January 10th, 2019 Edition

Wesley Bell explains interim policy changes

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

The first week in office for St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell included firings, changes on what to prosecute – and leaks to the media of an internal policy document, which was in part misreported. That leaked document outlined interim changes effective January 2 as Bell and his administration discuss and develop final policies. Those interim changes involve bail/bonds, issuing of charges, discovery requests, preliminary hearings, witnesses and victims,

St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell explained interim policy changes to a reporter from The American on Tuesday, January 8 after an interim policy document was leaked to media and misreported in part by other media.

Doing the math

practiced subtraction by using 10 cubes during a math session in

Columbia Elementary School in the Saint Louis Public School District on Tuesday,

Filing closes for March 5 primary

Reed challenged by Nasheed and Green, many aldermanic seats contested

By Rachel Lippmann

St. Louis American

Tishaura endorses Nasheed

Treasurer says she would make Board of Aldermen more progressive

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

n “By my math, putting Nasheed on the Board with Green would be a vote closer to 15.”

– St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones

St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones endorsed Jamilah Nasheed in the heated race for Board of Aldermen president at a rally for Nasheed on Saturday, January 5. Nasheed will try to unseat long-standing incumbent Lewis Reed in the March 5 municipal Democratic primary. Jones said it was a tough decision choosing between Nasheed, a state senator since 2013, and the other major contender seeking Reed’s position, 15th Ward Alderwoman Megan Ellyia Green. Both were ardent supporters during Jones’ campaign for mayor in 2017.

“The easier thing for me to do would have been to sit out of this election because both Megan and Jamilah are my friends; they are like sisters,” Jones said. “Both of them would do a much better job than Lewis Reed.” Reed also ran for mayor in 2017. However, Jones told the crowd that Nasheed’s

Nasheed has name recognition from her 12 years as an outspoken member of the Missouri General Assembly and will give Reed a run

Residents of St. Louis will head back to the polls on Tuesday, March 5 for municipal primary elections. Filing for those contests — president of the Board of Aldermen and even-numbered wards — closed Friday, January 4. This is the first time since Lewis Reed was elected aldermanic president in 2007 that he will face any significant competition for re-election. He is being challenged by termlimited state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, and Alderwoman Megan Ellyia Green, D-15th Ward.

Photo by Wiley Price

Of

Photo by Wiley Price

Tasia Towns, Shemiah Green and Maxwell Morgan and

Rose Bruce’s second grade class at

January 8.

Megan Ellyia Green

Kevin Hart apologizes for old tweets, says chances of hosting Oscars are ‘slim’

Monday on his Sirius XM radio show, Kevin Hart apologized in third person regarding the old tweets that led to him exiting as host of the 2019 Academy Awards.

“I will say this, and I want to make this very clear. And I’m going to say it just in case you guys try to take this [expletive] and chop it up, I will rebuttal with this [expletive] piece right here,” Hart said. “Once again, Kevin Hart apologizes for his remarks that hurt members of the LGBTQ community. I apologize. I’m not debating right from wrong. I’ve already stated it’s wrong. But, the other side of it is this. If the fight from the LGBTQ community is equality, that’s the fight. The fight is the will and want for equality. I’m riding with you guys. I understand you. But in the fight for equality, that means that there has to be an acceptance for change.”

TMZ.com camera men approached Hart for an impromptu interview, where he said it was unlikely that he would host this year’s ceremony, despite endorsement from former

Oscar host and LBGTQIA activist

Ellen DeGeneres

“Chances are very slim,” Hart said. “I love The Academy and I also love the people involved with building the Oscars out. This year was just a tricky year, maybe in the future it will work out.”

‘Surviving R. Kelly’ sparks criminal investigation

According to TMZ.com, The Lifetime documentary ‘Surviving R. Kelly’ has led to a criminal investigation against the singer in Georgia.

from others who have lived in Kelly’s former Atlanta home or have direct knowledge of what happened in the home.”

Meanwhile, in Kelly’s hometown of Chicago, Cook County prosecutors are requesting that alleged victims contact their office.

While they haven’t gone so far as to launch a criminal probe, TMZ says Cook County State Attorney Kim Foxx has urged any alleged victims to “please come forward.”

“Sources connected to the case tell us the Fulton County District Attorney’s Office has opened an investigation into allegations made against the singer in ‘Surviving R. Kelly,’ ” TMZ said. “We’re told the probe was launched over the past few days as a direct result of what ‘Surviving’ depicted. We’re told investigators have been reaching out to several survivors featured in the TV project. We have confirmed investigators reached out to Asante McGee one of the women who allegedly escaped R. Kelly’s home.”

TMZ says that Fulton County DA’s office has been “flooded with calls.”

“The attorney for Joycelyn Savage’s family was contacted by Chief Investigator Cynthia Nwokocha and has been fully cooperating,” TMZ.com said. “We’re told investigators have been asking for contact information

Staffers claim Wendy Williams’ husband blames them for side chick tea

According to Radar Online, Wendy Williams’ Kevin Hunter believes her staff is to blame for the barrage of rumors regarding his infidelities that have hit celebrity gossip news sites.

“Kevin sat down the entire ‘Wendy’ staff on Monday morning,” a source told Radar. “Everyone thought Kevin was going to provide an update on Wendy’s health, but instead

Kevin ranted for almost an hour about the leaks coming out of the show to the press.” Hunter allegedly read “specific articles and headlines” in an “intimidating voice” to the workers.

“He was overly paranoid about any info about their private life leaking,” the insider said.

“The strange part was he provided no update on Wendy’s health, when she would be back or how she was feeling, which was clearly info that everyone at the show needs to do their jobs,” the insider said. “He was threatening that whomever was the source would be

And Hunter is determined to find the culprit, as he has been “testing the staff by leaking out information to certain people to see if he can catch

Williams announced on Monday that her hiatus would continue through January 14, so that she could “give 200 percent” and “be pain free” after fracturing her shoulder last month.

The Blast.com and RadarOnline.com

R. Kelly

School leaders must learn – and teach – facts of incarceration

Youth who have been incarcerated are 26 percent less likely to graduate from high school

By Tiffany Anderson

For The St. Louis American

The New Year is always a time to reflect, renew and refocus. As an educator, my reflections focus on removing the oppression that prevent students from accessing the high quality of education all students deserve.

As the first female school superintendent in Topeka, Kansas, as a lifetime member of the NAACP, as a black parent with two adult children, I am compelled to review the year from the perspective of systems that remove quality educational opportunities. My reflections this year have led me to examining further the systematic incarceration of children.

The Committee on Education and Workforce at the U.S. House of Representatives reports that more than 1 million children are currently involved in the juvenile justice system, and many more youth are at risk of entering the system because of difficult circumstances, such as poverty, broken families, and homelessness. Youth who have been incarcerated are 26 percent less likely to graduate

from high school and are more likely to return to jail.

In 2017, Topeka Public Schools was one of the early adopters of the Juvenile Justice Reform Act. I am proud of the work Topeka Public Schools has started as a school district that adopted policies to partner in reducing incarcerated youth that target men and students of color at alarming rates. However, we recognize the deeper effort must also focus on changing mindsets. Incarceration removes or reduces quality educational experiences that empower youth. In this New Year, I encourage all to reflect on the 56 percent of Hispanics and African Americans who made up the incarcerated population in 2015, although they represent only 32 percent of the U.S. population overall. According to the NAACP, African-American children represent 32 percent of children who are arrested yet 52 percent of children whose cases are sent to criminal court. African-American people, particularly men, are criminalized at high rates, and it starts with our children.

After joining Topeka, I started visiting youth in the

correctional facility in 2017 and holding formal graduation ceremonies as they completed high school requirements in an effort to restore hope and dignity to students, empower youth to access education and seek the opportunities it provides as part of their future.

To build onto this, we began giving leadership staff development through our

measures are a positive step; however, legislation doesn’t change hearts and minds, which ultimately impacts actions and outcomes.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. said, “It may be true that the law cannot change the heart but it can restrain the heartless. It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me but it can keep him from lynching me.” I

n Most school leaders have not spent much time in detention centers, and most students don’t have graduation ceremonies while incarcerated.

Equity Council at the juvenile detention center. New leaders are required to participate in the Equity Council, which I co-chair, for three years. Through my Equity Council role, I can listen, learn and shape mindsets by offering new experiences. Leaders cannot effectively serve those whom they don’t understand. Juvenile justice reform

believe Dr. King’s insistence on legislation is key, but I also believe restraint through legislation without a changed heart limits true reform.

Congress passed the Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention Act in 1974, and 15 years later over 1 million youth are incarcerated, resulting in the Juvenile Justice Reform Act. The Juvenile

Justice Reform Act of 2017 aims to reduce the high rates of incarcerated youth. I offer a challenge to all to renew commitments and relight the fire to take action to change hearts, minds and inspire true reform.

We know people learn best by doing. Educators must ask themselves how much have we done individually to change outcomes? Most school leaders have not spent much time in detention centers, and most students don’t have graduation ceremonies while incarcerated.

Most public schools do not teach about the system that can create what Michelle Alexander, author of the book

“The New Jim Crow,” refers to as a caste system creating a new type of Jim Crow laws targeting people of color. However, we can expose, teach and target reform through education, and 2019 is a year to accept the challenge to act now. Time is so precious. The time to act is now. We do not know what tomorrow holds, but we know our actions today can influence what happens tomorrow. Actions do not have to look like those taken in

After joining Topeka Public Schools as superintendent, Tiffany Anderson began visiting youth in the correctional facility in 2017 and holding formal graduation ceremonies as they completed high school requirements in an effort to restore hope and dignity to students.

Photo: Topeka Public Schools

Topeka. However, they should confront implicit bias and expose patterns and trends that indicate unequal educational opportunities. Our actions must empower ourselves and others to be disrupters of poverty and injustice. Fear diminishes positive impact, and we must educate and remove the fear that breathes life into systems that place children in cells systemically at the earliest of ages. I believe each educator and community member has a divine calling. We must have the courage to walk in our calling in order to create a system and conditions where all know they truly belong. Imagine what changes would occur in 2019 if all public school educators committed to reflect on and teach about incarceration. Imagine if we all renewed a commitment to truly reform our juvenile justice system in 2019 with leadership from the heart so well-meaning legislation can have the intended positive impact.

Tiffany Anderson is superintendent of Topeka Public Schools.

Editorial /CommEntary

Wesley Bell brings change, some police counter with lies

Last year, St. Louis County voters made it clear that they wanted sweeping change in the county prosecutor’s office. They – and we ourselves – had tired of a prosecuting attorney who refused to hold rogue police officers accountable. They were – and are – angry that while African Americans make up just 24 percent of the county’s population, they are 51 percent of people charged with crimes and brought into court. They could no longer watch a criminal justice system unmoored from equity, where the system profited off the backs of poor – and disproportionately black – people. And so voters demanded change at the ballot box by electing Wesley Bell to replace Bob McCulloch as prosecuting attorney, by a crushing 14 percent margin driven by heightened voter turnout. The voter turnout, unusually heavy for a midterm primary, reflected the participation of many people who had given up on the system – many people who had, in fact, been traumatized and crushed by the system.

The person jailed without being convicted or even tried of a crime may well lose a job, custody of children, housing, and everything families rely on for stability. Studies have shown this system makes us less safe, because when people with few means lose what economic supports they do have they become more, not less, likely to commit crimes.

Bell energized voters by promising sweeping, not small or incremental, reforms of criminal justice as practiced by McCulloch, and he built a balanced, diverse and skilled transition team to ready some reforms for day one, while sowing the seeds for others.

He immediately promised to stop prosecuting low-level marijuana possession cases. This brings the county in-line with the national consensus – about six in 10 Americans support marijuana legalization. It is legal in 10 states, and medical marijuana is legal in 33 states, including Missouri. Across the state, Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker announced, after the proposition to legalize medical marijuana won by nearly 200,000 votes, that her office no longer would prosecute low-level marijuana possession cases. Not only does this change reflect public consensus about what is and isn’t a criminally dangerous drug, it’s also a move toward racial equity, given the extreme racial disparities in arrest rates for marijuana possession between blacks and whites in Missouri.

Bell’s promise to end cash bail for misdemeanors and certain non-violent felonies – also in place on day one – is another move toward racial and economic equity. The cash bail simply lets people with money buy their freedom, on almost any charge (subject to judicial discretion), while people who are poor sit behind bars on nonviolent, low-level charges.

Bell also should be applauded for his decision to enforce child support orders through the civil, not criminal, system. Under McCulloch, St. Louis County was left behind as an outlier on this crucial issue that impacts so many, mostly poor, families. In 2017, St. Louis County filed 531 felony criminal prosecutions for non-payment, versus just 37 in the City of St. Louis and around 12 per county statewide. Like imposing cash bail, filing child support delinquency as crimes only hurts children and families (and, by the way, the economy). When people go to prison for non-payment, they have no way to earn a living to support their children whom the state is trying to force them to support. When we incarcerate poor people for child support delinquency, as when we impose cash jail, we are running a debtors’ prison, holding people behind bars simply because they have no money to pay for release. Bell vowed to handle these cases so that deadbeat parents who refuse to pay can still face jail for civil contempt, but they no longer will have felony convictions to mar their chances of future gainful employment.

Bell’s policies are well considered and have worked in other places where prosecutors moved away from the mistakes of the past, making communities more safe and the system more just. And yet a group from the police officers’ association, in fear of reform and (we believe) black leadership, are spreading lies in an attempt to inject fear and chaos into our community. They are distorting and even lying about Bell’s policies, claiming that his office has abolished warrants for serious crimes and that there will be no arrests in those cases. That is not true. In fact, it is a reckless and cynical attempt to disrupt the peace perpetrated by officers who swore to protect it. Bell has said in no uncertain terms that when there is a threat to a witness or victim, his office will issue a warrant and the police should make an arrest. The police officers’ association claims to the contrary are a gross abuse of their position as public safety officials – and they should correct their statement immediately.

HOMEGROWN BLACK MALES

I try to help out and give back

By RaJae Johnson

For The St. Louis American

Part of a year-long series, presented by The American and the Brown School at Washington University, on changing the narratives and outcomes of young black males in St. Louis

I am a 20-year-old AfricanAmerican male born and raised in the ghetto of St. Louis. I graduated from Jennings Senior High School, where I was a three-sport athlete (football, basketball and baseball) and received a lot of local attention for it. I dealt with a lot of stuff because of my skin color, on and off the field.

Growing up being a black male has a lot of challenges to it; you get judged and stereotyped. Still to this day, it’s hard going to very classy places and making an accident and having everyone not of your skin color judge you. Society think we are up to no good and can’t have success. In school, I felt that I wasn’t doing enough on the field or for my community. I wanted to be heard, so I joined my student government when I was a freshman. Now I try to help out and give back to the athletes who play for my old

high school and other schools too. I try to give them the best advice I can, because I wasn’t the brightest going to school, but I eventually shaped up.

I am now in a community college in San Mateo, California pursuing my dream of playing professional ball and furthering my education in social science. I want to show the kids back home that anything is possible. Right now I am one of the highestrecruited student-athletes throughout the country for football on the community college level. None of this would be possible if I did not have a support system. Jennings might be a small community, but the people there always have loved and supported me.

One of my goals is to get my education. My family stresses that football is not always going to be there, and I want to make getting my degree the focal point. I have been playing

football since I was eight years old; I put a lot of blood, sweat, and tears into this game. I would like to start with the Jennings community and give back to the athletic programs, because it was hard times when I was playing. I would like for Jennings to be a place where kids would want to go.

One of the main things I want to do is mentor troubled kids and help them be better than what they see. Fortunately, I had many positive role models growing up, like my brother Luther Banner III and my stepfather. However, I had bad ones too. I feel that my faith and purpose is to give back and lead the ones who come after me.

RaJae Johnson is a student and football player at San Mateo College in California.

“Homegrown Black Males” is a partnership between HomeGrown STL at the Brown School of Social Work at Washington University in St. Louis and The St. Louis American, edited by Sean Joe, Benjamin E. Youngdahl Professor and associate dean at the Brown School, and Chris King, managing editor of The American, in memory of Michael Brown.

Other regions thrive as St. Louis dies –is a unified government the answer?

By Charles Jaco For The St. Louis American

Cities and regions don’t stagnate and die by accident. It takes a lot of thought and purposeful action to take an area with world-class institutions and reduce it to irrelevance. St. Louis managed, though, through a century and a half of selfish decisions that were often racist, usually the brainchildren of the rich and powerful, and almost always greedy.

In the 1860s, magnates from the dying steamboat industry delayed a railroad bridge across the Mississippi, guaranteeing that rail and rapid growth moved to Chicago. In 1876, the City of St. Louis divorced itself from St. Louis County, kick-starting division and stagnation. In 1916, St. Louis mandated apartheid, declaring most of the city off-limits to black residents. In the 1940s and ‘50s, city whites fleeing de-segregation founded dozens of small county towns, zoned to keep black people out. In 1963, Gussie Busch stopped Disney from putting its first giant theme park outside of California in St. Louis because Disney refused to serve beer in its parks. St. Louis lost. Orlando won.

There are dozens of inflection points like that in St. Louis’ history. The result is a dying central city and a stagnant surrounding region where average incomes have fallen, well-paying jobs have largely vanished, and the best and brightest young people flee.

Regional leaders and politicos think that can be cured by eliminating all cities and towns in St. Louis County, merging the county with the city, and creating a new metro government for a new City of St. Louis that would stretch from Wildwood to Soulard. The new St. Louis would contain around 1.1 million people and would be the 10th largest city in the U.S.

According to the St. Louis Business Journal, St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson and St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger are on board with the plan. So is right-wing billionaire Rex Sinquefield, who funded a group called Better Together. Better Together’s idea is that a unitary metro government, similar to successful ones in places like Nashville and Indianapolis, would save money, improve services, and achieve a critical mass that will get St. Louis off of life support.

There are plenty of reasons

Letters to

Transit investment is a must for Missouri

The 2019 legislative session is fast approaching, and it’s imperative the topic of transit investment remains top of mind among elected officials.

Transit systems across the nation receive approximately 40 percent of their annual operating budgets from their respective states. This is not the case in Missouri. For more than a decade, the state legislature has continued to slash funding to an all-time low, with $1.7 million split among 34 transit providers last year. Many local transit providers now get less than one percent of

to be skeptical, based solely on public policy and good governance. Would a larger unified city be better able to tackle crime and poverty? Would more attention be paid to bombedout, crime-ridden sections of North City? Would a new police force be more efficient and less racist? Would a city of a million-plus be better able to attract new talent and new jobs than a shrinking central city and a surrounding county with 88 (!) cities and towns? Would taxpayers’ costs be cut? Would more attention be focused on issues of inequality that boiled over during the Ferguson unrest? Can you trust anything that uber-Libertarian Sinquefield and his deep pockets are associated with?

This being St. Louis, though, you can bet questions of good governance will take a back seat to questions about power and race. Many white residents live in St. Louis County because they wanted to get away from black people in the city. They and their elected politicos will bleat about “local control” and “government close to the people,” when they’re actually saying “Eek! Negroes!”

Meanwhile, some black politicians in the city will oppose any uni-gov movement because, in the city, black folks make up half the population. In a uni-gov city/county, blacks would make up about 35 percent, roughly 390,000 of the 1.1 million total population. That’s a serious dilution of political power. But before we have to start decoding what area residents and elected representatives actually mean when they open their mouths, we need to look at two relatively close cities and at what a uni-gov system did for them.

The New York Times recently called Nashville “the rising star among midsized American cities” and compared its success with the failures of shrinking, troubled Birmingham, Alabama over the same period. It was sad to read, simply because you could have inserted “St. Louis” for “Birmingham” anywhere in the article and it would have still been accurate.

In 1962, voters in Nashville and Davidson County,

their annual operating budgets, including Metro Transit in St. Louis, which received just over $400,000 in 2018.

To bridge the gap, transit providers rely on federal dollars and seek creative means to secure resources, but the persistent lack of funds has resulted in service cuts and fare hikes in various communities.

Missourians rely on public transit for 62 million rides a year. For many, transit access is the only means by which they can get to work and doctor appointments. But the impact extends beyond providing critical access. A safe, reliable public transit system plays a key role in stimulating economic development,

Tennessee merged their governments. Initially skeptical politicians, black and white, were persuaded to endorse the merger. Fast-forward 57 years, and we find Nashville has the third-fastest growing economy of any American city.

Former Nashville Vice-Mayor Jay West has written that the combined metro government was the secret sauce that allowed growth to happen.

“The main advantage is the ability to briskly respond to economic challenges that arise, as well as develop at a faster economic rate overall,” West wrote in a monograph for California’s Chapman University. “Without a consolidated government, there are typically issues with repetitive areas of government and multiple government operations simultaneously co-existing. This can be problematic.”

Eight years after Nashville merged with Davidson County, Indianapolis did the same with surrounding Marion County, Indiana. In 2014, a Baltimore non-profit called the Abell Foundation commissioned a report on uni-gov in Indianapolis since 1970. The Abell report laid out a compelling economic case for the uni-gov concept. Researcher Jeff Wachter wrote, “The unified economic development operation and a broader vision for the city’s future fostered by consolidation helped prevent an economic decline and population exodus.”

The report concludes that “some of the benefits of consolidation might not have been dependent on unified government as much as a unified vision for the region’s future.”

