely. Is it hard to watch Brown’s skin split under the crack of a whip on screen? Without a doubt. But woven through the tales of horror are unmatched stories of bravery, perseverance, persistence, and, yes, even love.

Time and time again, we see this repeated throughout history — the courage of love, men and women risking their lives and even paying the ultimate price — to fulfill the basic human needs of connection and intimacy.

The Library of Congress went to extensive lengths during the 1930s to record personal accounts of slavery in America from the mouths of the people who survived it. “Slave Narratives: A Folk History of Slavery in the United States From Interviews with Former Slaves” includes beautiful stories that show how love flourished during some of the darkest periods of American and human history.

“Hit wus in de little Baptist church at Neuse whar I fust seed big Black Jim Dunn an’ I fell in love wid him den,” reckoned Lucy Ann Dunn, of Raleigh, N.C. “He said dat he loved me den too, but hit wus three Sundays ‘fore he axed ter see me home.”

Dunn was 90 years old when she told her love story on Aug. 4, 1937.

What began as love at first sight bloomed into a courtship.

Dunn detailed her life before and after Yankee soldiers arrived on the plantation she worked with her parents and four siblings. Her love story takes place just two years after gaining her freedom. I often wonder what the ancestors would think of today’s “relationship goals.”

At a time when so many had their relationships controlled, many dared to love who they wanted — an act of defiance punishable by death. I often fear we take so many things for granted — the right to unabashedly love who we want being one of them.

I say let’s not forget those who went before us and dared to engage in one of the ultimate protests: the revolutionary act of Black love.

Alexis Taylor is the Managing Editor of the AFRO

Photo by Luca Giordano

Alexis Taylor

Continued from A1

residents of Mill Creek Valley in a major way.

“With our stadium district overlapping the footprint of Mill Creek Valley, we knew it was important to acknowledge the hard truths from St. Louis’ past,” said St. Louis CITY SC President and CEO Carolyn Kindle.

“We want visitors to CITYPARK to learn, honor and remember the history and stories of who was here before us.”

Former residents, most of whom were children when they were forced from their homes, attended the event.

Running along Market Street from Compton Ave. to 20th Street in the City of St. Louis right-of-way, the to-be-developed Brickline Greenway breaks ground this fall and will connect all the way to Harris-Stowe State University’s renovated Stars Park (former home to the St. Louis Stars of the Negro Baseball League) and their plans to renovate Vashon Community Center, one of the only remaining structures from Mill Creek Valley.

Pillars of Memory and the massive sculptural installation that will line up along the one-

Tatum

Continued from A1 the late Kobe Bryant, the former Los Angeles Lakers superstar. Tatum grew up idolizing Bryant as a player and eventually started working out with Kobe during the offseason and the two developed a special relationship.

“This means the world to me,” said Tatum during his post-game interview on NBATV. “I was in the first AllStar Game in Chicago when they renamed the All-Star MVP (award) after him. And I remember in that moment, telling myself that I was going

time borders of Mill Creek Valley are the work of multidisciplinary artist and East St. Louis native Damon Davis. He individually and collectively pays tribute to those who – like Gibson – were products and descendants of Mill Creek Valley.

“I grew up in East St. Louis. And one of the funny things is, I didn’t know this neighborhood existed and I grew up around here,” Davis said. “I wanted to make sure that no more Black kids would grow up without knowing about this thriving Black community that was in the center of St. Louis.”

Mill Creek Valley was a section of the city where thousands of homes, nearly a thousand businesses and dozens of churches once stood. In 1959, it was leveled in the name of urban renewal after being designated a slum. “To be clear, this was an act of intentional racial injustice,” Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said during her remarks. “Mill Creek Valley was a Black neighborhood.”

anything to give vindication to a neighborhood of people who were purposefully forgotten so that we never forget again.”

The following Sunday (February 19) residents were invited to take in Pillars of Memory with a celebratory first look that included the sounds of the Red and Black Brass Band. They danced along to the music – which appropriately included a second-line inspired rendition of the Bill Withers classic “Lovely Day.”

With her acclaimed literary debut, The Last Children of Mill Creek, Gibson provides context – and a sense of humanity – for the neighborhood that was demolished and subsequently erased. And her memories are among those etched in the granite pillars that are a focal point of CITYPARK, located near an entrance of the stadium.

to get me one of those one day. This day is extremely special for me to get one of these. Everyone knows how much he meant to me, my favorite player and my idol. So, it was an honor to take this home.”

The MVP performance by Tatum put the finishing touches on what was a tremendous weekend for the four-time All-Star. At 24 years old, he became the youngest player in the history of the Celtics franchise to be selected to the All-Star Game four times. On Saturday night, Tatum competed in the 3-point shooting contest. At the All-Star Game Draft prior to the game, Tatum was the first starter selected by team captain

“What we lost in the destruction of our Mill Creek Valley neighborhood was a community we relied on to survive,” a quote from Gibson reads alongside several others as part of the “Pillars of Memory” section of the installation.

Pillars of Memory will be on permanent display at CITYPARK. The work features eight granite pillars accented with limestone. Quotes from past residents, the art includes the original gridlines of the region that made up Mill Creek

Giannis Antetokounmpo of the Milwaukee Bucks.

On Sunday, Tatum took the floor for Sunday’s game in his new signature shoe, the Tatum 1, from Jordan Brand, which will be made available on April 7. Tatum unveiled his signature shoe earlier in the day in a photo shoot in social media with his five-year old son, Deuce.

“For me, it was the first day that I got to debut my own signature shoe,” he said. “So, I had a little more motivation to have a good performance. I›d be lying if I thought I was going to get 55, but I got hot in that third quarter and kept going.”

Valley. There is also a sculpture off to the side that includes an extensive listing of residents with their ages and occupations.

“The main theme I wanted to talk about was history. History is usually told by the winner –or the person that wants to tell the history – and everybody else gets written out,” Davis said. “I had the opportunity to tell some histories that had been covered up. The idea was to uncover – to excavate.”

He was extremely intentional with his choice of materials.

“I wanted a symbol of time that no matter where you were

Tatum has been tracking for greatness on the basketball court ever since he played on his grade school teams that were coached by his father Justin Tatum, a former standout player at CBC and Saint Louis University. A couple of other men who played major roles in Tatum›s development have been Corey Frazier and Drew Hanlen, who are two of the top skill trainers in the country. Both could see Tatum’s rise coming from the very beginning.

“It was kind of surreal,” said Frazier, a former coach at Maplewood High who now coaches and trains top young basketball talent with the Overtime Elite in Atlanta. “We

from, how old you were and what language you spoke, this is a symbol for time everybody knows – and that is an hourglass,” Davis said. “In between those two granite pillars is a limestone piece and that is to symbolize sand – sand that doesn’t move, because time has been stopped.”

He has spent the past five years working on Pillars of the Valley and the work will continue as work gets underway to carry the project to completion.

“We stop time to remember, to recognize, to commemorate,” Davis said. “And more than

knew what he was going to be way back then. With all of the dreams he had and all of the hard work he’s put into it, it’s just amazing to see. I can remember all those days we spent at Mathews-Dickey, Maplewood and other small gyms around the area. It wasn›t easy for him, so he’s been battle tested and he was ready.”

Hanlen, a former Webster Groves High and Belmont University standout, works with some of the top players in the NBA, with Tatum, Joel Embiid of the Philadelphia 76ers and Zach LaVine of the Chicago Bulls, just to name a few. He saw Tatum’s performance on Sunday as another

“It is touching to see this because this is the ground our ancestors once walked on and was cherished,” said Kendra Smith, whose grandmother Zenobia Butler was a product of Mill Creek Valley. “I’m taking in that they are being honored by name – and I get to see the individuals who experienced these stories I heard so much about from my grandmother when I was growing up.”

She was thrilled that this sculpture will be a permanent part of the St. Louis CITY SC Stadium landscape.

“I’m glad that this remembrance is being inked in and not penciled in,” Smith said. “So that our children and their children’s children will know that the African Americans of Mill Creek are a part of St. Louis history too.”

step towards legendary status.

“It was yet another legendary moment from a future legend of the game,” Hanlen said. “Everyone knew he was going to be special because he had the talent, the skill, the mindset and the work ethic. I really believe we’re watching one of the All-Time greats’ career unfold in real time.

For me, nights like Sunday make me smile because it makes me remember the 6 a.m. workouts throughout high school, the countless hours he’s dedicated to perfecting his craft and all of the other sacrifices he›s made to turn his dream into a reality.”

Two former residents of Mill Creek Valley speak with artist Damon Davis, creator of the art installation “Pillars of Memories” constructed in honor of their community on Thursday, February 16. The artwork is located at St. Louis CITY SC’s CITYPARK, which is located on a section where the historically Black neighborhood once stood.

Photo courtesy of St. Louis CITY SC

and in business – sometimes it takes triple and quadruple the effort to get on even footing with our white counterparts.”

“The people and businesses that we celebrate today carry the tradition, the entrepreneurship, the ingenuity that activated the bill decades ago, that moved our city into a new exciting future, and that future should look different than the one we see in the rearview mirror,” said Jones.

Mayor Jones went on to talk about how the city is invested directly in the community in new and innovative ways.

The Northside Economic Empowerment Center, based in the historic Sumner High School, is a one stop shop for entrepreneurs and existing businesses.

She shared that she herself was once a small business owner, and that she applies the lessons she learned during her brief time as an entrepreneur in City Hall on a daily basis. She also told the crowd that she considers the Salute to be the “the premiere business networking event of the year.” “It is where we lift up minority business owners [and executives],” Jones added. “And make sure they get the recognition that they have earned and deserve.”

She also referenced The St. Louis American as “an essential voice in the Black community, especially our business community.”

“Every week’s edition highlights and shapes who’s moving up, who’s setting up shots, and who’s watching the months and years ahead,” she said.

The St. Louis American Foundation presented six awards to outstanding business professionals and institutions in the local area

This year’s honorees included recently retired Carnival Corporation CEO Arnold Donald, who received the inaugural Lifetime Achiever in Business Award; 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year recipient Laurna Godwin (President and co-founder, Vector Communications); 2023 Non-profit Executive of the Year Yemi Akande-Bartsch (President, FOCUS St. Louis), 2023 Corporate Executive of

Gardner

Continued from A1

The statement drew further ire from Mayor Jones.

“Accountability isn’t pointing fingers,” Jones said.

“Accountability is when something goes wrong, you take accountability for it and say, ‘This is my mess-up’ and ‘How can we work together to fix it?’ All of us have to be at the table to make sure that this doesn’t happen again.

This incident - and prior deficiencies - have highlighted how the Circuit Attorney must improve the way her office is run to help keep our city safe. We, as a city, must get better at working together with all of our partners to help St. Louisans feel safe in our city.”

Jones had released an earlier statement on Monday that called the tragedy “preventable.”

“My office has connected with the Circuit Attorney’s Office and judicial partners to review the processes that led up to this preventable tragedy. Our city can and must do a better job of working together to hold those who endanger our communities accountable.”

In the wake of Gardner’s “defensive” statement, State Rep. Rasheen Aldridge, D-St. Louis, said

“As elected officials, we owe it to the people we serve to take responsibility and own our mistakes when our negligence leads to these kinds of tragedies.

“I’m disappointed in Circuit Attorney Gardner’s tone-deaf response that focuses more on herself than the young woman whose life has been irrevocably changed. I hope she reflects on what her office did wrong and how she can do better in the future so others can visit our great city safely.” Rep. Raychel Proudie,

the Year Orvin Kimbrough (Midwest Bank Centre CEO) and inaugural Excellence in Community Impact recipients John and Alison Ferring (philanthropists and founders, Ferring Family Foundation).

“I go to the actual root word, philanthropy – which actually means to love mankind,” Alison said. “It’s really about loving people.”

“The city has the opportunity both through education and business that we give back to a growing population with more and more people that want to live and work in St. Louis because the opportunities are tremendous here,” John Ferring said. “You can make a difference if you’re willing to work and get involved in the community. Alison and I would like to thank the St. Louis American Foundation and Dr. Donald Suggs for the St. Louis Community Impact Award.” University of Missouri –St. Louis received the 2023 Corporate Diversity Award. “ We’re about making sure that we are collaborating all across the St. Louis region to work together so that we can have a wonderful environment that is inclusive, that’s about economic growth development for everybody.” said University of Missouri – St. Louis Chancellor Kristin D. Sobolik.

Delighted that UMLS is being recognized locally by The St. Louis American Foundation for its diversity, she also pointed out that UMSL was recently recognized nationally by Insights for Diversity Magazine as the number one university in the state of Missouri to have the Higher Educational Excellence in Diversity Award – a distinction they have earned a record six times.

Kimbrough is one of the many benefactors of UMSL’s stance on inclusive prosperity. Despite admitted academic challenges, UMSL took a chance on him with an opportunity for higher learning– and the entire region is better for it.

“Back in 2018 when he was in conversations with the bank about me potentially coming over to lead the bank, I remember thinking ‘this is unbelievable,’” Kimbrough said. “This doesn’t happen to a foster kid. This doesn’t happen to someone who scored a 15 on his ACT. I had one simple prayer to my God. And that prayer was, ‘Lord, look, if this is for me, open every door.’ He hasn’t failed me yet.” Faith, perseverance, family

who represents parts of north St. Louis County, blistered Gardner’s response on Twitter on Wednesday.

“EVERY. SINGLE. WORD of this statement should have been about Janae Edmondson,” she wrote.

“Half of it is political BS. [The Tennessee] family has neither any idea of or [not] a damn thing to do with. The Circuit Attorney’s Office did better to have said nothing. Lord, have mercy.”

Aldridge offered a point of personal privilege and a moment of silence and reflection Wednesday morning for Edmondson and her family on the House floor.

Board of Aldermen President Megan Green said Wednesday, “In order to build a more just criminal-justice system, we have to have a circuit attorney’s office that is working effectively, at full capacity, with the trust of residents in our city.”

Jason Hall Greater St. Louis Inc., CEO said, “The ongoing failures of the Circuit Attorney’s office – with regard to the individual involved in this case as well as a litany of other cases that have not been brought to justice – are unforgiveable.”

“This crime was as preventable as it is tragic. While this tragedy may serve as a turning point in the efforts to strengthen public safety, it only highlights the lingering issues that have gone unaddressed for far too long. We need immediate action.”

State Sen. Caleb Rowden, Missouri Senate president, said on Twitter on Wednesday Gardner should voluntarily leave office.

“She should resign or I will systematically and aggressively work with my colleagues in the #MOLeg to ensure her incompetence isn’t putting more lives in danger. The people of #STL deserve better and Missouri deserves better.”

and community support and a relentless quest for knowledge in their pursuits were critical common denominators in each awardee’s formula for success.

“The Bureau of Labor Statistics says that only 25 percent of first-time businesses make it to 15 years - and you know that percentage is even less for Black owned businesses,” Godwin said. “We knew that being Black and being female meant that we only had one shot at it – so we better get it right.”

In June Vector Communications will celebrate their 25th anniversary.

“My dream was always to be a broadcast journalist, to travel the world, work, work for networks, and be based in New York City, but that did not turn out to be the case. I came to St. Louis for two years because my mentor at the time said, ‘you need to diversify your resume.’ I did, but then I ended up meeting a man from here, falling in love and getting married. The thought became, how can I use

my communication skills to make a difference in the community,” Godwin said. “I did not plan for this but because I prepared, I was able to take advantage of the opportunity when it came to me because I didn’t know anything about running a business and neither did my partner, but we were smart enough to find out and to learn it.”

Both Godwin and AkandeBartsch, Ph.D., were overwhelmed with emotion when they mentioned the unwavering support from their families.

Godwin dedicated her award to her late husband Sam Hutchinson.

“He was my entrepreneur of the year every year and every day of our 33 years together,” Godwin said. “He was my mentor, my supporter – and the love of my life. He taught me that if you take care of the business, the business will take care of you.”

After thanking her husband and mother, Akande-Bartsch compared her siblings to a

personal board of directors.

“They are tough too,” AkandeBartsch said. “But the beauty of it is I have had really strong support from my family, my team members and my board members.” She teared up expressing her joy and appreciation for her family, especially her two-year-old daughter.

The high powered, smartly dressed crowd responded with nods and moans of approval and identification.

“I’m able to do the work I do because of the community partners and also because of my family and for that I am grateful,” said AkandeBartsch.

She dedicated her award to the future leaders of the region – many of whom she said were in the room. “I am looking forward to the incredible work that I know that they are going to continue to do,” AkandeBartsch said.

In lieu of a speech Arnold Donald heaped praises and thanks to those who have influenced and supported him

Arnold Donald, 2023 St. Louis American Foundation Salute to Excellence in Business Lifetime Achiever, and Anthony “Tony” Thompson, founder and CEO of Kwame Building Group, a Salute to Business Platinum Sponsor, share business knowledge with guests during the sold-out event Feb. 16 at the Ritz-Carlton.

over the course of his career –including St. Louis American Foundation President Donald M. Suggs. “For decades, Donald Suggs has made a huge impact in a positive way on the quality of life in this community,” Donald said. “He has stood up many times. He said the tough things. He did the tough things. You are absolutely a treasure to this community and to this world.”

Donald’s final thoughts aligned perfectly with AkandeBartsch’s reference to the African Proverb that says, “If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”

“You are all here because you are making a difference – you do make a difference,” Donald said. “I just want to encourage you to continue to make the difference. What we have in common is that we all want prosperity for everyone in this region – and the only way that happens is if all of us work together.”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Images from the ‘sold out’ Salute to Excellence in Business Networking & Awards Luncheon

An audience of nearly 500 attended the return of the in-person St. Louis American Foundation’s 21st annual Salute to Excellence in Business Networking & Awards Luncheon, Thursday, February 16 at the Ritz Carlton-St. Louis.

Arnold Donald, retired CEO of the Carnival Corporation was the inaugural Lifetime Achiever in Business award recipient. Other awardees include: Laurna Godwin of Vector Communications, the 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year; Yemi Akande-Bartsch, Ph.D., of Focus St. Louis, the 2023 Non-Profit Executive of the Year and Orvin Kimbrough of Midwest BankCentre, the 2023 Corporate Executive of the Year. UMSL received the 2023 Corporate Diversity Award. John and Alison Ferring were recipients of the inaugural Excellence in Community Impact Award for their philanthropic efforts.

