January 13th, 2022 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Shooting of Black man justified, coroner’s inquest finds

White neighbor not charged in death

The St. Louis American staff

Six Missouri residents on Tuesday found the shooting death of a 28-year-old Black man by his white neighbor in November justified, disappointing civil rights activists working with his family.

The residents were selected as a jury for a coroner’s inquest into the killing of Justin King on Nov. 3 outside of his neighbor’s house in a trailer park in Steelville.

They ruled the shooting was an act of self-defense and thus is justifiable under Missouri’s “castle doctrine,” which allows residents to use force against

intruders, without the duty to retreat, based on the notion their home is their “castle.”

At the time of King’s death, his family demanded the police arrest the neighbor who shot and killed King. The Crawford County Sheriff’s Department took the neighbor into custody briefly after the shooting before releasing him the same day, writing on Facebook all the evidence they collected corroborated the neighbor’s account of self-defense.

Several online comments from neighbors indicated King was well liked and also cast doubt on the

Mothers Advocating Safe Streets held its 30th candle light service Jan. 7, without its founder Jeanette Culpepper who passed away in 2021. Praise dancer Aliya Marcano performed in her honor during the event at Williams Temple C.O.G.I.C. St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones noted the 2021 drop in shootings while calling for further improvements.

MLK Commission to honor conservative Sen. Roy Blunt

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, who continues to side with fellow GOP senators in opposition to a vote on the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and For The People Act will receive the Henry Givens, Jr. Legacy Award during the 36th Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Celebration Kickoff Program on Jan. 15.

The bills are critically important after Republicans’ national assault on voting rights at the state level targets Democratic voters. Blunt, who is retiring after this term, could cast a vote that determines a positive fate of both bills. “I don’t know the rationale for giving him this award,” Walle Amusa, co-chair of The National Campaign for

Human Dignity [NCHD], said. “I’m concerned with his record and his leadership role with [Senate Minority Leader] Mitch McConnell in blocking debate on bills that protect the fundamental voting rights for all Americans.”

The award Blunt will receive carries the name of Henry Givens, Jr., the iconic, late former long-term president of Harris-Stowe State University. Dr. Givens passed away last July. This also is being done to the chagrin of Amusa and NCHD members. In a statement to The St. Louis American, the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri said the late Givens nominated Blunt for the recognition.

n “I don’t know the rationale for giving him this award.”

– Walle Amusa, co-chair of The National Campaign for Human Dignity [NCHD]

and justice

Police Chief John Hayden postpones retirement

Mayor wants to scrap current search completely

By Dana Rieck

The St. Louis American

St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden will postpone his February retirement date as the search for his replacement continues. St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones’ administration confirmed this postponement Tuesday and noted the search for his replacement is still underway.

While Jones does not have unilateral authority to restart the police chief search herself, she told The St. Louis American last week she wants to scrap the current search and start over after facing difficulties created by a former city leader, personnel department director Rick Frank.

The Department of Personnel and the St. Louis Civil Service Commission are in charge of determining final candidates for the position, and Dan Isom, the city’s director of public safety, would then choose a candidate from that pool.

“I only had two white male candidates to choose from, and St. Louis is more diverse than white males. Our police department is more diverse—there were a lot of diverse candidates within the police department who were kicked out of the first round, so I want to start over to find the right candidate,” Jones said last week.

Sources in Jones’ administration told The St. Louis American in December the personnel department rejected the majority of 30 people nationwide who applied for the position and administered a written test to

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

See BLUNT, A6

HAYDEN, A6

St. Louis Police Chief John Hayden

Justin King’s mother, Eva Bruns, pleads for justice for her son in Spanish Lake Thursday, Nov. 11, 2021. King’s family appeared before his visitation to demand answers

in the 28-year-old man’s shooting death in Bourbon, Missouri, about 70 miles southwest of St. Louis.

Photo by Dana Rieck / St. Louis American

Colon cancer no longer in Tammie Holland’s lung

Legendary media personality and host of “This Week with Tammie Holland” powered by Brown & Crouppen, Tammie Holland recently received some relieving news.

She tweeted on Jan. 5 the cancer she once had in her lung was gone.

“Tammie, you’ve got one spot on your lung that’s pretty close to your heart. For most people, radiation to that area would be difficult. For me, it’s like a football field. There’s plenty of space. I got you.” -Dr. Lauren Henke, MD @SitemanCenter Holland tweeted.

She was diagnosed with stage four colon cancer with metastasis to the liver, a lung, and some lymph nodes July 6, 2021.

The St. Louis American interviewed Holland in October about how St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones honored her with a Key to the City.

No cause of death revealed for Jessie Lee Daniels, founding member of Force M.D.’s

Founding member of the R&B group, Force M.D.’s Jessie Lee Daniels’ death was confirmed via Facebook on Tuesday, Jan. 4. He was 58.

“Thank you, God. Thank you, Dr. Henke. Thank you @SitemanCenter

Thank you ALL for your prayers! Up next; surgery to remove the cancer from my colon and liver,” she tweeted.

No cause of death has been announced.

“To one hell of a entertainer ‘Jessie D’ of legendary Force MDs. He ate, sleep and breathe music everyday,” Force MDs’ Facebook message.

“Please put a heart up for him. He was loved!!!!!!!!!! To the family, friends and fans today we lost a real talent. Our condolences goes out to his siblings, kids and the Force MDs….”

Born July 4, 1963 in Staten Island, New York, he and his nephews Stevie D. Lun dy, Antoine “T.C.D.” Lundy and Rodney “Khalil” Lundy formed Force MDs (MD stands for Musical Diversity) in 1981. Later their friends “Trisco” Pearson and Charles “Mercury”

Nelson joined.

James Mtume, pioneering R&B hitmaker dies at 76

Trailblazing R&B giant James Mtume died Sunday, Jan. 9. He was 76.

No cause of death has been reported.

His niece Lisa Lucas confirmed his death on Twitter.

“So much loss. So much grief. Rest in power to Uncle Mtume,” she tweeted. “My late father’s partner-in-crime[.] The co-creator of the songs of my life (and about my birth!). He was [an] essential part of the life of the man who made me, therefore me too. Gone now. He will be dearly, eternally missed.”

Mtume’s 1983 hit song “Juicy Fruit” is most popular for Biggie Smalls, sampling it in 1994 for his first single, “Juicy.”

He was born James Forman in 1946 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He grew up in a musicallyinfluenced environment where jazz musicians often visited his parents’ house. Despite being awarded a swimming scholarship to Pasadena City College in 1966, he learned to play piano and percussion.

US Mint features Maya Angelou on new quarter

Maya Angelou is still receiving recognition in life after death.

The U.S. Mint just announced the late poet and author will appear in a U.S. quarter. She is the first Black woman to be featured on the coin.

Angelou’s quarter is the first part of the American Women Quarters Program, which includes pivotal women in American history. In a release Monday, the Mint said the other quarters in the series will be released later this year and through 2025.

“Each time we redesign our currency, we have the chance to say something about our country -- what we value, and how we’ve progressed as a society,” Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen said in a statement. “I’m very proud that these coins celebrate the contributions of some of America’s most remarkable women, including Maya Angelou.”

The coin’s design details George Washington’s face with the tail’s side paying tribute to “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.”

Four other quarters will roll out this year honoring Sally Ride, the first American woman in space; Asian-American actress Anna May Wong; Cherokee Nation leader Wilma Mankiller and politician Nina Otero-Warren

Sources: Twitter, Billboard, BET Variety, CNN, Today

free piano lessons

Tammie Holland

James Mtume

Bush asks Parson to request federal pandemic aid

Would provide testing, medical personnel at no cost

By Dana Rieck

The St. Louis American

As the omicron variant takes hold of the St. Louis region, Rep. Cori Bush is asking Missouri’s governor to formally request federal assistance.

In a letter sent Wednesday, the Democratic representative asked Gov. Mike Parson to request a federal COVID-19 testing site for St. Louis and federal medical personnel to assist the area’s overburdened hospital systems.

Bush acknowledged the Republican governor will likely not request aid, given his decisions throughout the pandemic. Decisions such as ending the state’s participation in all federal pandemic-related unemployment programs, arguing that doing so would alleviate workforce shortages by creating a need for people to get back to work.

Medical professionals have told Bush and her Congressional colleagues this surge is expected to last a few weeks.

The Missouri representative said it’s crucial to request the aid now like many other states already have.

“We’ve seen [Parson], from my standpoint, slow to act, especially in certain communities like mine, early on in the pandemic,” Bush told The St. Louis American Not the only one who has reached out to the governor with a call to request federal pandemic aid, Bush said accepting this aid will save lives and improve the quality of life for

everyone in the region without costing the state any money of its own.

The letter was sent a day before St. Louis-area hospitals set a record for the fourth day in a row when they reported 1,158 patients with confirmed COVID-19. That number surpasses last winter’s peak of 962 hospitalizations.

“This is something that would benefit every single person in this state, and it’s available right now,” Bush said. “We’ve seen over the last two weeks other states have asked for this help. Other states have reached out asking for the deployment of this type of support.”

She noted the Black community is, once again, hardest hit by COVID-19. Not only has the surge meant a rise in infections without proper testing and treatment facilities, but Bush also said unemployment rates are creeping back up in these communities.

In fact, the latest unemployment numbers released by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics on Friday indicated while the unemployment rate declined to 3.9%, the Black unemployment rate in December jumped to more than twice that of white people.

“This letter, this was us spelling out very clearly what we need to see, and I do expect there to be some type of response, even if it doesn’t come directly to our office,” Bush said...” “Our hospitals, our communities need this. We won’t stop, this is the first ask,

and we will do whatever we need to after that if we don’t get what we are asking for.”

spread and effects of this latest surge. While the city’s mask order remains in effect, St. Louis

n “This is something that would benefit every single person in this state and it’s available right now.”

-Rep. Cori Bush

Local leaders

Referring to St. Louis in par-

ticular as a COVID-19 hotspot right now, Bush also pointed to local leaders who are doing what they can to mitigate the

Beyond the surface.

At Maryville University, students are encouraged to be themselves and embrace diversity as an opportunity to grow personally and learn more about the world in which we live. We ask students, like Abdulmohaimen Al Yuwaili, to dig deep.

Abdulmohaimen believes his life’s purpose is to be of service to others. He has spent his entire life giving back to those around him and is now pursuing a career in dentistry. He plans to embrace his passions and take all that he’s learned at Maryville to create a career that will assist others.

EMBRACE INCLUDE EXPAND.

Rep. Cori Bush said her appeal to Gov. Mike Parson to request a federal COVID-19 testing site for St. Louis and federal medical personnel to assist the area’s overburdened hospital systems will most likely be ignored.

Mayor Tishaura Jones indicated earlier this month a lockdown on the city was not on the table yet.

The city opened two new COVID-19 testing sites Jan. 6 at The Pageant and Kranzberg

Theatre to help meet demand. Each has the capacity to conduct 500-1,000 tests a day through walk-up and scheduled appointments.

“Given the record numbers we are currently facing, it is imperative that we do all we can to #FlattenTheCurve,” the city’s health director, Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis, wrote Thursday on Twitter. “We will also be sending guidance to businesses encouraging work from home wherever possible, plus best practices for masking and ventilation.”

Hlatshwayo Davis urged residents to get vaccinated and boosted, wear a mask indoors, stay six feet apart, wash hands often, and avoid social gatherings. Falling in line with the city,

St. Louis County councilors voted 4-3 Tuesday along party lines to enact a mask requirement that went into effect last Wednesday. The order requires all people (vaccinated and unvaccinated) over the age of five to wear a mask while in public indoor spaces.

County Executive Sam Page also announced the Department of Public Health is offering testing 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday at the North County Recreation Complex, 2577 Redman Ave.

“Testing is a crucial part of our COVID-19 strategy,” Page tweeted. “We urge anyone with symptoms as well as those who have been exposed to COVID to isolate immediately and get a test as soon as you can.”

Photo courtesy House Democrats

Editorial

Guest Editorial

Guest Editorial History is not on your side, MO Senators Blunt, Hawley

This letter has been sent to Missouri Sens. Roy Blunt and Josh Hawley

This is a special time of year

By John E. Warren

Commentary Commentary

FCC should empower minorityowned media businesses

Congress must act on voting rights

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson

Dear Senator Roy Blunt and Senator Josh Hawley, We are American citizens and Missouri voters. We are committed to protecting the voting rights of all Americans. We are requesting a meeting with you because we are deeply concerned about the JOHN R. LEWIS VOTING RIGHTS ADVANCEMENT ACT and the FOR THE PEOPLE ACT. You opposed these two bills and prevented them from coming up for debate in the United States Senate.

This time of year reminds each of us why we have and celebrate Christmas.

This country, and many of our lives, were founded upon Christian principles that are at the very essence of this season. The fact that those of different faiths are allowed to exercise their religious beliefs does not negate that which many of us profess.

election, former President Donald Trump has engaged in an openly racist campaign to nullify the votes of African Americans in selected counties in Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin. Like the confederates and insurrectionists of 1860 who refused to accept presidential election results, Mr. Trump has refused to accept the results of the 2020 elections. Repeatedly, he has lied about the results of the 2020 elections and incited violent attacks on the very foundations of our democracy.

Whenever I have had the responsibility during the past six decades to weigh in on a vital civil rights issue on behalf of Black America and other communities of color throughout the United States, I have not hesitated to speak out.

the state legislatures and congressional districts.

The John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act will restore and strengthen the Voting Rights Act of 1965. It will prohibit discrimination in voting and create a transparent democratic process in which everyone across our country can participate.

The For the People Act will expand voting rights access and implement anticorruption measures. It will strengthen and protect the votes of all American citizens.

Neither do we require others to acknowledge or share in our beliefs. This is the beauty of the Freedom of Religion clause in our constitution. But the differences in faith do not stop the Spirit of Christmas and here is the reason.

The Gospel of John, recorded in the Bible at 3:16, states that: “For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

We urge you to reconsider your opposition to these bills and actively support them. Here are the reasons why: Missouri has a long history in the struggle to secure voting rights for all Americans. 200 years ago, the 1821 Missouri Compromise allowed Missouri to enter the Union as a slave state and Maine as a free state. Missouri was a slave breeding state where human beings were bred for sale at the slave auctions in Louisiana and Virginia.

Consider that Christmas Day is the only time about everything shuts down. It is the one time of the year that we see an outpouring of kindness. That kindness is the “good will” toward men that the angel spoke of. It is also responsible for the peace on Earth which caused soldiers fighting each other during World War I to stop warring on Christmas Eve and sing Christmas songs. While many of us do not have the shelter, food, or comfort that so many others have, we are blessed with health or family or the meeting of our basic needs, if not our wants.

Sadly, with your support, Mr. Trump has successfully orchestrated the most massive assault on the voting rights of American citizens unseen since pre-Civil War and post-Reconstruction Jim Crow eras. As a result of his actions, there is a massive evisceration of the citizenship and voting rights that were fought for and won with the blood, sweat, tears, and lives of millions of American citizens. We are horrified that this voter suppression and voter nullification efforts are led by the Republican Party in several states, with your support.

The operative word is “gave.” It is the gift of Jesus that is responsible for the desire we all have to “give” gifts. With the gift of Jesus to humanity came the Spirit of giving which is released each time we celebrate His birth.

The angel of the Lord that appeared to the shepherds that night over Bethlehem made a pronouncement that we still feel each Christmas. The angel said: “Glory to God in the highest, on Earth peace, good will toward men.”

The Dred Scott case originated in Missouri and made its way to the United States Supreme Court. In 1857, Supreme Court Justice Roger Taney nullified the Missouri Compromise, allowed the expansion of slavery throughout the nation, and banned the U.S. Congress from outlawing slavery. Missouri U. S. Senators Trusten Polk, Waldo P. Johnson, and James Green supported the Confederacy. They refused to accept the results of the 1860 Presidential election that Abraham Lincoln won. Their efforts to maintain slavery led to secession, insurrection, and the American Civil War. 620,000 died in that war. Millions more were injured and dislocated. In 1862, United States Senators Polk and Johnson ended their political careers in disgrace when they were both expelled from the United States Senate.

Since the November 2020 Presidential

By Ben Jealous

Please be reminded that it was U. S. Senator John Brooks Henderson, a Republican from Missouri, who coauthored the 13th Amendment to the Constitution of the United States to abolish slavery.

Martin Luther King, Jr. once wrote: “The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.”

Our families might have their personal problems, or many of us have an empty chair at the table this season due to the pandemic or other tragedies, yet we are still blessed. Let us remember those who lost so much during the tornadoes in the Midwest and South. Let us seek ways to be of help to others and by doing so help ourselves. We give thanks for those among us seeking to help and feed and shelter so many others. Let us commit to seeking what each of us can do to make a difference in the lives of others and by doing so participate in the gift that keeps on living. May God bless and keep you, regardless of your circumstances.

As we enter the third century of Missouri’s history, we urge you to support the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the For the People Act as our representatives in the United States Senate.

John E. Warren is publisher of The San Diego Voice & Viewpoint.

Failure to support these bills is an attack on Democracy.

In the glorious tradition and spirit of the former U.S. Senator John Brooks Henderson from Missouri, we urge you to reconsider your vote, stop blocking debate and support these two voting rights bills.

Finally, we hereby request a meeting with you and civic, religious and community leaders/voters of our state, at your earliest convenience, to further discuss these matters.

Defending a Democracy in flames

Voting Rights are Human Rights.

The National Campaign for Human Dignity Zenobia Thompson, chairperson Walle A. Amusa, Co-Chair

Commentary

By Ben Jealous

Jan. 6, 2022 marked one year since the deadly riot at the U.S. Capitol, incited by a president voted out of office by the vast majority of the American people. What is now clear is that Donald Trump and his zealous aides and complicit right-wing legislators were deadly serious about overturning the results of that vote and keeping Trump in office. They failed but have since launched a systematic campaign in states across the country to make it possible to succeed the next time.

to geotargeting by minorityowned radio stations and other minority-owned businesses that are vital and effective in today’s global and national media marketplace.

Now is the time to publicly address the urgent issue of equal access, diversity, equity, and inclusion of Black-owned media in our nation’s communications industry.

In this era of the global digitalization of media and other high technological innovations in the communications industry, Black-owned and other minority-owned media cannot afford to be denied access to the rapidly evolving industry innovations.

Trump’s bumbling gang of the incompetent, the craven, the corrupt and the certifiable are often difficult to take seriously. That is a mistake. Over the past year, Republican officials have taken up the cause and moved steadily to rig the rules in their favor.

The issue today is Blackowned radio stations and other minority-owned media businesses should be permitted by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to compete fairly and equitably with large television and cable stations that geotarget audiences across America.

The overwhelming majority of Republicans now believe Trump’s Big Lie that the 2020 election was stolen, despite it being rejected by the courts, by Trump’s own attorney general, by professional Republican election officials and even by the partisan audits that Republicans have wasted millions on. Craven Republican legislators repeat the Big Lie, too fearful of Trump’s wrath to tell the truth.

The National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) has a strategic alliance with the National Organization of BlackOwned Broadcasters (NABOB) and with the Multicultural Media, Telecom & Internet Council (MMTC). We are all working together to ensure the FCC will approve a rulemaking change that will enable minority-owned radio stations to engage in geotargeting of content to their audiences. This change is necessary because the FCC’s antiquated rules, written 40 years ago, don’t give radio stations the chance to compete in the current media environment.

That Big Lie has been used to justify a systematic attempt to rig the rules against the majority. Republican state legislators have introduced hundreds of bills to make it more difficult to vote, particularly for minorities and the young. In states like Wisconsin and North Carolina and Texas, partisan gerrymandering draws districts designed to enable the minority party to win a majority of the seats in

The Big Lie has been used to terrorize election officials and to replace professionals with partisans committed to a certain outcome, not a fair election count.

This is another crucial national civil rights issue. This is an issue of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI). Last month, I wrote to the FCC to stress this point.

Even worse, in states like Georgia, Republicans in state legislatures have given themselves the power to reject election results if they don’t like the outcome.

“I have spent much of my career as a civil rights leader focused on ensuring that technological developments like the one at issue in this proceeding, lift all of America, and not just some of us,” I emphasized.

This legislative offensive is bolstered by the threat and presence of violence. Election officials who tell the truth have their lives and families threatened.

“Too often, I have seen the benefits of technological development accrue to the privileged, with little or no benefit to disadvantaged communities, including some with which I work on a daily basis.”

In the letter to the FCC, I concluded:

and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government), which established that affirmatively advancing equity, civil rights, racial justice, and equal opportunity is the responsibility of the whole of our Government.”

vote. When Union troops were removed from the South, a form of apartheid called segregation became the law of the land. It took another 100 years before the civil rights movement succeeded with Lyndon Johnson’s leadership to end segregation and pass the Voting Rights Act to limit the suppression of the vote.

A staggering one-third of Republicans say that violence may be necessary to achieve their political ends. This assault on democracy is fueled by a racial backlash against the growing electoral power of people of color. This isn’t the first time that democracy has been assaulted. After the Civil War freed the slaves, the 15th Amendment was passed to prohibit discrimination in the right to vote. When coalitions of Black and white people emerged to threaten the privilege and power of the plantation South, the reaction was fierce. Armed bands — the Ku Klux Klan and others — terrorized Black people and their allies. Laws were passed and enforced to make it virtually impossible for Black people to register and

“Geotargeting technology would give minority-owned broadcasters an enhanced ability to compete with the larger station groups…The technology would enable them to better serve their communities with localized content. In addition, for those broadcasters that choose to use this technology, since it is voluntary, they can give minority-owned businesses an affordable outlet for their messages. In short, I now believe that this technology is beneficial to minority communities, including radio broadcasters, small businesses, and the public they serve.”

Now, as Congress reconvenes this January, it must act to protect the right to vote — to protect the democracy — against the seditious reaction that now threatens it. Bipartisan support is desirable but unlikely, with few Republican legislators willing to stand up against the Big Lie or to protect our democracy.

We commend the BidenHarris Administration thus far in its first year striving to move the nation forward on equity and diversity matters even during the persistence of the COVID-19 pandemic and the epidemic of partisan politicization of issues and supporting public policies that will improve and enhance the quality for life of all Americans. On this issue of media reform, we hope and resolutely call for the FCC in 2022 to be aligned fully with the official stated commitments of the Biden-Harris Administration to ensure fairness, equity and diversity.

The proposed FCC rulemaking change is also supported overwhelmingly by all of the major national civil rights organizations, including the NAACP, National Urban League, National Action Network, National Council of Negro Women, National Coalition on Black Civic Participation, National Congress of Black Women, Hispanic Federation, National Hispanic Caucus of State Legislators, U.S Black Chambers, and many more.

Democrats must act — and act immediately against this threat. That will require ruling that protection of the right to vote is too important to allow it to be sabotaged by a minority wielding the filibuster. Democrats should unite to pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act, which revives the Voting Rights Act. It should pass the Freedom to Vote Act — endorsed by the conservative Democrat Sen. Joe Manchin — that would end partisan gerrymandering, create automatic voter registration, guarantee 15 days of early voting, make Election Day a holiday so working people will find it easier to get to the polls, limit dark money in politics and facilitate voting by mail. At least in federal elections, the two bills would go a long way to making certain that elections are free and fair.

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson is founder & President of Rainbow PUSH Coalition.

The time for the FCC to act and approve the proposed rulemaking change submitted is now because it will help to empower all minority-owned radio and other media businesses. Millions of Americans, particularly from underserved communities, deserve and have a fundamental civil right to have access and to be included.

Mark Meadows multiple times after the election. Republican members of Congress were briefed on the claims on the eve of the insurrection.

Letters to the editor

The FCC has as its mission to regulate “interstate and international communications by radio, television, wire, satellite, and cable in all 50 states, the District of Columbia and U.S. territories.” The proposed rulemaking change will substantially increase the access

We recall President Joe Biden announced, “On my first day in office, I signed Executive Order 13985 (Advancing Racial Equity

Benjamin F. Chavis Jr, is president and CEO of the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) and executive producer/host of The Chavis Chronicles on PBS.

Senate must advance voting rights

It’s been a year since a mob of Donald Trump loyalists violently attacked the U.S. Capitol. They wanted to stop Congress from affirming President Joe Biden’s victory. Some of them were out for blood. All of them were motivated by the former president’s “Big Lie” that he won the election, and his victory was stolen from him. That lie has been debunked by journalists and election officials, both Republican and Democrat. It has been rejected by courts. It has not been abandoned by Trump or his right-wing allies. A year after it fueled an attack on Congress and the Constitution, the “Big Lie” remains a big threat to our democracy.

The “Big Lie” causes big harm in lots of ways by fueling anger and mistrust about elections among Trump’s base. Many, if not most Republican officials, know that Trump’s “Big Lie” is not true. They are cynical and corrupt enough to use it to justify new voter suppression laws and schemes to overturn the will of the voters.

I woke up this morning with my mind stayed on freedom and how we can preserve it. Our freedom is threatened. We all need to pay attention and prepare to take action next year. Look, I know Christmas and New Years are here, and millions of us are looking forward to time off work and time spent with loved ones. I can just hear people saying, “Ben, the last thing I want to think about right now is politics.” Well, let’s think bigger than that, and let’s think about freedom. The freedom to vote has been under attack in dozens of states all year long. In 2020, many states made voting more accessible in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. That was a good thing. We had record voter participation in 2020. But because millions of those voters rejected former President Donald Trump, Republican legislators are rolling back access to the ballot box and imposing new restrictions on voting. And sad to say, new voter suppression laws are not the only threat to our freedom. Donald Trump’s henchmen have some other schemes up their sleeve. They’re getting themselves in positions to oversee elections at the local and state levels. They’re creating ways for legislators and election officials to count the votes they want to and ignore the ones they disagree with.