Right now, of course, St. Louis has no such vision. We do have economic decline and population exodus. We have selfishness and parochialism. We have racism and small power fiefdoms. But a vision for the future? Nope. The 9/11 Commission report concluded the U.S. was vulnerable to a terror attack because our leaders displayed “a failure of imagination.” That same failure that helped bring down the World Trade Center towers has brought down St. Louis, brick-by-brick, for decades.

Maybe St. Louis needs uni-gov. Maybe not. But we desperately need imagination, not more selfishness. Charles Jaco is a journalist, author, and activist. Follow him on Twitter at @ charlesjaco1.

attracting and retaining business, establishing healthier, sustainable communities, connecting individuals to job opportunities and furthering equality. It was a priority for the Cortex Innovative Community in St. Louis and for developers along the Kansas City Streetcar Alignment, and it matters in smaller communities too.

Funding needs to be added to the state’s list of priorities for legislators – it’s essential to moving Missouri forward.

Kimberly Cella, executive director

Citizens for Modern Transit Missouri Public Transit Association

Columnist Charles Jaco

Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

GOSPEL, JAZZ, BLUES BRUNCH EVENT

Ida was the recipient of numerous community awards and honors.

She was the quintessential “Master of Ceremony” at many events and often influenced others to share their time, talents and financial resources.

bridging individuals of different ethnicity, race and socioeconomic status.

Ida spent nearly 40 years as a teacher, counselor and administrator with the Saint Louis Public Schools. She served as a special assistant to the Superintendent and Director of Community Engagement and Partnerships. Ida graduated from Harris-Stowe State University and studied at Webster University and Saint Louis University earning a Masters Degree in Education, Human Relations and Community Development. Ida was very active in the community and served on many boards including Hopewell Mental Health Center, Charles and JoAnne Knight Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center and the Urban League Guild. She was a member of Jack and Jill of American, National Coalition of 100 Black Women, St. Louis Chapter of Drifters and the St. Louis Chapter of The Links, Incorporated. She was a founder and served more than 50 years as Director of the Education Department, Eastern Missouri First Jurisdiction Church of God in Christ. Regarded by many as a treasure, Ida was what people call a connector…

The late Ida Goodwin Woolfolk was a dedicated member of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. for 57 years and served as Chair of the Delta Gospel, Jazz and Blues Brunch from its inception in 2013 until her passing on March 23, 2016. In 2017, the Brunch was renamed the Ida Goodwin Woolfolk Memorial Gospel, Jazz and Blues Brunch in her honor.

Remembering

Ida

Bishop McKenzie serves as the 117th elected and consecrated bishop of the African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church. Her historic election in the year 2000 represents the first time in the over 220-year history of the AME Church, a woman had obtained that level of Episcopal office. She presides as prelate of the 10th Episcopal District, which is the state of Texas. She also serves as the

McKenzie as our Founders Day keynote speaker.

Greetings Sorors of the Saint Louis Alumnae Chapter and the Saint Louis Community: We are proud to celebrate 106 years of scholarship, service and sisterhood during our Founders Day weekend. Welcome to those who will participate in our luncheon, ecumenical service and 106&Party celebration. We are so elated to have Bishop Vashti Murphy

The 7th Annual Ida Goodwin Woolfolk Memorial Gospel, Jazz and Blues Brunch will take place on Sunday, March 24, 2019 at 1:00 p.m. The event will be held at the St. Louis Union Station Hotel. Brunch Tickets are $75.00 each. Chairwoman of the Board of Trustees of Paul Quinn College in Dallas, Texas and is a member of the Board of Trustees of the Interdenominational Theological Center in Atlanta, Georgia. There is no doubt that Bishop McKenzie’s words will leave us with a sense of renewal to rededicate ourselves to the principles and ideals of our beloved sorority.

Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta

Written By: Shirley A. Brown

BRUNCH PROCEEDS Proceeds from the Gospel, Jazz and Blues Brunch will benefit community programs for youth and families and provide funds for the Ida Goodwin Woolfolk scholarship established at Harris-Stowe State University.

Goodwin Woolfolk

2018. We have made an impact on Saint Louis City and the Saint Louis County area through our Five Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Political Awareness and Involvement and Physical and Mental Health. Our youth programs such as Delta Twinkles, Delta

The Saint Louis Alumnae Chapter celebrated 92 years of service to the community on December 19,

Academy, Delta GEMS, EMBODI and Ariya/Rites of Passage Program have made an impact on youth across the city and county regions. This year the Ariya/Rites of Passage Program will culminate with a 25th year celebration. This program has produced scholarship funds for over 500 young ladies in the area. In December of 2018, the Breakfast with Santa theme was “Rekindling Your Love for Learning and Literacy.” Over 600 toys and 79 Kindles were donated to this event. Approximately 500 families received toys, a delicious pancake breakfast, and books. As we put a little R.E.S.P.E.C.T. on our Founders Day weekend, let us be mindful that we are Revolutionary, Exceptional Sisters who are Purpose driven to Effect Change Today, tomorrow and always. We must continue to uphold the vision of our 22 Founders who chartered the course for us to follow.

President’s Forward

In keeping with this rich tradition, the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter (SLA) preserves the same legacy of service through local programs, particularly those created for youth. Delta Twinkles (girls 6-10) A signature SLA program, offered through our P.E.A.R.L.S. for girls (Promoting Education Arts Responsibility Leadership and Service); teaches the importance

Since January 13, 1913, the focus of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. has been to address the needs of our community through targeted service and educational programs.

The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., served more than 500 complimentary hot breakfasts, distributed 600 toys, books and 79 Kindle Fire 7’s as well as provided a of community service, creativity through art and hands-on learning with STEM (science, technology, engineering, mathematics) projects. Delta Academy (girls 11-14) A national Delta program, providing opportunities to learn, serve and grow with the primary goal of preparing girls to be effective leaders in the 21st century; activities include training sessions on etiquette and self-esteem, attending cultural events and field trips. Delta GEMS (girls 14-18)

“This year, we also wanted to convey the message that learning can be fun, so we placed emphasis on giving away books and Kindle readers, which is in line with our Chapter’s focus on educating our youth,” said DeJeanette Williams, president of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter. “Thank you to our Chapter members who volunteered to support the event. I would also like to thank those who donated Kindles or money to help purchase gifts for this occasion. A special thanks to our committee chairs Tonya Jackson and Rega Wesley-Stewart for providing leadership, and to the Breakfast with Santa Committee for their hard work in making this 11th anniversary event a tremendous success,” said Williams.

complimentary photo with Santa during its 11th Annual Breakfast with Santa Charity Event. The event was held on December 8, 2018 at the Innovative Concept Academy in St. Louis. The theme was “Rekindling Your Love for Learning & Literacy.” The purpose of the charity event is to serve breakfast and give away toys to help ease the burden of holiday shopping for parents/guardians who may not have the resources. It is also the chapter’s way of sharing the joy of Christmas by helping to make the holidays a little brighter for children in the St. Louis Metropolitan area.

A national Delta program, EMBODI (Empowering Males to Build Opportunities for Independence) is designed for young men. Sessions include group discussions, guest speakers and community service projects focused on leadership, healthy lifestyles, character, college readiness and civic engagement. ARIYA Rites of Passage (girls, senior year of high school) . St. Louis Alumnae’s signature sixmonth mentoring program for college bound girls in their senior year; based on the seven principles of Kwanzaa with training sessions including effective communication, financial responsibility and campus

St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Written By: Kerri

Holloway

A national Delta program, Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully) offers high school girls specific activities that present a road map for college and career planning; interactive lessons encourage self-reflection and individual growth. EMBODI (boys 13-18)

Additional SLA youth programs include: Dive into Books with Delta (promoting reading literacy through story time and book giveaways to elementary school children); Breakfast with Santa (community Christmas toy giveaway and pancake breakfast); Mind Guard Scholarships (high school seniors applying to a four-year college or university). For more information, visit www.dst-sla.org

safety. This year’s 25th anniversary celebration will be held on April 28, 2019 at the DoubleTree Hilton in Chesterfield.

DeJeanette Williams President, St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

Baby New Year in Alton

Ashtyn Lyric Telford arrived a couple of days early and thus became the first baby born in Alton in 2019 when she arrived at 12:13 a.m. Wednesday, January 2 at Alton Memorial Hospital.

Ashtyn, 18.5 inches long and 7 lbs., 8 oz., is the daughter of Justyn and Ashley Telford of Godfrey. Justyn works for Morrison’s Food and Nutrition at Alton Memorial Hospital. Ashley said that Ashtyn was due on Friday, January 4, but she was delivered by Dr. Jamie Hardman shortly after midnight on January 2. Ashtyn is the third child for the Telfords. Their sons are 15-year-old Jaylen and 9-year-old Jordyn.

Lunar eclipse viewing January 20-21

The public is invited to join the Astronomical Society of Eastern Missouri (ASEM) at Broemmelsiek Park from 9:35 p.m. on Sunday, January 20, through 12:50 a.m. on Monday, January 21 to see a total lunar eclipse, also known as a Blood Moon. This spectacular event in the night sky is a beautiful sight to see as the moon takes on a reddish, yellow or orange glow when the Earth comes between the sun and moon and covers the moon with its shadow.

The full eclipse begins at 10:41 p.m. and ends at 11:43 p.m., but total duration of the eclipse is 5 hours 12 minutes,

if the sky is clear. The viewing will be held at the park’s Astronomy Viewing Area, 1615 Schwede Rd. near Wentzville. Unlike a solar eclipse, the lunar eclipse can be viewed with the naked eye, and no special equipment is needed. However, ASEM members will have complex telescopes set-up to give a closer look at the moon’s surface and other astronomical happenings.

For more information about the St. Charles County Parks and Recreation Department’s event, visit the ASEM online at asemonline.org/.

Trump is teaching our children racism

By Dorothy Dempsey

For The St. Louis American

I believe there are quite a few white people as well as people of color who have had enough of president Trump’s racism. No president in my experience has ever been so blatant in his efforts to discredit people of color.

Trump questioned President Obama’s American birth, U.S. Rep. Maxine Water’s intelligence, Colin Kaepernick’s freedom of speech, and LeBron James finances and freedom of speech. His endorsement of Laura Ingraham’s racist words to LeBron James – “shut up and just dribble” – is an excellent example of Trump’s racial viewpoint.

His comments remind me of the photographs of white supremacists gathered around happy and gleeful as if at a family gathering bonfire to watch the lynching of blacks, with their children present as black people are being hung from trees

When I watch Trumps on the media, the first thought that comes to mind is: why are the children there? What God-fearing parents want their children privy to all the sinful rhetoric spewing from Donald Trump’s mouth at these events.

Yet it answers the question as to why children become racist. They are not born racist, and they do not get up one morning and decide they dislike people of color. Most children are born as loving and caring human beings.

Children become racist because they are taught to be racist. President Trump is teaching our children racism, hatred and division on a daily basis. People are dying because of all of the things he is saying.

The president’s brazen response to the horrific events of this past year was to tell the Republicans to get to the voting booths to help him. His seemingly lack of empathy for the horrific events of the murders of people at the Jewish synagogue, the 14 bombs sent to President Obama and others, the murder of two African Americans, and a white supremacist hate crime at a Kroger store in Louisville have left people fearful of what will happen next in this world of uncertainty.

This man should step down from the office as president of the United States. America is at risk like never before. The sheer totality of his inadequacies is mind-blowing. Who is this man we call president?

Please tell me why anyone would want this man to continue to be the president in a world that your child grows up in. Who wants their child to be taught hatred, racism and bigotry on a daily basis?

This world should be a place where all people are equal and free, a world of peace and tranquility where there is no more division and hate, only love. God’s wish for all of us is to love one another. No president who promotes hatred and fear should ever be the president of the United States.

Dorothy Dempsey

legislative experience was the deciding factor. In a press statement, Jones further explained that adding Nasheed to the board, where Green already serves, would bring it closer to a progressive majority.

“By my math, putting Nasheed on the Board with Green would be a vote closer to 15,” Jones said.

In her rally speech, Nasheed spoke out against the privatization of St. Louis Lambert International Airport, as well as putting a St. Louis city-county merger on a ballot for the entire state to vote on. She talked about growing up in the projects where she had to fight. Her mother committed suicide and her father survived the Vietnam War only to be gunned down in a drive-by shooting, she said.

“I know all too well about

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Continued from A1

marijuana possession, failure to pay child support, legal financial obligations/restitution, probation classification, and who makes public statements to new media.

The most controversial of the interim changes to date was moving nonpayment of child support out of criminal court to civil court.

“If you start with a criminal matter, the person is prosecuted; if they get probation or incarceration, the child support still accrues and, when they get out, it’s harder to get a job, it’s harder to get employment, housing –because they have that felony conviction,” Bell told The American “Or, we can do the civil route, which is what the city does, which is what St. Charles does, primarily, and most of

gun violence and poverty,”

Nasheed said. “I’m not new to this. I’m true to this. I was that kid who wasn’t supposed to make it, according to statistics. I was that girl breaking laws, and now I’m that girl making laws and making change.”

Nasheed now lives in the Gaslight Square neighborhood. Nasheed said some called her ill-prepared for this position, despite her sitting on legislative committees that oversee 19 state departments and a $28 billion budget. She touted that she “brought home” $28 million of that budget for St. Louis.

The president of the Board of Aldermen also serves on the Board of Estimate and Apportionment, the city’s chief fiscal body, along with the mayor and comptroller.

Nasheed said she is running because she wants to address the city’s long-existing inequities.

She said she wants to advocate for “young boys and girls north of Delmar who are

the state has done. The child support is a civil order, and if they are in contempt of that order, a judge can incarcerate them for worst-case offenders.”

In 2017, Bell said St. Louis County prosecuted over 530 cases. as opposed to the average county in Missouri that only prosecuted about a dozen, while the City of St. Louis prosecuted less than 40.

“We are getting St. Louis County in line with the rest of the state and this is a policy that effectuates what we actually want, which is for people to be able to take care of their family,” Bell told The American Putting child support nonpayment cases in civil court does not leave children without the non-custodial parent’s support, Bell told The American. He does not want someone to go to jail for being poor. A jailed parent who can’t afford to make bail for release cannot get or maintain a job or make a good-faith effort to

up and down the street every day and all they see is vacant, abandoned buildings with a sense of hopelessness. Our city is not working for everyone.”

However, Nasheed said, “It’s working for the individuals who want to open a soccer stadium without a community benefits agreement. It’s working for the individuals who want to privatize the airport and tell you that you shouldn’t have a say. Lewis doesn’t work for us in this room. We’re going to retire Lewis on March 5.”

Nasheed said that “powers that be” would much rather have Reed on the Board of Estimate and Apportionment and at the helm of the Board of Aldermen than her.

“We need someone who is going to be bold and effective,” Jones said. “She isn’t in this for herself. No matter what part of the city you come from, no matter your background, no matter how you grew up, she is here for all of us.”

pay child support, and it creates greater personal and family instability.

n

“The worst-case offender who is incarcerated in a civil matter doesn’t have that same stigma of a felony conviction on their record,” Bell said. “It’s not going to be as hard for them to get a job; they don’t have to check a box.”

or attempt to accept any plea/ finding of guilt for felony or misdemeanor marijuana possession, regardless of the amount, without written approval from supervisor.”

“I do not believe in prosecuting poverty. We’re not going to operate the courts as debtor’s prisons.”

Bell’s interim policy document states that the county will not prosecute cases of marijuana possession of less than 100 grams, and prosecution of more than 100 grams of marijuana will only be pursued “if evidence suggests the sale/distribution of marijuana.”

– St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell

For pending cases, the office “will not proceed with

For probation violation and bail/ bond conditions, he directed prosecutors not to file or purse motions to revoke probation arising solely from the use or possession of marijuana.

The office put into effect immediately the revisions to Rules of Criminal Procedure of the Missouri Supreme Court that are to be effective July 1. This includes issuing summons rather than warrants on all misdemeanor offenses, with no requesting cash bond for any misdemeanor offense without written

approval from a supervisor. If the defense counsel requests, prosecutors will “agree to a recognizance bond for any individual currently incarcerated on misdemeanor offenses.” There are some exceptions, requiring written approval from a supervisor, when the witness or victim exhibits signs of physical injury or there is convincing evidence that there is a danger to the witness or victim.

The same directive applies to Class D and E felony offenses. Most D and E felonies are nonviolent offenses, and some do not have individual victims. Class D felony charges include resisting arrest, fraud, passing bad checks, among other offenses, and can result in fines up to $10,000 and seven years in prison. Class E felonies include some assaults, abuses, and acts of criminal negligence and convictions and can bring up to $5,000 in fines and four years in prison.

In probation violation matters, prosecutors will not pursue “motions to revoke probation arising solely from failure to pay legal financial obligations and/or restitution unless a hearing has been held regarding the defendant’s ability to pay and the court has made a ruling finding willful nonpayment.” This applies but is not limited to court costs, intervention fees, and fees associated with conditions of supervision, such as electronic home detention.

“We’re going to proceed with getting impact and input from not only this office’s attorneys and staff, but also stakeholders, to make sure we come up with sound policies,” Bell told The American. “But as an overriding principle, I do not believe in prosecuting poverty. We’re not going to operate the courts as debtor’s prisons.” Read the full interim policy changes at www.stlamerican. com.

St. Louis Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones endorsed Jamilah Nasheed in the heated race for Board of Aldermen president at a rally for Nasheed on Saturday, January 5. The municipal Democratic primary is Tuesday, March 5.

Photo by Maurice Meredith

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financially as well. As of October, Nasheed had about $375,000 in her campaign fund – about $150,000 more than Reed had on hand. She also raised more than Reed between July and October. Reed recently paid a $1,095 fine for failing to report almost $11,000 in contributions to his campaign. If he commits another campaign-finance violation in the next two years, he will have to pay an additional $9,855. Green will be overmatched in the fundraising department (she had less than $20,000 on hand as of October), but is relying instead on the enthusiasm of the more-liberal wing of the Democratic party.

Perennial Democratic candidate Jimmie Matthews also has entered the race, as has Jerome Bauer on the Green Party ticket.

Open aldermanic seats

Nine new aldermen have been elected since April 2017, and the board will get at least three more new members this April, with the departures of Terry Kennedy, Scott Ogilvie and Frank Williamson. Kennedy, who will resign from the board to become its new clerk, is backing the 18th Ward Democratic committeeman, Jesse Todd, in the race. Two men who rose to prominence during protests over police-involved shootings, the Rev. Darryl Gray and activist Dhoruba Shakur, have also filed for the seat, as has Judith Arnold, a longtime resident of the ward who helped push for the formation of a special business district. (Shakur will be on the ballot by his given name, Jeffrey Hill.)

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Commission and For Sake of All reports in making a bold and innovative legislative agenda grounded in social movements. What does such an agenda look like?

Fund our schools and ask the rich to pay their fair share

The City of St. Louis has over $8 billion in development that is in progress or planned. Every time the Board of Aldermen issues a tax break for wealthy developers to build luxury homes or sports stadiums, our schools lose out on revenue. Underfunded schools exacerbate crime rates and poverty levels. It’s time that we require that millionaires and billionaires pay their fair share of taxes so we can fund our schools, provide basic city services like trash pickup, and pay living wages.

Close the Workhouse and invest in proven gun violence reduction strategies. We should keep our communities safe and help end gun violence, not by continuing to lock up people who are poor, mentally ill, drug addicted, and convicted of no crime, but rather by eliminating cash bail and closing down the Workhouse. We can use the $16 million in savings per year on innovative crime reduction strategies like Operation Peacemaker in Richmond, California that provides counseling, social services, and jobs to those at risk of committing gun crimes if they stay out of trouble. This program cut Richmond’s homicide rate in half.

Make access to quality affordable housing a right. In 2017 Metro St. Louis only saw luxury apartments built. With increasing rents and property taxes, static wages, and the closure of homeless shelters, St. Louis is facing a housing crisis. With one in five St. Louisians paying more than 30 percent of their income on housing costs, we need to require affordable housing set-asides or payment into an affordable housing fund for all new market-rate developments, which can be used to fund a 24-hour walk-in shelter. We must also follow the lead of cities like Minneapolis and create a long-term plan to manage growth for our city that mitigates the effects of

In the 24th Ward, attorney and former alderman Tom Bauer has filed to get his seat back. Bauer, who was ousted in a 2005 recall, is familiar with one of his opponents, Lorie Cavin. Bauer sued Cavin and other 24th Ward residents in 2005 for defamation over fliers about a proposed gas station development, though Cavin was later dropped as a defendant. The ward’s Democratic committeewoman Teri Powers, Democratic committeeman Danny Samples and attorney

climate change and racial discrimination.

Stop Trump’s privatization agenda. While Republicans like Rex Sinquefield are working to privatize operations of our largest asset, St. Louis Lambert International Airport, as a way to make profits off of busting unions and increasing fees on consumers, our elected leaders must vote against any efforts to privatize city assets. Pursue an inclusion agenda With continual attacks from Republicans at the state and federal levels on people of color, immigrants, LGBTQIA+ people, and women, it’s imperative that the City of St. Louis take bold steps to protect all people who live and work in our city. We must pass anti-racial profiling reforms, ensure police and government resources are not used to collect unnecessary information on our immigrant community, strengthen public and workplace accommodations for our transgender and gender non-conforming community, and protect access to reproductive health, domestic violence, and sexual assault services.

Stop the wealthy and wellconnected from calling all the shots at City Hall. We can’t fix City Hall with elected officials who are funded by

Bret Narayan round out the five-way race.

