January 21st, 2021 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

“We must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured.”

— President Joe Biden

Biden inaugurated as 46th president

Harris makes history as VP

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Joe Biden was sworn in Wednesday as the 46th president of the United States, while Kamala Harris became the first woman, first Black person and first South Asian person to take the oath of office as vice president. The inauguration ceremony took place on the U.S. Capitol’s West Front, one of the locations where a pro-Trump mob overpowered police and stormed the building Jan. 6. Due to coronavirus protocols, streets that are normally packed with inauguration attendees were mostly empty. In honor of the people that usually fill the National Mall during an inauguration, nearly 200,000

n “My fellow Americans we have to be different than this, we have to be better than this, and I believe America is better than this.”

— President Joe Biden

American flags were placed as a tribute.

U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar, D-Minnesota, began the ceremony with a speech driving home the idea that the country’s democracy is strong and will carry on. She is a member of the Joint Congressional Committee on

Inaugural Ceremonies.

“We celebrate a new president, Joe Biden, who vows to restore the soul of American and cross the river of our divides to a higher plain,” she said.

U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, spoke after Klobuchar. Blunt is the chairman of the Joint Congressional Committee on Inaugural Ceremonies.

He said the inauguration ceremony is both commonplace and miraculous.

“Commonplace because we’ve done it every four years since 1789, miraculous because we’ve done it every four years since 1789,” Blunt said. “Americans have celebrat-

Mayoral candidates answer the question

Lewis Reed

funding from our police forces, which I do not agree with. While our police have not been perfect, I do feel that they are doing their best and to take away funding while we are facing the worst murder numbers of any city in the nation would be ill-advised. We must instead implement the best possible practices to make sure the men and women who provide selfless service to our communities can be both safe and effective. This should

Boyd challenges Workhouse closure

St. Louis Alderman wants bill put on April ballot

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

Several members of the St. Louis Board of Aldermen debated last week for more than an hour regarding a bill introduced by Alderman Jeffrey Boyd that would put a question about closing the Workhouse on the April ballot.

Boyd is vice chair of the board’s Public Safety Committee, which met by Zoom on Jan. 14 to discuss Board Bill 212. The bill would add a question to the April 6 general election ballot asking residents whether they think the city should close St. Louis’ Medium Security Institution, commonly known as the Workhouse.

n “I’m almost offended that people have a problem with asking voters if we should do this.”

— Alderman Jeffrey Boyd, 22nd Ward

The vote would be nonbinding, meaning it acts more as a survey to gauge public opinion on the issue and does not require action from the government.

“We’ve heard for at least a year now different conversations about closing the Workhouse,” Boyd said. “I’m of the mindset the Workhouse belongs to the people and the people should have a voice when it comes to closing the Workhouse.” Boyd represents Ward 22, which covers parts of the Hamilton Heights, Mark Twain I-70 Industrial, Wells Goodfellow and West End neighborhoods. The Workhouse has operated on Hall Street near the Mississippi riverfront since 1966. The Close the Workhouse Campaign says the vast majority of people held at the Workhouse are

ArchCity Defenders cites 179 known victims of ‘fatal state violence’ this decade

n “If I can help save another family from the pain we go through … I’d never wish it on no one.”

— Gina Torres, mother of Isaiah Hammett, who was killed by police in 2017

and faltering social services, she fought for eight years for justice for her son. But as Taylor came to realize, she is not alone in her fight. All over St. Louis, families of those killed by police continue to fight for justice in a system where it often seems that everything is stacked against them.

Taylor’s anecdotal knowledge of the frequency of experiences like hers, corroborated in survi-

A7

Kamala Harris takes the oath of office for vice president of the United States Wednesday from Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, with her right hand on a Bible held by Harris’ husband, Douglas Emhoff. The Bible belonged to the late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall. President Joe Biden is at right; U.S. Sen. Roy Blunt, R-Missouri, is at left.

Andrew Jones Jr. Tishaura O. Jones

Cara Spencer

Photo by Lawrence Bryant for the St. Louis American

Prison sentences trumped by pardons and commutations

Some incarcerated hip hop glitterati were set free after getting pardons and commutations in the hours before the official end of the presidency of the twice impeached seditionist in chief.

In addition to every Trump criminal crony he had not previously pardoned, most notable among the 143 last-minute pardons include former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, sentenced to 28 years in 2008 on 24 federal felony counts, including mail fraud, wire fraud, extortion and racketeering. Commuted to time served.

muted for lying on paperwork he submitted in an attempt to buy guns.

Desiree Perez, CEO of rapper Jay-Z’s Roc Nation, was given a full pardon after being convicted of conspiracy to distribute drugs.

Death row Records cofounder Michael “Harry O” Harris’ sentence was commuted after nearly 30 years in prison on attempted murder and cocaine trafficking charges, according to The Daily Beast. It appears that the biggest name he left off his pardons list was himself.