Georgia’s Republican Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger. Raffensperger refused to embrace the “Big Lie,” stood up to Trump’s bullying, and respected the will of the voters. Hice has promoted the “Big Lie.” That’s the kind of guy Trump wants deciding which votes to count, and not count, in 2024.

Far-right activists have harassed and threatened election officials across the country. They are trying to get elected to state and local positions, giving them the power to oversee future elections.

To combat this onslaught of voter suppression and election

Trump has endorsed other secretary of state candidates, and his political henchman Steve Bannon in encouraging Trumpists to replace election officials at local levels. Meanwhile, state legislators are making it easier for partisan Republicans to mess with vote counting by taking local officials’ control and simply overriding the voters’ wills. That is why we urgently need new federal voting rights legislation and why we need senators and President Biden to work together to overcome “states’ rights.”

subversion measures, Congress and the White House need to get new federal voting rights laws passed, signed and implemented before next year’s elections. And that’s not all. In the year since the violent attempt to stop Congress from certifying President Joe Biden’s victory in the presidential election, Trump and his allies have done everything possible to deny what happened. But the truth is coming out anyway. We can be grateful for good investigative reporting and thankful for the determination of Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and the bipartisan House committee investigating the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection. We now know multiple lawyers working for Trump helped him pressure former Vice President Mike Pence to block congressional certification of Biden’s win. We know that a PowerPoint presentation circulated among Trump’s inner circle claiming foreign powers compromised the election and Trump could declare a national security emergency to stay in power. It has been reported the author of that memo, a retired army colonel, met with former White House Chief of Staff

have a legitimate cause to do so.

Given that so many of Trump’s allies were willing to ignore the Constitution and overturn the will of the voters, it’s not exactly surprising they are also willing to defy legal efforts to get at the truth.

The big problem is the ‘Big Lie’

As Georgia Sen. Raphael Warnock said Jan. 4, “Our democracy is in peril, and time is running out.”

One after another, Trump’s political strategists and former aides have been stonewalling the Jan. 6 committee. Meadows and right-wing political operative Steve Bannon have simply refused to comply with legal subpoenas to testify and now face charges of criminal contempt of Congress.

There’s another moral duty facing our elected leaders: Finding the truth about the Capitol insurrection, those who incited it, planned it, or facilitated it. There is an effort to downplay and cover up the assault on our democracy. Criminals need to be held accountable for their crimes, and not just those who smashed windows and attacked Capitol police.

Here is the brutal bottom line: Trump has never accepted his loss. He and his allies are showing us that they are more committed to getting and keeping power in their hands than they are accepting the voters’ will. They are ready to sacrifice democracy on the altar of rightwing authoritarianism.

Republicans love to talk tough about the rule of law, but many of them are resisting the rule of law by undermining and obstructing the House committee investigating the insurrection. They are trying to rewrite history, downplay the violence and portray perpetrators as patriots.

That is not a pleasant thought at Christmas time—or any time. We don’t have the luxury of looking away. We have to face these threats and what it will take from all of us to defeat them in the months and years ahead.

In this season of gift-giving, think of the time and energy you spend defending democracy as a gift to your family and friends—a future of freedom.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way.

Trump would love to go into the 2024 election cycle knowing he has loyal Trumpists in place to reject or “find” as many votes as he needs to declare victory. That’s why Trump endorsed the effort by Rep. Jody Hice to replace

Republicans use filibuster rules to block the Freedom to Vote Act and John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act. The John Lewis Act would make it illegal for a public official to “willfully fail or refuse to certify” an election victory by the candidate who gets the most votes. The Freedom to Vote Act only allows local election administrators to be removed by the state if they

The problem is the violent reality of that day is well documented. The ‘Big Lie’ and all who spread it have created a dangerous reality in which millions of Americans falsely believe that President Joe Biden’s election was illegitimate and Donald Trump should still be president. It makes them more willing to determine the outcome of elections through violence or the raw exercise of power. In the year ahead, we need to defend democracy by answer ing the ‘Big Lie’ with the truth and by acting to defend our democracy at the ballot box.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way.

Letters to the editor

One year ago, we witnessed an attack on our country: an insurrection by political extremists at the U.S. Capitol.

A mob of violent rioters defaced the Capitol Building and threatened the lives of the elected officials and staff working there—the core of American democracy. This was a pivotal moment for America and our fundamental promise of free and fair elections.

One year out from that horrible day, Congress has yet to secure the right to vote and the integrity of our elections—while state and county governments are passing laws to make it harder to vote. Hours-long lines and oppressive ID requirements are only the beginning, unless Congress acts.

can’t let made-up Senate rules stand in the way of protecting our democracy. Fighting for our democracy by passing voting rights legislation is one of the most important actions we can take as we commemorate this attack on our country.

Gina Brown-Hall, St. Louis Apology

The Senate must pass the Freedom to Vote Act and the John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act; both bills are essential to the survival of the American experiment. The House of Representatives has already passed them. We

The St. Louis American would like to apologize for the oversight in publishing a reference to R. Kelly as “the apple of the late Aaliyah’s eye” in the Dec. 23-29, Hot Sheet piece, “Ghostface Killah shares Aaliyah and Raekwon allegedly had a fling.” R. Kelly is a convicted sex offender and we agree it is egregious to sanitize any portrayal of his abusive relationship with Aaliyah, as well as slanderous of her memory. We’re remorseful for the offense and pain this error caused any of our readers.

Taking this time to wish you a very Merry Christmas and a New Year filled with joy and happiness. May we bond together in love and caring and keep the stars adjoined in the glow of a peaceful outcome for the problems faced in this world. The battle of life is difficult and peace hard to find, but each of us can take that moment to feel the joy of peace and love, if only in our hearts. Who knows, one day we may all join together with the wisdom, strength, and grace to be a part of a lasting and eternal peace. I know that looking at the world as it is now it is hard to imagine. Keep the heart of love always present and find the joy that is there within you. Perhaps one day the hate and violence will be a thing of the past. We must look forward to a future filled with beauty and love. If we do not do this, we become the embittered remnants of all those who have been the catalysts for all things evil in this world. Love is the promise, God is the gift,

Guest Columnist

Dr. Benjamin F. Chavis Jr.

Columnist Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist John E. Warren

Columnist Ben Jealous

Columnist

Rev. Jesse L. Jackson

Guest Columnist Zenobia Thompson

Guest Columnist Walle A. Amusa

Venus Martz, Greater North County Chamber of Commerce president, recently presented Dr. Rance Thomas, North County Churches United for Racial Harmony and Justice president, with its 2022 Zykan Family Legacy Award during the “Nite of Stars ‘There’s No Place Like North County’ celebration. The chamber is accepting applications from high school seniors for a variety of scholarships.

Greater North County Chamber accepting scholarship applications

St. Louis American Staff

The Greater North County Chamber of Commerce is accepting applications for its 2022 scholarships. Applicants should be high school seniors “who have shown commitment to building a better community and have demonstrated a record of community service in the area,” according to the chamber.

Eligible seniors must reside in the 63031, 63033, 63034 63042, 63134, 63135, 63136, 63137 Zip Code areas and/or attend Hazelwood Central, Hazelwood East, Hazelwood West, Incarnate Word Academy, Jennings High School, McCluer High School, McCluer North, Innovation High School, North County Christian, North Tech, Northview, Riverview Gardens High School or STEAM Academy at McCluer South Berkeley.

The chamber will award five $1,000 merit scholarships and one $1,000 Perseverance Scholarship to a student who has persevered in their studies despite facing some tough obstacles.

The Florissant Jaycees will award a $1,000 Community Service Scholarship to a student who has

given time to their community.

The Jacob’s Ladder organization will award a Determination Scholarship to a student who has worked hard despite obstacles, financial and/or family circumstances.

Scholarships can be used for continuing education including college tuition, room, board, books and fees. They can also be used for trade or technical school expenses.

Applicants are advised to be specific and detailed about all accomplishments and community service during the last four years. A high school official must sign the application form to verify grade point average. Applicants do not need to send a high school transcript.

An application is available at www.greaternorthcountychamber.com and can be printed. It must reach the chamber by the Feb. 18 deadline and should be mailed to Greater North County Chamber of Commerce, 420 W. Washington, Florissant. Missouri, 63031.

For additional information, contact Jaime Jenkins at Jaime@gnccstl.com.

Your best second act

By Kelly Jackson

When I was training for my first marathon in 1999, it had never occurred to me to run a race in my lifetime. I joked, ‘The only time you’d see me run is if someone were chasing me!’

Nancy Lieberman, founder of the Go! St. Louis Marathon, came into KSDK to promote the marathon and asked if I would be interested. I had never run farther than a mile or two. I mulled it over and decided to go for it.

What followed was training in St. Louis’ notorious hot weather, but it was worth it. I was in the best shape of my life. My running partner, Tara, and I suffered through training together. I had great days and days of struggle. At one point, my trainer Dan, said something I will never forget. “Kelly, it’s never too late to surprise yourself.”

That quote has since gotten a lot of mileage and I’ve share it with people when they hit one of life’s roadblocks. It made me think how people, particularly of a certain age, continue to re-invent, pivot, and create a second, third or even fourth act in life.

Take my dad, for instance. For more than three decades he worked as an executive at a manufacturing company and was well respected. He developed a brain tumor, had successful surgery, and eventually retired. That was not the end chapter of Herb Jackson’s life. He loved cars and started selling cars.

Then he became a mentor for elementary school kids, ran successfully for school board and was eventually elected board president. My dad kept remarkably busy and fulfilled in his second act.

How many people switch gears after retirement? According to AARP research, two-thirds of older workers are interested in additional job/skills training, and the same amount have take up some type of training since 2020. They don’t want to stop working, and in fact want to do something out of their comfort zone.

Someone else who influenced my life is former KSDK colleague, broadcast legend, and good friend Karen Foss. After leaving KSDK in 2006, Foss started a new career at Ameren Missouri. She eventually retired as executive vice president of communications and moved to Santa Fe, New Mexico. Foss said, “It felt like I was at ‘recess.’

“For years after retiring I kept thinking, surely, I’m supposed to be ‘somewhere,’ doing something for someone else,” she said.

It is interesting how society perceives people who reach retirement age. Foss was in a perfect place to expand on her natural abilities as an artist.

“I think we, especially older women, become invisible to society at large---dismissed as irrelevant,” she said.

“That invisibility can be a blessing. You can accomplish a lot when you are moving under the radar.”

These days Foss has a new title. Artist.

Last month, she had a successful display of her artwork at the Duane Reed Gallery in St. Louis. It was her first show, and I am confident there will be more.

“I read that a satisfying life requires three things: pride, purpose, and pleasure. I think that is a worthy goal at all stages of life,” she said.

Then there is Kalen McCallister. After a career in science, she became ordained as a Buddhist Chaplain. McCallister retired in 2015 from the Farmington Correctional Center at 65. Retirement was not for her, and six months later she opened Laughing Bear Bakery. McCallister wanted to employ people who had been incarcerated. Of her past 32 employees, only two have returned to prison. McCallister says “Just follow your heart and be open to change.” She will soon be 70 years old.

It is October 1999 and I’m in the last six miles of a rainy, hilly, and chilly St. Louis marathon. You can hear the water sloshing in my shoes. Tara and I realize sweet victory is near. Paul Gallant with the Go! St. Louis Marathon was taxed with running us to the finish line. He will forever be our angel as he gave us pep talks the rest of the way. Paul was 65 years old at the time.

Kelly Jackson anchors the news on KSDK, Five on Your Side, co-hosts “McGraw Live” on The Big 550 KTRS, and hosts and produces the web series, “How My Pet Lives.”

Photo courtesy of Greater North County Chamber of Commerce

Kelly Jackson

University of Missouri curators vote against requiring masks on campuses

Ruling includes UM-St. Louis

By Sebastián Martínez Valdivia

The University of Missouri system will not require masks on its campuses, despite record high COVID case rates across the state. The Board of Curators made the decision Tuesday, rejecting two recommendations from UM System President and University of Missouri Chancellor Mun Choi.

In response to skyrocketing cases putting a strain on UM system hospitals and other critical infrastructure, Choi made two proposals. The first would have mandated the use of masks indoors when attendance was required and social distancing was not possible. The second would have only required masks in classrooms and labs.

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“Dr. Givens nominated Senator Blunt for his bipartisan spirit, dedication, and service as the senior United States Senator for Missouri,” the statement reads. “He noted Senator Blunt’s history of service to higher education, having served as the president of Southwest Baptist University, and helping to secure federal funding for many of Missouri’s higher education institutions.”

The statement also says,

Choi pointed to a projection from the University of Washington Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation which showed the use of masking in Missouri could reduce infections by more than 1 million people.

“Scientifically, it will have the effect of reducing the transmission of COVID that will result in less Missourians getting infected,” Choi said.

After questioning the effectiveness of mandates, the board ultimately voted down the recommendations by a wide margin, with curators Julia Brncic and Maurice Graham providing the only “yes” votes on both measures.

COVID cases and

“Senator Blunt has also been a champion for mental health, accessibility of services, and medical research. The commission voted unanimously with the slate of nominees recommended for all of the awards that will be awarded. We respect and cherish the recommendation by the late great Dr. Henry Givens, Jr., who chaired this commission for 25 years.”

According to the commission, its mission is “to consider and recommend to individuals and organizations appropriate activities for the recognition and celebration of Dr. Martin

Luther King Jr.’s birthday in the state of Missouri. The commission is a non-partisan board comprised of commissioners who are appointed and serve at the pleasure of the governor.”

Listed as commissioners on the Harris-Stowe MLK Celebration Facebook page are Gov. Mike Parson, LaTonia Collins Smith, commission chair and Harris-Stowe interim president, and Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack, chair emeritus.

Also serving are Sheryl Branch-Maxwell (Southeast Missouri), U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II (Kansas City), Merdean F. Gales (St. Louis),

hospitalizations have hit record highs in January, driven largely by the spread of the omicron variant. In Boone County, home of the flagship University of Missouri campus, there were more than 2,000 active cases as of Monday afternoon, just under the record-setting 2,109 active

Ollie Gates (Kansas City), Earnest Hart (St. Louis), Rev. Sammie E. Jones (St. Louis), Myrle Mensey-Symonds (St. Louis), Michael E. Middleton (Columbia), Rev. Earl Nance, Jr. (St. Louis), Ruth Smith (St. Louis), Bertha A. Thomas (Kirksville), and Lessie J. Thompson (Lee’s Summit.)

Other honorees are Joseph S. Palm, Distinguished Social Action Award; Farrakhan Shegog, Distinguished Drum Major Award; and Affinia Healthcare, Distinguished Community Organization Award.

Receiving 2022

David Torres, 29, a doctoral candidate in civil engineering from Mexico City, Mexico, walks through the University of Missouri’s Francis Quadrangle last month.

cases recorded January 7.

Choi highlighted the impact tens of thousands of students returning to campus could have on the community, with hospitalizations on the rise in every city with a system campus.

While the University of Missouri has made its own decisions about COVID

Distinguished Community Service Awards are Glendell Timms-Hamilton, Valerie Shaw, Ollie M. Stewart, Sheila Swafford, and Emanuel Cleaver III.

The Commission also announced due to the increasing surge of COVID-19 cases, the event is limited to honorees, guests, sponsors, and program participants. The event can be viewed at Facebook. com/MissouriMLK

Blunt’s recognition comes as Amusa and NCHD chair

Zenobia Thompson released an open letter chastising Blunt and Sen Josh Hawley, urging them to end their opposition to the Lewis and For the People bills.

“Since the November 2020 presidential election, former President Donald Trump has engaged in an openly racist campaign to

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shooter’s account of what happened. Some commenters in November indicated the shooter had publicly expressed an interest in guns and violence prior to the incident.

At the time of his death, King had THC from marijuana, nicotine, caffeine, methamphetamine and amphetamines in his system, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch

“Sitting in this inquest, it seems that the prosecutor is trying to justify the shooter, rather than seeking justice for the victim,” activist Rev. Daryl Gray wrote Tuesday night in a Facebook post.

The town of Bourbon is about 70 miles southwest of St. Louis and is home to around 1,500 residents.

The Associated Press reported coroner’s inquests are uncommon, and the one on Tuesday is the second cor-

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Continued from A1

only two internal candidates, who are both white, but did not administer a virtual version of the test to the other four out-ofstate candidates.

“[Jones] views the Civil Service Commission’s concerns about the lack of virtual testing and marketing firm as valid,” her spokesperson Nick Dunne said.

Jones said she plans on appointing an interim director of the personnel department first and hopes a new search will follow that appointment.

“The mayor’s hope for the people of the city of St. Louis is that there is a fair and transparent application process to select the most qualified candi-

policy independent of the board in the past, spokesperson Christian Basi maintained, in an email, the board has ultimate authority.

“They can delegate authority for specific decisions,” Basi wrote.

“Specifically, in the case of masking and vaccine mandates, the Board has clarified in earlier meetings that they expected to make the final decision on those matters.”

Before adjourning Tuesday’s meeting, Brncic asked Choi to bring updates to the board if hospitalizations dramatically increase or if hospitals are unable to maintain staffing requirements.

Board chair Darryl Chatman, who voted against both recommendations, echoed Brncic’s request. “If we need to reconsider, we’ll reconsider,” he said. Sebastián Martínez Valdivia is a health reporter and documentary filmmaker who focuses on access to care in rural and immigrant communities.

nullify the votes of African Americans in selected counties in Georgia, Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin,” the letter states. “ Like the confederates and insurrectionists of 1860 who refused to accept presidential election results, Mr. Trump has refused to accept the results of the 2020 elections. Sadly, with your support, Mr. Trump has successfully orchestrated the most massive assault on the voting rights of American citizens unseen since pre-Civil War and post-Reconstruction Jim Crow eras. We are horrified that these voter suppression and voter nullification efforts are led by the Republican Party in several states, with your support.”

The complete letter can be read on page 4A in this week’s issue of The St. Louis American

oner’s inquest in six months. The first was in the case of 19-year-old Derontae Martin, a Black man found dead from a gunshot wound to his left temple in the Madison County attic of a man known for making racist comments and using racial slurs.

Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel Jr. noted in November situations such as these, seen time and again, led his organization to issue its first travel advisory for people of color in the state of Missouri in June 2017.

“Individuals traveling in the state are advised to travel with extreme CAUTION. Race, gender and color-based crimes have a long history in Missouri,” the advisory states “Missouri, home of Lloyd Gaines, Dredd Scott and the dubious distinction of the Missouri Compromise and one of the last states to [lose] its slaveholding past, may not be safe.” The advisory is still in effect.

dates,” Dunne said. Hayden could not immediately be reached for comment. Hayden announced his retirement in September after serving approximately four years as chief. His initial plan was to step down Feb. 23, the day marking his 35th anniversary with the department. Hayden was met with a host of challenges as chief, including a record-breaking homicide rate in 2020, the pandemic and several high-profile incidents including three white police officers charged with beating a handcuffed Black detective, Luther Hall; the death of officer Katlyn Alix who was shot and killed by fellow officer Nathaniel Hendren while he was on duty in January 2019; and local protests in summer 2020 over the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Photo by Brian Munoz/ St. Louis Public Radio

Missouri House Democrats expect to exert newfound leverage on redistricting

By Jason Rosenbaum St. Louis Public Radio

For years, Democrats in the Missouri House have struggled to find tangible ways to influence the trajectory of major legislation in a GOP-dominated chamber.

But thanks to a raft of vacancies, House Democrats find themselves with leverage to influence congressional redistricting and other major agenda items.

“I would say that we’re excited to have this opportunity,” said House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield.

Right before the start of 2022, state Rep. Dan Shaul, R-Jefferson County, produced a draft congressional map that would have six Republican districts and two Democratic ones. Some conservative Republicans have harshly criticized that approach, contending that the GOPcontrolled General Assembly should go for a 7-to-1 map that transforms Congressman Emanuel Cleaver’s heavily Democratic Kansas City-based district into reliably GOP turf. But Democrats have leverage to prevent that from happening, primarily because of the six vacancies in GOPleaning state House districts. These openings dropped Republicans below the 109vote supermajority threshold. If the House doesn’t get at least 109 votes to put the map into effect right away under an emergency clause, the new congressional districts won’t become effective until after the Aug. 2 primary. That would throw the entire primary season into chaos, since candidates

Springboard gets $10K NEA grant

St. Louis Amerian staff

Springboard to Learning has received a $10,000 grant from The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) for Arts & Learning Packs for under-resourced St. Louis students.

Arts & Learning Packs are at-home, hands-on art kits that include a set of written and visual instructions, providing rich, arts-education experiences that connect with curricular content without requiring access to technology. Springboard to Learning offers seven packs that encourage learning through kinetic sculpture creation, dramatic play, rainwater conservation, and other hands-on activities. Community volunteers assist in making Arts & Learning Packs, working to assemble the parts and pieces necessary for each Pack. Since May of 2020, Springboard to Learning has distributed a total of 15,155 Arts & Learning Packs across the St. Louis metro area. The Arts & Learning Pack project is among 168 projects across America selected to receive fiscal year 2022 funding in the Challenge America Grant category. Challenge America grants offer support primarily to small and mid-sized organizations for projects that extend the reach of the arts to populations that have limited access to the arts due to geography, ethnicity, economics, or disability. The NEA awarded $1,680,000 nationwide.

“COVID-19 and virtual learning highlighted the digital divide,” said Springboard Executive Director Cathy Hartmann. “As a means of reaching students with limited access to learning through technology, Springboard began distributing Arts & Learning Packs. We are excited to be combatting learning loss and engaging the community to help.”

can’t run in congressional districts that don’t exist. “I believe we should have a 5 and 3 map that really represents the state of Missouri,” said state Rep. Jerome Barnes, D-Raytown. “However, a 6-2 leaning is not a bad map. But a 7-1 would not be representative of the state of Missouri.”

It’s theoretically possible for Republicans to maneuver out of the issue if Gov. Mike Parson calls a special session concurrent with the regular session that focuses on redistricting. That was suggested on Monday by Missouri Right to Life Executive Director Susan Klein, whose organization supports a 7-to-1 map as a way to further the anti-abortion rights movement.

But Parson has previously expressed reluctance to call a special session that doesn’t have consensus. Shaul said on Monday, “The timeline for a special session to be productive I believe has pretty well come and gone.” And several GOP members of the committee questioned how a 7-to-1 map

would get past the emergency clause issue — or survive a court challenge.

“Because I think in just about every scenario I’ve tried to play out in my mind, of a 7 and 1 map, it seems to me that we lose and we could be in a worse situation for the cause,” said Rep. Ben Baker,

LaKeySha Bosley and fellow Democratic state House of Representatives members find themselves in a position to help protect U.S. Rep. Cori Bush’s 1st Congressional District and make Republican Congresswoman Ann Wagner’s 2nd District more competitive.

R-Neosho.

Quade submitted an alternative proposal last week to redraw district maps. While it’s unlikely that all of it will pass, it’s not out of the question that some of it may be incorporated into the final product since Democratic votes are needed to obtain the emergency clause.

Compared with Shaul’s proposal, Quade’s would: • Make Ann Wagner’s 2nd District more competitive.

• Place Jefferson County in the 8th District that Jason Smith represents. Shaul’s map puts Jefferson County in Blaine Luetkemeyer’s 3rd District. Currently, Jefferson County is split among three congressional districts.

• Put Smith’s home in Dent County in the 4th District, which will be an open seat in 2022.

• Stretch the 1st District that Cori Bush represents across northwest St. Louis County into parts of St. Charles County. Shaul’s map primarily adds territory in the inner ring suburbs of St. Louis, most notably Webster Groves.

“What the Republicans are suggesting is not the only option,” Quade said, who added that several Democratic lawmakers on a House redistricting committee provided their input for the map she submitted. “We wanted to push the state closer to having fair

representation. And we wanted to present that there’s multiple options on the table.”

Some of what Quade is proposing is likely to have GOP opposition. And some Democrats have expressed opposition to bringing the 1st District into St. Charles County, contending that it may make it easier to defeat Bush in a Democratic primary. When asked about that criticism, Quade said she and her team “did our best to try to not make it about who the candidates are.”

Even if House Democrats don’t change the map to their liking, Quade said her caucus could exert leverage on other bills in exchange for voting for it to go into effect immediately. That could include efforts to make it harder for the Missouri Constitution to be amended or how to spend billions in federal coronavirus relief funds.

“There’s going to be a lot of opportunities for us this year to utilize this leverage that we have,” Quade said.

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Public Radio

In September 2021, SLMPD’s Police Chief John Hayden announced he would retire in February 2022. Mayor Tishaura O. Jones’ office promised to conduct a national search for Hayden’s replacement, but in a power grab, the Civil Service Commission announced it alone would choose finalists and the criteria used to select them. The current search for Hayden’s replacement, however, has differed from the previous city’s selection processes, including the one that led to Hayden’s appointment.

Mayor Jones has confirmed Hayden will postpone his February retirement date as the search for his replacement continues. She also has hit the reset button, and will begin the process of choosing a new chief again.

Contenders for the city’s top law enforcement officer included at least four out-of-state candidates and two internal candidates: Lt. Col. Michael Sack and the notorious Assistant Chief Lt. Col. Lawrence O’Toole. If his name sounds familiar, that’s because O’Toole oversaw SLMPD’s botched response to the not-guilty verdict of former officer Jason Stockley. In 2011, Stockley shot and killed Anthony Lamar Smith, an unarmed Black man who Stockley had suspected of committing a crime. Under O’Toole’s command, SLMPD officers kettled, pepper-sprayed, beat, and unlawfully arrested peacefully demonstrating civilians and journalists. A Black police colleague, who was undercover at the protest, was also beaten.

Sack, on the other hand, has mostly stayed off the media’s radar but was alleged by Circuit Attorney Kimberly M. Gardner’s office to have requested a copy of its internal “blacklist,” which purportedly includes

The search for SLMPD’s new chief

SLMPD officers whose investigations and warrants would be rejected by prosecutors based on those officers’ histories of racist, sexist, Islamophobic, and/or homophobic comments or actions.