In the 26th Ward, Shameem Hubbard will be looking to join her sister-in-law Tammika Hubbard, D-5th Ward, at the Board of Aldermen. As the former Democratic committeewoman for the ward, she is likely to be favored over three other opponents.

Hotly contested seats

In addition to the three open seats, all but two of the 11 incumbents will have

the interests that benefit from the status quo. Cities all across this country are moving toward publicly financed campaign systems in which residents receive vouchers to donate to their preferred candidates or small-dollar matching systems in which a candidate’s small-dollar contributions are matched with public dollars. These systems empower residents and make candidates accountable to voters, not donors.

Opportunity for all. All people in St. Louis should have access to living-wage jobs and the job training needed for today’s economy. Businesses receiving tax breaks should be required to pay living wages to all employees. We need to pass fair workweek and paid family leave ordinances to provide workers with stability. We need to develop a basic income pilot program in accordance with the recommendations of the National League of Cities to combat the effects of growing income inequality and economic insecurity.

Transformational change always starts with the people.

To build the city and the country that St. Louisians deserve, we must take on both the right-wing Republicans and the corporate Democratic establishment, while uplifting

opponents. For some, it’s their first serious challenge since they were elected.

Christine Ingrassia, who represents the 6th Ward, is facing three opponents: rapper Cedric Redmond (better known by his rap name C-Sharp), Debra Carnahan — an attorney and the wife of former U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan — and Henry Gray, who is active in the Gate District East Neighborhood Association.

Cara Spencer, D-20th Ward, will face Sunni Hutton, who is on leave from her position as

demands rooted in social movements.

This is why I am running for president of the Board of Aldermen. I am proud to be the only candidate in this race who is not funded by the same corporate and Republican donors who have profited off of the destruction of our city. In fact, I’ve had over 1,000 donations to my campaign, averaging $53, and 71 percent of them have come from city voters.

We can decrease our crime rates while increasing trust between police and our community. We can lessen the grip that special interests and political donors have on City Hall to create a St. Louis that works for people. We can redevelop our city in a way that grows our tax base, provides funding for our schools, and leaves no one out.

Together, we can put St. Louis on the map for the right reasons.

Megan Ellyia Green is running for president of the Board of Aldermen in the March 5 Democratic primary. The American will offer the three most competitive candidates equal space to present their views before the election.

St. Louis Board of Aldermen President Lewis Reed filled out the paperwork to enter the Democratic primary for his office on Monday, November 26. The primary is March 5.

Democratic

the community development manager at the Dutchtown South Community Corporation.

Wendy Campbell, the ward’s Democratic committeewoman, made the decision to drop out — she had filed on December 7.

The results of the mayor’s race in 2017 showed Jeffrey Boyd could be vulnerable — he came in fourth in his own 22nd Ward — and a candidate has emerged to test that proposition, Tonya FinleyMcCaw. Her son, Rasheen Aldridge, is an activist and the

Because St. Louis is heavily Democratic, the winner of the Democratic primary generally wins the seat. But the ballot picture won’t be complete for a few days, as candidates can drop out until January 14, and independent candidates who want to run in April have until February 11 to file.

Follow Rachel on Twitter: @rlippmann. Edited for length and reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

committeeman in the 5th Ward.

Photo by Kae Petrin / St. Louis Public Radio

Bell rolls out diversion programs

St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell announced partnerships with health and community organizations to offer diversion and treatment for persons with addiction and mental health issues who are accuses of

Harbaugh, president of Specialty Generics at Mallinckrodt, and Alan Freeman, president and CEO of Affinia

are among his community partners.

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell is moving nonviolent addiction and mental health issues out of the courts and into treatment, where individuals can recover and become productive again. And he has many partners standing with him, representing medical facilities, community organizations and businesses.

The Bell Plan, announced Tuesday, January 8 at his first press conference as prosecutor, was an overview of current issues, partnerships and future goals to expand the capacity of St. Louis County’s diversion programs and alternative courts in order to reduce criminal activity by addressing addiction and mental

Prosecutor, partners decriminalize addiction, mental illness ‘Any guns or weapons?’

n “Simply put, we believe the Bell Plan will make St. Louis both safer and more prosperous.”

– Matt Harbaugh, Specialty Generics at Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals

illness.

“Currently, only a tiny fraction of the cases in St. Louis County are referred for addiction and those in need of mental health care and treatment, but programs of this type have been very successful in other jurisdictions that prioritize these efforts,”

Bell said.

“The principal behind this idea is simple: when nonviolent offenders receive treatment, they are less likely to reoffend, which can break the cycle of escalation that so often starts with addiction or mental illness and ends with violent crime or death by drug overdose.”

In 2017, one out of every 65 deaths in Missouri was from opioid overdose. In the past two years in St. Louis County, he said, opioid overdose has killed nearly three times as many people as homicide.

He said the Bell Plan will make St. Louis County safer for everyone, while reducing the prison population and freeing resources

Pediatricians say child checkups should include gun safety advice

By Sarah Fentem Of St. Louis Public Radio

As a pediatric surgeon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Dr. Bo Kennedy has seen firsthand how bullets can shatter tiny bodies.

He has collected dozens of horror stories from his time in the hospital’s emergency department, including the time a 3-year-old boy stuck a loaded gun in his mouth and pulled the trigger.

“That’s what he did with his water pistol to get a drink out of it,” Kennedy said. “And obviously he didn’t survive.”

Because of their experience treating guns’ youngest victims, St. Louis pediatricians have increasingly considered it their responsibility

n The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends doctors talk to parents about firearm safety during visits.

to promote gun safety by talking to parents about how to keep guns away from children.

They’re following guidance from American Academy of Pediatrics, which recommends doctors talk to parents about firearm safety during visits. The academy’s official stance is guns should be kept

locked, unloaded and away from where kids can find them.

But having that conversation is becoming more difficult, Kennedy said.

“Talking about guns has become much more of a volatile issue in the past 20 years,” Kennedy said. “The [National Rifle Association] has named any conversation about keeping guns in a way that’s safer into a control issue, and I think people have become very polarized.”

According to the journal Pediatrics between 2012 and 2014, an average of 7,000 children were killed or injured by firearms each year. Of those shootings, 1,300 were

By Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Of The St. Louis American

In the fall of 2018, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued sobering data showing the U.S. life expectancy actually declined for the second time in three years, from 78.7 years in 2016 to 78.6 years in 2017. Though the numbers may seem insignificant on the surface, any decline in a highly industrialized nation with public education, a sanitation system, access to the latest technologies and life-saving medications seems out of place. The decline, per the report, was mostly due to the increases in opioid deaths and suicide – two preventable causes of death.

Some 70,000 more people died in 2017 than 2016, totaling over 2.8 million deaths. Death rates rose significantly in the age ranges of 25-34 years, 35-44 years, and 85 and older, while death rates actually dropped in the middle-aged category of 45-54 years.

Heart disease, cancer, unintentional injuries, chronic lower respiratory diseases, stroke, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, influenza and pneumonia, kidney disease, and suicide still make up the 10 leading causes of death.

So, you may be asking yourself, why start out on such a depressing note in 2019? Why not a more uplifting story to start the new year? My answer: what better way to motivate you than to share the harsh reality of the facts?

Not all health conditions are totally avoidable depending on family history, but some are definitely preventable, such as opioid addiction. Using pain meds appropriately and in the right settings and keeping them out of the hands of young people are the first steps in prevention. Having medications such as Narcan readily available for overdoses and providing the necessary treatment for opioid use disorder are additional resources that are becoming standard practice to help curb this epidemic. Though family history may contribute to cancer, heart disease, and stroke diagnoses, smoking cigarettes and obesity are the sparks that can start the flame. Cigarette smoking

A10 ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

non-violent crimes. Matt

Healthcare,

Pediatrician Ken Haller tried to get 3-year-old Azaya Clemons to laugh during a checkup at Danis Pediatrics in Midtown St. Louis.

Photo by Sarah Fentem / St. Louis Public Radio

Photo by Wiley Price

Five tips for getting fit and fine

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

It is just the second week of 2019, and those who intend to get fit and fine are looking to get started or to stay consistent toward achieving their health and wellness goals for the New Year. Research shows that without proper support and resources, achieving changes for a healthier lifestyle can be near impossible. Health experts at Envolve, an integrated healthcare solutions company by Centene, have put together five tips to make it easier to accomplish the healthy outcomes.

Seek support. Find others who share common goals and surround yourself with persons who are on the path to bettering themselves to help inspire and motivate you to work harder and feel more accountable to increase your chance for success.

Help others. Volunteering at a local animal shelter, visiting a nursing home or donating clothes to those in need provides health benefits – a decreased risk of depression, reduced stress levels and it may help you live longer. Challenge yourself to help someone at least once a month.

BELL

Continued from A10 to work on violent crimes that immediately impact public safety.

Several organizations have already agreed to partner with Bell’s office in this effort to move targeted offenders from courts to treatment.

Alan Freeman, president and CEO of Affinia Healthcare, said among its ambulatory substance use services is comprehensive medicationassisted treatment.

“Our MAT program involves a 10-day, intensive, outpatient treatment period,

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fatal, and close to 80 — about 6 percent — were accidental shooting deaths.

In the last month alone, there were at least two incidents in St. Louis in which young children died or were injured after finding a loaded gun. A first-grade girl in Florissant died after her older brother found a loaded pistol in a dresser drawer and accidentally shot her. Just a week before that, a toddler in Pagedale found a 9mm handgun in his father’s backpack while he was looking for snacks. He pulled the trigger and shot himself and his 7-year-old brother. Guns carry different risks for children of different ages. In those under 12, the greatest risk comes from accidental shootings. Adolescents and teenagers are in danger of finding a gun and using it to

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Get satisfaction. Pay attention to the nutritional value of the foods you choose to eat, as well as your sense of satisfaction as you’re eating. Be mindful and aware of your hunger and fullness when contemplating when and how much to eat.

Add positives. Try adding in a healthy element to your routine versus removing an unwanted behavior. Instead of eliminating desserts completely from your diet, try adding a piece of fruit. You’ll still get the sweetness you desire, but not the unhealthiness. For hydration, start drinking a 12 oz. glass of water before and after every meal. You’ll feel fuller longer and possibly reap health benefits like improved brain function, better skin, and lessening kidney issues.

Switch it up. Doing the same thing over and over can be boring. Switch things up and sign up for an event or competition like a 5K walk or run. Having an end goal and mixing up your routine will give you a fresh perspective. Plus most group events or races benefit non-profit organizations so you’ll be contributing to a good cause and feel even better about yourself.

which includes medical visits, family support sessions and individual counseling,” Freeman said. “FDA-approved medications are combined with behavioral health therapies to provide a comprehensive approach to treatment in a primary-care setting.” Bell said Dr. Kendra Holmes, vice president and COO of Affinia Healthcare and the deputy chair of his transition team, is leading the way with this new diversion program.

Darryl Jones, director of community engagement and partnerships at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, said the 33 programs of the Urban League will all

kill themselves, Kennedy said.

While accidental shootings in children are going down, suicides are increasing. Nationally, more than 650 children each year intentionally shoot themselves with a gun, according to the Pediatrics study. Three-fourths of those died.

Pediatrician Ken Haller, M.D., the immediate past president of the Missouri chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics, asks the “gun question” at nearly every checkup, tailoring it to fit the age of the child.

In the case of 3-yearold Azaya, a stone-faced toddler in a pink coat, he worked the topic into a larger conversation about general safety in the home during a routine checkup. Pediatricians call this “anticipatory guidance,” but parents will recognize it as the part of the visit in which doctors ask about potential hazards such as swimming pools or incorrectly installed car seats.

“Are there things in

harms almost every organ in your body and is the cause of 1 in 5 deaths. Per the CDC, the risk of dying from cigarette smoking has increased over the last 50 years in the U.S. Even smoking as few as 5 cigarettes a day can cause cardiovascular disease.

Therefore, do yourself a favor. If you don’t smoke, don’t start. And, if you do smoke, get help immediately. There are so many resources available for smoking cessation. Call your doctor now!

n “When nonviolent offenders receive treatment, they are less likely to reoffend, which can break the cycle of escalation that so often starts with addiction or mental illness.”

– St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell

be offered as resources for individuals in these diversion programs.

“These are the changes that are needed, and these are the changes that are going to help us live up to the potential that we all know this community has,” said Jones.

Matt Harbaugh, president of Specialty Generics at

your house that could be hazardous?” he asked Azaya’s mother, Angella Brown. “Any guns or weapons in the house?”

Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals, said when they were approached about supporting the Bell Plan, they were excited about the opportunity to take part in a visionary program that will make a difference in our community.

“Simply put, we believe the Bell Plan will make St. Louis both safer and more

prosperous,” Harbaugh said.

“We support this effort for the real benefit it can provide those impacted individuals, allowing access to treatment designed to get them on their feet and become productive members of our community.”

Other community partners include Better Family Life, Places for People, Jewish Community Relations Council, St. Louis Integrated Health Network, Fathers Support Center, Soul Fischer Ministries, National Council for Alcoholism and Drug Abuse and the St. Louis County Department of Public Health.

“We hope that the leadership shown by these community partners will inspire others

to step up and join them in supporting our progress toward a safer St. Louis,” Bell said.

Chris Krehmeyer, president and CEO of Beyond Housing, said this program could make a difference in the lives of people struggling with addiction and substance abuse.

“How we move the county forward is investing in people who live here, investing in the problems and struggles that people have, because we know how to solve all these things,” Krehmeyer said. “I applaud Prosecuting Attorney Bell for moving forward, being proactive, being aggressive. It sure feels like the dawn of a new day.”

the primary care practice at SSM Health Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. His only agenda is to keep younger children from playing with a dangerous firearm and older children from using it to hurt themselves.

political agenda, the American Academy of Pediatrics does.

“I have not said to anyone,

n “The absence of guns from children’s homes and communities is the most reliable and effective measure to prevent firearm-related injuries.”

– American Academy of Pediatrics

“What we want to make sure of is if people have weapons – particularly guns –that they’re stored in a place that’s locked, the ammunition is stored separately from the weapon itself,” he told Brown.

Haller also recommended that Brown ask about weapons in other houses before Azaya goes on a playdate or visits other relatives, another piece of advice the AAP recommends doctors give.

The conversation isn’t political, insisted Haller, a SLUCare pediatrician who works in Danis Pediatrics,

Almost half of all nonHispanic blacks and Hispanics are obese. Over one-third of the U.S. population in 20152016 was obese. In 2008, the annual medical cost of obesity was $147 billion. Obesity can contribute to over 60 health conditions, such as osteoarthritis, diabetes, hypertension, and cancer.

‘You should not have a gun’ or ‘having a gun is bad’ or ‘having a gun is the wrong choice for you,’” he said.

“What I do say is, ‘If you choose to have a gun, I know you want to keep your child safe; I want the same thing. Here are some things you can do to make sure you have the safest possible environment for your child.’”

Even though individual doctors may not have a

Therefore, if you are currently not overweight or obese, try to keep it that way. And, if you are struggling with your weight, seek help from not only your doctor but your local gym and a dietician.

2019 and years to come can be hopeful, not only in a physical sense but also

The professional organization has officially come out in favor of stricter gun laws and maintains, “The absence of guns from children’s homes and communities is the most reliable and effective measure to prevent firearmrelated injuries in children and adolescents.”

Many people agree the safe-storage guidelines endorsed by the professional organization are common sense. Even the National Rifle Association advocates keeping guns unloaded and away from unauthorized users like little kids.

But some people think doctors aren’t the ones who should give that advice. In Florida, a state law barred doctors from discussing gun ownership with their patients.

Doctors have historically shied away from treating gun safety as a public-health issue. Since 1997, federal laws have barred the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from funding any research that would potentially promote gun control, and funding for research into gun safety pales in comparison to other publichealth issues with similar morality rates.

“What pediatricians want for children is what parents want for children – for them to be safe to lead healthy, happy lives,” Haller said. “Discussing gun safety is one of the most important things we can do to that make sure parents, children and families have that opportunity.”

Follow Sarah on Twitter: @petit_smudge. Edited for length and reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Courts eventually found that law violated a doctor’s First Amendment rights. A similar but less-restrictive law in Missouri outlaws requiring doctors to ask about guns and prohibits them from documenting if patients own firearms.

spiritually and emotionally

– if you want it to be. Each of us has to be willing to accept those things we cannot change but be mindful of those things that we can change. Let’s map out a different course for ourselves and start laying out a foundation of good health for generations to come.

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

Find others who share common goals and surround yourself with persons who are on the path to bettering themselves to help inspire and motivate you. Whether you swim, bike or run, finding others to exercise with you will help you stay the course and succeed.

Resolve to Eat Right!

NewYear, NewYou!

Nutrition Challenge:

This time of year many people make New Year’s resolutions. A resolution is simply a promise you make to yourself of ways that you would like to improve your life in the new year. So for 2019, why not make a resolution to eat healthier?

Try adding a healthy new habit every few weeks or so. Here

Another healthy change you can make for yourself with the new year is to be more active.

Staying active not only helps keep your heart healthy, but it burns calories, improves your brain functioning and helps you feel better — the more you do!

Some reminders:

> Try to have at least 30

Fresh Start!

The new year brings a fresh start. Plan on making 2019 your best year yet! Try letting go of the problems you may have faced last year and look forward to a new year with excitement and hope. Here are a few ways to stay positive.

> Make a list of all of the good things that happened for you in 2018.

> What are some goals you’d like to achieve in 2019?

Healthy Kids Healthy Kids

are a few ideas (from past Healthy Kids features) to get you started.

What are some other tips you’ve learned?

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

minutes of physical activity each day that increases your heart rate (60 minutes is even better).

> Warm up, stretch and cool down before and after exercising.

> Start off slowly and increase time, distance, and speed as

> Select one or two of those goals and make a list of specific steps you can take to accomplish your new year goals.

> Always remember — you can’t change others, you can only change yourself and how you react. So focus on yourself and how you can have a happy 2019!

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

wateraday.

2.Eatmorefreshfruitsand foodsvegetablesandlessfried andsweetsnacks.3.Eatslowlyandstopas soonasyoufeelfull.

you feel stronger.

> Check with your doctor before starting a brand new exercise program.

> Drink lots of water when you’re working out.

Discuss some of the ways you can keep active during the cold winter months.

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

Ericka Cables, Owner and Counselor

Where do you work? I am the owner and counselor of Thoughts Out Loud Counseling. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Cleveland NJROTC. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Healthcare Management at Harris Stowe State University in St. Louis, a Master of Arts in Counseling at Missouri Baptist University in St. Louis and I’m currently working on a PhD of Counselor Education and Supervision at the University of Missouri, St. Louis.

What does a counselor do? Anytime I have a “kid client,” I prepare for the day by gathering activities such as coloring sheets, counseling games and sometimes toys. Yes, counseling can be hard work, but it can be fun too! There are many ways a counselor can help a kid through play.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I love helping people through tough times. Everyone, no matter what age, has life challenges. I am honored to help people to make it through by providing them with the tools they need to succeed.

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

What is your favorite part of your career? In your mind, picture a seed being planted in the ground. After some water and sunlight, that seed begins to grow and eventually, becomes a strong healthy plant. My favorite part of my job is to see people grow strong and healthy.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

The Saint Louis Zoo is currently accepting applications for Zoo ALIVE, our teen volunteer program. High school students 15 and older may apply. As a Zoo ALIVE volunteer, you can share your love of animals with

visit

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school

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

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Glasgow Elementary 5th grade teacher

Gerald Williams, works with students Jaleah Lewis, Jayla White, Jamarion Simon and Demetrius Jordan on an energy wave experiment inspired by a STEM lesson found in the newspaper’s NIE page.

Did you know some of today’s inventions, such as potato chips, were a popular “mistake?” Other inventions, such as the stoplight, were designed to solve a problem. Inventors are curious and patient, with a high tolerance for trial and error. It also helps to have a strong background in math and science. Many inventors are young, just like you. Frank Epperson was only 11 years old when he developed the popsicle. Louis Braille was just 15 when he designed the Braille system of reading for the blind.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

How to Become an Inventor!

If you are interested in becoming an inventor, develop your critical thinking skills. Take apart old machines and put them back together to see how things fit together. Think about your daily life. Are there any processes that need to be improved? Interview your family members and teachers. What invention would they like to see created? Start sketching ideas and designs to solve these problems.

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

“Invent” The Xylophone!

In this experiment, you will “invent” a xylophone using glasses filled with water. It will take a lot of trial and error to get everything just right, so remember to be patient. You will use your xylophone to play “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

Materials Needed: • 8 Drinking Glasses of the Same Size and Shape. • Pitcher of Water • Metal Spoon

• Table Procedure:

q Place the 8 glasses on the table near each other without touching.

w Fill each glass with a different amount of water.

MATH CONNECTION

Inventors have strong problem solving skills. Give these problems a try!

z Mrs. Bailey learned that $1,348 worth of tickets were sold at the carnival. If tickets cost 3 for $1, how many tickets were sold?

x Mrs. Hilt sold 125 pencils for $0.40 each. If half of the cost is profit, how much profit did she make on the pencils? __________

DID YOU KNOW?

Leo

e Tap each glass with the metal spoon. What sound does it make? Do the glasses with more water make a higher pitched sound or a lower pitched sound? Try tapping the glass in different places. How does that affect the sound?

r Continue to experiment with the sounds until you have all the notes to play “Mary Had a Little Lamb.”

