January 18th, 2018 Edition

Frankie Muse Freeman passes at

By Gloria S. Ross For St. Louis Public Radio

Strikers speak out on MLK Day

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MLK Day on MLK Drive

By Jessica Karins For The

New

By Sophie Hurwitz For The St. Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price

By Sandra Jordan Of The

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Jessica Karins

Usher accuser said to be suing healthcare providers over screen shots

Last year, Laura Helm filed a lawsuit against Usher Raymond accusing him of infecting her with the herpes virus.

Now, Helm is suing her insurance companies for leaking her medical records.

According to TMZ.com, Helm has filed a lawsuit accusing an insurance broker of taking screen shots of her health records and leaking the information to a blog.

United Healthcare, Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Louisiana, Golden Rule Insurance Company and the blog are all named in the suit. She is seeking undisclosed

damages.

Helm’s lawsuit against Usher was dismissed back in November after audio leaked of Laura telling her publicist she never had unprotected sex with the pop star.

Future on deck to produce ‘Super Fly’ remake

Future is set to executive produce a remake of crime drama “Super Fly.”

The “End Game” rapper will not only be managing the music for the updated version on the 1972 flick, Ron O’Neal in the leading role as drug dealer Youngblood Priest and Carl Lee as Eddie, but he’s been added as a key member of the production team alongside Joel Silver, Deadline reports.

Director X – who has cut music videos for the likes of Justin Bieber and Drake – will helm the Sony movie, and he confirmed Future’s involvement on his Instagram account. Alongside a selfie with the 34-year-old musician, he wrote: “More heat! @future is on board to

curate the music as Executive Producer for @ superflymovie. His creative vision will bring the audience the sonic tone, vibe and soul of Atlanta, which is the setting of our story. Next level tings! #superfly (sic)”

“Burning Sands” star Trevor Jackson will take on the role of Youngblood, with Straight Outta Compton’s Jason Mitchell set to play Eddie. The director also shared a picture of the main team involved, and hiphop star 21 Savage was also in shot, though it’s not yet known how he’ll be involved.

He wrote: Big tings! Proud to announce that I will be directing the remix of the 70’s cult classic @SuperflyMovie with veteran film producer, Joel Silver and @ Future #Superfly (sic).”

Claudia Jordan drops bombshell rumor about Omarosa and Trump

Former “Celebrity Apprentice” contestant

Claudia Jordan raised some eyebrows during a recent episode of her Unstabled podcast, where she claims that Omarosa Manigault getting booted from the White House was more personal than business.

“I heard some presidential tea regrading

Omarosa,” Jordan said. “Allegedly, I have a friend of a friend of hers that — there is some talk that there may have been some inappropriateness between the two…allegedly. I would be surprised because of what he used to say to me about her looks.”

Russell Simmons claims accuser is an extortionist

Last week, Russell Simmons vehemently denied rape allegations after it was revealed criminal complaints had been filed.

In a statement to ABC News, Simmons now says that he is being extorted.

“In recent weeks, some former business, creative and romantic partners have aired grievances as claims I categorically reject. In some of these instances, financial motives and direct contradictory witness testimony has been supplied to the media, which has been completely left out of stories. In the last few days, one woman attempted to extort me for $500,000 only to recant her ridiculous claim. The current allegations range from the patently untrue to the frivolous and hurtful. The presumption of innocent until proven guilty must not be replaced by ‘guilty by association.’”

Sources: TMZ.com, Deadline.com, ABC News, YouTube.com, celebritainment.com

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Legal advocates for the arts support Clay, Pulphus

‘Freedom of speech is protected everywhere, including the U.S. Capitol’

By Jessica Karins

For The St. Louis American

U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) and David Pulphus, the young artist whose work he displayed at the U.S. Capitol, are still fighting a legal battle against the Architect of the Capitol, who removed the painting depicting police as animals after complaints from others in Congress. Now, Clay and his constituent are receiving some legal help from non-profit art advocates.

The controversy resulted from an art display in the Capitol building in which congressmen chose a work from their district to display. Clay chose the painting “Untitled #1” by Pulphus, then a student at Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School. Pulphus’ work depicted an allegorical post-Ferguson street scene including police officers with the heads of boars and wolves.

The painting hung in the Capitol for seven months before Republican congressmen took notice. They successfully argued for its removal, saying the contest rules prohibited works depicting “subjects of contemporary political controversy” or of “sensationalistic or gruesome nature.”

In response, Clay sued Architect of Capitol Stephen Ayers for the right to restore the painting to the Capitol. After a defeat in the lower courts, the case is progressing to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. Seventeen arts and advocacy organizations have filed an amicus brief supporting the opinion that Pulphus’ First Amendment rights were violated.

In a statement, attorney Mark Sableman of the Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts said the exhibit does not fall under the heading of government speech, which can be censored at the government’s will.

“Our brief points out the inherent expressive freedom when art works are

Local artist David Pulphus and Mark Sableman, an attorney with Volunteer Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts

displayed in exhibitions,” Sableman said.

“Even when a government entity is involved in exhibiting or making available selections of expressive works, viewpoint censorship

n “We are confident that the Court of Appeals will eventually vindicate not only David’s legal rights, but will also reaffirm that freedom of speech is protected everywhere.”

– U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay

should be forbidden. The Supreme Court has made this clear with books in public school libraries, and the same principle should apply to art in public exhibitions.”

The brief also said Ayers’ logic for

removing the painting was not applied consistently.

“He removed the work from the exhibit, effectively resulting in what is known as a heckler’s veto,” the VLAA said in its statement. “Other works addressing race relations and the treatment of AfricanAmericans by law enforcement remained on view.”

Other organizations signing onto the legal defense fund include Americans for the Arts, College Art Association of America, Comic Book Legal Defense Fund, Free Speech Coalition and the Index on Censorship.

“I greatly appreciate the strong and principled support of the St. Louis Lawyers and Accountants for the Arts and the other amici as they join my efforts to defend the First Amendment rights of my talented young constituent, David Pulphus,” Clay said. “We are confident that the Court of Appeals will eventually vindicate not only David’s legal rights, but will also reaffirm that freedom of speech is protected everywhere, including the U.S. Capitol.”

NAACP, Lawyers’ Committee condemn Trump’s racist remarks

As our nation fights to move forward, our president falls deeper and deeper into the rabbit hole of racism and xenophobia. The United States’ position as a moral leader throughout the world has been thoroughly damaged by the continuous lowbrow, callous and unfiltered racism repeatedly espoused by President Trump.

His decision to use profanity to describe African, Central American and Caribbean countries is not only a low mark for this president, it is a low point for our nation. This president’s failure to grasp simple ideas of inclusion and maturity is an open sore on our democracy that continues to fester. It is clear that the president wants to return America to its ugly past of white supremacy, where immigration laws as well as all laws of society only favored individuals from European nations and European ancestry.

In fact, the president himself benefitted from those racially biased laws when his ancestors immigrated to this nation. Yet today, he wants to force the American public to pay billions to build a wall to block off our southern neighbors in exchange for the return of protections for DACA that were already guaranteed to immigrants before he came to office. The Bull Connor of our day is none other than the president of our nation. As Dr. King fought then, we fight today against those seeking to implement slicker and newer forms of racial segregation.

– The NAACP

In no uncertain terms, we condemn the president’s racist and reprehensible statement regarding our African and Haitian neighbors. It is no surprise that we have seen a spike in hate crimes and hate violence across the country because we have a president who, without hesitation, expresses racial animus towards people of color.

The president’s statements strain our relationships with African and Haitian countries, and promote dangerous stereotypes regarding people of African and Caribbean descent here in the U.S. It is hard to divorce his views from the countless policies that have been promoted during the first term of this administration: the rollback of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the issuance of the Muslim Ban, intensifying immigration raids and reversals in federal civil rights enforcement.

The president’s statement fully denigrates the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, who dedicated his life to combatting racism and bigotry.

– Kristen Clarke, president and executive director, Lawyers’ Committee for Civil Rights Under Law

Editorial /CommEntary

Frankie Freeman and the future of affordable housing

One of civil rights attorney Frankie Muse Freeman’s major achievements was her work on the NAACP’s legal team to end legal racial discrimination in public housing, in the case of Davis et al v. the St. Louis Housing Authority

On the very morning of Freeman’s passing at age 101, housing advocates were picking up her torch. At the city’s Affordable Housing Commission meeting on January 12, advocates were pleading with the commissioners to push harder to ease the burden and discrimination that African-American families face in the housing market.

“According to HUD data, close to 30 percent of the African-American households in the city are extremely housing-cost burdened,” said Glenn Burleigh, community engagement specialist for the Metropolitan St. Louis Equal Housing and Opportunity Council. “That means over 50 percent of their monthly income is going simply towards paying for housing.”

This is true of urban centers across the country, where housing prices have blown up as accelerated housing demand collides with rising costs.

The federal government stipulates that no more than 30 percent of Americans’ monthly income should go towards housing costs, Burleigh said.

neighborhood preservation. The Board of Aldermen established that $5 million would go towards affordable housing, $5 million to public health and $3 million for building demolition. The remaining amount could be used as the aldermen see fit.

However, since 2013, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has received about $10 million of the use tax revenue every year, while the Affordable Housing Trust Fund has received between $4 and $4.5 million every year since 2011. It has long been underfunded and that trend continued in fiscal year 2018, as it will only receive $4,685,000 from the use tax revenue. Housing advocates are urging the commission to request at least $7 million in the upcoming budgetary round.

“In North St. Louis, over 60 percent of households are paying above that line,” he said. “We have an acute affordable housing issue in our city right now, and one that is growing every year.”

Burleigh gave his comment after the commission had awarded $4.26 million in grants for “subsidy-housing assistance,” which ranges from homeless shelters and rent/utility subsidies to financial literacy and new construction of affordable homes. In total, the commission is able to award $4.47 million for fiscal year 2018 for these programs.

Burleigh and others came to the meeting to urge the commission to ask for some of the unallocated tax revenue that resulted from passing Prop 1 – a half-cent sales tax increase for a North-South light rail extension, public safety cameras, and neighborhood development. A local-use tax automatically increases when the sales tax does, and it is expected to generate $4 million. Since city voters rejected funding a new soccer stadium with this money, this $4 million is now unallocated.

In 2002, city voters approved a proposition to allocate the use tax revenue for affordable housing, public health, public safety, and

One big problem facing North city families is the home mortgage market.

Burleigh pulled out a large map of the city with purple dots sprinkled throughout it.

“This is the mortgage activity in the area,” he said. “When you see the purple dots, those are mortgages being issued. As you can see at the Delmar line, it stops.” There is no functional mortgage market in North St. Louis, he said, due to something called the appraisal gap. And this is forcing families to pay way too much to live in substandard housing because they cannot buy the house across the street and get a rehab loan.

Cities like Detroit are taking measures to address this through innovative loan programs. These are the kind of programs we need, Burleigh said. “And these are the kind of programs that we are not going to be able to afford if we continue to ask for as much money as we’ve been asking for,” he said.

April Ford-Griffin, executive director of the commission, said she couldn’t say how much they will request in their budget yet. However she said they always ask for more each year. Discrimination in the mortgage loan market – along with unfair eviction practices – are the issues that the Frankie Freemans of today and tomorrow must battle. We join housing advocates in demanding that the city allocate a critical amount of new local use tax revenue to affordable housing. Overt discrimination in housing may have been outlawed, thanks to her work, but St. Louis and the United States are far from addressing the need for racial equity in housing.

Commentary

If ignorance is bliss, Trump must be very happy

If you want to know President Trump’s position on any given policy issue, the last person you should ask is President Trump. He has no idea what he thinks.

Let me amend that. He does know that he wants more immigrants from places such as Norway and fewer from African nations, Haiti and El Salvador, which he called “shithole countries” in a meeting with lawmakers on Thursday, according to The Washington Post. So in terms of racism, he’s crystal clear. On most other things, though, he’s fuzzy to the point of cluelessness.

It was an astonishing moment during Trump’s televised “negotiation” with congressional leaders on immigration, when U.S. Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., asked whether the president would support a “clean” or standalone bill providing relief for the estimated 700,000 “Dreamers” who were brought to the United States illegally when they were children. Legislation that would let them stay is known in Washington acronym-speak as DACA.

“We’re going to do DACA, and then we can start immediately on the phase two, which would be comprehensive,” Trump said. When Feinstein asked again if he would be agreeable to this approach, Trump said, “Yeah, I would like to do that. I think a lot of people would like to see that. But I think we have to do DACA first.” Republicans around the table freaked out. Trump had adopted the Democrats’ position and abandoned his own, which

is, or was, that any action to help the Dreamers had to be accompanied by tough-onimmigration measures – such as funding for Trump’s border wall. (Never mind that Mexico was supposed to pay for the wall, if you believed Trump’s campaign rhetoric.)

House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., quickly jumped in to clarify that what the president obviously meant by “yes” was “no.”

The televised part of the session lasted 55 minutes, and the president seemed uncharacteristically agreeable throughout. As in, agreeable to anything: He actually said at one point that he would sign whatever immigration bill the assembled legislators managed to pass. On another issue, the White House made clear what it wanted Congress to do about the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act: reject a measure that would restrict the government’s ability to conduct domestic surveillance of Americans. But on Thursday, Trump undercut his own position with a morning tweet: “’House votes on controversial FISA ACT today.’ This is the act that may have been used, with the help of the discredited and phony Dossier, to so badly surveil and abuse the Trump Campaign by the previous administration and others?”

St. Louis needs a community-owned shelter

By Jack Seigel For The St. Louis American

St. Louis needs a 24-hour, emergency walk-in shelter. In recent weeks, I got involved with winter outreach for people experiencing homelessness, both by coordinating a resource drive in the Jewish community and volunteering at churches in North St. Louis that opened their doors to act as emergency shelters. These volunteer-run pop-up locations provide food, clothes, toiletries, showers, and beds for people in need.

They opened because our unhoused community needed a place to stay in the bitter cold of winter: a winter that has already claimed the lives of two people who didn’t have the shelter they needed. These deaths were preventable, and so are any future deaths resulting from not having basic needs like housing or food. Any society that can prevent these deaths has an obligation to do so.

When you ask activists and clergy about their short-term needs, you get an unsurprising list: coats, blankets, socks, underwear, towels, food, and volunteers. But when you ask about a long-term solution, the answer is equally clear: a 24-hour emergency walk-in shelter.

I agree. As long as people need a place to escape winter weather, we need buildings that won’t turn anyone away. It’s more than having a place where people can go; the community should own the building. Just look at who is doing the work already. Spend

some time at any of the popup shelters, and you will see an efficient and empathetic team of volunteers. Without formal training, they feed and house people who need it while maintaining remarkable coordination, both within and between shelters. If these activists and organizers have already proven they can answer the call, why not let them continue to do the great work they are already doing?

Let’s give them the ownership to keep helping people. Let’s start thinking about next winter now and empower the people, instead of worrying about bureaucracy. Solutions should be about who can do the most good, not who can raise the most campaign funds or who wants to look good next election cycle. People in need don’t have time for political games.

The community needs to own the shelter because the city and our government have already failed. Grover Perry’s death illustrates why, so does the death of the other unnamed person. When you close a homeless shelter a few months before winter, without an adequate plan in place to house people, your priorities are clear. When you budget all your money without adequate spending on social services, your priorities

Letters to the editor

Important legislation

Places that reflect the struggle for African-American equality are vital to telling the full story of our nation’s complex history. A network that connects historic sites, routes, corridors, and regions of the Civil Rights Movement brings to life the revolutionary events that happened there and transformed America.

So it sounded as if Trump might be in favor of limiting potential FISA abuses. But a couple of hours later, the president tweeted again to say, basically, never mind.

When Trump convened a cabinet meeting Wednesday, he had an odd greeting for the media pool that had been admitted to cover the session: “Welcome back to the studio.”

Could he actually see the West Wing as a television studio? In December, the New York Times reported something that made my jaw drop: “Before taking office, Mr. Trump told top aides to think of each presidential day as an episode in a television show in which he vanquishes rivals.”

Of course, all presidents would rather win fights than lose them; and, since they’re politicians, they want to be seen as winning those fights. But seeing each day as an “episode” of a reality-show presidency is a recipe for chaos, inconsistency, discontinuity, incoherence – a recipe for what we’ve seen in the first year of the Trump presidency. Needless to say, this is no way to run a country. But it may be all the Trump administration is capable of.

Trump had no ideas for reshaping the health care system, with the result that Obamacare is still in place. He had no ideas for reshaping tax policy except “cut, cut, cut,” with the result that Republicans came up with a bill that balloons the national debt while offering caviar to the rich and peanuts to the middle class.

They say ignorance is bliss. Trump must be very happy.

We thank U.S. Reps. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-MO) and Jason Smith (R-MO) and U.S. Sens. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) and Lamar Alexander (R-TN) for their leadership in the passage of this important legislation to establish the civil rights network program.

Thomas J. Cassidy, Jr. vice president, National Trust for Historic Preservation Washington, D.C.

Rolling Hills’ rules are fair

I wish your readers could have seen the Rolling Hills Apartment Complex before Mr. Bennett bought the property. The lady and her two daughters you mention in your article would never have made it to their car in the morning without some form of hassle. When they got home at night, anything that they might have owned in their apartment would have been stolen. The police department seldom came when called, and when they did it was a half hour or more after the call. Meanwhile, dope, guns, hustlers and thieves flowed like water through a pipe. I lost my job, my car, and the roof over my head all because I made sloppy decisions about how I handled my money, my affairs, and the people I chose to run with. I thought the rules in life didn’t apply to me. My next stop was somewhere under a bridge. Mr. Bennett offered me a lifeline, and I grabbed it. His rules were strict, but they were a lot easier

are clear. Unhoused lives are not a priority for this city government, but mere moments in the pop-up shelters will prove that they are a priority to the community. We have the resources and ability to do more. Folks drive around at night looking for people outside to bring into shelters. They inevitably pass vacant and boarded up buildings all over the city. It’s not a bold claim to say those buildings could be put to better use on freezing nights like we experienced this winter. Because the community is already running emergency shelters, because they have proven they care, and because the city has failed, the only logical solution is a new emergency 24-hour shelter that is both community-owned and -run. What does that look like in practice? It means the people own the building, decide how it is staffed, and decide what to do with any public or private funds or donations they receive. They can choose a shelter that operates all-year-round, that does not turn anyone away, that provides access to medical professionals and social services. They can create a shelter that puts the people’s needs first. The volunteers have already proven they can handle the responsibility because they are already doing the work. The government has failed. The community has stepped up and now deserves ownership. Jack Seigel is a community organizer in the St Louis area interested in inclusive and participatory public policy.

than the Salvation Army. Pay your rent on time, do not cause trouble for others, and keep your apartment tidy. You could count on one hand and have fingers left over the number of landlords in St. Louis who actually live in the apartments they own. Mr. Bennett was there from day one. All I ever saw him do was work morning, noon, and night to improve his property so that people didn’t have to live in complete chaos.

J.H. Hirshfeld, Reynolds, Mo.

Zero consequences for lynching remark

The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus was extremely disappointed to learn that state Rep. Warren Love was not

only exonerated following his racially insensitive comments on social media, but also failed to keep his word and accept the punishment recommended by the House Ethics Committee. Rep. Love’s privilege resulted in him facing zero consequences for his unjustifiable behavior. It is important that we continue to foster a comfortable work environment, one free of hostile and insensitive speech. The Missouri Legislative Black Caucus is calling not only for a thorough review of the matter, but for every individual serving in this body to be more mindful of the discourse they utilize, especially in situations regarding race.

State Rep. Alan Green, chair, Missouri Legislative Black Caucus, Florissant

Frankie Muse Freeman

Columnist Eugene Robinson

FREEMAN

Continued from A1 girls, both about the same age as her daughter, into her home and found another St. Louis family for a boy.

“We had to keep them safe,” Freeman said.

Few people in St. Louis were aware that three of the children at the apex of the nascent Civil Rights Movement were attending Hadley Technical High School during the summer of 1958, the same summer that Freeman’s 11-year-old son died of pneumonia.

By the time members of the “Little Rock Nine” arrived at her door, Freeman had won a landmark case that ended legal discrimination in public housing in St. Louis and was well on her way to becoming one of the most important attorneys of the civil rights era and beyond.

Freeman, who overcame two bouts of cancer in earlier years, passed Friday, January 12 at age 101 .

“The nation has lost one of its greatest crusaders for racial and sexual justice,” said Bill Clay, former Missouri congressman.

Her remains will lie in repose in the Grand Hall of the Missouri History Museum 5-8 p.m. Friday, January 19. The public is invited to the viewing.

At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 20, her funeral services will be open to the public at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 3200 Washington Blvd., where Freeman was a long-time member. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 5239 West Florissant Ave.