Despite the Civil Service Commission’s claims that the Jones Administration was not conducting the search in a transparent manner, no information is known about the handful of external candidates who were being considered by the commission. The Ethical Society of Police, the Black police officers’ union, has opposed the seemingly new requirement that qualified candidates have at least 10 years experience as a captain. When the SLMPD was under state control, anyone with the rank of captain or higher was eligible to serve as police chief.

Reviewing Mayor Jones’ first year

virtual town halls to hear from residents about their ideas on public safety. On that note, the city increased the number of town halls held to address important issues, including domestic violence and the police chief search.

Jones faced push-back from representatives of the St. Louis Police Officers Association and Missouri Attorney General Eric Schmitt.

But even her loudest critics can’t ignore under the Jones Administration, the city’s murder rate decreased 25% in 2021 from its 50-year high in 2020. Under her leadership, the city joined the national Community Violence Initiative Collaboration to reduce gun violence through policing alternatives. She supported and signed a bill that repealed the city’s criminal cannabis laws.

She’s just getting started.

On her first day of office, Mayor Jones defunded the Workhouse, and in her first 60 days, closed it. The simple executive action of removing the line-item in the City’s budget for the Workhouse set a tone for what was to come: radical, generational change.

As the first Black woman to serve as mayor, Jones and the city welcomed 1,000 Afghan refugees, and is delivering on her effort to send $500 direct cash assistance payments to thousands of city residents impacted by COVID-19. Jones appointed a record number of Black women to her cabinet, including SLATE Director Fredrecka S. McGlown, who won a $1.1 million grant for the City’s YouthBuild program. It connects youth in divested communities to career opportunities. The mayor began the overdue process of upgrading the city’s first responders system and held

Previewing 2022

Missouri legislative session

For the first time in nearly a decade, Missouri Republicans do not hold a super-majority in the State House. Let that sink in for a moment. With six now-vacant Republican-held seats left open after several resignations and a death, House Democrats may finally be able to wield some leverage while drafting legislation on hot-button topics including education policy and criminal justice reform.

Notably missing from the Republican caucus is former Rep. Justin Hill, who skipped his own Jan. 6, 2021, Missouri Legislature swearing-in ceremony to attend the attempted coup in Washington D.C. He reportedly skipped town to hide out in Florida, where he has accepted a private sector consulting job.

Pre-filed bills attack COVID-19 vaccine and mask mandates, public school funding (in favor of charter schools), the accurate teaching of history, race and racism in the United States, and most horrifyingly, abortion rights. A bill mirroring Texas’ constitutionally problematic law has been filed by Rep. Mary Elizabeth Coleman (R-Arnold). As an attorney she should know better.

Rep. Nick Schroer, a St. Charles Republican, pre-filed HB 1476, which would remove St. Louis’ control over its police department and return the Department to state control. St. Louis lost control over its police department during the American Civil War, when the pro-slavery governor Claiborne Jackson took control of St. Louis and Kansas City police to undermine efforts to protect the cities from Confederate forces. It was an act of racist treason in 1861. In 2022, the act is still racist.

Other issues expected to fall within the crosshairs of Missouri Republicans include election policy and voting rights; civilian-based initiative petitions (such as medical marijuana and Clean Missouri ethics reform); and further loosening the state’s already-lax gun laws.

Rising COVID numbers in St. Louis

Last week, BJC Healthcare announced that its entire medical care system was suspending all elective procedures, citing the highest number of COVID patients the area has had so far in the pandemic. Our region did not arrive at this point in a vacuum. Let’s discuss all of the responsible parties for this disaster:

U.S. Senate candidate Schmitt has filed dozens of lawsuits against cities, towns and school boards with the intent of undermining each entities’ respective abilities to minimize the number of COVID-19 infections. He even

asked parents and students to take photos so his office could identify teachers, bus drivers, and other school staff members who enforced mask mandates or quarantines. In December 2021, Schmitt’s office began a disinformation campaign, incorrectly advising school districts that they no longer were permitted to enforce mask mandates and he misquoted a judicial order while tyrannizing public school employees. Schmitt’s baseless threats led to an Arnold police officer, in full uniform and outside of his jurisdiction, physically confronting a Rockwood school bus driver in December and threatening her while wearing his service weapon. The Attorney General’s anti-science campaign has cost lives - and to what end? At this rate, there won’t be any Republican voters left to support his senate campaign, for which he clearly is trying to score points.

While Schmitt has been working overtime, Gov. Mike Parson, on the other hand, has been doing the least. He allowed the state of emergency order to lapse without renewal as Missouri reaches record numbers of infections and hospitalizations. His inaction has caused mass confusion, restricted resources needed to combat the spread of the virus, and severe staff shortages at hospitals, nursing homes, and other facilities across the state.

for deceased residents of their counties. Instead, Republican coroners across the state have placed the burden on families to produce positive COVID-19 tests before they will list the virus as a cause of death, in violation of accepted Center for Disease Control and Prevention [CDC] practice. Other rural coroners in Missouri have intentionally underreported the number of cases recorded in their respective counties, further contributing to the spread of the virus and misinformation within communities.

Tim Fitch

Even while Missouri has consistently recorded some of the highest COVID-19 positivity rates in the country, Parson has remained blissfully ignorant to the death and chaos.

Some county coroners also hold responsibility for the spread of both COVID infections and misinformation about the virus. Brian Hayes of Macon County and Wavis Jordan of Cape Girardeau County, both Republicans, have implemented policies where they do not list COVID-19 as a cause of death or even related cause of death

But we couldn’t end this column by letting St. Louis County Councilman Tim Fitch off the hook. Fitch, a former St. Louis County police chief, has continually voted against mask and vaccine mandates, and further politicized the public health crisis to lob attacks at County Executive Sam Page Fitch sponsored a bill, for instance, that would provide free lifetime health care for county employees who receive the COVID-19 vaccine who are “injured” by the vaccine, even convincing Democratic Council Chair Rita Heard Days to support the swiftly vetoed bill. Fitch’s anti-mask, anti-vaccine, and antiscience positions have compromised the public health department’s over-extended efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19, all while the Councilman continues to spread misinformation and conspiracy theories about the virus.

Despite his efforts, Councilwoman Shalonda Webb switched her vote to support after she got COVID-19. Council Chair Days, with no real option, also did an about face on the mask mandate cand changed her vote. Days explained she left the Republican side and changed her vote because it is what the community wanted. Better late than never.

Mayor Tishaura Jones

A house divided against itself cannot stand

By Congressman

James E. Clyburn

House Majority Whip (D-SC)

I listened intently this morning as our 46th President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris addressed the nation from Statuary Hall observing the first anniversary of last year’s insurrection. I found myself reflecting upon the attack on Pearl Harbor that thrusted us into a world war against a tyrannical foreign power.

Eighty years later, tyranny is threatening America again, this time from a domestic attack.

A President and his enablers created a narrative and fomented a “Big Lie” that is continuing. He incited a violent mob to attack our seat of government and disrupt the certification of the results of a free and fair election which he lost by over 7 million votes.

President Franklin Roosevelt referred to the December 7, 1941 Pearl Harbor attack as, “a day that will live in infamy.” World War II lasted almost 4 years. January 6, 2021 launched a disgraceful and ignoble domestic conflict, and it remains to be seen how long it will last. Over the past year, we have witnessed loyalists of the 45th President work to unravel the threads that hold the fabric of our representative democracy together. His followers, fueled by a constant diet of disinformation, have harassed and intimidated election officials across the country, causing many to resign their positions out of fear for themselves and their families. Republican officials, fearful of being primaried by “45’s”

loyalists, embrace his “Big Lie” and enact legislation they feel will appease him. States with Republican governors and legislatures are passing laws and redistricting plans constructed to guarantee the election of more likeminded loyalists and shift government control away from anyone who doesn’t adhere to his tyrannical whims.

According to the nonpartisan Brennan Center for Justice, 19 states have enacted 34 election laws that restrict or suppress the vote. Some to make it easier for local officials to nullify election results they don’t like. The right to vote is the most fundamental thread of our democratic fabric. Without it, our democracy unravels. Currently, 50 Republicans in the United States Senate, aided and abetted by two Democrats, are blocking votes on two critical voting rights bills, the John R. Lewis Voting Rights Advancement Act and the Freedom to Vote Act.

The House responded by

n While bipartisanship is welcomed, and may be preferable, history informs us that the 15th Amendment giving Blacks the right to vote, passed on a party line vote.

holding over a dozen hearings by two separate committees and passed subsequent legislation which was sent to the Senate. Unfortunately, all Senate Republicans, except Senator Lisa Murkowski, are standing in the way of its passage. Two Democrats have been giving comfort to the Republicans on this issue and one of them, Senator Joe Manchin, has proposed the Freedom to Vote Act, seeking to attract bipartisan support for

many provisions of the Housepassed For the People Act.

The legislation includes provisions protecting election security, reforming campaign finance, ensuring fair redistricting, and preventing voter nullification. Despite Senator Manchin’s mollification attempts, not a single Republican voted to allow the Freedom to Vote Act to come to the floor for a vote.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer has vowed to bring both bills up for another vote by January 17th, the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday. His efforts, however, seem destined to fail without a change to the Senate’s filibuster rules that require 60 votes to cut off debate.

While bipartisanship is welcomed, and may be preferable, history informs us that the 15th Amendment giving Blacks the right to vote, passed on a party line vote. And who would argue that the 15th Amendment should not have been adopted because it did not have bipartisan support?

I am not a fan of the filibuster. But, if holding on to that tradition is important to most of the Senate, I maintain that exceptions on Constitutional issues like voting should apply. An exception is employed for fiscal issues to ensure the full faith and credit of the United States are not jeopardized by a filibuster. The process is called “reconciliation,” a term I believe is more aptly applied to the Constitution than the budget.

Today’s challenge is no less perilous. As our 16th President extolled during another challenging time, “a house divided against itself cannot stand.”

Congressman James E. Clyburn (D-South Carolina) serves as House Majority Whip

One Woman’s Journey to Motherhood

Niquaja Burns’ Experience with Prenatal Services, Labor & Delivery and Breastfeeding and Lactation Support at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – St. Louis A Three-Part Series

Part 1 – High-Risk Pregnancy

Last summer, St. Louisan, Niquaja Burns, 38, learned she was expecting her third child, prompting her to make an appointment at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – St. Louis, where she gave birth to her second baby in 2017.

“I had such a great experience at St. Mary’s Hospital with my last baby,” said Burns. “I really bonded with their team, including the OB/GYNs, nurse practitioners and labor and delivery nurses, so it was a no-brainer when it came to his pregnancy.” Being over 35 years old, Burns also knew she was considered high-risk and needed more specialized care from a team of maternal-fetal medicine experts. That’s exactly what SSM Health provides: comprehensive highrisk pregnancy care and peace of mind.

“I moved to St. Louis 15 years ago to attend Saint Louis University (SLU) for my master’s degree,” said Burns. “I’ve always liked the connection that SSM Health has with both SLUCare and SLU School of Medicine.”

“The risk for pregnancy complications and conditions increases in expectant mothers over the age of 35,” said Amanda McIntyre, WHNP-BC, a lead maternal fetal medicine nurse practitioner at SSM Health Medical Group.

“Issues such as gestational diabetes, hypertension, preeclampsia, and premature birth are just a few of the complications that can arise. We closely monitor our high-risk patients to help lower these risks.”

As a high-risk maternity patient, Burns regularly visited the maternal-fetal medicine team at SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital for prenatal appointments and additional

“During the

A pregnancy is considered high-risk if the mom has a condition (e.g., advanced maternal age, high blood pressure, diabetes, obesity, etc.) that increases the risk of complications during or after the pregnancy and birth. High-risk pregnancies have a 25 percent chance of developing complications compared to the 10 percent chance of complications for low-risk pregnancies. Additionally, high-risk pregnancies are particularly concerning in African American women, who account for nearly half of all pregnancy-related deaths in the U.S.

Guest Columnist

James E. Clyburn

“Taking Care of You”

A couple infected with COVID

By Mylika Scatliffe

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

For Sherrell and Anthony (Tony) Yancy, it seemed like everybody in their circle was testing “positive” for the coronavirus. It wasn’t just their imagination. Since the beginning of December, the number of daily COVID-19 cases in St. Louis tripled, prompting the city’s health director, Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis to define the trend as “alarming.” In St. Louis County, where the Yancys live, COVID cases were also spiking. In his weekly newsletter, County Executive Sam Page said COVID cases were rising at a “blindingly fast” rate with current case

n “I felt cheated. It was like ‘damn, ‘I been through this already.’”

– Anthony Yancy, diagnosed with COVID-19 twice

numbers and positivity rates “at the highest they have ever been, with a rolling average of 2,302 cases per day, more than twice as high as the highest seven-day average from the winter 2020-21 surge.”

“I knew a lot of people on social media who had gotten sick,” Sherrell recalled. Tony said about 20 to 30 of his friends joked on social media about how they all got

“COVID for Christmas.”

Things weren’t so funny when the Yancys tested positive for COVID-19 days after the holiday. Tony credits his and Sherrell’s vaccinations as the reason their symptoms weren’t that severe.

This was not the case when he tested positive for the virus in early 2020. He can’t prove it, but Tony swears he was infected long before the pandemic was officially confirmed in the United States in January 2020. He was sick during the fall and winter of 2019.

“I had a fever and dry cough that just wouldn’t go away,” he said. “The cough got so bad that one day, I blacked out at the kitchen table, fell over and hit my head.”

The COVID-19 global pandemic brought a plethora of disparities and inequities in minority communities to the forefront. Smoking cessation aids and efforts are included. The Smoking Cessation Leadership Center (SCLC) at the University of California - San Francisco is working to reduce these disparities. The tobacco industry’s goal is to turn a large profit. It has historically achieved this goal by targeting minorities through predatory marketing. Minorities are devalued. This systemic discrimination and racism are compounded by the effects of COVID-19. Menthol cigarettes are used by 85% of African Americans that smoke. Menthol products have always been marketed to African Americans. Mentholated cigarettes are excellent starter products. They have a minty flavor and are easier to inhale, leading to earlier and easier addiction.

n Menthol cigarettes are used by 85% of African Americans that smoke.

According to Delmonte Jefferson, executive director of the Center for Black Health and Equity, tobacco marketing targets African Americans using athletes and entertainers and even donations to events within the African American community. Except for menthol-flavored products, efforts to ban flavored cigarettes and vaping products were successful. In the Latino community, lung cancer and cardiovascular disease are the leading cause of death, and tobacco use is a huge factor in developing these illnesses. Latinos may have less access to health care than other communities, and where there is access to health care, clinicians may not advise Latino patients against smoking or offer aid in smoking cessation. In addition, there are misconceptions about the risks of smoking, lack of knowledge about the effectiveness and use of smoking cessation tools, concerns about side effects and developing dependency, and cultural inclination towards quitting on their own without cessation aids. When cessation therapies are used within the Latino community, it’s lower than the overall population.

Marcel de Dios, assistant professor of the Department of Psychological Health and

By Evie Hemphill

St. Louis Public Radio

As the provider of about 40% of the U.S. blood supply, the American Red Cross aims to keep about a fiveday supply on hand at any given time, coordinating distribution with some 2,600 hospitals across the nation. But lately, said spokesperson Joe Zydlo, that stock of “blood on the shelves” has dwindled to one day’s worth.

The supply level is “dangerously low,” says the Red Cross on its website.

“What happens is [that] when you have only a day supply, when disaster hits in a particular area, such as torna-

does that we saw last month … blood drives will be canceled,” Zydlo, the regional communications manager for the American Red Cross of Missouri and Arkansas, said Monday on St. Louis on the Air.

“You may have donor centers that are closed due to what happened. And so, you can’t collect enough blood to hopefully provide that to your hospitals.”

Every two seconds, someone in the U.S. needs blood, he said, adding that there’s also been an increase “in more need for more blood products over the last several months.”

See BLOOD, A11

The Red Cross is screening all blood, platelet, and plasma donations from self-identified African American donors for the sickle cell trait. This will help the Red Cross identify compatible blood types more quickly to help patients with sickle cell disease who require trait-negative blood.

North County DJ wife and husband duo Syrene and Tony Yancy perform at the Da City night club at Riverview and Broadway Blvd. Tuesday, Jan 12.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Mylika Scatliffe

Photo courtesy of Red Cross

Dr. Akintola-Ogunremi elected Christian Hospital Medical Staff Chief

By JoAnn Weaver

The St. Louis American

Christian Hospital

announced Dr. Olaronke Akintola-Ogunremi, or just Dr. Akintola as she is known at the hospital, was elected chief of the medical staff for 2022, effective Jan. 1.

Dr. Akintola, who is a pathologist, is the first woman and African American to hold this position. She is board certified by the American Board of Pathology in Anatomic Pathology and Clinical Pathology.

“I’m excited to be the new chief of medical staff here at Christian because it has been my home for the last 17 years,” she said. As medical staff chief,

COVID

Continued from A10

COVID, Tony said, never crossed his mind until the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the coronavirus a public health emergency of international concern in January 2020. Even then, he didn’t consider it much of a threat partly because former President Donald Trump downplayed the seriousness of the pandemic.

From Jan. 22 through Feb. 27, 2020, Trump told American citizens the virus was “totally under control,” that only five people in the country had it, and just one or two more would likely get it. He insisted the coronavirus would completely go away by April “when it gets warm” and disappear “like a miracle.”

“I just thought the lowgrade fever, being lethargic, having a constant dry cough and a loss of taste and smell was just sinuses or allergies,” Tony said. “Then they started shutting stuff down. That’s when we started looking at it differently.”

After passing out from coughing, Tony got himself tested in February. The results were “positive,” but he was already on the mend by that time. He’s thankful his wife never got sick then. Both had to challenge their fears and misconceptions about vaccinations when they came available in 2021.

Akintola is responsible for being a voice for the staff as well as the patients that are served.

“As the chief of medical staff, I represent our medical staff in discussions with administration and our goal is to make sure that we continue to improve on the delivery of our health care to our patients,” she said. “We are very focused on outreach so encouraging people to come in for screenings they need is something very near and dear to my heart.”

Akintola was appointed to the Christian Hospital medical staff in 2005 and has served as the associate chief of staff for the past three years. She has also served six one-year terms as secretary/treasurer of the

medical staff starting in 2012.

She completed her residency in Anatomic and Clinical Pathology at the State University of New York, Upstate Medical University and fellowships at Washington University in St. Louis and St. Louis University and is a graduate of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

are overwhelmed with COVID-19,”

Akintola said.

With COVID-19 cases increasing exponentially, health care providers across St. Louis are experiencing huge increases in case numbers.

“I would say as a whole, we

“Christian Northeast and Northwest are the busiest in the St. Louis area. We have been inundated with a lot of patients, I would say that a third of our census right now or slightly under are COVID, so for instance, perhaps 70 out of 220, so it’s a significant strain on the system but we do have dedicated individuals who are getting the work done.”

Akintola said the team at Christian Hospital is rising to meet the challenges presented by the pandemic.

“We’ve got a great team here, and that’s really their focus: how do we get the work done,” she said. “Our goal is to provide excellent patient care, and we believe that that is what we’re doing.”

When asked if there are any employee shortages, Akintola said there are “not necessarily” any employee shortages happening from the rising COVID-19 transmission rates.

“Our employees have pretty much been stable, those that we have, but of course like everyone else as a system, we have had struggles with manpower because there is such a great need across the country, but we have been able to get additional manpower when needed,” she

“I hate needles, and I did not know the side effects or what was in the vaccines,” he said. Sherrell, who is still not convinced the virus wasn’t man-made, grappled with her fears, too.

Blood

Continued from A10

Zydlo pointed to a couple of factors driving the increasing demand, suggesting that some of the need comes because people who paused elective procedures during the early part of the COVID-19 pandemic are finally undergoing things like hip or knee replacements. He

Smoking

Continued from A10

“I guess I’m just a conspiracy theorist,” she said. “My first response was ‘Oh no! Why are they giving this out for free? They don’t give any other medications for free.’” But, because the couple

said trauma situations are also on the rise around the U.S. as “more people are getting out.”

There was a surge in blood donors early in the COVID-19 pandemic as people searched for ways to help. But in recent months, the Red Cross has seen a significant decrease in first-time blood donors — a 13.5% drop in the St. Louis region.

“We really rely on those

Learning Sciences at the University of Houston, confirms that COVID-19 combined with all these inequities exacerbates the effects of smoking on the Latino community. A tiny nicotine plant known to some indigenous peoples is used for ceremonial purposes. The effects of colonization of this ceremonial and sacred plant were felt before the pandemic. The United States government passed a religious criminal code of Indian Offenses in 1883, which among other things, prohibited indigenous peoples from performing their cultural and traditional practices involving ceremonial tobacco.

Dr. Patricia Nez Henderson, a member of the Dine (Navajo) tribe and leading authority on tobacco control in American Indian communities, stated, “It is very important to distin-

were living with or caring for older relatives, they relented.

“I was helping take care of my grandmother and my 72-year-old mother,” Tony said.

“Because they both had health issues, I had to put my fears aside and stop thinking about myself. I got vaccinated to prevent myself from spreading it to others.”

Sherrell did what health

first-time donors to come,” Zydlo said.

There has been:

-A 10% overall blood donation decline since March 2020.

-A 62% drop in college and high school blood drives due to the pandemic. Student donors accounted for 25% of donors in 2019 and just 10% since.

-Ongoing blood drive cancellations due to illness,

guish between the ceremonial and commercial use of the tobacco plant. This sacred plant was colonized, additives put in it, mass-produced for commercial sale, and marketed to young Indigenous people. Now we have some of the highest smoking rates in this country.”

The pandemic presented a unique opportunity for tribal nations to address high smoking rates. Prior to the pandemic, fewer than 10 of the 455 tribally operated casinos provided a smoke-free environment for patrons and workers.

experts suggested and researched the vaccine.

“My mother and Tony’s mother and grandmother were on us to get vaccinated. So, I did my research and found out that people weren’t getting sick from it,” she said. “So, we got vaccinated around the end of July.”

Like so many other African Americans with a robust dis-

weather-related closures and staffing limitations.

Additional factors like a surge of COVID-19 cases and an active flu season may compound the already tough situation.

Blood cannot be manufactured or stockpiled and can only be made available through the kindness of volunteer donors. Less than a one-day supply of critical blood types in recent weeks.

While most of them were shut down, tribal health advocates appealed to tribal leaders about operating the casinos in a smoke-free environment. Now, more than 144 of the casinos are reopened with smoke-free environments.

On Nov. 6, 2021, the president of the Navajo Nation signed into law a comprehensive act that prohibits tobacco use in all public, tribally operated facilities such as casinos, rodeos, and parks, among others.

In 2012, the Centers

said. “It hasn’t been easy, but again, we’re getting it done.” Community outreach has been somewhat a setback because of the new COVID-19 surge, according to Akintola.

“Making sure that people get the screenings that they need, whether it’s a colonoscopy or a mammogram, is making sure that they have access to care,” she said. “I think that the limiting factor for a lot of people is that they don’t have access to care.”

Akintola’s biggest takeaway is that those who have not gotten vaccinated already should do so.

“We just want everyone to be safe and healthy. Everything that we’re saying is based on science, and the science supports it,” she said.

Artiee Dabbs whos been a fan of singing kereoke sings a duet with DJ Tony Yancy at Da City night club at Riverview and Broadway Blvd. Tue. Jan 12, 2022 after the two had a bout with COVID-19.

trust of the medical system, Sherrell decided to get vaccinated under certain conditions.

“I scheduled my vaccination way out in a white neighborhood because I don’t know what they might be giving us in black neighborhoods,” she said. “Now that I’ve done it, I feel that at least I’ve given myself what’s supposed to be a fighting chance.”

“At a time when many businesses and organizations across the country are experiencing pandemic challenges, the Red Cross is no different,” the Red Cross says.

“We are all learning how to live in this new environment, how we spend our time, where we work, how we give back, how we make a difference in the lives of others – donating blood must continue to be part of it.

for Disease Control began a national media campaign aimed at promoting people quitting smoking. A smoking “quitline” was established, 1-800-QUIT-NOW, which led to state-level ‘quitlines’ for people looking for help to stop smoking. The campaign increased calls, which ranged from 700,000-900,000 annually. In 2020, calls decreased by over 190,000 compared to 2019. Tobacco sales increased, likely due to increased stressors brought on by the pandemic.

That feeling was betrayed somewhat when the Yancys both tested positive after Christmas.

“I felt cheated. It was like “damn, ‘I been through this already.’” I thought getting vaccinated would protect me. Then common sense kicked in and I re-examined things and thought… ‘what if I weren’t vaccinated?,’” Tony said.

Sherrell says she also believes the vaccines helped them avoid serious consequences.

“I don’t know which variant we had,” she said. “I heard the Omicron is more easily transmissible, but I really don’t know. I do know that neither one of us had a fever. I had phlegm (mucus) in my throat like a head cold, and I was just tired all the time. So, after I was tested, I just quarantined myself, and then I was fine.”

The couple’s wait time for their first booster shot is approaching, and they plan to get their shots soon. Though initially skeptical, Tony wonders why people are still so hesitant to get vaccinated.

“I know you have to tread lightly with people. I had fears of the unknown, too, but I’ve lost at least five family members in a six-month span last year,” he said.

“When you start seeing so many deaths and hospitalizations…I don’t understand the hesitation. The bottom line is, if you have people in your family with underlying conditions, do them a favor, don’t be selfish, get vaccinated.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess COVID Fellow.

The Red Cross is providing incentives to prospective blood donors. It is partnering with the NFL are in January, National Blood Donor Month. Donors who come to give through Jan. 31, 2022, will automatically be entered to win two tickets to Super Bowl LVI in Los Angeles. Evie Hemphill is a producer for “St. Louis on the Air” at St. Louis Public Radio.