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

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN INVENTOR & ARCHITECT: Earl S. Bell

Earl S. Bell was born in Brooklyn in 1977. He developed a passion for inventing at a young age. At just nine years old, he presented his first design. His family offered a lot of support, especially his Uncle Virgil. Bell was a student of Pratt Institute’s Architecture Program and began to formally submit his designs in 1998. He holds 3 US patents and 1 international patent and has several patents pending approval. He invented Sasu Technology (liquid hydraulic electrical display for showing information), Slide Skin Technology: (an ergonomic chair system), and Qet Ambit Technology (internal electrical mechanical mechanism). Bell has been classified as an inventor, building designer, architectural theorist, and hip hop architect.

For more information, visit: http://www.earlsbell.com

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

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities.

Activity One

Inferences:

c Emmy Noether, the Mother of Modern Algebra, was born in 1882. In what year did she celebrate her 25th birthday? __________

v Many families serve each person in the family one 6-ounce glass of orange juice each morning. If they buy orange juice by the gallon, how many whole servings of juice will they get out of one gallon of juice? __________

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

Read part of an editorial and make an inference about the author’s opinion. Write your inference at the top of a t-chart (labeled fact and opinion), listing facts and opinions from the editorial to support your inference.

Activity Two — Goal

Setting: Find a story in the newspaper about people who have achieved a goal (e.g., a new business that just opened, a sports team that won a game, etc.) Cut out the story and write the steps you think the people had to take to achieve that goal.

Adeline D.T. Whitney patented wooden blocks in 1882 to help children learn their ABCs.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can make inferences and describe the necessary steps for goal setting.

Josephine Cochrane invented the first dishwasher in 1886.

Fender, inventor of the Stratocaster, could not play guitar.

This special Newspaper In Education initiative is made possible, and delivered to classrooms, through The St. Louis American Foundation and its NIE Corporate Partners:

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Slide Skin Technnology Chair

The first mobile phone call was made in 1973 by Martin Cooper, a former Motorola inventor.

Sasu Clock and Wifi Router Charge Ring

2019: the Trump Year of Living Dangerously

Charles Jaco – journalist, author, and activist (on Twitter at @charlesjaco1) – who took down U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill’s Republican challenger Todd Akin six years ago in a bruising broadcast interview, came out of retirement to write for The American before the November 6 general election and has stuck with it. He penned this guest Political EYE.

2019 will be the year that determines whether the rule of law and the Constitution are strong enough to boot an unstable criminal from office and whether a sociopathic president of the United States will be able to dig his claws in deeply enough to hold onto power, shredding the Constitution as he goes. It started Thursday, January 3, when Democrats took control of the House and California Democrat U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (Vashon High School Class of 1956) took over as chair of the House Financial Services Committee. Waters now has the power to investigate everything from Trump’s financial connections to Russia to his cozy relationship with Germany’s Deutschebank. That bank’s under investigation already for helping launder Russian money and is the only Western financial institution willing to

do business with the Trump Organization.

Former Congressional Black Caucus Chairman U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland) took over as chair of the House Oversight Committee. That committee has a wide reach, and Cummings has already put Trump on notice that he intends to investigate everything from security clearances granted to Trump’s family to the administration’s snatching migrant children from their families along the border.

n As Trump digs in against legal assaults from every side, several things may happen, none of them good.

U.S. Rep. Jerry Nadler (D-New York) took over the House Judiciary Committee. That’s where any impeachment would begin. But House Judiciary will also be in the loop when Robert Mueller issues his final report and would be able to make the report public, even if Trump tries to keep it secret (more on that in a minute).

U.S. Rep. Richard Neal (D-Massachusetts) now heads the House Ways and Means Committee, which will have the authority to subpoena Trump’s (up until now) secret tax returns. U.S. Rep. Adam Schiff (D-California) now chairs the House Intelligence Committee. Under Republicans, that committee wasted its time harassing Mueller and Hillary Clinton. Under Schiff, expect it to zero in on Trump’s

U.S. Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Maryland) took over as chair of the House Oversight Committee, which has a wide reach. Cummings has already put Trump on notice that he intends to investigate everything from security clearances granted to Trump’s family to the administration’s snatching migrant children from their families along the border.

endangering national security through his cozy relationship with the Kremlin. Meanwhile, the attorneys general of Maryland and Washington, D.C. are issuing subpoenas in their lawsuit against Trump for using the presidency to enrich himself through his various businesses, especially the Trump hotel in D.C. New York’s attorney general has said she intends to investigate Trump for tax evasion and money laundering. The A.G. of New Jersey has just launched a probe into

Trump’s New Jersey golf resort for allegedly counterfeiting immigration documents and giving them to undocumented aliens working for Trump.

On the federal level, U.S. Attorney’s Offices in the Eastern District of Virginia (where former campaign manager Paul Manafort was prosecuted), the Southern District of New York (where former Trump lawyer Michael Cohen pleaded guilty), and the District of Columbia (where a judge recently told former National Security Advisor

perjury, and being an agent of a hostile foreign power. As Trump digs in against legal assaults from every side, several things may happen, none of them good. What will almost assuredly not happen is a Trump resignation. Trump is too married to the concept of winning at all costs to admit defeat voluntarily and quit. Trump will also not be removed as unfit under the 25th Amendment. That would require his vice president and cabinet members to agree he’s unfit. None of them will. And while Trump might eventually be impeached by the House of Representatives, he will never be convicted by the U.S. Senate. An impeachment conviction would require 67 Senate votes. There are 47 Democrats. No matter how heinous the crimes, there’s no way 20 Republican senators would vote to convict Trump.

Michael Flynn he needed to co-operate more to avoid prison) all may have current cases against more Trump associates in the planning stages.

And then there’s Mueller, who last month marked the 50th anniversary of the Vietnam Battle of Mutter’s Ridge where, as a young Marine lieutenant, he was wounded and received the Bronze Star with a “V” for valor. The concept of valor is foreign to Trump, who got a New York podiatrist who owed Trump’s father a favor to write the young Trump a letter certifying he had nonexistent bone spurs. Like a lot of rich kids in the ‘60s, Trump dodged the draft through family connections.

The steely-eyed Mueller has been slowly rolling up Trump’s associates like a mob prosecutor as he prepares a final report on everything from possible Trump collusion with the Russians (the actual legal charges would likely be conspiracy, fraud, and/ or bribery) to obstruction of justice, money laundering,

Knowing all that, Trump’s White House has several strategies for fighting back. The administration could ignite a crisis by simply refusing to make Mueller’s final report public. That’s where Nadler’s House Judiciary Committee would step in. They would subpoena the report and, if the Trump Justice Department refused to release it, would take the matter to federal court. The crisis would come if the court ordered the report released, and Trump ignored it.

Trump would hope to drag the entire process out through rope-a-dope delays, hoping it would carry into the 2020 presidential campaign, where he could rile up his base (and conceivably incite violence) by bellowing about “the deep state” and “fake news.”

Which brings us to the most likely outcome: deciding whether a sitting president can be indicted. There’s no law against indicting a president. There are only two Justice Department memos saying a president can’t face civil charges for anything he does as president. They don’t address criminal misconduct. If the Mueller charges are serious enough, the U.S. Supreme Court would be asked to decide if the president of the United States can be indicted as a criminal. And that’s when we’d see if the Constitution and America’s rule of law are real or just run on the honor system. Happy 2019.

JANUARY 10 – 16, 2019

Maxine Waters makes history

is now

First black, first woman to chair House Financial Services Committee

By Charlene Crowell

For The St. Louis American

As 2019 begins, there is also a new Congress with leadership in the House of Representatives that makes history for people of color and women alike.

Long-time California Representative Nancy Pelosi returns as Speaker of the House – the first time in 50 years that a Member of Congress has achieved this feat. On a gender note, Speaker Pelosi becomes the most powerful woman on Capitol Hill and the only female in the nation’s history to do so.

There’s also another key woman and legislator that is making history. Congresswoman Maxine Waters (a native of Kinloch) is now the first black and the first woman to chair the powerful House Financial Services Committee. Having served on this committee since 1995, and its Ranking Member in the previous Congress, Waters will set the committee’s agenda in key areas affecting the economy, banking, housing, insurance and securities.

n “She is a tough and savvy defender of consumer protection and holds the feet of the banks and the Trump administration regulators to the fire,” Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending, said of U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters.

The House Financial Services Committee oversees the activities and responsibilities for major financial regulators, agencies, and the nation’s central bank, the Federal Reserve. These agencies include but are not limited to the Department of Housing and Urban

Development (HUD), the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation – that insures monies in depository institutions, as well as the Securities and Exchange Commission that is charged with maintaining fair and efficient investment markets.

In other words, the fiery and bold black lawmaker who earned a reputation for challenging Wall Street and major lenders during the housing crisis will now set the direction for a range of financial players, regulators, and institutions. From monetary policy to the production and distribution of currency, and expanding financial access to affordable housing options, a progressive and principled committee chair is running the show. She is also expected to set standards of performance that level the financial playing field and hold lenders accountable when they take advantage of consumers or discriminate in their lending.

With the right kind of regulation and committee oversight, the nation may be able to

See WATERS, B6

Building a house for diversity in St. Louis

By Benjamin Ola Akande

A few years ago, I read the book, “Building a House for Diversity” by R. Roosevelt Thomas Jr., a renowned Harvard professor and diversity scholar. Thomas begins the book with a fable about a giraffe who wants to befriend an elephant. The giraffe invites the elephant into his house. After some quick carpentry to enlarge the basement door in order to be able to admit the elephant, the giraffe goes off to answer a phone call, asking the elephant, “Please make yourself at home.” But every time the elephant moves, there is a large scrunch or crashing sound. When the giraffe returns, he is amazed at the damage the elephant has done. There were three takeaways from this story

about the interaction between the giraffe (the insider) and the elephant (the outsider). First is the silliness of expecting an elephant to assume the same dimensions as a giraffe.

A second lesson is that organizations should expect a certain amount of tension and complexity when attempting to build a house of

n St. Louis: It’s time to stop trying and focus our collective efforts on doing.

diversity. Diverse candidates in our organization are often asked to conform to daily regiments and traditions without consideration that it is their distinct differences that make them so valuable to the organization in the first place.

The third take away is that organizations ought to measure successes in diversity and inclusiveness not by attempts or the grandness

of the plans, but tangible results. Diversity comes to fruition through the willingness and active participation of supervisors, managers, employees at all levels and the willingness of the organization to change itself by being totally inclusive.

This is what we know: Organizations with more women and diverse representation statistically outperform their peers; inclusive teams out perform their peers by 80 percent; gender-diverse organizations are more likely to outperform their peers; and organizations that hire demographically diverse candidates have a greater chance to be around into the future.

The elephant and the giraffe represent the value of equitable collaboration, the combination of individuals who are different in some ways and similar in others. The elephant represents people who are not familiar to us, speak with an accent, have different sexual orientation, individuals who didn’t go to high school in St.

Robin Ransom is the new presiding judge of the 22nd Circuit, which hears cases in St. Louis. She was appointed a circuit judge in 2008 by Gov. Matt Blunt. She was appointed a family court commissioner by Gov. Bob Holden in 2002. Previously she worked as a prosecutor and public defender in St. Louis County.

Timothy Staples was named interim executive director of the SIUE East St. Louis Center (ESLC) Grant Programs. Last July, Staples returned to SIUE to serve as director of the new Center for Student Diversity and Inclusion. An East St. Louis native, Staples is an alumnus of the ESLC’s Upward Bound program and SIUE.

Carolyn Moore was awarded a Career Development Grant by the American Association of University Women. She was one of 63 recipients across the country to receive the grant, which highlights the achievements of women making a difference in their local communities. A 28-year veteran and captain of the St. Louis Fire Department, she is pursuing a master’s degree in management and leadership at WGU Missouri.

Benjamin Akande was appointed to The Muny’s Board of Directors. He is senior advisor to the chancellor and director of the African Initiative at Washington University in St. Louis. The Board of Directors guides The Muny, a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, in fulfilling mission is to enrich lives by producing exceptional musical theatre, accessible to all.

Duane Foster received a $2,500 Maritz Arts & Education Council Fund Grant for Teachers. He is Fine Arts coordinator for the Normandy Schools Collaborative and an alum of Normandy High School. He will use the grant for the spring production of “A Season of Arts: Bridging of Community.”

Nettie Collins-Hart received a North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice Education Award. She is superintendent of the Hazelwood School District. The award recognizes her commitment to racial harmony and justice along with service to her community. Under her leadership, the district opened two thematic schools, Hazelwood East Middle School/8th Grade Center accelerated program and the Hazelwood Opportunity Center. On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican. com

Duane Foster

Timothy Staples

Nettie Collins-Hart

Benjamin Akande

Robin Ransom

Carolyn Moore

U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (a native of Kinloch, seen here addressing the St. Louis County NAACP in June 2017)

the first black and the first woman to chair the powerful House Financial Services Committee.

For The St. Louis American

Benjamin Ola Akande

Photo by Wiley Price

Minimum wage increased to $8.60 an hour

Proposition B will gradually increases wages in Missouri to $12 an hour in 2023

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

In 2018, Halbert Baldwin, 24, was making $8 an hour as a patient care assistant at a nursing home in North St. Louis. On January 1, he saw his wage go up to $8.60, thanks to the passage of Proposition B to raise the state’s minimum wage. The proposition passed in the November midterm election with 62.2 percent of the statewide vote.

n

“It’s good that it’s going up,” Baldwin said. “I feel that everyone deserves more, but we still can’t live on $8, $9, or $10 an hour.” Baldwin has three children: a fouryear-old son, twoyear-old daughter and a daughter who was just born on December 11. His son is going to need more supplies for school, Baldwin said. Between rent, food and the various things his children need, it is nearly impossible to survive on his wage, he said. However, he will be looking forward to seeing his wage increase every year. With the passage of Prop B, the minimum wage will continue to gradually increase – by 85 cents each year – until it reaches $12 an hour in 2023. After 2023, the minimum wage may increase with the rate of the Consumer Price Index (CPI-W) set by the federal government.

workers were earning less than $8.60 and saw their wages go up on January 1, according to the Economic Policy Institute (EPI). By 2023, 677,000 workers – or about 24 percent of Missouri’s workforce – will see their wages go up due to passage of Proposition B, according to EPI data. This includes 100,000 seniors and near retirees. The vast majority – over 75 percent – of workers currently earning under $12 an hour are over the age of 20.

“It’s good that it’s going up. I feel that everyone deserves more, but we still can’t live on $8, $9, or $10 an hour.”

– Halbert

Baldwin,

nursing home patient care assistant

And like Baldwin’s three children, more than 260,000 children in Missouri have a parent who will benefit from the minimum wage increase.

“I think it affects everyone because people are getting a little more to work with,” Baldwin said.

“Everyone should be able to maintain.”

Missouri’s minimum wage was previously $7.85 an hour, which meant that someone working full time earned just $314 a week, or barely more than $16,000 a year, according to Raise Up Missouri. More than 64,000 Missouri

By the time it is fully implemented in 2023, Proposition B will result in over $1 billion in new consumer buying power, according to EPI data. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s polling shows that 80 percent of business leaders support increasing the minimum wage. More than 700 Missouri businesses publicly endorsed Proposition B. Paula Jones, an organizer with SEIU Healthcare union, celebrated Prop B’s win at the watch party held at the Flamingo Bowl on November 6. The union represents many nursing home and hospital workers who receive low wages, she said.

“We have a lot of single parents out there, and that’s why we’re here – to bring it on home for our workers,” Jones

said. Richard von Glahn, policy director with Missouri Jobs With Justice, was also at the

watch party and campaigned for Proposition B. “What the results show is having a fair wage for a hard day of work is not a Republican or Democratic issue,” von Glahn said. “That’s

DIVERSITY

continued from page B1

Louis. They are younger or older. Their education credentials and professional experiences are from faraway places. They graduated from college elsewhere. They hold personal and political views that differ from those of their work colleagues. But one thing they bring to the organization is undeniable: a high level of intellectual contribution and the capacity to make meaningful contributions that will ultimately be measured by dollars and cents and increased relevance of the organization.

A Harvard Business Review article from summer of 2016 addressed “why diversity programs fail.” The findings were that training helps and will continue to be a piece of the quest to ensure

why you see, even in a partisan era, people are coming together to help them take care of their families. A full-time worker shouldn’t live in poverty.” Workers in Missouri who believe they are not being

diversity. However, to truly break down the unconscious biases, we need to have relationships with people different than ourselves.

Even more recent research from Price Waterhouse Coopers found that 87 percent of global companies identify diversity and inclusion as a top strategic priority. It also stated that facts and data don’t necessarily change minds. The research suggests continual exposure to difference, novel experiences such as cross-cultural or reverse mentoring, and creating safe places to discuss traditionally challenging or polarizing topics are places to start.

I believe that the biggest threat to any diversity effort is not external but internal. It is the threat that comes from organizations that choose to surround themselves with people who think alike. This results in isolation and insulation. Diversity gives

The Show Me $15 coalition (seen here at a November 2015 rally) has far to go to achieve a $15 minimum wage, but on January 1 the minimum wage in Missouri was raised to $8.60 from $7.85, thanks to the passage of Proposition B, which will gradually increase the minimum wage in Missouri – by 85 cents each year – until it reaches $12 an hour in 2023.

paid at least the minimum wage should contact the state Division of Labor Standards at 573-751-3403 or minimumwage@labor. mo.gov.

us an opportunity to create an environment that allows all employees to contribute and perform at peak levels of effectiveness.

My challenge to the elephants and the giraffes of St. Louis is we must measure our successes, and sustained results will come only through the willingness and active engagement of supervisors, managers and employees at all levels and – most importantly –the leaders of the organization. In the recent installment of “Star Wars,” one of my takeaways was the statement from the wife of Yoda’s dad – we need to do and to stop trying.

St. Louis: It’s time to stop trying and focus our collective efforts on doing.

Benjamin Ola Akande, an economist, is senior advisor to the chancellor of Washington University and director of its Africa Initiative.

Photo by Wiley Price

“What do I like? Life, food, my family, my friends, my dogs, my home and my health.”

— Golden State Warriors star Klay Thompson

Sports

Mahomes enters playoffs with hopes of chasing off Chiefs’ past failures

~ See ‘Sports Eye’ page B4 ~

Winning streak for Cardinal Ritter

Six straight wins and a tourney title after 2-7 start

Things looked bleak early with the Cardinal Ritter College Prep Lions when they came out of the gate with a 2-7 record under first-year coach Ryan Johnson. What people may not have realized is that Johnson had put together a rugged non-conference schedule that really tested his players to the limit during the first month on the season. The Lions went on the road to face top teams from Chicago, Houston and Little Rock. When they finally came back to play in St. Louis, they had to face perennial power Vashon in their first home game.

The Lions competed well against all of the top competition, but it just didn’t translate into early season victories. However, that has all changed in the past three weeks as the Lions have been on a serious roll with six consecutive wins and a big tournament championship. Cardinal Ritter broke through and won the inaugural Legends of Winter Roundball Classic at SLUH.

The Lions are now 8-7.

In a field loaded with quality teams, the Lions defeated SLUH, Hazelwood Central, CBC and Soldan to come away with the championship. In the last three games, Ritter trailed each time, only to come back and take the victory and the championship. The challenging early-season schedule is clearly paying off for this battle-tested group. The leader of the pack is senior guard Malek Davis, who was voted the Most Outstanding Player of the Legends of Winter Roundball Classic. A Drury University signee, the 5’10” Davis is averaging 15.4 points and 3.7 assists a game. The emergence of 6’6” junior forward Gary Clark has really been a big key for the Lions. Clark is averaging 13.2 points and 11 rebounds a game. Sophomore guard Mario Fleming is averaging 11.8 points and four rebounds while transitioning from being a post player to a perimeter player. Cardinal Ritter is also starting to get big contributions from 6’0” freshman guard Luther Burden, who joined the team late after enjoying a spectacular season

Case

It is no secret that Houston’s James Harden and Milwaukee’s Giannis

Antetokounmpo are the current frontrunners for the 2019 NBA MVP award. Harden has been terrifying opposing defenses. The bearded wonder leads the league in scoring at 33.7 points per game. He recently dropped more than 40 points in fivestraight victories for the Rockets.

Antetokounmpo is averaging 26.6 points, 12.6 rebounds, 6.0 assists and 1.6 blocks per game this season. The Bucks have hovered near the top spot in the East all season after finishing seventh in the East a season ago. As we approach midseason though, it would be plain foolish to overlook Kawhi Leonard, the cornrowed King of the North, in the race for MVP.

So far this season, Leonard is averaging 27.2 points, 7.9 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3

steals per game. While the numbers may be slightly less gaudy than the two frontrunners’, Leonard is just as important to his team’s success. Tuesday night, the Raptors found themselves down 101-100 with less than 30 seconds remaining in a nail biter with the Atlanta Hawks. Leonard, who scored 31 points in the game, came up with two huge defensive plays down the stretch to secure a 104-101 victory.

First, Leonard earned a steal when he picked DeAndre’ Bembry’s pockets on a play that led to a dunk by Serge Ibaka that eventually proved to be the game winner. Next, with the game on the line, the 6-foot-7 small forward defended the Hawks’ speedy point guard Trae Young. Leonard’s tight defense forced Young into a tough layup attempt, which he missed, sealing the Raptors win.

