St. LouiS AmericAn
Public safety is paramount, say St. Louis leaders
Encouraged by some progress, still much to be done
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American
A town hall meeting on public safety drew almost 200 community members who gathered to engage with St. Louis leaders who provided updates and heard concerned citizens express their opinions.
Moderated by 10th Ward Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard, Board of Alderman President Megan Green, Chief Robert Tracy of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, trauma specialist Dr. LJ Punch, Circuit Attorney Gabe Gore, Public Safety Vice President James Clark of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and Public Safety Director Charles Coyle shared information and spoke with citizens.
“Public safety is a shared responsibility in our city,” said Green, who shared the city’s plans to increase safety in the city of St. Louis. Included are:
• Creating local policies to address the
See
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10th Ward Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard explains how to report crime and civic issues during public safety town hall meeting at the Urban League in the Fountain Park neighborhood in St. Louis on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. She served as the night’s moderator.
Keeping the Dream Alive: ‘It starts with me’
38th MLK Celebration held Jan. 6
By Ashley Winters St. Louis American
The 38th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Kickoff was an early celebration of one of the country’s most iconic figures. The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Held at HarrisStowe State University on Saturday, January 6, 2024, this year’s theme is “Keeping the Dream Alive: It Starts With Me”
n “In the face of the ongoing challenges we encounter this year’s theme serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility.”
– Dr. LaTonia Collins-Smith
“In the face of the ongoing challenges we encounter, this year’s theme serves as a reminder of our collective responsibility,” said Dr. LaTonia CollinsSmith, HarrisStowe president and Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri chair. Collins-Smith hopes neighborhoods across Missouri will continue acts of community service and exemplify the principles King encouraged all to embody.
Since its establishment in 1985, the statewide celebration has helped sponsor regional community initiatives across the state to honor the legacy of Dr. King.
“As we pay homage to Dr. King’s legacy we recognize and celebrate individuals and organizations embodying the ideals of equality in education, health care, economic empowerment, service to the community, and justice and freedom,” said Collins-Smith
“These awardees are actively making a difference in our state”
Kevin M. Jones, St. Louis American COO, passes
By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American
Kevin M. Jones, for nearly 32 years was an employee of the St. Louis American and for many years its chief operating officer, has passed away. He was 57. An honors graduate of St. Louis University High School, Jones also graduated with honors from the University of Missouri – Columbia School of Journalism.
While attending the University of Missouri, Jones worked for three newspapers at the same time: the Columbia Daily Tribune, Columbia Missourian and The Maneater. Following his work as an advertising manager with the Suburban Journals, Jones joined the St. Louis American staff. During his tenure he helped create many
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Word In Black staff
The long-anticipated day has arrived for 10 of the nation’s most trusted and innovative Black publishers, who have worked hard over the past three years to grow Word In Black into a national news site focused on solutions to racial inequities in America. As of Jan. 1, Word In Black has officially incorporated as a public benefit company.
Word In Black is the only media startup of its kind and serves as a future model for the industry. It was incubated inside Local Media Foundation, a 501(c) (3) organization affiliated with Local Media Association. The incubation period allowed for significant testing and experimentation which in turn led to rapid growth. The 10 publishers and the LMF team
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Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis AMerican
Awardees included Alana Green of St. Louis, Distinguished Social Action Award; Bishop Ron Webb of Poplar Bluff, Mo., the Dr. Henry Givens, Jr. Legacy Award.; Edward Berry
Kevin M. Jones
Jesse D. Williams & Total Praise rocked the house during the 38th
Annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Statewide Celebration Kickoff Program for Missouri Saturday, Jan. 6, 2024, at Harris-Stowe State University.
of Fulton County, the Distinguished Community Service Award; and Mary Ratliff of Columbia Mo., the
St. Louisan SZA takes legal action against suspects who leaked her music
St. Louisan SZA posted on X (formerly Twitter) to her following to stop leaking her music prematurely. She concluded by saying she intends to take legal action if another leak occurs.
“LEAKING MY MUSIC IS STEALING,” Sza posted. “THIS IS MY LIFE AND MY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY. YOU ARE A F---ING THIEF AND I PROMISE TO PUT MAXIMUM ENERGY INTO HOLDING EVERYONE ACCOUNTABLE TO THE FULL EXTENT OF THE LAW.”
In November 2023,
SZA said “It’s not mine anymore; it’s actually yours. It’s something unfinished that you decided was ready to be shared,” she said. “It’s like, ‘F--- you. Now I’m not releasing it.’ Play your leak, but you’re not gonna bully me into dropping music. I’m now embarrassed by this less-than-correct version that you put out. You’ve sent me into a weird space creatively when you could have just waited for me, but you’re selfish.”
SZA most recently teased her latest project in December. She posted seven variations of the cover artwork on her social media channels.
Keke got a Grammy as game show host
Keke Palmer, no stranger to Emmy Awards, added to her collection after beating Jeopardy!’s hosts Ken Jennings and Mayim
Bialik, Family Feud’s Steve Harvey, and Wheel of Fortune’s Pat Sajak for the Emmy for Outstanding Host for a Game Show for NBC’s Password “Wow. That is so exciting thank you so much. I’m really just so thankful, I’m almost speechless. I want to thank the people who allowed this to happen, thank you to Jimmy Fallon, thank to NBC,” she said during her acceptance speech, according to a BET report.
Fallon also praised Palmer, saying she’s “Sharp, charming, and quickwit-ted, all while looking like a superstar. There’s no one like Keke Palmer.”
Palmer won her irst Emmy in 2021 for Outstanding Actress in a Short Form Comedy or Drama Series for the Facebook Watch series Turnt Up With The Taylors
Katt’s spat about Kevin Hart getting hotter
Katt Williams made headlines for his blunt take-down of Kevin Hart
Williams went after fellow comedian Kevin Hart in questioning Hart’s popularity in a now infamous video on the “Club Shay Shay” podcast on Jan. 3.
“In 15 years in Hollywood, no one has a memory of going to a sold out Kevin Hart show, [there] being a line for him, him getting a standing ovation at any comedy club,” Williams said.
Williams then posed the question of whether Hart is actually an industry plant.
“He already had his deals when he got here. Have we heard of a comedian that came to LA and, in his first year in LA, is on his own sitcom on network television, and had his own movie called Soul Plane, and he was leading? No. We’ve never heard of that before that person or since that person. What do you think a plant is?”
Sources: Revolt, People, BET
Katt Williams
Off to the Races:
2024 political campaign calendar
Forms
By Sylvester Brown Jr.
St. Louis American
It’s 2024 and we’re off to the races; Political races that is.
A total of 468 seats in the United States Congress (33 Senate seats and all 435 House seats) are up for election on November 5, 2024. As of now, Republicans hold a majority in the U.S. House, while Democrats hold a majority in the U.S. Senate.
Incumbent Congresswoman Cori Bush (D-St.) is facing a challenge from St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney Wesley Bell. Although the primary doesn’t open officially for filing until February, there is much speculation that State Sen. Brian Williams (D-University City) may also challenge Bush.
In the Missouri Senate Race, incumbent Republican Josh Hawley who first took office in 2019, faces a challenge from well-funded Democratic candidate, Lucas Kunce.
Arguably, the most anticipated political contest will be the November 5, 2024, general election where voters will choose between the two most likely candidates, President Joe Biden, or former President Donald Trump.
Five Missouri state offices, including the governor’s seat, are up for grabs in the general election. Gov. Mike Parson, who
inherited his seat after Eric Greitens resigned in 2018, was elected to another full term in 2020 and is no longer eligible to run again.
Republican contenders for the governor’s seat include Missouri Secretary of State, Jay Ashcroft, Missouri Lieutenant Governor, Mike Kehoe, a Missouri State Senator from St. Charles County, Bill Eigel and Chris Wright, an army veteran and National Guardsman based out of Joplin, Missouri. Democratic candidates include Missouri House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, Mike Hamra, a Springfield-based entrepreneur, and Breckenridge Hills councilwoman Sheryl Gladney. The lone African America candidate, Larry Flenoid II, who previously campaigned for a Missouri House seat in 2022 is running as an independent in the governor’s race.
Arguably, the most anticipated political contest will be the November 5, 2024, general election where voters will likely choose between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump.
Be it local, statewide, or national, the St. Louis American is dedicated to providing important information to help voters register to vote and make informed decisions.
Below is a listing of some upcoming races and registration deadlines
Tuesday, April 2, 2024
Election Type: General Municipal Election
Registration Deadlines: By Mail: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
In Person: Wednesday, March 6, 2024 Online: Wednesday, March 6, 2024
Tuesday, August 6, 2024
Election Type: Primary Registration Deadlines: By Mail: Wednesday, July 10,
2024 In Person: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Online: Wednesday, July 10, 2024
Tuesday, November 5, 2024
Election Type: General Registration Deadlines: By Mail: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
In Person: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Online: Wednesday, October 9, 2024
Acceptable
Show one of the forms of acceptable identification and sign the poll book to obtain your ballot:
• A non-expired Missouri driver or non-driver license;
• A non-expired military ID, including a veteran’s ID card;
• A non-expired United States passport; or
• Another photo ID issued by the United States or the state of Missouri which is either not expired or expired after the date of the most recent general election.
Absentee Voting
Absentee voting begins six weeks before an election for registered voters. You may vote by absentee ballot if you fulfill one of the following criteria:
• Incapacity or confinement due to illness or physical disability.
• Expect to be absent on Election Day
• Election workers, first responders, healthcare workers and members of law enforcement
• Prevented by religious beliefs from going to the polls on election day
• Incarcerated but haven’t lost right to vote
• Active-duty military personnel and close family members living with them
Missouri citizens living outside the U.S Sylvester Brown Jr./Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.
Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American
Congresswoman Cori Bush spoke during a rally for former Northview Village Senior Apartments workers who are still owed back pay following its chaotic closure in December. Bush is being challenged by St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell for the Democratic nomination.
Guest Editorial
Our history offers us hope
By Ben Jealous
Even Ron DeSantis had to admit, when pressed at a CNN town hall, that January 6, 2021 was a bad day for America.
Invariably, following this past week’s anniversary of the insurrection, we’re forced to ask ourselves: Will we ever be able to pull this country back together again?
It’s a reasonable question. The fissures run deep. In the wake of the Civil War, America was still a tinder keg. In 1867, two years after the Civil War had ended and nine years before another almost erupted, Frederick Douglass laid out the argument for why, as Americans, we should remain optimistic about our future and our ability to come together.
In “Our Composite Nation,” Douglass explained, a nation’s character is defined by that nation at its best, not its worst. And America’s character (at our best), our geography, and our already diverse population “all conspire to one grand end” … to make us the most “perfect national illustration of the unity and dignity of the human family, that the world has ever seen.” It seemed a tall order in those tough times, as it does now. And yet close to 15 years after he gave that speech, a new movement erupted in Petersburg, Virginia that swept across the old Commonwealth uniting freedmen and former Confederate soldiers in a shared quest to save the public schools.
fled the Democratic Party of the plantation oligarchs to defend their children’s schools. At the same time, sparked by both President Hayes’s betrayal of Black communities in the South and the same concern over public schools, my grandmother’s grandfather, Edward David Bland led an exodus of Blacks from the Republican Party to join them.
The math of democracy necessitated that if they were going to save their children’s schools, they would have to join up with the white parents who shared their same fears.
The new Readjusters Party quickly took over the state and won the governorship, control of both houses of the legislature, and would appoint both US senators (state legislators still appointed US Senators back then).
In four years, the Readjusters succeeded in saving the free public schools. They radically expanded Virginia Tech to make the college the working white person’s answer to the patrician University of Virginia, and aided the creation of what is now called Virginia State University – the first public university for the training of Black teachers. They also abolished the poll tax and the public whipping post, and even pushed the state out of a deficit into a surplus.
Teaching about slavery calls for professionalism
By José Luis Vilson
There are complex answers that deserve interrogation through all their interwoven facets — and there are complex answers that converge toward a simple response. The cause of the American Civil War is the latter.
Unfortunately, former governor and presidential hopeful Nikki Haley quickly found the nuance out the hard way when, in response to a question about the cause of the Civil War, she answered, “Well, it was basically about how government was gonna run, the freedoms and what people could and couldn’t do.”
Of course, this all muddles the moment we’re in now and the reason why, for many, the word “slavery” is difficult to say for some political leaders. Part of that starts in our classrooms.
The recently departed Roni Dean-Burren (RIP, Dr. Roni) set off a firestorm less than a decade ago when she took a picture of her son’s social studies textbook and pointed out an egregious mistake within the text.
The Readjusters Party emerged amid an attempt by the old plantation owner oligarchs to reassert their influence, following the Hayes-Tilden Compromise.
The Compromise – which both prevented the possible outbreak of a second civil war and unleashed the terror of the Ku Klux Klan – resolved a bitter dispute over the election of 1876 and re-enfranchised former Confederates.
With the Confederates’ votes restored, the old oligarchs presumed their political power was assured. But they made a fatal mistake. They tried to dissolve the free public schools created by Black-led Reconstruction governments, claiming war debt made them unaffordable.
With the Readjusters offering a haven, working-class white former Confederates
However, at the end of the one term any governor is allowed in Virginia, the Readjusters would be swept out of power by a political movement built on disinformation, ruthless violence, and a call to white supremacy. Jim Crow politicians knew how much of a threat that example was to their power structure, built on lies and hate.
The story of Frederick Douglass’s optimism and confidence in America’s destiny, and the Readjusters’ courage in pursuing it, is a reminder that the people of our country were always more resilient and greater than most politicians were ever willing to bet on.
It also begs the question: If they could unite then in the interest of all their children, what is actually keeping us from uniting now in the interest of all of ours?
Ben Jealous is the Executive Director of the Sierra Club and a Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania.
Laura Moser describes the Texas State Board of Education as favoring the Lost Cause, a movement that seeks to depict the Confederate cause in the American Civil War in a noble light, has only picked up steam in the last two decades.
I bring all this up because the recent wave of censorship laws is a multipronged, protracted strategy based on fear with the ultimate goal of revenge against a perceived loss of social order.
While I could explore all the facets of that “order,” the one that I haven’t seen explored enough is the chilling effect it has on teachers and schools.
For years, I’ve advanced the idea of teachers as vanguards and stewards of any well-functioning society.
In it, the writers of the textbook captioned one of their maps with “The Atlantic Slave Trade between the 1500s and 1800s brought millions of workers from Africa to the southern United States to work on agricultural plantations.”
Describing enslaved people as “workers” is an obfuscation of the highest order. While McGraw-Hill issued an apology after Dean-Burren’s video went viral, it bears reiterating that so many writers and editors pored over the texts and saw nothing wrong until a Black woman scholar who happened to be a parent in the district found it printed in her son’s textbook.
Given the distribution of these textbooks, thousands — if not millions — of children will have read “workers from Africa” as fact. In the same article, writer
First, when I use the vanguard, I mean that educators are usually the first adults that we meet to explicitly teach us written and unwritten rules of society.
Second, we’re still wrestling with the idea of education as a gateway to social advancement and schools as sites for social reproduction with all the problems embedded in that.
Third, it’s important to name expertise as a complicated yet vital pillar for teacher work.
The deprofessionalization of teaching compounds teachers’ inability to push back against wayward teaching of deep history.