St. Louis City Mayor Tishaura O. Jones was the luncheon speaker and she spoke about ‘Expanding Equitable Growth.’ 5 On Your Side’s Rene Knott served as the emcee. The Regional Business Council and Kwame Building Group were Platinum Sponsors for this year’s luncheon.

2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Laurna Godwin with Raven Whitener.

All photos by Wiley Price and Maurice Meredith

St. Louis American Foundation Director Raven Whitener presents the 2023 Corporate Executive of the Year award to Orvin Kimbrough.

2023 Non-Profit Executive of the Year Dr. Yemi AkandeBartsch

City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones was the guest speaker at the luncheon.

Kathy Osborn, president of the Regional Business Council who was a Platinum Sponsor of the luncheon, introduced 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Laurna Godwin.

Emory Reignz, founder of Grab Your Bag, accepted the Excellence in Community Impact award on behalf of John and Alison Ferring.

Rene Knott of 5 On Your Side served as the emcee for the 21st annual luncheon.

Arnold Donald, retired CEO of Carnival Corporation, was the inaugural Lifetime Achiever in Business award recipient.

Lily Seymour, Sherman George, St. Louis City Board of Aldermen President Megan Green, and Bruce Seymour

Laura Horwitz, Nicole Greer, Damon Walker and Rosina Greene

Lifetime Achiever in Business Arnold Donald shares a laugh with 2002 Entrepreneur of the Year Tony Thompson.

Michelle Stevens, 2023 Non-Profit Executive of the Year Dr. Yemi AkandeBartsch and Bill Bartsch

Jimmie E. Williams, 2013 Entrepreneur of the Year, chats with RBC’s Kathy Osborn and Bank of America’s Marilyn Bush.

Marvin Gaye with 2010 Entrepreneur of the Year Michael Kennedy, Sr.

Derrick Melton, Terron White, Jared Boyd and 2019 Entrepreneur of the Year Michael Kennedy, Jr.

Audrey Ellermann and Christi Griffin

Emeka Jackson-Hicks, Richard Svindland, Olympic champion Jackie Joyner Kersee, Jimmie E. Williams and Rick Gary

Many of the attendees who came to honor 2023 Entrepreneur of the Year Laurna Godwin (center)

Sgt. Renwick Bovell, Sean James and Trey Prothro

Kimberly Staley and Damon Greene

Dandre Braddix, Kendra Tolson and Hart Nelson

Ascension Charity Classic’s Alonzo Byrd (right) with Sherry Sissac (center) and guest

Bola TaiwoAkande, Dr. Benjamin Ola Akande and A. Bola Akande

Team members from Kwame Building Group, a Platinum Sponsor of the luncheon.

St. Louis County Prosecuting Atty. Wesley Bell and a Salute guest

Lydia Huston (right), won a new iPad Pro, an attendance prize.

Some of the nearly 500 guests in attendance at the luncheon.

Lifetime Achiever in Business Arnold Donald chats with Bank of America’s Marilyn Bush and Jared Boyd of the Mayor’s office.

Team members from UMSL join Chancellor Kristin Sobolix (2nd from left) in accepting the 2023 Corporate Diversity Award.

Michael Holmes with Atty. Richard Banks and Centene’s Keith Williamson

Rev. Traci Blackmon of the United Church of Christ gave the invocation.

ViceChancellor of Innovation at Wash. U. Dedric Carter and Larry Thomas, 2011

Corporate Executive of the Year

“Taking Care of You”

Saving lives, saving Earth

E’Lisa Moss nurses patients, environment

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

E’Lisa Moss is saving lives while helping protect the environment.

Moss is a travel nurse contracted through the company CareRev. She serves several hospitals throughout St. Louis, and recently competed in the Mrs. USA Earth 2023 pageant. The contestants are married women advocating for sustainability, and better environmental practices.

“I was looking for an organization that had women who were engaged in similar activities like I am regarding the environment, and that’s how I found the pageant,” she said.

While not winning the pageant crown, she was named Mrs. Midwest Earth.

n Along with being a healthcare professional, Moss is an urban farmer who advocates for conservation and education throughout the state.

“It’s about how you make connections, how you’re improving your community,” Moss said. “What projects are you implementing that help with global warming and climate change? What are you doing to help under-resourced and underprivileged communities receive resources they need to be built better economically?”

Along with being a healthcare professional, Moss is an urban farmer who advocates for conservation and education throughout the state.

“I work with a lot of nonprofits and get out into the community to spread the knowledge and importance of preserving our land, whether it be rural or urban,” Moss said.

“I wanted to come up with a message that was easily digestible between those two worlds.” Her goal in entering the Mrs. USA Earth competition was to “link up with other powerful women because we [can] work together to develop the future for our world.”

Through her Nurse Earth initiative, Moss works to empower and educate the community about healthcare, conservation, and agricultural production. Nurse Earth partners with Grow Health Center, an environmental justice organization, designed to educate, train, and

E’Lisa Moss was selected Mrs. Midwest Earth during the 2023 Mrs. USA Earth pageant. The contestants advocate for sustainability, and better environmental practices.

give opportunities to underserved people and communities. The organizations develop “demonstration gardens” that display the importance of native plants, pollinators [bees and insects] and stormwater management systems.

“The more we educate the community and youth about resources available to them to make a change in their community, the brighter our future looks,” she said.

and soul

By Dr. Candace McMillon-Dantley

Loving yourself is more than just buying yourself something nice from time to time or going to the spa. Self-love encompasses loving your entire being, body, mind, and soul. It means doing the things you need to do for yourself, even when you don’t feel like it. Here are five ways to make sure you are showing yourself the best love you have to offer:

1. Diet Loving yourself doesn’t always include the things that are easiest to do. Eating the proper diet can feel like you’re giving yourself a dose of tough love, but it’s the kind of love your body needs. What we consume in our diets has a substantial impact on our physical health. Giving up donuts for apples can be hard, but your body will appreciate it.

n Eating the proper diet can feel like you’re giving yourself a dose of tough love, but it’s the kind of love your body needs.

Studies have shown that diets high in processed foods and sugars lead to lifealtering diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and obesity. Eating a nutritionally balanced diet with fruit, vegetables, protein and healthy fats will give your body the fuel it needs to be productive in your personal and work life. This change in your diet can lead to healthy weight loss. It’s easy to eat mindlessly when you’re sitting around the house. Challenge yourself by giving up foods and beverages that are not good for your body.

2. Exercise Generally, exercise is not what comes to mind when you think of loving yourself. Exercise can be challenging at times, but it’s a great way to show your body the love it deserves.

Staying active for 30 minutes every day with exercises that promote heart health, flexibility, and strength promotes a high quality

Free mental health training set for St. Louis area

Substance abuse is a key issue

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Illume: The Behavioral Health Center of Excellence will be offering free evidence-based trainings that will focus on identifying and responding to signs of mental illness and/or suicidality, and using compassionate listening, de-escalation, and referral skills. They will also be able to offer follow-up availability to support you as you start implementing this learning.

Through Illume’s Places for People (PFP), 350 people can receive free mental health trainings this year sponsored by a federal grant. Learning mental health basics could save lives and will be available to those who may otherwise not have access.

“Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has given us an unbelievable opportunity to give more of our St. Louis neighbors what they need to succeed when

n Through Illume’s Places for People (PFP), 350 people can receive free mental health trainings this year sponsored by a federal grant.

they are presented with a mental health crisis. Fear because of lack of knowledge or preparation does not have to be your story. We’re here to empower you,” Illume Manager Cara Zitko said.

Typically, people only hear about first aid when it comes to physical health, but it’s just as important for mental health. This initiative will provide Mental Health First Aid, as well as Suicide Prevention trainings. Here is the schedule, with a maximum of 30 participants. Monday, March 20th - Mental Health First Aid - Adult

See MENTAL HEALTH, A13

Learning how to hold conversations is instrumental in supporting people dealing with mental health issues.

Photo courtesy of E’Lisa Moss See MOSS, A13

See DANTLEY, A13

Photo courtesy of Places for People

Dr. Candace McMillonDantley

Target insurance inequities

By Alexa Spencer Word in Black

A group of students at New York City’s Mount Sinai Icahn School of Medicine are calling out segregation in health care and its impact on Black patients.

After investigating the racial divide in insurance coverage and how it can determine the quality of care a person receives, the group is advocating for more education about the issue in medical schools.

But they’re not waiting on the schools to teach this information.

In an article recently published in the American Medical Association’s Journal of Ethics, the team details their efforts to develop the curriculum themselves.

“The primary goal of advocacy to teach segregated care is always desegregation, so curricular inclusion efforts are needed to educate students about the inequitable systems they are entering and to provide

Moss

Continued from A12

“Taking Care of You”

Medical students target segregation in health care

them with tools to advocate against such systems,” the authors wrote.

Leona Hess, a coauthor and senior director of the Strategy and Equity Education Program at Icahn Mount Sinai, expressed support for the students’ efforts.

“Segregated care, which exists widely in health care, including in our own hospitals, is one of the key reasons for race-based disparities in health outcomes in our clinics, hospitals, and even pharmacies,” she said in a statement

“School leadership not only applauds the work of our students but supports their efforts to create a lens through which we can see clearly what is right under our noses.”

In New York State, where the students attend Mount Sinai, “segregated care also manifests as health insurance inequities.”

There, nonelderly Black adults are more likely to be enrolled in Medicaid than their white counterparts. But still, not every Black adult can access that coverage. Due to eligibility restrictions, Black Americans are restricted from public insurance at nearly two times the rates of white Americans. Being undocumented, earning

Moss is a 5th generation farmer. Her great-great grandfather, Ezekiel Gibbs, was a farmer who grew sugarcane and row crops including corn, wheat, and soybean.

Gibbs was an entrepreneur who saw value in bartering fruits and vegetables in exchange for services. He also sold crops for money. He lived until he was 104, and Moss calls him “a heavy motivator in her getting involved with the environment.”

“I grew up watching him grade his land, and grow and care for his crops,” she said. “I remember him telling me ‘take care of the land and the land will take care of you.’”

Moss’ nursing career got its start when she became fascinated with the human heart.

“It’s the focal point of our being. If any part of that organ deteriorates, it affects the rest of our body,” she said.

“[In nursing school] I enjoyed

Mental Health

Continued from A12

Thursday, April 6th - QPR Suicide Prevention

Friday, April 14th - Youth Mental Health First Aid

Saturday, May 20th - Mental Health First Aid - Adult Saturday, June 17th - Youth Mental Health First Aid

Monday, July 24th - Mental Health First Aid - Older Adult

Saturday, August 5th - QPR Suicide Prevention

The Mental Health First Aid trainings will provide targeted information for youth, adults of all ages, educators, and law enforcement.

less than 50% of the federal poverty level, or not having dependent children are a few requirements that leave some people out.

Black adults in New York State are also more likely to be uninsured than white adults.

Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that this is a national issue. Based on research from 2010, Black adults have been uninsured at higher rates for over a decade.

The students insist that the divide in health insurance is, by default, racial segregation, and contributes to race-based disparities in health outcomes and access to clinics, physicians,

learning more about open heart surgery, pacemakers, and other cardiovascular diseases. I liked the ability to keep up with a high-paced environment while enjoying the rhythm of the work.”

Moss was born and raised in Houston, Texas. She holds a psychology degree from Prairie View A&M University, a nursing degree from Blessing-Rieman College of Nursing & Health Sciences, and is currently enrolled in the Lincoln University School of Agribusiness.

She is one of 72 U.S. Department of Agriculture 1890 National Scholars, which provides educational and career opportunities for students from rural or underserved communities.

Moss is also a U.S. Global Leadership Coalition Next Gen Global Leader, will participate in its year-long program, and attend the Global Impact Forum in June.

Find more information about Moss on her Linktree, https://linktr.ee/nurseearth

dentists, and pharmacies.

In 2014, Icahn School of Medicine students first addressed the issue by forming the Segregated Care Student Workgroup. Through the organization, they investigated segregated care within Mount Sinai’s health system.

Posing as “secret shoppers,” the students discovered that callers with Medicaid waited on hold significantly longer to make an appointment, as well as for a scheduled appointment.

“While individual clinicians might give the same care to all of their patients, insurance that segregates patients by race,

n Leona Hess, senior director of the Strategy and Equity Education Program at Icahn Mount Sinai, calls “segregated care,” which exists widely in health care, including in our own hospitals, a key reasons for race-based disparities in health outcomes.

class, and associated proxy markers results in unequal treatment,” the authors wrote.

The student organization continued its research to examine segregated care, and as of 2018, four fourth-year students, who authored the recent report, have committed to dismantling the issue through medical education

They think that “training students in a segregated system normalizes the practice and implicitly perpetuates racism.”

So, they’re proposing the school adopt a teaching model that does the opposite.

The proposed education framework includes mandatory

presentations for first and second-year medical students designed to prepare them for the experience of segregated care. Additionally, optional extracurricular opportunities include “Chats for Change” (a Mount Sinai Health System-wide interactive discussion format) and chances to participate in the Segregated Care Student Workgroup.

While the teaching model focuses on segregated care within New York City and the Mount Sinai Health System, the students encourage student-advocates at other institutions to use it as a guide.

E’Lisa Moss, a travel nurse who serves several St. Louis hospitals also works to bring health care resources to under-resourced communities and people.

Dantley

Continued from A12

of life. Consistent exercise decreases your chances of diseases like hypertension, diabetes, muscle and

3. Rest and Relaxation

We all know that stress

SAMHSA’s investment in this initiative will help save lives, and therefore, benefit those trained and their surrounding communities. Illume looks forward to being a part of making that benefit a reality and continuing to reduce stigma and increase awareness around mental health.

This includes teachers and school personnel, caregivers of youth with SEO, faith-based social service organizations,

Monthly and private trainings are available for free to the first 350 participants each year from 2023- 2026 but require registration by visiting www. placesforpeople.org/illume/ trainings/mhat/. Illume is one of two organizations in the St. Louis area chosen to receive multi-year funding to provide Mental Health Awareness Trainings (MHAT).

is a natural part of our lives. However, it does not have to consume us. Taking time away from the hustle and bustle of life is a great way to love your mind. Planning and scheduling time for rest and relaxation will give your mind the rejuvenation it needs to stay clear and strong. This can mean unplugging (no use of electronic devices) from the

criminal justice system workers, first responders, and homeless service providers.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, suicide is a leading cause of death in the United States and the leading cause of death in 2020. According to the 2021 provisional data from the CDC, 47,646 people died by suicide, up 3.6% from 45,979 in 2020.

Advocates from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), the largest suicide prevention organization in the United States, met with lawmakers to urge them to prioritize suicide prevention and mental health initiatives for Missouri residents.

“State Advocacy Day is

world during certain times of the day or going on a mindclearing walk in the park alone. Rest and relaxation are just as important to the mind as eating is to your body. Make it a priority!

4. Self-Reflection With schedules becoming more filled with tasks and “To-Do” lists, going from dayto-day without self-reflection

one of the most impactful; this is a time our stories of loss and lived experience are heard by legislators and the impact by suicide on our lives can been seen. This is a day of change and a day of hope for a future where those struggling with poor mental health and thoughts of suicide have meaningful access to resources.,” said Whitney Boyer Shumway MO Chapter Board of Directors President. Advocates met with their public officials to make the case for policy changes backed by research. The goal of these conversations is to help lawmakers understand that investments in mental health and suicide prevention can and do save lives.

They are part of a larger national movement of thou-

has become the norm. Selfreflection allows you to spend time with your thoughts and feelings. Self-reflection can be done with a counselor, or you can record your thoughts and feelings in a journal. Love through self-reflection can give you insight and resolution regarding your choices about the present and the future.

sands of AFSP volunteer advocates who will visit state capitals across the United States in spring 2023.

In 2020, 73.1% of the United States did not have enough mental health providers to serve residents, according to federal guidelines. Among adults with a diagnosed mental health condition, 43.8% did not receive mental health services in 2021.

In 2022, AFSP conducted a Harris Poll in which more than half of respondents said that not knowing how to get help keeps people from seeking help and only 1-in-3 people say they can identify the warning signs. AFSP advocates will raise awareness of state actions, resources, and investments needed

5. Connect with God Feeding your soul with God’s word, encouragement, and positivity from others, or even through acts of service towards others will uplift your soul through peace and purpose.

to support the thousands of residents affected by suicide and mental health conditions each year.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. This year, AFSP recognizes 35 years of service to the cause. AFSP creates a culture that’s smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. For more information you can also reach the Missouri Area Director, Phyllis Blackwelder, at 314-7031600.

Loving yourself takes some effort on your part, but you are more than worth it. It’s ok to spread love to others, but don’t forget to give love to the person who matters the most in your life – YOU!

and author of Woman, Take Off Your Cape!,

Dr. Candace McMillonDantley is founder of The Doc Knows, a health and wellness site for women,

Data from the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that this is a national issue. Based on research from 2010, Black adults have been uninsured at higher rates for over a decade.

Photo courtesy of E’Lisa Moss

Dining Out.

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

Nutrition Challenge:

GRAINS Keep ‘em Whole!

When we’re lucky enough to have a chance to go out for dinner, there are a few ways to stay healthy with our food

What Is ASize?Serving

The Smart Way!

Staying

Active (Naturally) DuringSummer!the Smart Summer Eating!

Counting Steps Animal Safety

Warm Up & Cool Down

Do This. Not That!

Exercise Game

First Day of Spring!

Smart Choices

Calculate BMI

Ice can be dangerous for several different reasons.

Tech-Neck

Once you’re out of school, many of you may have a lot of extra time on your hands to be snacking. Resist the urge to eat sweet, salty, fried and high-calorie non-nutritious snacks this summer.

We each need at least 3 servings per day of whole grains. But what does that mean? How can we know what foods contain whole grains?

See if the restaurant will let you “share” a meal. Many meals are two, three or more times an actual serving size.

In our “Super-Size” world, we can easily lose track of what an actual serving size means. When reading labels on a food or drink product, you can determine the nutrients, sodium, fiber, sugar and calories of a serving size. But be careful; just because it looks like one small bottle

actually do it.