Separate and unequal

“I knew I was going to become a lawyer and get involved in civil rights cases,” Freeman told the St. Louis Beacon in 2009.

Freeman passed the Missouri Bar in 1948. Her first civil rights case came along the following year.

She teamed up with three NAACP attorneys and sued the St. Louis Board of Education on behalf of three brothers who wanted to take airplane mechanic courses offered only at the white technical high school. She won and won again on appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court. So the school board eliminated the course.

“It was a learning experience to see how far people would go to maintain racial segregation, and how short-sighted they were in undervaluing people on the basis of race,” she wrote in her 2003 memoir, “A Song of Faith and Hope.”

A few years later, she was the NAACP’s lead attorney in a groundbreaking suit against the St. Louis Housing Authority. The case ended legal racial segregation in low-rent public housing. She was aided by Constance Baker Motley, a future federal judge, and future U.S. Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall.

The Housing Authority hired its former adversary as in-house counsel. Fourteen years later, she was fired. Ironically, her demise came, in part, because of her role with the powerful

U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, which investigated voter discrimination and recommended corrective federal policies.

In 1964, she was the first woman appointed to the commission, a move begun by President John F. Kennedy and completed by President Lyndon B. Johnson following Kennedy’s assassination.

Problems arose when the commission turned its sights on McDonnell Douglas for alleged equal opportunity violations on a multi-billiondollar contract. The U.S. Air Force put the contract on hold temporarily and the St. Louis Globe-Democrat editorial page cried foul.

After Freeman defended the commission’s work, the Housing Authority’s board promptly dismissed her.

“I was considered a trouble-maker by McDonnell Douglas and the GlobeDemocrat,” she wrote.

Her unemployment was short-lived. KMOX Radio mogul Bob Hyland called and put her to work part-time as a community consultant with the station.

She was a commission member for 16 years, in the service of four presidents: Johnson, Richard Nixon, Gerald Ford and Jimmy Carter. She also continued to try civil rights cases. She filed suit in 1978 against Southern Illinois University Edwardsville on behalf of a black dental student who called his time at the school “psychological hell.”

During this period, she won another suit against the St. Louis Board of Education, this time for gender discrimination. A middleschool principal was denied a job as a high school principal because those jobs, she was told, were reserved for men. The board settled before the case could go to trial.

President Carter later appointed Freeman as an inspector general in the Community Services Administration. It was a brief tenure. President Ronald Reagan dismissed all 15 inspectors general shortly after his inauguration in 1981. At 65, when most people retire, for Freeman it was full-steam ahead. She took jobs briefly with the City of Wellston and the University of Missouri-St. Louis before returning to private practice with Montgomery Hollie & Associates. After more than six decades practicing law, she retired, more or less, in 2008.

Black, woman, lawyer

When Freeman headed to New York after receiving her bachelor’s degree in mathematics from Hampton University, she planned to attend law school at St. John’s University. The school, however, did not recognize credits from black colleges.

Nevertheless, she remained in Harlem with her aunt and took bookkeeping courses while she figured out what to do next. She joined Abyssinian Baptist Church, pastored by the Rev. Adam Clayton Powell Jr., a renowned U.S. congressman from Harlem. She met a young man from St. Louis

at her church named Shelby Freeman. He was a student at Columbia Teacher’s College. They were married on December 15, 1938.

When her husband got a job in Washington, D.C., she got a job as a clerk with the Department of the Treasury. She entered Howard University Law School in 1944. With two children, she graduated in 1947, on time and number two in her class.

Thurgood Marshall, then counsel for the NAACP Legal Defense Fund, offered her a job in Baltimore, but the Freemans were preparing to move to her husband’s hometown. They arrived here in 1948.

Freeman was ready to practice criminal law, but no law firm, not even black ones, wanted a woman trial lawyer.

She went into private practice, opening an office on the second floor of the Jefferson Bank Building. When she was introduced to judges in the civil and criminal courts, she let it be known that she was willing to take some pro bono cases to get exposure.

After two grueling years of criminal law, she switched to civil cases. Her first prospective client walked out when he realized that “Frankie” Freeman was not a man.

“Some people – even some black people – were also not interested in having a black lawyer,” she recalled in her memoir.

When asked if she’d been discriminated against more because of her race or her gender, she’d answer, “I don’t know, but I have scar tissue from both.”

Over time, Freeman became politically active in Democratic politics. She became interested in running for the Missouri House of Representatives, but she lacked the backing of one of St. Louis’s most powerful black politicians at the time, Jordan “Pops” Chambers. He later changed his mind, but so did she. She did not nurse a grudge.

Freeman experienced firsthand the discrimination she dismantled as an attorney.

She was refused service in a coffee shop during a layover in Louisville, Kentucky on her way to her mother’s funeral in Danville, Virginia. When she refused to leave, the police were called. When no arrest was made, the waitress closed the restaurant.

En route to the Missouri Bootheel by Greyhound bus in 1961, Freeman attempted to enter the ladies’ room at a rest stop in Flat River. A white customer blocked the door marked “Ladies” saying, “Colored can’t come in here.”

She called upon her own civil rights attorneys who filed complaints on her behalf. Both facilities were desegregated within weeks.

Freeman’s family said she inherited her fearlessness from her namesake, her grandfather, Frank Muse, a well-to-do businessman and tobacco farmer with a decidedly different demeanor than his friend, Booker T. Washington. When Klansmen came onto his property, the oft-told story was that he shot the horses out from under them and told the men to get the dead horses off his land.

Citizen of the Year

Freeman’s sense of justice was matched by her altruism, driven in part by the memory of her son, who died of pneumonia at age 11.

“Butch is one of the reasons I have always done whatever I can for children,” she said.

Freeman was a charter board member of the Herbert Hoover Boys’ and Girls’ Club and active in the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, serving on the steering committee of the Youth Development Fund. She chaired the scholarship fund at her church, Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist.

In 1999, Freeman and Dr. William Danforth, chancellor emeritus of Washington University, co-chaired a task force set up by the federal courts to oversee the St. Louis school desegregation program. The duo teamed up again in 2006 on behalf of St. Louis

Public School children. They waded into controversial waters, with their committee recommending the state takeover of the beleaguered schools. Their work led to the creation of a Special Administrative Board to run the system. Her board service at other local non-profit institutions was extensive.

She followed in the footsteps of her friend, civil rights activist Dorothy Height, becoming the 14th national president of Delta Sigma Theta sorority. She fondly recalled a particular soror who helped her prepare for President Kennedy’s inaugural ball.

She humbly accepted a trove of awards, among them the NAACP’s highest honor, the Spingarn Medal; induction into the National Bar Association’s Hall of Fame in 1990; and 2011 Citizen of the Year, elected by the St. Louis business leaders who had previously received the award.

“I’ve filed suit against some of those folks over the years,” she told the St. Louis PostDispatch

Black bourgeoisie

Marie Frankie Muse was born November 24, 1916, in Danville, Virginia, the last capital of the Confederacy.

She was the eldest of the eight children of William Brown Muse, a railroad postal clerk, and Maude Beatrice Smith Muse, who taught school briefly before getting married.

She was the greatgranddaughter of slaves. She grew up knowing that in Virginia, there were white Muse families and black Muse families, all related.

Her parents, both collegeeducated, provided the blueprint for her racial consciousness.

They insisted their children walk, sometime miles, rather than ride segregated streetcars. She was steeped in AfricanAmerican history and exposed to preeminent blacks, like Marian Anderson, who were forced by segregation to stay with black families while

traveling. Freeman grew up in a nine-room house with indoor plumbing and a telephone. She recited the poetry of Paul Laurence Dunbar and the Gettysburg address at Calvary Baptist Church. All of the Muse children played musical instruments; she played piano and would often fill in for the church organist throughout her life. Her family was considered members of the “black bourgeoisie,” but prosperity did not insulate them from racist insults.

After graduating from high school at 16, she enrolled in her mother’s alma mater, Hampton Institute. All of the Muse children went to college.

An early feminist, Mrs. Freeman stuck with some traditions: She cooked for her family and kept her faith. “There were times I’d tell the Lord, ‘Help me get through this day,’” she told the Beacon Freeman was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, who died in 1991; her son, Shelby “Butch” Freeman III; and two sisters, Virginia Muse, who died in infancy, and Maudena Muse. Her survivors include her daughter, Shelbe Patricia Bullock of Broomfield, N.J.; siblings William B. “Bill” Muse Jr., Charles Sumner “Tweed” Muse, Edward B. Muse, Allie Muse Peeples and Andy “A.C.” Muse; four grandchildren: Marcel Ellis Freeman Bullock, Terrance Patrick Bullock, Darren Shelby Bullock and Nicole Yvette Fordson; four great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations should be made in the name of Attorney Frankie Muse Freeman, c/o Washington Tabernacle Nance Scholarship fund, 3200 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103 or Howard University, 2400 Sixth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20059.

TRUMP

Continued from A1

remarks, it is even more important for Congress to pass the Dream Act – which would provide a path to citizenship for thousands of undocumented immigrants who came to the U.S. as children – before the January 19 federal government funding deadline.

“All of us wish that we did not have to have today’s discussion,” said Vanita Gupta, president of the Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights and former head of the Civil Right Division in President Obama’s Department of Justice. “But let me begin by condemning, in the strongest terms, the president’s words.”

“These comments fall perfectly in line with Trump’s disregard and disrespect for people of the African diaspora,” said Jonathan JayesGreen, co-founder and director of Undocublack Network, an advocacy organization for undocumented immigrants of African descent.

The other organizers on the call agreed that these remarks were in line with the intent behind many of Trump’s previous remarks, and his actions, such as threatening to terminate the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program and removing Temporary Protected Status (TPS) protections for immigrants from Sudan, Nicaragua, Haiti, and now El Salvador.

MLK

Continued from A1 located in St. Louis’ 22nd Ward, an area marked by high rates of crime, poverty and homelessness. This is the second year the Myrtle Hilliard Davis location has marked MLK Jr. Day with a “Community Clean-Up”

The status of many immigration programs, such as DACA, is up in the air as of now. Over 600,000 immigrants were protected by DACA as of September 2017, though it is unclear what that number is now. Additionally, the Trump administration has announced that they will be removing TPS protections for people from El Salvador. Until those who have come to the United States from El Salvador without documentation were

event inviting members of the community to participate. Volunteers who met at the health center set out in both directions to distribute care packages, including hygiene products, bottled water and blankets. Last year’s weather was better, but the snow was not a deterrent for those who arrived to help.

Several members of Delta Sigma Theta, a sorority with

protected from deportation, on the grounds that their home country could be unsafe for them if they returned.

The organizers said that in response to Trump’s remarks, Congress has a moral obligation to do something to protect immigrants from what Judith Browne Dianis, executive director of the Advancement Project, called “a racial purge that this president is calling for.”

In the same meeting where Trump referred to Africa and

an emphasis on community service in the AfricanAmerican community, were among the volunteers. Daphne Pointer was one of them.

“This is a day of service, not a day off, so we want to help our community,” Pointer said.

Keely Finney, an employee of Myrtle Hilliard Davis, works in the center’s drug recovery program. She said the snow made MLK Jr. Day atypical

Haiti as “shithole countries,” he wondered why the U.S. does not admit more immigrants from Norway, whose population is almost entirely white.

“His policies on TPS and DACA would remove over a million people from this country, mostly people of color,” Dianis said. “Those are his targets. So the question to Congress is: Whose side are you on?”

Dianis quoted Maya Angelou: “When someone

for the neighborhood, where the presence of those who are homeless or otherwise in need is usually visible.

STRIKERS

Continued from A1

Thursday, January 11 resulted in movement on behalf of some workers the union alleged were unjustly terminated or suspended. Of the union’s 11 grievances, she said they are close to resolving a few.

“We still have paperwork to look through and answers to hear back from,” she said.

One big question that remains unanswered is what will happen to replacement workers hired after the strike began on December 1.

“We asked them if we made a deal and wanted to return, what would they do with the workers that are there since they sent us a letter that we are permanently replaced?” Davis told The American “They told us they would let us know. We haven’t heard anything yet.”

Workers have filed multiple unfair labor practice charges against Christian Care Home for allegedly making unilateral changes to staffing, hours and schedules, failing to answer grievances, cancelling scheduled bargaining meetings and not being available for bargaining, failing to provide relevant information in a timely manner, and otherwise restricting workers in the exercise of their rights.

More recently, workers have alleged that Christian Care Home threatened recent hires with termination for joining the strike and denied accrued and earned benefits to striking employees. The union said the National Labor Relations Board is investigating.

shows you who they are, believe them.” She said that in making these racist remarks, Trump showed us who he is.

She noted that as we approach the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., Trump’s comments are “insulting” to Dr. King’s legacy and the principles he espoused.

Clarissa Martínez-de-Castro of UnidosUS, the largest Latino advocacy group in the U.S., said that Congress must pass the Dream Act before the

“This is not a typical day, but on a typical day, you would see people out here: streetwalkers, prostitutes, drug dealers, all around the neighborhood,” Finney said. “We often go out and give care packages all around the neighborhood, and it’s a great need.”

Deneen Busby, the director of marketing and communications at Myrtle Hilliard Davis, led the event. She said the community cleanup is a continuation of the health centers’ everyday mission.

“We wanted to do it again this year to just bring organizations and the community together,” Busby said. “We have the police here, we have the alderman here. We received support from all kinds of people who donated blankets and stopped in.”

Myrtle Hilliard Davis provides a variety of health services, including family medicine, behavioral care and women’s health services, to neighborhoods in need in the St. Louis area. Patients without health insurance can pay for services on an income-based sliding scale. The center also offers assistance in finding and enrolling in an insurance plan.

Busby said the patients who

government shutdown date of January 19 – or be complicit in Trump’s blatantly racist policies. “There is no grey area here,” Martínez-de-Castro said. She said a failure to pass the Dream Act would mean “continuing to be complicit in the maligning of Latino and black communities regardless of immigration status, and there is no amount of handwringing or excuses that can cover that up.”

visit the health center often have other, more immediate needs as well, which Myrtle Hilliard Davis also tries to meet.

“Our patients always come in and ask us for hygiene products, all the time,” Busby said. “There are, unfortunately, people who are always transitioning from one place to another. They don’t really have what we know as a home to go to every day. We just wanted to do something on a day of service that would benefit our community.”

Blankets will be available at Myrtle Hilliard Davis locations throughout the winter months, as well as personal care items all year. Those looking to get involved can donate to the organization’s homeless and uninsured patient fund or find volunteer opportunities at http://mhdchc.org. You can call the center at (314) 3675820.

Photo by Niles Zee/SEIU

Striking workers from Christian Care Home in Ferguson mark the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. holiday January 15 at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis.

Remembering Frankie Muse Freeman

Frankie Muse Freeman was born November 24, 1916, in Danville, Virginia, the last capital of the Confederacy. Her parents, both college-educated, provided the blueprint for her racial consciousness. They insisted their children walk, sometime miles, rather than ride segregated streetcars.

She practiced law for more than six decades. Most famously, she was the NAACP’s lead attorney in a groundbreaking suit against the St. Louis Housing Authority that ended legal racial segregation in low-rent public housing. She also was the first woman appointed to the powerful U.S. Commission on Civil Rights, which investigated voter discrimination and recommended corrective federal policies. When asked if she’d been discriminated against more because of her race or her gender, she’d answer, “I don’t know, but I have scar tissue from both.”

After overcoming two bouts of cancer in earlier years, she passed away in St. Louis on Friday, January 12 at age 101.

Her remains will lie in repose in the Grand Hall of the Missouri History Museum 5-8 p.m. Friday, January 19. The public is invited to the viewing. At 9:30 a.m. Saturday, January 20, her funeral services will be open to the public at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 3200 Washington Blvd. Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery, 5239 West Florissant Ave.

The family has requested in lieu of flowers that donations should be made in the name of Attorney Frankie Muse Freeman, c/o Washington Tabernacle Nance Scholarship fund, 3200 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103 or Howard University, 2400 Sixth Street NW, Washington, D.C. 20059.

– Gloria Ross

With fellow St. Louis civil rights trailblazers Norman Seay and Percy Green II (above). Statue unveiling with civic leaders (right).

With then-Ameren CEO Tom Voss and Carol Voss

With U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy ClayWith close friend Thelma Cook

Portrait unveiling with civic leaders

Receiving the NACWC Lifetime Achievement Award

With Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones

With Dr. William Danforth, WUSL chancellor emeritus

With U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill

Journey to better health is a family affair

Pregnant mother diagnosed with breast cancer, and baby born with heart condition

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

While 2017 is a year many Americans won’t soon forget, Latoya Evans and her family of Mehlville, Missouri had more immediate concerns beyond the upheaval of the nation’s political and social climate. Evans and her husband Mike Coleman were expecting baby number two to join big brother Arihyan. During her pregnancy and on her birthday, Evans found out she had breast cancer.

She underwent a lumpectomy during her second trimester, followed by a mastectomy after it was determined the cancer had spread. During an ultrasound sometime around her 26th week of gestation, Evans got more

Patient,

n “The left side of her heart was just so underdeveloped that it was nonfunctional. Pretty much, only her right side of her heart was working.”

–

Latoya Evans

disturbing health news, but this time it was her baby. “We found out kind of late in my pregnancy about her heart condition,” she said. “They diagnosed her with hypoplastic

left heart syndrome, which means that the left side of her heart was just so underdeveloped that it was nonfunctional. Pretty much, only her right side of her heart was working.”

Babies with hypoplastic left heart syndrome are unable to pump oxygen-rich blood to the body properly. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says one in 4,344 babies in the U.S. are born with this congenital birth defect.

During Evans’ pregnancy, her body compensated for what the baby’s heart could not do. Once the baby was born, the condition had to be addressed surgically. Baby Ari was delivered a few weeks early

How to tell one winter illness from another

By Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D.

Of The St. Louis American

Every year about this time we pull out our fuzzy sweaters, heavy coats, scarves and gloves and brave the blistering winter days while secretly wishing Spring would arrive as soon as possible.

Students, on the other hand, are dreaming about massive amounts of the fluffy white stuff in hopes of having yet another “snow day.” But, these children are blissfully unaware that their beloved teachers are also hopeful for those unexpected bonus vacation days. In addition to the concerns about the temperatures and wind chills during the months from December to March, we are also concerned about the traditional winter ailments such as common colds, pneumonia, and influenza. But so often these conditions mimic one another, so how do we decipher which is which? Which symptoms prompt a visit to our primary physician or urgent care facility, and which symptoms prompt visits to the emergency room?

Most upper respiratory illness are caused by viruses and present with symptoms such as runny nose, low-grade fever, and cough. These illnesses are generally treated with rest, pain relievers, and fever reducers. Viral illnesses are not treated with antibiotics and typically take about 7-10 days to resolve.

n Which symptoms prompt a visit to our primary physician or urgent care facility, and which symptoms prompt visits to the emergency room?

Over the past several weeks, influenza-related illness have been on the rise across the nation. High fevers, body aches, headaches, and fatigue are the symptoms most often seen. In general, these patients look and feel extremely ill. Small household tasks seem monumental due to their lack of energy. The other hallmark of this potentially deadly virus is the sudden onset. Most individuals describe how they feel with the phrase: “I feel like I have been hit by a Mack truck!” Influenza is a highly infectious viral respiratory illness that occurs in winter months and is caused by Influenza A or B. Per the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there have been over 32,000 cases

volunteer registration open for free dental clinic

Register by February 2 for clinic on February 9-10

Patient and volunteer registration is open for the next free dental care clinic for kids hosted by the Give Kids A Smile organization, which will be held Friday, February 9, and Saturday, February 10, at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education. The clinic is designed to meet the dental health needs of toddlers and school-aged children through 14 years old, who are Medicaid-eligible, qualify for the free school lunch program or need dental assistance due to other special circumstances. Children registered to attend the clinic

will receive X-rays, professional cleanings, fluoride treatments and sealants, as well as fillings, root canals and oral surgery, as needed. The organization has the capacity and resources to provide comprehensive dental services, completely free of charge, for up to 600 kids. Each child goes home with a free healthy lunch and smile bag that includes a toothbrush, toothpaste and floss, as well as a book, courtesy of the St. Louis County Library Foundation.

See CLINIC, A11

Patient and volunteer registration is open for the next free dental care clinic for kids hosted by the Give Kids A Smile organization, which will be held Friday, February 9, and Saturday, February 10, at Saint Louis University’s Center for Advanced Dental Education.

Big brother Arihyan with baby sister Ari, father Mike Coleman and mother Latoya Evans

Denise HooksAnderson, MD

SB 561 would deepen poverty and hunger in Missouri

By Jeanette Mott Oxford

For The St. Louis American

Missourians with incomes low enough to qualify for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP, commonly known as food stamps) need opportunities that remove barriers in their lives. Support they need frequently includes affordable child care and health care, transportation solutions, decent and affordable housing, and trauma-informed mental health services. Without these, it is virtually

FAMILY

Continued from A10

because Evans developed preeclampsia, a complication of pregnancy.