If we really wanted to advance professionalism, as so many teachers do despite the nonsense, they’d be given license to say, “I hear you, but slavery was the main cause of the U.S. Civil War. Here are a few ways students have imagined building a better country, but I can’t water that down for you.” Anything less is wrong, but also in alignment with what we’ve seen for too long.
José Luis Vilson is a veteran educator, writer, speaker, and activist in New York City.
As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues
The importance of Black fathers
By Walter Fields
Beginning in 1954, America’s conception of a “good father” was through the lens of white patriarchy. Actor Robert Young’s portrayal of the fictional Jim Anderson in “Father Knows Best” established the defining qualities of an American father – white, middle class, white collar and hardworking, dominant and all-knowing.
It was not until actor John Amos’ role as James Evans in television’s “Good Times” in 1974 that popular culture acknowledged the presence of Black men as the head of the household, while also being a caring and loving spouse. For much of the 20th century Black men were depicted in the media as estranged from their children, uncaring and irresponsible in their role as fathers.
Critics of Black family life have cited Black male incarceration and unemployment rates, high school dropout data for young Black men, and Black teenage parental birth rates as evidence of the irresponsibility of Black fathers, placing the onus on individual behavior, while ignoring the systemic factors driving these conditions.
homes. Even in instances when Black men are not in the home, they make an effort– sometimes extraordinary effort– to be involved in the lives of their children. So, why has America believed the worst about Black fathers?
This narrative was driven by historical bias and contemporary public policy that undermined the desire of Black men to fulfill their fatherly duties. A 2013 National Center for Health Statistics report published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) effectively upended the mythology around Black fathers. Most notably, the report indicated that compared to their White and Hispanic fathers, Black men are more involved fathers– participating in activities like sharing meals with their children, bathing, diapering, dressing and reading to their children. The study showed that Black men actively play several nurturing roles.
The report indicated that 2.5 million Black fathers live in a household with their children compared with 1.7 million who do not – contradicting the imagery of most Black children living in fatherless
The negative perception of Black fathers is rooted in racism. Americans have been socialized to believe Black men are irresponsible, violence prone, dangerous, lazy and hyper-sexual. Ironically, it has been the historical treatment of Black men that have put them at a relative disadvantage to White men in their role as fathers. From the separation of Black families during the trans-Atlantic slave trade and the emasculation of Black men during enslavement, to lynchings and subjugation under Jim Crow, and present-day public policy, the agency of Black men has been an act of resistance. It has not been enough for Black men to become a father by biology, we have had to navigate the waters of structural racism to overcome barriers to our engagement with our children. If America is serious about “family values,” public policy needs to address areas of civic life that disproportionately penalize Black men. This includes reforming a criminal justice system that dehumanizes the convicted. We need to embrace policies that facilitate successful reentry into society, ending the criminalization of Black men, adopting sensible and reasonable child-support mandates, and liberalizing custodial rights. We need to support Black men as they enter college and workforce training and support mental wellness and the treatment of chronic illnesses that have a disparate impact upon them. Public policy must play catch up. Black fatherhood must evolve from acting out of survival –in James Evans’ mode–to a respected, supported and celebrated member of American culture and life.
Walter Fields is a columnist for The Afro and is pursuing his doctoral degree in applied sociology and social justice at Morgan State University.
Guest Columnist José Luis Vilson
Guest Columnist Ben Jealous
Guest Columnist Walter Fields
Next Steps Readiness Program new at McCluer High School
St. Louis American
The Ferguson Youth Initiative (FYI) is partnering with the AVID program of Ferguson Florissant School District (FFSD) at McCluer High School to offer its Next Steps Job Readiness Program to 10th grade students.
The Next Steps Job Readiness Program works with teens 15-19 to assist them with the skills necessary to obtain and maintain employment through an interactive curriculum.
“Partnering with the AVID Program to support the students at McCluer High School with their career readiness is an opportunity for Ferguson Youth Initiative to empower more students in the district,” said Aaron M. Harris, executive director.
The AVID program is a career and college readiness initiative that helps students acquire learning and study skills to increase
achievement at the post-secondary level. Its mission is to close the opportunity gap by preparing all students for college and success.
The Ferguson Youth Initiative is a non-profit organization founded in 2010 that is dedicated to empowering teens from Ferguson and surrounding areas. Through mentorship, community engagement, and educational programs, the program aims to help young people become positive contributors to society.
Since 2010, the Ferguson Youth Initiative has had more than 4,500 mentoring contacts with teens, held over 1,500 events, and enabled 50 Ferguson Youth Board members to work on issues of direct importance to teens in Ferguson and surrounding communities.
Contact the Ferguson Youth Initiative for support and volunteer opportunities at www. fyifergyouth.org
What difference will you make in 2024
By Wendy Gladney
The hands of time have passed once again to the dawning of a new year. It is time for us to realize our true potential and really go after it. We do not have to play ourselves small in order to help others feel big.
When I was a little girl, time seemed to go by so slowly, but my grandmother would say, just keep lying down and getting up and before you know it you will be an old woman. Although I am now a grandmother, most days I do not feel old, but I do understand what my grandmother was saying.
Time waits for no one. Whatever you plan to do with your life, now is the time. Stop procrastinating, stop complaining, stop making excuses, and do what you know you are supposed to do. Stop making New Year’s resolutions that you never keep and start making promises to yourself that you will follow through on.
All of us are born with specific gifts. We are also told that our gifts will make room for us. If you are not sure what your gifts are, just think about what you do well or what comes naturally. Also, think about what you are complimented about from your friends and family.
Years ago, while attending a bible study for women, I was told that my gifts were hospitality and encouragement. I was in my 20s back then and honestly, I did not think they were really much of a gift. But as time has passed, they have been at the cornerstone of almost everything I do.
When I was operating a full event management company, I worked in the hospitality industry, and now as a coach and consultant, it is my joy to encourage people on their journey. So, never belittle the gift God has given you. You might just have to think out of the box on how you can use them not only for His glory, but also as a profession in life.
n We must face reality and look at how we can use our gifts, talents, and resources to make a difference in the world.
As I look back over the past few years, some of us fell into a slump due to the pandemic, the death of loved ones, wars breaking out everywhere, depression, and the fear of the unknown. We cannot allow ourselves to live in fear, which is false evidence appearing real. We must face reality and look at how we can use our gifts, talents, and resources to make a difference in the world.
I believe no matter what negative situations we may have experienced there is still a lot to be thankful for. I am going to get off the floor in 2024 and reach for the sky to give my best in all that I commit to doing. There will be many doors that will open in’24, but it is up to each of us to walk through them and make a difference in the unique way we are gifted to do. Do not be afraid to succeed and soar.
Brian Williams said, “You may find that making a difference for others makes the biggest difference in you.” When we take our eyes off our own problems or situations and start looking at how we can help others or make a difference in the world the world opens for us. It is in helping others and living out our true calling that we find our best selves and true satisfaction.
I am excited to see what 2024 will bring because whatever it is we can get through it together and help lift others along the way. Will you join me?
Happy New Year!
Photo courtesy of FYI
Ferguson Youth Initiative members took part in a recent Scholarship Workshop. The organization’s Next Steps Job Readiness Program is now being offered at McCluer High School.
Wendy Gladney
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worked hand-in-hand throughout the last three years to drive this growth. As part of this transition envisioned in the original 2020 business plan, LMF sold the assets to Word In Black, PBC, and will continue to provide support as a shareholder in the new company.
What makes it successful is combining the large and loyal audience of the 10 publishers with the new national brand, along with third-party management services that don’t drain local resources. Almost all of the support, both commercial and philanthropic, includes all 10 publishers and the national brand, reaching a combined audience of more than 1 million.
All 10 publishers have been able to add minibeats to their newsrooms focused on health and education, along with access to content developed by the national reporting team. It’s a winning formula that has not been tested anywhere else.
“With the persistent challenges facing Black newspaper publishers it is imperative that we work together to build sustainable newsrooms that can best serve our communities,” said Donald M. Suggs, St. Louis American publisher and executive editor.
“The public benefit model is being formed to help our communities do well by promoting greater commercial opportunities to grow resources at our publications.”
The public benefit corporation will be supported by the Word In Black Racial Equity Fund, a component fund of LMF. This support will ensure the great journalism funded by philanthropy continues to grow. Word In Black employs a newsroom of 10 FTEs along with contracted freelancers.
The staff includes reporters and data journalists focused on health, education, finance, climate justice, religion and more. Read the 2023 Impact Report to learn more.
The new corporation’s shareholders include the 10 publishers, their companies, LMF, and LMA/ LMF CEO Nancy Lane. All shareholders contributed to a capital raise to strengthen the infrastructure on the business side. The company will continue to be managed by LMA and LMF for at least the next three years to ensure a smooth transition and manage the growth.
The shareholders elected the first board of directors are Dr. Frances ‘Toni’ Draper, CEO, The AFRO American, board chair; Elinor Tatum, CEO, New York Amsterdam News, first vice chair; Patrick Washington, publisher, Dallas Weekly, second vice chair; Denise Rolark Barnes, CEO, The Washington Informer treasurer; and Nancy Lane, secretary.
“This is a day to celebrate an important step in the evolution of Word In Black,” said Dr. Draper. “Launching a digital news site focused on racial inequities in America, in collaboration with nine other leading Black publishers, has been game changing for all of us. The transition to a public benefit corporation allows us to take Word In Black out of the pilot phase and develop it into a much larger national brand that is unapologetically Black.”
In the future, the group believes there will be opportunities to include more of the nation’s leading Black publishers. “We are already working with other like-minded local Black publishers on content campaigns involving large brands,” said Dr. Draper. “We look forward to casting a wider net as opportunities arise. Publishers that want to be involved are encouraged to contact us.”
“As chair of the board for Local Media Foundation, I could not be
more proud of the work that has been done over the past three years,” said Larry Lee, publisher, The Sacramento Observer, and a shareholder in Word In Black. “We have been sharing our learnings with many others in the industry which has led to the formation of several new collaborations including News Is Out, a queer media collaborative. We believe this model is scalable and important to the long term sustainability of local media.”
As part of the transition, Word In Black is hiring a director of business development to cultivate sponsorships, events, reader revenue and branded content opportunities.
Without the support of corporations, foundations and individuals, Word In Black would not exist. The board of directors would especially like to thank Google News Initiative, Conrad Hilton Foundation, Chan Zuckerberg Initiative, Comcast Foundation, Commonwealth Fund,
Deloitte, Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, W.K. Kellogg Foundation, McKinsey, Henry Luce Foundation, Walton Family Foundation, Wells Fargo, AARP, Biogen, Meta Journalism Project and many others.
For more information about Word In Black and the WIB Racial Equity Fund, visit: www.wordinblack.com/aboutus and www.wordinblack.com/ racial-equity-fund
About Word In Black
Amsterdam News
Publisher Elinor R. Tatum conceived what is today known as Word in Black, the acclaimed and historic collaboration of Black newspaper publishers to collectively address racial inequity in partnership with the Local Media Association, after the murder of George Floyd.
Since its launch in late 2020, Word In Black’s reporting team has relentlessly confronted inequities, elevated solutions, and amplified the Black experience by collecting and sharing stories that inform, inspire, and center truth.
Through this collaboration, Word In Black aims to accurately frame how the nation understands and addresses systemic issues of race, justice, and equity. Collective understanding leads to collective impact.
The 10 publishers that make up Word In Black are: AFRO News, The Atlanta Voice, Dallas Weekly, Houston Defender, Michigan Chronicle, New York Amsterdam News, The Sacramento Observer, The Seattle Medium, The St. Louis American and The Washington Informer. Cumulatively, these publishers have operated for more than 800 years.
About Word in Black Racial Equity Fund
The Word In Black Racial Equity Fund, a component fund of Local Media Foundation, supports the work of Blackowned and operated local news media by providing critical journalism resources for Word In Black, a collaborative effort of 10 of the leading Black publishers.
The Fund supports journalism projects focused on solutions to racial inequities. Funding generally supports journalists who work for Word In Black, as well as journalists working for the 10 publishers. The Fund currently covers costs of 10 Word In Black journalists: an education reporter, education data journalist, health reporter, health data journalist, newsletter editor, climate justice reporter, community and audience engagement manager, finance reporter, religion reporter and the managing editor. The 10 publishers work with the WIB team to localize the stories in their markets, as well as producing their own original reporting.
About Local Media Foundation
Local Media Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization affiliated with the Local Media Association. The LMF mission is to ensure a healthy future for local journalism, which is essential to a strong democracy, by reinventing business models for news.
In line with this mission, LMF worked with 10 of the nation’s legendary Black publishers to incubate Word In Black, a digital startup unlike any other in the industry. Over a three year period the national site, as well as the 10 local publishers, experienced significant growth. The organization believes this is a model that can be duplicated in other ways and in other markets.
LMF manages other national collaborations including: Oklahoma Media Center, News Is Out - Queer Media Collaborative, Solving Sacramento, LMA Covering Climate, and New York/Michigan Solutions Journalism. LMF also manages the Local News Fund, which has helped hundreds of local and national news outlets fundraise for journalism projects, along with the Knight x LMA BloomLab, Lab for Journalism funding, Family and Independent Media Sustainability Lab and much more. More information at: www. localmedia.org
Photo by Apryl Pilolli
Dr. Frances “Toni” Draper, AFRO publisher and CEO, and the inaugural chair of the board for Word in Black, a public benefit company, discusses an issue of the 130 year-old AFRO newspaper with Diane Hocker.
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Distinguished Drum Major Award.
The program began with a tribute step performance by Gentlemen of Vision (GOV), a local team that helps mentor and empower young at-risk male youth to become leaders and scholars in
Safety
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concerns of community members
• Collaborating with city departments and local organizations
• Funding prevention and intervention programs
• Passing laws that regulate instances that compromise public safety Green said programs like traffic enforcement, the safety net for tenants facing eviction, and a new office for violence prevention are part of an overall strategy to help alleviate root causes of crime.
“These programs will help interrupt the circumstances that lead to crime before they occur,” said Green.
Chief Tracy noted that major felony crimes have decreased, and there was a 22% reduction in homicides.
Jones
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innovative initiatives to better serve the newspaper’s readers and advertisers.
Jones was an active member of the Missouri Press Association through-
their schools and communities. The audience also enjoyed inspirational, gospel songs by national recording artist and gospel choir Jesse D. Williams and Total Praise.
Keynote speaker and honoree Rev. Dr. Freddy J. Clark, founder of Shalom Church (City of Peace) reminded the audience the struggle for social and racial justice
“There is progress,” he said.
He said he plans to collaborate with legislators, non-profits, and civic leaders, as well as build trust within the community. He shared that there is a 47% reduction in juveniles being shot in St. Louis city, as well.
Gore noted the achievements in his office during the seven months since his appointment to replace Kim Gardner.
• His office hired 25 attorneys and 19 support staff
• It is collaborating with the police department
• It is backlogging 250 homicides that are pending, and 6,700 applications of warrants, of which 9 were homicides that were not reviewed, and charges were not made
Gore said the CAO is also launching a diversion program
High-risk neighborhoods including Hyde
out his professional career and served as its president in 2010-11. He held several of its executive offices, was an MPA board member and chaired the organization’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee. Jones was a past president of the Missouri Advertising Managers’
is still the fight of our times.