Look at the ingredients list of a package of food you are about to eat. If the word “whole” is used, then there is most likely a whole grain ingredient. A few items that don’t use the word whole

As soon as you’ve divided your plate into the right size servings, ask your server for a to-go box. Go ahead and box up what you don’t need to eat right away. You can enjoy

EatingMyJournal

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Create a Smart Summer Eating plan with your parents. Ask their help in finding nutritious snacks and meals for the

> Ask the server how the different menu items are prepared. Fried, sautéed, and

lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to.

Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

Healthcare Careers

INGREDIENTS:

summer. Delicious juicy, ripe fruits are all around and are healthy for you too! Make it your goal to come back to school in the fall healthier and happier!

Keep an Eating Journal for a week to see when and why you ate. Was it because you were bored? Did you eat when you were sad or upset? Or maybe you ate just because it’s what you always do.

Getting plenty of whole grains in your diet can improve your health and reduce your chance for some chronic illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Visit wholegrainscouncil.com for more information.

As the weather gets warmer, there are many ways that we can enjoy ourselves outdoors and stay healthy over the summer. Some naturally active things you can do include:

> Decide you’re going to switch from soda to water.

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

> Avoid gravies, cheese sauces and other kinds of toppings that often just add fat and calories.

(Perhaps you usually eat a snack when you sit down to watch a movie.)

Melissa Douglass, MSW

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

Review: What are some nutrition tips you learned by following The St. Louis American’s Healthy Kids page this school year? Send your answers to nie@stlamerican.com.

of soda — it may not be considered one serving size. For example, a 20-oz bottle contains 2.5 servings. So if the bottle states “110 calories per serving,” that means the entire bottle contains a total of 275 calories! Remember to watch those serving sizes and you’ll have better control over what you’re eating and drinking.

> Stick with water to drink. Not only will you save money, but you won’t be adding in extra calories from a sugarfilled drink.

> Every few days increase the amount of water and decrease your soda intake.

> After 3-4 weeks, this change will become a habit.

Now try to make it a habit to wait until your stomach tells you that you’re hungry before you eat. You’ll eat a lot less junk food… and you’ll be healthier!

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2,

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

Where do you work? I am a family nurse practitioner for BJC Medical Group.

Where do you work? I am an EMT – B at Abbott EMS in Belleville, Illinois.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse at Monroe Elementary School.

Where do you work? I am a staff psychologist at St. Louis Veterans Health Administration and owner of New Horizon Psychological Services, LLC.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse with St. Louis Public Schools.

> What are other ways to stay healthy while dining out?

When you automatically reach for water instead of soda, it has now become a lifestyle change!

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

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

even simmered can all mean, “cooked in oil.” Instead, choose baked or grilled options.

Staying active, getting your heart rate up and opening your lungs will help you start off next school year happier and healthier!

As spring approaches, warmer weather allows us all to get more outdoor exercise. Here are some ways to become a more active person.

> Wash your parent’s car.

stairs instead of an elevator, or maybe you can walk to a nearby store instead of riding in a car.

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

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Lindbergh High School. I then attended the University of Arkansas in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, where I studied biology.

> Help with yard work: planting, weeding, etc.

> Walking to the store when possible.

March 20, 2021, is the first day of spring. With spring comes warmer weather and longer days (later sunset). Make it a habit to spend as much time playing outside as the weather allows.

Secondly, when you are finished with any kind of strenuous (very active) exercise, take some time to cool down. You can slowly stretch your arms and

Walking is one of the best ways to stay active. Throughout the day you can look for ways to increase the amount of steps you take. You can walk around the living room while watching TV. You can take the

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

Instead of playing video games — play baseball, football, badminton, or some other active game.

It’s important that before you embark on any kind of exercise to remember two things: warm up and cool down. Start with some slow stretches and movement (like walking) to increase your heart rate a little. Warm up for a good five minutes before increasing your heart rate.

Some studies show that kids that take about 12,000 steps per day are healthier. Consider purchasing a pedometer. This small,

> Play, play, play outside as much as you can!

Some fun outdoor games to play include tag, kickball, basketball, Frisbee, and bicycling. Choose activities that increase your heart rate

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice. Next you’ll need to make a list of different types of exercise: jumping jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc. Write each exercise item on a small piece of paper or index

Instead of surfing the ‘Net — go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

> NEVER walk on a “frozen” pond, lake, river or any other body of water. Just because it looks frozen does not mean it is safe.

card and fold into a small square. Put these squares into a bowl. Take turns rolling the dice (or drawing a card) and selecting an exercise from the bowl. The total number on the dice or card tells you how many of the exercise you must do. Face cards (king,

legs again, and continue with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down.

and breathing. You want to have fun, but it’s also a great way to help keep your heart, lungs and body healthy.

inexpensive device clips onto your waistband and measures how many steps you take a day. Challenge yourself to increase the amount of walking you do. Try adding in more and more walking each and every day.

Review: What are some exercise tips you learned by following The St. Louis American’s Healthy Kids page this school year? Send your answers to nie@ stlamerican.com.

Can you think of other ways to be more active? Going outside and staying active not only increases your heart rate and burns calories, but it also helps you build friendships!

Make a list of your favorite 10 activities to do outdoors. Compare your list with your classmates and create a chart to see what are the most popular.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. And finally, I earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Maryville University.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Southwest Dekalb High School in Decatur, Georgia. I earned a Bachelor of Art in Psychology from Clark Atlanta University in Atlanta, Georgia. I then earned a Master of Science (Research) of, and Doctoral (Ph.D) in Clinical Psychology from Saint Louis University.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer North High School. I earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Meramec College in Kirkwood and completing my bachelor’s degree at Webster University in Webster Groves.

Where do you work? I am the founder and distance counselor for Goal Driven Counseling, LLC. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL: same as former first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. I also completed two more years of supervision and exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri.

What does an EMT do? My day-to-day includes helping others when they aren’t feeling their best. I also assist getting them to the hospital when they can’t take themselves.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Sumner High School. I then earned Associate Degree in Nursing from Forest Park College and a BS in Business Administration from Columbia College.

This warm-up and recovery period is important for your heart health. It also helps to reduce the amount of muscle pulls and strains.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 4, NH 1

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

Learning Standards: HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

queen or jack) should all count as the number 10. Aces are “wild” and you can do as many as you want! To really challenge yourself, have one person roll the dice and the second can select the exercise. See who can complete the exercise challenge first!

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

What does a school nurse do? I love giving students medications, so they’re able to focus on learning. I clean and bandage wounds. I use medical equipment like a stethoscope, for example, to evaluate whether or not my asthmatics are breathing well. Moreover, I teach and promote healthy habits to my students.

What does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker do? I use technology to help teens and young adults explore their emotions, better understand their feelings, work through relationships, and address common challenges completely online through a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Similar to a Facetime call, I support and guide my clients from the comfort of their home or private location where they are comfortable

Over the last 35 weeks we have discussed many smart choices that you can make to help you stay safe and healthy. Break into small groups and list as many Smart Choices that your group remembers. Now individually, choose one that you think is very important. Describe in your own words what that smart choice is, and how you can remember to make the right choice in the future. Name a new “smart choice“ that you will make this summer.

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1

What does a family nurse practitioner do? Each day I have office visits with patients to help treat new health conditions and/or manage established health conditions. I perform physical examinations on patients, order labs, read x-rays results, and more.

What does a staff psychologist do? I work in a hospital in which the patients are individuals who have served in the United States Military, known as “veterans.” I conduct psychological testing and practice psychotherapy also known as “talk therapy” to help persons cope with general adjustments, challenges / difficulties, as well as mental health issues. I teach coping skills such as deep breathing, stress management and evidence-based psychotherapy (EBP) for mental health issues. I am also an adjunct instructor, teaching varied graduate courses, as well as providing national and international training on topics of historical trauma, racial healing, diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Break into small groups and define what it means to be a bully. Share your ideas with the class. Did you have the same things listed (as the other groups) that you would consider as bullying behavior? Now back in your groups, create a newspaper ad that includes at least two of the following:

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

How much time do you spend each day looking down at a phone, laptop or video game?

it’s always a good idea to ask the dog’s owner if it’s ok to pet the dog.

Cracker-wiches

Beet Chips

A BMI (Body Mass Index) is a generic way to calculate where your weight falls into categories (thin, average, overweight, obese). However, it’s a good idea to remember that a BMI may not take into consideration many things such as athleticism (how athletic you are), your bone density and other factors. Discuss your BMI with your

Chiropractors around the country see young patients every day suffering from back, neck and head-aches resulting from the extra strain you put on your body when you look down for long periods of time.

> If you are with someone that falls through the ice, first run (or call) for help. Do not try to go out onto the ice to help your friend. You can fall through the ice too.

> How bullying hurts others.

While animals can be cute and furry, we should all be careful anytime we are around any kind of animal (especially if it isn’t your own pet). A dog you see while walking down the street might seem friendly, but if it doesn’t know you it could be afraid and jump up on you, or bite. When you see someone walking a dog,

> What to do if you are bullied.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH5, NH 7

And finally, if you see an unleashed dog (or any kind of wild animal) wandering around, do not approach the animal or attempt to pick it up. Wild animals are scared of you and may lash out at you in fear.

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

doctor if you have any questions. The formula to calculate your BMI is 703 X weight (lbs) ÷ height (in inches/squared) or search “BMI Calculator” to find an easy fill-in chart online. If your number is high, what are some ways to lower your BMI?

1. Most importantly — take breaks! Have a goal of a 3 minute break every 15-20 minutes. Move around, stretch your neck and relax, without looking down!

> Also — remember to look up! Icicles injure numerous people every year. If you see large icicles forming over your front steps, ask your parents to use a broom handle to knock them off to the side before they break loose from your gutters.

Ingredients:

3 Med Beets

Hummus Dip

1 Tbsp Olive Oil

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Salt and Pepper to taste

Ingredients: 8 Saltine crackers 4 Tbsp Peanut butter 2 Large Strawberries

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career to help improve the health of my community.

What does a school nurse do? I assess the concerns of students who are ill, injured or experiencing alterations in their normal health. Nurses screen daily staff, students and visitors for safety. Monroe School is a pilot school for Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city. Why did you choose this career? I love nursing because there are many opportunities in hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, legal and research. My passion is working in the schools with students, parents, staff and community partners.

Why did you choose this career? I am a St. Louis native, and was an asthmatic child who experienced frequent hospitalizations. Besides having the influence of nurses in my family, the local nurses who helped take care of me were my “angels” and always managed to nurse me back to health, thus sparking my interest.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy helping others problem solve. Also, I have twin stepsons, one who wants to be a police officer, and the other who wants to be a doctor. I thought that being an EMT helped me to meet them both in the middle. And, back in 2018, I had my own medical emergency and was transported by ambulance to a hospital. The paramedic that took care of me was so comforting and assuring that I realized that becoming an EMT is an honorable career. I now work with that same paramedic, at the same company.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy being a support to teens and young adults in a very challenging phase of life that can be overwhelming. I enjoy teaching them how to best take care of themselves so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

Look through the newspaper for examples of ad layouts and design. Discuss the words “compassion,” “empathy” and “sympathy.” How do they each play into your response to bullying at your school?

> What other ice hazards are there?

2. Set your tech device in a holder to keep it at eye level, reducing the need to look down.

Learning Standards: HPE 5, NH 5

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 7, NH 5, NH 7

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

> When walking on icecovered roadways or sidewalks, take baby steps. Walk carefully and slowly.

A couple of quick tips that will reduce that strain on your neck are:

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

Ingredients: 1/2 Cp Vanilla Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp Natural peanut butter, 1 Ripe banana (sliced and frozen), Splash of vanilla (optional) 6 Ice cubes

1 Tbsp Honey (optional)

Ingredients: 1 cup blueberries 1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans 1 Garlic clove, crushed 2 Tsp Cumin, 1 Tsp Olive oil, ½ Tsp Salt

Directions: Preheat oven to 375 degrees. Slice beets very thin, drizzle with oil and put in a single layer on a baking sheet, sprinkle with salt/pepper. Bake 15-20 minutes, until crisp.

Directions: Blend all ingredients until Smooth. Makes 2 yummy smoothies!

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I wanted to assist in healing the mind and emotional wounds, particularly among the Black population, due to the long-term impacts of historical trauma / oppression such as slavery and Jim Crow. What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part of my job is seeing patients meet their goals. When I see them overcome fears / challenges, having gained the ability to live their best life, it’s a wonderfully satisfying experience.

Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy with baked tortilla chips or raw vegetables.

Directions: Drop each blueberry into the yogurt. Using a spoon, swirl around to coat and place each blueberry on a cookie sheet topped with parchment paper. Freeze for at least an hour.

Directions: Spread peanut butter on four of the crackers and top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with honey and top with the other crackers to make four cracker-wiches.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Many chronic health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are preventable, and early detection is key. Thus my favorite part of the job is partnering with patients to establish and manage a plan to help them each live a long and healthy life.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy meeting and learning about new people and cultures every day. I also like the adrenaline of driving fast with sirens going to get to an emergency quickly.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy when a child tells you, “I want to be a nurse.” And best of all, I love the smiles, hugs and “thank-yous”.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

My childhood health challenges have given me sensitivity to children suffering with illness. After being given a new lease on life, I consider it an honor to be in a position to promote health to the children of my community, in whatever capacity I serve – in turn, being their “angel.”

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love that my job makes talking about mental health not as scary and even makes it kind of cool. I love that I get to build valuable relationships with so many people that trust me to be there for them. I love that no matter where my clients are, we can simply connect with a video call and I can not only support them through hard times, but lots of good times as well.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

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

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

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

the Saint Louis Science Center ignite your imagination as you explore new ideas and make surprising discoveries about

Keisha Ross, Ph.D.

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Banana PB Smoothie

Marnay Howard, EMT - B

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

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

Participants in The American’s 2022 Summer Science Academy are learning how to use a compass to navigate their surroundings.

SCIENCE CORNER

What is a stroke? When the brain is flooded with blood and can’t get oxygen, it is a stroke. Strokes can cause sickness, brain damage, muscle weakness, and even death. During a stroke, a person will often experience numbness on one side of the body, a bad headache, dizziness, loss of balance, and difficult speaking. It is important to get help immediately. Sometimes, strokes can be treated with medicine or surgery.

There are two main types of strokes: ischemic and hemorrhagic. Ischemic is caused from a blocked blood vessel. This blockage may be from a clot or a clogged artery. Hemorrhagic is caused when a weak or thin blood vessel bursts and blood spills out. High blood pressure weakens

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Your senses are much more effective when they are used together. In this experiment, you will see how your senses help each other.

Materials Needed:

• Cardboard Box • Scissors • Sock

• 5-10 Small Items to Place in the Box • Volunteers

Procedure:

q Cut a hole in the box that is big enough to fit your hand through for this experiment.

w Place your items in the box.

MATH CONNECTION

Flex those brain muscles as you answer these word problems!

z A fifth grade class sold 250 tickets to a play. They sold 160 adult tickets at $7.50 each, and 90 children’s tickets at $5.00 each. They donated ½ of the money to charity. How much money did they donate? ______

DID YOU KNOW?

blood vessels and is usually the cause of hemorrhagic strokes. Doctors can diagnose strokes by using MRI imaging and CT scans. In order to prevent strokes, it is important not to smoke. This weakens your blood vessels and your immune system. Eat healthy. Limit fat intake and eat a lot of whole grains to keep your blood vessels clear from plaque. Be active. Regular, physical activity keeps your blood vessels healthy and strong. Check your blood pressure and keep an eye on risk factors such as high cholesterol, diabetes and high blood pressure.

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

e Ask a volunteer to place a sock on their hand. They will place their hand in the hole and see how many items they can identify in the box.

r Next, the volunteer will repeat step 3 without the sock. Are they more successful identifying objects without their sense of touch affected?

t Finally, take the lid off the box and allow the volunteer to see all of the items.

Analyze: How do the sense of sight and touch work together?

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

Brain EXERCISES!

x Jim, Carla and Tommy are members of the same family. Carla is 5 years older than Jim. Tommy is 6 years older than Carla. The sum of their three ages is 31 years. How old is each one them? ______

c How many minutes are in one week?

______ How many minutes are in one month? ______

v A painter charges $250 for materials and $35 per hour for labor. The total cost of painting an office is $372.50. How many hours did it take the painter to paint the office? ______

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

aloud

African-American Writer and Health Consultant Andrea King Collier

Andrea King Collier is a writer, health editor, columnist, and national health consultant from Lansing, Michigan. She focuses on health issues in the AfricanAmerican community. She earned degrees in journalism and political science from Indiana University and is a member of the American Medical Writers Association and Medical Journalism for the National Cancer Institute. She started writing for national magazines, but expanded to include social media, websites, blogs, and photography. She has worked with Kellogg Fellows Leadership Alliance, the International Association of Culinary Professionals, Health Power, Inc., and the National Association of Black Journalists.

Collier has written two books. “Still With Me: A Daughter’s Journey of Love and Loss,” was written about the last year of her mother’s life. Collier was raised by a strict single mother who remarried when she was twelve years old. Upon learning her mother had cancer, Collier invited her mother to live with her and her family. The last year of her mother’s life was spent finding peace with their relationship, as well as finding peace with cancer. The ladies rekindled their love of collecting vintage Barbies. In this book, Collier writes about her personal relationship with her mother and about health issues and how they affect the entire family.

“The Black Woman’s Guide to Black Men’s Health” was coauthored with Dr. Willarda Edwards, whom Collier met at an NAACP conference. Collier believes that African-American men are more likely to eat right, be active, and seek medical attention if they have an informed woman in their life. This book is divided into chapters that focus on the following health issues: lung, prostate and colon cancer, obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, mental health, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS and violence against young black men. Each chapter contains facts, treatment and prevention information, personal stories from celebrities and non-celebrities, and questions and answers with the doctor. The book also focuses on how to select an insurance plan and find a health care provider, as well as how these topics affect the African-American community.

Many of Collier’s articles focus on health, wellness, and prevention. She believes strongly in supporting agriculture and making fresh foods available in urban communities. Colllier believes in strong family and community support. She says, “My parents raised me to believe I could accomplish anything. I’ve never shied away from trying new technology, applying for fellowships or attending professional conferences that allow me to build upon my success.”

To read a collection of Andrea King Collier’s articles, visit: http://civileats.com/author/acollier/.