Since that time, baby Ari has been under the care of a cardiac surgeon at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

“There was a narrowing in a part of her heart that normally is supposed to be more dilated,” Evans said, “It was pretty serious, because it does something with the blood and, if that would have closed off, it would have caused backup in the blood into the body and lungs.”

When she was eight days old, the baby underwent open-heart surgery. Over time, multiple surgeries will be needed to address Ari’s condition to increase blood flow to the body and to bypass the left side of her heart that is functioning poorly. While these surgeries do not cure hypoplastic left heart syndrome, they help restore heart function. Ari is now four months old and is fed via feeding tube because of her complex medical condition.

“She is doing okay,” Evans said. “We are struggling with weight gain. She can’t suck a bottle because she gets so tired – it uses so much of her energy.” The baby needs to pick up enough weight to have her next surgery.

Her parents decided that her father, who works in construction, will stay at home to care for the baby while her mother, who has better health benefits, returned to work. Because of her condition, doctors advised them against

impossible to obtain and maintain steady employment. What such families do not need is increased hunger in their households.

Tens of thousands of childless adults have lost SNAP due to the rules in Senate Bill 24 from 2015, yet no analysis of what has happened to these neighbors has been produced and shared with the General Assembly. Don’t we have an obligation to see if strict work requirements produce improved life circumstances before we broaden their application?

Note: We do have some data on what harsher rules caused within Temporary Assistance for Needy Families. According to research by H. Luke Schafer and Kathryn Edin in “$2 a Day: Living on Almost Nothing in America,” the number of children living in households with less than $2 per person per day of income increased by almost 160 percent in the 15 years following passage of the

Jeanette Mott Oxford

1996 federal welfare reform law. Outcomes matter. Deepening poverty and hunger matter. Much harm would be done by reducing food available to children in an attempt to force their parents into meeting work participation rates that are very, very difficult to attain while living in dire poverty. When children are hungry, their bodies and minds do not develop properly.

Food insecurity is on the list of Adverse Childhood Experiences that signals whether children are likely to be impacted by trauma and toxic stress. Please do not pass Senate Bill 561 without asking pediatricians what toxic stress does to children.

Let’s pour caring attention and resources into these households instead of putting our faith in punishment. Tough love only works when there is abundant love accompanying the tough.

putting the baby in daycare. While the family is adjusting to their new reality, Evans said it’s probably harder on Ari’s big brother, Arihyan, who, while he enjoys his big brother status, is accustomed to being on the go.

“It’s harder on him because he was the only kid for nine years and then,” Evans said. “Now not only is he no longer the only kid, but we have the baby and she comes with problems that require our attention. He is so used to us

Free Heart Fair February 3 at Christian Hospital

Christian Hospital will host its free 2018 Heart Fair

8:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Saturday, February 3 at the Christian Hospital Detrick Building –Atrium. Registration closes at 11 a.m. The fair will include free screenings for cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure, experts to talk to, information, refreshments and more. The theme is “Stress and Your Heart Health.” “Join us to learn ways to reduce and manage stress,” organizers said. Joanie Coleman, physical

Continued from A10

n Joanie Coleman, physical therapist, will demonstrate some light stress-reducing exercises.

therapist, will demonstrate some light stress-reducing exercises. Then the Healthy Humorist, Dr. Brad Nieder, will take the stage. Also, cardiovascular interventionalist Deepak

Koul, MD, will talk about one of Christian Hospital’s most advanced procedures — transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR). This minimally invasive procedure is available at only a handful of hospitals nationwide. “Don’t wait for an emergency to find out what type of advanced heart care is available in the area,” organizers said. Space is limited and registration is requested, so call 314-747-WELL (9355) to register.

just getting up and leaving and doing stuff and he doesn’t really quite understand why we can’t all get up and leave out of the house.” Winter single-digit temperatures and an infant in fragile health demand a pause

on optional excursions.

Meanwhile, Evans is moving past her own cancer diagnosis and treatment to restoration. She is thankful she didn’t have to undergo chemotherapy or radiation.

“I’m doing okay,” she said.

Jeanette Mott Oxford is executive director of Empower Missouri. She delivered these remarks to the Missouri Senate Committee on Seniors, Families and Children in opposition to Senate Bill 561, which would require individuals participating the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) to comply with the work requirements described in federal statute and regulations, with penalty of disqualified from SNAP.

Latoya Evans kisses her baby who was diagnosed with hypoplastic left heart syndrome, which means that the left side of her heart was just so underdeveloped that it was nonfunctional.

Her coworkers are amazed that she maintains a positive outlook, despite all of what she and her family are going through.

“You’ve got to think positive,” she said. “You want to stay positive.”

The fair will include free screenings for cholesterol, glucose and blood pressure, experts to talk to, information, refreshments and more.

Pneumonia, on the other hand, is an infection in one or both lungs and is caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi.

The very young, elderly, or people with weakened immune systems are most often at risk.

of influenza so far during the 2017-2018 season. Typically, the illness is self-limiting, but in certain populations it can lead to more serious illnesses such as pneumonia. If initiated within 48 hours, Oseltamivir, commonly known as Tamiflu, can be used for treatment, which shortens the illness by 1-2 days and may lessen the severity of the symptoms. Tamiflu can also be used to prevent influenza in household contacts of someone infected with the virus.

Symptoms vary from mild to severe and may include high fevers, a productive cough, chills and chest pain. For some patients, outpatient treatment is appropriate, but patients who are exceptionally ill, those who require oxygen or who need intravenous fluids may need hospital admission for a higher level of care.

The best treatment for all of these cold weather illnesses is prevention. Good hand

hygiene is the key. Washing hands frequently and using hand sanitizer when water is not available will help to prevent the spread of unwanted infections. Lastly, individuals who are sick should stay home. Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D., is assistant professor at SLUCare Family Medicine and the medical accuracy editor of The St. Louis American. Email her yourhealthmatters@ stlamerican.com.

Continued from A10

“As many as 250 local dental professionals come together, under one roof over a two-day period, to address a very critical community need,” said Erica Steen, executive director of Give Kids A Smile.

“Lay volunteers are also heavily relied upon. No

specialized training is needed for those lay volunteers, just a willingness to serve as needed, escorting children, reading stories and creating a fun atmosphere.”

Care is provided by appointment only on a firstcome, first-served basis. Patient and volunteer registration can be completed through Friday, February 2, by calling Give Kids A Smile at 636-397-6453.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

What Is ASize?Serving

In

Warm Up & Cool Down

Slip Sliding Away...

Ice can be dangerous for several different reasons.

looks like one small bottle

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.

> 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.

> 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.

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

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids Kids

of soda — it may not be considered one serving

For example, a 20-oz bottle contains

So if the bottle states “110

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.

Learning Standards:

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 legs again, and continue

with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down.

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

> 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.

> What other ice hazards are there?

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

Directions:

Healthcare Careers

Nicole D. Carr, Community Health Nurse

Where do you work? I work for Washington University – The SPOT. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Cardinal Ritter College Prep High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Southern University in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and a Bachelor of Science in Nursing and a Master of Science in Nursing/Family Nurse Practitioner from UMSL.

What does a community health nurse do? I talk to patients about taking their medications. Many people don’t like taking medicine and it is my job to help them understand why they need to. My goal is to have healthy patients who understand how to take care of themselves. Why did you choose this career? I was a teacher before becoming a nurse. Nursing allows me to help people. This job lets me teach and help people understand their health. What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love working with teenagers. They are smart and creative. They are open to learning about their bodies and are not afraid to ask questions.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

The Saint Louis Zoo is currently accepting applications for Zoo ALIVE, our teen volunteer program. High school students 15 and older may apply. As a Zoo ALIVE volunteer, you can share your love of animals with our diverse audiences by helping at classes, camps, overnights, birthday parties, and special events. Volunteers can also participate in group conservation activities, camping trips, and more. This is a year-round program for dedicated and responsible teens.

For more information, visit stlzoo.org/education.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

SCIENCE CORNER

What Is Civil Engineering?

Civil engineering includes the design and construction of buildings, roads, bridges and dams. It is one of the oldest forms of engineering and involves further specialty areas such as transportation, water resources, surveying and construction. Civil engineers may work in offices or at construction sites.

Civil engineers must be creative, analytical, inquisitive, and detail oriented. They must be able to work well as part of a team and communicate well in speaking and writing.

SCIENCE

INVESTIGATION

Have you ever wondered how quicksand works? In this experiment you will create quicksand.

Materials Needed:

1 Box of Cornstarch • Water • Large Bowl • Spoon

• Gallon Size Zipper-lock Bag • Small Plastic Toy Process:

q Pour 1/4 cup of the box of cornstarch into the bowl, add 1/2 cup of water and stir. It might be easier to mix with your hands. Continue adding cornstarch and water until it is the consistency of honey. This will use the entire box of cornstarch and 1 to 2 cups of water.

w Sink your hand into the bowl of quicksand and move your hand around slowly and then very quickly. What is the difference? Is it harder to move quickly?

e Sink your entire hand into the quicksand and try to pull it out. This is the sensation of sinking in quicksand.

MATH CONNECTION

One mathematical concept that civil engineers use is slope. Slope is the change in height divided by the change in length. Use that formula to answer the following problems.

Example Question: A civil engineer surveyed a 360 feet section of country road. He placed one stake at the top of the hill, 18 feet higher than the other stake placed at the intersection at the bottom of the hill. What is the slope of the incline on this section of the road? __________

Example Answer: Slope is the change in height (18 feet) divided by the change in length (360 feet), which is .05. Therefore, the slope is .05.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN CIVIL ENGINEER & EDUCATOR: Delon Hampton

Delon Hampton was born in 1935 in Chicago, Illinois. He went to the University of Illinois where he received his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering. In 1958, Hampton earned his master’s degree in civil engineering from Purdue University. Three years later, he earned a doctorate degree in civil engineering at Purdue.

In 1961, Brown began work as an assistant professor at Kansas State University, taking a leave to complete soil mechanics research with the University of New Mexico. In 1967, he became a senior research engineer at the Illinois Institute of Technology Research in Chicago, Illinois. The next year, Hampton became a professor at Howard University as a professor of civil engineering. He stayed there until 1985.

Important classes include algebra, geometry, physics, and chemistry. A bachelor’s degree is required to begin a career in civil engineering. The middle 50 percent of civil engineers earn between $41,800 and $74,550.

To Learn More About Civil Engineering, Visit: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=cJaRjI7K-Lw

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to learn more about careers in math and science.

r Drop a plastic toy into the quicksand and then try to pull it back out. What happens? t At the end of the experiment, pour the quicksand into the zipper-lock bag for disposal. Do not put it down a drain. It will clog the drain.

Reflect: The cornstarch and water mixture acts like a solid sometimes and a liquid at other times. This “quicksand” is an example of a suspension — a mixture of two substances, one of which is finely divided and dispersed in the other. In the case of the cornstarch quicksand, it’s a solid dispersed in a liquid. When you sink your hand into the cornstarch quicksand, you force the long starch molecules closer together. The impact of this force traps the water between the starch chains to form a semirigid structure. When the pressure is released, the cornstarch flows again.

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete a procedure and analyze the results.

Hampton worked as part of an engineering consulting firm in Washington, D.C., before he founded Hampton and Associates in 1973. In 1999, he became the first African American president of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He has also served as a member of the U.S. Trade Advisory Committee on Africa.

Hampton has received many awards and distinctions, including Old Master and Distinguished Engineering Alumnus by Purdue University. He also received the University of Illinois Civil Engineering Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumnus Award. He has earned the Edmund Friedman Professional Recognition Award and the James Laurie Prize from the American Society of Civil Engineers. In 2010, the American Public Transportation Association recognized him as an outstanding public transportation business member. Hampton has received two honorary doctorate degrees, has published over forty papers, and is registered as a professional engineer in eighteen states.

Discuss:

Dr. Hampton served as a professor, researcher, and a partner before becoming the CEO of his own company. Think of your dream profession. What is the path to get there? Are there alternate paths? What might they be?

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

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Activity One

Learning

Science and Technology: There are various social, economic, and environmental issues that can be overcome by the use of science and technology. Use the newspaper to locate an example of a problem that can be overcome by the use of science and/or technology. Explain the solution and how society created the need and development of science.

Activity Two — Shortages and Surpluses: Students will work in groups to find newspaper stories about shortages and surpluses of natural resources. After discussion, students will write down their thoughts about how such shortages and surpluses occur and how they affect the community.

Learning Standards: I can state a claim and support it with evidence. I can use the newspaper to locate information.

Gov. Eric Greitens: a politician desperate for friends

“The excellent fail more often than the mediocre,” wrote Eric Greitens, in his book, “Resilience: Hard-Won Wisdom for Living a Better Life.” And, apparently, they fail more spectacularly as well. Few would deny Greitens’ cerebral excellence. The Rhodes Scholar, Navy SEAL, and best-selling author accomplished more in his first few decades than most have in their whole life; his resume was that of a young man who is almost a caricature of an overachiever. He famously told his kindergarten teacher that he wanted to be president, and even more famously registered over 30 domain names, including www. greitensforpresident.com, nearly eight years before he ever put his name on a ballot. He grew a stealth campaign fund, then knocked off two veteran politicians and a businessman worth hundreds of millions of dollars in the

2016 Republican gubernatorial primary, and then rode the Trump wave of white tribalism to defeat Attorney General Chris Koster in the general election. Within months, people were talking seriously about the thing Eric had dreamed of since childhood: At last, he was truly becoming a credible candidate for the presidency, visiting Iowa and other early primary states ostensibly to campaign for their governors, but also quietly meeting with party activists and donors. But as the EYE has learned over the last couple years, those who knew him throughout those first few decades found something vaguely discomfiting about Greitens. He was the guy always looking over your shoulder to see if there was someone more important, more powerful, wealthier, to whom he should sidle up. The guy who could fly into a rage at the drop of a hat during an athletic contest, or if

Kenneth Blakney

someone questioned his honor, or ribbed him about the wrong thing. At Duke, he was known, according to one fellow student, as the “prototypical kiss-up, kick-down type of guy – loved by faculty and administrators, reviled by just about everyone else.”

A similar dichotomy would exist throughout his career. He alienated a group of fellow SEALs, first during his service and later by writing several books about his military experience, which violated the SEAL code of silence. People who knew him as a White House Fellow report that he spent most of his time trying to meet and cultivate powerful political figures. Soon after that, he founded a nonprofit agency called The Mission Continues which aimed to help returning veterans find purposeful lives. But many familiar with the organization saw ulterior motives. “Everyone with a brain knows he only

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Governor Eric Greitens tried to make friends with black legislators by attending the Legislative Black Caucus’ 2017 Black History Month gathering. He spent MLK Day 2018 trying to find any friend, anywhere, as he confessed to an extramarital affair and denied charges of blackmailing his former mistress, who styled the former U.S. Navy SEAL’s hair.

Someone who has known Greitens for 30 years told the EYE, “Eric has never changed since he was child. Only what he purports to believe changes.”

An affair, and an unholy alliance?

started The Mission Continues as a PR move,” noted one close observer, “and to funnel money to himself and [his political future].”

Political party switch-hitter

Greitens had cultivated former Governor Bob Holden and other prominent Democrats upon returning to St. Louis from Washington, D.C. He’d spoken to Democratic audiences. Then in early 2009, he considered an audacious move: jumping into the 2010 U.S. Senate race against then Congressman Roy Blunt. He was soon informed by party pooh-bahs that the Democratic establishment had another person in mind: Secretary of State Robin Carnahan, the bright light of the family’s third political generation (whom Blunt demolished).

Perhaps you might consider a U.S. House race instead, a former Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee aide told Greitens after the Senate Campaign Committee pawned him off. The party could kill two birds with one stone: clear the Senate primary field for Carnahan and find a decent recruit in a tough congressional district such as the 2nd District, then represented by Todd Akin whose nuttiness was not yet widely known.

Greitens not only entertained this idea, but visited Washington D.C. for a round of meetings. He would later become a laughingstock at the DCCC for refusing to take them off the list for his annoying Mission Continues fundraising emails, but during his visits, he met with then U.S. Rep. Russ Carnahan and Steny Hoyer. Later, Greitens would suggest that he decided against the race because he suddenly realized (at age 37) that he was a conservative. Back then, he simply told allies that he didn’t think he could win the seat.

Five years later, having watched the Tea Party waves of 2010 and 2014 complete a decade-long Republican sweep of Missouri, Greitens was back. Only now, he was a Republican.

More than enough ink has been spilled on Greitens’ extramarital affair, which he admitted after spending the better part of the last three years calling the rest of the state’s politicians immoral and corrupt. He now faces a variety of credible allegations that he is guilty of blackmail, sexual assault, violations of the Sunshine Law, and misappropriation of state resources by having state staff spend time trying to clean up his personal aff-… er, matters. The real question now is whether or not he can survive this roiling scandal, as a member of a rare breed: He is a politician with almost no friends.

Sure, he has a handful of billionaire donors, but they aren’t the ones who will decide whether or not he will be impeached. That is up to the Missouri House, led by Speaker Todd Richardson Capitol buzz suggests that Richardson may have cut a deal with Greitens to be appointed Missouri attorney general in January if Josh Hawley defeats U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill But with that race looking to be tight as a tick – and with Greitens’ hold on the office tenuous – that deal isn’t looking too good. Five GOP House members called for Greitens’ resignation on Tuesday and more are likely, putting pressure on Richardson to abandon Greitens. Richardson may want to consult the many people Greitens burned over the last few decades – including Missouri’s first lady – to see how their loyalty to Greitens worked out for them.

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liver Johnson was born on February 14, 1930 in Memphis, TN to Ollie and Eula Bea Johnson. He was the first of two children. His sister, Ouida, was born two years later.

In 1938, the Johnson family moved from Memphis to St. Louis where he spent the rest of his childhood. He eventually went to Sumner High School where he was classmates with the late Dick Gregory. Upon graduation, he received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Art Institute of Chicago. Eventually, he ended up graduating from Washington University as one of its first African American graduates from the School of Art where he finished with both a bachelor’s and master’s degrees.

He entered the educational field where he spent 34 years teaching elementary grades at Emerson School in North St. Louis. His teaching excellence and service was appreciated as his former students remembered him with fondness. Oliver met the love of his life, Marvelle Johnson in 1964 and they were married on February 20, 1966 at St. Ann’s Catholic Church. Their union resulted in the birth of their son, Aaron Johnson. They remained faithfully married for over 51 years. He had a passion for tennis where his athletic exploits were known throughout the local area. He was revered for his playing dominance at Fairgrounds Park during the 1960s and 1970s. He was taught the game as an adult under the revered tennis professional, Richard Hudlin, who was a coach of the great Arthur Ashe.

He was an extremely talented artist whose oil paintings were exquisite and valued by friends and family. In 2003, his rendition of Jesus Christ won first place at an arts competition at Third Baptist Church.

On Monday, December 11, 2017, Oliver transitioned to eternal life as a believer in Jesus Christ. His memory is cherished by many family members and friends, including his wife, Marvelle, his son, Aaron Oliver Johnson (Victoria), his granddaughters, Olivia Elyse and Zoe Marvelle Johnson. He is also fondly remembered by his beloved sister, Ouida Austin (Sam), two nieces, Sharon (Bill) Hodges and Peggy Austin, and nephew, Victor (Renee) Austin. He is also lovingly remembered by his sister-in-law, Pamela Sue Green, brother-in-law, Stanley (Dawn) Johnson, and niece, Bridgett Curry.

Express Scripts funds scholars at UMSL

(clockwise, from lower left) Kevin Hall, Matthew Ayinmodu,

and

University of Missouri–St. Louis this fall as UMSL Bridge Program Express Scripts Scholars. Each scholar receives up to $15,000 a year toward tuition and student-housing costs, plus peer mentors at UMSL and networking, internship and mentoring opportunities at the neighboring Express Scripts headquarters.

Partnership helps ‘deserving students to overcome financial barriers that impede access’

By Evie Hemphill

University of Missouri–St. Louis

Mya Miranda finds it difficult to put into words how much her scholarship to attend the University of Missouri–St. Louis has meant on a personal level. A 2017 graduate of Hazelwood West High School, she finished her senior year with flying colors. But until just recently, a fouryear university seemed out of reach.

“For a while, I didn’t think that I would be able to afford anything beyond community college,” said Miranda, now a biology major at UMSL. “This scholarship made it possible, and I love college so far. It feels as though everything I am learning is extremely interesting and is, most importantly, applicable to my life.”