He suggested as a community we should act in ‘dangerous’ unselfishness, kinda like the mantra of John Lewis’ ‘good trouble’.
“This means to be interested in the well-being of everybody,” said Clark.
He informed the audience that this act would require having uncom-
fortable conversations.
“It’s time for us to get off the sidelines and get in the game”
Passing the mantle to the younger generation can help keep King’s legacy alive, with a sense of urgency in his voice he said, “We should use the God-given gifts each of us have.”
Yvette Jones attends the annual celebration and wants more people to
come out to support the work of Dr. King.
“After hearing the speeches I’m encouraged to do all that I can to help push the work King wanted to be done in the community,” she said.
Julia Greene, 27, says she has been coming to the event since she was a young girl and still enjoys listening to the uplifting words about equality.
James Clark, right, vice president of public safety and executive director of the Neighborhood Alliance for the Urban League makes remarks during a town hall meeting held at the Urban League Monday night Jan. 6, 2024. At left is St. Louis Police Chief Robert Tracy.
Park, Jeff Vander Lou, Kingsway, and Baden are a part of Clark’s plan to help reduce crime, which includes providing communities with urban specialists commonly known as social workers.
“We want to know the social services needs of
Association and received that group’s Old Pro Award. He was a member of the Advertising Club of St. Louis, the Press Club of Metropolitan St. Louis and served as a St. Louis Sports Commission board member.
In 2007, Jones was named “National Advertising Director of
everyone who lives in the homes located in these neighborhoods,” said Clark.
The Urban League is increasing safety efforts by adding motion lights and Ring Doorbell cameras in high-crime areas.
Doyle said his office
the Year” by Suburban Newspapers of America – which included all weekly newspapers in North America. Jones was also named North American Runner Up for Newspaper Operations All-Star by Editor & Publisher.
St. Louis American Publisher and Executive Editor Donald M. Suggs
has made strides in filling 50 vacant 911 dispatcher positions. There are now 12 police dispatchers and four EMS dispatchers, and he said the Office of Violence Prevention has saved over 2,000 manhours through the Cops and Clinicians Program.
said, “Kevin’s sudden passing has left all The St. Louis American team stunned and deeply saddened.”
“I think it’s important to keep Dr. King’s legacy going to show unity and like this year’s theme, it starts with us,” she said. “Let us strive to be the peace we wish to see in the world by walking in the principles King encouraged,” CollinsSmith Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
The program utilizes behavioral health specialists who respond to behavioral health crises instead of police officers. “Now we are treating people with mental illness the way they should be treated,” said Doyle
“We have gotten a lot of things done, but this is still a work in progress”
In a statement released from Mayor Jones’ office on Tuesday, January 9, 2024 “ I am encouraged by our continued progress to make St. Louis safer,” said Jones.
“But now is not the time to celebrate. One life lost to gun violence is one too many, and in 2024 we will continue to stick to our principles and build on our strengths to make St. Louis safer for all residents.”
Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.
Suggs continued, “It must be said that his initiatives and hard work were essential to The American’s progress and successes over many years. He will be deeply missed as a colleague and friend and for his steadfastness and dedication to The American and its mission.”
Our deepest sympathies lie with his beloved family, his wife Tina, his two children Nick and Amanda and his grandchildren.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis AMerican
United Way campaign raises over $67 million for local nonprofits
The United Way of Greater St. Louis‘ annual community campaign raised over $67 million dollars to help neighbors across our 16-county region providing vital funding and support to over 160 local nonprofit partner agencies.
The success of the campaign was announced at the Victory Celebration on Tuesday, November 28th at CityParkStadium. Campaign Chair Martin J. Lyons Jr., Chairman, President and CEO of Ameren Corporation, and Co-Chair Scott Hartwig, Regions Commercial Banking leader and market executive for Greater St. Louis, were in attendance as well as other corporate and community leaders who supported the campaign. United Way board member and KMOX host Mike Claiborne kicked off the celebration as the master of ceremonies with keynote addresses from United Way President and CEO, Michelle D. Tucker, Lyons and Hartwig.
United Way’s annual community campaign brings together thousands of individuals, companies, unions, and foundations to help make a collective impact on the communities they serve. Their support gives United Way the capacity to help more than 1 million people every
year.
“Our Victory celebration was a culmination of the tireless efforts so many people dedicate to helping United Way fund, train, and maximize shared infrastructure to ensure key nonprofit agencies are better resourced and equipped to assist neighbors through challenges,” said Tucker. “We cannot thank our region enough for continuing to unite with us to make such a strong impact on people’s lives through our local safety net.”
Ten companies, their employees and participating labor unions were recognized for combined team gifts, including corporate and employee contributions, of $1 million or more.
• At the $7 million or more level was Edward Jones.
• At the $5 million or more level was World Wide Technology.
• At the $3 million or more level were Ameren and Enterprise Mobility.
• At the $2 million or more level were Bayer U.S. and Spire.
• At the $1 million or more level were Schnucks, BJC HealthCare, Emerson, and Nestle Purina.
The St. Louis Regional Business Council, which represents more than 100 area firms, raised more than $15.8 million this year.
About United Way of Greater St. Louis United Way of Greater St. Louis unites people, resources, and funding to help build strong and equitable communities across a 16-county region in Missouri and Illinois. United Way’s impact on the community includes equipping over 160 local nonprofits with vital funding and training resources, operating the largest Volunteer Center in the region, and connecting local neighbors to providers of services W its 211 Helpline. For more information, contact 314-421-0700 or visit www. HelpingPeople.org
The staff of the United Way
Top, left: Mike Claiborne, Martin J Lyons Jr, Michelle Tucker, Scott Hartwig
Above: Campaign Chair Martin J Lyons and Co-Chair Scott Hartwig
Left: Staff of the United Way during their celebration
Ninth-grade students
Chyna Vanarsdale and DaVonta Robinson, in Ms. Cheryl M. Christian’s class at Jennings Senior High School, determine how to gather accurate measurements using a pipette and reading the meniscus in a graduated cylinder for the water displacement lab.
Many inventors showed a passion for learning and exploring at an early age. Biographies often include stories of inventors taking apart appliances in the house and rebuilding them. Have you ever taken something apart to see how it works? Have you ever built an item from scratch? Do you enjoy looking for creative solutions to a problem? If so, you may be an inventor.
If you are interested in becoming an inventor, there are a few things you can do at home and at school to develop this skill. First, think of new uses for a common object. Look at a paper clip. Can you think of any other uses for it besides holding paper together? See how many items you can list. Compare lists with a friend and classmate. Can you
SCIENCE EXPERIMENT
Background Information:
In this experiment, you will investigate internet privacy.
Materials Needed:
• Computer • Internet Access
Procedure:
q Go to google.com. Search for your name. Use your full name and your nickname.
think of a way to reuse items around the house? For example, you can use many old items around the house as a planter. Look online for some ideas to get your creativity started. Can you build a car from recycled items? Get a group of friends together and see who can build the fastest car. Who can build the car that runs the farthest?
Finally, start a list of problems you would like to solve. For example, microwaves were developed to make cooking time shorter. What improvements would you like to make at home, school, or in your community?
To Learn About the Young Inventors Program, Visit: http://www.aas-world.org/YIP/about-YIP.html.
Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details.
Exploring Internet Privacy
e Record the origin of the information—school websites, newspapers, Instagram, etc.
w What links do you find? Do your results also give you information about others with the same name? If so, in what link position is your information? (example: fourth link given)
MATH CONNECTION
DID YOU KNOW?
AFRICAN-AMERICAN INVENTOR: Mark Dean
Mark Dean was born in Jefferson City, Tennessee, on March 2, 1957. At a young age, he showed a strong interest in inventing. He built a tractor from scratch with the help of his father. Dean was a straight A student in high school, as well as a skilled athlete. In 1979, he graduated top of his class at the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical Engineering. Dean accepted a job at IBM as an engineer while he continued his education, earning a master’s degree in Electrical Engineering, in 1982, from Florida Atlantic University.
Dean found success at IBM, serving as part of the team that developed the IBM PC, the first home/office computer. He also developed a component that allowed many devices, such as printers, to be connected to a PC. Dean owns 3 of the 9 patents that all PCs use. He helped to develop the first color monitor and the first gigahertz chip—which can do a billion calculations a second. Dean personally holds more than 20 patents. Additionally, he has more than 40 patents pending approval.
Even though he was successful, Dean still knew there was a lot to learn. So he went back to school to earn his PHd in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, in 1992. Dr. Dean was named an IBM fellow, the highest honor awarded by the company. He was the first African American to earn this title. He was inducted into the National Inventors Hall of Fame. He was also honored with the Black Engineer of the Year President’s Award in 1997, and became a member of the National Academy of Engineers.
r Can you find photos of yourself? If so, can you find where the photos originated?
t Are you able to make the information and photos of yourself private so that others cannot see them when they search?
Analyze: Based on your findings, what can you conclude about privacy and the internet? Is your personal information safe?
Learning Standards: I can follow a procedure to complete an experiment. I can analyze the results.
Dean is quoted as saying, “A lot of kids growing up today aren’t told that you can be whatever you want to be. There may be obstacles, but there are no limits.” He faced racism in school and the workplace. He faced the obstacle of many hours of hard work and research. In the end, Dean achieved his dream and used his intelligence to create devices that would enrich the lives of many people at home and at work.
Visit: the National Society of Black Engineers here — http://www.nsbe.org/Home.aspx.
Discuss: Mark Dean says children should be encouraged and told they can be whatever they want to be. What would you like to be? What obstacles do you think you will face? How can you work to overcome these obstacles?
Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, and mathematics.
Use the newspaper to complete the following activities.
Activity One —
Setting: Setting is the time and place that a story occurs. Read three news articles and state the setting.
Activity Two — Place
Value: Find five numbers within the newspaper. Underline one of the digits in each number and identify the place value — ones, tens, hundreds, etc.
Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify setting and place value.
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 year, at no charge.
Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please
Photo by Cheryl Christian
‘Taking Care of You’
Hospitalization rate leads to city mask recommendation
COVID, respiratory illness on rise
Dr. Hari Nallapaneni, CARE STL Health chief medical officer (right) talks with St. Louis Health Department Director Dr. Hlatshwayo Davis (left) and former Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky on March 3, 2022, at the CARE STL Health Clinic. Davis and Mayor Tishaura Jones are recommending that masks be worn to stem rising COVID, respiratory illness hospitalizations.
By Alvin A. Reid
St. Louis American
A spike in hospitalizations and confirmed cases of COVID and respiratory illnesses has prompted the City of St. Louis Department of Health to recommend masking indoors for all city employees effective immediately.
Employees are not required to wear a mask but are strongly encouraged to do so. This recommendation is based on the simultaneous marked increases in COVID-19, influenza, and RSV activity. St. Louis County has not made
a similar recommendation.
Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, St. Louis health director, said in a release that respiratory viruses cause a significant health burden in our community during winter and “this year is no exception.”
“Influenza, RSV, and COVID-19 diagnoses and hospital visits have been sharply increasing, particularly since the Thanksgiving holiday. This recommendation doesn’t come lightly — it is data-driven and focused on lowering community transmission of potentially deadly diseases.”
In the month between Thanksgiving (week ending November 25, 2023) and Christmas (week ending December 23, 2023):
• COVID-19 hospitalizations within the St. Louis Health Service Area (HSA) increased by 38%, with 270 individuals hospitalized with the disease during the week of December 23 (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).
• Influenza cases in the City of St. Louis rose 455%, with individuals
By Denise Hooks-Anderson
n Vision boards are pictures, statements, quotes or anything that is a physical reminder to you of your goals.
Not sure about you, but for me, 2023 was not my best year by a long shot. Frankly, it was horrible. There were many unexpected situations that led to unfamiliar consequences. In addition, I was not proud of some of my lifestyle choices. I ate the wrong things, didn’t get enough sleep, and did not prioritize my joy and happiness. My sister who works as a social worker often leads groups in creating vision boards. For someone like myself who is a self-described Type A personality, participating in such an activity would normally not be my thing. However, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results. Therefore, after 2023 kicked my butt, I was willing to try something new. I sat down and created a vision board. Vision boards are pictures, statements, quotes or anything that is a physical reminder to you of your goals. They are visual notices that inspire the manifestation of your dreams which could be more than material things. It could be emotions such as love, a change in marital status, or pregnancy. I like to think of these boards as a conversation with yourself where you are honest and open. Only you know what is in your heart and mind and what you genuinely desire. You may be asking yourself, what does any of this have to do with health? Every year around this time so many people make declarations or resolutions, whichever word you prefer to use. However, by the 3rd or 4th week in the new year, these lofty goals have fallen by the wayside. What would
BJC Christian Hospital to host two Dr. Martin Luther King events
MLK spoke of health inequity in 1966
St. Louis American
On March 25, 1966, Dr. Martin Luther King addressed reporters during a press conference in Chicago at the annual meeting of the Medical Committee for Human Rights.
King spoke to journalists before he was scheduled to deliver an address to conference attendees. King’s theme was the disparate medical care received by Black people.
“Of all the forms of inequality, injustice in health care is the most shocking and inhumane,” the Associated Press reported.
Four days later March 29, he repeated a similar quote at a meeting of the Medical Committee for Human Rights in the University of Chicago’s Center for Continuing Education
“Of all forms of discrimination and inequalities,
n BJC HealthCare and Christian Hospital will host a pair of events that address the health inequities in America that Dr. King spoke of almost 58 years ago.
injustice in health is the most shocking and inhuman,” Dr. King said.
“It is more degrading than slums, because slums are a psychological death while inequality in health means a physical death.”
BJC HealthCare and Christian Hospital will host a pair of events that address the health inequities in America that Dr. King spoke of almost 58 years ago.
Christian Hospital will host the 7th Annual
See BJC, A13
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Kathy ConleyJones, LUTCF, Williamson Financial Management Group founder, will be honored with a Drum Major Award during Christian Hospitals 7th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration.
Denise HooksAnderson
Photo courtesy of Kathy Conley-Jones
How new sickle cell treatments could transform lives
By Genoa Barrow Sacramento Observer
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved two sickle cell treatments with curative potential.
Longtime SCD physician Dr. Marcia Treadwell sat down with the Sacramento Observer to talk about the “transformative” gene therapies and what they mean for people living with sickle cell.
GENOA BARROW The FDA recently approved two new gene therapies. What does that mean in layman’s terms?
MARSHA TREADWELL The two FDA-approved gene therapies actually act a little bit differently. The first one is called Casgevy. When you’re in utero, in your mother’s womb, then you’re making what’s called fetal hemoglobin. As you get older and pass around six months or so,
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aged 25-49 years seeing the highest number of infections, followed by children aged 5-14 years (City of St. Louis Department of Health).
• Publicly available testing data shows Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) positive tests increased by 34%, with 400 positive tests during the most recent week with data available.
“If we all do our part and voluntarily mask up, we can expect the number of cases and hospitalizations to decrease over the coming weeks,” Davis said.
Davis also lamented that as of December 1, 2023, only 11% of St. Louis City residents had received the most up to date COVID-19 vaccine.
then you stop making fetal hemoglobin and start to make, in the case of a person with sickle cell disease, the hemoglobin S, and of course, when you have the two genes for sickle cell disease, then you have some very serious issues related to the vaso-occlusive episodes [crises] and increased risk of infection and so on.