Learning Standards: who has made a contribution to the fields of science, technology, engineering, or math.

MAP CORNER

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

Activities —

Help Wanted: Read the classified ads and find a job that lists a salary. Calculate the hourly wage, daily wage, weekly wage, monthly wage, annual wage and wages over a three year period.

Editorials: Find examples of editorials that were written to inform the reader, interpret the news for the reader, entertain the reader, and persuade the reader. As you read the editorial, underline the facts and circle the opinions.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify author’s purpose. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

The first election day - the “nonpartisan primary” - is March 7. For some wards, the match-ups will look no different in the March primary than they will on the April 4 general election. For the races in Wards 5, 6, 10, and 11, all candidates are guaranteed to have their names on the April 4 ballot. Every other ward - except for Ward 3, where incumbent Alderman Shane Cohn is unchallengedwill lose at least one candidate after March 7. We’ll revisit those races closer to the April 4 general election.

On Monday of this week, Mayor Tishaura O. Jones announced her endorsed candidates: Daniela Velazquez in Ward 6, Alisha Sonnier in Ward 7, Shedrick Kelley in Ward 8, Shameem Clark-Hubbard in Ward 10, Tashara Earl in Ward 12, and Rasheen Aldridge in Ward 14. Some of Comptroller Darlene Green’s endorsements have been shared on candidates’ websites: Sonnier, Bret Narayan in Ward 4, and are all backed by Green. Needless to say, we like what we see in each candidate endorsed by Mayor Jones and Comptroller Green!

A noteworthy tidbit: six of the fourteen aldermanic races include one woman candidate who faces at least two male opponents on March 7. We applaud the women who bravely stand alone in their races.

We’d first like to give a special shout-out to Ward 7 alderperson candidate and current SLPS Board of Education member Sonnier, who makes history by being the first aldermanic candidate to receive the coveted endorsement by the city’s first ever all-women Board of Estimate & Apportionment, comprised of the Mayor the Comptroller, and the Board President. We like to refer to them as the “ShE & A” Board. Sonnier is the first candidate in at least the last forty years to receive the support of the powerful “Trifecta.” Between the citywide support and collecting nearly every labor endorsement available to aldermanic candidates, Sonnier certainly starts March 7 with an advantage over her two male opponents.

Fellow candidate and current incumbent Alderwoman Anne Schweitzer holds a similarly-strong advantage over her two male opponents, sharing her extremely high record of providing constituent services, including attending nearly 130 neighborhood meetings and returning more than 7,000 emails

and calls throughout her two years in office. All done during a global pandemic, to boot. Next door, things have been quiet in Ward 2 since candidate Katie Bellis - our third lone woman candidate in a field otherwise full of men - announced her endorsement by the St. Louis chapter of the Democratic Socialists. To be fair, her primary opponent and current incumbent Alderman Tom Oldenburg hasn’t made much noise, either, as (perhaps) the only Kelley Group-backed candidate in the entire election cycle. Our readers will recall the Kelley Group as the once-powerful political machine operated by consultant Mike Kelley, who ran the successful campaigns of now-convicted white collar criminals Steve Stenger (St. Louis County Executive) and Lewis Reed (St. Louis City Aldermanic Board President). We haven’t heard much from his group since the Kelley Group’s embarrassing double-digit lossboth in the primary and general elections - retiring alderman Jack Coatar’s bid for board president.

Speaking of Coatar, the race to represent his home neighborhood of Soulard, along with Lafayette Square, McKinley Heights, and Benton Park, is another one-woman-versustwo-men scenario. However, incumbent Alderwoman Cara Spencer and former alderman Ken Ortmann are at the disadvantage to Mayor Jones-endorsed Shedrick Kelley. Kelley was Coatar’s last challenger for the old 7th Ward seat in 2021, losing by only 124 votes. While Spencer’s name was on the same ballot for her unsuccessful campaign against Mayor Jones, she did scrape together 220 more votes for her city-wide race versus Kelley’s ward-level race. Spencer may have the endorsement of Coatar, but we see that more as an impediment than a boost, especially considering Spencer’s own back room deals with developers against her constituents’ wishes. After all, Coatar’s tenure on the Board will be remembered mostly for his corruption and secret development deals.

For Ward 9, incumbent Alderwoman Tina Pihl faces incumbent Alderman Mike Gras and political newcomer Michael Browning. Gras has unfortunately shown himself to be not terribly dissimilar from Coatar in terms of being a lawyer making back room deals with developers, while Pihl has apparently lost herself respond-

ing to the high demands of the office and meeting constituent services needs. Browning, the former vice president of the Forest Park Southeast Neighborhood Association is impressive on issues of policy and thoughtful structural change that would bring greater efficiency to city governance and uplift the entire community. He may have the advantage here as the only candidate without a voting record to leverage against him.

Browning also comes with two powerful progressive organizations behind him: Meyers-Okohson Political Consulting, or MOPC, the political machine of veteran campaigner Rosetta Okohson, who ran the successful campaigns of Mayor Jones, Comptroller Green, James Page’s flipping of the former 5th Ward, and Clean Missouri’s 2018 ballot initiative; and the St. Louis Young Democrats, where Browning recently served as outreach director for the organization. His long-standing ties to his community predate both incumbents’ time in office and the campaign reportedly has knocked on more than ten THOUSAND doors.

unintentionally stepped into “it,” however, when she bought City Sheriff Vernon Betts in to make robo-calls to 14th Ward voters on her behalf over the weekend.

The risk of pregnancyrelated death for Black women was more than 3X as high as the risk for White women.

Ward 12 has shaped up to be one of the more interesting of this election cycle - and the busiest. With five candidates in the race - three women and two men - March 7 undoubtedly holds a much different kind of pressure for each contestant. While the two male candidates hold their own as active members in their communities, the most serious opponents facing incumbent Alderwoman Sharon Tyus are recent aldermanic candidate Yolanda Brown and Baden neighborhood association president Tashara Earl Earl has received both Mayor Jones’ and President Green’s endorsements and comes with strong support from Baden, where she was born and raised Up in Ward 14, Ebony Washington - granddaughter of former state representative Penny Hubbard and niece of former alderwoman Tammika Hubbard - faces three male opponents, and every candidate enters March 7 with their own strong name recognition. Aldridge, a community organizer who is endorsed by Mayor Jones, is positioned to perform the strongest, as his current state legislative district overlaps much of the newly-redistricted ward. Washington may have

Three out of every four pregnancy-related deaths were preventable, according to the Missouri PregnancyAssociated Mortality Review. Missouri ranks 44th in the US • The state also tracked when women were dying, finding that the “greatest proportion of pregnancyrelated deaths occurred between 43 days and one year after pregnancy” — meaning many deaths occurred after the state’s 60-day cutoff for Medicaid

The problem? The Riverfront Times released audio recordings earlier this week of Betts demoting one of his own deputies and using racial slurs against the deputy because he did not support Betts’ political campaign. In a state lawsuit filed by the deputy against Betts, he also alleges that Betts first retaliated against him for supporting Michelle Sherrod in her state senate campaign against Steve Roberts Jr. in 2018. The multiply-, credibly-accused serial sexual abuser is the son of Steve Roberts Sr., who is currently chief of staff for Betts’ office. Betts has not hidden his open political favoritism, but this time, he may have crossed a serious labor law for the sake of petty politics.

Incumbent Alderman Brandon Bosley, after police reports revealed that he either is or was under investigation for hitting a woman with his vehicle during a December snowstorm, has gone on the offensive, but apparently has only dug himself into a deeper hole. The other incumbent, Alderman James Page, may be the only other serious candidate in the race with Aldridge, but Page recently parted ways with his political operative, the formidable MO Political Consulting.

Ward 4 - the only all-male race - likely will see incumbent Alderman Bret Narayan versus incumbent Alderman Joe Vacarro through to April 4. The third candidate Casey Otto - who is the son of former state legislator Bill Otto - has name recognition, but likely not enough to overcome two current elected officials who are both known for providing outstanding constituent services. Only one of those two, however, doesn’t require campaign do-

nations to make things happen. For that reason as well as the fact that Narayan is working with MO Political Consulting, we would give the advantage to Narayan in both the primary and the general. The race for Ward 13 is the only all-women aldermanic race, and the only race where every candidate is a current incumbent. Due to ward redistricting, Alderwomen Lisa Middlebrook Pamela Boyd and Laura Keys face each other for one ward seat. Previously referred to by this column as the “Ladies for Lewis” caucus, Middlebrook and Boyd were known for their staunch ties to former board president Reed and none of them are particularly well-known for their voter engagement or canvassing.

Keys does have the most recent experience with the campaign grind, winning a four-way special election for the vacant 21st Ward seat.

No-excuse absentee voting began earlier this week, on Tuesday, and city residents can vote at the Board of Elections office or at one of three satellite locations at the Buder, Schlafly, and Walnut Park branches of the St. Louis Public Library.

•

Finally, we’d be remiss if we didn’t address the recent shocking resignation of Missouri State Democrat Party chairman and City Recorder of Deeds Michael Butler. In an emailed statement, Butler claimed that his bar in the Grove “recently received a large financial investment, and required more” of his time - with no mention of his actual job, the one that St. Louis City voters elected him to and the one that pays him $103,000 annually. That job, depending on who you ask at City Hall, where Butler mostly shows up for work only half of the time. But after a hard battle to keep the (unpaid) party chair role, Butler made his resignation effective next week on February 28.

The state committee will meet on March 18 to select a new chairperson. Until then, Party Secretary Jonathan Kessler is serving as interim chair. Chairman Butler started his time in office by firing all of the party staff members who were in the process of unionizing, ultimately settling out of federal labor court for an undisclosed amount of money. The staff members who were not part of the union bargaining unit remained employed by the state party. Butler made a similar move on his first day in office as City Recorder of Deeds, by firing senior-level employees who did not support his political campaign. Similarly, Butler settled out of federal court with the four employees - completing mediation with Recorders’ employees mere days before firing the state party employees. From that point, Butler’s - and the Democratic Party’s - relationships with St. Louis, Kansas City, and Missouri labor bulwarks in the party waned substantially.

Under Butler’s leadership, the Missouri Democratic Party has lost every statewide seat and now holds less than a third of all legislative seats. With no credit to the state party and all credit given to the candidates themselves, Democrats hold only two congressional seats in Missouri. Congresswoman Cori Bush’s opponent - the aforementioned Roberts, Jr. - was privately supported by Butler in the primary last summer. Roberts, Jr., lost by nearly 46 percentage points in the City of St. Louis to the well-loved Bush. We recognize that Butler made history as the Missouri Democratic Party’s first Black chairman. But we must also consider the other dubious ways that he made history: by losing much of the political ground gained over the last several decades. He will certainly be remembered for his consequential time as state Democratic Party chairman.

It’s got a peel

Rebundle’s banana fiber hair weaves way

to STL

May is safely taking Black hair care to another level with Rebundle, a firm that sells hair extensions made from

The

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

entrepreneur began the business because of her own experience with plastic hair extensions.

hair done,” she said.

PeoPle on the Move

Ciara Imani May is safely taking Black hair care to another level with Rebundle, a firm that sells hair extensions made from banana fiber.

The young entrepreneur began the business because of her own experience with plastic hair extensions. They damaged her hair and caused scalp irritation. She learned other Black women were having similar experiences.

She went in search of answers and looked for alternative materials.

According to May, one in three wearers of plastic hair extensions she spoke with experienced some form of discomfort. She says the primary plastic in use is PDC, “a low-grade acrylic that is mostly found at industrial sites.”

“I find it odd that this type of plastic is being used in hair extensions,” said May.

n “I celebrate the work we’ve been able to accomplish so far. On a small scale we are having an impact on sustaining the planet and providing healthy hair care options,” said May.

Her search for an alternative source began with several business model questions.

How accessible is it? What is the cost? Will the texture match the hair of most African Americans

Trial and error led to her finding that banana fiber was “the right substitute” that looks and feels like real hair.

“It can be dyed, and cut into various styles,” she said.

Colors range from jet black to bubble gum pink. She prides herself on affordability, saying that her bundles are less expensive than human hair, but slightly higher than plastic hair extensions. Her most expensive bundle is $50 dollars, which is 3.5 ounces.

Black women are the primary users of hair extensions and other products that often contain chemicals that can lead to health issues.

May says her earliest memory of hair extension woes dates back to when she was in elementary school.

Rebundle’s hair care line is called Braid Better, and May says it meets the needs for safe hair care and is environmentally friendly. The hair extensions are made from banana fibers and biodegradable materials that are free of toxic ingredients.

“That experience has stayed with me since then, and I grew to accept it when getting my

She said that is enough hair to make a ponytail, do a style of “small feed-in braids,” or standard-size cornrows. The bundles are reusable, and customers can get up to three uses out of them if washed and conditioned properly.

Wired for success

BRK Electrical celebrating 20th year

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

n “I’m just grateful enough people gave us a chance.”

– Owner, Marion Hayes, III

BRK Electrical Contractors, LLC. is marking its 20th year. In 2004, just a year after its opening, the firm’s owner, Marion Hayes III, was named “Entrepreneur of the Year” by the National Society of Black Engineers /St. Louis Chapter. In 2008, Hayes was honored as a “Most Influential Minority Business Leader” by the St. Louis Business Journal The firm has worked on major projects including St. Louis SC Stadium, Lucas Hall on the University of St. Louis campus, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, Ballpark Village, Alton Southern Railroad, the Stan Musial Bridge, the NGA Campus in north St. Louis. Hayes said he’s “not one to toot my own horn.” He’s humbled by the acknowledgements of his business, but he doesn’t let them go to his head.

“I guess it’s because I know that God can take this away from me in a New York minute,” Hayes explained. “I appreciate it because I’ve worked my [tail] off but it’s hard for me to pat myself on the back or sit back and smell the roses.”

In other words, Hayes has paid his dues. See BRK, B2

Lashanda Johnson has been selected as the next principal of Parkway’s Wren Hollow Elementary, effective July 1. Johnson is currently the head principal at Koch Elementary in the Riverview Gardens School District, where she has served for five years. Prior to this position, she served as a middle school principal also in Riverview Gardens. Johnson’s classroom experience includes five years as a middle school math teacher where she was named teacher of the year twice. Johnson holds a doctorate in educational administration from Maryville University. She holds a master’s in both administration and secondary curriculum and instruction from UMSL.

Wash. U’s Bolton named Titan 100 honoree

Shantay N. Bolton, executive vice chancellor and chief administrative officer at Washington University in St. Louis, was selected for the 2023 St. Louis Titan 100 cohort for her contributions to the growth of the university through high-level leadership. Bolton joined the university in July 2021. She works to strategically advance human resources and institutional equity, information technology, public safety, procurement, supplier diversity, university services and facilities.

named senior director Kesha Kent

Kesha Kent was named senior director of career development with Rung for Women. She has shared her expertise as panelist and keynote speaker for media outlets such as Oprah Daily and a diverse group of businesses and organizations, including: Ameren, Hire Level Staffing, Dress for Success, Washington University at St. Louis, Saint Louis University, Judson University, SCI Engineering, Professional Women’s Alliance, National Society of Black Engineers, National Speakers Association, National Black MBAs and more.

NOVUS names Tucker as new COO

Tara Spates Tucker has recently been named chief operating officer for Novus. Spates Tucker joined NOVUS health in May 2021 as the director of wellness. In this role, she implemented protocols that improved efficiency in the clinic and has frequently been recognized for outstanding performance. With a focus on patient experience and engaged employee morale, Tara believes that connecting with patients, staff and community is vital to NOVUS’s success. Her current work as Chief Operations Officer will focus on executing the strategic plan with the vision and mission as a focus.

Johnson named principal of Wren Hollow Promotion, board appointment, new hire, award... please submit your People on the Move item (including photo) to kjones@stlamerican.com

Ciara Imani

banana fiber.

young

See HAIR, B2

Lashanda Johnson

Tara Spates Tucker

St. Louis SC Stadium and the NGA Campus in north St. Louis are included in the

Shantay N. Bolton

Kesha Kent

Photo courtesy of Ciara Imani May

Photo courtesy of BRK

Hair

Continued from B1

“It’s not a ton of maintenance to care for these extensions,” said May. She advises customers to use hair mousse and hair serum to seal in moisture and sleep in a protective scarf or bonnet.

According to May, at least 300 million pounds of plastic hair extensions are wasted every year in the U.S.

“This really tells a story of the undetected wastefulness in

BRK

Continued from B1

After completing an IBEW/ NECA Electrical Industry Training Center apprenticeship in St. Louis, Hayes worked for several white-owned construction companies. There, he says he learned the harsh realities of nepotism and racism.

He determined his future with those family-owned firms seemed rather dire.

Minority participation on city contracts, mandated in the late 1980s, was growing and he acknowledged the work of former Comptroller Virvus Jones, the late civil rights attorney Eric Vickers, and others.

Hayes, who had earned a master’s degree in construction management and a degree in electrical engineering from Washington University, decided to give entrepreneurism a shot. But it was a long shot due to his inability to convince banks to finance his business plan. Using credit cards and a personal loan, Hayes moved ahead anyway.

Survival was based on a “project-by-project basis.”

There were ups and downs in the first few years. In 2008, recession brought the country and the construction business to a virtual economic halt.

Hayes endured, which says a lot for a young man who considered going to law school after graduating high school. He turned to electrical engineering at the behest of his father, Marion Hayes, Jr.

His parents were divorced when Hayes’ dad suggested his son sign up for an apprentice program and later join his electrical company. Hayes said his mother, Bessie Hayes, an educator, was crushed by his decision to go into business with his dad.

our daily lives,” said May.

“It shows how often we use this type of product.”

Rebundle partners with 5 Media, an eco-friendly organization that supports other organizations that focus on sustaining the planet and tackling climate change. May’s company has also partnered with Bio STL and BioGenerator, and through these partnerships she has collected 350 pounds of plastic hair extensions for recycling.

“Our objective is to dramatically decrease the impact plastic hair extensions have on our

environment,” said May. She says that she wants to provide the community with informed decisions about the products they are buying, to help find more innovative ways to purchase items that don’t compromise the consumer’s health or the planet.