Tax

American staff

Missouri State Auditor Nicole Galloway has released an audit of the timeliness of income tax refunds by the Missouri Department of Revenue that revealed refunds to taxpayers have been increasingly delayed at the direction of the Department of Revenue and the Office of Administration. Galloway issued the report despite unprecedented attempts by Governor Eric

n “We are proud to offer strong mentors who can provide guidance and counsel on everything from balancing work and school, to finding that next job, to developing life skills.”

– Express Scripts President and CEO Tim Wentworth

She and four other new students, all hailing from North County, comprise the second-ever cohort of UMSL Bridge Program Express Scripts

Scholars. Along with Miranda, Kevin Hall, Matthew Ayinmodu, Nick Rosario and Kendra Clark are setting out on their undergraduate careers on solid footing – and with solid funding in place – thanks to a major investment first announced by Express Scripts in the fall of 2015

Each scholar receives up to $15,000 a year toward tuition and student-housing costs, plus peer mentors at UMSL and networking, internship and mentoring opportunities at the neighboring Express Scripts headquarters.

“I feel that this scholarship is the best thing that has happened to me in life so far,” said Hall, an information systems major who remembers wanting to attend UMSL since he

See UMSL, B2

Richard J. Mark was included on Black Enterprise’s list of the 300 Most Powerful Executives in Corporate America. He is chairman and president of Ameren Illinois Company, which distributes electric to more than 1.2 million electric and natural gas to 806,000 customers across three-quarters of the state of Illinois. These are leaders who “who ensure their corporations’ market leadership through revenue generation, profitability, market share, and strategic development.”

Makita Hill joined the staff of FOCUS St. Louis as program and events coordinator. She previously served as Public Relations assistant with the City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office. She has also served as Human Relations officer with the Missouri Commission on Human Rights and Constituent Services liaison with the Office of Missouri Governor Jay Nixon.

Michael P. McMillan will be inducted into the International Civil Rights Walk of Fame in Atlanta on January 18. He is president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis. The International Civil Rights Walk of Fame Award – created by Xernona Clayton, founder of the Trumpet Awards –celebrate those “who have sacrificed and struggled to make equality a reality for all.”

Makesha Harris was a facilitator with Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Sister Circle Program, which received the 2017 Outstanding Project Award from the Great Lakes Association of College and University Housing Officers. The award is given to a member institution that has implemented an innovative approach to enhancing diversity awareness, understanding and education. The program provides a connection for female students of color to university professionals and peers as a line of support.

Dominic Dorsey was named director of Disability Support Services at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He said it is his “responsibility to be proactive whenever possible, to listen and be responsive to the voices of those most marginalized.” He has served as associate director of adaptive and educational services at Indiana University Purdue University in Indianapolis since 2014.

Greitens’ administration to obstruct audit work. The audit found the reasons for increasing delays in issuing refunds was due to the administration paying other state expenses before paying taxpayers’ refunds. Additionally, the state’s decreasing cash balance results in less money to pay Missourians what they are owed. The number of late refunds has increased over the last several years, but worsened in 2017 with 155,000 refunds paid with late interest, an

increase of 86 percent. That is in addition to the number of refunds paid late with no interest, which was at least 400,000.

“The administration is balancing its checkbook on the backs of individual taxpaying Missourians – that is simply unacceptable,” Galloway said. “Throughout this audit, my office received thousands of calls and e-mails from

Marilyn L. Robinson was selected by the Missouri Athletic Club’s Foundation for the Arts, to be their February 2018 Artist of the Month. Several of her artworks will be exhibited at both its Downtown and West Clubhouses. She is also one of the invited AfricanAmerican artists exhibiting artworks in Portfolio’s “All Colors” exhibit, at

Richard J. Mark

Michael P. McMillan

Marilyn L. Robinson

Dominic Dorsey

Makita Hill

Makesha Harris

Freshmen

Nick Rosario, Mya Miranda

Kendra Clark started

By Charlene Crowell Columnist

Race, not credit risk, determines auto finance, says report

Nationwide, auto loans represent the third highest category of consumer debt. And according to new research, the color of your skin has a lot to do with how much debt is incurred.

“Discrimination in Auto Lending,” authored and published by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), found that despite federal laws banning credit discrimination by race or ethnicity, race remains a key factor in the cost of financing auto loans. According to the report, “This discrimination has undoubtedly played a part in creating the racial and ethnic wealth gaps and credit access disparities that exist in the U.S. today, and it will ensure that they persist if allowed to continue unchecked.”

• 75 percent of the time, white testers were offered more financing options than non-white testers;

• 62.5 percent of the time, non-white testers who were more qualified than their white counterparts received more costly pricing options; and

• On average, non-white testers who experienced discrimination would have paid an average of $2,662.56 more over the life of the loan than less-qualified white testers.

Like secret shoppers, NFHA sent eight teams of testers to dealerships to inquire about purchasing the same vehicle. Each team was told to ask the same questions and then report on their experiences. Seven of the teams were non-white and had both higher incomes and credit scores that of the eighth and white tester. All testers encountered challenges to securing information needed to secure the best auto loan available. However, the non-white testers noted being treated disrespectfully and receiving a pricier quote for finance than the white testers. Numerically, the sum of experiences found:

“Such high rates of discriminatory treatment are alarming and extremely rare in similar auditstyle investigations conducted in the mortgage lending industry,” states the report. “Although it has its bad actors, the mortgage lending industry has been regulated and monitored for civil rights violations for decades. It is imperative that auto lending regulations, particularly those that are designed to fight discrimination, are similarly robust and regularly enforced.”

Earlier research by the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) reached similar conclusions. A lack of transparency, dealer markups on interest financing, and practices known as ‘loan packing’ and ‘yo-yo’ scams have all been cited by CRL.

Loan packing is a term used to describe how dealerships steer consumers into bundling several services and/or products that effectively boost purchase

and finance costs. Often, many consumers do not know is that these products can often be purchased far cheaper if they were to secure them independently of the dealership.

Yo-yo scams in auto financing occur when a consumer drives a car off the dealer lot without finalizing its finance. Technically, if the loan paperwork has not been signed but the consumer has the use of the vehicle –

especially overnight or longer -- the consumer unwittingly has taken delivery on the car. By the time the consumer returns, the dealership hikes the price of the vehicle and interest –the “yo-yo.” At that point, the consumer has next to no opportunity to negotiate price or finance rates. If a trade-in of an older car is involved, dealerships often tell these kinds of customers that it has already been re-sold.

Commenting on the new NFHA findings, Delvin Davis, a senior CRL researcher said, “Racial discrimination should not be tolerated with any financial product – which makes regulation especially important when the product is one of the most expensive investments a family will make.”

In recent years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) found racial discrimination in interest rate markups, then sued and settled these issues with banks and financing arms of major auto manufacturers. For example, Ally Financial and Ally Bank settled its lawsuit in 2013 for $98 million. In 2015, Honda’s settlement was $24 million and Toyota’s in 2016 was $21.9 million.

NFHA also likened auto discrimination to yet another more form of bias that burdens blacks and other consumers of color.

“Too often the people in this situation are people of color

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was a freshman in high school.

“It has paved the bumpy road of college, and it opens me up for more opportunities when I would otherwise have been spending a lot of time working to pay off my tuition.”

All graduates of the university’s flagship precollegiate Bridge Program – which for 31 years has been preparing local teens for college – the five recipients follow on the heels of last year’s first cohort and, by 2021, will be joined by three more groups of deserving, determined students.

The funding speaks to Express Scripts’ commitment to the future of St. Louis and its workforce, says Express Scripts President and CEO Tim Wentworth.

“We’re not just a part of the UMSL campus – we are a part of the UMSL community,” Wentworth said. “Stepping up and supporting the UMSL Bridge Program is one more way that Express Scripts is investing in the future success of the school, its students and

“Discrimination in Auto Lending,” authored and published by the National Fair Housing Alliance (NFHA), found that despite federal laws banning credit discrimination by race or ethnicity, race remains a key factor in the cost of financing auto loans.

whose neighborhoods have been starved of investment and whose ability to move to neighborhoods that better connect them to opportunity has been constrained by discriminatory policies and practices. And too often, when they seek a loan to finance an auto purchase, they face discrimination again.”

The Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) makes it illegal for creditors to discriminate against credit applicants based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, marital status, or age.

Under this law, consumers have the right to:

• Know whether your application was accepted or rejected within 30 days of filing a complete application.

• Know why your application was rejected. The creditor must tell you the specific reason for the rejection or that you are entitled to learn the reason if you ask within 60 days. An acceptable reason might be: “your income was too low” or “you haven’t been employed long enough.” An unacceptable reason might be “you didn’t meet our minimum standards.” That information isn’t specific enough.

• Learn the specific reason you were offered less favorable terms than you applied for, but only if you reject these terms.

For example, if the lender

our region.” Wentworth adds that the mentorship component just makes sense.

“Our employees have valuable life and professional experiences to share with students,” he said. “We want to walk with them every step

n Natissia Small, director of Bridge and assistant dean of students, said the partnership with Express Scripts “creates scholarship opportunities for deserving students to overcome financial barriers that impede access.”

of the way. We are proud to offer strong mentors who can provide guidance and counsel on everything from balancing work and school, to finding that next job, to developing life skills and everything in between.”

Ayinmodu, a biochemistry and biotechnology major looking toward a career in pharmaceuticals, called the scholarship a blessing and said that he’s delighted by the “inviting and diverse”

offers you a smaller loan or a higher interest rate, and you don’t accept the offer, you have the right to know why those terms were offered.

A second federal law, Unfair, Deceptive, or Abusive Acts and Practices (UDAAP) went into effect with the DoddFrank Wall Street Reform Act. Under UDAAP financial product and service providers are not allowed to coerce or deceive consumers into making unwanted purchases. They are also not allowed to mislead consumers through specific statements or through a lack of clear and full disclosure

“NFHA’s investigation is timely and underscores the need to maintain strong antidiscriminatory protections and enforcement, including the Consumer Bureau’s indirect auto lending guidance that addresses discriminatory pricing in the auto financing market, “said Mike Calhoun, president of the Center for Responsible Lending.

“We commend NFHA for their incredible work and urge lawmakers at the state and federal level to use their power to fight against this type of unlawful discrimination and financial abuse.”

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

atmosphere he’s found at UMSL.

Natissia Small, director of Bridge and assistant dean of students, said the partnership with Express Scripts “creates scholarship opportunities for deserving students to overcome financial barriers that impede access.” As a first-generation college student, Rosario is evidence of that impact. Now studying information systems and cybersecurity at UMSL, he said higher education would have eluded him without the guidance and financial aid he’s received.

“I was raised here in St. Louis by my grandparents, and there was no money for me to go to college,” Rosario explains. “I have always been a goal-orientated student and still am today, but without funds college just was not obtainable. And if it were not for the Bridge Program, I would be having trouble navigating college and keeping up with homework.”

Evie Hemphill is a strategic communication associate at the University of Missouri–St. Louis.

Charlene Crowell

n “I was at a loss for words. Speechless. Biggest moment of my life. My whole life.”

— Vikings receiver Stefon Diggs, on his dramatic game winning catch against New Orleans

Sports

PreP BasketBall noteBook

Bonds

The rise of the Titans

The Confluence Academy Titans started the 2017-18 season under the radar when it came to mentioning the top teams in the area. The Titans are no longer under the radar. They are out front as a rising team in the metro area with some exciting players to watch. Confluence is currently 15-4 and won their first championship trophy after winning the Flyer Invitational at Lindbergh last weekend. The Titans rallied from a nine-point halftime deficit to defeat a solid Vianney team 68-59 in the championship game. They also gained a measure of respect during the Christmas holidays when they took a powerful Belleville West team to the final buzzer before losing 65-63 in the Centralia Tournament. Confluence features one of the most impressive 1-2 scoring duos in the area in 5’9” senior guard Brandon Frederick and 6’7” senior forward Leon Perry.

Nicknamed “L’il Buckets,” Frederick is averaging nearly 30 points a game to lead the St. Louis area in scoring. He has tremendous shooting range from the 3-point distance and he will pull up from just about anywhere on the court. Meanwhile, Perry is a strong inside player who is averaging 25 points and eight rebounds a game. He scored 38 points and grabbed 14 rebounds against Vianney in the championship game at Lindbergh. Frederick and Perry have received plenty of help from a pair of transfers, who have stepped in and played big roles. Senior guard Michael Clark came over from Career Academy and has averaged 12 points a game while providing excellent point guard play. Senior guard Jermaine Bell, a Fort Zumwalt North transfer, is a 6’4” wing player who is averaging nearly 10 points a game. Holding down the middle for the Titans is big 6’8” senior Ahmad Hodges, who is averaging eight rebounds a game.

In the ClutCh

NBA tensions run high

More than 13 years have passed since the infamous game between the Detroit Pistons and the Indiana Pacers that was ultimately (and brilliantly) coined “Malice in the Palace.” After a hard foul, Ben Wallace shoved Ron Artest (now Metta World Peace) and kicked off the biggest scrap in NBA history. There were numerous memorable moments during the melee. Artest and Stephen Jackson jumped over the scorer’s table and went after a bottle-throwing fan.

Jermaine O’Neal ran halfway across to court to land a sliding Superman punch on an unsuspecting fellow. Ben Wallace’s brother, David, worked over Pacers’ guard Fred Jones Also, as the Pacers’ returned to the locker rooms, Pistons fans turned the exit tunnels into a waterfall of beer, soda and flying nachos. Many call the Malice in the Palace the NBA’s darkest hour. Artest was suspended for the remainder of the season. Jackson was banned for 30 games. O’Neal served a 15-game suspension and Wallace sat for five games. Since that fateful night, the league has implemented many changes to prevent another catastrophic night from occurring. Any player who leaves the bench area during an altercation is automatically suspended. Arenas around the league have a much beefier security presence during NBA games. Hard fouls are heavily discouraged with the Flagrant 1 and Flagrant 2 rules. As a result, actual fights in the NBA since that fateful night have been few and far between. For some reason, it seems like player dustups and heated arguments is now all the rage across the league. Everybody is mad – big mad! It seems that players get

n For some reason, it seems like player dustups and heated arguments is now all the rage across the league. Everybody is mad – big mad!

angry at the officials after every call in today’s game. Even in the most obvious fouls, it seems as if the offending player is contractually obligated to look confused and bewildered as to why the referee would blow the whistle for something as petty as an elbow to the esophagus of his opponent.

Officials aren’t making the situation any better. There have been numerous instances of officials sending players to the showers early unnecessarily. LeBron James, Kevin Durant Anthony Davis and Draymond Green have all been T’d up and tossed out. Referee Courtney Kirkland took it a step further when he

literally went head-to-head with Golden State Warriors’ guard Shaun Livingston as Livingston complained about a no-call. Kirkland immediately ejected Livingston from the game. Livingston received a one-game suspension, while the league suspended Kirkland for one-week for his part in the altercation.

Central ‘s Xavier Ball

goes up over Helias’ Nate Bax (30) for two of his 15 points during Monday’s MLK Tourney at Vashon High. The Hawks went on to defeat the Crusaders of Helias 64-51.

The NBA anger issues almost came to a head this week during the matchup between the Los Angeles Clippers and the Houston Rockets. The game was like an episode of Real Housewives of Timbuktu. There was tons of trash talk between players, a bumping incident between Clippers forward Blake Griffin and the Rockets’ coach Mike D’Antoni and even a ripped set of tights, courtesy of Trevor Ariza If that wasn’t enough, following the testy game, former Clippers point guard Chris Paul led a few of his Rockets teammates through a maze of secret walkways and hallways in an apparent MLK Day storm on the Clippers locker room (including a diversion door knock by Clint Capela). The incident belonged in an episode of Game of Thrones rather than the game of basketball. Though the television broadcast had long ended before the attempted locker room breach, luckily the epic play-by-play was handled by the Twitterverse. The following night, there was an actual fight (at least by NBA standards) between the Orlando Magic’s Arron

See

Earl Austin Jr.

Afflao

See PREP, B5

With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Hazelwood

(11)

With Earl Austin Jr.

Photo by Wiley Price

Trevor Ariza of the Houston Rockets gets held back by an assistant coach after a dustup with Blake Griffin and the Los Angeles Clippers. Several Rockets players tried to sneak into the Clippers locker room after the game to settle their differences.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Bonds making up ground in HOF balloting while McGwire moving down

Barry Bonds, yes. Mark McGwire, no. Roger Clemens, I don’t know.

If I had a Baseball Hall of Fame vote, that’s where I would have been as voting ended on Dec. 31. The new class of will be announced next Wednesday.

Based on ballots that have been disclosed by respective voters, it appears that Bonds and Clemens will land about 60 percent of the 75 percent needed for acceptance into the Hall of Fame.

Unfortunately for many St. Louis Cardinals fans, McGwire’s percentage seems to have hit its plateau and is now falling.

While I have no idea how our local Baseball Writers of America members who have earned a ballot have voted, my guess is that both Bonds and McGwire were included.

“We hope the day never comes when known steroid users are voted into the Hall of Fame. They cheated. Steroid users don’t belong here,” he wrote.

Willie McCovey, a fellow HOF member and former San Francisco Giants star, said the letter was directed at Bonds.

“That letter Morgan wrote sure is not going to help Barry,” McCovey told the San Francisco Chronicle.”

“But I’m glad to hear a lot of the writers say the letter is not going to influence their vote because I know a lot of it is aimed at (Bonds.)

“I wasn’t too happy about it. You’re naive if you don’t think it was aimed at Barry. I just think it’s a sin he’s not in there. If anybody deserved to be in the Hall of Fame, it’s Barry.” Bonds recently told Barry Bloom of mlb.com, “Things are definitely turning around for the better.”

It’s ironic that a city that couldn’t/can’t stand Bonds is one that will ultimately help propel him to Hall of Fame status.

I can’t see how any voter could include McGwire and not Bonds. The opposite is not true, for me. Bonds is deserving of enshrinement because he had a Hall of Fame numbers before performance-enhancing drug allegations came later in his career.

McGwire’s late 1990s, early 2000s run that earned him HOF votes was PHD enhanced. Hall of Fame second baseman Joe Morgan penned a letter to voters last year saying anyone with the PHD label should not garner a single vote. He called them cheaters.

“I only have so many years left. So, 2021? That’s going to be fun. And they’re going to put (Clemons and me) in together? That’d be great.

“I never ever even think about it. The only time I think about it is when you guys bring it up.”

The year Bonds mentions, 2021, will include first-year candidates Mark Buerhle Tim Hudson, Torii Hunter and Barry Zito. None of them might reach HOF status, let alone on a first-ballot vote.

Next year’s ballot will include Mariano Rivera, the late Roy Halladay, Andy Pettitte and Todd Helton Derek Jeter is eligible in 2020. Of course, if you’re a Morgan devotee, Pettitte should not

receive a single vote.

McGwire told USA TODAY last August that if he had not admitted PED use, he would be in the Hall of Fame.

“I just had to do it, it’s something I needed to do,’’ he said.

“It was important to me to make peace with myself.’’

He remains the only player to appear on a Hall of Fame ballot who has publicly admitted to PED use.

For that, he deserves credit –but not a yes vote.

Redbirds fans rant

I doubt the St. Louis Cardinals will catch the Chicago Cubs in the National League Central in 2018, but the team isn’t destined to finish last in the division.

Many Cardinals fans think the front office has abandoned all hope of a World Series title and is more into making money than winning games.

Times ain’t that tough, people. This coming from a guy who is not hesitant to criticize the oft-times penny-pinching ways of the Cardinals.

This is where things stand. Outfielder Marcell Ozuna landed here in a trade and will add some pop to the lineup. He could use some protection, but give the Cardinals credit for acquiring him.

Luke Gregerson is the team’s closer “for now,” to use the words of front-office steward John Mozeliak Miles Mikolas, who was getting the job done as a starting pitcher in the Japanese League, could be a solid addition.

Do the Cardinals need another starting pitcher? Yes, I think so. If a true closer were available that didn’t cost a ton of money and/or key prospects should the team get him? Of course.

But there’s time to accomplish these goals.

“There’s no doubt last year was a disappointment when you

think about the blown saves, close games lost,” Mozeliak said during last weekend’s Winter Warmup.

“But we also feel like this year we have a group of guys that are ready to take that next step up. In terms of who that looks like — it might be faceless today. But I feel like by the time we leave Jupiter [Florida], we’ll have a pretty good idea.”

I translate that to mean the Cardinals aren’t done dealing.

Mike Matheny hopes the doubters and haters inspire his team. It sounds very Little League, but that’s his background.

“There’s opposition all across the board against us. That’s what we have. That’s what we do. We compete. I also believe that we’re always going to have people who don’t believe in us. There are people all over the country that don’t have us written in to win the NL Central,” the manager concluded. “How do we use that?”

Count me as one of those people. Prove me wrong.

In the meantime, there’s no need to give up on a season in mid-January.

“Look, we’d make a move tonight if we could, but it’s not there for us. We’ll be patient and keep working hard. We’ve made moves in Spring Training before if it comes to that. I hope for everyone’s sake things happen in an orderly fashion before Spring Training so players can settle.