Earl Austin Jr.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Kawhi Leonard is averaging 27.2 points,

steals per game

His stellar play has helped lead to Toronto Raptors to the league’s best record at

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Mahomes enters playoffs with hopes of chasing off Chiefs’ past failures

Wasn’t the NFL dead about a year ago?

Well, here we are headed into the NFL Divisional Playoff round with TV ratings soaring and four outstanding football games on tap for this weekend.

The weekend starts out with the Indianapolis Colts at the Kansas City Chiefs. Chiefs

quarterback Patrick Mahomes will have a chance to display his skills, once again, to a national audience, but this time he is trying to break a nasty curse of home playoff losses for the hosts.

“A playoff run in general would mean a ton to everyone in this community, including us. I know the history,” Mahomes said earlier this week.

ly ready. We know what it’s going to take,” Mahomes said.

“We know that you have to capitalize on every single play. You can’t let one play get you down for the next. The next play is the most important play. We are excited we get the chance to do that.”

Millions of NFL fans are excited to watch.

The battle of L.A.

“But at the same time, we are a different generation.” Mahomes is favored to win the NFL MVP Award, but a loss on Saturday would bring an unceremonious close to one of the most electrifying seasons any quarterback has had in the history of the league.

He completed two-thirds of his passes for 50 touchdowns and 5,097 yards. He threw just 12 interceptions and compiled a 113.8 passer rating.

Have you seen the NFL’s playoff commercial that begins with a high school team sampling Steam’s “Na Na Na Na ... Goodbye”?

“We Ready. We Ready We Ready, for y’all.”

If you ever played football, it makes you want to play again. Mahomes is channeling that energy and past failures are just that – in the past.

“I mean, we are definite-

Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott seems to be peaking at the right time after completing 22-of-33 passes for 226 yards and a touchdown against the tough-asnails Seattle Seahawks in last Saturday’s Wild Card game victory. St. Louis’ own Ezekiel Elliott ripped the Seattle Seahawks for 137 yards and toasted his quarterback by saying Prescott “played like a grown man,” adding that the performance was “legendary.”

“Obviously, we came in together and we’ve been through the ups and the downs of three seasons,” Prescott said of Elliott.

“Just to be where we are at with this team that we have and this offense that we have, it’s a lot of excitement. It’s a hell of a compliment.”

A loss in L.A. against a Rams team that was favored to win the Super Bowl a month ago would not be a disgrace. But the Cowboys aren’t hitting the road to back down to the challenge.

Cowboys home game?

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes will have a chance to display his skills, once again, to a national audience, but this time he is trying to break a nasty curse of home playoff losses for the hosts

They will have tens of thousands of fans cheering for the Dallas Cowboys in the L.A. Coliseum.

If you ever attended a St. Louis Rams home game against the Cowboys, you know the Dome was chock full of Dallas fans.

Friends of mine will tell you that the final Cowboys visit to St. Louis saw them sporting their blue jerseys. From the second I entered the stadium until I reached my seat I kept screaming, “We got on the blue!”

This goes back to the St. Louis football Cardinals wearing white for home games (which was unheard of back in the 1970s) to force the Cowboys to wear the blue. The Cardinals prevailed in some of those games, but Roger Staubach and Company won the lion’s share.

The Cowboys will be clad in white jerseys on Saturday night when they visit Los Angeles, but there will be plenty of

Cowboys fans in the stands.

In fact, some estimates say the crowd might be about 50-50.

Mike Florio of Pro Football

Talk reminded fans of a preseason game between the teams in the Rams first year after returning to L.A.

“Remember the 2016 preseason game between the Cowboys and Rams that marked the NFL’s return to L.A.? That meaningless game had a postseason vibe,” said Florio.

“This very meaningful postseason game will have a Super Bowl vibe. And it could feel a lot like a Super Bowl being played in Dallas.

“And that could help Dallas secure the ability to play for a berth in the Super Bowl for the first time since January 1996.”

Look for a big TV audience nationwide – including the St. Louis area.

For a city that supposedly hates all things L.A. Rams, the viewership when owner Stan Kroenke’s team was televised here was outstanding – even as high as the L.A. region for some games.

This will be the 15th meeting between the franchises in the playoffs and the series is deadlocked 7-7.

All Charged up

With only two black head

coaches in the NFL, it’s great that one of them has led his team to the Divisional Playoff round.

Anthony Lynn’s San Diego Chargers held off the Baltimore Ravens on the road in a Wild Card game on Sunday, earning the right to take on the host New England Patriots. Lynn and his team aren’t scared of the daunting Patriots – just like in Baltimore.

“Anytime you’re a tough football team, you can play in a parking lot, and it doesn’t matter. You just show up and compete,” he said during his postgame press conference.

“Any time you can get to a championship game and have a chance to play for the [Lombardi] trophy, that’s an honor and it’s flattering. But New England, they’ve made it pretty clear that, most of the time, if you’re going to win that Lombardi Trophy, you’ve got to go through them.”

Chicago Blues

I took my daughter back to Dominican University in Chicago on Sunday and was sitting in my hotel room during the final few minutes of the Philadelphia Eagles at Bears game. All that drama was playing out right down the highway at Soldier Field and, as we drove

through Chicago, there was hardly any traffic. It seemed like the entire population was watching the game. I’ve absorbed some crushing postseason defeats as a Cowboys fans including “The Catch” by Dwight Clark in 1981 and Tony Romo dropping the snap from center on what could have been a game-winning field goal at Seattle in 2006.

But when kicker Cody Parkey, who missed 10 regular season kicks and hit the upright five times, managed to hit the left upright, then the crossbar before missing a game-winning field goal, I felt for every Bears fan. I went out later that evening. Trust me, I wore nothing with Dallas Cowboys on it.

The Reid Roundup I wrote last year that once Terrell Owens was voted into the Hall of Fame it should be Isaac Bruce’s turn. The time is now for Bruce who is fifth in all-time receptions with 1,024, fourth in receiving yards with 15,208 and 12th in receiving touchdowns with 91. He was a four-time Pro Bowler, led the NFL in receiving yards with 1,338 in 1996 and was 1-1 in Super Bowl appearances … St. Louis sports media members are saying former SLU Billiken Carte’Are Gordon was a troubled soul now that he will transfer. I heard nor read nothing but glowing reports when he committed to the SLU program. This is SO St. Louis … Receiver Tavon Austin was drafted as a St. Louis Ram then traded by the L.A. Rams last spring to Dallas. He says he felt “disrespected” and vows vengeance against the Rams in Sunday’s playoff game … Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott reportedly wants a contract extension during the upcoming offseason … After saving the Ravens’ season and reaching the playoffs, quarterback Lamar Jackson was booed and fans chanted for Joe Flacco to enter last Sunday’s loss to the Chargers … USC Athletic Director Lynn Swann, one of few back ADs in the NCAA, refuses to grant newly hired offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury permission to interview for NFL head coaching jobs. Kingsbury is doing it anyway … Speaking of Swann, Bruce’s receiving numbers are better than that Hall of Famer’s.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest and is a New York Times contributor. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and appears monthly on “The Dave Glover Show” on 97.1 Talk.” His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

InsIde sports

With Earl Austin, Jr.

Hall of Fame induction for Berkeley track programs

In my 33 years of covering high school sports in the St. Louis area, I’ve had the pleasure of witnessing some great prep dynasties on the scene.

Perhaps the one that stands out more than all of the others was the Berkeley High Men’s and Women’s Track and Field program, which has been going strong since the 1970’s. Under the direction of Hall of Fame coach Rod Staggs and a cast of talented coaches and great athletes, the Bulldogs’ track and field program has set a staggering standard of excellence that has spanned five decades. And by the way, the men’s and women’s label was not a misprint in the previous paragraph. Despite being a high school program, Coach Staggs made it a point to call his team the men’s and women’s program and not boys and girls. That is how the program performed over the years and that is why the Berkeley High track programs will be inducted into the Missouri Sports Hall of Fame on Sunday, January 27 in Springfield. Staggs is now living in Wyoming and enjoying the great outdoors while also serving as a coach in the USA Track and Field program with some of the world’s top young athletes.

During his tenure in St. Louis, he built a track and field program that was the envy of all in the state of Missouri. First, there are the

CLUTCH

Continued from C7 is just about as far away from sunny L.A. as one can get. Once the season began though, it appeared that Leonard became more content in Canada. He has seemingly developed into the vocal leader that many say he struggled to become in San Antonio.

“He’s definitely more vocal than he’s ever been, on and off the court,” teammate Danny Green told Josh Lewenberg of TSN back in October. “It looks like he feels comfortable. It looks like he feels at home.”

Let’s be real. There’s still a chance that Leonard could chuck deuces to Toronto at the end of the season when he becomes an unrestricted free agent. One has to believe though than an NBA MVP award and a trip to the NBA Finals could prove quite persuasive to Leonard that Toronto is the place to be.

McCaw saga continues

Last week I wrote about Patrick McCaw signing a two-year, $6 million offer sheet with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

PREP

Continued from C7

on the football field with the Lions. Burden hit a game-winning jumper at the buzzer to give the Lions a 57-56 victory over CBC in the semifinals.

Brandon Ellington, a 6’6” junior transfer from DeSmet, has been a big factor on the boards. He had 14 rebounds in the championship game against Soldan.

The schedule does not get any easier for Ritter as they will face Mid-Missouri power Father Tolton, CBC and

Jennings in their next three games.

Yuri Collins returns Standout point guard Yuri Collins of St. Mary’s is finally back in action after missing the first part of the season while recovering from off-season shoulder surgery. The 5’10” Saint Louis U. signee has come back in a big way for the Dragons with several sparkling performances.

In seven games, Collins is averaging 18.9 points, 4.6 rebounds, 6.5 assists and 3.0 steals. In his first game back, Collins had 33 points and 7

names of former Bulldog athletes that have been in the record books for years from Mike Rodgers, a two-time Olympian, Lavar Miller, an AllAmerican combination jumper to Alishea Usery, a 16-time individual state champion. Those are just a few of the many athletes that made Berkeley (now McCluer SouthBerkeley) a track and field dynasty.

The numbers that the Berkeley track program has put up over the decades are beyond belief. The Bulldogs men and women have won a total of 28 state champion-

The signing ended a long holdout for McCaw with the Golden State Warriors when team declined to match the offer sheet.

The signing initially seemed like a win/win for McCaw. He landed on a team where he would have an opportunity to earn significant minutes and collect a salary larger than the one(s) offered by the Warriors. However, the asterisk was that the Cavs had until January 7 to decide whether to guarantee McCaw’s deal. They didn’t.

The Cavaliers released McCaw on Sunday, paving the way for the St. Louis native to become an unrestricted free

assists in a victory over North Central (PA) in Akron, Ohio. He scored a team-high 23 points in a 58-55 loss to AAA rival Cardinal Ritter last Friday night. Collins is the only returning starter from a St. Mary’s team that won a district championship and advanced to the Class 4 state quarterfinals last season. His return gives a young Dragons team an opportunity to win another district championship.

McCluer North girls are off and running

The McCluer North girls

the st. LouIs AmerIcAn AreA coLLege AthLete of the Week

Gary Clark

Cardinal Ritter – Boys Basketball

The standout junior forward has enjoyed a series of strong performances in helping the Lions to a six-game winning streak.

The 6’6” Clark had a game high 21 points and nine rebounds in a 58-55 victory over Soldan in the championship game of the inaugural Legends of Winter Roundball

Classic at SLUH. He followed up with 21 points and 18 rebounds in a 58-55 victory over St. Mary’s. For the season, Clark is averaging 13.2 points and 11.0 rebounds while shooting 68 percent from the field. Cardinal Ritter will head to Mid Missouri to face Father Tolton on Friday night.

ships, with the last one coming in 2017. On the men’s side, the Bulldogs have won 16 state championships, which include 122 individual state champions and 106 relay state championships. The Bulldogs produced 27 All-Americans and sent countless athletes to the collegiate ranks. As for the women of Berkeley, they have won a total of 12 state championships, including 94 individual state champions and 47 relay state titles, including the incredible 2007 4x400-meter relay team of Alishea Usery, Ashley Usery,

agent. McCaw averaged 1.7 points and one rebound in three games for the Cavs.

The move raised eyebrows around the league. Various executives wondered if the Cavs signed McCaw to an offer sheet simply to help free him from the Warriors. According to the Marc Stein of the New York Times, the Warriors made a formal request with the NBA to investigate the signing “for possible salary cap circumvention.”

The league will apparently oblige the Warriors’ request and look into whether the Cavs violated league rules by signing then releasing McCaw.

have been enjoying an impressive season with a 10-1 record heading into the 2019 portion of the season. The Stars won the championship of the Clayton Tournament and finished 3-1 at the Jerseyville Tournament over the holiday break. The Stars are led by 5’9” sophomore Samaya Johnson, who is averaging 14.2 points a game. Sophomore guard Michelle Owens is averaging 11.1 points and four steals a game. Owens is a state cham-

Angel Williams and Kianna Ruff that set a state record with a time of 3 minutes 45.78 seconds. It was the best high school relay team that I have ever watched at the Missouri state meet. Kudos to current coach Keith Rhodes, who has been a great leader of the Bulldogs’ program in recent years. Whenever I attended a state meet, I always expect a show from the Berkeley Bulldogs and I was never disappointed. In the first meet I covered, I recall an explosive anchor leg from star sprinter Rick Stovall to come from behind to win the 4x200 and a 24-foot long jump from Rashid Ward. I remember those great

Various sources have reported that the Cavs front office is interested in re-signing McCaw at a significantly lower amount than the initial $6 million offer. Now that the league has opened an investigation, that opportunity could potentially fade away. Still, McCaw will find a new home, somewhere in the NBA. He’ll likely be looking at a league minimum contract as an unrestricted free agent. But he will have the opportunity to choose his destination, which is what he desired in the first place.

races with Berkeley sprinters LaShundra Davis and Wendy Blocker going head-to-head with Kansas City Center star Phynice Kelly. There were those explosive leadoff legs from Michael Carrawell in the sprint relays to the dominance of Zandrea Wilson and recent state champions Raheema Westfall and Octavia Cato. As the school McCluer South-Berkeley transitions into a new phase, it is great to see this great athletic program get this recognition that is well deserved. Congratulations to all of the great athletes and coaches that have made the Berkeley High School track and field program the best in the state of Missouri.

His week with the Cavs netted him $323,529 according to the Times. Not bad for a week’s worth of work. Meanwhile, Cavaliers executives are probably sweating bullets right now. If the team is found guilty of breaking the rules, it could face a hefty fine and/or the loss of draft picks. The Cavs should’ve just given McCaw the entire bag. Trying to be cheap could cost them in the long run.

pion hurdler in track and field. Junior Kiera Sutton averages 7.5 points while sophomore Madeline Pinkston leads the Stars in rebounding.

On Tap This Weekend

Trinity at Chaminade, Friday, 7 p.m.

Vashon at East St. Louis, Friday, 7 p.m.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ishcreates. Subscribe to The St. Louis American’s YouTubepage to see weekly Sports Break videos with Ishmael and Melvin Moore.

Denver Miller Tournament Championship at Kirkwood, Friday, 7 p.m.

Rotating 8 Tournament Championship at Whitfield, Friday, 8:30 p.m.

Lutheran North at Gateway STEM (girls), Friday, 6:15 p.m.

Ladue at Webster Groves (girls), Friday, 7 p.m.

Earl Austin Jr.

WATERS

continued from page B1

change financial trends that have worsened both racial and gender wealth gaps.

For example, a December 2018 report by the Asset Funder’s Network analyzed racial and gender disparities in wealth and found that black and Latina women have “lost substantial amounts of wealth in the last two decades.”

From 2007 to 2016, black women ages 45-65 had a 74 percent drop in median wealth, compared to that of white women, who experienced a 28 percent drop. Further, the Asset Funders Network concluded the median “quasi-liquid” savings for single black and Latina women aged 45-50 was $0.

Earlier in 2017 the Federal Reserve found that nearly 1 in 5 black families have zero or negative net worth — twice the rate of white families. Additionally the median net worth of black families was one-tenth of that held by white families.

These wealth disparities continue to plague communities of color in large part because of disparities in home ownership that enable consumers to

build wealth. Year after year, the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) report has consistently found that consumers of color are denied access to mortgages, especially private conventional loans that remain the most sustainable and affordable loans. Last year, the Center for Investigative Reporting published its analysis of the most recent HMDA report. “It found a pattern of troubling denials for people of color across the country, including in major metropolitan areas such as Atlanta, Detroit, Philadelphia, St. Louis and San Antonio,” states the report. “African Americans faced the most resistance in Southern cities – Mobile, Alabama; Greenville, North Carolina; and Gainesville, Florida – and Latinos in Iowa City, Iowa.”

A second but equally harmful trend is predatory lending that targets these same consumers with high-cost credit that creates debt traps. When consumers find themselves short of cash before paydays, overdraft fees, payday and car title loans are among the most predatory due to their extremely high interest rates and failure to consider whether borrowers have the financial capacity to repay the loans

without taking on additional debt.

For all of Black America, as well as consumer advocates and others who believe financial fairness should be the nation’s watchword, an expectation of a new era of accountability, access and transparency is hoped to soon unfold.

“She is a tough and savvy defender of consumer protection and holds the feet of the banks and the Trump administration regulators to the fire,” Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending in a recent interview, said of Waters.

Should anyone doubt the resolve of Congresswoman Waters, consider her reaction last fall when she and other prominent progressives faced a series of bomb threats and other violence.

“We have to keep doing what we’re doing in order to make this country right,” Waters told the Washington Post. “That’s what I intend to do. And, as the young people say, ‘I ain’t scared.’”

Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s Communications deputy director. She can be reached at Charlene.crowell@ responsiblelending.org.

Financial Focus

By Roger M. Macon, AAMS

Questions

Living It

Meeting the minds behind ‘Fire’

By Kenya Vaughn

Of The St. Louis American

Opera

Theatre of Saint Louis is meeting the community where it is as it prepares for the world premiere of Terence Blanchard’s newest opera, “Fire Shut Up in My Bones.” The opera is the latest commission in OTSL’s New Works, Bold Voices series. A co-commission with Jazz St. Louis, “Fire” is set to premiere on the OTSL

stage this summer.

Based on the memoir of the same name by award-winning New York Times columnist and political commentator Charles Blow, “Fire” will be directed by James Robinson and details his upbringing in the small town of Gibsland, Louisiana. His triumph over adversity and abuse as well as the power of his mother’s love and commitment to her five sons are explored over the course of the opera that stars Karen Slack,

Dr. Eboni January on coaching students

St. Louis’ own rising opera star, Julia Bullock, Davone Tines and Chaz’Men Williams-Ali.

To help build buzz about the opera, OTSL has enlisted several partners as they embark on a community tour featuring Blanchard and “Fire” librettist, acclaimed filmmaker Kasi Lemmons. Cinema St. Louis, Exodus Gallery, Jazz St. Louis, Left Bank Books, Maryville University, the Missouri History Museum, St. Louis University Library Associates, the Regional Arts

Commission, and the Webster University Film Series are among them. The first series of events set to occur over January, February and March take place next Saturday (January 19, 6:30 p.m.) with a screening and post-film discussion for Lemmons’ breakthrough film “Eve’s Bayou,” presented in partnership with Cinema St. Louis and the Webster University Film Series at Winfred Moore Auditorium on the campus of Webster University. A coming-of-age story set in Louisiana is

Eboni January M.D., a board-certified obstetrician/gynecologist from East St. Louis, Illinois delivers critical tips and tools to academic success for students in her book ‘Educational Athlete: Why Every Successful Student Needs A Coach,’ which is available on Amazon.com.

By Betty Bateman Suggs

obstetrician/gynecologist from East St. Louis, Illinois has already amassed a treasure chest of life experience and has piercing insights which allow her to offer road maps on several fronts.

She’s not just speaking of this subject matter simply as an authority

On Friday, January 11, Larry

Ossei-Mensah will discuss

Kehinde Wiley: The Power of Aesthetics and explore “Wiley’s ability to leverage the power of aesthetics via the themes of art history, music, place, and identity,” as part of the programming in conjunction with ‘Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis’ which is currently on display at

Grand representation

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

On Friday, January 11, Larry Ossei-Mensah will discuss Kehinde Wiley: The Power of Aesthetics and explore “Wiley’s ability to leverage the power of aesthetics via the themes of art history, music, place, and identity,” particularly as it relates to “Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis.” The exhibition is on display through February 10. In an interview with the St. Louis American just ahead of the exhibition’s opening, Wiley discussed the collection, which features nearly a dozen grand scale portraits of AfricanAmericans from North City, North County and Ferguson. The paintings were inspired by works in the permanent collection of the Saint Louis Art Museum.

KV: What were your goals and intentions with the exhibition?

KW: My job is to see things in an accurate context in a society where so often black people are reduced to simple stereotypes. What I’m doing is slowing down and taking time to honor people from every little detail of their being. From their nails to the type of jeans that they are wearing – or that sort of timidity or boldness of their character.

What I hope with this exhibition is that you will be able to see people in an accurate context. Just like with all of my work, I think with this exhibition you will be able to participate in something that has been going on for hundreds

Photo by Wiley Price

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

mlk activities

Sat., Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m., The 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Celebration. Protect the Dream: The Fierce Urgency of Now with keynote address by Congresswoman Maxine Waters. Harris Stowe State University 3026 Laclede Ave., 63013. For more information, call (314) 446-0288.