The second one, called Lyfgenia, actually adds a functional beta-globin gene to the patient’s stem cells. It does the same thing in the end, where you’re going to make more fetal hemoglobin, but the Lyfgenia adds a beta-globin gene so that both of those are considered editing – one makes a change to the genome, and the second inserts a functional beta-globin gene because that’s what’s dysfunctional in sickle cell disease.
GB: Are these therapies a treatment for SCD or an actual cure?
MT: We say that these two therapies have curative potential. The reason that we put it that way is that it’s not necessarily an instant change in how the disease is expressed. But we certainly call it, as well, transformative. What was seen in both clinical trials for these two therapies is people were in the trial if they had a
Dr. Marcia Treadwell
number of vaso-occlusive pain episodes. The data that was presented at the American Society of Hematology was really pretty impressive in the sense that they were looking at complete resolution of the vaso-occlusive episodes after about six months. They saw that in 88% of patients who were in the study.
GB. When is the expected rollout?
MT. The rollout is already happening in terms of training. There’s something called qualified treatment centers, which we are one here at UCSF Benioff Children’s Hospital, in Oakland. In the case of the sickle cell program, sickle cell specialists, community health workers, the manufacturer of Lfygenia established this network of qualified treatment centers that are all over the country.
GB: Cost of the treatments is a concern.
MT: That’s a huge issue. People have seen the press releases, and they see that one of the treatments has a price tag of $3 million. The second one has a price tag of $2 million. At UC Berkeley, there is a program called the Innovative Genomics Institute that is looking very carefully at how to bring the cost down and make sure that the health
care system and individuals aren’t burdened by these costs.
So, with Medicaid at the table, people certainly don’t have to be reassured that Medicaid will continue to pay people’s regular medical bills and for the hospital admission. The CRISPR technology, it is expensive.
GB: Will the average sickle cell patient be able to afford this?
MT: There have been studies on the lifetime costs of living with sickle cell disease and the lifetime costs in terms of the interrupted employment and undereducation and underemployment. That price tag does balance out, but someone has to pay for the bill up front and then look to recoup that as the person lives a long and productive life and doesn’t have unexpected hospitalizations and so on from these vaso-occlusive episodes.
mask requirement for employees in place again last month, citing rising rates of RSV, flu and the coronavirus.
The four major hospital systems in the region had dropped their mask requirements in March 2023.
The federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has placed St. Louis and St. Louis County in a “medium” hospitalization level, a tool the agency uses to illustrate how prevalent the coronavirus is in a community.
It is important that residents stay up to date with vaccinations to maintain adequate protection against these winter viruses, particularly as they evolve and new variants emerge,” she said.
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With the activity of winter viruses rising at such a rapid pace, we must take action to slow transmission and prevent strain on our hospital systems.
Davis said city resi-
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Luncheon
“Embracing the Dream” at 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday Jan. 12 in the Detrick Building Atrium
Drum major awards are bestowed upon local heroes who have given their time, talents, treasure, and service in the name of justice, equity, and equality. The 2024 Drum Major Award recipients are:
• Valerie E. Patton, Greater St. Louis, Inc.
• Kathy Conley-Jones, LUTCF, Williamson Financial Management Group
• Art McCoy, Ph.D., Founder & President of S.A.G.E.S. L.L.C.
• Taliya King, Accenture
• Rodney Crim, CEcD, EDFP, CEO and President, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
Drum Major Scholarships will be awarded to student scholars from Ferguson-Florissant, Hazelwood, Jennings,
Anderson
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happen if we were more intentional about what we really wanted for not only our physical goals but mental, spiritual, and other categories as well. For instance, I placed an anonymous quote on my vision board that states: “Collect moments NOT things.”
dents’ “hard work” has kept St. Louis running throughout the pandemic. Prevention strategies to limit the spread of respiratory viruses include:
• Getting vaccinated
• Getting tested, especially when symptomatic
• Staying home when sick
• Covering coughs and sneezes with your sleeve or a tissue, not your hand
• Avoid touching eyes, nose, or mouth
• Washing hands often, for at least 20 seconds
• Wearing a high-quality, well-fitting face mask
Normandy, Ritenour, and Riverview Gardens school districts; Incarnate Word Academy, Cardinal Ritter College Preparatory, Lutheran North, and Pattonville high schools and St. Louis Community College.
Charitable contributions donated during this celebration will help support scholarships for local high school students and a junior college student pursuing a career in nursing and the Building Health Community Fund.
BJC HealthCare will host a Virtual Commemorative Service Honoring the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Monday, Jan. 15 at noon-1 p.m. The event will include a panel discussion, moderated by Deidre Griffith, BJC Vice President of Community Health Improvement, with community leaders on the collective impact of service, including:
• Michael McMillan, president and CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, Inc.
• Michelle Tucker, president and CEO, United Way of Greater St. Louis
• Brian Herstig, president and CEO, Jewish Federation of St. Louis
Prior to the Christmas holiday, my husband and daughters kept asking me what I wanted. I told them nothing because I truly could not think of any material item that I needed or desired. I would rather collect precious memories like spending a weekend with my family and friends where we played games and laughed until we cried. I’m older now and realize that I have less years ahead of me than behind. I don’t have time to waste on trinkets that I can’t take with me to the grave. Now, speaking of time, if I don’t want my time on this earth shortened,
I must take care of this precious temple that was gifted to me. With that in my mind, we should all include in our goals specific ways to honor our bodies. For me, that is sleeping more than six hours per night. (At this present moment I am writing this column at 12 AM. So obviously, I need work in this area.) Other
St Louis and St. Louis County governments let pandemic-related requirements for face coverings in public spaces expire in March 2022.
St. Louis Public Radio reported this week that BJC HeathCare put a
• Cleaning/disinfecting objects and surfaces regularly
The CDC recommends people in counties with “medium” coronavirus hospitalization levels wear an N-95 or other high-quality mask if they’re at risk for becoming extremely sick. The agency also recommends people self-test for the virus before encountering people vulnerable to severe illness and wear masks while indoors with them.
goals could include eating foods that are not in packages, cans, or containers. Maybe a goal could be to invite a friend to go walking instead of going to a restaurant. There are so many ways we could implement changes in our routines that could be sustainable for 2024. So, I challenge each of you to create a vision
Valerie E. Patton of Greater St. Louis, Inc., will be honored with a Drum Major Award during Christian Hospitals 7th Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration on January 12, 2024.
board. Let’s create a daily reminder of what is really important to us. 2024 can be better if we put in the necessary work to make it happen!
Your family doctor, Denise HooksAnderson, MD, FAAFP Family Physician yourhealthmatters@ stlamerican.com
Photo by Matt Marcinkowski
December jobs report holds good news for Black workers
The December jobs report issued on Jan. 5, 2024, by the Bureau of Labor Statistics showed a 0.6% reduction in Black unemployment, the largest monthly drop in 2023. The African American unemployment rate stood at 5.2% and continues to drop a long-term trend of roughly doubling the white unemployment rate (3.5%).
By Alvin A. Reid
St. Louis American
The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024, that the economy added 216,000 jobs in December.
This was slightly lower than the 2023 average of 225,000 per month but much higher than the predicted increase of 158,000.
Dedrick Asante-Muhammad and Joseph Dean state in a National Community Investment Coalition (NCRC) analysis, “The labor market continues to show strengths not seen in decades, with unemployment rates below the 4% threshold defined as “full employment” for the past two years.”
“This strong labor market has
By Bria Overs Word In Black
shrunk the historic racial disparities in topline jobless rates. The African American unemployment rate is now roughly 1.5 times that of whites, down from a long-term trend of roughly doubling the white unemployment rate.”
Unemployment stayed unchanged at 3.7% in December and a 0.6% reduction in the Black unemployment rate was the largest monthly drop in 2023.
Muhammad, NCRC’s Chief of Policy, Research and Equity, and Dean, racial economic junior research specialist, attribute the steep drop “is entirely attributed to Black men whose rate declined from 6.3% to 4.6%.”
“It is also tied with last April’s 4.6% as the lowest rate on record. This massive drop is due to the large numbers of Black men going from unemployed to employed – two statistical statuses tied only to those who are actively seeking work.
The employment-to-population for Black men jumped from 64.9% to 66% in December.
The December BLS report has the unemployment rate at 3.5% for white workers, 5.2% for Black workers, 3.1% for Asian workers and 5.0% for Hispanic
See JOBS, B2
PeoPle on the Move
Curtis Williams joins ATD board
Ryan Hunter joins Office of City Treasurer
Ryan Hunter has been named an IT systems support specialist for the City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Department. Prior to this position, Hunter worked for McCormack Baron Companies in a variety of positions. She holds a Bachelor of Science in management information systems from Harris-Stowe State University as well as a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Xavier University of Louisiana. She is the founder and project director for Code for the Future. Curtis Williams, EdD, was recently named to the board of the St. Louis chapter of the Association of Talent Development (ATD) as the vice president of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. He most recently served as lead learning consultant for World Wide Technology. Among Williams’ lengthy list of degrees are Master of Arts, human resources management, Webster University; Doctor of Education, transformation, leadership and inquiry, Concordia UniversityPortland; Doctor of Education, educational leadership and administration, Northcentral University; and Doctor of Education, education leadership, Concordia University-Texas.
Kiekow now at Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
Anthony Kiekow has been named Manager of Media Relations and Multimedia Strategy for the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. The former FOX 2 and KMOV reporter will manage a media team and work with bank leadership. Previously, Kiekow served as a senior communications specialist for Boeing. His experience includes communications leadership roles with Hazelwood and Riverview Gardens school districts.
Photo courtesy of Gallup Center on Black Voices
Curtis Williams
Ryan Hunter
Anthony Kiekow
Photo courtesy of NAREB
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workers.
Median weekly wages for Black workers increased in the third quarter of 2023 (July-September) by $37, or 4.2%. The median Black worker is now paid $918 per week. White workers’ wages rose by $36 per week, a 3.3% increase to $1,137.
The NCRC analysts say the job report “provided some pleasant news, including the smashing of jobs growth expectations and strong growth in several key sectors.’
“The policy challenge for 2024 is to both maintain and improve these numbers so that the African American community for the first time can be at the 4% full employment threshold and end the employment disparity with White Americans.”
President Biden said in a release, “[the]
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and to inspire people to buy real estate in this type of market,” Rose says. “Rates are high, prices are high. We’ve had buyers in my office that we’ve been looking for six months to find the right house.”
According to NAREB’s annual “State of Housing in Black America,” blaming a lack of desire for homeownership would be unfair. The current process for purchasing has created systemic barriers and obstacles that, for some, are nearly impossible to jump over.
“We need to figure out new ways for Black Americans to build wealth because, in many markets, it’s very difficult to become a homeowner because of the wealth profile of Black Americans,” Andre M. Perry, senior fellow at Brookings Metro, says. “We certainly need homeownership as a vehicle to build wealth, but we need other [methods] as well.”
All is not lost, though. Rose says educating, preparing, and reforming systems to be more inclusive for potential and existing Black homeowners can help the community get there.
The list of obstacles is long, including several that remain out of the control of Black people. The list includes low wages and wealth, housing unaffordability, lack of housing supply, discriminatory property tax systems, and even vulnerability to the effects of climate change.
Black net worth has increased by 61% since 2019, from a median of $28,000 to $45,000. However, more money is needed to purchase a home. Providers of conventional home loans denied Black applicants three times more than white applicants. The report found that “unfavorable debt-to-income ratio, poor credit history, and inadequate collateral were the top three reasons for loan denial among Black and white prospective borrowers.”
Then there’s the housing affordability problem. According to the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB)/ Wells Fargo Housing Opportunity Index (HOI), 37.4% of homes sold this summer were affordable to families earning the U.S. median income of $96,300. Most Black families do not make half of that.
Contributing to this problem are interest rates, which were raised by the Federal Reserve 11 times since March 2020 in an attempt to recover from the
report confirms that 2023 was a great year for American workers. I won’t stop fighting for American workers and American families.”
“The strong job creation continued even as inflation fell to the pre-pandemic level of 2% over the last six months, and key prices have fallen over the last year— for a gallon of gas, a gallon of milk, toys, appliances, car rentals, and airline fares. American workers’ wages and wealth are higher now than before the pandemic began, adjusting for inflation.”
Biden said he realizes “some prices are still too high for too many Americans, and I am doing everything in my power to lower everyday costs for hard-working Americans.”
“And I will continue opposing efforts by Congressional Republicans to shower massive giveaways on the wealthy and big corporations, cut Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security, and block us from lowering costs for American families.”
shock of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Fortunately for borrowers, as inflation holds steady at 3.1%, the year will end with no new increases, and some reports claim the Fed may cut interest rates three or more times in the coming year. Rose hopes this news will encourage more Black Americans to enter the housing market.
In addition to housing unaffordability, property tax systems have made it harder for Black folks to keep their homes.
A report from the Brookings Institute found that Black-owned home values were “over-assessed” by tax collectors at 10% to 13% higher than white-owned homes. At the same time, Black homes are undervalued by 21% to 23% by appraisers, lowering their homes’ selling price.
Recommendations for addressing these concerns include finding new ways to tax people based on levels of wealth to account for the profiles of different racial and ethnic groups. But more importantly, guards are needed to stop racial bias, Perry says.
“We need data to examine the differences across neighborhoods, and we need systems to hold tax assessors and cities accountable,” he adds.
Black millennials are the future of homeownership. The NAREB reported the group accounting for the most significant generational share of mortgage loans in 2022. Yet, their homeownership rate is only half that of white millennials, and is at risk of declining because of systemic obstacles and the economy.
“Student loan debt is one of the biggest impediments they have for being able to purchase real estate,” Rose says. “A lot of them went to college, which was the right thing to do, but for the first 15 years out of college, they’re paying off the debt they spent to get their education.”
To provide opportunities for education and advancement, NAREB kicked off its multi-city Black Wealth Tour, making stops in Houston and Birmingham earlier this year. The tour will visit Atlanta, Little Rock, Los Angeles, and other cities in 2024.
“If you have a community that’s active, and that wants it, we can get to the finish line,” Rose says. “I don’t think we have an apathetic community. I think the Black community wants to build wealth, they want to understand, they want to learn and grow. If that desire is there, the NAREB is here to keep on pushing to try to open the door for them.”
“I’ve cost this team enough.”
– Golden State’s Draymond Green upon returning from his latest NBA suspension
InSIdE SportS
By Earl Austin Jr.
Luxury Sweet
Girls Basketball Showcase features top girls’ teams
The lineup is set for the 8th Annual Sweet Hoops All-Girls Basketball Showcase, which will be held on Saturday at Harris-Stowe State University. Lift for Life Athletic Director Chandra Palmer has done a great job of putting on excellent basketball events for years, whether it is her Sweet Hoops Summer League or Sweet Hoops Fall League. The annual shootout continues to grow into one of the top girls’ events in the state and this year’s lineup is one of the best.
both average 13 points a game and junior Camryn Caldwell. East St. Louis is led by senior guard Ry’ale Mosley, who is averaging 12 points a game and senior forward Camya Pitts, who is averaging 11 points a game.