It appears COVID-19 is here to stay or at least is not going away any time soon. There is no better time to quit smoking, according to the SCLC. Smoking weakens the immune system and damages the lungs. This makes it harder more difficult to recover from COVID-19 and smokers are more likely to end up in the ICU, need a ventilator and are more likely to die. Mylika Scatliffe is the Baltimore Afro-American women’s health writer.

Dr. Olaronke AkintolaOgunremi

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

PRESENT:

PRESENT:

Nutrition Challenge:

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

Dining Out.

A Closer Look at Ingredients

GRAINS Keep ‘em Whole!

What Is ASize?Serving

The Smart Way!

Warm Up & Cool Down

Start Small!

Do This. Not That!

Exercise Game

First Day of Spring!

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

Tech-Neck

for several different reasons.

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

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

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

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

Cola

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

Healthy Kids

You get home from school and you’re hungry. You grab the closest snack you can find. But do you really know what’s in the food you’re about to eat? Take a look at the Ingredients Listing found on all food labels. Two key things to remember are: What comes first? — Ingredients are listed by the amount of that item the food contains. In other words, if the first ingredient is sugar (or corn syrup, fructose, etc.) you know that food contains a lot of “empty” calories. This means that the food probably won’t provide many nutrients, just a lot of calories.

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

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

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

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

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

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

It is often said that the hardest part about exercising is getting started!

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice.

So, start small. For example, if you want to be able to run 5 miles, you can’t just go out and run that far on your very first try. First, start by walking farther and faster each day.

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

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

INGREDIENTS:

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

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

INGREDIENTS: Whole Grain Corn, Sugar, Corn Meal, Corn Syrup, Canola and/or Rice Bran Oil, Cocoa Processed with Alkali, Color Added, Salt, Fructose, Natural and Artificial Flavor, Trisodium Phosphate, BHT Added to Preserve Freshness. Vitamins and Minerals: Tricalcium Phosphate, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc and Iron (mineral nutrients), Vitamin C (sodium ascorbate), A B Vitamin (niacinamide), Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine hydrochloride), Vitamin B2 (riboflavin), Vitamin B1 (thiamin mononi- trate), Vitamin A (palmitate), A B Vitamin (folic acid), Vitamin B12, Vitamin D3 MAY CONTAIN WHEAT INGREDIENTS.

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

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

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

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

Keep it short! — You want the list to be short: not many ingredients. Generally the shorter the ingredient list the more natural the food, and healthier for you. Avoid foods that contain a lot of chemicals and preservatives in the ingredients list.

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

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

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

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

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

Discussion: Why aren’t there ingredients lists on fresh fruits and vegetables?

Cathy Hines , BSN, RN

Melissa Douglass, MSW

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 2, NH 3, NH 5

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

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

Where do you work? I am the founder and distance counselor for Goal Driven Counseling, LLC.

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 2, NH 3, NH 5

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

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Monday, January 17, is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Why not celebrate by not just enjoying a day off school, but deciding to use the day to make a difference for your community?

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

When you can walk briskly for thirty minutes, slowly add in some running along the way. Try walking 10 minutes and then run for three and walk for 10 again. When you can do that pretty easily, switch it to walking for five minutes and running for five. Finally, you’ll switch to walking for three,

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

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

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

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

Learning Standards:

HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

running for 10, and eventually you can run the entire 30 minutes! Remember that this could take a few months to accomplish, and always ask your doctor if it’s a good idea to do the kind of exercise you’re choosing.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

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

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

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

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

Cracker-wiches

a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Tuskegee University.

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

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

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

What does a school nurse do? I assess the concerns of students who are ill, injured or experiencing alterations in their normal health. Nurses screen daily staff, students and visitors for safety. Monroe School is a pilot school for Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city.

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

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

What does a school nurse do? Each day I greet students at 9:05 am as they depart from their school buses. I sometimes have music playing to inspire them. I am observing to make sure that they all have masks on (over the nose). I teach them the importance of wearing masks at all times. When they come to my office, I make them feel comfortable and important. They often receive an anatomy and physiology lesson on what is bothering them at the moment and how to prevent further health issues.

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

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

> How bullying hurts others.

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

> What to do if you are bullied.

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

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

Research online and in the newspaper for events taking place on Monday that reflect the ideals and causes that were so important to Dr. King. Are there any community/ neighborhood projects that would appreciate your contribution? Can you think of your own project?

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

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

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

Fruit Pizzas

Easy Hummus Dip

Ingredients:

Ingredients:

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

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

PB Smoothie

Ingredients:

1/2 c non-fat plain Greek yogurt

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Why did you choose this career? I love nursing because there are many opportunities in hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, legal and research. My passion is working in the schools with students, parents, staff and community partners.

Why did you choose this career? As a teenager, I had the opportunity to work at St. Bernard’s Hospital, in Chicago, where I had the opportunity to observe nurses and how dedicated they were. I chose this career because I have always been a kind soul to others. Nursing just made sense to me.

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

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

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

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans

Ingredients:

1 cup blueberries

2 tbs natural peanut butter, creamy or crunchy 1 tb honey, Rice cakes

> What other ice hazards are there?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, NH 5

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

1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

1 Garlic clove, crushed

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

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

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

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

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

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

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

2 Tsp Cumin, 1 Tsp Olive oil, ½ Tsp Salt Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy with baked tortilla chips or raw vegetables.

Toppings: any of your favorite fruits; granola Directions: In a medium bowl, stir together the yogurt, peanut butter, and honey until smooth. Spread over rice cakes. Top with sliced fruit, granola as desired.

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

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

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

What is your favorite part of your career? My favorite parts of the job are the thank-yous and fist bumps from a preschooler, seeing tennis shoes tied up instead of snow boots, bye bye at the end of the day, and no emergencies.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

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

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

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Banana

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

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

grade students Kyrese

and John Lewis have fun learning engineering on

Photo by Rhonda Stovall

nie@stlamerican.com.

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

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Background Information:

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

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

“Invent” The Xylophone!

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

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

• Table

Procedure:

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

w Fill each glass with a different amount of water.

MATH CONNECTION

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

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

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

DID YOU KNOW?

Newspaper In Education initiative is made

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

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

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

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN-AMERICAN INVENTOR & ARCHITECT: Earl S. Bell

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

For more information, visit: http://www.earlsbell.com or http://projectblackman. com/GreatBlackMenInHistory. aspx?notablePersonId=211 (this site also features videos). Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, math, and technology.

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities.

Activity One Inferences:

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

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

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

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

Activity Two — Goal

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

D.T.

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

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.

Josephine Cochrane invented the first dishwasher in 1886.

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

Students in Ms. Rhonda Stovall’s class enjoy creating an engineering design using marshmallows and raw spaghetti. Third

Williams

Pajama Day.

Slide Skin Technnology Chair

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

Adeline

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

Sasu Clock and Wifi Router Charge Ring

Study shows Black parents alarmed about school violence

Say votes depend on improvement

By Stacy M. Brown NNPA

A new poll revealed that parents continue to express “legitimate concerns” about violence in schools, increased bullying, and a lack of mental health resources.

The poll released by the National Parents Union found that 59% of parents are very or extremely concerned about how schools are teaching race and diversity.

“Many Black parents are worried that schools are being harsher on students of color compared to white students,” researchers noted in the poll.

increased bullying or violence in school as a significant issue. About 52% said student mental health after coping with the pandemic is a significant issue, as well.

n “Parents have very legitimate concerns about violence in schools, increased bullying, and a lack of mental health resources.”

- Keri Rodrigues, co-founder, and President of the National Parents Union,

The National Parents Union counts as a network of parent organizations and grassroots activists committed to improving the quality of life for children and families in the United States.

Conducted from Nov. 19 to Nov. 23, the survey included 1,233 parents who also count as registered voters.

Researchers found that 84% of parents are concerned about how schools address the threat of violence, and 59% identified

“Parents have very legitimate concerns about violence in schools, increased bullying, and a lack of mental health resources,” Keri Rodrigues, co-founder, and President of the National Parents Union, said in a statement.

“Now, it is incumbent on schools to do something about these issues, especially given the federal funds available. It’s not rocket science. Rather than repaint a football field, first, make sure that there are enough counselors to help students cope with mental health issues,” Rodrigues asserted.

The poll also asked the parents who responded that they were concerned about the threat of violence, which worries them the most.

The top three most pressing concerns remain: 44%: schools not having enough counselors, psychologists, or social workers to work

with students

42%: schools not having resources to keep weapons out of schools

39%: schools not having school resource officers or police accessible on campus

59% of parents are extremely or very concerned about how schools are teaching about race and diversity; Among Black parents, 69% share this sentiment, which drops slightly to 67% among Hispanic parents.

Of the overall number of parents who are at least somewhat

concerned (79 percent):

48% say what concerns them the most is schools are not teaching accurate information about the issue of race.

42% are most concerned about schools pushing a progressive agenda onto students

56% of GOP parents who are concerned say this is their top concern

32% are most concerned that schools aren’t focused on the issue enough

46% of Black parents who are concerned say this is their

top concern 78% of parents are concerned about how schools are managing disciplinary issues

Nearly half (46%) of Black parents who said they are concerned about how schools are managing disciplinary issues are worried that schools are harsher on students of color compared to white students

38% of parents trust Democrats to do a better job of handling education; 31% trust Republicans; 14% trust both equally; 11% trust neither

Among parents who identify as Independents, 28% trust Republicans and 20% trust Democrats.

“These findings underscore the importance of the very thing we have been imploring school leaders across the country to do – listen to the parents in your community,” Rodrigues stated.

“It also reinforces the need for those running for office to take the concerns of parents very seriously or risk losing elections.”

Photo courtesy of National Parents Union

More than 50% of Black parents in a poll by the National Parents Union said they have legitimate concerns about school violence, and student mental health is a significant issue, as well.

Empowering community with financial information

Urban League, partners on the money

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

James Clark, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis vice president of public safety and Neighborhood Alliance executive director, and Paula E.W. Carey-Moore, Urban League regional senior director of housing, met last fall with money on their minds.

“James said, ‘We’ve got to get individuals from the community to get their credit scores up,’” Carey-Moore said. “We decided to take a neighborhood-by-neighborhood approach.”

Carey-Moore took the proverbial ball and ran with it. Within weeks, Regions Bank had signed on to assist.

Carey-Moore said Shamara Stephens, Regions Bank mortgage loan originator, suggested a community outreach event. Country

n “We wanted to present financial information in a way people will trust.”

– Paula E.W. Carey-Moore, Urban League

Financial, the St. Louis Treasurer’s office and others came on board.

The effort resulted in the first Intergenerational Wealth-Building and Empowerment Expo at Wohl Recreational Center Jan. 8, 2022.

“We wanted to present financial information in a way people will trust,” Carey-Moore said.

“Our goal was to bring basic financial resources to the neighborhoods and teach people how to utilize the resources they are receiving.”

Carey-Moore said the expo was the Urban League’s kickoff event for the upcoming Money Smart Month in April.

“We are signing unbanked families up for checking/saving accounts, giving homebuyer information, signing them up for classes/workshops, providing credit and financial information,” she said. “We asked ourselves, ‘what are we seeing too much of?’ We see too much Go Fund Me. We see too much payday lending. We see too many people without checking accounts.”

Rubbie Groves-Clay, Clay Realty Group LC owner/broker and author of “Get A Hold of Your Darn Finances,” said she attended the expo “because of my [more than] 27 years in the real estate business” and to share her book with attendees.

See URBAN LEAGUE, B2

New year brings new evictions

Displacements continue as St. Louis city, county seek new administrator for rental aid program

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs The St. Louis American

A holiday reprieve in residential evictions in the St. Louis area has ended, as law enforcement officials showed up at multiple homes in the new year, according to city and county officials. The evictions come even as the city and county look for new help in channeling $12.4 million in rental assistance funds to residents in need. Both the city and county took a pause over the holidays, at least on paper. Technically, St. Louis County was governed by a council-backed evictions moratorium over the holidays. Even so, between Dec. 22 and Jan. 5, the county sheriff acted on at least 44 eviction requests approved by the courts. That includes at least six cases in which people were physically removed from their homes, said John O’Sullivan, communications director with the St. Louis County Courts in Clayton.

Members of the STL Housing Defense Collective gathered downtown on August 2, 2021 to demand better rental assistance.

PeoPle on the Move

Patton appointed to HSSU Board of Regents

Valerie Patton, chief diversity, equity, and inclusion officer and president for the Greater St. Louis Inc., Foundation, was recently appointed to the Harris-Stowe State University Board of Regents. Patton formerly worked with the St. Louis Regional Chamber, serving as senior vice president of economic inclusion and workforce development strategies and executive director of the chamber’s St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative. She is a current adjunct professor at the Washington University Brown School of Social Work, with previous adjunct professorship experience at the former Harris-Stowe College, and St. Louis Community College Forest Park.

Williams named Nine PBS chief content officer

will become Nine

content officer. Williams will provide leadership and oversight of the creation and distribution of Nine PBS content. She will anchor Nine PBS’s local content strategy in identifying needs in the community and ensure the look and feel of station content is engaging, contemporary, innovative, and optimized for audiences across multiple platforms. She holds a Master of Science degree from Temple University in digital innovation in marketing and a Bachelor of Journalism from the University of Missouri–Columbia. Williams is an East St. Louis, IL, native.

joins Armstrong Teasdale

Armstrong Teasdale announced the addition of Counsel Teresa Arroyo to the firm’s Intellectual Property practice group and Corporate Services practice group. Arroyo is an independent contractor in Armstrong Teasdale’s Intellectual Property practice. She began her career as a systems engineer for a federal aviation contractor, and has more than 20 years of experience working for the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as both a patent examiner and supervisory patent examiner.

(This is a correction/clarification from a previous People on the Move posting)

Clayco welcomed Sam Boynes as manager of publicprivate initiatives at its Chicago Business Unit. Boynes will assist in the design and launch of initiatives that accelerate minority-owned small-business growth. He will also lead on-theground efforts in the development and execution of economic impact programs. Boynes previously led diversity efforts for construction trades at HIRE360, managing relationships with major developers, contractors and unions.

utes,” he said. In 30 cases the properties already were empty, which one housing expert said is a frequent occurrence when residents are threatened with eviction. Whether mindful of the county moratorium

or just in the holiday spirit, attorneys cut down on the number of eviction requests filed during that period, O’Sullivan said. The county received 35 court-approved evic-

“The sheriff continued to exercise his duty to execute lawfully ordered judgements and Circuit Court orders. If he had failed to do that he would have violated several state stat- See EVICTIONS, B2

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Inter-generational Wealth-Building and Empowerment Expo was held Jan. 8, at Wohl Recreational Center. Among the Urban League’s partners were Regions Bank, which had several representatives at the event.

Aja Williams

PBS’s new chief

Valerie Patton

Aja Williams

Arroyo

Photo courtesy of the Urban League

Sam Boynes joins Clayco

Sam Boynes

Photo by Richard Reilly

Urban

Urban League

Continued from B1

“I am a licensed real estate broker; however, my mission is not only to help people purchase homes but to show them how money works. Through my collaboration with the Urban League, we can and are going sell homes. Most importantly, we are going to change the mindset of millions as to how they deal with their money.”

Early attendees received a copy of Groves-Clay’s book, which examines topics, including developing a financial plan, credit, budgeting, money management and estate planning.

“The Office of Financial Empowerment/Operation HOPE was proud to participate at the Urban League Financial Empowerment event to provide information on our financial workshops and credit consultation services, which are delivered at no cost to the people,”

Reginald D. Garth, Operation

Evictions

Continued from B1

tion orders after Jan. 5. Of the 33 cases the Sheriff’s Department acted upon, 26 properties were vacant and one person was physically removed. More actions are scheduled in the days ahead.

Last August, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down a federal eviction moratorium established by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention almost a year earlier to try to reduce the spread of COVID19.

Researchers at Princeton University estimate that while the moratorium was in place, the U.S. saw at least 1.55 million fewer eviction filings than normal.

Since the federal forbearance lapsed, eviction protection largely has been a patchwork of local edicts, some more enforceable than others.

The city of St. Louis also took a holiday hiatus on processing evictions, with city Sheriff Vernon Betts declaring, “I don’t want anybody calling me the Grinch. Don’t call your sheriff the Grinch.”

“We got to a point just recently during the holidays where we suspended evictions altogether,” Betts said. “I had the power and privilege to make that call. So during the holidays, we did not do any of that,” unless the evictions were from “nuisance properties,” or

HOPE, financial wellbeing coach, said. “Our first quarter workshops focus on personal financial development, and our second quarter workshops will focus on planning for your financial future. It is our commitment to the people of St. Louis to provide these services to help residents make better choices about their money and achieve their financial goals.

To do this in partnership with the Urban League is of a huge benefit to the city of St. Louis because everyone deserves and needs financial literacy and empowerment.”

Carlin Box, a Country Financial representative, said she and her firm were proud to be a major sponsor of the Expo.

“Country Financial enriches lives in the community we serve,” she said. “The sponsorship funds were used for food boxes donated to families in the community and catering for the event. Our booth provided information about home, auto and life insurance. I enjoyed meeting people in my commu-

involved a crime.

“But the normal citizen, we suspended that,” he said.

Forty five evictions were approved by the courts between Jan. 3 and 10 in St. Louis, according to Lt. Neil Hogan of the city Sheriff’s Department. Of those, 10 were canceled.

Hogan did not have information on how many of the 35

n “We’re at that point where we don’t know where the funding is quite yet to provide rental assistance or relocation assistance for individuals facing eviction. You have families who … have to leave and have no resources.”

– Clarice Lipsey, a housing resource specialist and tenant advocate

evictions actually executed involved residents still on the premises.

In December, 38 evictions were approved, with 17 executed and 21 canceled.

The total for 2021 – 754, with 621 executed – marked a 43% drop from the 1,315 evictions requested in 2019, the last full year before the pandemic, according to Hogan.

“Evictions are few and far between but they are happen-

nity and answering their questions.”

Carey-Moore and the Urban League Housing Department are not strangers to wealth building and the importance of homeownership. The department and community partners provide individual and group counseling to educate residents on financial capabilities, credit and money management, pre-and post-purchase housing counseling, loss mitigation outreach sessions and advocacy for fair housing.

Each year, the Urban League Housing Department hosts the St. Louis Metropolitan Housing Task Force, which comprises multiple leaders from lending institutions, governmental agencies, community stakeholders, and nonprofits.

The Urban League Financial Literacy Training Program also helps participants learn how to manage household budgets, do basic checking and savings account management, understand credit reports, and recognize signs of predatory lending.

ing,” said Clarice Lipsey, a housing resource specialist and tenant advocate who works with the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. And the current temperature drop “complicates everything,” she said. “We’re at that point where we don’t know where the funding is quite yet to provide rental assistance or relocation assistance for individuals facing eviction. You have families who … have to leave and have no resources.”

More than 1,700 city of St. Louis residents who applied for rental aid between April and December 2021 were able to get help with their housing problems through the Emergency Rental Assistance-1 program. That program is now on hold. There were 1,728 confirmed recipients as of Dec. 28. The average amount of assistance provided was $4,900. The original program was coordinated through the city’s Department of Human Services. At least seven local agencies were contracted to process rental assistance applications online and in person. Now, the city is “working diligently with St. Louis County on the selection of a new [program] provider in the new year to streamline the disbursement of funds and improve our process moving forward,” said Nick Dunne, a spokesman for the St. Louis Mayor’s Office. The city and St. Louis County have issued a joint request for proposals to help distribute the next round of funding, called ERA-2, he said. Residents who applied for help before Dec. 30 will have their documentation submitted to the new provider, who will contact them. Those who applied for ERA-1 funding will be given priority when ERA-2 funds are dispersed. There are about 2,930 people on the waiting list, Dunne said.

For those in need of immediate help, the State of Missouri also has a rental assistance program, called State Assistance for Housing Relief. Residents can apply by visiting the state’s website or by calling 833-541-1599.

Karen Robinson-Jacobs is The St. Louis American / Type Investigations business reporter and a Report for America corps member.

The

League of Metropolitan St. Louis Inter-generational Wealth-Building and Empowerment Expo was held Jan. 8, at Wohl Recreational Center.

Photo courtesy of the Urban League

n “There is a double standard. I don’t think that that is something that we should shy away from.”

– Troy Vincent, NFL executive vice president of football operations, commenting on retaining and hiring Black coaches

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Prime football prospect Kevin Coleman picks Jackson State

Deion “Prime Time” Sanders rocked the college football landscape in recent weeks by recruiting national prospect Travis Hunter to Jackson State after he previously committed to Florida State.

Sanders was at it again as he convinced Missouri’s top player, St. Mary’s wide receiver Kevin Coleman to join the HBCU ranks at Jackson State. Coleman made his announcement during the nationally televised Army All-American Bowl in San Antonio on Jan. 10, 2022.

Coleman, 58th in the ESPN 300 national rankings, chose Jackson State over Florida State, Miami of Florida, Arizona State, and other major conference programs. With several team caps in front of him, Coleman picked the Jackson State cap and donned it while wearing blue blazer, which is the color of Jackson State.

As a senior, Coleman led the Dragons on a dominating run to the Missouri Class 5 state championship. He caught 37 passes for 937 yards and had 37 carries for 435 yards while scoring 29 touchdowns. He concluded his stellar prep career with a pair of touchdowns in the Dragons’ 54-0 drubbing of Kansas City St. Pius X in the state championship game.

Area stars shine on gridiron

Several former high school stars from the St. Louis metro area have enjoyed tremendous seasons at the collegiate ranks this season.

• Former Cardinal Ritter College Prep standout Jameson Williams emerged as one of Alabama’s top wide receivers. He entered Monday night’s national championship game with 75 receptions for 1,507 yards and 15 touchdowns. He averaged 20 yards per reception. In the SEC championship game against Georgia last month, he had seven receptions for 184 yards and two touchdowns. He had seven games where he had at least 100 yards receiving and four games where he had at least 150 yards.

• Former Eureka standout Hassan Haskins

enjoyed a big senior season for Michigan, which won the Big Ten championship and earned a spot in the College Football Playoff. Haskins rushed

Kevin Coleman, Missouri’s top rated football recruit, surprised several Power 5 teams and the college football world by announcing he would attend Jackson State University and play for Deion Sanders.

• Former Vianney standout Kyren Williams had two big seasons at Notre Dame. He rushed for 1,002 yards and scored 17 touchdowns this season. He also had 42 receptions for 359 yards. It was a nice follow up season to last year’s performance when he rushed for 1,125 yards and scored 14 touchdowns.

• Former Lutheran North standout Aqeel Glass was the top HBCU quarterback during a stellar career at Alabama A&M. He was the Offensive Player of the Year in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). Glass completed 259 of 414 passes for 3,368 yards with 36 touchdown and only seven interceptions. For his career, Glass threw for 10,944 yards and 104 touchdowns. He is very prominent in the school’s record book for his passing exploits.

• Former Pattonville standout Kaleb Eleby put together an excellent season as Western Michigan quarterback. Eleby completed 230 of 362 passes for 3,277 yards and 23 touchdowns while throwing only six interceptions.

for 1,327 yards on 270 carries and scored 20 touchdowns. He became a permanent part of Michigan folklore when he rushed for 169 yards and scored five touchdowns in the Wolverines’ victory over rival Ohio State.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Yuri Collins earns A-10 honor Former St. Mary’s basketball standout Yuri Collins of Saint Louis University was named the Atlantic 10 Conference Player of the Week. The 6’0” Collins was tremendous during a stretch in which the Billikens won three of four games. He had a career-high and school record 19 assists in a victory against Boston College on Dec. 11, a career-high 12 rebounds against Auburn on Dec. 18 and a career-high of 24 points in a victory over Richmond in the A-10 Conference on Jan. 2. He also added six rebounds and eight assists in the Richmond game. Collins currently leads all NCAA Division I schools in assists.

Leftwich, Bieniemy top Black candidates for NFL head coach roles

Imagine how Chris Grier, one of few Black NFL general managers, felt when he fired Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores, one of three Black NFL head coaches on what is known as Black Monday in the coaching world.

A day after the Dolphins’ season ended, Flores was shockingly dismissed. This was owner Steve Ross’ call, not Grier’s. Ross said it was his decision, and his alone. Grier was retained, which could hint at a “power struggle” between he and Flores but I’m not buying into that. Flores could become a rarity. He could very well be hired as a head coach for the 2022 season. A classy man, Flores was diplomatic in discussing his firing.

coaches and support staff who gave everything they had on a daily basis to help us win games. They deserve the credit for any success on the field, and it was the honor of a lifetime for me to go to work with them every day.”

Alvin A. Reid

“I want to thank the Miami Dolphins organization for the opportunity to be the head coach of this team for the last three seasons,” he said in a statement.

“It was an honor to represent the franchise and lead this group of men. I am grateful most of all for the players,

It should be noted he doesn’t mention Grier or Ross by name. Flores inherited a team in 2019 that was called “the worst in the NFL.” There were thoughts the Dolphins would be winless. But Flores won five games and respect of his players, GM, and owner. At least that is what we thought. The Dolphins went 10-6 in 2020, missing the playoffs by one game. After stumbling to a 1-7 start, the Dolphins won seven games in a row, finished 9-8 and again missed the postseason by a game. He finished 24-25 and got fired. With Flores’ out, the NFL has two Black head coaches: Mike Tomlin of the Pittsburgh Steelers and David Culley of the Houston Texans.

Mike Silver of NFL Media wrote on Twitter Flores’ dismissal and lack of Black head

coaches are symbolic of the NFL’s bias in hiring and firing standards.

“There is systemic racism in the NFL, and there are actual racists in some positions of power. I’m done dancing around the latter,” he wrote.

“The NFL’s minority-coaching situation is as horrific as it’s been in a long time.”