“I’m done predicting this winter. It’s taken on a life of its own. We’ll see what happens.” That is not a Mozeliak quote, folks.

Based on ballots that have been disclosed by respective voters, it appears that Barry Bonds (left) and Roger Clemens will land about 60 percent of the 75 percent needed for acceptance into the Hall of Fame.

Theo Epstein, Cubs president of baseball operations, said that last Friday during the annual Cubs Convention in Chicago. If he’s taking that approach, my advice for Cardinal fans is to think about baseball in summer and not lineup deficiencies in frigid January.

McCutcheon moves West

The Cardinals don’t have to worry about the Pittsburgh Pirates passing them in the NL Central standings.

First, pitcher Gerrit Cole was traded to the Houston Astros and then Andrew McCutchen was sent to San Francisco. He joins third baseman Evan Longoria, who San Francisco acquired from Tampa Bay, and suddenly the Giants have a pretty-good looking lineup.

McCutchen, who helped a sorry Pirates outfit reach the postseason twice and re-signed with the team when he could have bolted, said on Twitter he’s excited about the deal.

“Now ... I’m a Giant! I’ve always enjoyed watching the success of the Giants and I look [forward] to being a part of more this season. Can’t wait to meet my new teammates and fans. This is just the beginning.”

Tsk, tsk Tomlin

Hey, Mike Tomlin. I think you’re a great coach and the Pittsburgh Steelers are lucky to have you at the helm. But if it should ever come up again in a do-or-die playoff situation:

• Run the football on fourthand-one inside opponents’ territory in the fourth quarter.

• Kick the ball deep when you need a touchdown, a couple of minutes are left in the game, you have timeouts and the other team’s quarterback is Blake Bortles The football world was awaiting Steelers at New England in the AFC Championship game. We get Jacksonville Jaguars instead. C’mon man.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, is a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and can also be heard on Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box.” His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

Local talent shine bright in collegiate basketball

There are several talented players from the St. Louis area who are putting in some serious work at the collegiate level this season.

• Former CBC standout Jordan Barnett is enjoying an excellent senior season at the University of Missouri. The 6’8” Barnett is averaging 15.2 points and 6.4 rebounds a game while shooting 48 percent from the field and 41 percent from the 3-point range. Barnett scored a career-high 28 points in a buzzer-beating loss to nationally-ranked Florida. He also scored 19 points in a victory over South Carolina, which was the Tigers’ first road win in Southeastern Conference play in four years.

• Jordan Barnes, another former CBC standout, is having a breakout season at Indiana State as one of the top guards in the Missouri Valley Conference. The 5’10” Barnes is averaging 17.2 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.0 assists a game while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range. Barnes scored a season-high 27 points in a big MVC victory over Northern Iowa last week.

• Former Belleville Althoff standout Jordan Goodwin is currently one of the top freshmen in the Atlantic 10 Conference at Saint Louis University. The 6’4” Goodwin is currently averaging 10.8 points, 6.9 rebounds, 3.8 assists and 2.1 steals a game. He nearly accomplished the first

triple double in SLU’s history last week in George Mason in which he had nine points, nine rebounds and 11 assists.

• Former Chaminade College Prep teammates Mike Lewis II and Tyler Cook have experienced a lot of success at Duquesne and Iowa, respec-

tively. The 6’2” Lewis had an excellent freshman season in 2017 and has followed up as a sophomore by leading the Dukes to a 13-5 start.

Duquesne is also currently in second place in the Atlantic 10 Conference. Lewis is averaging a team-high 16.2 points a game while shooting 39 percent from

Jo Jo White passes at age 71

St. Louisan, Olympian, NBA Hall of Famer

By Earl Austin Of the St. Louis American

When it comes to discussing the top basketball players ever produced in St. Louis, Jo Jo White is at the top of the list.

The Basketball Hall of Fame member and former Public High League star died on Tuesday night at the age of 71. When you are a member of the Hall of Fame, possess two NBA championship rings and have your number retired by two historic basketball institutions such as Kansas and the Boston Celtics, it is hard to argue against Jo Jo White not being the best ever from St. Louis.

Jo Jo White was an extraordinary player who did it with style and elegance. His fundamentals were perfect and his toughness was unwavering. As strong as he was on the court, he was every bit the gentleman off the hardwood.

On those great Celtics teams of the 1970’s, you had

Continued from B3 InsIde sports With Earl Austin Jr. McKendree. For the season, Sims is averaging 11.2 points and 3.5 rebounds while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range and 91 percent from the free throw line in helping the Saints to a 13-3 record, which is the best start in the school’s history. Sims also passed the 1,000point mark for his career recently.

and Minnesota Timberwolves forward Nemanja Bjelica After some chippy possessions, Affalo shoved and took a wild swing at Bjelica before Bjelica put him in a standing guillotine choke that would’ve made Dana White proud. So why is everybody in the

PREP

the intensity and fierceness of Dave Cowens, the constant motion of John Havlicek and the toughness of Paul Silas and Don Chaney. And then there was Jo Jo, who made it all run smoothly as the point guard with his fluid style, floor leadership and dangerous bucket getting. His handles were nice and the jumper was on point. A smooth 6’3 guard, White accomplished it all at every level. He was an AllState performer in high school at Vashon and McKinley, a collegiate All-American at Kansas and an All-Pro and world champion during his stellar NBA career with the Celtics.

Jo Jo White

White was also an Olympian who led the USA to the Gold Medal at the 1968 Olympic Games in Mexico City.

White honed his craft in high school under the tutelage of legendary high school coach Jodie Bailey. He led Bailey’s Vashon team to the quarterfinals of the state tournament in 1963.

He finished his prep career at McKinley before graduating early in 1965 to attend Kansas, where he was a two-time AllAmerican in 1968 and 1969.

Once he hit Boston, he was an immediate standout as a member of the NBA’s AllRookie Team in 1970. He was

NBA so mad?

My instinct tells me that much of it has to do with the current era of super teams. First of all, we’re watching star players with super-sized egos join together, causing more stress and friction than in years past. Regardless of the how many super teams form, it’s clear that Warriors are head and shoulders above the competition and will waltz to another NBA title. That doesn’t

top dunkers in college basketball with a highlight reel slam in virtually every game.

Former Belleville Althoff standout Jordan Goodwin, of Saint Louis University, is currently one of the top freshmen in the Atlantic 10 Conference.

Incarnate Word Academy will be taking its show on the road for two games this weekend to play against some national competition. The Red Knights will be spending the next two days in the state of Kentucky. IWA will face Mercer County (Kentucky) on Friday at 6 p.m. On Saturday, the Red

quite explain why KD is squaring up to DeMarcus Cousins and everybody else, but that’s another column.

The other big issue is the relationship between the players and officials. There’s seemingly no respect between the two parties. NBA Commissioner David Silver must find a way for players and officials to work together without fussing and fighting about every call.

Knights will face Sacred Heart (Kentucky). It will be Incarnate’s second big trip of the season. In early December, the Red Knights travelled to Washington D.C. to take on top programs from Miami and Washington.

Whitfield to face SEMO power Sikeston

One of the big games of the weekend will be a battle between Whitfield and Sikeston in the MFA Oil Break Time Shootout, which will be played on Saturday at

a key component of the Celtics world championship teams in 1974 and 1976.

As a nine-year-old kid living in Milwaukee, I was in attendance at the Milwaukee Arena in 1974 when White had 16 points and five assists in the Celtics victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 7 of the NBA Finals.

The Brew City was riding high after Kareem AbdulJabbar’s dramatic sky hook won Game 6 in Boston Garden and brought the series back to Milwaukee for Game 7. But Jo Jo and the Celtics shut it down with a dominating 102-87 to take the championship.

Two years later, White took center stage as he took home MVP honors of the ‘76 Finals after the Celtics defeated the Phoenix Suns in six games. He had 33 points and nine assists in Boston’s epic triple overtime victory in Game 5.

Jo Jo White was inducted into the Basketball Hall of Fame in 2015.

I’m not sure what the solution is, but Silver needs to find it quickly. If Silver can’t get his players, coaches and officials to chill, festering tensions could make things ripe for a Malice in the Palace 2.0. Considering the rising popularity and excitement of the NBA, that’s something nobody needs.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch at @IshmaelSistrunk

the Mizzou Arena in Columbia, Tip-off time is at 3 p.m. Whitfield is one of the top teams in state in Class 3 while Sikeston is a perennial Class 4 powerhouse.

The game will also feature two of the top players in the state in the Class of 2018. Whitfield is led by 6’5” guard Torrence Watson, a Mizzou signee who will be playing on his future collegiate home court. Sikeston is led by 6’3” All-State guard Fred Thatch, Jr., who has signed with Saint Louis University.

3-point range and 81 percent from the free throw line. Cook, a powerful 6’8” forward, is averaging 15.1 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 59 percent from the field to lead the Hawkeyes. He also had 21 points and 12 rebounds in a victory over Illinois on Jan. 11. Cook is also one of the

• Maryville University in St. Louis in enjoying a stellar season with a strong group of players from the St. Louis metro area on the team. Firstyear head coach Marc Stricker was a former standout player at CBC in the late 1990’s. He has a team with eight players from the St. Louis area on the team. Several of these former standouts are Division I transfers who have come home and have experienced success at the Division II school. The Saints are currently 13-3, which is the best start in the school’s history. They are also 5-2 and in first place in their division in the Great Lakes Valley Conference. The Saints are led by former DeSmet standout Nolan Berry a 6’10” senior who is averaging 18.4 points and 9.9 rebounds a game. The power forward is 6’6” junior Robin Thompson, a former MICDS standout who is averaging 13.4 points and 7.4 rebounds a game while leading the team in steals. Junior guard Casey Teson (St. Charles) is averaging 11 points a game while leading the team in 3-point shooting. Senior point guard Jimmy Barton (DeSmet) is averaging nearly

the st. LouIs AmerIcAn AreA coLLege AthLetes of the Week

Forrester Sims

Maryville University – Men’s Basketball

The senior guard from Indianapolis enjoyed two excellent performances for the Saints in their last two victories. The 6’3” guard had 18 points, three rebounds, two assists and two steals in an 80-62 victory over Quincy. He also added 11 points, five rebounds and three assists in a 79-66 victory at

Chael Brown

Missouri Baptist – Women’s Basketball

The senior forward from Chicago is enjoying a solid final campaign for the Spartans, who are currently 8-7 on the season. The 5’9” Brown scored a season-high 22 points 22 points along with seven rebounds in a victory over Williams Baptist. She was seven for 12 from the field and eight of 11 from

the free throw line. She added 14 points, seven rebounds and two blocks in a loss to Columbia College, including a perfect seven for seven from the field. For the season, Brown is averaging 11.8 points and 5.3 rebounds while shooting 47 percent from the field and 73 percent from the free throw line.

The junior standout was the individual champion at last weekend’s Quincy Invitational in the 220-pound weight division. Bullock won all five of his matches by pin as he

Wrestler of the tournament. Bullock has been a dominant performer throughout the season. The victory at Quincy was his fourth individual tournament championship of the year. As a sophomore, Bullock was an IHSA Class AA regional champion and a sectional qualifier.

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo by SLU Athletics

REFUNDS

continued from page B1

n “The administration is balancing its checkbook on the backs of individual taxpaying Missourians – that is simply unacceptable.”

taxpayers who were rightfully frustrated because they were not receiving the money they were owed. “ For example, the audit found at one point during the 2017 tax season, the Department of Revenue had $200 million worth of refunds processed and ready to be paid to Missourians, but the Office of Administration directed the Department of Revenue not to pay the refunds because other spending priorities came first. The report found taxpayers pay a significantly higher interest rate when making late tax payments than the state is required to pay on delayed refunds, and taxpayers are not compensated for late refunds unless interest exceeds $1. For instance, a $250 refund would not include an interest payment paid by the state until it was a year late. Alternatively, if a taxpayer is late paying tax to the state, they are charged 4 percent interest and a 5 percent penalty.

– State Auditor Nicole Galloway

The department does not necessarily pay refunds in the order in which they are received and as a result, is selectively paying larger returns to avoid large interest payments.

Throughout the audit process, auditors faced repeated delays and unwillingness by the administration to provide the requested documentation. Last spring, Galloway issued a subpoena in order to obtain information on the state’s management of income tax refunds. At the conclusion of the audit, the administration refused to provide the standard

written assurance it had not withheld relevant information from the audit staff and had disclosed all provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements that the agency believed would have a significant effect on the audit.

Galloway said, “As this audit shows, my office will not be deterred from protecting taxpayer dollars by a lack of cooperation from the administration or government secrecy trying to hinder our work.”

The complete audit can be found at http://app. auditor.mo.gov/Repository/ Press/2018001767662.pdf.

Financial Focus

By Lucien C. Blackwell, financial advisor

‘Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart’ to screen at Wash U Extension of St. Louis

‘Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart’ will screen at Washington University next Thursday as part of the Henry Hampton Film Series.

Lorraine Hansberry doc

featured

selection of Henry Hampton Film Series

Special to The American

“It took 14 years and $1.2 million dollars to make a documentary on the life of playwright Lorraine Hansberry,” said Chicago Sun-Times columnist Mary Mitchell. “’Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart’ by filmmaker/producer Tracy Heather Strain is worth every minute and every penny.”

Soul

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Next year will mark forty years since soul music endured one of its most tragic losses with the death of St. Louis native Donny Hathaway. But Tuesday night at the Pageant, Lalah Hathaway proved that her father’s legacy lives on as an extension of her own.

Her career has spanned nearly three times as long as her father’s at this point. She entered the crowded scene of 90s R&B at the turn of the decade as a teen with a rich contralto with maturity far beyond her young age. She managed to make a splash with her self-titled debut record thanks to the breakthrough it “Baby Don’t Cry,” – which was produced by St. Louis native Angela Winbush.

In the nearly three decades since, she’s found her groove and her voice – which is in perfect harmony with musical roots laid down by her father.

It was a show that pulled from the old and the new and paid homage to her father at the same

Lalah Hathaway carries torch of Donny’s musical legacy

time.

As far as record sales and commercial appeal, Lalah hasn’t enjoyed the same success as some of her lesser talented R&B counterparts. She’s been consistent, though her studio albums tend to fly under the radar.

But her live performances are another matter altogether. Mind blowing and breathtaking at the same time, Lalah channels Donny in a way that

no one else can – and not for lack of trying. The similarities in their phrasing, tone and delivery is striking. Yet Lalah manages to simultaneously deliver a sound that is an anomaly in that it draws from her father, but is still uniquely her own. She came to town to kick off “The Honestly Tour,” but she blessed St. Louis audiences with a show that was a throwback to the best of the quiet storm days of R&B.

DJ Sparks set the tone for the show with a spin session of hip-hop and R&B classics after local artist Tonina started the evening with a performance that blended upright bass and vocals.

Dressed all the way down in a pair of leggings, cargo jacket and wide-laced sneakers, Lalah took to the stage that was dimly lit with purple track lights and jumped into a trio of selections from her latest album. She told the crowd that her casual wear was a last-minute wardrobe change because of the bitter cold –

See SOUL, C4

n “This documentary is long overdue. I salute Strain for the tenacity she has shown in making it.”

- Mary Mitchell, Chicago SunTimes columnist

The documentary looks at the life and work of Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965), the playwright and activist who wrote the acclaimed drama “A Raisin in the Sun” (1959), the first play by an African-American woman to be produced on Broadway. The film, which premiered at the 2017 Toronto International Film Festival, explores Hansberry’s early years in segregated Chicago, her work as a groundbreaking journalist, and her pursuits as an activist, as she fought against racism, gender discrimination and homophobia. Washington University’s Department of African and African American Studies, Washington University Libraries and Cinema St. Louis will present a screening of the documentary “Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart” at 4 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 25, in Whitaker Hall Auditorium on the Danforth Campus of Washington University in St. Louis. The screening will be followed by a Q&A with director Tracy Heather Strain and producer Randall MacLowry, who used the Libraries’ Henry Hampton Collection while researching the film. The 35,000-plus items in the Henry Hampton Collection include unique filmed interviews with key figures in the civil rights movement. The digital projects, Eyes on the Prize: The Complete Interviews and The Great Depression Interviews, make the content of these interviews available to scholars, researchers and historians.

See FILM, C4

Melanin power goes mainstream

Black superheroes are having a moment in film and television

By Lisa Respers France Of CNN

(CNN) – Is it a coincidence that black superheroes are stirring excitement at a time when ethnicity and race relations are in the spotlight?

Writer Adilifu Nama doesn’t think so.

The author of “Super Black: American Pop Culture and Black Superheroes” and “Race on the QT: Blackness and the Films of Quentin Tarantino” told CNN he sees a connection between current events and what’s happening on both the big and small screen.

“I would put this all in the context of a zeitgeist where race and issues concerning African Americans [are] a very vivid backdrop for these black superheroes,” Nama said. “We’re living in a very racialized moment. With these black superheroes coming out, they are dynamic to [the audience].”

The eagerly awaited series “Black Lightning,” which premiered Tuesday on The CW network, revolves around Jefferson Pierce (played by actor Cress Williams), a black, middle-aged educator who must resurrect his super

powers to protect his family and community.

Based on the DC Comics character of the same name, “Black

Lightning” was co-created by husband and wife team Salim Akil and Mara

Brock Akil. Salim Akil told TV Insider he drew inspira-

“Black Lightning,” which premiered Tuesday on The CW network, revolves around Jefferson Pierce (played by actor Cress Williams), a black, middle-aged educator who must resurrect his super powers to protect his family and community.

See HEROES, C4

Lalah Hathaway gave a stellar showing for the start of her multi-city ‘The Honestly Tour’ Tuesday night at The Pageant.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Sat., Jan. 20, 7 p.m. The All Stars of Hip-Hop featuring DMX, E-40, Scarface, MC Lyte, Young Bloodz, Murphy Lee & Kyjuan, Tela, Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www.chaifetzarena.com.

Jan. 24 – 27, Jazz St. Louis presents Maceo Parker. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl. org.

Sat., Jan. 27, 7:30 p.m., Delmar Hall presents Kahsan 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Jan. 31 – Feb. 3, Jazz St. Louis presents Cyrus Chestnut. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Feb. 7 – Feb. 8, Jazz St. Louis presents Keyon Harrold. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

local gigs

Fri., Jan. 19, 9 p.m., One in a Million: A Soulition Tribute. Featuring music influenced and performed by Aaliyah. Blank Space, 2847 Cherokee St., 63118. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sun., Jan. 21, 6 p.m., Back in Stride: The Music of Maze feat. Frankie Beverly. BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups, 700 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www. bbsjazzbluessoups.com.

Sat., Jan. 27, 10 p.m., Kim Massie Tribute to Prince. Broadway Oyster Bar, 736 S. Broadway, 63102. For more information, visit www. broadwayoysterbar.com.

Sun., Jan. 28, 3 p.m., Rapped & Remixed Family Concert. The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, The 442s and Compositions for L.I.F.E. present a surprise musical experience for the entire family. Powell Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.slso. org.

Sat., Feb. 3, 8 p.m., Peter Martin and Brian Owens: Jazz Benefit Concert. With guest appearance by Terence Blanchard. Benefitting Metro Theater Company. Grandel. 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Sat., Feb. 3, 9 p.m., Blvck Writes Tour STL starring Blvck Spvde, Blank Space, 2847 Cherokee.

Sat., Feb. 10, 2 p.m., A PreValentine’s Day Celebration feat. Tim Cunningham and Courtney Loveless Moore Proceeds benefit the Sumner High Science Department Enrichment Program and other programs. Henry Givens Administrative Building, Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Feb. 13 – 14, The Sheldon Coffee Concert Series presents Brian Owens: Love Songs. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

special events

Sat., Jan. 20, 10 a.m., Missouri History Museum hosts Girl Scout Day. Girl Scouts are invited to participate in merit-assistance programs to complete badge requirements with other scouts. Registration required. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.

The Guide

Kenya Vaughn recommends

mohistory.org.

Sat., Jan. 20, 11 a.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter’s Founders’ Day. The RitzCarlton, 100 Carondelet Plaza, 63105. For more information, visit www.DST-SLA.org.

Sat., Jan. 20, 5 p.m., 6th Annual An Evening with the Cardinals. Join featured guests Whitey Herzog, Willie McGee and Keith Hernandez as they reminisce about the 1982 World Series. St. Louis Union Station Hotel, 1820 Market St., 63103. For more information, visit www. thenccs.org/cardinals.

Sat., Jan. 20, 8 p.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Eta Omega Chapter presents the Pink & Green Experience. Entertainment by The Dirty Muggs and DJ Quinn. 10701 Lambert International Blvd., Concourse B, 63145. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Jan. 20, 10 p.m., Sauce: An Event for The Young Professional. The Olive Bar, 3037 Olive St., 63103. For more information or to RSVP, call (314) 387-3568 or visit www.eventbrite.com.