The showcase game of the event will be a battle of powerhouse teams in Incarnate Word Academy and Lutheran St. Charles. The big showdown will be the fifth and final game of the event, which will tip off at 6:15 p.m. Incarnate Word currently has a St. Louis area record 111-game winning streak. The Red Knights have won the past three Class 6 state championships in Missouri. IWA will be putting its streak on the line against a Lutheran-St. Charles team that won the Class 5 state championship last season.
Here is a look at the lineup for the Sweet Hoops All Girls Showcase.
Game 1: Owensville vs. East St. Louis, noon - Owensville fields a strong trio of guards in cousins Emma Daniels and Ali Daniels, who
Game 2:
Chatham Glenwood vs. Ladue, 1:45 p.m. - Ladue enters the week on a three-game winning streak. The Rams are led by senior guard Mya Mann and forward Tamara Currie, who is averaging 10 points and 12 rebounds a game. ChathamGlenwood comes from the Springfield (IL) area.
Game 3: Pattonville vs. Vashon, 3:15 - This game is billed as “The Rematch” as Vashon won an exciting game at last year’s event en route to winning a Class 4 state championship. The Wolverines are led by 5’8” senior guard Chantrel “Tutu” Clayton, an Illinois-Chicago commit who is one of the best in the state. Pattonville has a well-balanced team led by 5’7” senior guard Zoe Newland, 6’1” junior forward Kennedy Horton and 5’5” junior guard Hannah Fenton.
Game 4: Lift for Life vs. Huntsville Lee, 4:45 p.m. - The two teams met last season in this event with Lee pulling out a victory in overtime. Lift for Life has a crew of talented guards, led by
University City point guard Jael Green (5) goes up for two of her 21 points in the Lioness’ 54-42 win over Parkway South on January 5, 2024. Green is one of U. City’s leading scorers, averaging 13.1 points a game.
freshman Amaya Manuel, sophomore Zha Harris and senior Chase Giddings. The leader up front is
5’9” senior forward Paige Fowler, who is a great rebounder.
SportS EyE
With Alvin A. Reid
St. Louis connections at the National Championship Game
Monday night’s college football national championship game between Michigan and Washington had a pair of St. Louis connections in the game. The co-defensive coordinator for Washington is William Inge, a former Kirkwood High standout who played college football at Iowa. He has been a college assistant coach since 2001 and the Huskies co-defensive coordinator for the past three seasons.
Former Cardinal Ritter College Prep standout Fredrick Moore just finished his freshman season for the Wolverines, who defeated Washington to win the national title. Moore was an All-State wide receiver last season in helping lead the Lions to a 14-0 record and the Class 3 state championship. Michigan finished this season with a 15-0 record, which means that Moore has not been on the losing side of a football game in 29 contests over the past two years.
Game 5: Incarnate Word vs. Lutheran-St. Charles, 6:15 p.m. - IWA is coming off winning the championship of the Visitation Christmas Tournament. They are led by the senior duo of 5’10” Zoe Best and 5’11” Kaylynn Janes along with stellar 5’10” junior point guard Nevaeh Caffey. Lutheran-St. Charles is led by 6’2” junior sharpshooter Jordan Speiser along with the talented sophomore duo of 6’2” forward Kennedy Stowers and 5’6” guard Kyrii Franklin.
STL’s Kyren Williams among the top NFL playoff stories
The NFL heads into the postseason with a bounty of story lines that certainly are of interest to St. Louis American readers.
It seems almost fitting that the first game of six playoff games during the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend finds the combination of rookie Black coach and rookie Black quarterback taking the field.
Coach DeMeco Ryans and quarterback C.J. Stroud led the Houston Texans over the Jacksonville Jaguars last week to win the AFC South title and set up a home-field showdown with the Cleveland Browns at 3:30 p.m. Saturday Stroud received praise from Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, who threw 16 interceptions in his rookie season compared to Stroud who completed 319 of his 499 passes for 4,108 yards, 23 touchdowns and just five interceptions.
“The respect I have for his season—I can’t describe it enough because
of what my rookie season was like,” said Manning. Why are the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs and quarterback Patrick Mahomes being relegated to NBC-owned Peacock for the wild-card game against the visiting Miami Dolphins? I refuse to pay for Peacock, but it’s not the money, it’s the principle. The Chiefs have been to three of four Super Bowls and won two of them. Mahomes, while he did not have an MVP type season, is still the best quarterback in the game. The Dolphins blew a chance to win the AFC East by losing to Buffalo at home on Sunday night. Their reward is playing Arrowhead Stadium at 7 p.m. Saturday night with the temperature at about 0 degrees.
Mike Tomlin has been head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers for 17 seasons and has not had a losing record during a remarkable tenure that includes a Super Bowl
title and numerous playoff appearances.
Tomlin takes his team on the road to face the Bills at noon Sunday.
Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys officially enter the “put up or shut up” postseason when the Green Bay Packers come calling at 3:30 p.m. Sunday.
Prescott pieced together his best NFL season in
2023-24, and the Cowboys took advantage of the floundering Philadelphia Eagles to win the NFC East title.
Following the Cowboys’ 38-10 mashing of the Washington Commanders, Prescott was asked why he was not wearing his “Dallas Cowboys NFC East Champions” hat or shirt. “I want something
better,” he said. So do millions of us Cowboys fans, Dak.
Let’s give some love to Packers quarterback Jordan Love. The Packers needed a win over the Chicago Bears to clinch a wild-card slot and Love came through – unlike the departed Aaron Rodgers who lost to the Detroit Lions under similar circumstances last season.
One of the grandest stories of the NFL season is St. Louisan Kyren Williams, Los Angeles Rams running back. After rushing for just 139 yards as a rookie in 2022, Williams closed the year with 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns – in just 12 games played because of a midseason injury.
In addition, he caught 32 passes for 206 yards. He was the force the Rams needed to balance the offense and Williams was instrumental in his team seizing a wild-card spot and taking on the host Lions at 7 p.m. Sunday. The Eagles are a dumpster fire right now, and quarterback Jalen Hurts looks lost. Six
weeks ago, the Eagles were projected to be the top-seed in the NFC. They could lose to host Tampa Bay at 7 p.m. Monday night.
The Reid Roundup
Raheem Morris L.A. Rams defensive coordinator and former Tampa Bay head coach, will interview with several NFL teams with open head coaching positions. I think Washington would be a good fit… That is if Eric Bienemy, Washington offensive coordinator, is not hired by the Commanders… Steve Wilks, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator, will interview for the L.A. Chargers head coaching slot. He was fired after a 3-13 season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2018 and led the Carolina Panthers to a 6-6 record as interim coach in 2022…Ja Morant’s bad luck, most of it selfinflicted, continues after an injury during practice will lead to season-ending shoulder surgery for the Memphis Grizzlies guard.
Earl Austin Jr.
Alvin A. Reid
L.A. Rams running back Kyren Williams hails from St. Louis.
Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American
Photo courtesy of therams.com
Missouri making positive moves gaining tech jobs
St. Louis Public Radio
The Technology2030 report compiled by North Carolina-based Economic Leadership for the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry shows the state’s tech job force grew by 10.5% between 2017 and 2022.
That ranks just 30th in the nation but is higher than all neighboring states including Illinois, which ranks 37th.
Population growth is a big reason for Missouri’s comparatively high ranking, said report co-author Ted Abernathy during a video call on January 8.
“For the first time in a while, the last two years has been a time where in-migration, people moving from other states, is more than people moving out of Missouri,” Abernathy said.
The report says Missouri had negative net migration between 2012 and 2019, but that abruptly changed to a net positive in 2020 and 2021.
The St. Louis region is also faring well in technology jobs, according to the report.
St. Louis, St. Louis County and St. Charles County all have more than 5% of their jobs in the technology sector. Only eight other counties in Missouri can make
The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis has launched the Ameren All In Scholarship Fund, a $1,180,000, five-year commitment to provide 25 students annually with scholarship grants up to $10,000 per student per year for up to 10 semesters, or five years.
that claim.
“In places like St. Louis you have the depth that your higher education can provide you in research. You have more venture capital. You have more concentration of young people,” said Abernathy.
“Those are going to be areas where you have real opportunity.”
The St. Louis region has invested in technology sectors like geospatial, agtech and advanced manufacturing over the past several years.
Abernathy said more rural parts of the state have opportunities to grow in areas like tech manufacturing, as long as they’re close enough to airports or major highways.
“We have a long history in manufacturing, and this is a natural evolution of that strength,” said Dan Mehan, president and CEO of the Missouri Chamber of Commerce and Industry in a statement
“Many manufacturers today utilize high-tech processes with high-paying jobs. And numerous other employers are technology-based and key contributors to the overall economy.”
The St. Louis Advanced Manufacturing Innovation [AMICSTL] Center will be located within the 400-acre triangle between Ranken Technical College, Cortex, and the National Geospatial Agency and its construction continues as a recent report shows Missouri’s tech job force is growing steadily.
Ameren All In Scholarships now available
These scholarships will serve low-income students who live within the service area of Ameren Missouri or Ameren Illinois and who are enrolled at any grade level in a nonprofit, twoor four-year accredited college or university in Missouri or Illinois. Scholars will be selected based on
First Mid Bank & Trust is hosting a seminar called, “The Good, The Bad & the Ugly: A 2024 Economic Forecast,” on Thursday, January 18 at the Missouri Athletic Club’s Crystal Room in downtown St. Louis featuring ABC National Chief Economist Anirban Basu.
Scholarship Foundation eligibility requirements (significant financial need, academic potential, and good character) and preference will be given to scholars who are pursuing education in the STEM
fields or in the Joint Engineering Program offered by the University of Missouri-St. Louis and Washington University in St. Louis. Applications for this opportunity are now open and applicants can visit
sfstl.org/ameren-all-inscholarship to apply or learn more. The Ameren All In Scholarship is designed to award critical “last dollar” funding to fill the gap between total cost of education and the financial resources available to students from family, school, state, and federal sources.
First Mid Bank & Trust to host 2024 Economic Forecast
Basu, chair and CEO of Sage Policy Group, Inc., is an economic expert who created a client base that spans more than 40 states and seven countries, including Fortune 500 Companies, NFL teams, state and local governments, real estate developers, insurance companies, law firms, and more.
Steve Cooper, First Mid division president, says, “We recognize the pivotal nature of 2024, with its noteworthy events such as a presidential election,
escalating consumer debt, geopolitical complexities, and enduring high-interest rates.”
“This exclusive economic seminar, designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the intricate economic landscape, will give valuable insights and a nuanced understanding of the potential risks and challenges that may arise in the coming year.”
“Education is among our key AmerenCares focus areas, and this new partnership with The Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis stands as an example of that ongoing commitment,” said Gwen Mizell, senior vice president, chief sustainability, diversity & philanthropy officer at Ameren.
Breakfast and networking starts at 9:00 a.m., followed by the seminar and live Q&A from 9:30 –10:30 a.m. Registration is required. To register for the event, go to www.surveymonkey.com/r/3HRXTWP. Those interested in registering can also contact their First Mid banker. The deadline to register is Friday, January 12.
Anirban Basu
Gwen Mizell
Rendering provided by AMICSTL
STL Science Center has diversity on display MLK Weekend
St. Louis American
The Saint Louis Science Center hosts its annual Community STEM Showcase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday Jan. 13 to highlight the diversity found within the St. Louis area’s scientific community and introduce individuals to STEM fields they may not have considered previously. The free event features hands-on activities throughout the Science Center and interactions with STEM role models
Among the participating organizations are:
The Boeing Company – flight simulators and paper airplanes to understand the wonder of flight STEM STL – building and completing a straw maze Gateway Electric Vehicle Association – demonstrations and education on electric vehicles
St. Louis ArtWorks – STEMfocused art activities Missouri Kids Unplugged – electronics recycling (accepting unwanted cell
See Science, D3
The Rev. Darryl Gray has been on the frontline of protests in Ferguson and the city of St. Louis during the past decade and continues his work for social justice reform throughout the region, state, and nation. Gray will speak during the STLCC Florissant Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.
Special to The American
St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice will host their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Tuesday, Jan. 16.
The celebration’s reception is from 5-6 p.m. in the Student Center, Multipurpose Room, located at 3400 Pershall Road. The program follows from 6-7:30 p.m.
Honoring MLK: The unfinished journey towards economic freedom
By Charlene Crowell
On January 15, our nation again will observe the only national holiday designated as a day of service. The Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday was first observed in 1986. But it took another 17 years for all 50 states to recognize the holiday, according to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture.
While Rev. King dedicated his life to the pursuit of freedom, peace, and justice for all Americans, too many economically marginalized people are reduced to fighting over scraps while others enjoy the nation’s economic bounty.
In 2022, 37.9 million people – 11.5 percent of the nation – lived in poverty, according to the Census Bureau. Additionally, Black individuals made up 20.1% of the population in poverty in 2022 but only 13.5 percent of the total population. Black individuals made up 20.1% of the population in poverty in 2022 but only 13.5 percent of the total population, according to the Census Bureau.
The federal minimum wage, currently at $7.25 an hour, has not increased since July 2009, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Standards.
And despite increases that take effect in many states in 2024, workers still earn only $7.25 per hour in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wyoming, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
On December 10, 1964, Gunnar Jahn, Chairman of the Nobel Committee presented its Nobel Peace Prize to Dr. King
saying in part, “[D]iscrimination will still persist in the economic field and in social intercourse. Realistic as he is, Martin Luther King knows this.”
Accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Dr. King said, “I am mindful that debilitating and grinding poverty afflicts my people and chains them to the lowest rung of the economic ladder.”
“The tortuous road which has led from
Montgomery, Alabama to Oslo bears witness to this truth,” Dr. King continued.
“This is a road over which millions of Negroes are travelling to find a new sense of dignity… I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education
n “God has called all of us to live for the sake of others, and that means serving in the valley more than celebrating on the mountaintop.”
- Rev. Darryl Gray
The Rev. Darryl Gray, a 40-plus-year veteran of the Civil and Human Rights Movement in the United States and Canada, will speak on the celebration’s theme, “Now is the Time.” Gray has worked as senior staff for various civil rights organizations and iconic civil rights activists including the NAACP, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the late John Lewis, the late Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, and the late Coretta Scott King among others. Gray currently serves as senior pastor of the Greater Fairfax Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2941 Greer Ave, in St. Louis; director general for the Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc.; second vice president of the Midwest Region, PNBC; and chairperson of the St. Louis Detention Facilities Oversight Board.
“I am not a pastor because I’m an activist; I’m an activist because I am a pastor,” Gray said. “God has called all of us to live for the sake of others, and that means serving in the valley more than celebrating on the mountaintop.”
North St. Louis County students will lead and participate in the celebration. The celebration’s student emcee is Ne’Vaeh Dudley, a sophomore at STLCC-Florissant Valley majoring in general transfer studies and dual enrollment senior at Hazelwood East high school. STLCC-Florissant Valley student
Photo by Ryan Delaney | St. Louis Public Radio
Photo courtesy of ABS
The Association of Black Scientists, which invites teens to an annual summer conference, is among the organizations represented at the Saint Louis Science Center Community STEM Showcase on Jan. 13, 2024.