The NFL can improve its image if several Black head coaching candidates are selected for the six current openings.

The playoff-bound Las Vegas Raiders rightfully

Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich has interviewed with the Jaguars and seems like a great fit. He starred at quarterback for the Jags for four seasons, guiding his squad to the playoffs in 2005.

accepted the resignation of the despicable Jon Gruden on Oct. 1. The Jacksonville Jaguars fired overmatched and toxic

Urban Meyer on Dec. 15.

Like Flores, Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer and Chicago Bears head coach Matt Nagy got the Black Monday axe. Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio got the heave-ho on Sunday after his team lost to the Kansas City Chiefs. Tampa Bay offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich has interviewed with the Jaguars

and seems like a great fit. He starred at quarterback for the Jags for four seasons, guiding his squad to the playoffs in 2005.

After the Bucs’ Super Bowl victory over the Kansas City Chiefs last year, head coach Bruce Arians said he turned the offense over to Leftwich earlier in the season. He was puzzled as to why Leftwich did not receive more interview requests and why he was not hired for a head coaching position.

The Jaguars also interviewed Todd Bowles, former New York Jets head coach and Bucs defensive coordinator, and Jim Caldwell, former Detroit Lions, and Indianapolis Colts head coach. Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator, has interviewed for 12 openings over the past two years and failed to secure a head coaching job. He is a former Vikings running back coach, and that franchise is in search mode. He will reportedly interview with the Bears.

Like Arians and Leftwich, Chiefs head coach Andy Reid is surprised that Bieniemy is not already a head coach.

Other Black head coaching candidates include:

• Leslie Frazier, Bills defensive coordinator A member of the Bears from 1981-’85, Frazier was also Vikings’ head coach from 2011-’13. He also serves as Bills associate head coach.

• Raheem Morris, L.A. Rams defensive coordinator The Bucs’ head coach from 2009-’11 and the Falcons’ interim once Dan Quinn was fired last year.

• Vance Joseph, Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Joseph went 11-21 as the Broncos’ head coach from 2017-’18. That’s not good, but he has turned a porous Cardinals defense into one of NFL’s best.

Lastly a shout out to Culley and Tomlin. Culley’s team was a mess, even before quarterback DeShaun Watson did not play because of ongoing legal woes. He somehow won four games, and as of Tuesday was not fired. The annual “fire Mike Tomlin” campaign early this season as the Steelers struggled. Tomlin righted the ship and got Pittsburgh back in the playoff. Tomlin also continued his record streak of 15 consecutive seasons with a winning record.

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo courtesy of HBCUsports.com

UMSL Chancellor Kristin Sobolik has a bold vision for the University of Missouri–St. Louis and the role it will play helping shape the future of the St. Louis region as a leader in workforce development and champion for inclusive prosperity.

Sobolik is turning to a veteran strategist and communicator with experience working with public officials and members of the corporate community to help her and the entire UMSL team bring that vision to life.

Adella Jones has been chosen to serve as Sobolik’s chief of staff after spending the

Adella Jones to serve as chief of staff for UMSL

past nine years at the Centene Corporation, most recently as its senior director of messaging. She previously served as the vice president of community and government affairs at the Bi-State Development Agency and Metro Transit and was the St. Louis press secretary for former Congressman Richard Gephardt as well as the public information officer for the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Jones was raised in the St. Louis area and received a bachelor’s degree in radio and television communications from Southern Illinois University

Edwardsville.

She’s interacted with UMSL professionally during her career, including helping lead a series of journalism workshops for high school students in the Bridge Program through her involvement with the Greater St. Louis Association of Black Journalists and in her work with Metro Transit, which has two stops on the UMSL campus.

Adella Jones

Jones said her interactions with the university were always

positive, but she said her research into the chief of staff position and her conversations with Sobolik gave her an even greater appreciation of the important role UMSL can play in the future of the region.

“What I’ve learned from nine, nearly 10 years, of working for one of the region’s leading corporations is that workforce readiness is central to St. Louis’ success,” Jones said.

“It’s a very real challenge. Investments have been made

over time, and we need to see the fruit of those investments.

I believe that the University of Missouri–St. Louis is a solution for those challenges.”

She pointed to the diverse makeup of UMSL students – many of whom are first-generation college students, who followed an untraditional path into higher education, are older and are working as they pursue their degrees.

Jones brings experience working with elected officials at both the state and local level, as well as with business and nonprofit partners, winning their support for important ini-

More than $1 billion of new road, bridge and sewer projects plan to be unveiled

Officials from the City of St. Louis and four surrounding Missouri counties will join leaders from the Missouri Department of Transportation, Metropolitan Sewer District, U. S Army Corps of Engineers, East-West Gateway Council, Meramec Regional Planning Commission, Boonslick Regional Planning Commission, Great Rivers Greenway and the Hoffman Family of Companies to unveil more than $1 billion of new road, bridge and sewer construction projects before hundreds of construction contractors and interested suppliers at the 2022 Investment in Infrastructure Expo to be held Feb. 22 at the St. Charles Convention Center.

Sponsored by the SITE Improvement Association, this annual event will include presentations about upcoming projects, a financial outlook by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, a panel discussion featuring

three regional planning commissions and a trade show featuring construction industry suppliers and other exhibitors networking with Expo attendees and project owners. The last in-person Expo in 2020 attracted more than 400 attendees and 35 exhibitors, and this year’s event will

likely attract many more due to the heightened increase in infrastructure investments being planned at all levels of government. For a short video highlighting the 2020 event, click here: https://vimeo.com/manage/ videos/664275234.

“The infrastructure projects being

unveiled in this area in 2022 are only the tip of the iceberg of what is coming thanks to the recently passed Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act by the federal government and other local and state stimulus spending,” said Jeremy Bennett, Executive Director of SITE. “We will provide participants a look at what lies ahead in terms of these infrastructure investments in our region that will enhance our competitiveness, create good jobs and make our economy stronger for the long run.” The Expo will begin at 1:30 pm with four concurrent presentations outlining more than $1 billion in new construction work and what prospective bidders for that work need to know. The trade show and networking session will then be held from 3:45 – 6:00 p.m. in the exhibit hall, with refreshments available at no additional cost.

tiatives.

She’s impressed by some of UMSL’s existing relationships, including with Greater St. Louis, Inc. and its leadership of the St. Louis Anchor Action Network. “We don’t march alone,” Jones said. “We march with the region. That’s what I like about what’s happening with Greater St. Louis, Inc. We’re part of the regional agenda. We’re part of what’s right with our region, and we walk with our partners to bring that united voice with no sunlight between us.”

UnitedHealthcare hosting virtual job fair to fill 95 openings in St. Louis

UnitedHealthcare will host a virtual job fair to fill 95 fulltime, healthcare sales representative positions based in the St. Louis area. The job openings are in UnitedHealthcare’s Medicare line of business. The virtual job fair will take place on Thursday, Jan. 13 from noon to 3 p.m. Interested candidates are encouraged to visit the link below to learn more about the openings before the job fair. The intent of the virtual job fair is to chat live with recruiters and to ask questions about the position, our company or recruitment process, as well as apply. Visit https:// uhg.hr/Jan2022M&RSales VirtualJobFair

MLK’s St. Louis speech on the future of integration

By Magdalene Linck

Missouri Historical Society

On Sunday, November 27, 1960, the United Hebrew Congregation hosted the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. as he spoke on the future of integration. His speech took place at the United Hebrew Temple, then home to the oldest Jewish congregation west of the Mississippi River and now the location of the Missouri Historical Society’s Library & Research Center. Dr. King visited St. Louis several times between 1954 and 1964. On his first visit in 1954 he spoke at the National Baptist Convention, proving to a crowd of mostly religious leaders that he was more than just the son of the Reverend Martin Luther King Sr. In 1957, he filled the Kiel Auditorium with a crowd of nearly 8,000 people, raising about $50,000 for his work. In 1960, Rabbi Jerome Grollman invited Dr. King back to St. Louis as part of a speaker series sponsored by the Liberal Forum of the Jewish Community Centers Association. Dr. King was the first of five speakers in the series. Admission to the event was $1.25, with special discounts available to students and faculty.An exhausted Dr. King arrived in St. Louis in time for a small, private reception with some of the event organizers, then went on to the temple. Invited to rest in Grollman’s office, Dr. King almost immediately fell asleep in a red lounge chair, which now sits in Grollman’s

home. After his short rest, Dr. King spoke to a full house of over 2,000 people, stating that America was “standing on the threshold of the most creative period in the development of race relations.” He criticized President Dwight D. Eisenhower and Vice President Richard Nixon for not taking a stand against segregation and

Emerson Electric Co. to receive honor

St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley and North County Churches Uniting for Racial Harmony and Justice’s annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration is now virtual. The decision to offer the program virtually instead of having both in-person and virtual options was made to comply with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidance regarding avoiding large gatherings in light of the coronavirus pandemic. The virtual celebration is Tuesday, Jan. 18 from 6-7:30 p.m. and will include an opportunity to hear inspiring speeches, celebrate excellence in the community with a formal award presentation and more. The community is invited to enjoy the event by visiting stlcc.edu/go/fvmlkday or 89.5 KCFV-FM “The Wave.”

Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan Saint Louis, will speak on the celebration’s theme, “We’re Better Together.” McMillan is a member of the boards of directors of numerous organizations and has received hundreds of awards and commendations from various organizations. Most recently, he was inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame as its youngest member and named the 2020 Person of the Year by The St. Louis American Keeping with tradition, North St. Louis County students will lead and participate in the celebration. Tyler Hoskins, a freshman, graphic communications student at the college, will serve as emcee. Beyonce’ Hightower and Javon Spearman,

Christian Hospital Foundation to host second,

‘Drum major for justice’ molded by Morehouse

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

Before his name became synonymous with the civil rights movement, the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was a Morehouse man. His undergraduate experience is often relegated to a footnote within the accomplishments of the Nobel Peace Prize winner’s

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., graduated from Morehouse College in spring 1948, after beginning his collegiate career at 15.

brief, yet most extraordinary life. But it was on the campus of an Historically Black College/ University [HBCU] in his hometown of Atlanta where the seeds were planted that compelled him to take up the charge of bending this nation toward racial justice and equality. Though noteworthy, the narrative of King’s purpose affirming HBCU experience is not unique. Framework for greatness – both individual and collective – has been regularly formulated from the atmosphere pro-

See HBCU, C5

MLK celebration

By JoAnn Weaver

The St. Louis American

The Christian Hospital Foundation will honor the work and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. during a virtual celebration on Friday, Jan. 14, from noon to 1 p.m.

“Dr. King was one of humanity’s greatest influencers of civil rights, justice and peace,” Necole Cheung, executive director of the Christian Hospital Foundation, said.

Under the leadership of Christian Hospital President Rick Stevens, there have been five formal MLK celebrations, although there has been a MLK celebration every year, according to Cheung. This will be the second virtual celebration due to the pandemic.

“This celebration is important to us here at the hospital, as we recognize him and we also still recognize the things that he rep-

Michael P. McMillan Beyonce’ Hightower Javon Spearman

Photo courtesy of Missouri Historical Society Collections United Hebrew Temple, ca.1927.

Photo courtesy of Morehouse College

Photo courtesy of Missouri Historical Society Collections

See STLCC, C5 See Speech, C5

Rev. King was a tireless champion for economic justice

By Charlene Crowell

On Monday, January 17, the nation will pause to honor the life of the late Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The only Black American to be honored with a national holiday, many will recall his historic civil rights achievements.

But Dr. King also stood as a tireless champion for economic justice. His last public speech, delivered a day before his 1968 assassination, was before a Memphis audience in support of a lengthy strike for fair wages among its mostly Black sanitation workers. That prophetic oration, often referred to as his “Mountaintop” speech, also noted the city’s economic disparities.

“It’s all right to talk about “long white robes over yonder,” in all of its symbolism,” said Dr. King “But ultimately people want some suits and dresses and shoes to wear down here! It’s all right to talk about “streets flowing with milk and honey,” but God has commanded us to be concerned about the slums down here, and his children who can’t eat three square meals a day.”

When Dr. King moved his family into the city’s Lawndale neighborhood, he described it as “an island of poverty in the midst of an ocean of plenty.”

“Chicago boasted the highest per capita income of any city in the world, but you would never believe it looking out of the windows of my apartment in the slum of Lawndale,” said Dr. King

“My neighbors paid more rent in the substandard slums of Lawndale than the whites paid for modern apartments in the suburbs. The situation was much the same for consumer goods, purchase prices of homes, and a variety of other services.”

For example, the King family paid $94 per month for four rundown, shabby rooms. During the campaign’s open housing marches on Gage Park and other predominantly white places, new and larger apartment dwellers paid only $78 a month for five rooms[ Fast forward to today and the cost of rental housing remains a challenge for millions of families. The average fair market price for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,295 per month. Yet the highest rent affordable to an average full-time worker is $977, according to the National Low Income Housing Coalition (NLHIC). Its recent report entitled Out of Reach exposes the mismatch between wages people earn and the price of decent rental housing in every state, metropolitan area, and county in the U.S. Over 7.5 million extremely low-income renters are severely housing cost-burdened, finds the report, spending more than half of their incomes on housing. On average, someone who works 40 hours per week all year round must earn $24.90 per hour to afford a modest two-bedroom home without becoming housing cost-burdened. The average renter’s hourly wage is just $18.78 per hour, however, and minimum-wage workers earn even less.

Additionally, ample research documents how consumers seeking to transition from renters to homeowners face even steeper financial barriers to building family wealth. In 2019, prospective buyers of a median-priced home of $321,500 needed to save 11 years to accumulate a 5% down payment of $26,000 on that home, found the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) in its independent and

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., often addressed economic justice in America, saying “it is criminal to have people working on a full-time basis and a full-time job getting part-time income.”

recent report . But buyers seeking the least costly loans, conventional mortgages, needed a 20% down payment of $64,300 plus another $9,663 for closing costs.

“There is a huge disconnect between our collective view of America as the land of opportunity and this data, which show renters face a steep

climb in saving for homeownership,” said CRL researcher and report author Christelle Bamona “This climb is especially steep for Black and Latino Americans, essential workers, and people weighed down by student debt.”

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) underscores CRL’s findings.

Its 2021 research, the State of Housing in Black America: Emerging from the Pandemic Recession (SHIBA) found that although homeownership generates the largest part of building household wealth, fewer than 45% of Black households own their homes, compared to nearly 75% of whites. Further, Black homeowners captured

only $198 million in savings from the Federal Reserve’s lowering of interest rates during COVID. Nationwide, the savings due to this policy change totaled $5.8 billion.

“Blacks have made little, if any, strides at closing the disparate homeownership gap between those of our White counterparts,” noted NAREB President Lydia Pope in the report’s foreword. “Systemic discriminatory regulations and policies continue to thwart any meaningful effort at closing the homeownership gap.”

For example, mortgage pricing, and under-appraisal of home values are examples of how the growth of Black homeownership and, in turn, wealth is systematically suppressed. Since 2019, the rate of mortgage loan denials to Black people (16%) has consistently been double that of whites (7%).

While access to mortgage credit remains a central housing issue, housing affordability has worsened for a record 117 months of yearover-year increases, according. to the National Association of Realtors (NAR). The November 2021 median price of existing homes was $353,900, up 13.9% from November 2020 ($310,800).

Today the quest for economic injustice continues. Just a few weeks before Dr. King’s assassination, his prophetic voice remains as timely as it is timeless:

“Do you know that most of the poor people in our country are working every day? They are making wages so low that they cannot begin to function in the mainstream of the economic life of our nation. These are facts which must be seen. And it is criminal to have people working on a full-time basis and a full-time job getting parttime income.”

Charlene Crowell is a senior fellow with the Center for Responsible Lending

STILL DRIVEN BY HIS MESSAGE

While we take today to celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and his leadership, we remember that his mission of racial equality and justice is something that should be strived for every day.

It’s one of the reasons Enterprise has launched our ROAD Forward Initiative. This five-year, $55 million commitment was created to help narrow social equity gaps in the key areas of early childhood development, youth health and wellness, and career and college preparation.

It’s through the ROAD Forward that we keep Dr. King’s progress part of our daily mission.

©2020 Enterprise

Photo courtesy of The Martin Luther King, Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University

Columnist

Charlene Crowell

On November 2, 1983, President Ronald Reagan signed the King Holiday Bill into law, designating the third Monday in January a federal holiday in observance of civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The legislation to recognize Martin Luther King Jr. Day was first introduced just four days after his assassination on April 4, 1968. Still, it would take 15 years of persistence by civil rights activists for the holiday to be approved by the federal government and an additional

17 years for it to be recognized in all 50 states. Today, it is the only federal holiday designated as a national day of service to encourage all Americans to volunteer and improve their communities.

with a national holiday.

Wonder continued to spread his message with regular appearances alongside Coretta Scott King at rallies. He also capped a four-month tour with a benefit concert on the National Mall, where King delivered his famous “I have a Dream” speech 18 years earlier.

he described as a “packet of filth.” After two days of debate, the bill passed in the Senate and President Ronald Regan reluctantly agreed to sign it into law.

Alcindor,anchorand moderator,“WashingtonWeek”; whitehousecorrespondent, “PBSNewsHour”;Washington correspondentwithNBCNews.

Despite the national fervor inspired by King›s death, the bill to create a holiday in his honor languished for years with limited congressional support. However, Democratic Michigan Congressman, John Conyers, who first proposed the bill on April 8, 1968, was not deterred. He continued to reintroduce the legislation every year with the support of the Congressional Black Caucus, which Conyers helped found.

In 1979, on the 50th anniversary of King’s birth, the bill finally came to a vote in the House. However, even with a petition of 300,000 signatures in support, the backing of President Jimmy Carter, and testimonials from King’s widow, Coretta Scott King, the bill still was rejected by five votes in the House. Republican Missouri Congressman Gene Taylor led the opposition, which cited the costs of an additional federal holiday and traditions which exclude private citizens from receiving recognition with public holidays named in their honor.

Even though it failed to pass in the House, public support for the bill continued to grow, in no small part due to musician Stevie Wonder. The Motown singer and songwriter’s 1980 album “Hotter Than July” featured the song “Happy Birthday,” which served as an ode to King’s vision and a rallying cry for recognition of his achievements

When the bill again made it to the house floor in 1983, fifteen years after King’s murder, support was overwhelming.

Working together, Coretta Scott King, the Congressional Black

Caucus, and Stevie Wonder amassed a six million signature petition in favor of the holiday.

The bill easily passed in the House with a vote of 338 to 90. However, when the bill moved onto the Senate, Republican North Carolina Senator, Jesse Helms attempted to dismiss the legislation by submitting documents alleging that the civil rights leader harbored ties to the communist party. Outraged by the personal attack on King’s character, Democratic New York Congressman Daniel Patrick Moynihan threw the more than 300 page binder to the ground and stomped on what

Despite the holiday’s federal recognition, statewide observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day is far from uniform. Some states include additional holidays, which are celebrated concurrently with Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Arizona and New Hampshire, for example, celebrate “Civil Rights Day” and Wyoming celebrates “Wyoming Equality Day.” Other states, like Alabama and Mississippi, have combined the King holiday with “Robert E. Lee Day” to honor the birthday of Confederate General Robert E. Lee, who was born on January 19. However, Martin Luther King Day has been recognized in all 50 states since early 2000. On August 23, 1994, the King Holiday and Service Act was signed into law by President Bill Clinton. Inspired by King’s life of service, Congressman John Lewis and former Senator Harris Wofford proposed the legislation to encourage Americans to find common causes and methods of improving their communities. In honor of Congressman Lewis’ initiative to make the Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday “a day on, not a day off” the National Museum of

for not upholding the 1954 Supreme Court ruling in the Brown v. Board of Education of Topeka case. He expressed hope for the presidency of the newly elected John F. Kennedy but was cautiously optimistic about real change, as there was a continued resistance to integration and equal rights in Congress. Dr. King

Continued from C1

resented for our community,” Cheung said.

At the event Christian Hospital Foundation will recognize and celebrate the 2022 Drum Major Awardees.

“We are able to recognize our future and current drum majors of today,” Cheung said.

“In a sermon he delivered over a half century ago, [Dr. King] described what he called the ‘drum major instinct,’ what that meant to a congregation in Atlanta.”

The famous “Drum Major Instinct” sermon took place

STLCC

Continued from C1

freshmen, general transfer students at the college, are the student speakers. Participants will also hear winning speeches from NCCU’s Oratorical Contest and a musical performance of James Weldon Johnson’s “Lift Every Voice and Sing” by Alayna Epps, University of Missouri-St. Louis vocalist, accompanied by Paul Higdon, DMA, professor of music and

emphasized the importance of challenging existing norms and continuing to fight injustices wherever they’re encountered. When speaking about the nonviolent protest movement, he proclaimed that “we must match their capacity to inflict suffering with the capacity to endure suffering.”

After his speech, Dr. King answered questions submitted in advance by the crowd. A reception followed wherein all attendees were invited. Dr. King visited St. Louis three more times—twice in 1963

on Sunday, Feb. 4, 1968, at Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta.

“In that passage, he acknowledged the desire to lead but emphasized selfless motives,” she said. “He stated, ‘if you want to say that I’m a drum major, say that I was a drum major for justice, say that I was drum major for peace.’”

This award is the highest honor Christian Hospital Foundation bestows upon unsung heroes from the community who have given their time, talents, treasures, and service in the name of justice, equity, and equality.

The 2022 awardees are: John Bowman – President of St. Louis NAACP Charlotte Hammond

pianist.

In addition to being inspired by rousing speakers and a musical performance, virtual attendees will learn more about why Emerson Electric Co. is being honored with the 2022 Dr. Rance Thomas Excellence in Community Partnership Award.

“I can’t begin to count all the ways Emerson has shown its support. Most recently, thanks to Emerson, STLCC-Florissant Valley is home of the Emerson STEM Academy, a program that ensures students are ready for STEM careers and majors after graduating from high school,”

and once in 1964—before his assassination in April 1968. Each time he visited, his impact and influence grew. It is with great pride that the Missouri Historical Society can continue to honor his legacy and that of other local civil rights leaders by using a historic space to educate and empower generations to come.

Content and photos provided by the Missouri Historical Society.

– President and CEO of Challenge Unlimited Inc. Andreal Hoosman – Owner of Hoosman Haywood Realty

Michael P. McMillan –President and CEO, St. Louis Metropolitan Urban League

Donald M. Suggs – St. Louis American Publisher and Executive Editor Scholarships will be awarded to local high school students in the following schools and school districts who plan to pursue a degree in health care: Jennings, Normandy, Ritenour, Hazelwood, Pattonville, Ferguson-Florissant, Riverview Gardens, Incarnate Word Academy, Cardinal Ritter College Prep and Lutheran North High School.

said Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, Ed.D., campus president and chief academic officer at St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley.

“Emerson had a sincere interest in joining us in the work of preparing young minds for careers in science, technology, engineering, and math, and as a result, provided us with a $1 million grant that made creating the dedicated tutoring and learning space, covering the costs of books and materials for students, and making both transportation and enrichment programs possible.”

THE 5T H AN NUAL DR. MA RTIN LU THER KI NG JR. VI RTUAL CELEBR ATION

EMBR A CING THE DREAM

January 14, 2022 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Visit www.christianhospital.org/mlk-celebration/register for details.

vided at HBCUs.

This is evident from St. Louis City Hall to The White House. Hampton University graduate Tishaura O. Jones serves as our city’s first Black woman mayor. Vice President Kamala Harris – the first Black woman elected Vice President of the United States – proudly represents Howard University. King arrived on the campus of Morehouse College in fall of 1944 as a 15-year-old boy. He graduated in 1948 as a man of God with the capacity to change the nation. King was part of the continuum of an HBCU family legacy. His father, Rev. Martin Luther King Sr., and his grandfather on his mother’s side, Rev. Adam Daniel Williams, were both Morehouse men.

His mother, Alberta King, was a graduate of Hampton.

Even though, by many accounts, he didn’t have exceptional grades, his Morehouse days were transformative.

According to the King Papers of Stanford University’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute, he won second prize in the John L. Webb oratorical competition in 1946 and 1948.

King was president of the sociology club, a member of the debate team, student council, glee club, minister’s union and Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. King also joined the Morehouse chapter of the NAACP.

He arrived at a level of consciousness that motivated him to publicly decry the racism he observed and experienced. During King’s sophomore year, he was influenced by his sociology professor Walter Richard Chivers. An unapologetic opponent of segregation, Chivers later became King’s academic advisor.

The summer after he first studied under Chivers, King wrote a letter to the editor of the Atlanta Constitution in

response to racial terror that resulted in several murders in the state of Georgia.

“We want and are entitled to the basic rights and opportunities of American citizens,”

King wrote. “The right to earn a living at work for which we are fitted by training and ability; equal opportunities in education, health, recreation, and similar public services; the right to vote; equality before the law; some of the same courtesy and good manners that we ourselves bring to all human relations.”

By his senior year, King –admittedly more inspired by his Morehouse professors, mentors, and advisors than his family’s legacy in faith – accepted the call of ministry.

The most profound result of his Morehouse days was the bond established with the school’s famed president, Dr. Benjamin Mays, who helmed the university from 1940-1967.

King described Mays as “one of the great influences in my life.”

The two remained close until King’s death in 1968. It was Mays who delivered King’s eulogy. The man who inspired King with his Tuesday sermons at the university’s chapel, mourned his beloved student.

“Our friendship goes back to his student days at Morehouse College,” Mays said. “It was my desire that if I pre-deceased Dr. King he would pay tribute to me on my final day. It was his wish that if he pre-deceased

me I would deliver the homily at his funeral. Fate has decreed that I eulogize him. I wish it might have been otherwise, for, after all, I am three score years and ten and Martin Luther is dead at thirty-nine.”