“I celebrate the work we’ve been able to accomplish so far. On a small scale we are having an impact on sustaining the planet and providing healthy hair care options,” said May. Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

Sure, he admits that sometimes when he’s with friends his age or older he recognizes the perks and retirement benefits a corporate life could provide.

But when he hears the tales of frustration others endured because of racism and corporate life stress, he cherishes his decision to pursue the challenging life of an entrepreneur.

BRK Electrical has more than 20 employees including Hayes’ wife and one of his two daughters. He is realistic about his trade. Everything he said, “boils down to capital and relationships.”

When asked what advice he’d give to prospective entrepreneurs, Hayes pulls from his late mother’s insistence that he seek a quality education.

“As the son of a teacher, it all boils down to your education,” Hayes said.

“Future entrepreneurs should be well read. That way you know what you know, and you’ll be prepared to seek out what you don’t know.

She didn’t feel her ex-husband was reliable enough for her son to base his entire career on his advice.

Hayes’ father’s business went under before Hayes completed his apprenticeship.

Declaring he was no “quitter,”

Hayes said he went the traditional “corporate route” until he realized he had to go out on his own.

Looking back on his career, Hayes said he has no regrets.

He’s survived years of being underestimated and fighting the “you’re not good enough” stereotypes held by companies that are suspect of minority-owned firms. He built a reputation based on delivering good work on a timely basis.

“You’ll be competing with companies that have been around for 60, 70 years or more. It used to bother me a lot that a lot of young people just jump into the business without knowing the business. So, know your business.”

Although it seems that Hayes “jumped” into the business, he planned for two years, took classes and did “all the stuff” and “checked all the boxes” before he wrote his business plan and set out to find capital.

“At the end of the day,” Hayes said, “success or failure was dictated by the markets.”

Determined not to be a horn-tooter, Hayes designates his success to others:

“I’m just grateful enough people gave us a chance.”

Owner of Rebundle Hair extensions, Ciara Imani May, sporting her hair extensions brand made of banana fibers.

Photo courtesy of Ciara Imani May

Marion Hayes III’s BRK Electrical Contractors is celebrating its 20th year in 2023. The entrepreneur decided early in his career to leave the corporate construction world behind and found his own firm.

Photo courtesy of BRK

Sports

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Greg Foster, all-time great USA hurdler, dies at 64

He resided in St. Louis

Former United States Olympic silver medalist and all-time great American hurdler

Greg Foster has died at the age of 64, according to NBC Sports track and field analyst Ato Bolden.

Foster lived in St. Louis, where he was an assistant track and field coach at Mary Institute and Country Day School (MICDS) and the Coordinator for Student Engagement at the school. He will be remembered as one of the top hurdlers in USA track and field history.

For a 10-year period between 1981 and 1991, Foster was a dominant force in the 110-meter-high hurdles, his specialty event. He was a three-time gold medalist at the IAAF World Championships in 1983, 1987 and 1991. He was a silver medalist at the 1984 Olympics in Los Angeles, when he was edged by USA teammate Roger Kingdom at the final tape. He was also a gold medalist at the Goodwill Games in Russia in 1986 and the World Indoor Championships in 1991. He was a 10-time USA national champion.

A native of Chicago, Foster went on to have a brilliant collegiate career at UCLA. He led the Bruins to the NCAA national championship in 1978. He won individual national titles in the hurdles in 1978 and 1980 and in the 200-meter dash in 1979.

During the early 1980›s, Foster had some memorable races with Renaldo “Skeets” Nehemiah, who was the world record holder in the 110-meter high hurdles at the time. Nehemiah left the sport to play in the National Football League in 1983. Foster continued on to enjoy a brilliant career on the track. Foster was inducted into the UCLA Athletic Hall of Fame in 1993 and the National Track and Field Hall of Fame in 1998.

In 2016, Foster was diagnosed with Amyloidosis, a rare disease that causes damage to the heart. On January 18, 2020, Foster received a heart transplant at Barnes Jewish Hospital in St. Louis.

Vashon girls eye first state title

Vashon High girls’ basketball coach John Albert has quickly turned the Wolverines into a top program in the state of Missouri.

In 2021, he guided the Wolverines to their

greatest hurdlers, has passed at the age of 64. He held an administrative

tant track coach at Mary Institute and Country Day School (MICDS).

first Final Four berth in the school’s history and won the consolation game to finish third in the Class 4 state tournament.

The Wolverines reached another milestone by winning their 20th game last week against Gateway Legacy, the program’s first 20-win season since 1992. Vashon is currently ranked No. 1 in Class 4 in the latest Missouri Basketball Coaches Association polls.

The next goal for the Wolverines is a 2023 state championship. That quest begins next week with Vashon as the No. 1 seed at the Class 4, District 6 tournament, which will be held at Cardinal Ritter.

Leading the Wolverines’ charge this season

has been its talented trio of senior Raychel Jones and junior guards JaNyla Bush and Chantrel “Tutu” Clayton.

The 5’11” Jones is a four-year starter and the foundation of Albert’s rebuilding of the Vashon girls’ program. The UMKC recruit is currently averaging 15.7 points, nine rebounds and two steals a game.

The 5’5” Bush is a Missouri State commit who handles the point guard duties. She is averaging 14.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists.

The 5’7” Clayton is an excellent shooting guard who can score from anywhere on the court. She is averaging 15.6 points, 2.6 assists and 2.2 steals a game.

McCline leads ESL to regional crown

Senior guard Shakara McCline of East St. Louis was in top form last week in leading the Flyerettes to an IHSA Class 3A regional championship at Mascoutah. McCline averaged 35 points in the two games as the Flyerettes’ upset Taylorville and host Mascoutah to win the championship.

McCline had 42 points, seven rebounds, three assists and three steals in a 78-74 victory over Taylorville. She followed that up with 28 points in a 50-47 victory over Mascoutah. Her 3-pointer with four seconds left gave East Side the victory. McCline is averaging 25 points a game, which currently leads the St. Louis metro area in scoring.

Battlehawks back in style; Flaherty feels confident

In January 2000, St. Louis American photographer Wiley Price and I were at the NFC Championship game against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the Edward Jones Dome. I was in a nice seat, Price was on the sideline doing his job. Late in the fourth quarter, he snapped a series of photos that captured receiver Ricky Proehl’s game-winning touchdown pass from Kurt Warner. The American’s Super Bowl special section featured a three-panel, frame-byframe series of photos called “The Catch.” In the media center in Atlanta, where the Super Bowl was held, newspapers from across the nation posted special sections. Some of the best NFL writers and photojournalists approached me with compliments. Of the 75 newspapers I had delivered, none remained in the media center a day later. I said all that to say this: It

was cool that Ricky Proehl’s son, Austin, caught the game-winning touchdown pass in the St. Louis Battlehawks’ 2023 debut on the road against San Antonio.

Alvin A. Reid

I’m not delusional. Austin’s Proehl’s catch wasn’t “The Catch,” but it was a great way to begin the XFL season, especially since his father is rthe Battlehawks wide receivers coach. It will be another two games and three weeks before the Battlehawks play their first game at America’s Dome. I’ll be there. Let’s make some more magic.

Bieniemy not the enemy

If former Kansas City Chiefs

offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy has some terrifying skeletons in his closet, I really don’t want to know about it.

However, there is no explanation for his being passed over for head coaching positions

following each of the Chiefs’ ultra-successful seasons.

The man led head coach Andy Reid’s offense to three Super Bowls in four years and won two of them. The Chiefs have been to five successive AFC Championship games and led the NFL in every meaningful offensive category this season.

Bieniemy, for whatever reasons, has left the Chiefs and is now the Washington Commanders offensive coordi-

nator. He was forced to leave MVP quarterback Patrick Mahomes behind and settle for Commanders would-be starter Sam Howell to prove himself as worthy of a head coaching position. It’s weird.

The Reid Roundup Cardinals pitcher Jack Flaherty told mlb.com that he is healthy and confident headed into the 2023 season. “Every time I get the ball, I

want the team to show up and feel we’re going to win. I think we’re going to feel that way a lot this season,” he said… St. Louis was the toast of the XFL until it shut down abruptly in 2020. The pandemic was the cause, but we later learned then-owner Vince McMahon had it on the road to bankruptcy…Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and partners stepped in to resuscitate the league. Johnson appeared at each of the four games this past weekend, which obviously included some private jet flights and a lack of sleep…Congratulations to San Antonio for being named host of the XFL Championship game in April. However, since St. Louis is a primary reason the XFL was worth bringing back for another try, it seems that this city should have “Rocked” championship weekend…Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes keeps making big plays. The non-profit Mahomes’ 15 and the Mahomies’ Foundation is supporting the HBCU Legacy Bowl All-Star Game on Saturday, Feb. 25 in New Orleans. It is being held in conjunction with the second annual HBCU Combine on Monday, Feb. 20. Scouts from each of the NFL’s teams were in attendance… Former North Carolina and NBA star Brad Daugherty has been a NASCAR racing team owner since he retired. Last Sunday, he made history by becoming the first Black principal owner to win the Daytona 500

Earl Austin Jr.

Greg Foster, one of America’s

Photo courtesy of USA Track and Field

A confident Jack Flaherty is ready for 2023 season.

Photo by NBC Sports

Harris-Stowe State University announces new college of STEM

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) announced its newest academic collegethe College of STEM. Leading the College will be founding Dean, Dr. Harvey R. Fields, Jr. Dr. Fields most recently served as the Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity & Inclusion at Washington University in St. Louis. Over the course of the last decade, HSSU has been a critical factor in developing a talent pool of diverse and workready candidates for Missouri’s

America’s Public Television

Stations (APTS) announced the election of its board leaders and board members. David Steward II, Immediate past board chair of Nine PBS in St. Louis, Missouri, has been re-elected lay vice chair.

Steward, II is an Academy Award-winning producer who owns and operates multiple companies with a mission of creating, discovering, and highlighting multicultural and diverse content in the entertainment industry. In 2018,

STEM workforce. HarrisStowe has become a leader for broadening participation of underrepresented and underresourced students in the industry for the city, state and beyond. HSSU’s leadership in this space, and the continuing demand in our region, made the need for this College apparent; it is directly aligned with the HSSU mission. As dean of the College of STEM, Dr. Fields will oversee the College’s creation and implementation. He will

Dr. Harvey R. Fields Jr. named inaugural dean

be responsible for ensuring the integrity and quality of each of its respective academic departments and existing programs, as well as developing new programs. STEM is currently the fastest growing degree field at the University. In the last several years, HSSU has received over $6M in funding for STEM-related programs and activities.

HSSU president, Dr.

LaTonia Collins Smith said, “We are excited to welcome Dr. Fields as the inaugural Dean of the College of STEM. His experience, knowledge and passion are extraordinary and will serve as a strong foundation for the development of this new College and will serve our students exceedingly well. He is a visionary who

David Steward II re-elected

Steward founded Polarity, a holding company to oversee the operations of a portfolio of companies. The companies offer an array of content offerings including graphic novels and comics, animated television, streaming and cinematic features, and gaming. Key portfolio companies include Oni Lion Forge Publishing Group, the European publishing house Magnetic Press, the original content developer Illustrated Syndicate, the animation studio Lion

Forge Animation, and Lion Forge Labs. In 2019, Polarity launched the Lion Forge Animation Studio, credited for producing the Hair Love short film, distributed by Sony Pictures Animation, and winner for “Best Animated Short” in the 2020 Academy Awards®.

Steward served as an executive board member for the local chapter of the Habitat for Humanity. He is a current board member of Nine PBS, and the International Photography Hall of Fame and Museum.

WWT Raceway to host job fair Saturday

Many positions available in all departments

World Wide Technology Raceway – the home of NASCAR, INDYCAR and NHRA in the St. Louis-Metro East region -- will host a job fair Saturday in preparation for the 2023 events season. Many positions in all departments are available. Positions also are available at the Gateway Kartplex.

The fair will be held on Saturday, February 25, from 9 a.m. until noon, in the infield media center, inside the oval track.

To access an online application, please visit: https://wwtraceway.com/job-application/ World Wide Technology Raceway is located at 700 Raceway Blvd. in Madison, Illinois.

Prospective candidates should bring a resume and identification. Please bring a completed application or your own pen to complete an application in person.

has demonstrated his ability to positively impact scholars. His unwavering dedication to helping under-resourced students achieve success syncs perfectly with HSSU’s core values.”

Dr. Fields earned his doctorate in chemistry at Washington University in St. Louis. Since earning his doctorate, Dr. Fields has dedicated his career to equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice focusing on maximizing student academic success,

vice chair of APTS

particularly in STEM areas. He also has industry experience progressing in engineering and manufacturing leadership roles in various regions. Dr. Fields is active in the St. Louis community, currently serving on the Missouri Baptist Medical Center Board of Trustees, and chair of the St. Louis Chapter of the Morehouse College Alumni Association. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from Morehouse College.

David Steward, II is an Academy Awardwinning producer who owns and operates multiple companies with a mission of creating, discovering, and highlighting multicultural and diverse content in the entertainment industry.

County Library offers free access to New York Times Cooking

St. Louis County Library now offers free access to New York Times Cooking. New York Times Cooking is a popular online cooking guide with access to over 19,000 recipes. The platform features easy-to-follow recipes, videos, techniques and tips to help both novices and master chefs achieve success.

To access NYT Cooking, users can redeem a code for digital access by visiting www.slcl. org/content/new-york-times-cooking. The code lasts for 24 hours. At the end of the 24 hours, patrons can repeat the process and receive another code. First-time users will need to create an account or login to access New York Times Cooking. You do not need a St. Louis County Library card to utilize this service.

In addition to NYT Cooking, SLCL offers cookbooks, magazines and databases for the culinary curious. More information can be found at www.slcl.org.

Dr. Harvey R. Fields Jr.

Historic designs

Yolanda Newson curates Dillard’s Black History Month exhibit

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

Fashion stylist, jewelry designer, Yoro Style & Creations owner Yolanda “Yoro” Newson and Black Creatives shine like diamonds at the Saint Louis Galleria Dillard’s. Newson has gathered 13 designers and artists for a showcase inside Saint Louis Galleria throughout Black History Month called “Black Creatives in The Lou.”

“Sometimes Black creatives in the community don’t have a voice or a platform,” Newson said.

“For Dillard’s to be open to allow us to do this, I was ecstatic about it. I wanted to do it for our community and for our designers.

“I scanned Instagram and Facebook to see who was poppin and who was doing what. There were people I [also] knew that I wanted to work with. I tapped them on the shoulder and told them to ‘get ready.’”

Cameron Williams, an illustrator and creative director known as “Art Culture King” said his pieces are based on his relationship with his son and an ongoing health battle.

“I was diagnosed with congestive heart failure. I’m not scared, but I’m thankful because it’s giving me a chance to focus on this art. I’m thankful to still be here standing in front of you all, and thank you for this opportunity,” he said with tears in his eyes.

“I’m fighting through it because of my son.”

Jasmine Stocking, Designs by J Stocking’s owner, says inspiration for an electric blue dress she has on display “comes from the stages of life,”the theme of her upcoming fashion show in April.

SLSO starts quiet then closes as dance orchestra at the end of time

By Chris King For The St. Louis American

St. Louis Symphony Orchestra Music Director Stéphane Denève set high expectations for Powell Hall audiences this past weekend. In the first half of the concert, he programmed not one, not two, but three pieces that start very slow and quiet. The third of these, “Tzigane” by Maurice Revel (1924), opens with some three minutes of unaccompanied violin. A crowded Powell Hall audience sat quietly with the entire orchestra and watched guest soloist Tessa Lark bow her fiddle.

Denève, who had planned this experiment with patience, bowed his head and clasped his hands behind his back. He knew how this all would end: not quietly.

The program also opened with the orchestra and Denève watching a guest soloist: bagpiper Chris Apps, who played the Scottish

‘Blerd’ Nation arising

BSAM making artistic moves in St. Louis

By Ashley Winters

The St. Louis American

The Black Speculative Arts Movement “BSAM” encompasses creative expressions of a world for Black people without limitations - a world like in the movie Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.

“The theme is butterflies and metamorphosis. I want to inspire people to continue and know whatever stage they’re in is not a [permanent] state. They should carry on until they get to their end result and fulfill their

purpose,” she said.

LaRoyce Byrd, owner of the moth-

Music Director Stéphane Denève and the St. Louis Symphony

were at their best during a thrilling performance of Maurice Revel’s

Symphony Hall.

source for Claude Debussy’s “Marche ecossaise sur un theme populaire” (1908). Apps then stayed seated on the stage to enjoy the show. The fingers on his right hand at times miming the tune’s notes on his pipes’ chanter.

“The Scottish March” builds slowly into

sounding like a march at all, with the eight double basses becoming the first to bow patterns that sounded like we were going some-

The realm includes the works of science fiction author Octavia Butler, the classic movie Brother From Another Planet, Robert Townsend’s movie Meteor Man, and HBO sitcoms “Lovecraft Country” and “Watchmen.” Afrofuturism has a range of names including Black-SciFi or “weird white people stuff,” according to Dacia ‘InnerGY’ Polk

n BSAM represents the concepts of “Afrofuturism, Astro Blackness, AfroSurrealism, Ethno Gothic, Black Digital Humanities, Black (Afro-future female or African Centered) Science Fiction, The Black Fantastic, Magical Realism, and The Esoteric.”

There is a subculture known as ‘Blerds,’ or Black nerds, says Polk, who is listed on the BSAM website as BSAMWebmaster and Midwest Field Coordinator for The Black Speculative Arts Movement. She has served in that role since 2016. Her digital art is featured in the “Cosmic Underground: A Grimoire of Black Speculative Discontent. Her work, “Red Spring” is an installment of BSAM’s online digital Arts collaboration with Google Arts & Culture.

She is also executive producer of “WORDUP! WORDUP!” a weekly open mic that showcases live music, poetry, and comedy.

“The Black Speculative Arts Movement allows different Black sub-groups to come into one space that’s about art, fashion, film, and music,” said Polk.

“We are trying to bring all different elements together.”

According to the BSAM website, BSAM art is “a creative, aesthetic practice that integrates African diasporic worldviews with science or technology and seeks to interpret, engage, design, or alter reality for the re-imagination of the past, the contested present, and to act as a catalyst for the future.”