CONCERTS AND LIVE SHOWS
Porgy and Bess
Jazz-enriched orchestral music
1/12/2024 10:30am
George Gershwin’s Porgy and Bess
Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center
One University Blvd
St. Louis, MO Ticket prices vary
Jo Koy - World Tour
(Controversial comedian who hosted 2024 Golden Globes)
1/12/2024 8:00pm
$52.50 to $72.50
An American in Paris
1/13/2024 7:30pm Stravinsky’s Ebony Concerto features clarinetist Victor Goines, president of Jazz St. Louis
Blanche M. Touhill
MO
KEM, Chrisette Michele and Lyfe
1/14/2024 7:00pm
$75.75 - $225.50 The Voices of Motown
7:30pm
STL Sites & Sounds
St. Louis, MO
$30.00 - $40.00 NIGHTLIFE
Warped Party at Up-Down
1/18/2024 7:00pm
Enjoy Nu-Metal, Ska, Swing, Pop-Punk, and Rockabilly music
Up-Down St. Louis’ Arcade Bar
St. Louis, MO 405 N Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO 63108
FAIRS, FESTIVALS AND MARKETS
St. Louis Love Fest 1/14/2024 7:00pm
St. Louis Love Fest comes to Stifel Theatre in January with Kem, Chrisette Michele and Lyfe Jennings! Stifel Theatre
1400 Market Street
St. Louis, MO
$75.75 - $225.50
ART ACTIVITIES, EXHIBITS AND MUSEUMS
Broken HeartsA juried art exhibit
1/12/2024 12:00pm 1/13/2024 12:00pm Broken Hearts - a juried art exhibit. See how local artists create artwork which explores the complexity of emotion within a broken heart. The exhibit is free and will run from January
12 thru February 16.
The gallery also hosts a group exhibition in the main gallery every month for artists to submit their work for display.
Gallery hours are Thursdays 4-8 pm, Fridays and Saturdays 12-8 pm and Sundays 1-5 pm.
Soulard Art Gallery
St. Louis, MO 2028 S 12th St, St. Louis, MO 63104 Free
History Exploration Days Activist City: Creating Community in St. Louis
1/12/2024 10:00am 1/13/2024 10:00am MLK Community Celebration
5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO Free
2024 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration: Boldly Embracing a Legacy of Greatness 1/14/2024 2:00pm
The Farrell Auditorium One Fine Arts Dr St. Louis, MO
See STL: Downtown Origins
1/14/2024 10:00am
This will focus on the eastern portion of downtown, this tour includes the non-negotiables, like the Gateway Arch, Eads Bridge, and the Old Courthouse, as well as lots of hidden history.
Missouri History Museum 5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO Free
Missouri History Museum 5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO
Artist Talk: Dominic Chambers 1/18/2024 6:00pm Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis 3750 Washington Blvd St. Louis, MO Free
Storytelling: January 1/12/2024 10:30am 1/13/2024 10:30am
January Storytelling themes include World Braille Day, Activists, Reptiles, Sports, and Groundhog Day! Missouri History Museum
MLK Community Celebration
1/12/2024 10:00am 1/13/2024 10:00am 1/14/2024 2:00pm 1/15/2024 10:00am Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. throughout the holiday weekend. Missouri History Museum
5700 Lindell Blvd St. Louis, MO Free
Family Sunday 1/14/2024 1:00pm
Hands-on art activities and special interactive components for kids within the galleries. Saint Louis Art Museum
One Fine Arts Drive St. Louis, MO Free
COMMUNITY
MLK - Cultivating Hope Together at Clay Community Garden
1/13/2024 9:30am Service Project Clay Community Garden St. Louis, MO Free
12th Annual MLK Salute to Veterans Sunday Supper
1/14/2024 2:00pm A commemoration of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and is a salute to the men and women who have served our country. This dynamic program will include supper, presenters, information and resource booths. A photo loop of military personnel will be featured. A mobile health van offering health care services conducted by Affinia Healthcare will be available on the Omega Buildiing grounds. The Omega Center 3900 Goodfellow Blvd St. Louis, MO Free
Northwest 79 Alumni Committee is NOW planning for their 45 Year Reunion. Please contact: Duane Daniels (314) 5682057, Howard Day (414) 698-4261 or Martin Gray (706) 573-0852.
Photo by Udo Spreitzenbarth
St. Louis Love Fest comes to Stifel Theatre in January with Kem, Chrisette Michele and Lyfe Jennings at The Stifel Theatre on January 14 at 7:00pm
Special to The American
Black teenagers in urban environments who were more involved in religious activities were less likely to engage in alcohol and substance use and other delinquent behavior, according to two recent studies by social sciences researchers at Case Western Reserve University.
The most recent findings, published this fall in the Journal of Religion and Health, identified the relationship between “religiosity” and positive behavioral outcomes. In other words, staying connected with strong social support groups serves as a “protective factor” for the teenagers studied, said Dexter Voisin, dean of Case Western Reserve’s Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School of Applied Social Sciences, the senior author of both studies.
“When we say religion and religiosity, we’re really talking about a proxy for social connections,” Voisin said. “We’re talking supportive institutions that have historical and contemporary relevance to many positive outcomes in the Black communities.»
Voisin collected data from 623 youth in Chicago used for both studies.
The most recent study revealed three distinct groups among the teenagers: 15% who reported “low religious beliefs and engagement;” 56% who described themselves as “religious but not super active;” and 28% who were “highly religious and really active.”
Participants in the highly religious group reported engaging in fewer thefts, assaults and physical fights—as well as less alcohol and cannabis use relative to the other two religious classification groups. The findings suggest that religious environments can provide positive countervailing influences that mitigate negative peer influences that could result in risky youth behaviors, Voisin said.
He said an adage applies: “Birds of a feather flock together and fly in the same direction. But if you belong to networks with positive peer support, then negative peer pressure isn’t as strong.”
The first study, published earlier this year in the journal Religions, reached similar conclusions. The data was collected in 2013 and 2014.
The research also delved into questions related to the diversity of religiosity among Black youth residing in low-income urban communities. The findings highlighted links between age, gender, government assistance and religious diversity and the impact of religiosity on substance use and delinquency.
Voisin said the positive findings on religiosity may not translate for other racial groups and ethnicities because the social risks wouldn’t be the same. For example, the challenges experienced by white, suburban teenagers are often vastly different than for the Black urban teenagers participating in this research, he said.
“In the presence of threat,
protective factors might matter more,” he said. “With low threat, the benefits of certain protective factors might not be as salient.”
Voisin also emphasized that the research didn’t focus on any particular religion or denomination, but rather on “religious beliefs, religious importance and
spiritual practices. More research is needed to better understand the mechanisms linking religiosity to less substance use and assaultive behaviors,” he said. The studies were led by mostly Black and other minority researchers from around the country, including the University
Photo courtesy Toronto University Alumni
Voisin,
Western Reserve University Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel School
dean, is senior author of two studies that suggests Black
behavior.
FOSTER CARE CASE MANAGER
Provide case management services for children in foster care. Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in social work or related field. Minimum of one year of employment in child welfare field. Interested candidates forward letter of interest and resume to:vatkins@posimpacts. com, Attention: Valerie Atkins. Employee will be employed by Positive Impacts, Inc. and contracted to Epworth Children & Family Services.
TEACHERS
St. Louis Catholic Academy is a faith-filled, K-8 school, located in the Penrose neighborhood of North Saint Louis. We’re a vibrant, urban community committed to partnering with families and ensuring each student’s success. Our school offers students a “family feel” and wrap-around support to help our students thrive through high school and beyond.
St. Louis Catholic Academy is currently looking to hire teachers interested in helping our students grow academically and walk more closely with Jesus. Our open positions include a science teacher, a second grade teacher, an English teacher and an art teacher. We seek Christian teachers interested in sharing the gospel message, but our staff does not need to be Catholic. Teachers of color are especially invited to consider. Please email cover letter and resume to Christy Toben at toben@slca-stl.org
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
The America’s Center is seeking bids from qualified companies to replace cooling coil in an air handler. Interested bidders must attend pre-bid on-site walk-thru of project January 22nd, 2024 at 10:00 AM. Contact bsmith@explorestlouis. com for scope. Quotes due, February 7th, 2024. The facility reserves the right to reject any and all proposals. EOE.
SOLICITING BID
Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/ WBE/DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following:
CP230831 Middlebush Farm – Nextgen Center for Influenza Research – Phase II
Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com
Phone: 573-682-5505
JR76637 Assistant Director Research Security - Office of Research Integrity & Ethics
Utilizing their research/research administration background, this position will facilitate the development and maintenance of the University’s research security program. This role is responsible for identifying research security risks, developing mitigations plans and monitoring investigator compliance as well as supporting University departments and personnel on issues related to international operations and relations, including compliance, security management, and other high-risk activities and programs. The incumbent collaboratively ensures University security standards and programs meet or exceed institutional and regulatory expectations.
JR77132 Senior Compliance Specialist - Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research
A Senior Compliance Specialist provides programmatic support for the University’s research ethics and compliance programs. This person implements and monitors research compliance review activities in accordance with the University’s policies, and federal and sponsoring agencies regulations, with minimal supervision; interprets applicable policies and regulations to resolve complex research and regulatory issues; provides expert advice and training to faculty, non-faculty, and committee members; interacts directly with external funding agencies and other academic institutions regarding the University’s adherence to policies and regulations; serves as lead person in the absence of a manager or director.
JR78870 Manager, Curriculum & Program Assessment - Medical Scientist Training Program
This position is responsible for data and project management associated with all curriculum in the Medical Scientist Training Program (MSTP), including: data gathering and reporting, education technology, curriculum operations process improvement, online course listings, course and program evaluations, internal records, coordination of PhD and MD curriculum integration, and auditing of students’ completion of curricular requirements. The position plays a critical role in curriculum renewal and modernization efforts underway in and will serve as a liaison to registrars and education offices for the Office of Graduate Studies and the Medical School, and
cational technology vendors.
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS: Citation Management, On-Street Meter Maintenance & Coin Collection, Booting & Towing Program, Delinquent Ticket Collections
City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office
www.stltreasurer.org/ request-for-proposals
SEALED BIDS
Bids for RE-BID
Replace HVAC and Controls at Shady Grove State School, Project No. E2010-01 RE-BID, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, January 18, 2024, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
O1911-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, January 25, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
The Heartland Regional Investment Fund, LLC (“HRIF”) seeks a Certified Public Accounting firm to conduct independent audits of financial records and to prepare and file associated tax returns, for a period of up to three years.
The services shall include HRIF and its related, subrecipient entities. A copy of the full RFP is available at https://stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfq/ Submissions should be received no later than 3PM CT on Thursday, January 18, 2024.
St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer
Service: Insurance Brokerage Services
Pre-Proposal Meeting Date: January 16, 2024 (via Zoom)
Question Due Date: January 18, 2024
Bid Due Date: February 5, 2024 2:00pm M/WBE Goals & Incentives: MBE goals:
Point of Contact: Delia Cummings –dfcummings@flystl.com
Proposal documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport®, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8174. This RFP may
St. LouiS american
St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, FEBRUARY 14, 2024 through the Bid Express online portal at https://www.bidexpress. com/businesses/20618/ home?agency=true. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website https://www. stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/ public-service/bps-online-plan-room.cfm under On Line Plan Room-Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-589-6214. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org
> Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities
Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Confluence Academies is seeking bids for HVAC Replacement of a 50 ton unit, 20 ton unit and computer control system. Interested companies should visit our website, www.confluenceacademy. org for more information and proposal requirements. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday January 24, 2024, at our Old North Campus, 3017 N. 13thStreet, St. Louis, MO 63107. (Weather Permitting)
CITY OF PINE LAWN
SEEKING 3 SEPARATE BIDS FOR EACH OF THE FOLLOWING:
1. Purchase/install of 2 furnaces to heat City Hall
2. Supervisor for Pine Lawn Public Works
3. Demolition Contractor or Restoration Investor for dangerous commercial properties at 6305, 6300, 6261 Natural Bridge and 4120, 4311, 4314 Jennings Station Rd.
4. IT Computer Company to install computer server/ network for multi users of Quickbooks (the professional version) & new Housing Code Software for efficient property management
Bid openings 12 noonFriday, January 12, 2024 @ 6250 Steve Marre Ave., Pine Lawn, Mo. 63121
The Jennings School District is accepting proposals for contracting out the Food Service Program with a Cost + Fee Reimbursable contract for the upcoming 2024-25 school year.
A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, February 27, 2024 at 2 pm. Request for Proposals are due by Tuesday March 26, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. See www.jenningsk12.org/ rfp for the bid specs.
For questions, please contact Phil Pusateri, Chief Financial Officer, at the Jennings School District Administrative Office, 2559 Dorwood Drive, St. Louis, MO 63136, or by phone at 314-653-8006.
The Jennings School District reserves the right to reject any or all bids.
SEALED BIDS
Bids for Upgrade HVAC System, Boonslick State School, St. Peters, MO, Project No.E2317-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 2/8/24. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities
NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS
Sealed bids for the New Ballwin Road ARS Resurfacing project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1747, Federal Project No. STP-5494(602), will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouiscountymovendors.munisselfservice.com/Vendors/default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on February 14, 2024 Plans and specifications will be available on January 1, 2024 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087. DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY
The St. Louis County Port Authority (“Port”) seeks a professionally qualified Certified Public Accounting firm to conduct a comprehensive review and audit of all facets of Port’s financial affairs. A copy of the full RFP is available at https:// stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfq/. Submissions should be received no later than 3PM CST on Friday, February 9, 2024.
St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer
REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS
Greater St. Louis, Inc. and the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership hereby give public notice that they are soliciting proposals from interested firms with experience to conduct a holistic community engagement effort with the goal to create a community-driven vision for development in the St. Louis City neighborhoods in which the Advanced Manufacturing Innovation Center (AMICSTL) and MLK Innovation Center will be located.
Copy of the Request for Proposals (RFP) can be found at: www.GreaterSTLinc.com/RFPs
Deadline for submission is 5 p.m. central time January 22, 2024.
CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE
REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR NEW WEST CENTRAL UTILITY PLANT AND ELECTRICAL SUBSTATION AT ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM CT, JANUARY 31, 2024 through the Bid Express online portal at https://www.bidexpress. com/businesses/20618/ home?agency=true. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website https://www.stlouis-mo. gov/government/ departments/public-service/ bps-online-plan-room.cfm under On Line Plan Room-Plan Room, or call Board of Public Service at 314-589-6214.
21.00% DBE participation goals.
point where they felt like they were shot in 3-D, Samuel’s attempt at an epic felt more and more like an epic fail. A Christ-era weed man that stumbles upon redemption after a con goes sideways is confusing enough. Compounded by a lopsided parallel with the trials of Jesus and his disciples framed around his crucifixion, “The Book of Clarence” was flat out dizzying for the first hour in.
However, the film steps into its potential just over halfway through when Elijah bears witness to a miracle experienced by Mary Magdalene. Aside from a silly moment or two – particularly a dance sequence to the Jones Girls’ “Nights Over Egypt” and comedic relief by Benedict Cumberbatch that felt out of sync for the tone of the culminating
scene it served as a segue for – Samuel’s purpose and faith driven labor of love bears fruit from this moment on.
Unfortunately, the delay in realized potential for “The Book of Clarence” might come too little, too late. Particularly since it feels as if the purpose of Clarence’s chapter in Samuel’s story was never made explicitly clear.