As the world watched and listened, Mays expressed the impact Dr. King had on the nation prior to his life being cut tragically short by an assassin’s bullet.

“He had faith in his country,” Mays said.

“He died striving to desegregate and integrate America to the end that this great nation of ours, born in revolution and blood, conceived in liberty and dedicated to the proposition that all men are created free and equal, will truly become the lighthouse of freedom where none will be denied because his skin is Black, and none favored because his eyes are blue.”

“Where our nation will be militarily strong but perpetually at peace; economically secure but just; learned but wise; where the poorest will have bread enough and to spare; where no one will be poorly housed; each educated up to his capacity; and where the richest will understand the meaning of empathy. This was his dream, and the end toward which he strove.”

This article was written in partnership with Alpha Kappa Sorority Inc., Omicron Theta Omega Chapter.

Christian Hospital will recognize and celebrate the 2022 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 2022 Awardees are: John Bowman President of St. Louis County NAACP

Charlotte Hammond President & CEO of Challenge Unlimited Inc.

Andreal Hoosman Owner of Hoosman Haywood Realty

Michael P. McMillan President & CEO of St. Louis Metropolitan Urban League

Dr. Donald M. Suggs St. Louis American Publisher & Executive Editor

MASTER OF CEREMONIES:

Rene Kno t t, co-anchor on Today in St. Louis, KSDK-TV

PRESENTING SP ONSOR:

Christian Hospital Medical Staff

Guests will enjoy music from local artists and a conversation with William F. Tate IV, first African American President of Louisiana State University.

POWERING THE QUALITY OF LIFE

Our workforce is dedicated to keeping the lights on and the gas flowing — 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Sharing the same focus inspired by the life of Dr. King, we are dedicated to building a diverse culture where opinions are shared and the best solutions are put into action. Ameren.com

Photo taken prior to Covid-19.

Historic photos 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-year-old Eva Gracelemon, left, and 10-year-old Aritha Willis to formerly allwhite 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. On April 4, 1968, a movement lost its patriarch when the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr. was killed on a hotel balcony in Memphis. Yolanda, Martin, Dexter and Bernice King lost their father.

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.

2022 Martin Luther King Jr. celebration activities

Saturday, January 15 10:00 a.m

10:30 a.m. Peace Walk

Centennial Christian Church

Fountain Park-Lewis Place Community, Central West End Church, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity – Epsilon Lambda (St. Louis, MO) Alumni Chapter, Epsilon Lambda Charitable Foundation, Second Presbyterian Church, and the Butler Group will host a public commemoration to honor the legacy of Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. This year’s theme is, Where Do We Go from Here? Ensuring Political, Economic, Social, and Health Equity for Our City and Region.

The Honorable City of St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones is scheduled to speak along with brief remarks by 18th Alderman Jesse Todd. The St. Louis Alumnae Chapter Choir of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated will perform a music selection. 18th Ward Committeewoman Yolonda “Yogi” Yancie will serve as the Mistress of Ceremony. The Commencement and Peace March will take place and begin, respectively, inside Fountain Park at the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. statue, directly across the street from Centennial Christian Church, located at 4950 Fountain Avenue; St. Louis, Missouri 63113.

Sunday, January 16 2pm Motorcade

Alton Branch NAACP

Please join the Alton Branch NAACP as we celebrate our second annual Martin Luther King, Jr. motorcade. Our theme this year is: “Moving Forward for Change: When we Fight! We Win!”. The motorcade is a celebration of the example set by MLK, Jr. and the hope he instilled in our community that change will come. We ask that all motorcade participants meet at the LincolnDouglas Square in downtown Alton by 2 pm. This is to ensure a prompt 2:30 departure to James Killion (Salu) Park. The motorcade route is to be determined. We welcome any creative decor you may choose to add to your vehicle for the motorcade. To commemorate the moment, the program in honor of Dr. King will begin at 3pm. Additonally, Pastor Dr. Gregory Harrison of Deliverance Temple Church of God in Christ in Alton will be presented a plaque in honor of his service to the Alton community.

Sunday, January 16, 2022 1:00 pm

John Baugh, PhD Professor of Psychology, Anthropology, Education, English, Linguistics, and African and African-American Studies; Margaret Bush Wilson Professor in Arts & Sciences; will provide a virtual keynote speech titled: “Equality Matters: St. Louisan Contributions in the Quest for Racial Harmony” as part of Washington University’s 35th MLK Celebration.

New Shining Light Holiness, Deliverance Non-Denominational Church Celebrates its 25th Silver Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Birthday/ Observance/Awards Ceremony 740 Broadway, Venice, IL 62090

Bishop John H Williams, founder & overseer and Sharla Randolph-Jones, chairperson announce our Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. 25th Birthday Observance and Awards Ceremony. Due to the rise of COVID-19, we will practice safe distancing and everyone MUST wear a mask. We will have mask available at the church. This year, we will have seven blessed women to give a five minute talk. They are: Illinois State Representative, Ms. Latoya Greenwood; Member/Trustee of New Shining Light ND Church, Mrs. Sharla Randolph-

Jones; First Lady of Metro East Worship Center, Mrs. Barbara Harrell; Interim Superintendent/ Principal @ Brooklyn SD #188, Dr. Raelynn Parks; Madison County Board Member & Venice Township Clerk, Mrs. Gussie Glasper; Planner Madison County Community Development, Mrs. Amy Lyeria; Madison County Clerk, Mrs. Manouecheka (Elaina) McBee

Monday, January 17 9am Old Courthouse (downtown)

MLK Holiday Committee Motorcade

The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Holiday Committee will celebrate the life and legacy of the civil rights pioneer in downtown St. Louis,

on Monday, January 17, 2022, at 9 a.m. Due to Covid-19, organizers have made previsions for this year’s 53rd Annual Celebration. This year, the Dr. Martin Luther King Holiday Committee will present a “Voter-Cade,” rather than the traditional march commemorating Dr. King. (Marshalls to be announced)

Beginning at 9 a.m. dignitaries and leaders will greet participants for a brief program. After their remarks, the “Motorcade March,” will begin. Media, families, churches, schools, organizations and etc. are invited to register to enter a van or car in the Motorcade identifying themselves/organization.

We will drive our vehicles from the Historic Old Courthouse downtown to Vashon High School (to be confirm) where we will lay a commemorative wreath for Dr. King. The Motorcade will travel through Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard in North St. Louis. Along the route we invite the community to display highlights and signage in support of the theme: “Unity in the Community”. As we aim to deal with and drive out the three evils: Poverty, Racism, and Violence and to promote Voter Registration for the beloved community for which Dr. Martin Luther King gave his life. If not now, When? Free COVID-19 testing/Vaccination and Voter Registration will be provided.

To register a vehicle, obtain group buttons, sponsorship and more info and please contact: Mr. Gary Boyd, Program Coordinator, 314458-6906, firstclassgb@aol.com, Lady Merdean Gales, Chairman- 314-583-0532, merdean. gales@icloud.com

Monday, January 17

7:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m.

The 35th Annual Washington University Danforth Campus Martin Luther King, Jr. Commemoration Zoom Webinar (Virtual)

Registration required

The program is free and open to everyone. Keynote

John Baugh, PhD Professor of Psychology, Anthropology, Education, English, Linguistics, and African and African-American Studies

Margaret Bush Wilson Professor in Arts & Sciences

Keynote Title: “Equality Matters: St. Louisan Contributions in the Quest for Racial Harmony” Performances Black Anthology, WUSTL student-run performance arts show celebrating Black culture Washington University Concert Choir featuring Joseph Mosby, Washington University Undergraduate Student

2022 Martin Luther King Jr. celebration activities

For More Information:

contact Rudolph Clay, MLK Commemoration Committee Chair, at (314) 935-5059

Email: rudolphc@wustl.edu

Monday, January 17

10 A.M.-2 P.M.

Saint Louis Association of Community Organizations

Presents MLK Day Little Libraries

SLACO’s Headquarters, 5588 Plymouth Avenue

SLACO will be bringing together volunteers, philanthropic groups, and residents for this project. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” Members from AmeriCorps will assist on MLK Day. The Little Libraries will be placed along the greenway on the Hodiamont Tracks in seven North Central neighborhoods: Vandeventer, Academy, Fountain Park, Visitation, Lewis Place, West End, Covenant-Blu Grand Center.Residents are beginning to see positive changes in their neighborhoods. Change & Action for Racial Equity (C.A.R.E.), located in Saint Louis, Mo, is co-hosting the event and bringing other talent, resources, and sponsors to the building event. Sponsors and other participants:• Dr. David Kantor, C.A.R.E. Member• The National Council of Negro Women, Inc. (NCNW)• Maggie Strube, Program Director, Ready Readers• Little Free Library Organization• Tim Yahl C.A.R.E. Build Team Member• Americorps Vistas• Charles Bryson• Price Waterhouse Coopers (PwC).

Saturday, January 15

12-3pm Craft Kits and Picture Book

Missouri History Museum South Parkside Sidewalk

Drive up to the contact-free sidewalk table at the museum’s south entrance to pick up advocacy-inspired craft kits and a picture book. Each kit will contain supplies to make your own community affirmation bookmark and peace sign art. Books are generously supplied by Ready Readers! Please note that books and crafts kits are available while supplies last. Celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with the Missouri History Museum throughout the weekend. Families are invited to join virtual storytelling and youth activism workshops on Monday. On Sunday afternoon all are invited to a virtual all-levels yoga class. Also, on Saturday and Sunday, families can pick up craft kits, book

giveaways and scavenger hunts at the Museum.

Monday, January 17

10am-12:15pm

Virtual Youth Activism Workshop

Missouri History Museum

Youth will explore and analyze primary sources to gain a greater understanding of the history of the civil rights movement. Then, using their own experiences and analyzing historical examples of justice and injustice, young people will question, explain, elaborate, and interpret their concepts of societal justice. Youth are also invited to join a special open dialogue facilitated by Tabari Coleman after the workshop, where they can talk freely with one another about their

thoughts on race and activism.

10:30-11am

Virtual Step Into The Story

Missouri History Museum

The St. Louis Black Authors of Children’s Literature will present a storytelling performance of two books by local authors: I Define Me by Tracie Berry-McGhee and Rock What You Got by Aja La’Star Owens. You’ll also enjoy original spoken-word affirmations and connections to Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s legacy.

11:15am-12:15pm Virtual Youth Activism (ages 6-12

REIMAGINING THE DREAM

SERVICE WITH PURPOSE

The MLK Holiday Committee’s Motorcade will start from the Historic Old Courthouse downtown and travel to Vashon High School where the group will lay a commemorative wreath for Dr. King. The Motorcade will travel through Dr. Martin Luther King Boulevard in North St. Louis.

recommended)

Missouri History Museum

Kids will explore the broader context of the civil rights movement through a variety of primary sources and evaluate how activists communicate their messages through images and words. Then they will identify and explain issues they care about by creating a poster that advocates for their views. Caregivers are invited to join us after the workshop for an open dialogue on race and parenting facilitated by Tabari Coleman. The conversation will address how we can process and talk about current events and race-related issues with our children.

Honoring Dr. King’s memory

By Mike Jones For The

Dickens’ epic novel about the French Revolution came to mind: “It was the best of times, it was the worst of times … it was a season of light, it was a season of darkness.” On Jan. 5, 2021, the people of Georgia elected a Black preacher and the son Jewish immigrants to the United States Senate, giving President-elect Joe Biden a fighting chance to restore a modicum of humanity and sanity to American government — a season of light. Jan. 6, 2021 should have gone down in history as the

day the election of Kamala Harris, as the first woman and first woman of color, would be certified by the Congress…an extension of the season of light.

But that was not to be the case. Jan. 6, 2021 will forever be the day a racist mob of white terrorists, encouraged by the president of the United States, invaded and occupied at their leisure the Capitol Building,

forcing members of Congress into hiding — a season of darkness.

This continues to be the context surrounding this year’s MLK ceremonies. And it will be the context when we once again misunderstand the historical Martin Luther King.

With that in mind, I’ve decided to liberally reproduce what I wrote last year at this time, because many of this year’s celebrations will probably look much like last year and every year before that.

I’ll begin with the disservice

we do Dr. King’s memory and historical record every January as we insist America recognize him, and by extension us, as worthy of inclusion in the pantheon of American heroes. But is the Dr. King we memorialize every January, the Dr. King of history, or more importantly, is the history we’re memorializing worthy of the man?

The Dr. King we celebrate is an homage to the myth of America. The Dr. King of history, properly understood, is evidence of, and testament to, the indomitable spirit and

will of Black people in their struggle against America’s endemic white racism.

America, with our complicity, has made Dr. King’s life and story about one moment in time, August 1963, that improvised closing of his speech at the Lincoln Memorial during the March on Washington. That improvised closing doesn’t require repeating, but his forgotten opening that stated the reason for the March for Jobs and Justice should be permanently imprinted on our minds and hearts.

He said, “ ‘Five score years ago, a great American, in whose symbolic shadow we stand today, signed the Emancipation Proclamation … But 100 years later, the Negro still is not free …” He continued, “In a sense, we’ve come to our nation’s capital to cash a check. When the architects of our republic wrote the magnificent words of the Constitution and the Declaration of Independence they were signing a promissory note to which every American was to fall heir … It is obvious today that America has defaulted on this promissory note insofar as her citizens of color are concerned.”

Here’s what I wrote on the eve of the holiday two years ago, So what would MLK birthday celebrations look and sound like if the beginning of his speech was the focus and not the end?

What if there were essay contests for middle and high school students in January on the importance and meaning of the “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” for today’s America? What if there were panels on American foreign policy with his speech at Riverside Baptist Church as the predicate for the discussion? What would it look like if we understood the multiple purposes that history serves, including providing context for the present that we’re experiencing? What if?

Let us never forget that the elevation of Black individuals to the highest offices in the land is not the same thing as elevating Black people.

WGU Missouri to award $80,000 in scholarships in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

In celebration of the life and legacy of late civil rights leader

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., WGU Missouri has launched a new scholarship for St. Louisans who have always dreamed of completing their college degrees and advancing their careers but faced challenges along the way that prevented them from moving forward. The fully online, nonprofit university will award $80,000 in scholarships to new and returning students in an effort to help support them and encourage them to fulfill their educational goals.

The “I Have a Dream” scholarships are open to students enrolling in any of WGU Missouri’s 60-plus undergraduate and graduate degree programs in information technology, business, teacher education and health professions, including nursing.

Each scholarship is valued at up to $4,000 and will be credited to students’ accounts at a rate of $1,000 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms. The scholarship will be applied to WGU’s already low, flat-rate tuition of about $3,800 per six-month term.

“As we celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, we are inspired by his powerful vision for the future and his endless devotion to fighting the injustices of racial and economic inequality,” said Dr. Angie Besendorfer, Chancellor of WGU Missouri. “Dr. King worked tirelessly during his lifetime to strive for a more equitable society, and his words and actions continue to challenge us today. In that spirit, we are proud to offer this scholarship in his honor in hopes that those who have consistently faced challenges that prevented them from moving forward with their education plans can be inspired to go back to school and complete their degrees.” WGU Missouri is committed to providing equal opportunities in higher education for working adults who are interested in

Each scholarship is valued at up to $4,000 and will be credited to students’ accounts at a rate of $1,000 per six-month term, renewable for up to four terms.

furthering their education. The university offers an industryleading, competency-based structure that allows students to leverage previous education, training and work experience to graduate faster.

The university’s “I Have a Dream” scholarships will be awarded based on the students’

academic record, previous college experience, readiness for online study, current competency, as well as other considerations. Applications will be accepted through June 30, 2022.

For more information about WGU Missouri and the “I Have a Dream” scholarship, visit missouri.wgu.edu/dream.

Give Back on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and Every Day

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s own words remind us of the importance of leadership, hope and service. And at AARP, we believe your experience, skills and passion have the power to inspire others to make a difference.

We encourage everyone to continue his legacy by lending a helping hand in your community. And we can help.

Join us in making a difference, on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and every day.

Please serve your community and others safely by

Photo courtesy of WGU

From grave, MLK tells many white Americans ‘just stop it’

By Michael Coard Philadelphia Tribune

In a powerfully enlightening April 16, 2013, article entitled “How MLK Became an Angry Black Man,” CNN correspondent John Blake wrote that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s April 16, 1963, riveting and righteously indignant “Letter from Birmingham Jail” is “one of the most intimate snapshots of a King most people don’t know: An angry Black man who once hated white people and, according to one scholar, was more dangerous than Malcolm X, a man King admired.”

In that letter, Dr. King angrily condemned systemic racism and white supremacy/ white savagery by angrily telling white church leaders “[T]he purpose of ... direct action ... is to create a situation so crisispacked that it will inevitably open the door ... [to change] ... the status quo.”

In that letter, Dr. King angrily informs those white church leaders that “I feel impelled to mention one other point ... that has troubled me profoundly. You warmly commended the ... police ... for ... preventing violence. I doubt that you would have so warmly commended the police ... if you were to observe their ugly and inhumane treatment of Negroes ... [and] if you were to see them slap and kick old men and young boys. I cannot join you in your praise of the … police.”

As part of his article, Blake cites Jonathan Rieder, an American Studies professor and renowned MLK scholar who has taught at Barnard College, Yale University and Swarthmore College and is the author of “Gospel of Freedom,” a book that describes King as a “furious truth teller.” In that book,

cal Race Theory, reparations, affirmative action, defunding the police, etc., because, as argued by those whites, such activism focuses on skin color. Well, duh! Dr. King lived for his skin color. He fought for his skin color. And he died for his skin color.

Here’s irrefutable and chronological proof that Dr. King was a genuine revolutionary:

was “influencing great masses of Negroes … [and] we must mark him now, if we have not done so before, as the most dangerous Negro of the future in this nation.”

• MLK in 1964 met with Malcolm X in Washington, D.C.

Rieder writes, “Before anything else, [the Birmingham Jail letter] is a Black man’s cry of … anger.”

After referencing Rieder, Blake adds, “King’s Blackness — his fierce racial pride, his distinctively Black Christian faith and his belief that most whites were ‘unconscious racists’ — is on full display in his letter, scholars say.” Wow! An angry Black man? Once hated white people? Admired Malcolm X? Furious truth-teller? Fierce racial pride? Viewed most whites as unconscious racists? I know all that’s going to shock white folks who, like clockwork, trot

out Dr. King’s 1963 “I Have a Dream” speech ever since they murdered him on April 4, 1968, and largely opposed the official observation of his Jan. 15, 1929, birthday as a federal holiday in 1986. They claim they know him. But they know nothing about him. Despite the fact that neither I nor anyone else can speak for Dr. King or really know what he would say if he were alive for his 93rd birthday, I can speak about what he said and what he did before violent white people conspiratorially blasted a fatal single shot from a telescopicsight high velocity .30-06

Remington Game-Master slide action rifle into the right side of this peaceful Black man’s face just below his mouth, fracturing his jaw before entering his neck and causing severe damage to his spinal column.

Some folks relentlessly and disingenuously continue to take one particular line from that speech completely out of context. “I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”

They deceitfully claim that those words mean Dr. King opposes Black voting rights, Criti-

• MLK’s first act of civil rights protesting occurred in 1950 when he was a mere 21 years old and it happened not far from Philadelphia in Maple Shade, N.J., while he was living in Camden and attending classes at Crozer Theological Seminary in Chester as reported by Patrick Duff, a local historical researcher/investigator. MLK, then known by his birth name, Michael, was refused service at Mary’s Cafe in Maple Shade because of his race. When he insisted upon being permitted to purchase a ginger ale beverage there, the proprietor pulled a gun and fired shots in the air. Instead of taking no for an answer, MLK filed a complaint with the police and the shooter was arrested. MLK later called that incident his first civil rights activism.

• MLK in 1956 applied for a license to carry one of the many guns he kept for self-protection and family protection at his home, In fact, his colleague Glen Smiley described King’s house, where several of King’s aides were staying at times, as an “arsenal.” It reminds me of a rarely publicized 1959 quote by Dr. King: “The principle of self-defense, even involving weapons and bloodshed, has never been condemned.”

• Shortly after MLK’s 1963 “I Have A Dream” speech, FBI Director J. Edgar Hoover wrote an internal memo stating MLK

• MLK in 1966 said, “Black power ... is a reaction to the reluctance of ... [whites] to make the kind of changes necessary to make justice a reality.” Malcolm X a year earlier said Black people will use “Black power” to get justice “by any means necessary.”

MLK in 1966 met with the Honorable Elijah Muhammad at Muhammad’s Chicago home. Two years later, after another meeting with Muhammad, MLK told Harry Belafonte, “You know we fought long and hard for integration. But ... I’ve come to the realization that ... we may be integrating into a burning house.”

• MLK in 1966 said, “There must be a better distribution of wealth and maybe America must move toward a democratic socialism.” In 1967 he said, “The evils of capitalism are as real as the evils of militarism ... and racism.”

• MLK in 1967 described the Vietnam War as racist and genocidal because America was asserting its “deadly Western arrogance” by testing chemical weapons on “Vietnamese peasants.”

All of this is the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth about the revolutionary the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Therefore, I respectfully say to racist white folks, “Y’all betta keep his name outta yo mouth.” And as MLK himself would (probably) say, “Y’all stop it, just stop it!”

Photo courtesy of AP

In this file photo taken April 12, 1963 Rev. Ralph Abernathy, left, and Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., right, are taken by a policeman as they led a line of demonstrators into the business section of Birmingham, Ala. Arrested for leading a march against racial segregation in 1963, King Jr. spent days in solitary confinement writing his “Letter From Birmingham Jail,” which was smuggled out and stirred the world by explaining why Black people couldn’t keep waiting for fair treatment.

Birmingham bombing reverberates still

Murder of “four little girls”

By Lauren Victoria Burke NNPA Newswire Contributor

Maxine McNair, who was the last living parent of one of the four African American girls murdered in a 1963 Alabama church bombing by the Ku Klux Klan, died on January 2, 2022 at 93.

Maxine and Christopher McNair’s daughter, 11-year-old Denise McNair, was murdered along with three other young girls on Sunday, Sept. 15, 1963. Maxine McNair was a schoolteacher. Her husband Christopher died in 2019 at 93 and was one of the first African Americans elected to the Alabama legislature since Reconstruction.

Three members of the Ku Klux Klan planted a bomb at the 16th Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama on “youth day.” Youth Day was a day at the church where young church members conducted many of the activities around the church service. Also murdered in the bombing were Addie Mae Collins, Carole Rosamond Robertson and Cynthia Dionne Wesley. All three were 14 years old. The Birmingham bombing was the deadliest single attack of the civil rights movement and remains one of the most notorious incidents of violence and political terrorism in U.S. history.

In 1965 the FBI found that the bombing was committed by four members of the Ku Klux Klan: Thomas Edwin Blanton Jr., Herman Frank Cash, Robert Edward Chambliss, and Bobby Frank Cherry. No prosecutions were conducted until 1977 when Chambliss was convicted of first-degree murder of McNair.

Then-prosecutor and former U.S. Senator Doug Jones successfully prosecuted Blanton and Cherry. Cash died in 1994 and was never charged.

At the time of the murders Birmingham had no Black police officers or firefighters and it was virtually impossible for African Americans to register to vote. Very few members of the city’s African American community were registered.

In 2013, Maxine McNair sat behind President Barack Obama in the Oval Office as he signed the law to honor the four girls with the Congressional Gold

Christopher and Maxine McNair, whose 11-year-old Denise McNair, was murdered along with three other young girls on Sunday, September 15, 1963, hold a press conference on Sept. 20, 1963.

Medal.

The Aftermath

Upon learning of the bombing at the Church, Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr. sent a telegram to Alabama Governor George Wallace, a staunch and vocal segregationist, stating bluntly: “The blood of our little children is on your hands.” The brutal attack and the deaths of the four little girls shocked the nation and drew international attention to the violent struggle for civil rights in Birmingham. Many whites were as outraged by the incident as blacks and offered services and condolences to the families. Over, 8,000 people attended the girls’ funeral service at Reverend John Porter’s Sixth Avenue Baptist Church.

The deaths of the four girls was followed two months later by the assassination of President John F. Kennedy, causing an outpouring of national grief, galvanizing the civil rights movement and ensuring the passage of the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

Why This Church?

16th Street Baptist was a large and prominent church located downtown, just blocks from Birmingham’s commercial district and City Hall. Since its construction in 1911, the church had served as the centerpiece of the city’s African American community, functioning as a meeting place, social center, and lecture hall. Because of its size, location, and importance to the community, the church served as headquarters for civil rights mass meetings and rallies in the early 1960s. The church came to be viewed by many as a symbol and a rallying place for civil

rights activists; and it became the focal point for racial tensions and white hostility towards the civil rights movement in Birmingham.

Why at that time?

Due to the success of the Birmingham Campaign, on May 10, 1963, the city agreed to desegregate lunch counters, restrooms, drinking fountains, and fitting rooms, to hire African Americans in stores as salesmen and clerks, and to release the jailed demonstrators. White segregationists opposed desegregation, however, and violence continued to plague the city.

On May 11, a bomb destroyed the Gaston Motel where Martin Luther King, Jr. had been staying and another damaged the house of King’s brother, A. D. King. NAACP attorney Arthur Shores’ house was fire bombed on August 20 and September 4th in retaliation for his attempts to help integrate the Birmingham public schools. On September 9, President Kennedy took control of the Alabama National Guard, which Governor Wallace was using to block court-ordered desegregation of public schools in Birmingham. Around that time Robert Chambliss, who would later be named as a suspect in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing, foreshadowed the violence to come when he told his niece, “Just wait until Sunday morning and they’ll beg us to let them segregate.”

Lauren Victoria Burke is an independent journalist and the host of the podcast BURKEFILE. She is a political analyst who appears regularly on #RolandMartinUnfiltered. This story was also contributed to by the National Parks Service.

St. Louis County Library Black History Celebration 2022

Events will be held virtually and in-person.