Photo courtesy of SLSO

Orchestra

“Tzigane” at Powell

See Art, C3

SLSO, C8

BSAM, C8

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Artist Dacia ‘InnerGY’ Polk

Photo Courtesy of Infinite Visuals by Tikaboo

Cameron Williams of Art Culture King is one of 13 creatives who are part of Yolanda “Yoro” Newson’s Black Creatives in the Lou Black History Month exhibit on display on the second floor of Saint Louis Galleria Dillard’s now through Feb. 28.

Whitney Houston’s “I

St. Louis American staff

The unmistakable voice of Whitney Houston is powerful and timeless. She sold over 200 million records worldwide, and the number continues to climb years after her death.

On March 24, 2023, Houston’s respect and admiration for Gospel music will take center stage with the release of “I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston. The ensemble of songs will be available on CD through Gaither Music Group and on all digital streaming platforms via Arista/Legacy Recordings (in cooperation with The Estate of Whitney E. Houston).

A documentary TV special, the corresponding album, and DVD documents Houston’s Gospel work and features six

never-before-released songs, some from as early as 1981. The 15-track album includes exhilarating versions of cherished gospel evergreens including “Jesus Loves Me” and “His Eye Is on the Sparrow.” The album will also unveil unreleased tracks such as “He Can Use Me,” a live version of “Bridge Over Troubled Water,” “I Found a Wonderful Way,” and “Testimony,” which was released on Feb. 9. The documentary, “I Go to the Rock: The Gospel Music of Whitney Houston,” will air at 7 p.m. Friday, March 24, on both UPtv and AspireTV.

“Whitney’s love for gospel music permeates through every song with love, compassion and conviction. To love Whitney is to love what she represents to all that love the gospel,” said Pat Houston, executor of the

estate of Whitney E. Houston.

“Whitney always stood on a solid rock for her love of Gospel music. I hope you enjoy this amazing project that was

Ebed-Melech another unsung hero of Biblical Black history

By Victor Lewis

Jeremiah, a famous proph-

et of God to his people, was charged with delivering some very unpopular news. The king of Babylon was coming, and he would conquer Jerusalem. For hundreds of years, God’s people had been untrue to Him. They worshiped Him and were devoted to God one minute and then they would run off to worship and

serve the false gods of their neighbors the next. God was fed up and a conquering enemy king would be their punishment. As is often the case with those who deliver bad news or just the truth, Jeremiah wasn’t very popular, especially with Zedekiah, the king of Judah. Finally, Jewish advisors to the king convinced him that Jeremiah needed to be put to death. The king conceded

because he was also angry about Jeremiah’s prophecy that all Judah would be captured. So, these royal Jewish advisors took Jeremiah and lowered him down into a well. No trial, no judge, no jury, and no explanation of charges. They took matters in their own hands.

There’s no water in this well, but there is plenty of mud. This well was obviously no longer useful to the people. And to make sure starvation kills him instead of the fall, they lower him into this hole by a rope. Jeremiah, a prophet unto the Lord, finds himself up to his knees, deep in the mud with no food, water,

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simply a labor of love for all involved.”

Hosted by acclaimed GRAMMY-winning gospel singer CeCe Winans and pro-

or room to move. Basically, he was left to starve to death.

Ebed-Melech, according to the Bible, was a Kushite, a person of color and a servant of Zedekiah. But, EbedMelech saw the injustice done to Jeremiah and he petitions the king for the prophet’s life. The king says, “Do whatever you want.” So, Ebed-Melech got the 30 men recommended by the king to help him rescue Jeremiah from the muddy well.

Led by Ebed-Melech, a Black man, the prophet is pulled from the mud and certain death. God is pleased with Ebed-Melech’s efforts, announcing through Jeremiah that though Jerusalem

duced by Barry Jennings, the documentary intimately and comprehensively explores the steadfast faith that accompanied Whitney to stardom.

It takes viewers on a journey from her first performance in front of an audience to her many breathtaking appearances performing gospel songs through 1996’s The Preacher’s Wife soundtrack, the best-sell-

will fall, “I will rescue you on that day, and you will not be handed over to the men you fear.” (Jeremiah 39:17)

The bottom line that I learned from Ebed-Melech is that each one of us is responsible for justice. When it comes to racism, we are all responsible to seek justice and procure equality for all humanity. Even if it’s someone that we don’t necessarily know, if we see that someone is being treated unjustly, according to God’s measurements, we must spring into action. We are not to concern ourselves with the consequences of our actions, but wholly leaning and depending on the guidance of the Holy Spirit, knowing that The Holy Spirit will give us His Favor as we carry His

ing Gospel album of all time. It includes unforgettable performances at the NAACP Image Awards, at the American Music Awards, and at Ebony’s 50th Anniversary TV special.

“It has been an honor to work with the estate and Primary Wave Music to create this special recording and documentary,” stated Paul Sizelove, Gaither Music Group president.

“The voice and impact of Whitney Houston is incalculable. These collections capture the origin of her singing, celebrate some of her triumphant performances and detail the foundation of gospel music that was a passion and a source of strength for her. We are thrilled to be a part of sharing her inspiring story and gospel music legacy with the world.”

justice to all mankind. White believers, and all ethnicities, too often place the mantle of justice on the government, on elected officials, on the court system or someone of higher authority. Ebed-Melech risked life and limb to right a wrong. It’s time for us to do the same for our brothers and sisters of color.

Ebed-Melech demonstrates to us how far selfless care and concern will lead us. It is this kind of love and daring challenge that makes Ebed-Melech, a Black man, our Unsung Biblical Hero in Black History.

Victor Lewis is a Los Angeles Sentinel contributing writer

Guest Columnist

Victor Lewis

Black Art comes to life through audio guide every day at Art Museum

The innumerable struggles and triumphs of Black people take center stage in February for some. For many others, Black culture is celebrated every month, every day. The Saint Louis Art Museum adds to honoring the arts of Africa and the African diaspora, featuring diverse Black, African, and African American people and cultures with its inaugural Collection Guide titled Power of Place. In late 2021, the Art Museum introduced a series of web-based audio recordings focused on select works of art in the collection, which can be experienced as a self-guided tour in the galleries or remotely from the comfort of one’s home. Listeners can learn more about objects in the collection from members of our curatorial staff, and community guest commentators. In addition to the narrative stories, there is music to be enjoyed. In discussing Frank Bowling’s 1992 painting Fishes, Wishes and Star Apple Blue, Delyn Stephenson, our 2021-2022 Romare Bearden Graduate Museum Fellow, introduces a playlist that reflects Bowling’s interest in the music of transatlantic origin, including music from Malian artists, classical

A historical look back

February has the distinction of being Black History Month, celebrating the achievements of African Americans as an integral part of U.S. history. The brainchild of noted historian Dr. Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans, Black History Week was created by the Association for the Study of Negro Life and History (ASNLH), known today as the Association for the Study of African American Life and History (ASALH). It was announced in 1926 that the second week of February—coinciding with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass—would be Negro History Week. In 1976, the week of observance received U.S. government official recognition and expanded into Black History Month. Canada, Ireland, and the United Kingdom also officially recognize Black History Month.

artists, and jazz artists like John Coltrane.

Special guest speakers from the St. Louis region featured in the Power of Place audio tour include Cathy Jenkins, owner of Cathy’s Kitchen in Ferguson. Jenkins provides a heart-felt response to a painting by Horace Pippin titled Sunday Morning Breakfast. For Jenkins, the painting activates childhood memories —the same memories she tries to recreate at her Ferguson restaurant. Ron Himes, founder and producing director of The

Black Rep. Himes contributes a moving interpretation of a sculpture by Pietro Calvi titled Othello, where he emphasizes the historical significance of Ira Aldridge, one of the first African American actors to achieve international recognition as a Shakespearean actor. We invite you to experience Power of Place and other audio guide recordings on your personal device in the Museum’s galleries or by visiting the Museum’s website, www.slam. org/audio.

Make the most

of March

As part of the XFL’s latest reboot, the St. Louis Battlehawks have soared back into the city, playing at The Dome at America’s Center. The team will play five home games per season, with single tickets starting at $30. This year, the Battlehawks will play at home on March 12, March 18, April 8, April 16 and April 22.

By Barry Draper

Showcasing athletic ability, culinary expertise, musical prowess, visual creativity and more, the events in St. Louis this March will keep you on the edge of your seat. Looking for spring break inspiration? See why St. Louis is the perfect destination for a surprising staycation at explorestlouis.com/spring-break.

Arch Madness

March 2 to 5

Held in St. Louis for 33 seasons in a row, the State Farm Missouri Valley Conference Men’s Basketball Championship – affectionately known as Arch Madness – continues to be a spectacular showcase for the league. Make plans to attend the 2023 event at Enterprise Center, as all 12 teams will be battling for a trip to the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament.

Art in Bloom

March 3 to 5

Art in Bloom, the Saint Louis Art Museum’s annual celebration of flowers and fine art, returns as an in-person festival this month. Dozens of works from the museum’s collection will be imaginatively interpreted through floral designs by the region’s most talented florists. In addition to the floral displays, the festival includes special ticketed events, family activities, dining and shopping.

45th Annual Builders

St. Louis Home & Garden Show

March 3 to 5

Have questions about home improvements? Need inspiration for your yard? Looking for specific services? The Annual Builders St. Louis Home & Garden Show is the place for you. In its 45th year, it’s one of the largest quality consumer home shows in North America. Approximately 300 companies in 1,000 booths fill five and a half acres of exhibit space at America’s Center Convention Complex to create this mustsee event every spring. Here, you’ll find everything that you need to create the best home

life. Plus, the show offers fun for the whole family with chalk art, a full-size pickleball court, incredible performances by Disc-Connected K9s (the famous frisbee dogs) and more.

Snow Day: A Winter Beer Festival March 4

In St. Louis, we take our beer seriously. Enter Snow Day, a beer festival for the ages. On March 4, head to Molly’s in Soulard, where you can sample dozens of limited-edition brews from local and regional breweries. To shake off those winter blues, you can also enjoy seasonal cocktails made with top-shelf spirits, along with live music and firepits. The inaugural Winter Beer Festival will feature a restaurant row with irresistible eats and a curated marketplace with local vendors, as well.

Black Women in Media March 9

Throughout the year, Thursday nights at the Missouri History Museum offer engaging, uplifting, thought-provoking and perspective-shaping activities. On March 9, the series will focus on Black women in media, from the early days of TV to modern-day social media. Black women in St. Louis have long been integral to the production and proliferation of local media, and today, they continue to create opportunities for the next generation. This event will encourage dialogue about the role of media in the St. Louis community, the varied influences of Black women in media and what lies ahead for tomorrow’s media personalities.

St. Louis Battlehawks March 12 and 18

Ka-Kaw! Football is back where it belongs – St. Louis. As part of the XFL’s latest reboot, the St. Louis Battlehawks have soared back into the city, playing at The Dome at America’s Center. The team will play five home games per season, with single tickets starting at $30. This year, the Battlehawks will play at home on March 12, March 18, April 8, April 16 and

April 22. On weekends when the team is in town, you can also participate in fan-engagement and community-outreach events featuring players and staff.

Buddy Guy March 13

At age 86, Buddy Guy is a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee; a major influence on rock titans such as Jimi Hendrix, Eric Clapton and Stevie Ray Vaughan; a pioneer of Chicago’s fabled West Side sound; and a living link to the city’s halcyon days of electric blues. Guy has received eight Grammy Awards, a 2015 Lifetime Achievement Grammy Award, 38 Blues Music Awards (the most of any artist), the Billboard Magazine Century Award for distinguished artistic achievement, a Kennedy Center Honor and the Presidential National Medal of Arts. Rolling Stone also ranked him #23 in its list of “100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time.” Now, as part of his Damn Right Farewell Tour, Guy will perform with special guests Eric Gales and Ally Venable at The Factory.

Schlafly Stout & Oyster Festival March 24 & 25

Beer, shuckers and more than 80,000 oysters converge on St. Louis for the Schlafly Stout & Oyster Festival. It’s the largest festival of its kind in the Midwest – and one that you shouldn’t miss! Head to the Schlafly Tap Room on March 24 and 25, when 20 professional shuckers promise to put on a show. There will be more than 10 stouts on tap to pair with your oysters and live music in the background. Note: The Schlafly Stout & Oyster Festival is a credit card-only event. Taco & Margarita Festival March 25

Indulge in tacos and margaritas at Chaifetz Arena on March 25. The Taco & Margarita Festival will also feature a taco-eating contest, a hot chile pepper-eating contest, live professional wrestling, local shopping and more.

© El Anatsui, Courtesy of the artist and Jack Shainman Gallery, New York

SITE COORDINATOR, FREEDOM SCHOOLS

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs this summer. The six-week program provides summer enrichment for children and families.

The Site Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations and serves as the supervisor for one CDF Freedom Schools program site. The Site Coordinator should be capable of leading an intergenerational staff. The Site Coordinator should be committed to the goals of the program, able to work collaboratively with all program constituents and be familiar with the culture and dynamics of the community.

Starting salary range is $23.00 to $26.00 per hour.

To apply for this position, upload resume and references, all as one document, at: https://deaconess.org/joinus

LOSS PORTFOLIO TRANSFER CLAIMS MANAGER

Responsible for handling assigned claims from initial assignment to closure as well as provide assistance in various administrative functions associated with the Loss Portfolio Transfer Workers’ Compensation line of business.

To apply please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

ACCOUNTANT

Responsible for reconciliations of TPA bank account to general ledger escrow account and claims center. Funding escrow accounts related to primary workers’ compensation, commercial auto and general liability program accounts. Responsible for applying cash deposits for all companies. To apply, please visit: https://safetynational. com/careers-page/

SERVANT LEADER INTERN FREEDOM SCHOOLS

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs this summer. The six-week program provides summer enrichment for children and families.

Servant Leader Interns (SLI) are responsible for the front-line care and nurturing of the children. Using the Integrated Reading Curriculum, they serve as facilitators in the classroom. Deaconess will hire 12-20 Servant Leader Interns.

Starting salary range is $17.00 to $20.00 per hour.

View a full job description at: https://deaconess.org/joinus. To apply for this position, upload resume and references, all as one document.

QUALITY ASSURANCE TEST ANALYST

Analyze and dissect complex application/system specifications to create test scenarios that provide adequate coverage. Use critical thinking skills to raise and document system defects and other issues. Create and maintain manual regression test library consisting of end-to-end test cases.

To apply please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

FOOD PANTRY SUPPORT AIDE

PT position (25 hours/week) assists with food pantry operations, including picking up donations, stocking shelves, assisting clients with shopping, and maintaining storage areas and vehicle. Excellent customer service skills, ability to lift 50 lbs., and clean driving record. $16-17/hr. Resumes: hr@gasastl.org. EOE. www.gasastl.org

TEACHERS AND TEACHERS’ ASSISTANTS

St. Louis Catholic Academy is a faith-filled, K-8 school, located in the Penrose neighborhood of North Saint Louis. We’re a vibrant, urban community committed to partnering with families and ensuring each student’s success. Our school offers students a “family feel” and wrap-around support to help our students thrive through high school and beyond.

St. Louis Catholic Academy is currently looking to hire teachers and teachers’ assistants, interested in helping our students grow academically and walk more closely with Jesus. Our open positions include a STEM coordinator, a middle school English teacher, a science teacher, a second grade selfcontained teacher, a special education teacher, a math teacher, a learning consultant, and teacher’s assistants. We seek Christian teachers interested in sharing the gospel message, but our staff does not need to be Catholic. Teachers of color are especially invited to apply. We welcome candidates interested in either full or part-time work, for many of these open positions. Please email cover letter and resume to toben@slca-stl.org

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Non-profit

Interested

EDI COORDINATOR

Accountable, in conjunction with the EDI Intake Team, for receiving accurate data from external. Ensure integrity of data for reporting and analytics. Aid in the analysis and validation of data completeness, consistency, accuracy, and compliance to data standards.

To apply please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

SENIOR PROJECT MANAGER

Urban Strategies, Inc is seeking applicants for the Senior Project Manager. View the full job description here: https://www.paycomonline.net/ v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ ViewJobDetails?job=96931 &clientkey=B8689C441 EB9B37FC4441ADD2BE6 1EE7 or our website www.urbanstrategiesinc.org After entering our website, click on Who We Are and select Join Our Team to find career opportunities. USI is an Equal Opportunity employer, and this poisiton is funded in whole or in part with Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant funds from the US Department of HUD. Deadline to apply is 02/28/2023.

PRODUCT MANAGER

Spectrum Brands is seeking a Product Manager Home & Garden and Pet Latin America in Earth City, MO. Identify customer needs and larger business objectives that a product or feature will fulfill, articulate what success looks like for a product, and rally a team to turn that vision into a reality. Travel up to 15% of time, including international travel to Latin America. Must be able to speak, read and write Spanish. Apply on-line at spectrumbrands.com/careers

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Responsible for claims payment funds for primary workers’ compensation. To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/ careers-page/

PRODUCTION SPECIALIST

Great Rivers Greenway is hiring a Production Specialist. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids to apply.

MAYOR’S ASSISTANT & PROJECT MANAGER

The City of Wellston will be accepting applications for 2- two year grant funded positions. The Mayor’s Assistant and the Project Manager will take directions from the Mayor or the City Administrator and City Council. The project is in relationship to the vacancies adjacent to the housing authority properties. Interested parties who would like additional information may contact Janice Trigg , via email at jann.trigg@gmail.com

SouthSide Early Childhood Center is hiring for: Full-time assistant teachers in our infant, toddler, 2’s and preschool classrooms. Part-time & fulltime teacher floaters. Daily extended day teachers. Email your resume to Abrionna Humphery@southside-ecc.org

JUNIOR ACCOUNTANT

Great Rivers Greenway is hiring a Junior Accountant. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids to apply.

Washington University in St. Louis offers rewarding opportunities in various fields at all levels, with positions in engineering, nursing and health care, research, administration, technology, security and more.

Medical Assistant Apprentice- JR72269

How would you like to be a Medical Assistant, but don’t have time or the funds to go to school? We have a solution! Once you pass our entrance requirements and are hired through Washington University, you can complete our Apprenticeship program in just 12 weeks. Upon completing, and passing the credentialing exam, along with being a continued employee for 1 year, you will receive recognition as a Certified Medical Assistant. Class times will be during working hours (4 hours a week), and there will be no tuition costs to you.