However, the cast of veterans and newcomers are up to task as the team of enthusiastic sales representatives for “The Book of Clarence.” The ensemble’s chemistry is so effective that audiences will give them a pass for the myriad of dialects – even between on-screen besties Stanfield and Cyler.
Among the standouts in the cast of veterans and newcomers include Omar Sy (of “Lupin” fame), David Oyelowo and James McAvoy. Teyana Taylor’s Mary Magdalene – who is spellbinding despite limited screen time. The same can be said for Eric
Kofi-Abrefa as Jedediah the Terrible. Reactions to “The Book of Clarence” will contrast starkly. A pair of guests at last Thursday’s screening at the Esquire Theatre perfectly summed up the split consensus.
The audience had to suffer through one viewer’s intermittent bouts of snoring that were so loud they echoed through the theater and provided more laughter than the film’s effective moments of comic relief. During the second hour of the film, another audience member shouted “Thank you, Jesus,” and initiated a praise break that is usually reserved for a spirit-filled run through the aisles of a church.
“The Book of Clarence” opens in theaters nationwide on Friday, January 12. The film is rated PG-13 with a running time of 129 minutes.
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II, Tamara CrawfordThomas, Jeff Cummings, Olajuwon Davis, Isaiah DiLorenzo, Jason J. Little and Thomas Patrick Riley. The inspirational irony of the play’s title was not lost on Holland.
“It is an honor and privilege to still be here, and to be stepping out on the stage,” Holland said. “You know me, I’m friendly. Three women who I started this cancer journey with, who became my friends, are no longer here. I’m filled with gratitude – and I’m doing this for them.”
In “Hold On,” Holland portrays Gerri Whittington, personal executive secretary to President Lyndon B. Johnson – and first African American secretary in the White House.
“I am completely honored to be a part of this cast. This is an important story that will be told,” Holland said. “The way in which the story will be told, with all of the visual effects. It’s going to be really, really beautiful.”
She has found strength in the moment in history that the play confronts.
“I believe that Dr. King fought scared. And there are times in which I fight scared,” Holland said. “I don’t want this [cancer] for myself, but I don’t have any choice. This is what he had to do.”
Since being diagnosed with stage four colon cancer in July of 2021, she is intentional about pushing through so that she can be an inspiration for the people who have been following her transparent cancer journey.
“We all have a story and we all have to go through something,” Holland said. “Instead of functioning from this low place – where I felt sorry for myself – I flipped the script. I operate from a place of gratitude. It has been my hope for the people who have drawn strength from my story –and my effort to allow my light to continue to shine – and through that people see the God in me.”
She admitted that it’s not easy, particularly the radiation.
“This radiation beats me down. It makes me so tired,” Holland confessed. “And my schedule is rough enough for someone who does not have cancer.”
Her day begins at 4 a.m. with her radio show on the new Foxy 106.9 FM.
After that it’s rehearsal, then radiation. She is also the mother of a 17-yearold and has a mother with her own set of health challenges. “My faith is what really carries me –and it pushes me through in those moments when I want to say [expletive] this,” Holland said. “The way I look at it is, ‘If God brought me to it, he is going to help me do it.’”
Being an actress was on Holland’s bucket list. She threw caution to the wind and decided to audition for The Black Rep’s season 47. Because she is a wellknown personality through her work on television, radio and as a part of her internet talk show powered by Brown & Crouppen, most wouldn’t assume that she operated from a place of fear when it came to expanding beyond her professional comfort zone.
“I would talk myself out of opportunities,” Holland confessed. “But living with intention causes me to have a different mindset. I want people to see the God in me – and I cannot do that if I am functioning from a place of fear.”
The leap of faith that landed her on stage has given her a new respect for the craft of acting, the actors who make it look easy, and the theater organizations and producers who make the work possible.
“I recognize now that it is much harder than I ever could have imagined,” Holland said. “It has caused me to stretch myself and operate in a different kind of brain set.”
She has made it clear that she doesn’t see herself taking the stage anytime soon.
“The likelihood of me doing this again is super slim – I’m on to the next bucket list thing,” Holland said.
But the gratitude she feels for this opportunity and the ones that follow is difficult for Holland – who communicates for a living – to articulate.
“I have breath in my body – sometimes it might be hard for me to breathe – but I’m still breathing. and I am going to keep pushing,” Holland said. “I really hope people enjoy my performance. Perhaps my presence in this play will bring new people to the theater. I really hope so, because Ron deserves it. The Black Rep deserves it.”
The Black Rep’s world premiere presentation of ‘Hold On’ will play through January 28th at Washington University’s Edison Theatre. For tickets and additional information, call 314.534.3807 or visit www.theblackrep.org.
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base to register and vote in what could be the most important election in their lifetimes?
I know I’m generalizing. Beyonce encouraged her “Beehive” to support Obama in 2008 and 2012 and she publicly supported Biden albeit right before the 2020 election. Surely there are other young Black musical artists who’ve discussed critical political issues. I know I’m an old dude. Maybe I’m just not hearing those conversations. But somehow, I’ve heard countless social media conversations about P-Diddy’s sex-capades, Cardi B and Offset’s offand-on-again relationship, Katt Williams’ diss of Steve Harvey, Tiffany Haddish, Cedric the Entertainer and a litany of other Black comedians. This is all relatively trivial stuff in comparison to the political stakes at hand.
Where are the passionate conversations about
the GOP’s efforts to snatch away voting rights or women’s reproductive rights? Both will disproportionately impact poor and marginalized communities. What about far right legislators (locally and nationally) intent on erasing Black history from public schools? Kids care about this, right?
Where is the outrage over a party that has labeled the January 6 insurrectionists “hostages” and a presidential candidate who has vowed to pardon those sentenced?
Remember, it was the Trump Administration that invented the term “Black Identity Extremists’’ and GOP-ers who pushed a proclamation to invoke the Insurrection Act specifically aimed at Black protestors. With less than 20 Black faces on the Capitol lawn or steps, some right-leaning candidates still insist the riot was orchestrated by Black Lives Matter, Antifa and the FBI.
According to a poll of young people conducted by Harvard’s Institute of Politics late last year, fewer Americans ages 18 to 29 plan to vote in 2024
due in part to widespread dissatisfaction with both President Joe Biden and his likely challenger, former President Donald Trump.
This is a not-so-subtle indication that there’s much work to be done between now and the general election in November. I’d like to see a strategic, national hip-hop political movement where rappers target their hometowns. Nelly, Murphy Lee and Chingy can lead the St. Louis effort; Waka Flocka Flame, Gucci Mane and T.I can handle their native Atlanta, while Nicki Minaj, 50 Cent and Jay-Z lead the New York City movement.
So, my dear young hip-hoppers, singers and entertainers, I urge you to organize, sermonize, and proselytize politically until your followers follow you to the voting booth. Be strategic, innovative, be bold, pioneering, be persuasive and influential. In other words, be more like Swift.
Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.
Photo courtesy of Tammie Holland’s Facebook Page
In “Hold On,” Tammie Holland portrays Gerri Whittington, personal executive secretary to President Lyndon B. Johnson – and first African-American secretary in the White House.
STL Science Center has diversity on display MLK Weekend
St. Louis American
The Saint Louis Science Center hosts its annual Community STEM Showcase from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Saturday Jan. 13 to highlight the diversity found within the St. Louis area’s scientific community and introduce individuals to STEM fields they may not have considered previously. The free event features hands-on activities throughout the Science Center and interactions with STEM role models
Among the participating organizations are:
The Boeing Company – flight simulators and paper airplanes to understand the wonder of flight STEM STL – building and completing a straw maze Gateway Electric Vehicle Association – demonstrations and education on electric vehicles
St. Louis ArtWorks – STEMfocused art activities Missouri Kids Unplugged – elec-
See Science, D3
The Rev. Darryl Gray has been on the frontline of protests in Ferguson and the city of St. Louis during the past decade and continues his work for social justice reform throughout the region, state, and nation. Gray will speak during the STLCC Florissant Valley Dr. Martin Luther King Celebration Tuesday, Jan. 16, 2024.
Special to The American
St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice will host their annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration Tuesday, Jan. 16.
The celebration’s reception is from 5-6 p.m. in the Student Center, Multipurpose Room, located at 3400 Pershall Road. The program follows from 6-7:30 p.m.
Honoring MLK: The unfinished journey towards economic freedom
By Charlene Crowell
On January 15, our nation again will observe the only national holiday designated as a day of service. The Martin Luther King, Jr. federal holiday was first observed in 1986. But it took another 17 years for all 50 states to recognize the holiday, according to the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History & Culture.
While Rev. King dedicated his life to the pursuit of freedom, peace, and justice for all Americans, too many economically marginalized people are reduced to fighting over scraps while others enjoy the nation’s economic bounty.
In 2022, 37.9 million people – 11.5 percent of the nation – lived in poverty, according to the Census Bureau. Additionally, Black individuals made up 20.1% of the population in poverty in 2022 but only 13.5 percent of the total population. Black individuals made up 20.1% of the population in poverty in 2022 but only 13.5 percent of the total population, according to the Census Bureau.
The federal minimum wage, currently at $7.25 an hour, has not increased since July 2009, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Standards.
And despite increases that take effect in many states in 2024, workers still earn only $7.25 per hour in Alabama, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wyoming, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL).
On December 10, 1964, Gunnar Jahn, Chairman of the Nobel Committee presented its Nobel Peace Prize to Dr. King
saying in part, “[D]iscrimination will still persist in the economic field and in social intercourse. Realistic as he is, Martin Luther King knows this.”
Accepting the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, Dr. King said, “I am mindful that debilitating and grinding poverty afflicts my people and chains them to the lowest rung of the economic ladder.”
“The tortuous road which has led from
Montgomery, Alabama to Oslo bears witness to this truth,” Dr. King continued.
“This is a road over which millions of Negroes are travelling to find a new sense of dignity… I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education
n “God has called all of us to live for the sake of others, and that means serving in the valley more than celebrating on the mountaintop.”
- Rev. Darryl Gray
The Rev. Darryl Gray, a 40-plus-year veteran of the Civil and Human Rights Movement in the United States and Canada, will speak on the celebration’s theme, “Now is the Time.” Gray has worked as senior staff for various civil rights organizations and iconic civil rights activists including the NAACP, Rainbow PUSH Coalition, Southern Christian Leadership Conference, the Rev. Jesse Jackson, the late John Lewis, the late Rev. Joseph E. Lowery, and the late Coretta Scott King among others. Gray currently serves as senior pastor of the Greater Fairfax Missionary Baptist Church, located at 2941 Greer Ave, in St. Louis; director general for the Progressive National Baptist Convention Inc.; second vice president of the Midwest Region, PNBC; and chairperson of the St. Louis Detention Facilities Oversight Board.
“I am not a pastor because I’m an activist; I’m an activist because I am a pastor,” Gray said. “God has called all of us to live for the sake of others, and that means serving in the valley more than celebrating on the mountaintop.”
North St. Louis County students will lead and participate in the celebration. The celebration’s student emcee is Ne’Vaeh Dudley, a sophomore at STLCC-Florissant Valley majoring in general transfer studies and dual enrollment senior at Hazelwood East high school. STLCC-Florissant Valley student
Photo by Ryan Delaney | St. Louis Public Radio
Photo courtesy of ABS
The Association of Black Scientists, which invites teens to an annual summer conference, is among the organizations represented at the Saint Louis Science Center Community STEM Showcase on Jan. 13, 2024.
Historic photos of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Let us rise up tonight with a greater readiness. Let us stand with a greater determination. And let us move on in these powerful days, these days of challenge to make America what it ought to be. We have an opportunity to make America a
− Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. April 3, 1968
Explore St. Louis is proud to honor the memory and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
(Above Left) On March 26, 1964, Martin Luther King and Malcolm X came to Washington to observe the beginning of the Senate debate on the Civil Rights Act.
(Above) In this March 22, 1956, file photo, the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. is welcomed with a kiss by his wife, Coretta, after leaving court in Montgomery, Ala. Court records from the arrests of Rosa Parks, Martin Luther King Jr. and others at the dawn of the modern civil rights era are being preserved after being discovered in an Alabama courthouse.
(Left) Martin Luther King Jr. walks 7-yearold Eva Gracelemon, left, and 10-year-old Aritha Willis to formerly all-white schools in Grenada, Mississippi, in 1966. Violence had erupted at the schools after they were integrated.
Photos courtesy of AP
(Right) In this March 17, 1963, file photo, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and his wife, Coretta Scott King, sit with three of their four children in their Atlanta, Ga., home. From left are: Martin Luther King III, 5, Dexter Scott, 2, and Yolanda Denise, 7.
Photos courtesy of AP
(Above) In this Aug. 28, 1963 file photo, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., head of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, speaks to thousands during his “I Have a Dream” speech in front of the Lincoln Memorial for the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom, in Washington.
MLK Day program explores history of Richmond Theatre fire
St. Louis American
In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, the St. Louis Jewish Community Center and the Jewish Community Relations Council
invite the public to a thought-provoking literary event at 7 p.m. Tuesday, January 16.
“The House Is on Fire” author Rachel Beanland promises an evening of enlightenment and reflection as she delves into the poignant story of the 1811
Richmond Theatre Fire.
According to the Encyclopedia Virginia, the fire on December 26, 1811 caused the deaths of more than 70 people, including the governor of Virginia. At the time it was the deadliest urban disaster in American history.
Gilbert Hunt was an enslaved African American blacksmith. Hunt’s wife’s mistress, Elizabeth Mayo Preston, was the mother of Louisa Mayo, who had taught him to read. When he heard the fire bells and news that the girl had been at the theater, he found a ladder and rushed to help. In a recollection published in 1859, he described finding Dr. James D. McCaw standing near a window “and calling to me to catch the ladies as he handed them down.”
Reports suggest that Hunt and McCaw may have saved as many as a
Photo courtesy of Encyclopedia Virginia
Gilbert Hunt, an enslaved blacksmith, helped save lives during the Richmond Theatre fire on December 26, 1811.
dozen women until the flames forced McCaw to jump.
“The scene surpassed anything I ever saw,” Hunt said. “The wild shrieks of hopeless agony, the piercing cry, ‘Lord, save [me] or I perish,’ the uplifted hands, the earnest prayer for mercy, for pardon, for salvation.”
“The House Is on Fire” unveils not only the harrowing events of that fateful night but also the subsequent hunt for truth amid a backdrop of racial tension and deception.
Through the lens of diverse characters, guests are invited to explore this
historical tragedy and the resilience of those marginalized by society with Beanland and the rest of the St. Louis community.
This Martin Luther King Jr. Day program is offered in collaboration with the Newmark Institute for Human Relations and will be held at the Jewish Federation of St. Louis, 12 Millstone Campus Drive.
Attendance to this event requires registration (you will select “buy ticket” but there is no charge). To reserve your seat, please visit https://www.showpass.com/rachel-beanlandthe-house-is-on-fire/
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tronics recycling (accepting unwanted cell phones and tablets for safe disposal) Association of Black Scientists – remote control camera operations Millipore Sigma – Black Leadership Network – curiosity lab experiments National Society of Black Engineers –experiments and hands-on activities Lemniscate Games – understanding video game design and interactive play Futuristic STEAM – creating art projects and coding bracelets Girls Inc. – STEM experiences and a raffle for a laptop African Heritage Association of STL, Inc. – information on the African Arts Festival Saint Louis Zoo –conservation education and updates on endangered
Nobel
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and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down men other-centered can build up.”