Jan. 26 – 28, COCA presents Momentum. A mix of cutting-edge hip-hop and contemporary dance across a broad range of styles brings members of COCAdance and the COCA Hip-Hop Crew together. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www.cocastl.org.

Sat., Jan. 27, 4 p.m., The Organization for Black Struggle & the Youth Council for Positive Development present their 38th Anniversary Celebration. The theme for this year is “Organizing Black Voters into a Radical Electoral Strategy.” The Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd., 63120. For more information, visit www.obs-stl.org.

Wed., Jan. 24, 5:30 p.m., KIPP Triumph Open House. Tour the school, meet students and teachers, learn about extracurricular activities, and more. 1409 Linton Ave., 63107. For more information, visit www.connect-stl.lpages. co.

Sat., Jan. 27, 4 p.m., The Organization for Black Struggle & the Youth Council for Positive Development present their 38th Anniversary

Steve Litman presents #SheReady Tour starring Tiffany Haddish. For more information, see COMEDY.

Celebration. The theme for this year is “Organizing Black Voters into a Radical Electoral Strategy.” The Omega Center, 3900 Goodfellow Blvd., 63120. For more information, visit www.obs-stl.org.

Wed., Jan. 31, 10 a.m., JobNewsUSA.com St. Louis Job Fair. Meet with recruiters from Aldi, Bethesda Health, Enterprise Holdings, Whelan Security, and more. We will also have resume reviews and free workshop. Doubletree Hotel, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information or to register, visit www. jobnewsusa.com/stl/event.

Sat., Feb. 3, 12:30 p.m., 2018 St. Louis HBCU Alumni Association Scholarship Fair. The event will consist of 3 workshops: essay writing, FAFSA & Financial Aid, and ways to obtain free scholarships. Il Monestero, 3050 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Feb. 3, 8 p.m., Vashon High School Class of ‘83 invites you to Blue Valentine Dance. Food and setups will be sold, champagne and chocolate fountain. Carr Square Center, 1629 Biddle, 63118. For more information,

call (314) 480-0311.

Wed., Feb. 7, 11 a.m., DJC, LLC presents the XXI Annual Diversity Job Fair Interview for positions in optical care, transportation, healthcare, and more. North County Recreation Complex, 2577 Redman Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Feb. 8 – 11, 2018 Progressive® Insurance St. Louis Boat & Sportshow Featuring more than 400 of the latest model boats, the newest marine products, and outdoor gear. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www. stlouisboatshow.com.

Sat., Feb. 10, 2 & 7:30 p.m., The St. Louis Cultural Flamenco Society presents Valentine’s Day a la Flamenca. New, creative music and flamenco dance styles from Spain. Sheldon, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Feb. 13 – 14, 7:30 p.m., The Price Is Right Live The host for the evening will be Todd Newton. Prizes may include appliances, vacations and possibly a new car. Fabulous Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Tues., Jan. 23, 7 p.m., Wordup! Open Mic. Live music, poetry, and comedy. Lowes Entertainment, 8911 Natural Bridge Rd., 63103. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Tues., Jan. 23, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author R. Marie Griffith, author of Moral Combat: How Sex Divided American Christians and Fractured American Politics. A history of how the Christian consensus on sex unraveled, and made our political battles so ferocious. Thur., Feb. 8, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Dr. Jonathan Quick, author of The End of Epidemics: The Looming Threat to Humanity and How to Stop It. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org.

Mon., Feb. 12, 7 p.m., Left

Bank Books hosts author Morgan Jerkins, author of This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

comedy

Fri., Jan. 26, 7 p.m. & 10 p.m., Steve Litman presents #SheReady Tour starring Tiffany Haddish, The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For more information, visit thepageant.com.

theatre

Jan. 16 – 28, The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents School of Rock The Musical. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. fabulousfox.com.

Through January 21, The Black Rep presents Fences by August Wilson starring Ron Himes and Linda Kennedy, Edison Theater, Washington University, 6465 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. edison.wustl.edu.

Feb. 2 – 4, The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents The Sound of Music. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Feb. 2 – 4, TLT Productions presents Beyond the River: Moving Forward. Maya is greeted in her dreams by a young man named D.C.together they venture into the future. Marcelle, 3310 Samuel Shepard Dr., 63103. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Wed., Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m., Lila: The Life of a Missouri Slave Lila’s story is tragic, but it is also a story of survival, strength, and success as she takes control of her future. Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer, 63143. For

more information, visit www. maplewoodpubliclibrary.com.

Feb. 7 – 11, Fontbonne University Theatre presents Principal Principle. Kay Josephs quits her corporate job to teach English in an urban high school. She wakes up to harsh realities. Mustard Seed Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Fri., Jan. 19, 7 p.m., The Saint Louis Art Museum presents Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Freedom Celebration – 1960Now: Social Justice Movements, Past and Present. Sheila Pree Bright’s #1960Now, depicts photographs linking today’s protest movements to those of the 1960s. St. Louis Art Museum, 1 Fine Arts Dr., 63110. For more information, visit www.slam.org.

Sat., Jan. 27, 2 p.m., Meacham Park Oral Histories – Connecting Community Through the Arts. Nipher Middle School students conducted anecdotal interviews with residents of Meacham Park, which were turned into professional artworks. Kirkwood Public Library, 140 E. Jefferson Ave., 63122. For more information, visit www. kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org.

Through February 28, Portfolio Gallery’s presentation of All Colors Visual Arts Invitational & Juried Exhibition, the exhibition features the work of invited African-American and juried artists from across the country. St. Louis Artists’ Guild, 12 North Jackson Ave., 63105. For more information, visit www.stlouisartistsguild. org.

Thur., Feb. 1, 11 a.m., Black Masculinity and the Black Speculative Arts Movement. Join us for a day exploring the image of the black male

within the context of the Black Speculative Arts Movement. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Through Feb. 4, National Blues Museum presents The Blues in Black and White –The Blues Photography of Kirk West. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Jan. 18, 6 p.m., Aligning our Work with Action: Communicating During Unrest and Uncertainty. A free panel

register, visit www.eventbrite. com.

Mon., Jan. 22, 6 p.m., SCORE St. Louis presents Developing Financial Projections for External Financing. Business owners and entrepreneurs will learn to raise funds from external lenders to finance their business operations. AnheuserBusch Hall, Fontbonne University.

Thur., Jan. 25, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Let’s Get Legal: From Dred Scott to the Missouri Human Rights Act. University of Missouri law professor Charles Henson will explain the importance of Dred Scott trial as it relates to the Missouri Human Rights Act. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit mohistory.org

Institute, 3401 Arsenal St., 63118. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Wed., Jan. 31, 6:30 p.m., MO Coalition for the Environment “River Revolution” tribute to the heroes and heroines of Missouri’s big rivers. Schlafly Tap Room, 2100 Locust 63103 Call Karon at 727.0600 ext. 119, or visit moenviron.org, for more information.

health

Mon., Jan. 22, 8:15 a.m., Siteman Mammography Van. Mammograms at no cost to women over 40 who qualify. O’Fallon Park Rec Complex, 4343 W. Florissant Ave., 63115. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call (314) 747-7222 or (800) 600-3606 (option #2).

discussion for nonprofit agencies to learn to deliver appropriate messages during civil unrest. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.csprc.org/events.

Sat., Jan. 20, 9 a.m., JLW Sr. District invites you to a Tax Law, Fundraising, and Tax Law Seminar. Open to Pastors, Church Leaders, and Trustees. Green Memorial Church of God in Christ, 113 Clayton Ave., Sikeston, MO 63801. For more information, call (314) 805-3480.

Sat., Jan. 20, 10 a.m., First Time Homebuyers Seminar. Learn the ins and outs of what it takes to find a home, get into a home, and financing options. 8001 Dale Ave., 63117. For more information or to

Tues., Jan. 30, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Justice in the Prison System: From the 1972 Sit-In to Today. Join us for a panel discussion to learn more about the 1972 protest and engage in conversation about how it connects to contemporary issues in the prison system. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit mohistory. org

Wed., Jan. 31, 2 p.m., Identity Theft and Tax Fraud. The Better Business Bureau will help you learn to spot identity theft when it happens and provide tips to protect yourself from fraud. Kirkwood Public Library, 140 E. Jefferson Ave., 63122. For more, information, visit www. kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org.

Wed., Jan. 31, 6 p.m., Human Trafficking Awareness and Education Night. Learn what human trafficking is, how to recognize signs, and what you can do to stop trafficking in your community. International

Sat., Feb. 3, 8:30 a.m., 2018 Christian Hospital Heart Fair Stress and Your Heart Health, Christian Hospital Detrick Building – Atrium 8:30 a.m.12 p.m. Registration closes at 11 a.m. Space is limited and registration is requested, so call 314-747-WELL (9355) and register today!

Sat., Feb. 3, 6:30 p.m., Heart & Soul: A Hollywood Affair Be whisked away to Old Hollywood and reminded of the mission of Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital. Hyatt Regency St. Louis at The Arch, 315 Chestnut St., 63105. For more information, visit www. glennon.org/heart-and-soul.

spiritual

Sun., Jan. 21, 10 a.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter’s Founders Day Ecumenical Service. Ward Chapel AME Church, 11170 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63033. For more information, visit www.dst-sla. org.

Jazz St. Louis presents Keyon Harrold. See CONCERTS for details.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

The

HEROES

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tion for the character from the lives of Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X.

“He’s certainly a peaceful man and he wants to stay peaceful, but for how long,” Akil asked. “How long can you allow things to get out of hand before you have to take on the mindset of Malcolm and say, ‘We’ve got to do something for ourselves’?”

The debut of “Black Lightning” coincides with building anticipation for the Marvel superhero movie “Black Panther,” which releases in February.

The film stars Chadwick Boseman as T’Challa, king of the fictitious African nation of Wakanda and a superhero known as Black Panther.

The movie broke Fandango’s presale ticket record for Marvel

Cinematic Universe films in its first 24 hours, a record previously held by 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War.”

“‘Black Panther’ is riding an incredible wave of momentum right now,” Fandango Editor Erik Davis said in a statement.

“Black Panther” fans have taken to social media to express their excitement over trailers for the film and its soundtrack, helmed by Grammy-winning rapper Kendrick Lamar.

Nama told CNN it was only a matter of time before black superheroes arrived centerstage.

“Over the past 15 years, the comic has become the fundamental source material for Hollywood blockbusters,” he said.

Couple that with the backdrop of Black Lives Matter, the NFL protests, debate about whether President Trump is a racist and the violence in Charlottesville, Virginia, Nama said, and it makes sense that there is a hunger for black

February, broke

superheroes.

Cheo Hodari Coker is creator, executive producer and showrunner for Netflix’s “Luke Cage,” a series that helped kickstart black superhero mania when it premiered in 2016.

Coker told CNN he believes what’s happening in Hollywood right now is about color, but not necessarily that of the characters.

“The only color that really matters is green,” he said.

“Ultimately shows and movies starring black superheroes are lucrative. I don’t know if it’s as much altruism, or everyone is all of a sudden woke, as much as it is a combination of the fact that it’s commercially viable, the stories are interesting, the music pops and people think, ‘Why not now?’”

The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

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Narrated by acclaimed actress LaTanya Richardson Jackson (“The Fighting Temptations,” “A Raisin in the Sun”) and featuring the voice of Tony Award-winning actress Anika Noni Rose (“A Raisin in the Sun,” “Dreamgirls”) as Hansberry, the documentary portrays the writer’s lifetime commitment to fighting injustice and how she found her way to theater as her medium for activism at a crucial time for black civil rights. The film title comes from Hansberry’s view that “one cannot live with sighted eyes and feeling heart and not know or react to the miseries which afflict this world.”

“This documentary is long overdue,” Mitchell said. “I salute Strain for the tenacity she has shown in making it.”

The event is part of the Henry Hampton Film Series, which premiered in 2014 and seeks to share documentary films made by minority filmmakers or that depict the stories of often underrepresented groups with a focus on the African-American experience.

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which could have been a joke. Fans were receptive, but not necessarily excited by the opening tunes. There seemed to be a shift in their universe when she teased with a taste of “Baby Don’t Cry.” The audience couldn’t help but respond. She then jumped into to “When Your Life Was Low,” a song she did with Joe Sample on their 1999 collaborative album “The Song Lives On.” The jazz-infused vocals showcased her depth and range. She

The screening for “Sighted Eyes/Feeling Heart” will take place at 4 p.m. on Thursday, January 25, in Whitaker Hall Auditorium on the Danforth Campus of Washington

dipped back into pure R&B with her original “I’m Coming Back” before blessing the crowd with a Donny Hathaway medley. A snippet of “I Love You More Than You’ll Ever Know” and full-length versions of “A Song For You” and “You Were Meant For Me” turned the show into a blue light basement party – well except for Lalah’s lights were purple.

University in

Brookings

is free and open to the public. For additional information, call (314) 935-5631 or e-mail: afas@wustl.edu.

“Do you mind if I take y’all back?” Lalah asked. The crowd screamed with delight as she jumped into a four-song Anita Baker medley, anchored by her Grammy Award winning rendition of “Angel.” She then continued with Earth Wind and Fire’s “Love’s Holiday” and her cover of the Luther Vandross classic “Forever, For Always, For Love.” All it takes is one live performance to create a new Lalah Hathaway fan, and Tuesday’s show was no different. But there were a few missing elements that would have been especially welcomed. First, her Grammy Award-winning rendition of her father’s “Little Ghetto Boy.” Secondly, a few more signature tunes from her own catalog would have been welcomed – particularly “Heaven Knows” and perhaps a taste of her featured Snarky Puppy take on “Something.”

St. Louis, One

Drive. The screening

The documentary looks at the life and work of Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965), the playwright and activist who wrote the acclaimed drama “A Raisin in the Sun” (1959), the first play by an African-American woman to be produced on Broadway.

superhero movie “Black Panther,” which releases in

Fandango’s presale ticket record for Marvel Cinematic Universe films in its first 24 hours, a record previously held by 2016’s “Captain America: Civil War.”

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Celebration: 1960Now

The Saint Louis Art Museum invites you to attend its Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Celebration on Friday, January 19 at 7 pm. This free annual program is inspired by the Museum’s collection of more than 100 photographs by Moneta Sleet Jr. Sleet won the 1969 Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography for his photograph of Coretta Scott King at Dr. King’s funeral. His images captured a revolution and they would come to define the struggle for racial equality in America. This year’s theme— 1960Now: Social Justice Movements, Past and Present—links today’s political and social climate to that of the 1960s.

Fine art photographer Sheila Pree Bright will discuss her recent and most ambitious project, #1960Now, a photographic series that examines race, gender, and generational divides to raise awareness of millennial perspectives on civil and human rights. The artist will share how she captures the essence of contemporary social justice movements while connecting her work to the photographs of Civil Rights Movement photographer Moneta Sleet Jr.

Shela Pree Bright is an acclaimed photographer known for her photographic series Young Americans, Plastic Bodies, and Suburbia. She received national attention shortly after earning her M.F.A. in photography from Georgia State University, and she describes herself as a visual cultural producer, portraying large-scale works that combine a wide range of contemporary culture.

In recent years, Bright has documented responses to police shooting in Atlanta, Ferguson, Baltimore, and Washington, D.C. She observed young social activists taking a stand

against the same struggles their parents and grandparents endured during the era of Jim Crow. In 2013, while photographing under-recognized living leaders of the Civil Rights movement, she made a connection between today’s protest movements and those of the past. That realization inspired her #1960Now project. Bright’s work was featured in the documentary Through the Lens Darkly: Black Photographers and the Emergence of a People. She has exhibited at the Center for Civil and Human Rights and the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Smithsonian’s Anacostia Community Museum in Washington, DC, the Art Gallery of Hamilton in Ontario, and the Leica Gallery in New York City. Her work is in many private and public collections, including the Library of Congress, Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art in Hartford, Connecticut, and Sprint PCS Art Collection in Overland Park, Kansas. In 2015, the city of Atlanta recognized her artistry and accomplishments in conjunction with the premier of #1960Now exhibition at the Museum of Contemporary Art of Georgia by proclaiming September 25, 2015 as Sheila Pree Bright Day in the City of Atlanta. All events in The Farrell Auditorium, including free events, are ticketed. Tickets are subject to availability. Tickets may be purchased or reserved in person at the Museum’s Information Centers or through MetroTix at metrotix.com or 314.534.1111. All tickets purchased or reserved through MetroTix incur a service charge; the service charge is waived for tickets purchased or reserved at the Art Museum.

The McCluer High School cafeteria team is the latest recipient of the Ferguson-Florissant School District’s Southwest Food Service Cut Above the Rest Award. The rotating award is earned monthly by a cafeteria team. The McCluer cafeteria team – which is led by kitchen manager Karen Davis and Peggy Crafton, snack bar manager – was awarded for cleanliness, exceptional seasonal line decor and creating a positive environment for students. In addition to receiving the Cut Above the Rest trophy, each team member received a certificate of appreciation and gift card.

Wall of Faces looking for photos of fallen Vietnam

soldiers

Joanne Norton, whose father was killed in Vietnam in 1968, is on a mission to complete the “Wall of Faces,” a memorial commemorating all the American soldiers killed in Vietnam whose names are on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington, D.C. by creating a website that matches those names with faces. As part of “Sons and Daughters in Touch” – a group of Gold Star children of those killed in the Vietnam War – she is searching for the 4,000 remaining photos (out of over 58,000) who still haven’t been matched with names on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.

Three of those names belong to people who lived in the St. Louis area at some point: Frank F. Lewis of Affton, Ronald E. Shepperd of Webster Groves and Donald O. Griffin, of Kinloch.

“Sons and Daughters in Touch” hopes that the families of these three men will be able to help them with their project by providing a photo of their loved one.

If you are a friend or family member of Frank F. Lewis, Ronald E. Shepperd, or Donald O. Griffin, you can add their photo to the Wall of Faces at http://www.vvmf.org/how-to-submit.

Coming to Hazelwood: free adult education courses

The Hazelwood School District, in partnership with Parkway School District, will offer free adult education courses this fall. Adults interested in improving math, reading, and writing skills are encouraged to sign up for classes. Classes will be offered morning, afternoon, and evening at several locations throughout St. Louis County. For more information, or to register for a class, call 314-415-4940.

A new day for public safety in the city?

Many think the City of St. Louis has ushered in a new period for public safety. Maybe. Maybe not. We now have a black police chief, John Hayden, and a black Public Safety director, Jimmie Edwards. Both men have lengthy backgrounds in public safety, at least from the view of crime and punishment. The way you start off is the way you continue. If this is the case, the community has good reason for concern and even skepticism. For nine months, interim police chief Lawrence O’Toole was at the helm. During that time, he could have birthed a new kind of department that aligned itself with community visioning expressed during the selection process for police chief. Instead, we got a good dose of gestapo tactics.

In a meeting with O’Toole and Mayor Lyda Krewson to discuss the anticipated reactions to the Jason Stockley verdict, the chief lied to me and other community citizens about how the police would respond to non-violent civil disobedience. At one point, cops in the heat of the Stockley protests shouted, “Whose streets, our streets!” and O’Toole was quoted as saying that police “owned the night.” O’Toole was acutely aware of the overaggressive tactics being used against nonviolent protestors in the Stockley verdict aftermath, including being maced while handcuffed. O’Toole did nothing to corral this unlawful behavior which only emboldened the hostile cops on the street. The police tactics, which included “kettling,”were challenged by the American Civil Liberties Union as “unlawful and unconstitutional” and a federal judge agreed.

O’Toole lied to Krewson when he told her Milton Green, a black off-duty officer, was shot in a crossfire and not by a fellow white officer. Krewson told the press she would fire O’Toole if that turned out to be untrue. Well, everyone in the department knew it was a lie when O’Toole said it. The Ethical Society of Police went public to expose the lie.

The mayor did not fire O’Toole. Instead, he was paid a retention bonus when Hayden was promoted over him. Then Hayden thanked O’Toole for his “honorable” service as interim chief. We must be careful about how we use adjectives. Honorable is one word that shouldn’t be used in the same sentence with the name of Lawrence O’Toole.

New faces may mean new opportunities, but they don’t always equate with transformative change. In St. Louis, it is imperative that we embark upon a new and different way of policing and addressing crime.

The city has more police-involved murders per capita than any city in the nation. Violent crime has many roots, and the same response doesn’t work for all situations. We need some innovative approaches to public safety that instill trust and confidence in a department that is perceived by the AfricanAmerican community as corrupt, insensitive and ineffective.

It is up to the citizens to continue articulating our vision of public safety and to hold people accountable towards fighting for those goals. The community is the determining factor in whether we end up with genuine public safety that works for all and a system of accountability for everyone.