JR72256 Senior Content Strategist for User Support - Medical Public Affairs - Hybrid location

The Senior Content Strategist is dedicated to content strategy within the user support realm of the university’s WordPress-based WashU Web Theme (https:// sites.wustl.edu). A major function of this position is to respond to campus partner queries and requests regarding use of the Theme, to troubleshoot and document bugs and other issues that arise, to train users on the Theme, and to serve as content strategist on the Theme documentation website. The content strategist also will work directly with campus partners to assess communications needs on their websites and develop web content to meet those needs. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in CMS-based web publishing, experience in a user support role, strong web technical experience and skills, strong interpersonal communication skills, a desire to work with people who have varying levels of web experience, and experience in organization, development and refinement of written content for websites.

JR71809 Senior Research Program Manager - Emergency Medicine:

This position provides direct oversight and management of large-scale research grants including, but not limited to, the ongoing MOST clinical trial, federal/non-federal agencies and other granting agencies as determined by the Department Chair and the Research Director. This entails all aspects of the granting process from submission to award, interaction with IRB, study sponsors and investigators. Responsible for ensuring that high quality research activities are maintained and all granting agency and University policies and procedures are adhered to. Further, this position provides direction to all external agencies that interact with the University ensuring compliance and with the authority to recommend changes in research protocol.

JR70353 Clinic Administrator – Pediatrics:

Position is responsible for coordination of daily operations of the pediatric service including physician support, patient services, staff supervision, and organizational management. Provides management direction and assistance in resolving issues and complaints by physicians, patients and referring physician offices. Coordinates patient services, including scheduling and pre-cert services, ensuring quality care is provided in a convenient, efficient and cost effective manner. Works with the Division Chief, Medical Director(s) and departmental senior leadership on developing the strategic plan to grow the division. Implements and monitors the developmental action plan. Scheduling responsibility for all support staff, nursing staff and providers.

JR70746 Director of Clinical Operations – Surgery:

Position will manage the implementation of the clinical operations plans by coordinating the delivery of clinical services. Facilitates the implementation of new physician practice models for clinical operations. Coordinates the development of operational and space plans to support the physician practice models. Assists in the implementation of the staffing model and the coordination of the clinical staff.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: BROWN & CROUPPEN located at 4914 Daggett Ave.

PARIC Corporation is soliciting bids for BROWN & CROUPPEN located on 4914 Daggett Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110. The project consists of 46,600 SF tenant build out of an existing building. Access to documents is available from our SmartBid link. If you do not receive a bid invitation, please send your company information to tlalexaner@paric.com

BIDS WILL BE DUE ON MARCH 1st, 2023 at 2:00 PM. Send all questions to Kory Kostecki (kKostecki@paric. com).

Goals for Construction Business Enterprise:

• 21% African American

• 11% Women

• 0.5% Asian American

• 0.5% Native American

• 2% Hispanic American

All bids should be delivered to Paric via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The Webster Groves School District is seeking bids for “Clark Elementary Courtyard Improvement Project”. Work shall include demo, privacy screens, concrete, ADA ramping/railing and drainage. For more information please visit: https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/ site/Default.aspx?PageID=3025

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Sealed Proposals for B23-1221 Laundry Vending Services will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept. 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg., Jefferson City, MO 65101 until 2:00 PM CT on 10March2023. Download Proposal Request at http://www. lincolnu.edu/web/purchasing/bids

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Property Management and/or Brokerage

City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office www.stltreasurer.org/ request-for-proposals

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The Webster Groves School District is accepting sealed bids for grounds maintenance. The requested services include: mowing and trimming, bed and leaf cleanup, and other landscape maintenance. More information can be found at: https://www.webster.k12.mo.us/ site/Default.aspx?PageID=3025

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Sealed Proposals for B23-1220A Tax Credit Consulting Services will be received at Lincoln University Purchasing Dept 1002 Chestnut St, RM 101 Shipping & Receiving Bldg., JCMO 65101 until 2PM CT on 03March2023. Download Proposal Request at http://www.lincolnu.edu/web/ purchasing/bids

INVITATION TO BID

PARIC Corporation is requesting bids for the: MU NEXTGEN PRECISION HEALTH BUILDING –LEVEL 4 SHELL SPACE FITOUT

The project consists of:

Project consists of the 4th Level Fitout of the Lab Bar and Innovation Tower in the existing Roy Blunt NextGen Precision Health Building (NGPH).

Documents: https://securecc.smartinsight.co/#/ PublicBidProject/685931

Bids are being requested for the following: Proposals are due on March 1st at 10:00AM by email to Mskalski@paric.com or bids@paric.com. We as that Subcontractor’s S.O.W due prior on February 28th. PARIC’s proposal is due to the Owner by March 3rd. A pre-bid meeting will be held at 2:30 p.m., C.T., February 16, 2023 in the General Services Bldg., Room 194A, followed by a site walk-through. A Diversity Participation Goal of 10% MBE, 10% Combined WBE, DBE, Veteran Owned Business and 3% SDVE has been established for this contract.

This Project is Prevailing Wage This Project is Tax Exempt

All requests and questions will be received until February 20th. After that time, no requests for clarifications or questions will be accepted. No questions or requests are to be made directly to the Architect, Engineer or the Owner.

All questions regarding this Invitation to Bid shall be directed to: Michael Skalski (Mskalski@paric.com) Bids shall be delivered to (Bids@paric.com) or (Mskalski@paric.com)

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Roadway Improvements, Capitol Circle Drive, Project No. O2293-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 16, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Request for Qualifications (RFQ) for Construction Manager at Risk for the New Laboratory Campus, MultiAgency, Jefferson City, MO, Project No.O2301-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 10, 2023. For specific RFQ information, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Resurface and Rehabilitate Paved Trail, Phase-1 at Babler Memorial State Park, Project No. X2119-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 9, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. This is an equal opportunity bidding event and MBE/WBE firms are encouraged to respond. Federal funds are being used in the project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS american

PUBLIC NOTICE

PHA 5-YEAR ACTION PLAN

A draft copy of the 2023- 2027 5-Year Action Plan for

The Housing Authority of St. Louis County, the Housing Authority of the City of Hillsdale, the Housing Authority of the City of Pagedale, and the Housing Authority of the City of Olivette. Will be available for review by interested parties at the following locations Monday through Friday from 8:30 - 4:30 pm.

• 8865 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, Missouri, 63121

• 133 Plum, Maryland Heights, Missouri, 63043

• 2876 West Pasture, St. Louis, Missouri, 63114

• 6203 Cote Brilliante Avenue, Wellston, Missouri

63133

• Housing Authority of St. Louis County website (www.haslc.com)

The Housing Authority of St. Louis County will hold a public hearing on March 07, 2023, from 11:00 – 11:30 am. on ring Central to review the plans and receive comments. Ring Central Meeting

https://v.ringcentral.com/join/586837819? pw=466d27d0b6496a06447e0aa684fc0328

Meeting ID: 586837819

Password: 8LPseiY8Re

One tap to join audio only from a smartphone:

+16504191505, 586837819,,,8577349873, United States (San Mateo, CA)

Or dial: +1 (650) 4191505 United States (San Mateo, CA) Access Code / Meeting ID: 586837819 Dial-in password: 8577349873

RESIDENT ADVISORY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PHA 5-YEAR ACTION PLAN

A draft copy of the 2023- 2027 5-Year Action Plan for The Housing Authority of St. Louis County, the Housing Authority of the City of Hillsdale, the Housing Authority of the City of Pagedale, and the Housing Authority of the City of Olivette. Will be available for review by interested parties at the following locations Monday through Friday from 8:30 - 4:30 pm.

• 8865 Natural Bridge, St. Louis, Missouri, 63121

• 133 Plum, Maryland Heights, Missouri, 63043

• 2876 West Pasture, St. Louis, Missouri, 63114

• 6203 Cote Brilliante Avenue, Wellston, Missouri

63133

• Housing Authority of St. Louis County website (www.haslc.com)

The Housing Authority of St. Louis County will hold a Resident Advisory Board public hearing on March 07, 2023, from 10:30 –11:00 am on ring Central to review the plans and receive comments.

Ring Central Meeting

Please join using this link: https://v.ringcentral.com/join/225373903?pw=9ecc3d2fac2e4932c19dd8ed7af0ad22

Meeting ID: 225373903

Password: eqzGWYHXH5

One tap to join audio only from a smartphone: +16504191505,,225373903,,,3794994945, United States (San Mateo, CA)

Or dial: +1 (650) 4191505 United States (San Mateo, CA)

Access Code / Meeting ID: 225373903 Dial-in password: 3794994945

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals for electrical projects under the direction of the circuit court in the Carnahan Courthouse, 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Civil Court Building, 10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Juvenile Family Courts Building, 920 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, Missouri 63108; Juvenile Detention Center, 3847 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108; and Juvenile Annex, 3827 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108.

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on April 18, 2023.

INVITATION TO BID

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Radio Tower Replacements, MSHP Troop D and Service Center Springfield & Carthage, MO, Project No. R2001-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 21, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Campground Loop 4 Upgrades Montauk State Park Project No. X2203-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 6, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities The State of Missouri, OA/FMDC, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry or national origin in consideration for an award. Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds are being used in this project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL:

SSD 105-23: NORTH TECH DENTAL SCIENCES LAB AT NORTH TECHNICAL HIGH SCHOOL.

Project Manual and drawings will be available through County Blue Reprographics beginning on February 28, 2023

A $100.00 refundable deposit check made out to Special School District will be required for paper copies of plans, a $50.00 non-refundable fee will be required for electronic digital downloads.

A non-mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 2:00 PM on Friday, March 3rd at North Technical High School, 1700 Derhake Road, Florissant, MO 63033.

Bids are due at 2:00 pm on March 30, 2023, at Special School District Purchasing Department, 12110 Clayton Road, St. Louis, MO 63131.

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals for Door Maintenance under the direction of the circuit court in the Carnahan Courthouse, 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Civil Court Building, 10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Juvenile Family Courts Building, 920 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, Missouri 63108; Juvenile Detention Center, 3847 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108; and Juvenile Annex, 3827 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108.

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on April 11, 2023.

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting proposals for plumbing projects under the direction of the Circuit Court in the Carnahan Courthouse, 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Civil Court Building, 10 N. Tucker Blvd., St. Louis, Missouri 63101; Juvenile Family Courts Building, 920 N. Vandeventer, St. Louis, Missouri 63108; Juvenile Detention Center, 3847 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108; and Juvenile Annex, 3827 Enright Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63108.

The Request for Proposal is available on the Court’s website http://www. stlcitycircuitcourt.com, click on General Information, then Request for Proposals.

Proposals must be received no later than 10 a.m. on April 4, 2023.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR OPEN-ENDED ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN, DRAFTING AND ENGINEERING SERVICES AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, MARCH 8, 2023 through the Bid Express online portal at https://www. bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/ home?agency=true. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website https:// www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ departments/public-service/, under BPS RFQ and RFP Announcement, or email Board of Public Service at bryanth@stlouis-mo.gov 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals. www.stlamerican.com

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Renovate Interior & Exterior, Project No. T2209-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 21, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Pergola Roof, Carnahan Memorial Garden, Capitol Complex, Project No. O2321-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, March 14, 2023 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SOLICITING BIDS

Curtiss-Manes-Schulte, Inc. is soliciting bids from MBE/WBE/ SDVE/DBE subcontractors and suppliers for work on the Nextgen Precision Health Building Level 4 Fitout, University of MissouriColumbia. Bids are due Thursday, March 2, 2023 by 12:30 pm and can be faxed to (573) 392-4527 or emailed to bbrown@cms-gc.com For more information, call Bob @ (573) 392-6553. Curtiss-Manes-Schulte, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Donald Maggi Inc. is accepting bids from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises for subcontracting opportunities on the Campground Loop 5 Montauk State Park, Salem MO

PROJECT NO. X2204-01

Bid Date and Time: 1:30 PM Thursday, March 9, 2023

Pre-Bid: 10:30 am Tuesday February 21, 2023

Plans/Specification is available via drop box or www.adsplanroom.net Contact Donald Maggi Inc. at 573-364-7733 or email maggiconst@gmail.com Donald Maggi Inc.

ANTEATER/ CAPYBARA METAL ROOF REPLACEMENT

RFP 2023

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Anteater/Capybara Metal Roof Replacement RFP 2023. Bid documents are available as of 2/22/23 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

SOLICITATION FOR BIDS (SFB)

Service: Ground Maintenance, Tree Removal, and Area Clean Up Services

Pre-Bid Meeting Date: February 28, 2023 11:00AM

Meeting will be held via Zoom. See SFB for details.

Question Due Date: March 1, 2023

Bid Due Date: March 9, 2023

M/WBE Goals & Incentives:

MBE goals:

WBE goal: 11%.

A five percent (5%) Bid discount shall be applied to construction, goods, and other services prime contracts on contracts $300,000 or less to prime African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American and Women-Owned Business Enterprise Bidders..

Point of Contact: Gigi Glasper – gxglasper@flystl.com

Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 890-1802. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/business/contract-opportunites Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

ST. LOUIS DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION REQUEST FOR STATEMENTS OF QUALIFICATIONS ENGINEERING SERVICES

Issued February 1, 2023

Responses due February 27, 2023

This RFQ and required Response Form is available online at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement.cfm

St. Louis Development Corporation is seeking Statements of Qualifications from engineering firms for the purpose of establishing a “short-list” of prequalified firms from which it and its constituent agencies may secure professional services as needed. The “short-list” is expected to include firms who are qualified in one or more of these disciplines: civil engineering, structural engineering, transportation engineering, marine engineering, and land surveying.

For more information, contact: Peter Phillips, at phillipsp@stlouis-mo.gov

The Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) allocated to SLDC, passed through the St. Louis City Community Development Administration, may provide funding for certain projects. SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. CITY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS –SCHOOL FOOD SERVICE

KIPP St. Louis is currently seeking fixed price proposals for contracted food service management of their breakfast, lunch, snack, and after school programming. KIPP St. Louis Public Charter Schools operates six schools across the City of St. Louis consisting of a high school, two middle schools and three elementary schools. KIPP currently enrolls 2,600 students and has a planned enrollment for the 2023-24 fiscal year of approximately the same.

Companies wishing to respond may obtain a copy of the RFP by visiting the KIPP St. Louis website at www.kippstl.org/, or request a copy by email to pfedchak@kippstl.org. Responses are due to the KIPP St. Louis’ Regional Office before 2:00PM CST on April 6, 2023. A mandatory pre-bid meeting and walk through of select facilities will occur at 10:00AM CST on March 29, 2023.

Complete proposals must be delivered to the KIPP St. Louis Regional Office, 1310 Papin Street, Suite 203, St. Louis, MO 63103 by 2:00PM CST on April 6, 2023. Electronic proposals will not be accepted. A public opening will occur at that time. KIPP St. Louis reserves the right to reject any or all bids.

MBE/WBE/SDVE/DBE/ VBE – MU COLUMBIA PROJECT CP220972

K&S Associates is soliciting bids for the Nexgen Precision Health Building level 4 shell space fit out project at the University of Missouri –Columbia, MO. Plans and Specs can be viewed at WWW. KSGCSTL.COM Please submit bids to estimating@ksgcstl.com Contact Dennis Dyes at 314-647-3535

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/ WBE/DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following:

CP220931 Neff Hall –Building Envelope Repairs

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com

Phone: 573-682-5505

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Airport Road

Resurfacing project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1692, Federal Project No. STP-5595(617) will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymovendors.munisselfservice. com/Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on March 8, 2023

Plans and specifications will be available on January 30, 2023 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo. gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

REQUEST FOR BIDS

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis (“LCRA”) solicits bids from firms to demolish certain residential structures in Wellston, Missouri. The work generally consists of asbestos surveys for all structures, abatement of asbestos containing material as needed, demolition of structures, removal of demolition debris, site clearing, and grading. This activity is funded in whole or in part with Community Development Block Grant funds pursuant to Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All applicable federal regulations are in full force and effect. A MBE-participation goal of 20% will apply to this project.

Be advised that contracts over $200,000 trigger Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968. Section 3 requires that economic opportunities generated by the expenditure of HUD funds be directed, to the greatest extent feasible, to low- and moderate-income persons via contracting, employment and training. All contractors and subcontractors working on this project will need to demonstrate compliance with Section 3 numeric targets and other applicable provisions. In cases where Section 3 compliance is not achieved, contractors and subcontractors must document good-faith efforts to comply.

LCRA will accept sealed bids for the work until Friday, February 24, 2023, at 3:00 PM, at which time all bids will be opened and read publicly via Zoom. Bid documents and bid opening details are available at www. stlpartnership.com. Electronic proposals and questions should be sent to ecastillo@stlpartnership.com

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

GREENHOUSE- GENERAL CONSTRUCTION & GREENHOUSE- PRE-ENGINEERED BUILDING RFPS 2023

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Greenhouse- General Construction RFP 2023 & Greenhouse- Pre-Engineered Building RFP 2023. Bid documents are available as of 2/8/23 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

PUBLIC HEARING NOTICE AND DRAFT 2022 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)

The City of St. Louis is soliciting comments on its draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CAPER is an overall review of the housing and community development activities undertaken in 2022 by the City of St. Louis. It is part of the Consolidated Planning process, which is a pre-requisite to receiving funding allocations from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the following programs: Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnerships, Emergency Solutions Grant, and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS.

Virtual Public Hearing Notice/Public Comment Period

The Community Development Administration will conduct a virtual public hearing on Wednesday, March 27, 2023 at 9:00 a.m. The purpose of this hearing is to solicit public comments pertaining to the 2022 CAPER prior to its submission to HUD. Instructions for attending the Virtual Public Hearing are available at: https://www. stlouis-mo.gov/events/eventdetails.cfm?Event_ID=35401

Available for Review

The 2022 CAPER will be available in draft form for review by any interested citizen prior to submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on March 13, 2023 through the City of St. Louis Community Development Administration website https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/community-development/documents/2022-caper-draft.cfm

The draft report, including IDIS reports and the Financial Summary, will also be available for review at the offices of the Community Development Administration located at 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103 and the City of St. Louis Central Library, located at 1301 Olive Street.