Thur., Jan. 17, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents I’ve Been to the Mountaintop, MLK Jr.’s Final Speech. Actors will read text of the speech and perform musical selections. Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.slpl.org.

Fri., Jan. 18, 7 p.m., St. Louis Art Museum presents Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration. Dreaming in Color: Arts, Equity, and Inclusion. 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Jan. 19, 10 a.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Chapter presents the 2nd Annual MLK, Jr. Holiday Celebration. Centennial Christian Church, 4950 Fountain Ave., 63113. For more information, visit www. aphia-epsilonlambda.org.

Jan. 19, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Observance in Fountain Park with Centennial Christian Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, and Fountain Park Community, Centennial Christian Church, 4950 Fountain Ave.

Sun., Jan. 20, 1 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Chapter invites you to the MLK Weekend Brotherhood Brunch & Day Party Centennial Edition. BLUE Dine + Lounge, 5917 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.

eventbrite.com.

Mon., Jan. 21, 10 a.m., UMSL Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday Observance. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Mon., Jan. 21, 10 a.m., Memorial Tabernacle Christian Life Center Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration with special guest Bishop John Mitchell, Jr. and Southern Mission Baptist Church, 1350 S. Lafayette St., Florissant, MO 63031

concerts

Sat., Jan. 12, 7 p.m., The Pageant presents Jacquees 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Jan. 23, The Pageant Welcomes Noname with special guest Smino, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Sun., Feb. 17, 7 p.m., The Sophisticated Soul Tour starring Lalah Hathaway, Lyfe Jennings and Raheem DeVaughn, Stifel Theatre. For more information, visit www. stifeltheatre.com.

Mon., Feb. 18, 8 p.m., Travis Scott: Astroworld - Wish You Were Here Tour 2, Enterprise Center. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com

local gigs

Thur., Jan. 17, 7 p.m., Art of Live Festival feat. Scrub & Ace Ha and Tonina. Gaslight Studio, 4916 Shaw Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

The Guide

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Sat., Jan. 19. 8 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents Midwest Avengers: Hip Hop Live. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., Jan. 27, 5:30 p.m., The Drew Project presents Urban Jazz. The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Jan. 27, 6 p.m., A Journey With Anita: Anita Baker Tribute. Signature Room, 9002 Overland Plaza, 63114. For information, visit www.ifejacobsmusic.com.

Sun., Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m., An Evening with Robert Dillard. The Gaslight Theater, 368 N. Boyle Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

special events

Sat., Jan. 12, 7 p.m., SLUSOM and WashU AMWA Chapters host the annual Red Dress Event Help raise money and awareness for the American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women Campaign. Washington University School of Medicine, 660 S. Euclid Ave., #8072, 63110. For more information, visit www.amwaslu.wixsite.com.

Sat., Jan. 12, 8 p.m., S.L.U.M.F.E.S.T. 2019 Hip Hop Awards. An annual music Awards show to acknowledge local St. Louis underground music. Atomic Cowboy Pavilion, 4140 Manchester Ave.,63110. For more information, visit www. slumfest.com.

Sun., Jan. 13, 3 p.m., Stepping in Style presents the Diagnosed as Beautiful Fashion Show. Live performance, cash bar, door prizes, hairstylist, make-up artists, models, vendors, and much more. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., Jan. 16, 6:30 p.m., 24th Ward Alderman Candidate Forum. The Pat Connolly Tavern, 6400 Oakland Ave., 63139. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Jan. 18 – 20, Loop Ice Carnival. Jan. 19: Snow Ball. Jan. 20: Ice Carnival. Delmar Loop, 63112. For more information, visit www. visittheloop.com.

The 33rd Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Celebration. Protect the Dream: The Fierce Urgency of Now with keynote address by Congresswoman Maxine Waters. See MLK DAY ACTIVITIES for details.

Sat., Jan. 19, 8 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Eta Omega Chapter & The Ivy Foundation of St. Louis present the AKA 111 Anniversary Party. Lambert Airport Concourse B, 10701 Lambert International Blvd., 63145. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Jan. 20, 12 p.m., St. Louis’ Best Bridal Show St. Charles Convention Plaza, 1 Convention Center Plaza, 63033. For more information, visit www.stltoday.com.

Mondays in January, The Monday Night Mixer hosted by the Keith Bowman Quartet. Dark Room at the Grandel, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63103. For more information, visit www.thedarkroomstl. com. speakers, networking, and more. Crown Room, 601 Clark Ave., 63012. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Jan. 12 – 13, Mississippi Valley Bike + Outdoor Expo St. Louis Union Station Hotel, 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. bikeandoutdoorexpo.com.

Sat., Jan. 19, 10 a.m., St. Louis Charter Schools Family Fun Fair. Grand Hall, 2319 Chouteau Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.mocharterschools.org.

Sat., Jan. 19, 2 p.m., Save Our Neighbor-Hoods Gala: Bringing Wakanda to St. Louis. Music, food, guest

Sun., Jan. 20, 2 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Gamma Omega Chapter and Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Upsilon Omega Chapter host the 2019 Salute to the Veterans Sunday Supper. Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd., 63120. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Jan. 20, 6 p.m., Kappa

Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., East St. Louis Alumni Chapter presents the Kappa Klassic. 609 St. Louis Ave., East St. Louis, IL. 62201. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Jan. 21, 28th annual St. Louis Arts Awards, Chase Park Plaza Royal Sonesta Hotel. For more information, visit KeepArtHappening. org/2019ArtsAwards.

Jan. 25 – 27, COCA presents Momentum. A mix of cuttingedge hip-hop & contemporary dance across a broad range of styles. Xavier Hall, Saint Louis University, 3733 West Pine Mall, 63108. For more information, visit www.cocastl. org.

Sat., Jan. 26, 1 p.m., Healing Action Network, Inc. 2nd Annual Celebration of Hope. Celebrate victims and survivors and highlight the work being done in our region. Goldfarb Schoool of Nursing, BJC, 4483 Duncan Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Jan. 26, 6 p.m., An Evening with the Cardinals. Cardinals Hall of Famers Jim Edmonds and Chris Carpenter will be the featured guests along with emcee and voice of the Cardinals, Dan McLaughlin. St. Louis Union Station, 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www.thenccs.org.

Sun., Jan. 27, 3 p.m., St. Peters AME and Ward Chapel AME Churches Jazz Brunch featuring 3 Central Jazz Group. Anne O. McDonald Family Center, 11410 Old Halls Ferry Rd., 63033. For more information, call (314) 381-3345 or (314) 741-0112.

Jan. 31 – Feb.3, Disney On Ice celebrates 100 Years of Magic, Enterprise Center in St. Louis. Tickets are available by calling Ticketmaster at 800745-3000 or visiting www. Ticketmaster.com. To discover more about Disney On Ice, go to www.Disneyonice.com.

literary

Sat., Jan. 12, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts authors David and Nic Sheff, authors of High. The ultimate resource for learning about the realities of drugs and alcohol for middle grade readers. Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.com.

Mon., Jan. 14, 7 p.m., The Novel Neighbor hosts author Chigozie Obioma, author of An Orchestra of Minorities

St. Louis Community College – Forest Park, 5600 Oakland Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www. eveventbrite.com.

Wed., Jan. 16, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Chris McGreal, author of American Overdose. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

Fri., Jan. 25, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Anthony Ray Hinton, author of The Sun Does Shine: How I Found Life and Freedom on Death Row 2019 Black History Keynote Event. Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131.

theatre

Jan. 10 – 13, Ignite Theatre Company presents Disney’s Beauty and the Beast Grandel, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Jan. 17- Jan 27, Max and Louie Productions presents Love, Linda, directed by Ken Page, Marcelle Theater, 3310 Samuel Shepard Drive (3 blocks east of Grand Blvd). Tickets are on sale at metrotix.com and by phone at (314)) 534-1111. For more information, visit maxandlouie. com

Through Jan. 26, Fox Theatre presents Anastasia Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat to embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103.

Through Jan 27, The Black Rep presents the world premiere of Canfield Drive, The Edison Theatre at Washington University, 6445 Forsyth. For more information, visit www.theblackrep.org.

art

Fri., Jan. 11, 7 p.m., Kehinde Wiley: The Power of Aesthetics. Larry OsseiMensah investigates Wiley’s ability to leverage the power of aesthetics via the themes of art history, music, place, and identity. 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Through Jan. 15., Dimitrina Stamboldjiev Kutriansky’s The Sentimental Landscape. Third Degree Glass Factory, 5200 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. thirddegreeglassfactory.com.

Thur., Jan. 17, 7 p.m., Inner Light Photography invites you to Ain’t I American? A

Pictoral Question. Thomas Dunn Learning Center, 3113 Gasconade St., 63118. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Fri., Jan. 18, 8 p.m., One in a Million: Aaliyah DJ Tribute +Art Show. Urb Arts, 2600 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Through February 3, The Saint Louis Art Museum presents Graphic Revolution: American Prints 1960 to Now, Saint Louis Art Museum. One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park. For more information, call (314) 721-0072 or visit www.slam.org.

Through February 10, Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis, Saint Louis Art Museum. One Fine Arts Drive, Forest Park. For more information, call (314) 721-0072 or visit http:// www.slam.org/exhibitions/ kehinde-wiley.php

Through Feb. 28, National Blues Museum presents Our Living Past: A Platinum Portrait of Music Maker Photographer Timothy Duffy provides a look at the true pioneers and forgotten heroes of American roots music. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.com.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Jan. 10, 7 p.m., Women’s Voices Raised for Social Justice presents Being Poor: No Crime, All Punishment. Speaker: Blake Strode, Executive Director, ArchCity Defenders. Richmond Heights Community Center, 8001 Dale Ave., 63117. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

Sat., Jan. 12, 8:15 a.m., SCORE presents How to Start and Manage Your Own Business. Anheuser-Busch Hall, Fontbonne University,

6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Tues., Jan. 15, 5 p.m., Grace Hill Women’s Business Center presents a Legal Clinic. 2125 Bissell St., 63107. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Wed., Jan. 16, 1 p.m., Grace Hill Women’s Business Center presents Office Hours with a Banker. Sign up for a 30-minute session with a banker. 2125 Bissell St., 63107. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., Jan. 17, 5 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents Violence and

Black Migration. Cheeraz Gormon, will explore the trauma of violent crime on African-American communities and its impact. Carpenter Branch, 3309 S. Grand Blvd., 63118. For more information, visit www. slpl.org.

Sun., Jan. 20, 1 p.m., Representation & Responsibility: Racial and Gender Equity in Film and Television. A panel discussion. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. opera-stl.org.

Sat., Jan. 26, 10 a.m., The Links, Inc., Gateway Chapter and Harris Stowe State University present a Human Trafficking Forum Emerson Performance Center, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63013. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m., Hidden Figures in St. Louis’s African-American History. Hear from Ms. Gail Delaney from The Griot, handle various artifacts, and more. Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer, 63143. For more information, visit www. maplewoodpubliclibrary.com.

Wed., Jan. 16, 6 p.m., Ballpark Village presents Winter Movie Night – The Incredibles 2. 601 Clark Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www. stlballparkvillage.com.

Sat., Jan. 19, 6:30 p.m., Film Screening of Eve’s Bayou. Immediately following the film, there will be a brief Q&A session with Kasi Lemmons, the film’s writer and director. Winifred Moore Auditorium, Webster University, 470 E Lockwood Ave., 63119. For more information, visit www. opera-stl.org.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

The Sophisticated Soul Tour starring Lalah Hathaway, Lyfe Jennings and Raheem DeVaughn For more information, see CONCERTS.

familiar territory of sorts for Lemmons, who was born in St. Louis and bred in Boston. She made her mainstream debut as a filmmaker with 1997’s “Eve’s Bayou.” In the film, viewers are given an intimate look at the lives of an affluent Creole family as experienced through the eyes of 10-year-old Eve Batiste, played marvelously by a young Jurnee Smollett. The film also starred Samuel L. Jackson, Lynne Whitfield, Debbi Morgan, Diahann Carroll and Megan Good.

Set in the summer of 1962, “Eve’s Bayou” sees the Batiste family on the verge of unraveling because of a serious of unfortunate events that climax in tragedy. The film blends the cultural legacy of Louisiana and the black bourgeois to show the complexity and diversity within the African American experience.

Late famed film critic Roger Ebert named “Eve’s Bayou” the best film of 1997. In February 2008, Eve’s Bayou made TIME’S list of The 25 Most Important Films on Race. In 2018, it was selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the National Film Registry for being “culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant.”

Dawn Suggs, Video

Department director at The St. Louis American, will moderate the post-film conversation about Eve’s Bayou. The discussion will also include Lemmons’ current project, Harriet, being released by Focus Features later this year and stars Cynthia Erivo, Leslie Odom Jr. and Janelle Monáe.

“Eve’s Bayou,” was the start of a creative partnership between Lemmons and Blanchard that has stretched two decades.

“From the time that I met her years ago, we’ve had a connection creatively that has just been strong,” Blanchard said while talking to the American during the early stages of workshops for “Fire.”

“I just knew she was the perfect person for this. She

put together a brilliant libretto – which I knew she would. We’ve been saying it’s very cinematic. A lot of the things we will do in this opera will be unique because of what she has written.”

As with “Eve’s Bayou,” Blanchard created the score for the highly anticipated “Harriet.”

“When you see what she has written, it will give you a small glimpse as to how brilliant this woman is,” Blanchard said of Lemmons’ “Fire” libretto. “She’s a brilliant creative mind that the industry hasn’t truly appreciated yet.”

On Sunday, January 20 at 1 p.m., Lemmons will join a panel of distinguished leaders in film and television for a conversation exploring questions of representation and

equity in the industry at the Regional Arts Commission. Emmy nominated writer and producer Colleen McGuinness and Catherine Neville, an Emmy-winning food journalist and television personality, will round out the panel for the event, which is a continuation of OTSL’s new Representation and Responsibility series that explores equity in the arts, entertainment and media.

On Friday, February 1, Lemmons will discuss the book that inspired the opera in a talk presented in partnership with Left Bank Books and the Saint Louis University Library Associates. Guests will be given insight on her process of adapting “Fire Shut Up In My Bones” into an opera libretto by way of a conversation with

Jonathan Smith, vice president for Diversity and Community Engagement at Saint Louis University. The talk will get underway at 7:30 p.m. at Pere Marquette Room & Sinquefield Stateroom, DuBourg Hall Saint Louis University, 221 Grand Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63103. Further events with the opera’s creators will be scheduled during the 2019 season. All events are free and open to the public, unless otherwise stated. The January 19 screening/ talk is a ticketed event that is free for Webster University students and $5 for nonstudents. Tickets can be reserved online at www.opera-stl.org or via the Box Office at (314) 961-0644.

figure, she has walked the walk. Her academic trials as a student – the obstacles she encountered in life and in college and people who tried to block her from the path to becoming a doctor – are candidly discussed.

“I learned early in my life that there is a direct correlation between the principles of athletics and life in general,” January said. “ If applied, those principles will help us to achieve success, success that anyone can attain given the proper motivation and drive.”

Each chapter in the book closes with an inspirational quote from a famous coach or athlete that can be applied to learning. The chapter entitled, “Who Is the Best Person For My Child To Shadow?” ends with an astute observation from John Wooden, former basketball player and head coach at UCLA, “Young people need models, not critics.” She urges parents to start early becoming academic coaches or finding academics the same way that they might find sports coaches and programs for their kids like peewee football and soccer.

She writes in a concise, easy

to understand manner, so busy parents and students will be able to read Educational Athlete in just a few sittings. The chapters all pertain to questions Dr. January has been asked over the years as a physician, academic coach and mentor. “Should My Student Go to College?,” “How Can Your Child Be Successful Despite Adversity?” and “What Is The Best Study Environment For My Child?” are among the inquiries.

Thinking beyond the sports scholarship box In Educational Athlete January cautions not to put too many eggs in the fragile basket of sports scholarship dreams.

“Only 3 out of 10,000 high schoolers make it to the NBA,” January said in the book. “Only 17,500 B-ballers make the college team. The number drafted by the NBA is 48.” She enlightens the reader about the feasibility of obtaining academic scholarships, even amongst those not ranked top of their class. Striving academically – studying hard, making good grades, gaining a facility for taking standardized tests will assist us in this regard. Ultimately combining these skills with electives, with wisely chosen extracurricular activities, and learning to discern a

strong internship or volunteer opportunity will help students stand out on applications and greatly increase their chances for an academic scholarship and different types of financial aid. “What parents and students don’t know is that there is nearly $3 billion of scholarship money that goes untouched merely because people don’t know that it exists,” said January.

Many accessible strategies are provided for students to improve their grades and standardized test scores, and avoid spinning their wheels, so that they may better advance themselves. This powerful little book reveals many secrets for

“studying smarter, not harder,” and offers invaluable tips on time management on a daily basis and throughout one’s educational career. She advises college-bound students to show the best of themselves academically in their junior year, in order that their senior year can be spent honing in on research to determine the most suitable colleges, best financial packages – and applying for funds so that students and their families can afford it.

Academic game changers

January also details how

Dr. Eboni January, a physician, academic coach and mentor, has been asked many questions over the years. She delivers critical tips and tools to academic success for students in her book “Educational Athlete: Why Every Successful Student Needs A Coach.”

Photo by Wiley Price

parents can find and vet an academic coach that is the best fit for the child – and the parent.

Educational Athlete gives hope and faith for any student and family interested in building a strong foundation for education in their lives or developing themselves academically. January’s book also has the potential to save time and money through her distillation of important life skills and methods. Her blue print is sharp, wise and easy to follow. Her writing is peppered with advice which promotes a balanced life and healthy wellbeing.

In addition to writing Educational Athlete, and working full-time as an OBGYN, she has established a “textcoaching” fitness program to combat obesity and has done

a podcast for CBS radio to champion holistic fitness in our community. She has recently appeared as a guest panelist for The St. Louis American “No Appointment Necessary” video health series and as the subject of one of two St. Louis American videos on education. Part of the power of January’s message and work is her ability to talk straight to youth, as well as to parents. It is a blessing that she can do both and is committed to service in St. Louis on both sides of the river. Her willingness to share her mistakes and struggles has allowed her to develop strong rapports with the youth she mentors. Young people will recognize and appreciate someone who can speak frankly to them based on experience and with a real understanding of what they go through these days. Those interested in excelling and training others to excel, can learn much from Dr. Eboni January and Educational Athlete

Educational Athlete: Why Every Successful Student Needs A Coach is available for purchase on Amazon.com. For more information on Dr. Eboni January, follow her on Instagram at @doctorejbootcamp and on Twitter at @ DoctorEJ1.

What

of America. I think Ferguson and St. Louis is in many ways an important place to start that conversation

– because of its recent history, and because of its excellent museum presence. The subject, in a strange way of this exhibition, in a strange way, is the absence of black and brown bodies on the walls of this museum. What we have here is an excellent opportunity to cel-

ebrate the presence and the absence at once.

KV: What do you find most fulfilling about this exhibition – and what do you think it will mean for the museum and the community represented through your subjects?

KW: When you walk into that room, you see that it’s about giving. It’s an additive process. It’s about getting away from flattening an entire community down to a single narrative. What my work seeks to do is allow for complexity – to allow for an entire community to start seeing itself literally bathed in light. “We are here. I was there.” That is the rallying call for this show. The scale shift is really important here.

I love taking those small moments and turning them into these big, grand celebrations, because the opposite is what’s happening in the world. Out in the world there is this big thing [racism]that is making wonderful people look reduced and overly simplified. This work is attempting to do just the opposite. I hope we start seeing more black and brown faces in this

museum. There is something revolutionary about being able to feel comfortable in a space because you are reflected on its walls.

KV: Why is representation, particularly in the visual arts and museums, so critical?

KW: I remember as a kid growing up in South Central Los Angeles and going to the Huntington Libraries Collection in the Los Angeles County Museum. I felt completely different when I turned the corner one day and saw a Kerry James Marshall painting – it’s that great painting in the barbershop. It made me feel like “if he could do it, then anything’s possible.” It changed my entire trajectory as an artist – and as a person. It’s those moments that I look forward to in my own career of allowing a community to feel as though this place is for us too.

KV: How do you see ‘Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis’ in the canon of creative responses to Ferguson?

KW: This was the first show that I did after painting the official portrait of President

Barack Obama, which speaks to the importance of the exhibition for me. As a means of talking about America, Ferguson – of course – and St. Louis at-large becomes the perfect fulcrum point to discuss so many different issues. But if you look at this exhibition, it’s really not overtly about any of that. In fact, there is so many different layers to it. It’s a layer cake that you can look at politically; that you can look at through the lens of gender and power. But in a simple way, it’s also about celebrating an individual. It’s a little less about a grand historical narrative and more about small intimate spaces and moments – and presence.

Kehinde Wiley: The Power of Aesthetics with Larry OsseiMensah will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday, January 11 at the St. Louis Art Museum, One Fine Arts Drive in Forest Park. The talk is in conjunction with the Kehinde Wiley: Saint Louis Exhibition, which is currently on display at SLAM through February 10. For more information, For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Pelosi versus McConnell is the game to watch in Washington

By Mike Jones

For The St. Louis American

The only thing more ridiculous than 17 Republicans running for president in 2016 will be the 20 -plus Democrats running for president in 2020. There will never be that many people in either party – or in both parties, taken together –at any time who ought to be seriously considered for the presidency.