Registration information and more details are available at www.slcl.org/events.

Friday, February 4, 7:00 p.m.

IN-PERSON at Library Headquarters: 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. Laura Coates, “Just Pursuit: A Black Prosecutor’s Fight for Fairness”

CNN’s Senior Legal Analyst Laura Coates started her career as a prosecutor, serving as the Assistant.

Brittany Tru Kellman will receive the Frankie Freeman Inspirational Award during the keynote program. Ms. Kellman is the Executive Director of Jamaa Birth Village in Ferguson, Missouri. Keynote Event

Highlighted Events

Tuesday, February 8, 7:00 p.m. on Facebook.com/STLCoLibrary

Virtual Author Event: Robert Child, “Immortal Valor:

The Black Medal of Honor Winners of World War II”

Monday, January 17, 7:00 p.m. on Facebook.com/STLCoLibrary

Virtual Author Event: Anna Malaika Tubbs, “The Three Mothers: How the Mothers of Martin Luther King, Jr., Malcolm X, and James Baldwin Shaped a Nation”

Tuesday, February 15, 7:00 p.m.

IN-PERSON at the Florissant Valley Branch: 195 New Florissant Rd. South

The Black Rep Presents “Stamping, Shouting and Singing Home”

Inspired by the life of Sojourner Truth, this performance tells the story of her fictitious great-great-granddaughter Lizzie Walker, and her transformation from child to adult activist.

Thursday, February 17, 7:00 p.m.

IN-PERSON at Library Headquarters: 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd.

Author Event: Mashama Bailey and John O. Morisano

“Black, White, and The Grey: The Story of an Unexpected Friendship and a Beloved Restaurant.” Presented in partnership with Sauce Magazine.

Friday, February 18, 7:00 p.m.

IN-PERSON at the Florissant Valley Branch: 195 New Florissant Rd. South

Set the Night to Music

Enjoy a soulful performance and the smooth jazz styles of Robert Nelson & Renaissance.

Tuesday, February 22, 7:00 p.m.

IN-PERSON at the Lewis & Clark Branch: 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd.

The Black Rep Presents “Waiting for Martin”

A poignant and heartfelt tale of three homeless teens living in rural Alabama during the early sixties, patiently waiting for Dr. King to come, with the expectation that his visit would change their lives forever.

Thursday, February 24, 7:00 p.m.

Virtual Program: The Legacy of Dr. Venable

Celebrate the resilience of Dr. Howard P. Venable, an ophthalmologist and university professor who worked for equity in health, education, and legal justice.

Saturday, February 26, 1:00 p.m.

IN-PERSON at the Florissant Valley Branch: 195 New Florissant Rd. South Gift of Gospel Enjoy the melodious sounds of gospel music with Michelle Sargent, Daphne Rice-Bruce and Kathy Horry, and interpretive dance from Angelica LaGrone. Pastor Shaun Williams will serve as Master of Ceremonies.

free piano lessons *

Pianos for People provides free access to the transformative power of music for those who need it most – children and families with limited resources, and the organizations that serve them.

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Memorialize and celebrate your loved ones in The St. Louis American! For more info contact Angelita Houston ahouston@stlamerican.com or call 314-533-8000

“No celebration without legislation”

“The

MLK III and family push for voting rights bills

NNPA Newswire

Members of the family of the late civil-rights leader Martin Luther King Jr., in pressing for passage of the “John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement” and “The Freedom to Vote Act bills by Congress recently announced a “No celebration without legislation,” campaign, according to a release. The family, with a host of partners and supporters, will gather in Washington, DC, on Monday, January 17, on the observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day to demand the passage of voting right legisla-

tion.

With the 2022 midterm elections steadily approaching and the November passage of Biden’s $1 trillion infrastructure bill, activists are applying even more pressure on the passage of voting rights legislation.

“You delivered for bridges, now deliver for voting rights,” the family said in the release.

Martin Luther King III, son of the civil rights leader, said in the release, “Like those who crossed the Edmund Pettus Bridge on Bloody Sunday, we will not accept empty promises in pursuit of my father’s dream for a more equal and just

America.”

“President Biden and Congress used their political muscle to deliver a vital infrastructure deal, and now we are calling on them to do the same to restore the very voting rights protections my father and countless other civil rights leaders bled to secure.”

According to a recent report by the Democracy Docket, data from the Voting Rights Lab a nonpartisan voter’s rights organization shows that over 400 voter suppression bills were introduced during the first five months of 2021 33 of which were put into

law across 19 different states. However, 25 states also put 62 laws into action that scaleup voting access, according to the Brennan Center

“Voting is an essential part of our democracy’s infrastructure, and we cannot afford for it to crumble any further. President Biden and Congress must fight for the voting rights of Black and Brown Americans the same way they fought for our bridges — with every ounce of power their office provides,” Arndrea Waters King, wife to King’s son, said in a statement.

Saturday Locations

5, 19;

19; Apr 9 | 9 am - 12

314-381-4145 63120 -

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3900 Goodfellow Blvd Feb 5 -Apr 9 | 9 am - 1 pm https://mctcfreetax.org/online-booking/ 63136 – North St. Louis County, MO (Tax Assistance Program) Believer’s Word Fellowship 2115 Chambers Rd. Jan 29 - Mar 5 | 8:30 am – 11:30 am By Appointment Only 773-669-5572 https://stlouistap.org/on-line-booking

63301 - St. Charles, MO (Tax Assistance Program) Lewis-Clark Career Center 2400 Zumbehl Rd Jan 29 - Mar 5 | 8:30 am - 11:30 am By Appointment Only 314-643-7875 https://stlouistap.org/on-line-booking

Weekday Locations

62201 - East St. Louis, IL Macedonia Baptist Church 1400 E. Broadway Ave Thursdays – Feb 3 - Apr 7 | 3 pm – 6 pm By appointment only - 618-274-1373 ext 106 https://mctcfreetax.org/online-booking/

62208 - Fairview Heights, IL Fairview Heights Community Center 9950 Bunkum Rd Monday - Feb 7, 21; Mar 7,

Photo by Freddie Allen /AMG/NNPA

From left-right) Benjamin F. Chavis, Jr., president, and CEO of the NNPA, Denise Rolark Barnes, former NNPA chair

Martin Luther King III and Dorothy Leavell stand with King after he received the NNPA’s Lifetime Legacy Award at the Legacy Awards Gala on June 23, 2017. King’s family is urging Congress to pass the “John Lewis Voting Rights Advancement” and

Freedom to Vote Act.”

Local artists pay tribute to Dr. King at annual celebration

The Saint Louis Art Museum invites you to view our annual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Celebration: Joy as an Act of Resistance. This virtual celebration will feature local Black performing artists Robert Crenshaw, Alicia Revé, and Freeman Word. Each artist created original work in response to Moneta Sleet’s photographs from the Museum’s collection. Sleet, a Black Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist, is best known for his documentation of the Civil Rights Movement.

Robert Crenshaw will perform an original tap dance, titled “Black Boy Joy,” in response to Sleet’s photograph showing Dr. King and his young family at home, playing in the living room. Crenshaw, a St. Louis native, is the dance instructor at Sumner High School, a hip-hop instructor at New Era Production Dance Academy, a teaching artist at COCA, and an emcee for Utopia Entertainment. He has performed in several productions at the Black Rep, including Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope, Spell #7, and Ain’t Misbehavin’. He was also in Off-Broadway productions of Antigone In Ferguson and The Drum Major Instinct; both toured internationally.

Singer Alicia Revé will perform her original acoustic composition, “Left Foot Right,” in response to Sleet’s photograph depicting Dr. King in the midst of thousands of Civil Rights marchers in Washington D.C. Revé is an actor, singer, and songwriter. A few of her many credits include Peter and the Wolf at the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Puss in Boots at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, and Miss Julie, Clarissa and John at the Black Rep. Revé is currently the host

of the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra’s video series SLSO SoundLab and co-host of the St. Louis Symphony Saturday live broadcast on St. Louis Public Radio Freeman Word will perform his poem titled “And Up from the Gut,” inspired by Sleet’s photograph of Dr. King singing spirituals with a group of supporters after his Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony. Word is a writer, poet, performer, teacher, and playwright. He works as a teaching artist in the community and in local detention facilities, community centers, and schools, where his focus is on building awareness of African culture and history. Word received the Langston Hughes Award for Artistic Accomplishments in the Black

Community and was a 2016 Regional Arts Commission Community Arts Training Fellow.

Jacqueline Thompson, a St. Louis-based actor, director, and professor, introduces the program and serves as the creative director of Joy as an Act of Resistance. Dr. King was a member of the Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity. We will conclude the program with remarks from Michael E. Blanford, member and past president of the Epsilon Lambda chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity.

The videos will be available to view on-demand starting Monday, January 17, and will be available throughout 2022. To learn more, visit slam.org/ MLKFreedomCelebration.

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 better nation.

− 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.

www.explorestlouis.com

St. Louis Community College is committed to excellence in education and creating access for our diverse communities. STLCC celebrates African American History Month with a large variety of events open to the community.

He changed the face of film itself

Screen

legend Sidney Poitier, first Black to win ‘Best Actor’ Oscar, passes at 94

By Kenya Vaughn and Danielle Brown

The St. Louis American

Before he made history at the Academy Awards, Sidney Poitier could already be classified as the film’s first Black superhero.

The special power he demonstrated at will was the ability to slay stereotypes with grace, dignity, nobility and a universal sense of humanity.

The actor, director, writer and activist passed away Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022 at 94.

n “We all play many roles in our careers, but Sidney also had to play the role of social pioneer.”

Paul Newman

-

“Sidney was more than just one of the finest actors in our history,” President Joe Biden said. “His iconic performances in films like ‘The Defiant Ones,’ ‘A Raisin in the Sun,’ ‘Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner,’ and ‘In the Heat of the Night’ held a mirror up to America’s racial attitudes in the 1950s and 1960s. With unflinching grandeur and poise — his singular warmth, depth, and stature on-screen — Sidney helped open the hearts of millions and changed the way America saw itself.”

There were a few scattered exceptions, but for the first five decades of cinematic history the representation of Black people in films came courtesy of the lowest common denominator of white people’s uninformed imagination. And then there was Sidney Poitier.

“We all play many roles in our careers, but Sidney also had to play the role of social pioneer,” fellow film icon and “Paris Blues” co-star Paul Newman said when Poitier’s life and legacy was celebrated during the 1995 Kennedy Center Honors. “It was a role he did not seek, but no one could have filled it better

President Barack Obama presents the 2009 Presidential Medal of Freedom to Sidney Poitier during ceremonies in the East Room at the White House in Washington on, Aug. 12, 2009. Poitier, the groundbreaking actor and enduring inspiration who transformed how Black people were portrayed on screen, became the first Black actor to win an Academy Award for best lead performance and the first to be a top box-office draw. He died Thursday, Jan. 6, 2022, at 94.

than he did. He not only made films, but he has changed the face of film itself.”

Playwright Mariah Richardson, who teaches film courses at St. Louis Community College, said she teaches about Poitier and the impact he had on breaking the glass ceiling for Black actors and Black entertainers in Hollywood.

“He had been able to transform himself from a kid that washed dishes into an actor on stage then came to Hollywood and took on roles

where he felt most comfortable,” she said. “He showed you that you don’t have to keep doing the things that white people expect of you. I think that was the greatest impact that he had on my work. His impact was major on so many levels. When he came on the scene dark skinned Black men finally got a chance to do film. He set the precedent.”

See Poitier, D8

Art that makes you think

Local artist’s collection of art assemblages on display at MoMa

By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American

Kahlil Robert Irving, a multimedia artist who creates dense assemblages of images and sculptural replicas of everyday objects, currently has his exhibition “Projects: Kahlil Robert Irving” on display at The Museum of Modern Art. His work will be featured at the museum’s street-level galleries from Dec. 18, 2021 through May 1, 2022.

A press release describes the exhibition as a collection of work created between 2018 and 2021, with his inspiration being the internet operating as a living archive of Black life, death, remembrance, celebration, and survival. It also states the imagery centering around a larger-than-life site-specific wallpaper where

street-level space and digital scroll join in what he calls “an everlasting feedback loop of my experience.”

“Some aspects of my exhibition are autobiographical, while others are a part of my greater experience in communities around the United States,” he said. “There are works for the wall that use technology as the starting-off point, relating to social media, photographs that I have taken, and the news. The sculptures in the midst of the space relate to historical decorative objects that tell a contemporary story. The sculptures use very dynamic processes to create them, some sculptures were adjusted and have over ten layers on them. Really, the exhibition is about speed and reflection.”

He said his fusion of materials and references for the work was intentionally done with the

refusal to make everything explicitly legible in mind.

“The work allows there to be space for the ways Black people live . . . for more of the complicated nature of our existence in places and spaces,” he said.

See ART, D8

The Rep joins Artistic Caucus

By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American

A new year means new opportunities and possibilities.

2022 announces the arrival of a new collaboration between The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Baltimore Center Stage, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and Long Wharf Theatre.

The four premier longstanding performing arts organizations united to form a year-long Artistic Caucus with the help of their respective artistic development teams and a group of hired freelance artists. Andrew W. Mellon Foundation and the Doris Duke Charitable Foundation support the initiative.

“The four of us have been working together formally in these positions for just a few years, but we’ve been informally collaborating our entire careers,” Artistic Directors Hana Sharif (Repertory Theatre of St. Louis), Jacob Padron (Long

Artistic Caucus members Marie Cisco, Nailah Harper-Malveaux, Adil Mansoor and Regina Victor will assist the artistic teams at each theater; the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, Baltimore Center Stage, Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company, and Long Wharf Theatre. Pictured: Adil Mansoor

Portrait of Kahlil Robert Irving Courtesy of the artist.

Photo by Attilio D’Agostino

Photo courtesy of the AP

On December 19, 2021, the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. (SLA) celebrated 95 years of “Giving Back and Paying it Forward.” In these ninety-five glorious years of Sisterhood, Scholarship, Service, and Social Action, the chapter has flourished in numbers and in its commitment to boldly confronting the challenges of Black Americans and addressing the social issues of our time. Guided by its Five-Point Programmatic Thrust: Economic Development, Educational Development, International Awareness and Involvement, Physical and Mental Health, and Political Awareness and Involvement, the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter has prevailed in service to the community. SLA is home to notable sorors such as Attorney Frankie Muse Freeman, Cleota Spotts, Golda Crutcher, Bernice Bell, Annie Brooks, Dr. Queen Dunlap Fowler, Sandra Lucado, and Shirley Brown.

As we embark upon another Delta Founders Day observance, we reflect on the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter’s extensive history and rich legacy; a legacy with roots extending back to the University of Iowa where Sorors Helen Lucas and Elizabeth Gross Green helped to charter the Delta chapter on that campus and established the first Delta house in the history of the sorority. Coordinating their efforts with fellow students, Golda Crutcher and Imogene Wilson, they all worked diligently to increase the enrollment of Black women on campus. The young leaders continued to leave their mark on Delta history, while assisting in the chartering of additional chapters, eventually converging in St. Louis. Founder Madree Penn White desired to establish a new chapter in the middle of the country. This strategic location would be ideal in addressing and fighting for racial inequality and improve interracial relations in the region. It was under the leadership of these women that Lambda Sigma Chapter – now St. Louis Alumnae – was chartered. The year was 1926, and the work has not stopped.

Today, in 2022, under the dynamic leadership of Chapter President DeJeanette Williams, signature projects of the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter include the Rites of Passage/ARIYA Program (scholarship, mentoring, and training for high school girls); Delta Twinkles (service learning for girls ages 6-10); and the Ida G. Woolfolk Memorial Gospel, Jazz, and Blues Brunch. The chapters more than 500 members are committed to making a difference in the St. Louis region and beyond and are proud to be able to share their resources, passion, and hearts with those who need them most. To all the women that make up the St. Louis Alumnae Chapter, past and present, we salute you.

DeJeanette Williams

St. Louis Alumnae Chapter, President

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Events in The Dome at America’s Center

January

By Barry Draper

The Dome at America’s Center has hosted numerous major conventions, trade shows and exhibitions as well as events as varied as rock concerts, motocross races and monster truck rallies. With so much space and opportunity, you are going to have to strap in for these upcoming events at The Dome in the New Year!

It’s time to start your engines and gear up for the future at the 2022 St. Louis Auto Show from January 14th through 17th. Whether you consider yourself a car enthusiast or not, this event has something for everyone. As the largest automobile event in the St. Louis area, the Saint Louis Auto Show features more than 500 new cars, pickup trucks and SUVs from over 25 manufacturers all under one roof. The 2022 St. Louis Auto Show lets you preview the latest models, learn about new safety technology and preview some of the world’s most expensive vehicles, all without the pressure of making a vehicle purchase. Need more adrenaline? Monster Jam is the go-to place for jaw dropping displays and gravity defying feats that promises to always leave fans entertained. Monster Jam features some of the most recognizable trucks in the world including Grave Digger, Max D, El Toro Loco and many more. Starting January 22nd – January 23rd, world class drivers push perfectly engineered Monster Jam trucks to their limits in Freestyle, 2 Wheel Skills and Racing competitions that will put you on the edge of your seat and leave you craving more of this unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable event.

Next, check out WWE’s Royal Rumble, taking place on Saturday, January 29, 2022, marking the largest venue to host the event in its illustrious 30+ year history. Royal Rumble will stream live at 8 pm ET exclusively on Peacock in the United States and WWE Network everywhere else. The event will be headlined by two 30-men and 30-women Royal Rumble matches, with the winners of both receiving a Championship match opportunity at WrestleMania in Dallas.

In its 44th year, STL RV Travel Show is the place to shop for a new 2022 RV, trade up to your dream RV, or just learn about the joys of traveling RV-style. Presented by the Midwest Gateway RV Dealers Association, the STL RV Travel Show is designed to introduce the public to the freedom,

Check out WWE’s Royal Rumble taking place on Saturday, January 29, 2022.

flexibility and fun of the RV lifestyle. Attendees will see over 300 RVs highlighting the latest in state-of-the-art RV technology, streamline designs, RV parts, accessories, and services, as well as travel destinations, including campgrounds. Nearly every style of recreational vehicles will be featured. Motorhomes, 5th wheels, travel trailers, sport utility trailers, van campers, and folding camping trailers will all be on display and for sale from February 4th through February 6th. Looking ahead to March 3rd – March 6th, The Annual Builders St. Louis Home & Garden Show is THE place to see, learn about and buy the latest home products and services under one roof. Hundreds of local companies and countless experts will be on hand to answer questions, share ideas and provide inspiration to help you with all of your home and garden projects and improvements.

For a full list of events happening in The Dome at America’s Center, check out our calendar at explorestlouis.com. Also, be sure to share your photos of your St. Louis adventure using the hashtag #ExploreStLouis.

Monster Jam is the go-to place for gravity defying feats starting

22nd –January 23rd.

Columnist Barry Draper

Addressing the issue of no African American Catholic saints

By Alejandra Molina Religion News Service

Frustrated with a church that didn’t reflect his identity, Ralph Moore went into St. Pius Church in West Baltimore late one night with his friends and painted the statues of Jesus and Mary black — a “parting shot” before he left Catholicism.

He recalled a Stations of the Cross depiction — painting Jesus Black but leaving white the Roman soldiers abusing him, tugging at his clothes. To Moore, this was a statement on Black liberation.

“We were trying to make the church relevant,” said Moore, who remembers sitting in church wondering, “Why are all the images here white?”

This was 50 years ago. Moore has since returned to the church and is now part of a lay Catholic effort that’s pushing Pope Francis to canonize six African American candidates into sainthood. It’s fitting, Moore said, to commemorate this anniversary by continuing “to teach the institution who God is, because white supremacy practices don’t come from God, they come from men.”

Moore is a member of the social justice committee at St. Ann’s Church in East Baltimore that for the past two months has been collecting several hundred signatures on a letter they drafted and addressed to Francis, highlighting how embarrassing it is “that in the church where

we worship, there are no United States African American saints recognized by the highest church authorities.”

Out of the more than 10,000 men and women recognized as saints, which includes 11 Americans and a total of 899 that have been canonized by Francis, none are African Americans.

“They don’t see us. We’re like hidden members and they need to learn how to see us,” Moore said.

Last month, they mailed their first batch of more than

Spiritually Speaking

The only one who can save us

By Dr. Preston T. Adams III

“And she will have a son, and you are to name him Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” Matthew 1:21 There is power in the name of Jesus! More power than many of us truly understand. Jesus was sent from God with one specific purpose: to save us from our sins. Jesus is the only one who can save us from our sins. Sin is separation from God,

disobeying the will of God, transgressing against God or disavowing the existence of God. Sin denies the work of God in creation and humanity. Sin is rooted in humanism: the belief that humans are the highest form of life and thus do not need any other higher being dictating or defining our existence.

Sin denies the power of the blood of Jesus, the crucifixion and the resurrection. Sin breaks the heart of God and is a deeply

regrettable action grounded in revolt against God. Sin is not merely a mistake because it involves willful disobedience against God.

Sin is missing the mark, being morally deceived or falling short of the goal. Sin is lawlessness, iniquity or lawless deeds. C.S. Lewis once said, “Sin is a long terrible story of man [humans] trying to find something other than God to make him [them] happy.” Shootings and murders in

1,000 letters to the Vatican. The effort, which began in November, is ongoing. The movement is organized by parishioners of St. Ann’s, St. Francis Xavier and St. Wenceslaus.

As the letter notes, the African American candidates for sainthood “were either born into enslavement or educated the enslaved at personal risks to themselves.”

They are: Pierre Toussaint, credited as the father of Catholic Charities in New York; Henriette DeLille,

Sister Thea Bowman, the only African American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration, in 1988.

founder of a community of Creole nuns known as the Sisters of the Holy Family order; Augustus Tolton, the first known African American to serve as a Catholic priest in the U.S.; Julia Greeley, recognized as Denver’s “Angel of Charity” for her work with the poor; Mother Mary Lange, founder and first superior of the Oblate Sisters of Providence; and Thea Bowman, the only African American member of the Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration.

Delores Moore, another member of the committee, said there’s little awareness of the existence of six African Americans on the road to canonization.

“We’ve seen this as a real justice issue,” she said. “We have discovered that unless you tell the people, they won’t know and they won’t change.

“We realize we have to speak out. We’re going to be outcasts for a while until people catch up, and that’s OK,” added Moore, who is not related to Ralph Moore. But the advocates are doing more than calling for sainthood; they’re also urging the pope to redefine the rigorous process the Catholic Church undergoes toward canonization. The process is “unfair” and reaps “uneven results,” the advocates say.

Mary Sewell, also a member of the committee, said this movement “really opened my eyes.”

“Although I was raised a Catholic, I never thought of a white saint, black saint. I didn’t realize there were no (African American) saints, and once that presented to me, I saw the realization of it. I was proud to jump on this cause,” Sewell said.

our cities is sin. Our failure as a society to help the least, last and the lost is sin Here are some other common forms of sin: withholding good when we have the power to do good, selfishness — not to be confused with self-care, but rather thinking more of ourselves than others — and harboring harmful or illicit thoughts against others.

Romans 3:23 states: “For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard.” This

is why we need Jesus! Jesus is the only one who can save us. As much as we want to, as hard as we try, as strong as we are, we cannot save ourselves. We need a savior, and that savior’s name is Jesus. Matthew’s account of the Christ story opens with a detailed genealogy. After the detailed family tree, Matthew focuses on the conception and birth of Jesus. Mary is espoused to Joseph who did not “know” her. An angel appears to Joseph and gives him both illumination and instruction. He would have a son named Jesus, and Jesus would save humanity from our sins.

Jesus fights our battles. Like Joshua, David and Debra who fought for Israel and led Israel to victory, Jesus fights on our behalf and leads us to victory. Jesus is our protector. He is the one who protects us from dangers seen and unseen. Jesus is our savior. As one commentator notes: “To the awakened and anxious sinner [Jesus is the] sweetest and most fragrant of all names, expressing so melodiously and briefly his whole saving office and work!” Jesus is the only one who can save us. He saves us through his prophetic birth and ministry. And he saves us by his crucifixion, and most importantly, his resurrection.

Dr. Preston T. Adams III is senior pastor at Amazing Grace Christian Church in Indianapolis.

Guest Columnist Dr. Preston T. Adams III

Photo courtesy of Franciscan Sisters of Perpetual Adoration

St. LouiS american Career Center

Attorney. This position requires attendance at two Friday afternoon DV Court Order of Protection (OP) contempt dockets per month, and attendance at contempt trial special settings as needed; participation in OP violation contempt trials; and collaboration with court-appointed DV Court Defense Counsel or private counsel representing Respondents. The position additionally includes conducting independent research and other necessary court/trial preparation; reviewing documents and evidence submitted by Petitioners and Respondents or their attorneys; preparing memos, pleadings and other court documents as needed; and assisting with the on-boarding of new volunteer Specially Appointed Contempt Attorneys. This position also works closely and collaborates with DV Court program staff and other court personnel. This position can reimburse for up to 10 hours of work per month, at the rate of $75.00/hour.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Missouri, at least three (3) years of trial experience, preferably in juvenile, family, or criminal law, and experience working with survivors of domestic or sexual violence (Note: This position is subject to continued availability of funding).

To apply, please send a current resume, along with a cover letter, to the following address (application materials must be postmarked by FEBRUARY 15, 2022): Attn: Human Resources Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. OR Email same to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov. EOE.

Please contact the Human Resources Department at 615-4471 (voice) or RelayMo 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accommodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative form.

CITY OF JENNINGS

JOB OPPORTUNITIES NOW HIRING!