Written Comments

The views of citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties are encouraged. Written comments or suggestions with respect to the proposed 2022 CAPER may be addressed to the Community Development Administration, 1520 Market, Suite 2000, St. Louis, MO 63103 or via email at CDA@stlouis-mo.gov.

Written comments will be accepted until 9am on March 27, 2023.

Art and Empowerment Mural by Gonz Jove at Better Family Life Tue. Jan.24, 2023.

ly amped up the dialogue of BSAM, and Polk noticed that the Black community began seeking out this type of art, movies, music, and fashion.

It represents the concepts of “Afrofuturism, Astro Blackness, Afro-Surrealism, Ethno Gothic, Black Digital Humanities, Black (Afro-future female or African Centered) Science Fiction, The Black Fantastic, Magical Realism, and The Esoteric.”

Polk says Blerds in St. Louis have shared experiences since 2015.

The local BSAM chapter doesn’t boast its existence, “it’s more like an ‘if you know, you know’ type of thing,” according to Polk.

The local chapter has held four events. The most recent event was its Glow In The Dark CosPlay Party in 2018. Polk says the pandemic slowed things down for the local chapter, however, she is excited to put on more events for the Blerds’ community.

Movies including Black Panther, and Get Out, real-

“The tech wave has been more active in including Black girls and boys in STEAM spaces. Yet, the movement hasn’t taken off compared to other movements within the Black community,” Polk said.

“Regardless if you’re on board or not, Afrofuturism isn’t going anywhere; in fact, more and more of us are becoming interested in it.”

Polk says she stumbled into the movement during the Ferguson Uprising after meeting Dr. Reynaldo Anderson, executive director and co-founder of the Black Speculative Arts Movement. Anderson is an associate professor of Africology and African American Studies at Temple University in Philadelphia.

While involved in her community, Polk says she felt the need to do more. She had “so many questions about the state of Black folks economically,

educationally, and all areas where the Black community is behind.”

“[BSAM] is not waiting on people to define us, to tell us how to express ourselves, the lane we are supposed to stay in. We are more than a one-dimensional group of people.”

She uses local filmmaker David Kirkman’s movie Underneath: Children of the Sun as an example of Afrofuturism. The film explores the meeting of an enslaved person in Missouri in the 1850s and an alien that resembles him. Soon, the man is involved in an intergalactic war.

In an article written for the Blerd website, Kirkman says that Afrofuturism “gives a space for Black people where we can imagine a world for us that evaluates our past, present, and future.”

“Some of these concepts are foreign to us and that’s ok. We should embrace all that we choose to be,” said Polk.

“It’s a big whiteboard for us to decide what this is,” said Polk.

Art

er-daughter brand, Roi and Rik, designed a colorful pastel knitted cardigan accompanied with a matching skirt.

“I want you to feel happy when you wear my pieces and I want you to feel happy when you see them, so I do use a lot of color to evoke happy emotions,” Byrd said.

Adjo Honsou-Piper, owner of Tribe 228, features a piece from her new Cage Collection. Her inspiration comes from feeling “caged” herself because

SLSO

Continued

where. Then the flutes picked up the beat, then the trumpets, until the snare led the orchestra through a brass fanfare and the timpani rolled us out.

Lark first took the stage to play “Poeme,” op. 25, by Ernest Chausson (1896). She held her violin and slowly swayed to the cellos and horns easing in the theme and the flutes gliding over. Her first violin solo sounded like a folk song, then the string section embellished the melody. The solo then moved to a virtuosic but still quite simple melody before pitching into a frenzy punctuated by strings, woodwinds, then horns. After one flourish of pyrotechnics, Lark sawed off the fiddle almost violently and stalked around in front of the orchestra in her floor-length floral gown.

Then, “Tzigane” and that seemingly endless opening violin solo, though Lark evoked orchestral depths from her four bare strings. Ravel brought a sense of play to his homage to gypsy music. He got rhythmic grooves out of instruments

of the coronavirus pandemic, moving out of her apartment into a new house, and starting a new job with Pfizer.

“I was feeling this feeling of, ‘how do I channel this?’” Honsou-Piper said.

[The dress] is very versatile and accentuates what you’re wearing at the same time while also revealing whatever you wanna feel underneath.”

Myiesha Henderson, owner of Clothes by Eesh, created a two-piece suit, with a hat featuring a collage of mixed prints.

“I wanted to do a bold print, and I’ve been on this collage patchy aesthetic lately which is in my most recent collection

you don’t get to hear as part of a rhythm section every concert, handed the soloist what sounds like a nursery rhyme for the middle solo, and wrote a screeching skid for the entire string section, which opened up space for the final solo, a real burner that Lark whipped to a close.

Denève went back to his teasing ways by opening the second half with Debussy’s “Iberia” from Images(1905), which started with a jolt, but did not stay upbeat. After Debussy led a masterclass in counterpoising and blending instruments - there were so many different instruments onstage, you could never figure out where any sound was coming from - the piece hushed to a lull. The gongs and snare built back up the band, and daring percussive episodes ended with timpani flourishing to a dead stop.

That was all in the way of warming up for Ravel’s “La Valse” (1919), which this entire program had been setting up.

As a final programming wink at the trio of pieces played in the first half, “La Valse” opens quiet and slow, with deep pulses from the double basses (John Williams may have borrowed the “Jaws” theme song from

I’m working on,” Henderson said.

“I added in a hat at the last minute cause I felt like it was missing something.” Newson created Black Creatives in the Lou to be an informational engine for Black creatives in St. Louis to collaborate and share information and ideas with each other.

“I share. I’m an open book,” Newson said.

“If I got it, I’ll show you. Or I will get someone else that can help you.”

Black Creatives in the

this source). Then, it got crazy. The flutes played what sounded like a clown’s song. Timpani, trumpets and trombones reached a paroxysm that gave way to a herky-jerky passage that had the cello section dancing with their instruments in unison. Then the most guttural harumph from a tuba in all of the orchestral literature. The strings rose, fluttered, fell. The conductor looked like he was dancing at a Dead show as he coaxed the orchestra to the outer limits of possible sound before a whip-saw percussive closing that felt like a football game where the lead changes three times in the final two minutes.

Denève’s chest was heaving and he looked like a man possessed as he recognized the entire orchestra, asking everybody to stand, all at once. Then he did something remarkable. Knowing what he had just put us through, he recognized us, gestured to the audience, a packed Powell Hall that was on its feet. Then the conductor staggered offstage in a daze. Chris King covers classical music for The St. Louis American.

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Darcia Polk in front of the mural “The

Lou Black History Month exhibit is on display on the second floor of Saint Louis Galleria

Clayton to honor Crispus Attucks School, historic Black neighborhood

Marker unveiling

at 1 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24

St. Louis American staff

Before America declared its independence from England on July 4, 1776 and fought the Revolutionary War, a man of color stood proud with fellow patriots and gave his life under a barrage of British musket fire.

The hero who fell with four others on March 5, 1770, was former slave Crispus Attucks. Attucks’ name is on a street in the Meacham Park neighborhood of Kirkwood, and it also graced an elementary school in Clayton that served Black students during segregation. According to History.com, Attucks was at the front of group that confronted the British soldiers.

“His brazen defiance took considerable courage, since he had escaped slavery, he faced the risk of being arrested and returned to servitude.”

Samuel Adams organized a procession to transport Attucks’ casket to Boston’s Faneuil Hall, where Attucks lay in state for three days before the victims’ public funeral.

According to historians William Bruce Wheeler and Lorri Glover, an

estimated 10,000 to 12,000 people— more than half of Boston’s population—joined in the procession that carried the caskets of Attucks and the other victims to the graveyard. The Clayton Community

Foundation (CCF) and the City of Clayton is honoring the historic contribution of Attucks and its Black community during Black History Month.

From its incorporation in 1913 until the late 1950s, a thriving Black com-

Keep Legacy Alive

Sumner High School Alumni Association celebrates 20th Anniversary

By Walter Pritchard For the St. Louis American

“Pups” as the new generation of Sumner High School students are affectionately called in a mentoring and loving way by school’s alumni of yesteryear.

Sumner graduates, as far back as the 1940s, are cuddling and nourishing current students in each grade level to assure that future graduating classes of the first African American high school west of the Mississippi River know what it means to be a Bulldog, the school’s mascot.

The school was birthed when segregation and racial discrimination in education were the rule. Black teachers, students and supporters had to fight dearly for the opportunity to teach and learn in a conducive environment.

As a result, in its 148-year history, Sumner produced a “Hall of Fame” that includes notable personalities in business, education, media, politics, entertainment, lawyers, military, religion, government, medicine, science, sports and other occupational disciplines, as well as individuals who reaped a value of an education steeped in a tradition of excellence.

“The comradery, purpose and necessity that makes Sumner ‘Sumner’ is not as deeply grasped by students as it once was,” says 1971 Sumner graduate, Eugenia Davis, president of the Sumner Alumni Association STL. “They haven’t experienced that level.

“The shoulders that we stand on, the people who have come through

Sumner – the list is endless,” Davis says. “To be a Sumner Bulldog means so much. We bleed maroon and white, our

keep the name Sumner forever relevant, the alumni association is hosting its 20th anniversary titled, “Coming Home Round-Up Celebration,” 1-4 p.m., Sunday, February 26 in the Sumner Annex

munity called Clayton home. The area flourished between Brentwood Blvd. on the west, Jackson Ave. on the east, Forsyth Blvd. on the north and Forest Park Parkway on the south. Its Black families enjoyed a strong sense of

belonging in a tight knit community.

According to CCF, Clayton’s first school was built in 1880 and had

The honor roll of distinguished St. Louisans who attended Sumner High School includes authors, athletes, entertainers, and inventors

Arthur Ashe (1943–1993), Hall of Fame tennis player

David Peaston (1957-2012), Famous R&B Singer

Ethel Hedgeman Lyle (1887–1950), Founder of Alpha Kappa

Alpha Sorority, Incorporated

Chuck Berry (1926–2017), musician in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Lester Bowie, jazz trumpeter

Grace Bumbry (born 1937), opera singer

Baikida Carroll, trumpeter and composer

Alvin Cash, musician

Hon. William Clay (1931–), politician

Nate Colbert, baseball player

Billy Davis, Jr. (born 1938), singer, The 5th Dimension

Juan Farrow (born 1958), tennis player

Dick Gregory (1932–2017), comedian

Robert Guillaume (1927–2017), actor known for portraying the character Benson DuBois on the ABC sitcoms Soap and Benson

Victoria Clay Haley (1877–1926, class of 1895), suffragist and clubwoman

John Hicks, musician

Jessie Housley Holliman, educator and artist

Julius Hunter, retired Channel 4 television news broadcaster

Ivan C. James, Jr., engineer

Oliver Lake, musician

Naomi Long Madgett (1923–2020), poet and publisher

Robert McFerrin (1921–2006), opera singer and father of Bobby McFerrin

Gene Moore, basketball player

Oliver Nelson, jazz musician and composer

Bruce Purse, musician, trumpeter, writer

Wendell O. Pruitt (1920–1945), Tuskegee Airman in whose honor the notorious Pruitt–Igoe housing projects were posthumously named

Roscoe Robinson Jr. (1928–1993), first Black to reach rank of four-star general in US Army

Harry Rogers, basketball player

Marshall Rogers, NCAA basketball scoring champion

Ronald Townson (1934–2001), singer The 5th Dimension

Tina Turner (born 1939), singer in Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

Arsania Williams (1886-1954), educator and clubwoman in St. Louis

Margaret Bush Wilson, first Black woman to head the board of NAACP

Olly Wilson (born 1937), composer

Building, 4245 St. Ferdinand. The gathering will recognize charter members and new inductions into Sumner’s

Roscoe Robinson Jr. Ethel Hedgeman Lyle Dick Gregory Grace Bumbry

Crispus Attucks was a man of color who stood proud with fellow American patriots and gave his life under a barrage of British musket fire.

See Attucks, D3

Eugenia Davis, 1971 Sumner graduate and president of the Sumner Alumni Association STL.

Our

City Rec Department sponsoring Black History trivia contest

The City Recreation Division is sponsoring a family-friendly Black History Month Trivia Night from 5 to 7 p.m. Monday February 27, 2023 at the Marquette Recreation Center, 4025 Minnesota, St. Louis, MO 63118. Prizes will be awarded to the top team. This event is free and you can sign up when you arrive. There will also be a group poster contest and a prize will be awarded for Best Black History Poster design. Black trivia contests are gaining popularity throughout the nation, and many competitions include a round designated for the subject regardless of where or who is attending the event. Here are some possible Black trivia questions that could pop up during the contest.

1. Which African American inventor patented the process for making peanut butter?

For Black History Month, Affinia Healthcare would like to pay special homage to these future history makers, an esteemed group of caring and dedicated professionals providing high-quality healthcare to our community.

These providers and clinicians are examples of who we represent, using their skills and talents to serve our patients and communities, our inspiration for the work we do.

2. Who was the first African American Supreme Court justice?

3. Who refused to give up her seat on the bus that sparked the Montgomery Bus Boycott?

4. What was the nickname for the group of all black fighter group in the U.S. army air corps during World War II?

5. Who was the first Black Missourian elected to Congress?

BONUS: Brown v. Topeka

10. Shirley Chisholm

9. President Gerald Ford

8. Ralph Bunche

7. The North Star

6. Barack Obama was elected President of the United States in 2008, becoming the first African American to hold the office. Which number president was he?

7. Frederick Douglass was a social leader, abolitionist, and newspaper publisher. What was the name of his newspaper?

8. Who was the first African American to win the Nobel peace prize in 1950?

ANSWERS:

6. Barack Obama was the th44 president

4. The Tuskegee Airmen.

10. The first African American woman to run for president of the

BONUS: Which US Supreme Court ruling declared that segregated public schools were unconstitutional?

Dr. Alicia Barnes

Jordyn Norde, PharmD

9. Which American president officially recognized Black History Month in 1976?

under the Democratic Party?

1. George Washington Carver patented the process for making peanut butter in 1895.

2. The first African American Supreme Court justice was Thurgood Marshall, who served from 1967 until 1991.

3. Rosa Parks - She refused to give up her bus seat to a white person in 1955.

5. William “Bill Clay

Sumner

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alumni/student a cappella Choir, vendors, souvenir items and more. For more information, call the associations hotline at 314.345.2676.

Patricia Bell, a 1964 Sumner graduate, recalls that many of the new teachers were first generation, college educated professionals who demanded excellence from students. Bell sang is the a cappella choir, performing in such places as the St. Louis Symphony, which was new territory for black youth at the time.

“They believed in exposing us to any and everything; they didn’t want us to be limited,” says Bell, who is a retired SLPS teacher having taught at the elementary and middle school levels. She finished her career at Beaumont High School where she worked for 23 years.

“We were always taught that we were among the elite,” Bell says. Mellve Shahid Sr., a 1972 grad, says his time at Sumner is one of his most cherished

Clayton

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an integrated student body until segregation became law post-Civil War.

In 1888, Black children in Clayton began attending a one-room schoolhouse until the Crispus Attucks School opened in 1923 at the corner of Hanley Rd. and Bonhomme Ave. Children attended Attucks between Kindergarten and Eighth grade.

In the 1950s, Clayton displaced African American families and closed the Attucks School as part of an “urban renewal” program. The Mill Creek neighborhood in west St.

memories of his life. Shahid is a 16-year prostate cancer survivor and is founder of The Empowerment Network Inc., a nonprofit advocacy and education organization that helps men navigate through the disease.

“I’m proud to be a graduate and alumni of this great institution of learning,” he says. “The lessons I learned there instilled and shaped the character in me to be the best, because I came from the best. Long live Sumner High. Bulldog 4 Life.”

The role Sumner played in higher education. In 1857, St. Louis Public Schools established a normal school (teaching college) for white students. It wasn’t until 1890, that the city school system established Sumner Normal School to train black teachers. In 1929, its name was changed to Stowe Teachers College, which is now Harris Stowe State University, named atter author Harriet Beecher Stowe, whose novel, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, had promoted the abolitionist cause in the antebellum United States.

“You see, Harris Stowe was born out of Sumner,” Davis says. “The history is so deep. We had to create a college go to so we could train black

Louis suffered the same fate. At 10 a.m. Friday, February 24, a historical marker at the site of the former Attucks School will be unveiled.

“African Americans have a proud and rich history in Clayton, and it is important to remember the legacy of the men, women, and children who built a community for themselves in present day downtown, only to be forced out by circumstances beyond their control,” said Cordell Whitlock, Clayton Community Foundation president. “CCF is committed to preserving and promoting the history of Clayton, and this marker will be a valuable tool to educate and inform others.”

The African American neighborhood in Clayton

teachers.”

At its peak in the 1940s and 50s, Sumner had an enrollment of 5,000 students. Today, the student body population is around 200 pupils. Sumner’s annex building houses the Northside Economic Empowerment Center under the umbrella of the St. Louis Development Corporation. The St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (S.L.A.T.E.) is operating there along with the Annie Malone Therapeutic Academy.

There have been attempts to close Sumner due to dwindling enrollment, the fate of many city public schools over the years because of the city population loss, desegregation, the rise of Charter schools and other factors.

But Davis declares, Sumner will not cease to exist, “Not on my watch.”

“We have a rich and powerful legacy that we want to keep alive and well, to make sure the doors of Charles Sumner High School remain open as an elite institute of learning,” Davis says.

For more information, call the SHS Alumni Association at (314) 345.2676.

included a church, Clayton Baptist, and a playground that was located at the present site of the Ritz-Carlton Hotel.

The marker follows “best practices” advised by the Missouri History Museum, according to Whitlock, and compliments a ground marker that was dedicated by the Clayton School District in 2007.

“A special thanks to the CCF History Committee, the Mayor’s Commemorative Landscape Task Force, volunteers, and CCF Donors for making this project possible,” says Whitlock.

For more information , please visit www.ClaytonCommunityFoundation.org.

Honoring leaders giving back to their communities

During Black History Month, AARP recognizes leaders that help build up their communities.

These heroic leaders prioritize the well-being of their neighborhoods by giving back through education, housing assistance, community outreach and more.

We believe when our efforts drive change for the greater good, we thrive together.

To learn more about these community leaders and their journeys, scan the QR code or visit aarp.org/blackcommunity