And it doesn’t take almost two years to pick a national leader. Ted Cruz began his active presidential campaign 597 days before the 2016 November General Election. If you survey advanced industrial democracies, nobody comes close to taking as long as the United States. Here’s a random sample for the purpose of comparison: Mexico, 147 days; United Kingdom, 139 days; Canada, 11 weeks; Australia, 6 weeks; and Japan, only 12 days. Why does it take so long in the United States? Is it that Americans can’t get enough of electoral politics? When I was a newly weaned political pup, I was discussing with brother my inability to understand the behavior of a political adversary. My younger brother’s sage advice was, “If it don’t make sense, it must be about the money.” Election campaigns in America are primarily an industry. Relatively few people make an ungodly amount money, with the

byproduct of producing a lot of unqualified people being put in charge of governing America. In the 2016 Democratic presidential primary, Hillary Clinton and Bernie Sanders collectively spent a hair under $500 million. For the 2016 federal election cycle, $6.5 billion (that’s billon) was spent in less than 600 days in campaigns for all federal offices.

So what should you do as you’re being inundated with too much information about too many candidates from too many sources?

season. You can watch if you want, but it has nothing to do with who will ultimately win the title. Like NBA players in the regular season, presidential political consultants are exceptionally well paid. And like the NBA regular season, what they do in 2019 doesn’t really matter to the end game. The champion is a function of the playoffs, and in presidential politics the playoffs start in February 2020 in Iowa. If you live in most places in America, you could reasonably ignore 2019 presidential politics without doing damage to the republic.

n If Pelosi masters McConnell, any reasonably competent Democrat will beat the moral degenerate currently occupying the White House.

First, remember it’s not about you or even who should be the Democratic nominee. The consultants gotta get paid, the pundits gotta get paid and the networks gotta get paid. You’re just the studio audience for a long, expensive reality TV show. It’s like the NBA regular

But there is a contest that you should be watching closely if you want insight on who is most likely to prevail in the 2020 presidential election. It’s the political duel between House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, and the winner of

this political death match will likely determine the winner of the presidential election next November. If Pelosi masters McConnell, any reasonably competent Democrat will beat the moral degenerate currently occupying the White House. If McConnell somehow prevails, somebody is gonna have to have a serious conversation with Michelle Obama about suiting up for the big game.

Both Pelosi and McConnell are skilled and lethal political infighters devoid of conscience or mercy and masters of the mechanics of their respective domains. I like Pelosi’s hand, if she can teach her young wolves the importance of the pack and the value of patience to the successful predator. Despite his skill and treachery, time may have run out for McConnell. He’ll be tethered to an increasingly unpredictable and unreliable Trump and, with over 20 Republican senators running for reelection, it will be next to impossible to hold an “every man for himself” Republican Caucus together. If you want to know what party is going to win in November 2020, all you really need to do is see if it’s Pelosi or McConnell who is still standing this time next year.

Mike Jones is a former senior staffer in St. Louis city and county government and current member of the Missouri State Board of Education and The St. Louis American editorial board. In 2016 and 2017, he was awarded Best Serious Columnist for all of the state’s large weeklies by the Missouri Press Association, and in 2018 he was awarded Best Serious Columnist in the nation by the National Newspapers Association.

East Boogie on the verge of bankruptcy

East St. Louis ended 2018 on a hopeful note, with a 42 percent drop in homicides from the previous year – something positive (outside of high school sports) to celebrate in a city known more for its crime and poverty rates than its successes.

So, it’s both disconcerting and disappointing, as we begin 2019, to learn that East Boogie may be teetering on the verge of bankruptcy, with a budget deficit of $5.5 million. The issue was addressed in an executive session during a recent special City Council meeting. According to my sources, three options were considered.

The first option would entail laying off 32 police officers and 32 firefighters. The second option would involve gutting the entire fire department, while retaining the fire chief and essentially creating a volunteer fire department.

could be decided based upon traditional East Boogie/ St. Clair County “poli-tricks” and the candidate who crafts the best solution to prevent ESL from spiraling into the abyss of bankruptcy.

The third option would be to renegotiate the city’s loan and possibly increase the gaming and casino tax for the Casino Queen.

There are no pretty options, according to ESL Councilman Roy Mosley. Mosley said he was informed that, minus any adjustments, the city would run out of funds within 10 months.

Mayor Emeka Jackson-Hicks told me that she “inherited a budget deficit” and that “no one wants to reduce our police or make personnel cuts.” She said she is “working to bring alternatives to keep the city fully operational.”

With a mayoral election in April, the solvency of ESL is a hot topic. Running to unseat the mayor will be former ESL mayor Carl E. Officer, Councilman Robert Eastern III and activist Darnell Thompson. This election

For now, the City Council has aborted plans to lay off police and firemen, especially after word leaked to voters, who packed council chambers during their executive session. Meanwhile, the deficit isn’t going away, nor is the need to protect the community from crime and fire. To layoff police or firemen will increase the cost of insurance for both citizens and businesses and signal to criminals that it’s open season on the most vulnerable citizens. For those who can afford to move, it will cause a further exodus of those middle-class citizens who have chosen to remain out of pride, loyalty or hope that things will eventually change for the better.

Whoever becomes mayor in April could hitch their wagon to the star of newly elected Governor J.B. Pritzker, a Democrat, in hopes of soliciting assistance for ESL, although Illinois has financial problems of its own.

This should be the topic of debate that determines who deserves to become the next mayor, though I expect the decision will be postponed until after the mayoral election, because politicians rarely choose to go on record as being for laying off personnel prior to an election.

But something drastic must be done and fast, for if this problem is not addressed head-on, then ESL may cease to exist as we know it.

Columnist James Ingram

Columnist

Mike Jones

As promised, I won’t prosecute

By Wesley Bell For The St. Louis American

One lesson I learned from my time as a councilman in Ferguson is patience.

Our team created a working document to begin discussions internally with the prosecutors in the office to be able to get their input. I am very proud of the reforms discussed in that interim policy. The document was leaked and reported as if those policies were finalized. Some of the policies were also initially reported incorrectly. I will discuss criminal child support, in particular, because it has caused much confusion.

My guiding philosophy is that we cannot and will not prosecute poverty or operate the courts as debtors’ prisons. A child support order is a civil order issued by a judge. Most people so ordered make good-faith efforts to pay and never see a courtroom for a criminal matter. For extreme offenders, there are two options: criminal charges or civil contempt charges. Both could potentially result in an individual being incarcerated.

poverty

On the other hand, the individual with a civil contempt order, even if incarcerated, will avoid having to check the “felon” box and the extreme difficulties in finding employment that typically result.

In a civil matter, if an individual will not make attempts to pay child support and is clearly acting in bad faith, a judge can order license revocation, income withholding and, in the most extreme cases, incarceration.

In a criminal matter, if an individual will not make attempts to pay and is clearly acting in bad faith, he can be convicted and placed on probation or incarcerated.

Herein lies the difference between the two approaches: in those extreme cases, an individual incarcerated for civil contempt will not have the same stigma as the individual who now has a felony or misdemeanor record.

Once released, he will still owe child support. An individual’s responsibility to support his family doesn’t cease and shouldn’t cease, but now the individual with the felony conviction has a more difficult time obtaining a good-paying job – and the cycle begins anew.

And to be clear, St. Louis County is the outlier in using felony charges for what should be civil contempt matters. In 2017, the average county in Missouri prosecuted approximately 12 felony non-support cases. The City of St. Louis City prosecuted less than 40. But St. Louis County prosecuted 531 such cases in that year. This type of misuse of prosecutorial discretion is why I ran for this office in the first place. As we develop our final policies we will do exactly as promised. This office will no longer prosecute or recommend jail time solely because of someone’s lack of income. We can’t continue to prosecute poverty. But let me be clear: our office will still help parents collect unpaid child support.

I promised that we would focus our resources on putting serious and violent offenders in prison. And dealing with non-violent/low level offenders – those who need treatment, mental health care, job training – should get the tools they need to be productive citizens, with livable wages and, most importantly, able to take care of their families.

Those who know me are likely aware (and those who don’t will soon learn) that I will always let you know where I stand.

This has been such an amazing week, and I am so appreciative of the messages of support and prayers. Some will not receive this message or perhaps will still disagree. To them, I ask one thing: patience.

I wanted to set the record straight, but now I’m going to get back to implementing the reforms and doing the job St. Louis County voters overwhelming voted me to do.

Wesley Bell is St. Louis County prosecuting attorney.

MLK Community Celebration at Missouri History Museum

Free events for children of all ages January 19- 21.

By Shakia Gullette and Lindsay Newton For The St. Louis American

Last April the world commemorated the 50th anniversary of the passing of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. The iconic leader was standing on the balcony of the old Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee, when he was fatally shot. Dr. King led non-violent protests against racial inequality during the Civil Rights Movement, inspiring the world through his leadership and dedication to the cause of racial justice. The work of Dr. King resonated deeply in St. Louis, and in the wake of his assassination more than 50,000 St. Louisans walked in a peaceful, eight-mile march from the grounds of the Gateway Arch to Forest Park to honor his life.

In the years following Dr. King’s death, cities throughout the country have celebrated his legacy. Coretta Scott King and other civil rights leaders fought tirelessly to urge Congress to recognize King’s achievements with a national holiday. In this spirit, the Missouri History Museum is hosting the free MLK Community Celebration for children of all ages on Saturday, January 19, and Monday, January 21. The museum is a safe environment where kids can ask questions and contemplate, families can dive into big conversations about the relevance of Dr. King’s work in our community today, and everyone can learn how to take action. Throughout the MLK Family Celebration, caregivers are asked to attend all activities and participate alongside their children.

The first 100 kids in attendance each morning will receive a book. “Dear Martin” by Nic Stone will appeal to readers in middle grades, and younger readers will love the picture book “We March” by Shane W. Evans. Both nationally renowned authors will be at the Missouri History Museum on Monday, January 21. Families are invited to join Evans at 12:30 p.m. as he plays music, explores the significance of the MLK holiday, and inspires the audience to be participants in the dream. Stone will take the stage at 4 p.m. She’ll explore the question: How would Dr. King’s philosophies fare in the 21st century?

Families will also have the chance to meet members of the St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature, a group that raises awareness about the importance of early literacy by ensuring that all kids have access to black children’s books. From 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. on both days, children can join these authors to step into the story as Michelle Cook’s “Our Children Can Soar” comes to life. Families can drop in anytime to celebrate Martin, Rosa, Barack, and many others.

There will be several opportunities for families to get active throughout the weekend. Learn about segregation and its effects on young Martin Luther King on a story-dance journey with Mama Lisa offered at 1:45 p.m. and 2:45 p.m. on Saturday and Monday. Yoga will also be offered each morning at 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. Families can join the Collective STL to

move mindfully and explore methods of selfcare, something that is necessary for all who are standing up for a cause.

At 10:15 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. each day families can attend youth activism and engagement workshops facilitated by local educator Tabari Coleman. Kids will learn about the activities and qualities of activists, identify and explore famous and everyday activists, and create posters with personal messages for the community.

On Sunday, January 20, at 1:30 p.m., there will be a break from the family-oriented programming as adult audiences are invited to Beyond the Dream: A Conversation with Traci Blackmon. She will remind guests of the importance of the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and what it means to serve our communities and one another. Rev. Blackmon is the acting executive minister of justice and witness ministries for the United Church of Christ and the pastor of Christ the King United Church of Christ in Florissant. Her work has gained her many audiences, including at the Vatican and the White House. She is recognized for her early and consistent response to racial tensions exposed after the killing of Michael Brown Jr. in Ferguson, and she has received several awards and recognitions, including the White House President’s Volunteer Service Award and Saint Louis University’s Community Leader of the Year.

In 2019 we recognize that the work of Dr. King is as important now as ever before, and during this holiday weekend we hope that you can make a trip to the Missouri History Museum with family and friends to celebrate, reflect, and set intentions to better our community. Be sure to check mohistory.org for a fully updated schedule of activities.

On Sunday, January 20, at 1:30 p.m., adult audiences are invited to Beyond the Dream: A Conversation with Traci Blackmon.

A scene from the 2015 MLK Community Celebration at the Missouri History Museum

Guest Columnist Wesley Bell

Celebrations

Birthday Girl Teacher of the Year

Happy 4th

Birthday to my baby girl, Kimarya, on January 13! I wish I was home to enjoy your special day, but your mom is going to make sure you have a blast with Bray’lee. I love you! -Anthony

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont High School

Class of 1979 is planning its 40 year reunion. All activities are scheduled for the weekend of September

27-29. The location is The Airport Marriot at 10700 Pear Tree Drive, St. Louis 63134. For more information, contact Milton Jackson at 314-2764392 or Yolanda Lockhart at lockhartyo08@gmail.com.

Northwest Class of 1979 is planning on cruising for our 40th class reunion and would love for you to join us! Date to sail is set for July 20, 2019 and you can feel free to contact: Duane Daniels at 314-568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 for further information. Please don’t miss

the boat!

Soldan Class of 1979 is planning its 40th year reunion for the weekend of August 2-3, 2019. Yearlong reunion activities will begin with a kickoff at Soldan High School Homecoming on Saturday, October 13, 2018 prior to the game at 1 p.m. For more information or to assist with reunion activities, please email at: soldanclassof1979@gmail. com or call Barbara at 314 456-3391.

Sumner Class of 1976

Congratulations to Ashley Gerald, first grade teacher at Lusher Elementary School, who has been named the 20182019 Hazelwood School District Teacher of the Year. Ms. Gerald was surprised with the news in her classroom last month by Superintendent Dr. Nettie Collins-Hart and Assistant Superintendent Juan Cordova. She is a Hazelwood Central High School graduate and has taught at Lusher Elementary for the past four years. She began teaching in the Hazelwood School District in 2007 and taught previously at both Grannemann and Keeven Elementary.

OF

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

Annual Christmas Party, Friday, December 21, 2018, 7pm @ DEJAVU II Cafe, 2805 Target Dr., 63136. 2 for 1 Drink Specials (5:307:30pm), free parking, band performs from 7:30 - 9:30pm. no cover charge; classmates and guest each pays $5 for the catered food, served during intermission, whether you partake of it or not. Limited reserved seating available until 10 pm. (Doors open 5 pm/ close 1 am) For more info, call B. Louis at 314.385.9843.

Sumner Class Of 1969 50th

reunion “Living Life Like It’s Golden” June 28-30, 2019. Looking for classmates of 1969 to contact us with your updated information via address:sumnerclass1969@ gmail.com or our FB page: Sumner High.

Sumner Class of 1979 will hold its “Bulldogs Rock the Boat” BIG 4-0 Reunion Cruise, June 22-27, 2019. For further information, email your contact information to sumner1979@ ymail.com or call 314-4064309. Join our Facebook group at Sumner High Class of ‘79.

Another Partyline time lapse. The bad news is the lag time continues because of the New Year ploppin’ down in the middle of the week and holding me back in order to make deadlines. The good news is you will finally get to hear what was hot in these streets for New Year’s Eve – and we will be back in real time starting next week. But let me jump right into this New Year’s Eve rundown.

Scratching my head at Sommore. Let me say that I was thrilled that The New Year’s Weekend Comedy Festival did not happen on New Year’s Eve and disrupt the rhythm of my party flow. Sommore came stomping through the Chaifetz Arena once again with the sickest shoe game imaginable. Those silver red-bottom booties would have been a perfect Christmas gift. But shockingly, I can’t really say I felt the same way as I usually do about her little piece of set before the show got started. I could have just been being hypersensitive, but I felt a little like she might have a taste of team Make America Great Again in her spirit. Okay, you thought it was cute that Trump quietly prank-called the whole country with his Presidential Alert, but to say that he does fly [expletive] is a stretch. And when she tried to justify folks calling the police on other folks by saying that it’s the mass shooting culture that has them on alert is a mess, when black people are getting the cops called on them for saying “good morning” with too much bass had me looking super sideways. Now, I did holler when she talked about how there is no excuse to be ugly in 2019 with all of the tools that the girls have to get glammed up – and how back in the day, the only thing you had to work with in creating a diversion was a long, stringy bang. New Year, same jokes. The show continued as regular Mike Epps openers Kenny Howell and St. Louis’ own Gary “G Thang” Johnson did what they do. I was happy there was some fresh funny on the tour in the form of another St. Louisan Guy Torry. He was hilarious during his gig at the Funny Bone last year, but at The Chaifetz he essentially spent his whole time coaching random audience members through a simulated snooze of a “love scene.” The winning “performer” got $100, but we didn’t get any jokes. DC Young Fly was in St. Louis so many times in 2018 that I feel it’s safe for me to start the rumor that he has his own little Red Hot Riplet (if you get my drift) somewhere in the 314/618. I still cackled at his bits, though. The MVP of the night though, undoubtedly went to Mark Curry. I know y’all probably think that Mr. Cooper might be corny, but I hollered through his whole set. My favorites were when he said he smuggled his father’s gun inside the school and his daddy was such a savage that he walked up in the school and got it back. And his mother pulled a pistol on him and his siblings in church and said “Keep playin’ with me. I’ll shoot this one bullet and it will go through all eight of ya’ll!” I was DOA. As much as I ride for Mike Epps, I was so underwhelmed by his headlining set, that I was concerned. He tried to refresh some of his old standby jokes, and it was borderline pitiful. I know for a fact Mike Epps is double-over funny, so maybe he’s going through something. But this will mark the second year in a row he’s brought in a new year with old jokes. And DC Young Fly won the battle of the afterparties between him and Mike Epps. He had the Marquee on lean. I thought Mike was holding his own until I got up in Dos Salas and realized that all those cars belonged to the folks who walked over to the Marquee.

Strolling out of 2018. Let me say that the pretty girls of the Gamma Omega chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha played no games when it came to going out of 2018 with a bang. The AKAs were up first with their End of the Year party Friday before New Year’s Eve at The Machinists’ Hall. They brought out the undergraduates, graduates, gold, silver and diamond stars of AKA and folks from all of the other fraternities and sororities on the dance floor for an epic gathering that can best be described as “Stomp The Yard: Grown and Sexy Edition.” Am I the only one who had never seen Alphas, AKAs and Deltas step alongside the Kappas when “Freaks of the Industry” came on before that Friday night? And it was so packed that I’m sure some folks pulled up in the Bridgeton Target parking lot expecting to partake in somebody’s midnight sale only to learn that those cars were people packed up in the Machinist Hall putting on for their fraternities and sororities in a major way.

“DJ Lyte” and the dapper Nupes. The AKAs weren’t the only organization going hard in the name of beautiful folks. The pretty boys of Kappa Alpha Psi gave guests a New Year’s Eve experience to remember at the Union Station Hotel with hip-hop legend MC Lyte on tables keeping the party turnt. She has some serious skills as “DJ Lyte” too. Did y’all know she was a member of Sigma Gamma Rho? All of my favorite Nupes came dressed to the nines for the sold-out event that had the longest Kappa stroll I’ve seen not on somebody’s HBCU campus. I was hoping that some of them had brought their canes, but I know first-hand that Crown Royal and cane twirling don’t mix. Most of this crowd was the pre-shoulder-shimmy generation of Kappas, but they still served up entertaining smooth strolls as we rang into 2019. Young folks formally in the New Year’s Eve spirit. I had the time of my life watching the Millennials handle New Year’s Eve like grown folks. My first stop on the party scene was the Marquee, and I knew I would be delighted when I saw the line filled with after five and cocktail attire. I was like “y’all better come through with the gold sequined gowns and classy black dresses.” It was quite cute. They had some plus-sized appetizers for the folks as they came in. The vibe was so sophisticated that I almost felt out of place, so I just perched by the table with the steak sliders and threw down ahead of my annual cleanse. Even though it was sweaty by the time I made it over there, The Sauce Events crew had a similarly panache vibe going over at Blue Ultra Lounge. If folks keep it as classy going out of 2019 as they did when they were ringing it in, I might have to recycle my salute dress as a beat the streets in the name of the New Year.

Gabby, Tony “T-Luv” Davis, Mo Spoon and Ebony pulled together a great New Year’s Day kickback @ Cuetopia II

Veteran neosoul songwriter, producer and pianist Zo! With DJ JMO and CJ Conrod after Zo!’s New Year’s Eve performance with Carmen Rodgers @ .Zack

Sam and Margaret represented for the Kappas and the AKAs @ The AKA End of the Year Jam Friday night @ The Machinist Hall

Delta Courtney and her friend Jazma were shown plenty of love by the AKAs @ Gamma Omega’s End of the Year Jam Friday @ The Machinist Hall

The AKAs were in the building to show love to the Kappas, who brought in 2019 with MC Lyte working the tables @ Union Station Hotel

National Recording artist Carmen Rodgers with piano virtuoso Mo Egeston following her show with Zo! On New Year’s Eve @ .Zack

The always lovely Arika Harris was on hand with her husband Steve and his frat @ the Kappas New Year’s Eve bash @ Union Station Hotel

Melanie and Porsha were giving motherdaughter glamour @ The Marquee’s New Year’s Eve bash

Dave and Angela were among the stylish couples who rang in 2019 @ The Marquee

Tastemakers Ono and Justice were among the stylish crowd that celebrated New Year’s Eve @ Blue Ultra Lounge

Nupes Dee and Larry Blue with the lovely MC Lyte, who was in the building in a DJ capacity and helped the Kappas keep it the party going into 2019 at their New Year’s Eve bash at Union Station Hotel.