McCluer cafeteria team recognized

Jamala Rogers

Celebrations

Birthdays

God’s amazing grace has kept our mom, Blanche M. Parham, for 85 years on January 17. She’s been a spiritual example and everything a mother could ever be.

From your daughters, Cynthia, Jamice, Sharon and Phyllis, with much love and appreciation.

Wishing my big sis, Phyllis S. Cromwell, an abundance of blessings on your 65th birthday (January 10). Loved and appreciated, Cynthia

To my beautiful fiancée, Tiffany Shanklin, wishing you a wonderful birthday on January 17. With all my love, Don

Happy 1st Bren-Day to our cheerful baby boy Brendan who turned one on January 17! You bring so much joy to our lives, and we love you to the moon and back. Love, Mama, Dada, and AJ

Reunions

Beaumont Class of 1968 will celebrate its 50-year reunion June 8-10,2018. Yes, Class ‘68 will begin Milestone celebration 6th month on 8th day. Our 2018 meetings in preparation will be held at STL County library located

7606 Natural Bridge at 1:00 p.m.. Dates are (Saturdays) January 13, February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19 and June 2. For more information call (314) 8698312 or email bhsco1968@ att.net. Pass the word and lets celebrate!

Homer G. Phillips and St. Louis Municipal School of Nursing is planning an all class reunion in June 2018. Please send your name, address and telephone number to: Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc., P.O. Box 8033 St. Louis, Missouri 63156.

McKinley Class of 1978

will celebrate its 40-year reunion July 27-29, 2018 at the Embassy Suites-Airport. For more information please contact Barbara Lindsey, Barbara_Lindsey@icloud.com or Marvin Woods, mwoods@ projectcontrolsgroup.com , (314) 647-0707.

Northwest High Class of 1978 is planning its 40-year reunion for next year. If you have any questions please contact Sly at (314) 397-0311 or email us at northwestbluedevils@78gmail. com. Check us out on Facebook Northwest High School-Class of 1978.

Soldan Class of 1978 is

planning their 40th class reunion. The dates are June 1, 2 and 3. For more information: call (314) 413-9088.

Sumner Class of 1976

Annual Christmas Party Saturday, December 23, 2018, 7 pm at DEJAVU II Cafe, 2805 Target Dr. 2 for 1 drink specials (5:30 - 7:30pm), free parking, No cover charge but $5 (40-Yr Class Reunion Attendees & Guest) or $10 for all others for the Catered Food. Limited Reserved Seating AVAILABLE until 10pm. (Doors open 5pm/closes 1am) For more info, call B. Louis at 314.385.9843.

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

University City Class of 1978 will hold its 40th reunion May 25-27, 2018. For more information please email ucityhs1978@gmail.com

Vashon High School will celebrate its 90th anniversary October 5-7, 2018 for alumni, students and community activities to celebrate educational commitment and tradition. For additional information, go to Vashonhigh. org or contact Elvis Hopson, elvishopson@att.net, (314) 535-0243, Pearl Lake, lakep6@ aol.com, (314) 388-0743 or Cozy W. Marks, Jr., jr3810@ sbcglobal.net, (314) 383-5682.

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Tiffany Shanklin

Brendan

Phyllis S. Cromwell

Blanche M. Parham

Swag Snap of the Week

A redemptive recount recap for the pretty boys. I’ve never once claimed to be perfect, but out of full transparency, I decided to put myself on front street to give credit where credit is due. Last week, I went on and on about how low key wack it was in these streets. That was true. But I was so caught in the rapture of it that I omitted the most lit event of the weekend – which was the Kappa Founder’s Day set that merged with Energy to become an all-night Nupe fest.

My bad. To make up for it, I’ll go ahead and let the folks know how y’all got down … even though they already know that there were multiple shoulder shimmies involved. I don’t know about everybody else, but I felt like it was four years ago when I was back in undergrad with all that strolling. Shoulder twirls are a lateral substitute for canes flips and I know a few old heads may take issue, but I’m not mad about it. There were Nupes from all cuts and creeds up in there – from around-the-way guys lowkey thuggish ruggish to pretty boys of a certain age trying to be somebody’s sugar daddy. I even saw a general population Nupe that would easily outswag internet sensation Sam Whiteout. I can’t say I endorse your haircut sir, but I was digging your fancy ankle cut pants. Now let me say this before I give my final props to LAST WEEK’S hotspot. This is a note to the DJ from a concerned Kappa lover. You CANNOT play just a snippet of “Freaks of the Industry” at a Nupe party sir. I don’t care if you’ve played it nine times already, once you start it and “yo” stroll commences – you are contractually obligated to let that song spin until the last gets his “pretty boy” on. Life more abundantly from Lalah. I know y’all have heard me say it – and after Tuesday night I’ll say it again – Lalah Hathaway is an absolute beast on the microphone. She gets from her daddy, St. Louis’ own Donny Hathaway but she is an all-time fave in her own right! Listen, she hit that stage in a snowshoveling outfit and had the folks hollering and beating the built-in bars along the balcony as their way of begging for an encore. The night was made even better because all of my favorite folks were in the building. Angela Brown, Vanita “Applebum” Thompson and her lovely sister Carolyn, Shannon Hicks, Anita Jackson, Tasha B and a whole gang of other folks who know and love good music were deep up in there. And even though it was darker than a haunted house up in there, I had a ball listening to Lalah’s voice melt over that microphone. I can take or leave her studio albums, but nothing but death can keep me from any show of hers within a 100-mile radius and Tuesday night at The Pageant proved me right. She sounded so good, I forgave her for that Walgreen’s midnight medicine run ensemble that she charged to the game of unexpected deep freezer weather we have experienced. As hard as I go for her and will “fangirl” day and night … for the rest of my life, I could not cosign with her when she got to comparing our cold to her native Chicago. I was like, girl, this 5 degrees is bikini weather in the Chi. Oh and before I forget, let me give a shout out to the contest winner Tonina who won the opportunity to open for Lalah –and was serving an STL Esperanza Spalding in training.

Catching up with Phil and the Capricorns. I froze my tailfeather off doing it, but I’m glad I stopped by Phil Assets All Black party at The Marquee featuring performances by Tee Grizzley, Roisee and some other folks I don’t remember. It was packed up in there. I must say that it restored my faith in the tear-theclub-up Capricorn legend. I was doubting y’all last week for sure. But anyway. That female raptress Roisee is down right gorgeous. Her track had some heat to it too – now if she can just learn the art of lip syncing, she might be the next hot thing in these streets. That will come with time and experience I suppose. But back to the party, it was so cracking that the wind chill went up about two degrees.

Slow motion Saturday. I know y’all don’t typically like to mix and mingle when the median temperature is on meat locker, but I was expected to see somebody in these streets on a Saturday night. The folks must have been taking full advantage of this prime cuddle buddy weather, because the scene was light. The weather has been beating me down, so I stopped by the Laugh Lounge hoping to get my spirits lifted. Lady Re hosted and Brother Dre was the opening comedian for main attraction Shucky Ducky remember him? He hit the stage and had to use all of his might to work at knocking the ice off of folks. His segment started off kind of slippery and didn’t gain traction till midway through with a joke about how he mistook his ex-wife’s scrambled eggs for popcorn. Overall, he gave a solid set and the small crowd seemed to have eventually enjoyed themselves. I swung by to Lucha to checkout DJ Reminisce and DJ JMO. As usual, HEY LUV was in full swing as the mostly 30+ crowd sang Soul For Real’s Candy Rain and danced their hearts out. I then dropped in a few other spots but didn’t really have to nudge through a crowd until I got to the Marquee where Black Ceaser hosted a party featuring Hennessey Carolina, Cardi B’s little sis. It was her first time in the Lou and you already know getting turnt is a part of their family pedigree, so you can just imagine what that was like. She was so lit that for a minute I thought she was going to stand on the ledge of that VIP booth and start twerking. She probably would have if there was a step ladder nearby. As I rounded up my night, I got word that Tef Poe had packed out the Atomic Cowboy for his fan appreciation show featuring some of the city’s hottest artists and I missed him performing the whole “Black Julian 2” Album live. So Big ups to you for continuing to uplift the STL while making moves at Harvard.

The Farrar Twins stopped thru the Marquee and partied with Hennessey Carolina Saturday @ The Marquee

Andre made sure the night was smooth sailing as Melanie celebrated her Birthday Friday @ The Marquee

The city braved the cold to kick it with Phil Assets for his Capricorn Birthday Bash that featured Detroit native T-Grizzley Friday @ The Marquee

Jamesha, Mallory and Brittany made their way to the dance floor @ The Marquee Saturday

Antanika and Mellve Jr. supported their sister Latifah as she hosted her first comedy show Comical Chairs Sunday @ The Signature Room

Don and Akk checked the scene as the La Fierte Noire crowd arrived Sunday @Dos Salas

Leah and Chris arrived early Sunday night to La Fierte Noire @ Dos Salas for the UFC afterparty

Shardea, Solana and Rachel dropped in to be a part of the action as UrbArts hosted their first Storytelling Tuesdays of 2018

Amber and Ramon took a second to warm up before they started to party @MOOD Saturday

Bassist and vocalist Tonina Saputo was the talented winner of multiple Grammy Award winning singer Lalah Hathaway’s opening act contest. Fellow bassist Jahmal Nichols, who travels the world with jazz singer Gregory Porter, was backstage to salute Tonina for a job well done. Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Photos by V. Lang

Lisa and Gerald got their laugh on Sunday @The Signature Room during Comical Chairs

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

A small, volunteer based not-for-profit is seeking application for the position of Chief Operating Officer to open February 1, 2018.

The candidate must possess a comprehensive understanding of not-for-profit organizational functions and systems that include planning, administration, resource development and marketing. The position assist the CEO in the effective management of the agency. Candidates who have a least three years of demonstrated effectiveness in a nonprofit setting will be considered. An undergraduate degree is required, with an advanced degree such as MBA or Masters in Nonprofit Management highly desirable. Recent retirees can also apply.

Send resume and salary requirement to Community Women Against Hardship, Inc.

P.O. Box 23247, St. Louis, Mo. 63156 NO TELEPHONE CALLS

PART-TIME FAMILY LAW

ATTORNEY POSITION

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to persons living with low income/low opportunity, seeks a part-time attorney (24 hours/week) to work in the LSEM St. Louis office’s family law/ domestic violence program known as the Lasting Solutions Program, in all substantive aspects of family law in Missouri. For more information and application instructions, please go to www.lsem.org.

DIRECTOR, MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLIANCE

St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) seeks an experienced director who wants to make a difference in the minority and women owned business community. A full description can be found on-line at www.stlouis-mo.gov/ sldc select “Careers at SLDC” and follow the online application process.

SLDC offers a full range of benefits including deferred comp, 401(a), and medical insurance. SLDC is an equal opportunity employer. Successful candidate must be a St. Louis city resident or establish residency within 180 days of completing a probationary period.

SLDC values a diverse workforce, and is an equal opportunity employer.

RELATIONSHIP BANKERS & CLIENT CARE RECEPTIONIST

Work for a great company! Royal Banks of Missouri is seeking both Relationship Bankers & Client Care Receptionist at our Frontenac & Kirkwood Branches Full-Time, Benefits, Competitive Wage, Vacation, Holiday & Sick Pay Apply at www.royalbanksofmo.com (About Us--Career Opportunities)

EXHIBITION DESIGNER

The Missouri Historical Society seeks an Exhibition Designer. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details. An Equal Opportunity Employer

K-12 MUSEUM EDUCATOR

The Missouri Historical Society seeks a K-12 Museum Educator. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details An Equal Opportunity Employer

Applicants must have reliable transportation with a valid driver license and proof of insurance. Clear background screening, clean drug test need only apply. * Competitive wages /one on one client care /paid holidays medical/dental insurance /paid wkly /referral bonus & much more! Please call 314-822-8158 or go online to register www.algonquinnurses.com

PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANT

MedStar Home Health Services CDS a Consumer Directed Services company seeking caring individuals that would like to earn up to $11.00 per hour taking care of their loved

WE’RE HIRING!

Webster Groves School District is looking for a dedicated and creative thinker to serve as Assistant Principal at Hixson Middle School. Qualifications

Missouri Administrative Certificate

Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience Administrator experience preferred

Apply Online at http://www.webster.k12. mo.us (Employment Opportunities)

DIRECTOR OF UMBRELLA CLAIMS

Overall responsibility for runoff operations related to the Umbrella program. Position reports to Senior Vice President - Claims. To apply, please visit: www.safetynational.com and click on the Careers tab.

ASSISTANT – PSA POLICY OPERATIONS

Responsible for monitoring and follow through of service related requests for the Policy Operations unit, and tracking all Primary Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Auto, and General Liability transactions to include: New Business, Renewals, Endorsements, Cancellations, Reinstatements and Non-renewals. This position includes the accuracy in which transactions are issued and distributed to our customers. To apply, please visit: www. safetynational.com and click on the Careers tab.

ADVERTISE YOUR JOBS & JOB FAIRS

ASSISTANT PROFESSOR

Webster University has an opening for an Assistant Professor - Special Education/Applied Behavioral Analysis in the School of Education. Please visit our website at https://webster.peopleadmin. com/ for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

NORTHWEST DISTRICT ENGINEER

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is seeking applications for the Northwest District Engineer. This senior management level position is responsible for planning, organizing, and delivering all operations, design, and support activities in the Northwest region with a team of approximately 500 employees. The Northwest District Engineer leads the development and delivery of transportation programs; builds and sustains effective partnerships with city and county officials, the Metropolitan Planning Organization/Regional Planning Commission, and other transportation constituents; represents MoDOT to leverage resources and innovation to solve the transportation needs of the area; serves as a champion, change agent, results driver, and key public relations agent on transportation issues and other major organizational issues as needed; responds to the public, legislators, community leaders, and city and county officials on transportation needs and operations; and communicates the department’s goals and objectives to the public and district employees. For more information and to view the entire job description, please visit our website www.modot.org/jobs.

CONTRACTORS

Local Nonprofit seeking contrac-

tors to perform minor home repair projects for seniors in the city of St. Louis. To be an approved contractor, you must possess a city business license, be current on all city and personal property taxes, carry general liability, workers comp and automobile insurance policies and posses your EPA Renovate Right Firm Certification. Interested applicants should send example of work and background information for you and your company to andy@missionstl.org. Mission: St. Louis is an EOE

Requirements include a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering. Candidates must be licensed or be prepared to achieve licensure as a Professional Engineer in the state of Missouri and have over nine years of experience in highway or transportation engineering, including at least five years of supervisory experience, with knowledge and experience in delivering innovative transportation solutions. MoDOT offers an excellent benefits package. Respond in strict confidence by submitting resume and cover letter by JANUARY 22, 2018, to:

CITY OF ST PETERS, MO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you a team player? Work for an employer who values and supports teamwork for their employees. St. Peters Rec-Plex and Golf Course offer their employees competitive pay and a chance to work in a fun atmosphere. To view current openings and to apply please visit: www.stpetersmo.net/jobs AA/EOE

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

The Haven of Grace seeks a qualified Director of Development and Communications. Additional information about this position can be found at: www.havenofgracestl.org. Deadline to apply is January 31, 2018. The Haven of Grace is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

FULL-TIME PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

Webster University has an opening for a full-time Public Safety Officer. Please visit our website at https://webster.peopleadmin. com/ for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

ATTORNEY

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc. (LSEM), a non-profit law firm that provides free legal assistance to people living with low income/low opportunity, seeks an attorney to work in its Community and Economic Development Program. For more information, see the full posting at www.lsem.org. Interested candidates should submit their resume and cover letter by February 18, 2018 to John Early, Director of Human Resources & Operations at jgearly@lsem.org.

REGISTRATION SPECIALIST

Affinia Healthcare is seeing a Bilingual (Spanish speaking) registration specialist. Responsible for completing the patient registration process by patients collecting demographic information, determining appropriate fees and collection of payment. High School graduate or equivalent. Two years experience in a health care setting or related field; and two years experience in customer service. Information, visit www.affiniahealthcare.org or contact Anthony Gonzalez, Affinia Healthcare Recruitment Coordinator, at 314-814-8516.

SOCIAL STUDIES TEACHER

St. Joseph’s Academy, a Catholic college preparatory high school for young women in St. Louis, Missouri, is seeking a social studies teacher for the 2017-18 school year. Qualified applicants should have Missouri teacher certification. A focus in American History and Government, as well as a Master’s degree, are preferred. Interested candidates may email a cover letter and a resume to jsteinhart@sja1840.org

MWBE PreBid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on MSD’s Upper Maline Trunk Sanitary Relief Phase IV, Section B Contract Letting No. 11791-015.1

This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members:

Fred M. Luth & Sons SAK Construction 4516 McRee Ave. 864 Hoff Rd. St. Louis, MO O’Fallon, MO 314/771-3892 636/379-2350

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

Thursday, January 25, 2017

SITE Improvement Association 0ffice, 2071 Exchange Drive St. Charles, MO 63303

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

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on February 20th, 2018 to contract with a company for: Hazardous Waste Disposal Services. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9288 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

INVITATION FOR BIDS

#: 57818010

Harris-Stowe State University (HSSU) is requesting bids for interior renovation of the Dr. Henry Givens, Jr., Administration (HGA) building. A copy of the IFB is available by calling (314) 340-5763, emailing: morrowb@ hssu.edu or faxing a written request to: (314) 340-3322. A copy of the plans and specifications can be obtained by contacting Sonja Branscomb, Kwame Building Group at email address: sbranscomb@kwamebuildinggroup. com or by calling (314) 862-5344. Mandatory pre-bid conference: Thursday, January 25, 2018 at 11:00 a.m. in Room 223 of the HGA building. Bids must be submitted to room 105 in the Dr. Henry Givens, Jr., Administration building no later than 11:00 a.m. on Thursday, February 15, 2018 and will be opened and read at 11:15 a.m. in room 223 in the HGA building.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Grotto Ct 107 Storm Sewer (IR) under Letting No. 12778-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s

Engineering Department for:

SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required

Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid.

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

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

January 18, 2018

City of St. Louis Community Development Administration (CDA) Planning and Urban Design Agency (PDA) 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 657-3700

Mark G. Jefferies, Environmental Review Officer, PDA (314) 657-3874

On or about January 26, 2018, the City of St. Louis will submit a request to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the release of The Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Demonstration Program (LHRD) is authorized by Section 1011 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992 (Title X of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1992, 42 U.S.C. 4852) and funding is provided by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law115-31), approved May 5, 2017 for the following multi-year program from December 1, 2017-November 30, 2020: LHRD Grant Program, for the purpose of providing LHRD funds for the remediation of housing units 175 (70 owner-occupied, 90 rental and 15 vacant) throughout St. Louis City (the program target area.) The City of St. Louis in conjunction with the City Building Division (BD) and Health Department (HD) will utilize LHRD funds for hazard reduction activities, outreach, screening, temporary relocation services and lead inspection and risk assessments. The City of St. Louis is requesting the release of $2.1 million of in LHRD funds combined with $658,185.52 from CDA and BD in local match for the period of performance of December 1, 2017 through November 30, 2020.

The proposed hazard control activities to be funded under this program are categorically excluded from the National Environmental Policy Act requirements, but subject to compliance with some of the environmental laws and authorities listed at § 58.5 of 24 CFR Part 58. In accordance with §58.15, a tiered review process has been structured, whereby some environmental laws and authorities have been reviewed and studied for the intended target area(s) listed above. Other applicable environmental laws and authorities will be complied with, when individual projects are ripe for review. Specifically, the target area has been studied and compliance with the following laws and authorities has been established in this Tier 1 review: Floodplain Management, Coastal Barriers Resource Act, Coastal Zone Management Act, Clean Air, Environmental Justice, Wild and Scenic Rivers, Wetlands Protection, Sole Source Aquifers, Noise Abatement, Farmlands Protection, Airport Hazards and Endangered Species. In the Tiered 2 review, compliance with the following environmental laws and authorities will take place for proposed projects funded under the program(s) listed above: Historic Preservation, National Flood Insurance Program requirements, Explosive & Flammable Operations, and Toxics/Hazardous Materials. Should individual aggregate projects exceed the threshold for categorical exclusion detailed at §58.35(a), an Environmental Assessment will be completed and a separate Finding of No Significant Impact and Request for Release of Funds published. Copies of the compliance documentation worksheets are available at the address below.

An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for this project, and more fully describes the tiered review process cited above, is on file at the City of St. Louis PDA, at the above-referenced address, and may be examined or copied weekdays 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Mark Jefferies. All comments received by January 25, 2018 will be considered by the City of St. Louis prior to authorizing submission of a Request for Release of Funds and Environmental Certification to HUD.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The City of St. Louis certifies to HUD that Lyda Krewson in her official capacity as Mayor of the City of St. Louis, consents to accept the jurisdiction of the Federal Courts if an action is brought to enforce responsibilities in relation to the environmental review process and that these responsibilities have been satisfied. HUD’s approval of the certification satisfies its responsibilities under NEPA and related laws and authorities, and allows the City of St. Louis to utilize federal funds and implement the Program.