“This faith can give us courage to face the uncertainties of the future,” added Dr. King. “It will give our tired feet new strength as we continue our forward stride toward
species ABNA – paper bridge design and civil engineering projects Center for Plant and Life Sciences – biotechnology activities Saint Louis University – microplastics demonstration and education, plus portable flight simulators Missouri S&T University – robotics and educational support Washington University Synapse Club – neuroscience education Delta Sigma Theta – St. Louis Alumnae –updates on youth programs for 2024
Challenger Learning Center-St. Louis – creation and launching of paper rockets Gateway Region YMCA – obstacle courses and underwater drone program Science Center Youth Exploring Science Program – entrepreneurial projects; wildflower seed bombs; nutrition, health, engineering and computer science education Science Center
the city of freedom… Today I come to Oslo as a trustee, inspired and with renewed dedication to humanity. I accept this prize on behalf of all men who love peace and brotherhood. I say I come as a trustee, for in the depths of my heart I am aware that this prize is much more than an honor to me personally.”
Dr. King would urge Americans to remain vigilant and vocal in fighting attacks against diversity, equity, and inclusion.
A true tribute to Dr. King would be a renewed
Esports Team – free Super Smash Bros. and Mario Kart tournaments. In summer 2023, the Science Center launched its STL (Science and Technology Learning) for All membership program and is collaborating with the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis to offer free memberships to approximately 700 local families served by its Head Start/Early Head Start program.
Memberships include a year of membership benefits at the Science Center, including free tickets to paid venues like the OMNIMAX® Theater, McDonnell Planetarium, Discovery Room and more. It also includes invitations to members-only events and programming, as well as waived parking fees.
The Saint Louis Science Center is located at 5050 Oakland Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63110. For more information, please visit slsc.org/event/community-stem-showcase/.
groundswell of advocacy that ensures our march towards full freedom refuses to go back; but instead moves forward in the same determination of his life’s work. Social equity cannot be sustained without economic parity. As a people and as a nation, let us confront these and other challenges in his memory.
Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending.
visit
speakers include sophomores and general transfer studies majors Donnie Henderson, Arianna Kimbrough and Bailey Smith.
Participants will enjoy a musical performance of James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by vocalist Alayna Epps, former student, accompanied by Paul Higdon, DMA, professor of music and pianist, and hear winning speeches from NCCU’s Oratorical Contest.
Guests will also learn more about why St. Louis County Justice Services is
being honored with the 2024 Dr. Rance Thomas Excellence in Community Partnership Award.
“We are especially proud of the opportunities that the St. Louis County Justice Center is making available through the Progress Attained Through College Education program,” said Jeff L. Pittman, Ph.D., chancellor of St. Louis Community College.
“The center offered its residents an opportunity to earn an education and pathway to a prosperous future by taking classes through STLCC. The results are impressive.
Students are doing more than simply earning college credit, they are excelling with a 3.49 cumulative GPA after the first
year. We are exceptionally proud of this program and thrilled to call the St. Louis County Justice Center a partner.”
Children can also participate in the celebration by coloring thanks to sheets designed by Graphic Communications Adjunct Faculty Ella Dueker’s Computer Art Studio students’ Zach Babbitt, a freshman, majoring in graphic communications; Aime Dominguez, a sophomore, majoring in graphic communications; and Calaya Forrester, a freshman, majoring in interior design.
The contingency date for the celebration, should the College close due to inclement weather, is Thursday, Jan. 18 on the same time schedule.
THE 7TH ANNUAL DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING JR. CELEBRATION LUNCHEON
EMBRACING THE DREAM
Friday, January 12, 2024
Presented by Christian Hospital Medical Staff
Visit ChristianHospital.org/MLK-Celebration for recap
Christian Hospital will recognize and celebrate the 2024 Drum Major Awardees, which is the highest honor Christian Hospital Foundation bestows upon unsung individuals who have given their time, talents, treasures, and service in the name of justice, equity, and equality.
The 2024 Awardees are:
KATHY CONLEY-JONES, LUTCF Kathy Conley-Jones Consults, LLC
RODNEY CRIM, CEcD, EDFP CEO and President St. Louis Economic Development Partnership
JUDGE WILLIE J. EPPS, JR. Western District of Missouri
TALIYA KING Accenture
ART MCCOY, PH.D. Founder & President of S.A.G.E.S. L.L.C.
VALERIE E. PATTON Greater St. Louis, Inc.
Gospel Concert By ERICA REED Composer and Singer
In the heart of the gospel realm, Erica stands as a passionate and fired-up soprano with two top 15 Billboard hits, “Building” and “Let Go, Let God”.
Master of Ceremonies
MISTER GARY, “KING OF HOSPITALITY” Host of television show Them Yo People!
Inspiring Words By
Rev. Dr. Freddy J. Clark, Shalom Church (City of Peace)
Bishop Larry Jones, Greater Grace Church
Senior Pastor Cedric Portis, Third Presbyterian Church
St. Louis Community College and North County Churches
Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice present the 2024 Dr. Marting Luther King Jr. Celebration
MLK Lincoln Memorial rally, I Have a Dream” speech to be reenacted
St. Louis American
A collective of faith, civil rights and labor leaders will re-create the historic Lincoln Memorial Rally of 1963, which served as the culmination of the March on Washington; and was the inspiration for the iconic “I Have A Dream” speech.
This event will take place at 3 p.m. Sunday January 14, 2024, the Christ Pilgrim Rest Missionary Baptist Church, 1341 Kingshighway Blvd, St. Louis.
“The theme: “UnityPeace - Reconciliation” reflects what the organizers believe is critically essential for our city, if we are going to survive the political and systemic hatred and violence that has become all to common place in our society, said the Rev. Darryl Gray. “ He added, “as we sought to re-create this historic moment in American history,
we attempted to follow the original format but quickly came to understand that current circumstances dictate that this program must become more inclusive and diverse.”
The program is spearheaded by the Missouri Progressive Missionary Baptist State Convention and the St. Louis Progressive Missionary Baptist District Association, both organizations affiliated with the Progressive National Baptist Convention, the denominational home of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Participating on the program will be representatives of the following organizations: Missouri AFLCIO, Urban League, NAACP St. Louis City and County, A. Philip Randolph Institute, National Black Catholic Congress, Catholic Diocese of St. Louis, Young Voices with Action, St. Louis Metropolitan Clergy Coalition,
American Federation for Government Employees, Jewish Community Relations Council of St. Louis, among others. The MLK Faithful Service Award will be given out to honorees who have distinguished themselves in the area of Social Justice.
“This event is not just another local gathering to celebrate the work of Dr. King, but an opportunity to revisit the values and aspirations that have shaped our nation. The re-creation will be an immersive experience intended to take attendees back to the spirit of Dr King’s Dream,” stated Rev. Fredrick Lemons II, moderator for the St. Louis Progressive District Association.
For more information or media inquires, please contact Rev Darryl Gray at (770) 842-5210.
The event is free and open to the
Keynote speaker: Rev. Darryl G. Gray
The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. giving his speech from the 1963 March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.
‘A
monumental
figure:’
Four times Martin Luther King Jr. spoke in St. Louis
St. Louis Public Radio
When the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. visited St. Louis for a speech in early 1957, did he imagine Americans would still be grappling with the legacies of segregation and economic disparity more than 65 years later?
As Americans prepare to commemorate King’s birthday on Jan. 15, it is worth noting that the civil rights leader made St. Louis a regular stop for at least a decade.
King’s appearance at Kiel Auditorium on April 10, 1957, came at the invitation of the Citizens Committee of Greater St. Louis, a federation of several area ministerial groups.
“Then, my friends, we must face the fact that segregation is still a reality in America,” he said. “We still confront it in the South in its glaring and conspicuous forms. We still confront it in the North, in the border states in its hidden and subtle forms.”
what was to come later.”
April 10, 1957
When King took the stage at Kiel Auditorium, there were about 8,000 people in the audience. His appearance in St. Louis came on the heels of the successful year-long Montgomery bus boycott, which ended in December 1956.
“He was also here to promote what was going to be a gathering in Washington, D.C.,” Moore said. “That was a ‘March on Washington’ that they didn’t want to call a ‘March Washington.’ They didn’t want to give the impression that they were trying to put pressure on the executive branch.”
n As Americans prepare to commemorate King’s birthday on Jan. 15, it is worth noting that the civil rights leader made St. Louis a regular stop for at least a decade.
It may have been his first major public speech in St. Louis, but Gwen Moore, of the Missouri History Museum Library and Research Center, said King visited the area as many as nine times between 1954 and 1964.
When he came to St. Louis in 1954, he was well-known among members of the black churches, but not yet recognized on the national stage.
“He spoke for National Baptist Women’s Auxiliary,” Moore said. “We get an early glimpse of
King would play a leading role at what became known as the Prayer Pilgrimage for Freedom.
On May 17, 1957, he gave his “Give Us The Ballot” speech, advocating voting rights for African-Americans. (President Lyndon B. Johnson would later sign the Voting Rights Act of 1965).
Dec. 4, 1957
King made a second visit to St. Louis, this time at the invitation of the National Council of Churches for their convention.
At Kiel Auditorium King urged the gathering of about 2,000 ministers to do more to de-
segregate churches, even chiding them for dragging their feet on progress.
“All too many ministers are still silent while evil rages,” King said. “It may well be that the greatest tragedy of this period of social transition is the appalling silence of the so-called good people.”
King drew on the Montgomery Bus Boycott in his remarks, striking a note of optimism.
St. Louis County Library
“I still have faith in the South. I still have faith in Montgomery, Alabama,” he told his audience. “I do not speak as any superficial optimist at this point; I’m not sitting back in some ivory tower with a rosy-eyed vision. I speak as one who has stood in the thick of this struggle. I speak as one who has subjected his family to dangerous living. I speak of one who has to live every day under the threat of death. But in the
midst of that, I come to you not with a message of despair, but a message of hope.”
May 28, 1963
King also came to St. Louis in 1963 when he was invited by former classmate Earl Nance Sr. of Greater Mount Carmel Church. On that occasion, King spoke at Washington Tabernacle Church.
“Of course it was standing room only, overflow crowd,” Moore said.
King’s visit was part of his nationwide tour leading up to March on Washington when he delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on August 28.
Oct. 12, 1964
By the time King made this visit to St. Louis, he was what Moore describes as a “monumental” figure in American life.
The March on Washington would have been fresh on the minds of the capacity crowd in West Pine Gym at Saint Louis University. It was two days before he would win the 1964 Nobel Peace Prize.
Invited by SLU student government as part of its Student Conclave Issues Series, King addressed nearly 3,900 students, faculty, staff and community members.
On the anniversary of King’s birth, Moore said people should remember the man as a fighter for racial equality and an advocate for the poor.
“He promoted not just racial justice, but economic justice,” she said.
(This piece was originally written by Holly Edgel).
African American Arts: Inspiring, Impacting and Influencing Every Generation
Visit www.slcl.org/black-history-celebration for a full listing of events.
HIGHLIGHTED EVENTS
EVENT
TBD
Skip Viragh Center for the Arts at Chaminade 425 S. Lindbergh Blvd.
An Evening with Hollywood
Legend Billy Dee Williams
Author of “What Have We Here?:
Portraits of a Life”
Legendary actor Billy Dee Williams
shares, in his own words, all that has sustained and carried him through a lifetime of dreams and adventure.
Ticket information available at www.slcl.org/authors
Thursday, February 8, 7:00 p.m.
Ethical Society of St. Louis 9001 Clayton Rd.
Ayesha Rascoe
“HBCU Made: A Celebration of the Black College Experience”
Presented in partnership with Harris–Stowe State University and St. Louis Public Radio.
Wednesday, February 21, 7:00 p.m.
Host of NPR’s Weekend Edition Sunday, Ayesha Rascoe presents a joyous collection of essays about historically Black colleges and universities. Ron Himes will receive the Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award.
Friday, February 9, 7:00 p.m.
Florissant Valley Branch
195 New Florissant Rd. South
Set the Night to Music
Experience an enchanting evening filled with magic and music with the melodious sounds of Dana Austin and the Plush Band.
Lewis & Clark Branch 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd.
Race in America: Past, Present and Future
Presented by The Black Rep
This performance comes alive with music, poetry and song in a compelling montage of works by artists from the past and present to examine the effects of racism throughout history and ask the burning question: “How far have we come?
Thursday, February 22, 7:00 p.m.
Ethical Society of St. Louis 9001 Clayton Rd.
A’ja Wilson
“Dear Black Girls: How to Be True to You”
WNBA star and Olympic gold medalist A’ja Wilson
shares a meaningful exploration of what it means to be a Black woman in America today.
Saturday, February 24, 1:00 p.m.
Florissant Valley Branch
195 New Florissant Rd. South
Gift of Gospel
Enjoy the joyful sounds of gospel music with Dr. Janette Chandler Kotey of Huntsville, Alabama, the COGIC Eastern Missouri First Jurisdiction combined youth choir, inspirational youth singer Myles Lacey and Robert Johnson. Pastor Shaun Williams will serve as the emcee. Raffle prizes will be awarded.
Photo courtesy Saint Louis University
The Rev. Martin Luther King spoke at St. Louis University on Oct. 12, 1964. He was invited by SLU student government.
Celebrating Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the Civil Rights Movement through the arts
Since 2002, the Saint Louis Art Museum has been dedicated to uniting people in celebrating the enduring vision and dreams of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the profound impact of the civil rights movement. Dr. King’s ideals and deeds have left an indelible mark on the world, and we invite you to be a part of the Art Museum’s special commemoration.
Our annual celebration is inspired by a remarkable collection of over 100 photographs by the accomplished photojournalist, Moneta Sleet Jr. Throughout his illustrious career, Sleet garnered widespread acclaim, including the prestigious Pulitzer Prize, in recognition of the outstanding quality of his work. He also received awards from esteemed organizations such as the National Urban League and the National Association of Black Journalists.
Join us on Sunday, January 14, at 2 pm in the Saint Louis Art Museum’s Farrell Auditorium. This celebration, titled Boldly Embracing a Legacy of Greatness, will highlight the richness of the Black experience in America. The event will feature an original theatrical work created and performed by Kathryn Bentley, Geovonday Jones, and Jacqueline Thompson inspired by photographs by Moneta Sleet Jr. in the Museum’s collection.
In addition to the per-
formance, this celebration will include a presentation by Rebeccah Bennett, founder and principal of Emerging Wisdom, a forward-thinking social enterprise, that helps individuals live empowered lives, leaders build impactful organizations, and communities advance brighter futures.
Kathryn Bentley, the creative director of Boldly Embracing a Legacy of Greatness, is a community artist and an associate professor of theater at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) as well as the director of the university’s Black Studies program. This event is open to the public, and admission is free. We encourage
individuals and families of all backgrounds to come together to honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and embrace the timeless messages of justice, equality, and unity that continue to resonate around the world. We hope to see you there! Free tickets may be reserved in person at the Museum’s Information Centers or through MetroTix at metrotix. com or 314-534-1111. All tickets reserved through MetroTix incur a service charge; the service charge is waived for tickets reserved at the Museum. Although the event is free, advance tickets are recommended. To learn more, visit slam.org/events.