ASSISTANT PROPERTY MANAGER

PositionAvailable

New Management Company

Part Time position

Assistant Property Manager for Multifamily Senior Affordable HousingApartments

Tax Credit and Voucher

Program Experience is Required

Send Resumes

Only to: lillie@alphaterraceapartments.com

DEACONESS SEEKS

PROGRAMASSISTANT

The primary responsibility of this fulltime position is providing administrative support to professional program staff, including coordinating routine processes for grant making and advocacy activities within the foundation’s program portfolio. The secondary responsibility is relationship management and constituency support services to the foundation’s volunteers and prospective/partner grantees. The position assures effectiveness of program operations by enhancing communication with partners and devising and implementing efficiencies of workflow (i.e. electronic and postal communications, filing and data management). For more information and to apply, visit: http://www. deaconess.org/program-assistant

PART-TIME

BUS DRIVER

LABORERS

FULL-TIME

The City of Jennings is seeking applicants for the following positions: part-time bus driver, full-time and contractor public works laborers, and full-time correction officers. Applications available at Jennings City Hall, 2120 Hord Ave., or at www.cityofjennings.org. See each job posting for the details and deadlines for each position. No resumes accepted without our application.

OFFICE ASSISTANT

We need a trustworthy and hardworking Office Assistant, Job duties include handling day-today office task application should be emailed tojangozo@outlook.com.

- HIRING

SUPREME COURT OF MISSOURI GENERALCOUNSEL

The Supreme Court of Missouri currently has a vacancy for the position of General Counsel. This is attorney work of the highest level providing legal advice and counsel to Judges of the Court, the Clerk of the Court and related offices. Starting salary range for this fully benefited state position is $99,312 to $113,424. Interested parties may refer to the judiciary web site http://www.courts.mo.gov and clicking on Careers for additional details. Applications accepted until position is filled. Preference given to applications received on or before January 18, 2019. The Supreme Court of Missouri is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SERVANT LEADER INTERN

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools(r) programs for children in grades kindergarten through five in the St. Louis region. The Servant Leader Intern serve as classroom facilitators delivering an Integrated Reading Curriculum to a class of no more than ten students for 7 weeks during the summer. The Servant Leader Intern will lead afternoon enrichment activities, chaperone field trips, and lead parent workshops and community outreach activities.

To apply for this position, visit Deaconess Foundation’s website - http://deaconess.org/ cdf-freedom-schools-servant-leader-intern.

PROJECT DIRECTOR

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools(r) programs for children in grades kindergarten through five in the St. Louis region. The Project Director works with the Executive Director to manage operations for the CDF Freedom Schools program. The position’s primary responsibility is to manage adequate staff to operate three program sites and ensure overall quality as outlined by the standards of the CDF Freedom Schools program. The Project Director will serve as liaison between Deaconess Foundation and the four program sites, maintain the safety of all staff and students, ensure that the CDF Freedom Schools Integrated Reading Curriculum is implemented with fidelity, and ensure that appropriate program staff inputs data in CDF’s reporting system.

To apply for this position, visit Deaconess Foundation’s website - http://deaconess.org/ cdf-freedom-schools-project-director.

PROJECT MANAGER

Bayer CropScience L.P. seeks Project Management Horticulture Sustainable Growth Rate to work in St. Louis, MO, & lead Phase 3 horticultural project development through registration submission to commercial launch (phase 4) as well as support the Early Development & Marketing Product Manager. Apply at https://career.bayer.us, #30585.

PASTOR

FULL-TIME

Rose Hill M.B. Church, Villa Ridge MO: seeking full-time pastor. If interested please call 314-480-2616

HEAD OF EXHIBITIONS

Saint Louis Art Museum. Full-Time. Head of Exhibitions. Apply online at www.slam.org/careers

MANAGER OF DATA MANAGEMENT

Oversees the Data Management team that is responsible for the design, implementation, and support of Safety National’s Data Management strategy. Additionally, this team is responsible for supporting application development when SQL expertise is required. This team is responsible for the structure of Safety National’s ODS, the ETL processes that support the ODS, Safety National’s data warehouse, the ETL processes that support the warehouse, and the creation and maintenance of business intelligence reports based on the needs of end users. Requires knowledge of SQL programming.Assist in training developers and end users on reporting tools and analysis of data. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/.

TEACHER

Building Futures needs design and build teacher for grades K-12 to teach model-making, wood-working, design, computer programs and problem solving. Full time; 35- 45K. Must love working with young people and learning new skills.

Call: 314 – 518 – 5279 or info@building-futures.org.

SITE COORDINATOR

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools(r) programs for children in grades kindergarten through five in the St. Louis region. The Site Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations and supervises staff of one CDF Freedom Schools site. The position’s primary responsibility is to ensure the proper implementation of the CDF Freedom Schools program model by managing daily site activities. The Site Coordinator will train and manage staff, maintain the safety of all staff and students, coordinate afternoon activities, filed trips, family engagement initiatives and volunteer responsibilities and ensure that the CDF Freedom Schools Integrated Reading Curriculum is implemented with fidelity.

To apply for this position, visit Deaconess Foundation’s website - http://deaconess. org/cdf-freedom-schools-site-coordinator.

of education and experience may be considered. Certified IRB Professional (CIP) status will be required when eligible.

Associate Director - Human Research Protection Office - 41940

This position provides leadership for designated areas of the Human Research Protection Office (HRPO) and Institutional Review Board (IRB) and works collaboratively with the Executive Director to assure compliance with federal regulations, state laws, accreditation requirements and institutional policies. Key responsibilities include data analytics, education, management of designated staff, and ongoing review and revision of policies and procedures. The ideal candidates will possess: Master’s level degree required or bachelor’s degree with comparable research and management experience, 5 years of experience in human subject research, research administration and/or regulatory compliance, experience in human subjects research education and compliance, demonstrated experience and success in progressive levels of management required, and Certified IRB Professional (CIP) status required when eligible.

Regional Director of Development; Alumni and Development Programs - 41599: The Regional Director of Development will expand the university’s base of support and strengthen its relationships with existing donors in Missouri, Kansas, Ohio, Kentucky, and West Virginia. The Regional Director will build and manage a portfolio of constituents capable of making major gifts in the five- and six-figure range and will carry out the fundraising process from identification and cultivation to solicitation to stewardship. Successful collaboration and an understanding of complex organizations are critical, as the regional director will work closely with colleagues within the regional development team and across

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The St. Louis Philanthropic Organization (SLPO) invites 501 (c) (3) organizations to submit an application for its 2019 Responsive Grants cycle. Grant requests cannot exceed $10,000 and must be used solely for programs that provide services to St. Louis city residents. Agencies may submit only one application per grant cycle.

The original and two copies of the application, along with one copy of the required attachments, must be received no later than 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 8, 2019, at the SLPO office located at 20 South Sarah Street, St. Louis, MO 63108. Please ensure that the required number of copies and all attachments are included. All grant requests must be submitted on the SLPO application form. (Please note it is not necessary to three-hole punch or bind the materials. One staple in the upper left corner will suffice.) The application form, along with instructions for completion and required attachments, may be found on the SLPO web site at www.stlphilanthropic.org as a fillable PDF and in Microsoft Word. Agencies may also request that a copy of the application and instructions be emailed to them by contacting the SLPO office at stlphil@sbcglobal.net. SLPO office hours are Mondays and Thursdays from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and Friday mornings from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

Applications will not be accepted by email or fax. They may be delivered to the SLPO office by U.S. mail or hand delivered.

SLPO will host an Informational Session for Prospective Grantees via conference call on Thursday, January 17th at 10:00

a.m. Please see the St. Louis Philanthropic Organization website for further information.

Sealed bids to furnish

materials, equipment and labor for the server room installation of electrical service are being requested from the Ferguson-Florissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 10:30 A.M. CST at the Facilities Maintenance Department located at 7469 Mintert Industrial Drive, Ferguson, MO 63135. Bid specs must be obtained at: http://new.fergflor.K12.mo.us/facilities-rfq. Contact Matt Furfaro (314) 506-9184

Notice to M/WBE Businesses

January 3, 2019

LANDCO Construction LLC 1400 South Highway Drive, Ste 99 Fenton, MO 63099

Seeking MBE and WBE businesses for the Cortex Community Accenture Project at 4220 Duncan Avenue, St. Louis, MO, for Union Subcontracting and Supply opportunities in the following areas:

Rough carpentry, architectural woodwork, fireproofing, doors, frames & hardware, glass & glazing, drywall, acoustical ceilings, carpet & resilient flooring, paint & wallcovering, fire protection specialites, toilet accessories, appliances, window treatment, plumbing, fire protection, HVAC and electrical.

All interested parties should contact:

Greg Zuzack PH: (314) 744-8260 Fax: (314) 275-7409 gzuzack@rlandco.com

LANDCO will host a pre-bid conference at 9:00 AM on January 11, 2019. Meet in the lobby at 4220 Duncan Avenue.

All proposals will be reviewed for the lowest responsive and responsible quote, and must be received by Friday, January 25, 2019.

Plans and specifications are available for free electronic download from Cross Rhodes Reprographics at www.x-rhodes.com. PH: (314) 678-0087.

MWBE PreBid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on

MSD’s Olive/Washington – Grand to Vandeventer Combined Sewer Relief Contract Letting No. 12702-015.1

This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor member: Fred M. Luth & Sons, Inc. 4516 McRee Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 314/771-3892

The meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m.

January 17, 2019

SITE Improvement Association Office, 2071 Exchange Drive St. Charles, MO 63303

Project plans are available from MSD. For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

MWBE PreBid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on

MSD’s Hermitage Sanitary Relief (SKME-615) Contract Letting No. 10863-015.1

This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor member: Fred M. Luth & Sons, Inc. 4516 McRee Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 314/771-3892

The meeting will take place at 10:30 a.m.

January 17, 2019

SITE Improvement Association Office, 2071 Exchange Drive St. Charles, MO 63303

Project plans are available from MSD. For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

St. Louis Treatment Court 22nd Judicial Circuit City of St. Louis, Missouri

Request for Proposals

The St. Louis Treatment Court is seeking proposals for the following opportunity to work with participants of the St. Louis Adult Drug Court and/or Veteran Treatment Court: • Substance Abuse Counseling Services RFPFY19-01

SEALED BIDS

for Missouri Veterans Home Renovation, St. Louis, Missouri, Project No. U1804-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 2/7/2019. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: DISINFECTION STARTUP. The District is proposing single source procurement for this equipment because RAY LINDSEY COMPANY is the only known available source for the equipment. Any inquiries should be sent to gjamison@stlmsd.com. Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Saxonhall Drive #10965 Storm Sewer under Letting No. 11420-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, February 05, 2019, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE OF REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL FOR CONSULTING SERVICES TO REVIEW HOTEL DEMAND AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE LAND CLEARANCE FOR REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the City of St. Louis (“LCRA”), hereby requests proposals for services to assist with a review and analysis of the hotel, lodging, and hospitality market in the City of St. Louis. For a copy of the RFP please visit our website at https://www.stlouis-mo. gov/government/departments/sldc/index.cfm by selecting the RFP/RFQ link for a complete copy of the RFP, or contact:

LAND CLEARANCE FOR REDEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY

1520 Market, SUITE 2000 ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63103 (314) 657-3700 (PHONE) (314) 613-7011 (FAX)

Proposals are due no later than 4:30 P.M. Central Standard Time on Friday, January 11, 2019.

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS

The New St. Louis County Port Authority (Port) is seeking highly qualified and experienced individuals, firms or organizations to provide comprehensive administrative services, accounting/audit services and legal services to support the new St. Louis County PortAuthority Board of Directors (Board) recently appointed by the St. Louis County Council. Three copies of the statement of qualifications and one electronic format (CD or thumb drive) must be submitted to the new PortAuthority Board and must be received no later than 3PM on Friday, January 25, 2019 at 9909 Manchester Road #318 St. Louis, Mo. 63122. All inquiries and requests to obtain complete scope of services should be directed to Dennis G. Coleman, Interim Executive Director of the Port at NewSTLCountyPortAuthority@gmail. com or by calling 314 267-1688.

A copy of the Request for Proposals can be obtained by writing to: Barbra Lentz, Room 526, 1114 Market St., St. Louis, Missouri 63101 or calling 314-622-4924 for a mail out copy. Interested providers may obtain the proposal specifications by accessing www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com on that website click on Drug Court to find the RFP. Proposals should be submitted no later than 4 p.m. on February 13, 2018 in Room 526, 1114 Market St., St. Louis, Missouri 63101. REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on February 7, 2019 to contract with a company for:

Roof Replacement at Keifer Creek Pump Station. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9752 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting bids for repairs to the Old Chain of Rocks Bridge. Please check https://greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by February 1, 2019.

Keller Construction Inc.

Requests subcontractor and or material supplier quotations from Illinois Department of Transportation Certified subcontractors, suppliers and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises for the letting to be held January 18, 2019. Interested parties should contact Keller Construction at (618) 656-0033. All quotations must be submitted by 4:30 PM Wednesday January 16, 2019. Keller Construction is an equal opportunity employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on February 13th, 2019 to contract with a company for: Lawn Care Services for Mintert Yard. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9759 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on February 4th, 2019 to contract with a company for: Manhole Rehabilitation Services.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9750 RFP. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on February 11th, 2019 to contract with a company for: Lawn Care Services for Lemay Treatment Plant. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9756 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

REALESTATE BROKERAGE SERVICES

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) seeks the service of a Real Estate Brokerage Firm to provide professional and technical assistance in support of SLDC staff to a) provide advice on market value of target and comparable properties; b) advertise available parcels and buildings through media outlets; c) analyze and evaluate offers presented on subject properties; d) present SLDC agency counteroffers; e) consult on related matters such as land subdivisions, lot consolidations, surveys, as necessary; and f) provide information and documents in preparation for closing, in conjunction with SLDC staff and counsel. Proposals due 1-28-2019. Details at https://www.stlouismo.gov/government/department/ sldc/procurement.cfm or by contacting Synetta Wright, Real Estate Specialist III, SLDC, at wrights@stlouis-mo.gov.

BID PROPOSAL

SPECIAL SCHOOL DISTRICT OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY ACCEPTING SEALED BIDS

Notice to contractors, Special School District is accepting bids for Cosmetology Lab Renovations at North Technical High School. For details, please visit the website at www.ssdmo.org/rfps.html

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination

that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.” Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 to place your rental/real estate ad today!

SEALED BIDS

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) seeks

ernment/department/sldc/procurement. cfm or by contacting Synetta Wright, Real Estate Specialist III, SLDC, at wrights@stlouis-mo.gov.

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) seeks the service of a Real Estate Appraiser to provide professional and technical assistance in support of SLDC and City staff to assist in the management of appraising the properties that are deeded to the Land Reutilization Authority (LRA) as a result of 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 tax foreclosure Sheriff’s sales. Proposals due 1-28-2019. Details at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/department/sldc/procurement. cfm or by contacting Synetta Wright, Real Estate Specialist III, SLDC, at wrights@stlouis-mo.gov.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

REAL ESTATE APPRAISAL EVALUATION SERVICES

Real Estate Appraisal Evaluation Services St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) seeks the service of a Real Estate Appraiser to provide professional and technical assistance in support of SLDC and City staff to assist in the management of establishing pricing in the acquisition and sale of property. In some instances, the appraiser may be required to testify in eminent domain proceedings in support of their professional opinions relating to real estate values. Proposals due 1-28-2019. Details at https://www. stlouis-mo.gov/government/department/sldc/procurement.cfm or by contacting Synetta Wright, Real Estate Specialist III, SLDC, at wrights@stlouis-mo.gov.

MBE/WBE/DBE/SDVE & VETERAN-OWNED BID OPPORTUNITY

10% MBE/3% SDVE/10% Combined WBE, DBE & Veteran-Owned Business

Richard A. Howerton, Inc. will be accepting subcontractor and/or material bids on the following project:

MUHC Various Locations – Fire Alarm Upgrade, Project No. CP181191 Columbia, Missouri - Bid Date: January 8, 2019

Project information available at: http://operations-webapps.missouri.edu/pdc/adsite/ad.html Bids are required by email on 01/08/19 before 11:00am –

Illinois Catholic Church didn’t disclose hundreds of abuse cases

The Message

Can you say, ‘Judas’?

New Attorney General Kwame Raoul says

he

will continue investigation started by Madigan

By Sam Dunklau Of NPR Illinois

Now-former Illinois Attorney General

Lisa Madigan reported that six Illinois Roman Catholic dioceses failed to disclose at least 500 sexual abuse cases involving priests. That is one of the first findings the office has released so far in its ongoing investigation of the dioceses.

She said the investigation aims to uncover both the extent of sexual abuse incidents in Illinois’ Catholic Church and whether church officials tried to cover them up.

“For decades, the Catholic Church was hiding these, in many ways, discrediting the victims and their families,” she said.

It’s unclear at the moment which dioceses the priests involved in those cases were practicing in and whether they’re still members of the clergy.

Since the investigation began in August, the six dioceses have altogether released the names of about 180 priests who had “credible” abuse allegations against them. But documents obtained by the Attorney General’s Office show the church did not notify the police or the Illinois Department of Child and Family Services about hundreds of other cases.

In a statement, Bishop Thomas Paprocki of the Catholic Diocese of Springfield said he is cooperating with the investigation and called the non-disclosures a “virtuous intent to protect the faithful from scandal.”

Though some of the priests involved in those incidents have since died, Madigan said prosecution is still on the table.

“Obviously there is a statute of limitations issue, sometimes with individual clergy members,” she said. “But, as our investigation continues, we will certainly take legal action if it’s warranted.”

Separately, the Attorney General’s

Office said it’s received 300 other abuse allegations via a clergy sexual abuse hotline that was launched in August.

Incoming Attorney General Kwame Raoul released a statement saying he is “committed to continuing this investigation.”

Reprinted with permission from news. stlpublicradio.org.

Joyous Jubilee concert series

Saint Louis Cathedral Concerts, an independent nonprofit that brings sacred and classical music to St. Louis from worldclass musicians, will host its first ever Joyous Jubilee concert series. This series will showcase three exceptional AfricanAmerican concert choirs performing sacred and contemporary gospel music in one of the world’s grandest cathedrals, the Cathedral Basilica of Saint Louis, located

Now-former Illinois Attorney General Lisa Madigan reported that six Illinois Roman Catholic dioceses failed to disclose at least 500 sexual abuse cases involving priests.

at 4431 Lindell Blvd. The concerts are: 8 p.m. January 18, North City Deanery Choir; 8 p.m. January 25, Dello Thedford & The Gospel Symphonic Choir; and 8 p.m. February 1, American Spiritual Ensemble. For more information, visit https:// cathedralconcerts.org.

Brian Owens plays Second Presbyterian Church

The Brian Owens Duo will explore songs of love and hope in Owens’ own compositions as well as music by AfricanAmerican artists 1t 4 p.m. Sunday, February 17 at Second Presbyterian Church, located at 4501 Westminster Pl. in the Central West End, St. Louis, 63108. The concert is part of the Couts Music Series and is free to the community. For more information call 314367-0367 or visit www.secondchurch.net.

As believers we really have a lot on our plates. From our perspective, however, that doesn’t mean we are challenged beyond our capacity to fulfill God’s destiny for us. It just means life still happens to us. It just does so with a purpose: God’s. The more we understand and internalize that, the more we see and appreciate the individual blessings in our lives. What I’d like to call your attention to now is a statement of fact from Jesus’ mouth to your reality. I’m still hanging out in dealing with that forgiveness thing. This time it’s not forgiving yourself that I’m talking about. It’s God’s forgiveness and grace about the sins we commit.

Nowhere in the Bible can I find an expectation by God that you won’t sin after you are saved. To the contrary, the expectation is that you will. God’s grace and Jesus’ blood have taken care of that for you and me. We just need to keep the appropriate perspective regarding sin and through prayer let God know your confession is genuine.

The point I want to bring to your attention is when Jesus says your forgiveness is not happening. Luke 17:1 says, “Things that cause people to sin are bound to come, but woe to that person through whom they come.” This one here stunned me and I thought I’d pass it along to you: “but woe to that person through whom they come.” This kind of redefines friendship and fellowship, don’t you think?

This statement does not remove anything from the sinner, but it does put a huge burden on the one who brings the sin and convinces his Christian family member to partake. The consequences of this act appear to be catastrophic. You guys know I believe for anyone to actually hurt you, they have to be close enough to you to kiss you. Can you say, ‘Judas’?

My point is you cannot plead ignorance on this one. God will not let you. Woe is waiting. The verse continues to illustrate how you should respond to one who sins against you. Yep. You still gotta forgive. The verse is also very clear as to your role in the family of Christ. Don’t bring sin to the party and try and convince others it’s okay to partake. Eve did that, and we all know how that turned out. So remember this: You are forgiven and you are to forgive. I don’t believe I follow a God of confusion. This is pretty simple. But let’s not get it twisted. This is a trap, as in entrapment. Don’t fall for it. Don’t ask your friends to wallow in your “oh woe is me.” That’s an indication of lack of faith or lack of belief that Christ did indeed fulfill scripture. When you feel this happening to you, remember the fight is fixed and you win. The alternative is Jesus’ “oh woe is you.” As always it’s still your choice. It always has been.

Columnist James Washington