OBJECTIONS TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will consider objections to its release of funds and the City of St. Louis certification for a period of fifteen days following either the anticipated submission date (cited above) or HUD’s actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if the objections are on one of the following bases: (a) that the Certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City of St. Louis; (b) the City of St. Louis has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; (c) the City of St. Louis has committed funds or incurred costs not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD; (d) another Federal agency acting pursuant to 40 CFR Part 1504 has submitted a written finding that the project is unsatisfactory from the standpoint of environmental quality. Objections must be prepared and submitted in accordance with the required procedures (24 CFR Part 58), and may be addressed to HUD as follows: Karen M. Griego, Office of Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes, Program Environmental Clearance Officer, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, 500 Gold Ave SW, 7th Floor, Suite 7301, Albuquerque, NM 87103-0906. Potential objectors may contact HUD directly to verify the actual last day of the objection/comment period.

Lyda Krewson, Mayor, City of St. Louis

SEALED BIDS

for B u i l d i n g Renovations, Gov. Joseph P. Teasdale S t a t e O f f i c e Building, Raytown, Missouri, Project No. O1616-03 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 2/8/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/

SEALED BIDS

for C o n s t r u c t i o n Services, Electrical Services, Central Region, State of Missouri, Project No. ZASIDIQ-8008, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, Thursday, February 15, 2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting sealed bids for Deer Creek Greenway: Marshall Avenue Trailhead (243A) in Webster Groves, Missouri. Bids may be submitted electronically until 3pm prevailing Central time, February 1, 2018. Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/jobs-bids/ for full bid package.

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is accepting proposals in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on February 13th, 2018 to contract with a company for: Annual Mobile Crane Inspection & Repair Services.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 9287 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314.768.2735 to request a copy of this bid.

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

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Baur Boulevard – Guelbreth Lane Infrastructure, St. Louis County Project No. AR/CR-1582, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on January 31, 2018)

Plans and specifications will be available on January 8, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for Hanley Road (B) Resurfacing, St. Louis County Project No. AR1484, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on January 31, 2018.

Plans and specifications will be available on January 8, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

The City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease is requesting (2) proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties eligible to receive funds to provide the following services: STI Testing and Treatment Services and STI Testing and Treatment Services for Youth.

Request for Proposals (RFP) may be obtained beginning January 5, 2018 from Franda Thomas at the City of St. Louis Department of Health, 1520 Market Street, Suite 4027, St. Louis, MO 63103, or downloaded from the St. Louis City website at http://stlouis-mo.gov/, or by contacting Franda Thomas at thomasf@stlouis-mo.gov or (314) 657-1461.

All questions must be submitted in writing no later than January 12, 2018 to Franda Thomas, City of St. Louis Department of Health, 1520 Market Street, Suite 4027, St. Louis, MO 63103 by contacting her at thomasf@stlouis-mo.gov or at (314) 657-1461. All questions will be addressed through addenda posted on the St. Louis City website at http://stlouis-mo.gov/.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District), the Owner, will receive sealed bids for Infrastructure Repairs (Rehabilitation) (2018) Contract B under Letting No. 12015-015.1, at its office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 2:00 PM, local time, on Friday, February 16, 2018. 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, AT A PLACE DESIGNATED.

The Work to be performed under these Contract Documents consists of: The work to be done under this contract consists of approximately 14,817 lineal feet of sanitary sewers, varying in size from 15-inches to 36-inches in diameter, utilizing cured-inplace (CIPP) methods. The project is within the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Boundaries, inside the city(ies) of St. Louis and various munincipalities in 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

LETTING NO. 8655

TERMINAL 1 GARAGE, BROWN LEVEL DRIVE LANE REINFORCEMENT

At St. Louis Lambert International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on Tuesday February 13, 2018, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom. aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies). ). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, January 23, 2018, at 10:00 AM in the Training Room at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044. All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

LETTING NO. 8657

IMPROVEMENTS AT FRANCIS PARK ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63109

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 208 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on February 13, 2018 then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on January 30, 2018

or at Tarlton Corporation’s website at www.tarltoncorp.com. An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer Public Notice of Single Source Procurement Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure an agreement for Limitorque

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is proposing to procure: Legal Support. The District is proposing single source procurement to Shands, Elbert, Gianoulakis & Giljum, LLP. Any inquiries should be sent to dlegrand@stlmsd.com.

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

BID NOTICE

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks contractors to construct a wood deck for the Zoo

The project scope includes the construction of a wood deck and shade structure over fifteen existing concrete piers. The site is the north lake, near the Wilds Train Station. Deliveries and construction equipment will access the site via Zoo gate on Washington Drive. The size of the deck is 17’- 4” x 45’- 8”. This project must be completed by 4/5/2018. A mandatory pre bid meeting will be on 1/26/2018 at 9:00AM. Meet at the Living World lower Rotunda. Bids are due on 2/5/2018 at 2:00PM. Bid Documents will be available on 1/17/2018 at: https://www.stlzoo.org/about/contact/vendoropportunities/

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race,color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference,limitation, or discrimination.“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.”

Call Angelita at 314-289-5430 to place your rental/real estate ad today!

SEALED BIDS

y , Jefferson City, Missouri, Project No. O1407-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 2/15/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS for Exterior Building Repairs, Harry S Truman Building, Jefferson City, Mo, Project No. O1710-02 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 2/8/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Solicitation For Bids (SFB) for Fleet Maintenance & Auto Body Repair

Bids Wanted

Bid documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8184. This SFB may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/ business/contact-opportunites. Robert

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for DESIGN SERVICES FOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE LIGHTING AND SIGNAL INTERCONNECT – PHASE III, FEDERAL PROJECT STP-9901(643), ST. LOUIS, MO. Statements of Qualifications due by

St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

INVITATION TO BID

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting sealed bids for Maline Greenway: Bridges in Bella Fontaine Park in St. Louis County, Missouri. Bids for Project #286 must be submitted electronically via BidExpress.com no later than 10 am CST, January 26, 2018. See https://greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ for the full invitation to bid.

GRG reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

EOE

Inc. is seeking bids for providing

A copy of the RFP can be found at downtownstl.org/bids

Religion

Local Christian author honored for inspirational book

Plus, new pastors at Pleasant Green, Greater Rising Star

American staff

Izora D. Summers, local author of “Breaking the Silence from Shame,” was honored as a finalist in the

“Religion: Christian Inspirational” category of the 2017 Bookvana Awards. A new specialty book award, Bookvana Awards honor books that elevate society, celebrate the human spirit, and cultivate our inner lives.

Jeffrey Keen, president and CEO of American Book Fest, said this year’s contest yielded hundreds of entries from authors and publishers around the world, which were then narrowed down to the final results. More than 50 winners and finalists were announced in over 30 categories for titles published in 2015, 2016 and 2017.

“One out of six women will experience some kind of abuse in their lifetime. Will it be you, a family member or co-worker?” Summers writes about her book.

The Message

Navigating Satan’s world

Some tell me that we live in a world in which Satan has some juice. Some even say the devil rules the physical realm that we live in. He is purportedly in charge to some degree. He was banished here for a reason,

“What will you say to help someone break their silence from shame? This book is written to help those who have been abused to find and use their inner voice. And, to realize that they have a purpose in the kingdom of God. Through the pages of this book you will witness the Author’s journey to healing from shame, fear and anger.”

Koran Addo contributed a blurb when still working as a journalist; now he is Mayor Lyda Krewson’s spokesman.

“The book is an eye-opener for people who are unfamiliar with spiritual abuse and its destructive emotional aftermath,” Addo wrote.

“Written in very personal terms, Izora’s story of perseverance can be used as a blueprint for other victims of abuse.”

New pastors at Pleasant Green, Greater Rising Star

The Pleasant Green Missionary Baptist Church, 1220 Rev. G.H. Pruitt Ave., has been a part of the St. Louis community for over 150 years. In February, the members

you know. You can draw whatever conclusions you wish about this. My question is: How does one function in a world supposedly ruled by the devil? For some of you, who have difficulty in focusing on the devil, substitute the word “evil.” You might find it easier to come to grips with living in a world governed by evil and fraught with temptation.

Now what is your challenge, as a believer, when it comes to how you choose to live? I would point to Jesus’ temptations in the desert when Satan promised Christ all that this world possesses. This offer, I’m sure, would make a lesser man or woman salivate at the prospect of riches, power and dominion over all that he or she sees. Christ’s response was to renounce the

and community will be celebrating the installation of its seventh pastor, Rev. Aaron Letcher. Pastor Letcher has preached and ministered at many churches across the country. He served as pastor at the Mt. Moriah Baptist Church in Eads, Tennessee and Magnolia First Baptist Church in Memphis. One of Rev. Letcher’s

offer and the one doing the offering, after which the angels came and attended to Him.

My second example would be when John wrote to believers in Ephesus, where he explains that they should not love the world or anything in it. As a matter of fact, if you fall prey to lust and pride, you are obligated to recognize these as worldly and not godly things. To me, it appears that in order to effectively handle a world where things are stacked against you, one needs help. That help apparently comes from a belief system

Izora D. Summers, local author of “Breaking the Silence from Shame”

most profound accomplishments is marrying Patrina Letcher, and they have two sons, Zion K. Letcher and Princeton E. Letcher, as well as baby girl, Avery Charnell Letcher. He is also the pastor of newly appointed St. Louis police chief, Deacon John Hayden. Watch The American for a feature on Pastor Letcher.

Pastor Nicholas L. Grice was elected new assistant pastor of the Greater Rising Star Missionary Baptist Church, 1819 Prairie Ave. Pastor Grice has served in ministry capacity starting at age 19, licensed to preach at the Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church in 2001. He began to serve as senior pastor at age 21.

Pastor Grice also served as minister of music at several churches, including St. Michael’s Temple, Trinity United Methodist Church, and Greater Rising Star, where he now currently serves.

that reinforces the fact that we live in a world today, that is a temporary trip to the eternal existence of tomorrow.

The devil runs this place, and that’s okay because we’re just passing through. It’s like coming upon an accident on the highway. Everything can be viewed through your windshield without you getting hurt. But if you’re not careful, outside forces can wreck your life as well. So continue to drive carefully.

I understand better now what some ministers have tried to preach that the Bible is a roadmap that can guide you through treacherous terrain, as long as we acknowledge an ever-present evil along the way. Be confident in that the mapmaker knew what He was doing when He made this map. Rely on its accuracy, and you’ll be fine.

He has a zeal in restoring hope to a lost generation. He has organized a community drumline and dance team based out of Greater Rising Star, a dynamic prison ministry, and a collaborative music ministry involving the Jesus is the Way Missionary Baptist Church.

Pastor Grice is accompanied by his three loving daughters, Nariyah, Niche’, and Natalie, and his son Nicholas Grice Jr. Watch The American for a feature on Pastor Grice.

Church to host town hall in Black Jack

State Rep. Alan Gray and St. Louis County Councilwoman Rochelle Gray will host a town hall meeting 1-3 p.m. Sunday, January 21 at Christ Our Redeemer AME Church, 13820 Old Jamestown Rd. in Black Jack. The topics of discussion will include the new tax code, gun laws, public safety, Proposition P, voter photo ID, and Real ID. Call 573-751-5538 or 314-615-0393 to RSVP and for more information.

As Christians, remember temptation is everywhere and, as long as we don’t fully succumb to it, peace is still ours to enjoy. We simply cannot love the world more than we love God. We can neither be led by our passions nor our addictions. Our faith in God must be at least as relentless as the devil’s assault on our senses. This journey is but a means to an end. The destination is the only reason to take this journey in the first place. Pack well. Bring all those things you’ll need. A little faith can’t hurt. I’m told love is a must-have, and please do not forget the map because, without it, you’ll surely get lost. Until you get serious, you won’t know how really short this trip is. It’s short but, believe me, it’s truly intense. Good journey to you.

Columnist James Washington

Stuck in the middle: What you need to know about caregiving

advocacy groups, who often have free resources available.

• Even if you understand your loved one’s condition, report new symptoms or concerns to a healthcare provider as they arise. For more information visit www.moretoparkinsons.com.You’re not alone. Support exists to help you manage the struggles associated with caring for loved ones.

ed an FDA-approved medication indicated for the treatment of hallucinations and delusions associated with PDP. Wells recommends the following to caregivers of people with Parkinson’s.

• Consider talking to a professional, as caregivers are more likely to experience relationships or social life suffering and emotional stress than non-caregivers.

• Seek logistical and emotional help from family, friends, support groups and

As the population ages, more people (particularly women) will be “sandwiched” in between taking care of their parents or other family members in need, and their children. Take telenurse and nurse educator Kathie Wells, RN, BSN, CCM. At age 55, she is juggling full-time work, while raising school-age kids and caring for her husband Robert, 64, who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease (PD) in 2002. As a nurse, Wells understood the onset and progression of PD, which often includes motor symptoms such as tremor, rigidity and balance issues. But her husband’s disease progressed in a surprising way when he began to see and believe things that weren’t real. PD is a neurodegenerative brain disorder often involving both motor and non-motor symptoms, including hallucinations and delusions. When those symptoms appear, it may be Parkinson’s disease psychosis (PDP) and it occurs in more than half the people with Parkinson’s during the course of their disease. Yet, only 10 to 20 percent of patients will proactively report their hallucinations and delusions to their doctor. When Wells’ husband began to experience delusions, she found his behavior frustrating and alarming. For example, Robert would spend hours in the yard digging up garden stones, convinced he’d found valuable “treasure.” Neighbors remarked on Robert’s behavior and his children wouldn’t invite friends over to avoid them seeing their dad relentlessly digging. Robert’s delusions combined with his other PD motor symptoms were hard for Wells to manage. She struggled to get enough sleep caring for Robert, and their children were hesitant to go out in public with their father because he shared his treasure hunting stories with strangers all the time. While there’s currently no cure for PD, there are different treatment options to address both motor and non-motor symptoms. Wells says it was a relief when her husband’s neurologist suggest -

Resolve to better organize your medical information in the New Year

consider filing this along with any other information received from the health care provider that day, so that it’s easy to refer to, as necessary.

LCD display with 24-character sizes. For added visual ease, use color coded file folders or labels to sort by year or member of the family.

• Learn Your History: If you are not well-acquainted with your family’s medical history, resolve to learn it. You never know when an accurate record will come in handy.Getting your medical information organized may seem like an annoying chore at first. But once you have a system in place, maintaining it will be smooth sailing.

• Lock it Up: It’s always a good idea to securely store sensitive personal information. Consider using a filing cabinet that locks. Just remember where you put the key!

• Take Notes: Whenever you visit the doctor, be sure to bring a pad of paper and something to write with, or a device on which you can jot down notes quickly. Be sure to date and label your notes and

• Make Labels: Clear, concise labeling is a must where effective filing and organization is concerned. Check out tools that simplify this process, such as Casio’s KL-120 Label Printer, which features a QWERTY keyboard and a 16-digit, twoline

• Make it Convenient: It’s all too easy to skip filing paperwork until it gets out of hand. Keep your filing cabinet near your home’s landing area where mail comes in, so you can handle each item as it arrives.

If pain has you down, orthopedic surgeons can get you back up

hospital stay said Nelson. Hip replacement surgery requires a small incision down the side of the leg (posterior approach), or in the front groin area (direct anterior approach). A small amount of bone is removed inside the socket and at the top of the femur. A metal cup is placed in the socket and secured, either with cement or bone-ingrowth technique. Then a specialized plastic component locks into this cup to provide smooth gliding movement against a metal or ceramic ball that is placed atop a metal stem fixed inside the femur. “The newer option, the direct anterior approach, offers several benefits including a faster recovery, decreased muscle damage and reduced incidence of dislocation. With this surgery, patients are up walking the same day and usually return home after a oneor two-night hospital stay,” said Nelson.

replacement patients, often times, are walking the same day and usually return home after a oneor two-night

MD

Hip

When you can’t enjoy your favorite activities because of pain, stiffness or instability in your hips, it may be time to see an orthopedic surgeon for an evaluation about how best to treat your problem.Orthopedic surgeons start with conservative treatment, and often therapy or medication can alleviate pain or other symptoms for a while. Physical therapy may be suggested to strengthen muscles in the back and legs to correct imbalance, and medication or an injection may be recommended if you had a minor injury or strain that causes temporary discomfort. Sometimes arthroscopy may be ordered to surgically repair any damaged cartilage and to determine the extent of the injury.“If an x ray indicates that degenerative arthritis has eroded cartilage and bone in the joint and the pain has progressed to the point that non-surgical treatments no longer are effective, joint replacement may be recommended,” said SSM Health DePaul Hospital orthopedic surgeon, Greg Nelson, MD. Even though it’s major surgery, and the last option for treating arthritis pain, the high success rate has made joint replacement a routine procedure for millions of Americans. It’s one of the most successful types of elective surgery performed in the world today. Approximately 300,000 people in the United States benefit from hip replacement surgery. “At one time, these operations were reserved for older adults, but thanks to improvements in implant materials and technology, the advantages have extended to younger, more active people with painful joints,” said Nelson. The hip is a ball-and-socket joint that normally has extensive range of motion and can bear a tremendous amount of weight. When an injury occurs to the bone, the cartilage or any of the muscles or soft tissues around the hip, an abnormal wear pattern may occur, which can cause pain and stiffness in the joint. Therapy or medication may alleviate the symptoms. If pain worsens or degeneration of the cartilage or bone surface occurs, a hip replacement is recommended. “Even though it’s the last resort for treatment, hip arthroplasty has a greater than 90 percent success rate and high patient satisfaction. A joint replacement can help get you back to an active lifestyle and a much better quality of life,”

Wellness Tips

Winter

A busy lifestyle and cooler weather can take a toll on the body, especially for those who suffer from chronic aches and pains. Whether the cause of your pain is due to injury, stress, or poor sleep, there are many ways to feel better while avoiding future pain. To stay well this season and naturally manage muscle pain, consider these tips from professional ballroom dancer Tony Dovolani, who’s no stranger to the subject of pain management.

‘Baby boomers’ five times more likely to test positive for hepatitis C than other adults

Why are

• Be Discerning: While most paperwork related to medical treatments is important and worthy of saving, there are some items that can be tossed. Be discerning or you will quickly be overwhelmed. Keeping a shredder on hand can eliminate any concerns you may have about discarding potentially sensitive material.

A fresh new year presents a great opportunity to reorganize your medical information and files as part of a greater effort to prioritize your health and wellness in the coming year. From veterinarian bills to your children’s dental x-rays, these tips can help you get all your ducks in a row.

• Stretch. Stretching is not just for before or after a workout. Stretch throughout the day to keep blood flowing, particularly if you have a job that keeps you sedentary.

“And I eat my vegetables, too!” says Dovolani. “Mainly spinach, string beans and broccoli.” Figure out which vegetables you like best, and be sure to incorporate them into your diet.

• Eat right. Your diet should include lean protein and healthy carbs.

“baby boomers” at high risk of having hepatitis C? Prior to 1992, the blood supply was not tested for Hepatitis C. You can catch hepatitis C if the blood of someone who has hepatitis C enters your body. This is why people who received blood transfusions before that date are at risk for having the virus. In addition, people may have been infected by certain medical procedures before enhanced infection control techniques were recognized and universally adopted.

• Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate! Water is necessary for muscle repair. Drink water throughout the day and especially when you’re active.

• Apply heat. Heat is a timeless remedy, and it’s clinically proven to relieve pain associated with muscle tension and stress, helping to relax muscles and improve blood flow. The increased blood flow restores oxygen and nutrients to inflamed areas to help accelerate healing.

“The good news is that new, highly effective treatment options with minimal side effects are available today that have a 97 percent cure rate. It’s important to remember that even if you don’t have any symptoms of liver disease, if you are a baby boomer or if any other risk factors apply to you, it’s important to talk to your doctor about getting tested. Don’t wait until symptoms appear,” said McDonough.

You may have noticed stories about hepatitis C in the news lately, as well as quite a few commercials about the disease geared toward “baby boomers.” Hepatitis C is an infection of the liver caused by the hepatitis C virus. This condition poses a risk for cirrhosis and liver cancer. “It is suspected that there are more than 4.5 million people in the United States that are infected with hepatitis C. Hepatitis C frequently is a “silent” disease that people can live with for years without noticing symptoms,” said Patrick McDonough, MD, medical director of the Hepatitis C Clinic at SSM Health DePaul Hospital.According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), people born between 1945 and 1965 are five times more likely to test positive for hepatitis C than other adults. That’s why the CDC recommends one-time testing for the Hepatitis C virus for adults born between 1945 and 1965.

GregNelson,