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for Deputy Building Commissioner; Finance Director; Code Enforcement Inspectors, Correctional Officers, Parks Crew Leader; Court Clerk, Recreation Department Administrative Assistant, Building Department Administrative Assistant II; P/T Bus Driver; P/T Public Works Laborers; P/T Site Monitor. Please see the full job descriptions online at www.cityofjennings.org

Applications are available at the Jennings City Hall or on the website at www.cityofjennings.org

The City of Jennings is an equal opportunity employer.

All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

CITY OF OLIVETTE BUILDING INSPECTOR JOB OPENING

INSTRUCTOR –CONSTRUCTION MANAGEMENT

URL - https://agency. governmentjobs.com//semoedu/ default.cfm?promotionaljobs=1 Phone number – 573-651-2206

FRONT DESK AND LOBBY ATTENDANT

HS Diploma with ability to use a computer. The position involves heavy public contact and excellent customer service skills. Responsible for greeting all Authority visitors and staff with a professional demeanor and operating a multi-line telephone system. Position requires timeliness, organizational skills and the ability to learn and explain Authority policies. Starting Salary $31,187 Annually. Apply via our website www.slha.org Position will be open until filled. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE

The City of Olivette is hiring for the position of Building Inspector. Please submit cover letter and resume to Human Resources at dmandle@olivettemo.com Deadline for submission is Tuesday, February 1, 2022 at 2pm. Salary Range: $46,147$64,000. Additional job details and benefits can be found at www.olivettemo.com

THE CITY OF OLIVETTE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

FINANCIAL ANALYST

This is an exempt, administrative position of considerable difficulty involving trend and financial analysis. General ledger analysis, private management financial report analysis, and preparation of financial statements and financial reporting. Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and at least five (5) years of experience in corporate or public accounting. Starting Salary $60,000. Apply via our website www.slha.org. Position will be open until filled. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE

Location: Single Specialty Endoscopy Center located in Central West End

G. I Registered Nurse: Skills:3-5 years of GI experience. ACLS certified. MO licensed. Detailed oriented, in assessment, implementing and recording, comprehensive nursing care in GI setting. Colonoscopy, with biopsy, EGD, PEG Resume: nanette.escueta@cweestl.org

G.I. Technician: Skills: GI experience. Knowledge, preparation, Set-Up, GI cases & Sterile technique. BLS certification. Decontamination and high-level disinfection. Preparation, GI set up, infection prevention and sterile techniques. Resume: Nanette.escueta@cweestl.org

Medical Assistant (MA) Requirements 2-3 years’ experience working in outpatient setting, BLS certification. Good people skills, Familiar with intake of insurance information, scheduling, follow up appointments, HIPPA, Privacy Act. Resume: Rachel.demouchet@cweestl.org

If you want to make a difference in the lives of young people, join our team at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri! We have a variety of open positions available - check them out at www.bbbsemo.org/careers.

SITE COORDINATOR

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs this summer. The seven-week program provides summer enrichment for children and families. The Site Coordinator manages the day-to-day operations and supervises staff of one CDF Freedom Schools® site. The position’s primary responsibility is to ensure the proper implementation of the CDF Freedom Schools® program model by managing daily site activities. The Site Coordinator will train and manage staff, maintain the safety of all staff and students, coordinate afternoon activities, field trips, family engagement initiatives and volunteer responsibilities and ensure that the CDF Freedom Schools® Integrated Reading Curriculum is implemented with fidelity.

To apply for this position, submit cover letter, resume and references at: https://deaconess.org/joinus

at all levels, with positions in engineering, nursing and health care, research, administration, technology, security and more.

JR63997 Associate Registrar - Engineering

Provides support to the McKelvey Registrar staff members as the university transitions the existing student information system to WorkDay Student. Ensures the integrity and confidentiality of student and institutional records and FERPA compliance. The successful candidate would meet the following required qualifications: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Experience working with confidential information.

JR61608 External Relations Associate - Office of the Vice Chancellor for Research

Responsible for managing LPT product aspects of the Claim Department. To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/

This position is responsible for scheduling inspections, monitoring and tracking inspection due dates and completion rates, investigating complaints, processing rent increases and maintaining various logs and reports. The position involves extensive public contact. Requirements include a HS Diploma, 2 years at an accredited college or university in a related field and 1 year experience and/or training in Building/ Housing Inspection. Salary $36,855 Annually. Apply via our website www.slha.org. Position will be open until filled. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE

The External Relations Associate is responsible for the overseeing the implementation of the University’s External Professional Activities Policy and providing support the schools in implementing the policy. This person also serves as the lead preliminary reviewer of faculty disclosed external professional activities, and frequently engages with faculty, Deans, Department Chairs, and other delegated reviewers to provide expert advice guidance. This person develops educational content and resources to aid faculty and schools in meeting policy/ procedural requirements the EPA policy. Required qualifications include advanced degree, MS or PhD in the life/biological science, medicine, biomedical engineering, engineering, or physical sciences; three years of work experience in a university or similar academic environment; demonstrated understanding of a research, academic, and regulatory environment, and ability to interpret regulations, policy and legal documents.

JR50607 Expedited Review Specialist - Human Research Protection Office

Position is responsible for reviewing all proposed research for compliance with HIPAA and will also review expedited/exempt research including minimal risk continuing review for ethical and regulatory issues. Position will attend committee meetings to assist and educate committee members and make recommendations about privacy and risk issues. Will be responsible for letters to investigators whose proposals were reviewed as well as generating reports for meeting minutes. Required qualifications include bachelor’s degree; must have working knowledge of the federal regulations governing research, including the new HIPAA regulations.

JR63183 Contracts Assistant - Joint Research Office for Contracts

The Contracts Assistant (CA) is responsible for supporting the contracts team in all matters related to contracting operations, including the intake and triage of contract agreements, electronic tracking and record keeping, customer contact, assistance with drafting and execution of agreements, and final processing. Required qualifications include bachelor’s degree in related area or Paralegal certification or equivalent combination of education and experience.

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice

Us > View Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids) Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an

ADVERTISEMENT FOR RFP

HOUSING NEEDS ASSESSMENT

The City of St. Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals from qualified applicants to conduct a Housing Needs Assessment and Housing Market Study for Persons Living with HIV/AIDS in the St. Louis Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area. These funds are available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Request for Proposals may be obtained beginning Wednesday, January 5, 2022, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/procurement.cfm.

Contact: Sylvia JacksonBell for questions @ DOHGA @stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 657-1581 (email preferred).

The deadline for submitting proposals is Monday, February 7, 2022 by 4:00pm via email at DOHGA @stlouis-mo.gov. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any and all responses with or without cause.

SAINT LOUIS ZOO AND SAINT LOUIS ZOO WILDCARE INSTITUTE ANNUAL REPORTS RFP 2022

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Saint Louis Zoo and Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Institute Annual Reports RFP 2022. Bid documents are available as of 1/12/2022 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor.

INVITATION TO BID

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting proposals for the construction services required for the Dr. Henry Givens Jr. Administration Bldg. Laboratory Renovations Project. Proposals must be emailed no later than 2:00 pm on Wednesday January 26, 2022, to Corey Freeman at freemanc@hssu.edu. Responses to the RFP will be opened and read at a virtual bid opening on Wednesday January 26, 2022, at 2:15 pm. The link to the virtual bid opening will be sent at the time of bid submission.

A pre-bid conference and walk-through will be held on Wednesday, January 12, 2022, at 2:00 pm at the Dr. Henry Givens Jr. Administration Bldg. located at 3026 Laclede Ave. St. Louis, MO 63103. Masks will be required for entry into the facility and at the pre-bid conference and walk-through. Social Distancing will also be required in the facility.

A copy of the Request for Proposals can be obtained by contacting Corey Freeman at email address: freemanc@hssu.edu, faxing: (314) 340-3322 or calling (314)-340-3325.

Should you need any further assistance, please email Ryan Wilson with NAVIGATE Building Solutions at ryan@navigatebuildingsolutions.com

The University reserves the right to reject any and all proposals and to waive all informalities in proposals.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Wachter, inc. is soliciting bids for the Ladue School District New Gym/Storm Shelter Additions at Conway & Reed Elementary Schools. Bids are due in our office by 10:00AM on January 19, 2022. Drawings may be accessed electronically via; https://drive.google.com/ drive/folders/1YEPUG8x1povJKi6gahFe2_ EG4D51Khv2?usp=sharing

This project requires a good faith effort be made to include MBE and WBE firms on the construction team and we encourage these firms to submit bids to achieve these goals. This project is subject to Missouri Prevailing Wage laws and is sales tax exempt.

Please send your bids to bids@wachterinc.com or call our office at 636-464-3555 with any questions.

EOE/AA

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Bissell - Coldwater - Missouri - Meramec Public I/I Reduction (2022) Contract B under Letting No. 13031-015.1, at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Thursday, February 17, 2022. All bids are to be deposited in the bid box located on the first floor of the District’s Headquarters prior to the 2:00 p.m. deadline. Bids may, however, be withdrawn prior to the opening of the first bid. BIDS WILL BE PUBLICLY OPENED AND READ IMMEDIATELY AFTER THE BID DUE DATE/TIME AT 2350 MARKET STREET.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of: The work to be done under this contract consists of the rehabilitation of approximately 29,539 lineal feet of sanitary sewers varying in size from 8-inches to 36-inches in diameter using cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) methods. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Boundaries, inside the city(ies) of Bellefontaine Neighbors, Florissant, Woodson Terrace, and unincorporated St. Louis County in the State of Missouri. The work will be performed in various quantities at various sites.

All prospective bidders must prequalify in the Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) category, and be certified prior to the Bid Opening. Prequalification forms for obtaining said certification may be obtained from the Owner at the above mentioned address. All bidders must obtain drawings and specifications in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

This project will be financed through the Missouri State Revolving Fund, established by the sale of Missouri Water Pollution Control bonds and Federal Capitalization Grants to Missouri. Neither the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, its divisions, nor its employees will be party to the contract at any tier. Any Bidder whose firm or affiliate is listed on the GSA publication titled “List of Parties Excluded from Federal Procurement or Non-Procurement Programs” is prohibited from the bidding process; bids received from a listed party will be deemed non-responsive. Refer to Instructions to Bidders B-27 for more information regarding debarment and suspension.

Nondiscrimination in Employment: Bidders on this work will be required to comply with the President’s Executive Order 11246. Requirements for bidders and contractors under this order are explained in the specifications.

Plans and Specifications are available from free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Ave St Louis, MO 63118. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer and invites the submission of bids from Women and Minority Business Enterprises.

CITY CLERK POSITION OPEN

The City of Pagedale is currently seeking to Hire a Full time City Clerk See Below for requirements

We are looking to hire a motivated and experienced city clerk to plan, manage and coordinate clerical duties within the city council. You will be responsible for recording minutes of council meetings, recording and maintaining all municipal documents, preparing meeting agendas, storing financial records and issuing public correspondence.

To excel in this role, you will need to have proven experience in collating and maintaining records and legal documents, working knowledge of relevant computer systems, and an understanding of federal, state and local laws. A minimum of 5 years experience as a city clerk with clerical and supervisory experience is required and a minimum of an MRCC (Missouri Registered City Clerk).

City Clerk Responsibilities:

Record, edit and distribute minutes of council meetings. Communicate effectively with management, government officials and staff.

Act as a liaison between the City Council and the public. Draft meeting agendas and bylaws. Record data and ensure that documents are stored, filed and maintained correctly. Utilize computer databases and software. Prepare and maintain official reports, legal documents, financial records, and reference material. Coordinate municipal elections.

Transcribe, type and proofread documents.

Distribute public correspondence and ensure that municipal records are accessible to the public.

City Clerk Requirements: Computer skills and knowledge of software applications. Excellent

You

If

ACCOUNTS PAYABLE SPECIALIST

Technical bookkeeping and accounting related position of moderate difficulty responsible for processing accounting documents in accordance with established procedures. Performs various clerical and routine accounting tasks in support of the Finance Department, including accounts payable functions, as well as other duties including record maintenance, preparing financial reports, issuing checks, making deposits, and generally ensuring that the office operations are running smoothly. Starting Salary $36,855 Annually. Apply via our website www.slha.org. Position will be open until filled. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Keeley Construction is soliciting Proposals for the Cervantes Convention Center Expansion Early Utilities Package. Scope of work includes but is not limited to the following: Traffic Control, Erosion and Sedimentation Control, Sawcutting of Pavement, Pavement demolition, Ductile Iron Piping for Domestic Water, Fire Hydrants, Storm Sewer removals and Improvements, Precast Structures, Asphalt Paving, Concrete Curbs and Walks, Shoring, Deep Sewer Construction. Proposals are due to Keeley Construction prior to bid opening January 18th, 2022. The Owner has adopted a comprehensive Inclusion Program for the construction phase of the Project which includes, but is not limited to, the following. Enterprise: 21% African American-owned business enterprises, 2% Hispanic American-owned business enterprises, .50% Asian American-owned business enterprises, .50% Native American-owned business enterprises and 11% Women-owned business enterprises. Workforce: 25% Minority, 7% Women, 23% City Residents and 20% Apprentices. For all inquiries, please contact Elise Brown elise.brown@keeleyconstruction.com

STLZOO MAGAZINE

RFP 2022

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified contractors to print four issues of stlzoo Magazine. Bid documents are available as of 1/12/2022 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Altman-Charter Co., requests subcontractor/supplier proposals for Francie’s Place Apartment Renovations. This is the Renovation/Remodel of 3 separate apartment buildings with a total of 23 units. The addresses are 3600 South Jefferson Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118; 4334-4338 Chouteau Ave., St. Louis, MO 63110; and 3851-3853 Shenandoah Ave., St. Louis, MO 63118. Proposals are due at the office of Altman-Charter Co., 315 Consort Dr., St. Louis, MO 63011 on or before Thur., January 20, 2022 at 3:00 PM (CT). Qualified Minority, Section 3, and Women owned businesses are encouraged to submit proposals. Plans can be viewed at FW Dodge, Construct Connect, SIBA, MOKAN, Cross Rhodes Reprographics, and the Altman-Charter plan room in St. Louis. Bidders should contact Mr. James Geerling with any questions or to submit a proposal at jamesg@altman-charter.com. Our telephone # is (636) 207-8670, and our fax # is (636) 207-8671.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Upgrade F i r e A l a r m and Security Systems, Center for Behavioral M e d i c i n e , Kansas City, M O P r o j e c t N o . R E B I D M1903-01 will b e r e c e i v e d b y F M D C , State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, February 10, 2022. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

–Electrical, Central Region, Project No. IDIQMCA-2007, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 1/25/2022 via M i s s o u r i B U Y S . Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: https://oa.mo. gov/facilities/ bidopportunities/ bidlistingelectronicplans

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Land Clearance for Redevelopment Authority of the County of St. Louis (the LCRA”) requests proposals from separate, qualified contractors to perform the following services for the LCRA’s MET Center building, located at 6347 Plymouth Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63133: (1) elevator preventative maintenance and repair services, as needed, (2) HVAC system preventative maintenance and repair services, as needed, (3) janitorial services, and (4) security services. The requested services shall be for a one-year period with two successive options for the LCRA to renew for terms of one year each. A five percent bid preference may be available to certified MBE firms. A copy of the full RFP is available at https:// stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfq/. Proposals should be received no later than 3:00 PM CST on Thursday, February 3, 2022. St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Renovate R e

M

G e o

o g i c a

Survey, Project No. W1902-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 1/27/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Sealed bids for the Painting of the City of Crestwood Aquatic Competition Pool marked “AQUATIC COMPETION POOL PAINTING PROJECT” will be received by the Parks and Recreation Department of the City of Crestwood at the Crestwood Community Center, 9245 Whitecliff Park Lane, until 3:00pm on January 26, 2022; and at that time will be publicly opened and read aloud at the Community Center. The Scope of Work includes brush blasting, joint repair, cleaning and coating of pool surfaces, etc. at 9245 Whitecliff Park Lane as noted in the specifications of the bid document. These documents can be obtained on the City of Crestwood website. www.cityofcrestwood.org

Wharf Theatre), Maria Goyanes (Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company), and Stephanie Ybarra (Baltimore Center Stage), shared. “Our field has long operated through the organic relationships formed amongst theater-makers, and this Artistic Caucus is our latest way of naming that trend and optimizing for it. By combining our intellectual and financial resources and increasing interconnection at every artistic level of our organizations, we are able to force multiply to throw our doors even further open –evolving how we bring artists into our communities towards more equality, more transparency, more accessibility, more trust, and more abundance.”

According to a press release, The Artistic Caucus includes theatrical artists from all over the country who will read new plays and proposals, search for projects, and initiate relationships with artists in accordance with all four companies. The Caucus also attracts artists to locate projects, compensates them for their skills, and prioritizes each of the organizations’

needs for strength and cooperation.

Artistic Caucus members Marie Cisco, Nailah HarperMalveaux, Adil Mansoor and Regina Victor will assist the artistic teams at each theater, connected to Annalisa Dias (Director of Artistic Partnerships and Innovation, Baltimore Center Stage), Cheyenne Barboza (Artistic Associate, Long Wharf Theatre), Kate Moore Heaney (Artistic Associate, Long Wharf Theatre), Becks Redman (Producer of New Play Development, The Repertory Theater of St. Louis) and Sonia Fernandez (Director of New Work, Woolly Mammoth Theater Company).

“I am especially excited that the caucus brings together an ensemble of folks interested in curatorial disruption,” Mansoor said. “I appreciate that the strategies and deliverables of our work together weren’t predefined and are coming out of our time together. It’s thrilling to experiment with a curatorial model that resembles a devising process and encourages emergent possibilities.”

Sharif said her role as The Rep’s artistic director and involvement with the Caucus is for the work showcased on their stage to be a reflection of St. Louis’ indomitable spirit.

“That means throwing open

the doors to whose stories are being told and the people on the stage telling those stories,” she said. “I am incredibly thrilled by the idea and the reality I’m already experiencing through the types of voices in the Caucus being brought to the table.”

She also said she is excited about the creative conversations that can spark from the community and the access it gives people interested in what happens behind the scenes.

“You have these artists who are deeply invested in St. Louis,” Sharif said. “It’s about understanding and being connected to the energy and impulses artistically of St. Louis. Then taking that out across the country and bringing back the best of the country to us. I think it puts St. Louis and The Rep in a thought-leading position that is exciting.”

Sharif said the Caucus is the beginning of groundbreaking work to be at the forefront in St. Louis.

“I think this is the beginning for some really exciting groundbreaking new work and I believe that St. Louis deserves to be at the forefront of this movement,” she said. “I’m excited to be able to help support that.”

Poitier

Continued from D1

Sharee Silerio, writer and filmmaker, said she appreciated him for taking roles that weren’t categorized as the “savage” or the “buffoon.” She said his role in “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” was pivotal.

“He brought humility, frankness, and reality to that role.” she said. “Just to see how he has evolved in his career from his first audition getting laughed off the stage to his first few films not doing well to getting in his groove and being the first African American to win an Oscar, get into directing, and make projects for other people, its an inspirational story to keep going regardless of your challenges and obstacles. The fight for it is worth it.”

Sophia Stephens, writer and actor, said growing up, “Guess Who’s Coming to Dinner” was one of her favorite films.

“He did it so well. It spoke to me as an artist,” Stephens said. “It showed me the roles an artist can take, the messages sent to society, and what art is actually saying and doing. He was so dignified in that film, it translated in his real life. He brought diversity, he was a man of integrity, and it was amazing to watch with my mom and see her light up. He was a wonderful light and example to us all.”

Humble but extraordinary beginnings

He lived nearly 95 years, but Sidney Poitier almost didn’t survive infancy.

He was born on February 20, 1927, the youngest of eight children born to Bahamian tomato farmers Evelyn and Reginald Poitier. When she was pregnant with him, his mother’s water broke more than two months early as the couple made one of their regular trips to Miami, Florida to sell produce. He weighed three pounds, an all but certain death sentence considering the medical resources available to a family of poor Black Bahamian farmers in the 1920s, Poitier said in a 2014 interview with the Academy of Achievement.

The death of her son was an unacceptable fate. The morning after giving birth, she walked the streets of Miami in search of life saving resources for her dangerously premature son. She ended up visiting a fortune teller.

“She told my mother I will travel to all the corners of the earth. I will walk with kings,” Poitier said during the interview.

“Everything that she said to my mom came true. I have not to this day figured it out. I’ve spent my life trying to understand it. I still don’t have a fix on it.”

He said the trio stayed in Miami for three months to ensure baby Sidney had the strength to make the boat voyage back to their native Cat Island, where the family was reunited – and would live for ten more years. They relocated to Nassau, where Poitier was forced to quit school so he could help provide for the family at the young age of 12. Two years later, he moved to Miami to live with an older brother. Racial tensions compelled a 15-year-old Sidney Poitier to head for Harlem with nothing but the clothes on his back.

He slept on rooftops and took work as a dishwasher.

“The acting came totally as an accident,” Poitier said. “I was looking for a dishwashing job in a paper – an African American paper called The Amsterdam News.”

On this fateful day there were no dishwashing jobs listed. A phrase caught his eye as he was about to fold the paper up and throw it away.

“Actors wanted.”

“What is this actor’s job? That doesn’t sound too bad,” Poitier said. “Plus, they are inviting me.”

He auditioned for a role for the American Negro Theater, falsely claiming he had experience. The audition was disastrous.

“He said ‘get out of here and stop wasting people’s time. You can’t read – you can hardly talk,’” Poitier said the man said as he grabbed him by his collar and tossed him out.

Halfway in the block between Lennox Ave and 7th Avenue, Poitier stopped dead in the middle of the street.

“I was deeply offended,” Poitier said. “I decided then and there at that moment on that street that I am going to be an actor just to show him he was wrong about me.”

After another failed audition, the company accepted his offer to perform janitorial duties in exchange for acting lessons. He still worked as a dishwasher, but he also listened to the radio and mimicked the personalities in the efforts to reduce his accent.

A kind elderly Jewish waiter sat with him every night after work and helped him improve his reading. His American Negro Theater classmates advocat-

ed for him when the instructors didn’t feel he was up to par. He was given an understudy role in the student production.

A rising young singer/actor named Harry Belafonte was the play’s star.

“For over 80 years, Sidney and I laughed, cried and made as much mischief as we could,” Belafonte said in response to Poitier’s passing. Filling in for Belafonte one night, Poitier caught the eye of someone looking to fill a small role on Broadway. His first professional role came in the production of Lysistrata. It was the first play of a career that would span stage, film and television and extend generations. He broke barriers and blazed trails – particularly with his historic “Best Actor” Academy Award win for the 1963 film “Lilies of the Field – in a career that is defined by many as Black excellence personified.

The slap heard ‘round the world

One of Poitier’s most famous roles is that of Philadelphia Detective Virgil Tibbs in the 1967 film “In The Heat of the Night.” The famous scene where Tibbs is slapped by a racist white cotton magnate and Tibbs slaps him right back was originally written a bit differently.

“I go in front of a camera with the responsibility to be at least respectful of certain values,” Poitier said. Tibbs was supposed to take the slap and walk away.

“I said, ‘We are in the 60s. You can’t do that,’” Poitier said. “The Black community will look at that and say that is egregious. The human responses that would be natural, we are suppressing them to serve values of greed on the part of Hollywood, acquiescence on behalf of people culturally who would accept that as the proper approach. You certainly won’t do that with me.”

Poitier demanded that the reciprocated slap be put into writing if he accepts the role – and that the contract states if the film plays in the south, it is not to be removed under any circumstances. It was an instance of Poitier using his art to affect change –just as he used his platform as a celebrity to promote the work of the Civil Rights Movement.

“He was truly my brother and partner in trying to make this world a little better,” Belafonte said of his lifelong friend, fellow artist and activist. “He certainly made mine a whole lot better.”

Continued from D1

The exhibition is organized by Thelma Golden, director and chief curator, The Studio Museum in Harlem, and Legacy Russell, executive director and chief curator, The Kitchen.

“Like the Internet, a boundless and dynamic space that fuels Kahlil Robert Irving’s imagination, the artist’s new installation is fascinating and multilayered, and opens path after path for the viewer,” Golden said. “The Studio Museum in Harlem is proud to continue its collaboration with MoMA by presenting this extraordinary exhibition, which is as historically probing as it is timely and forward-thinking.”

She said after people see his exhibition she hopes people will recognize and appreciate Irving’s spirit of discovery and comprehensive investigation of contemporary imagery.

“As deeply as he reflects on the weight of Black history through digital imagery, includ-

ing the burdens and challenges that are still so present and so public, Kahlil’s work remains beautifully open to the world and its never-ending possibilities,” she said.

He said it feels surreal to have his work showcased at MoMa.

“To be exhibiting at MoMA is scary, partially, because the pandemic has ruptured so much and I greatly appreciate the chance for my work to still to be presented and out in the world,” he said. “I feel privileged and excited to have met everyone I have.”

Wassan Al-Khudari, the chief curator at the Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis, had the pleasure of co-curating Irving’s “At Dusk” exhibition alongside Misa Jeffereis, assistant curator, at CAM STL on behalf of The Great Rivers Biennial, a program funded by Gateway Foundation committed to supporting the works of local artists.

Al-Khudari said she and Jeffereis assembled a national panel of jurors who helped select three winners to receive $20,000 and a solo exhibition in the museum. In 2020, Irving was one of the three winners to

receive a grand prize. His work was displayed from September 2020 through February 2021. She said she had a great experience working with him, and she’s excited about his work being featured at MoMa.

“I hope everyone who views his current exhibition can find something they can identify with in his work,” she said. “I think his work draws commonality for people to connect with it, and it draws them in to learn more, understand more, and challenge notions.”

He said the message he wants people to walk away with from his artwork is that difficult times may be upon us, but it will only transition if we are willing to grow and change.

“The track we are on is steady. How do we change course? It is up to us collectively to make a difference,” he said. “My installation is a stand-in for many moving parts rendered still like a puzzle and now we really need to put the parts together.”

Learn more about Irving’s exhibit here: https://www. moma.org/calendar/exhibitions/5396.

Art