It was a full pardon for rapper Lil Wayne (Dwayne Michael Carter Jr.), who faced 10 years in prison due a prior gun conviction, after pleading guilty to illegally carrying a flashy gold-plated .45 caliber Glock handgun and ammo while traveling on a private plane in 2019.

Rapper Kodak Black’s (legally Bill Kapri, born Dieuson Octave) 4-year sentence com-

lawmakers introduced a bill to award Goodman with the Congressional Gold Medal last week for his bravery and quick thinking.

And we see you, AKA sorors, fans and supporters of Kamala Harris, representing all over social media by wearing your pearls and your Chucks to celebrate our first Black and Asian American female vice president. Yes. Celebrate!

Dr. Dre is home from the hospital after aneurysm

“The Message,” a song recorded in 1982 by Grandmaster Flash and the Furious Five, featuring Melle Mel and Duke Bootee, died Jan. 13, 2021 at age 69 from heart failure at his home in Savannah, Georgia. AllHipHop reports that Bootee was a New Jersey native, who played with Doug Wimbish, Skip Alexander, and Jiggs Chase for Sugar Hill Records.

Erica Banks bussed it all the way to Billboard’s Hot 100

Biden and Harris are in the house!

Eugene Goodman U.S. Capitol Police hero who diverted armed and violent prorioters away from the unguarded Senate during their Jan. 6 insurrection, served as an honorary sergeant at arms and escorted Vice Presidentelect Kamala Harris soon to be first gentle man Doug Emhoff at the Jan. 20 Inauguration of the 46th U.S. President Joe Biden A bipartisan group of

Rap mogul Dr. Dre is no longer hospitalized and is back at his Pacific Palisades home, but still receiving 24/7 care for the brain aneurysm he suffered on Jan. 4. TMZ reports its sources say although Dre has been released, doctors still don’t know what triggered the brain bleed – and that’s part of the reason for the at-

Hip hop legend Duke Bootee dies at age 69

Hip hop and rap legend Edward “Duke Bootee” Fletcher, cowriter of

The popularity of rapper Erica Banks’ song, “Buss It,” has prompted the viral #BussItChallenge

Erica Banks

Kamala Harris

Rep. Price calls Missouri House censure vote a ‘political

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Missouri Rep. Wiley Price

IV spoke out after members of the Missouri House of Representatives voted almost unanimously Jan. 13 to censure him after an investigation into claims that he had sex with an intern in January 2020.

Price voiced concerns on the House Ethics Committee’s logistical process and his befuddlement when it came to the specific investigation in an interview with The St. Louis American.

“If you don’t know what a political lynching looks like, open your eyes,” Price said of the investigatiion and subsequent censure.

The Missouri Committee on Ethics in December released an eight-page report detailing the investigation. The report said Price coerced his former legislative assistant into changing her story after she reported him and that he lied about claiming he had sex with a House intern.

The 10-person committee recommended the House take several actions. One was that Price be censured, which is a formal statement by the House expressing disapproval, and another was that he pay $22,494 to cover the cost of the investigation.

The House voted 140-3 to censure Price.

The freshman representative said he believes the investigation was a Republican effort to divert the media’s attention from the election of Rep. Rick Roeber in November. Roeber’s two grown children and wife have publicly accused him of

sexual abuse, according to the Kansas City Star Roeber represents part of Lee’s Summit and the area just southeast of the town, near Kansas City.

“They had this ethics report on Jan. 27,” Price said. “They had my phone records subpoenaed in June. They waited until September to bring me in. Why would you wait until the last day of session to drop this? Because this is all you want people talking about. You do not want people talking about Rick Roeber.”

Price also pointed to Rep. Justin Hill, R-Lake Saint Louis. The St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported Hill skipped his own swearing-in ceremony to join the pro-Trump rally at the captiol. He told the newspaper he did not enter the Capitol Building.

“They have said nothing about either one of these characters because Wiley is the sexual predator dude who doesn’t have a victim,” Price said. “Look, they just censured me without a victim.”

Price maintains that he did not have sex with the intern. The House intern told investigators early on that she and Price did not have a sexual relationship of any kind. She did not participate further in the investigation, declining several invitations to testify before the committee through her Title IX coordinator, according to the ethics committee report. Price and the intern both denied having each others’ phone numbers or having communicated through their cell phones in their initial interviews with an investiga-

tor — although phone records obtained later on disproved their claims.

The phone records subpoenaed by the Ethics Committee contained seven calls and 26 messages exchanged between Price and the intern between

12:40 a.m. Jan. 23 and the evening of Jan. 26, when their last call was 42 minutes long.

Price claims those records corroborate what he later said happened, that the two communicated briefly after they all socialized at a bar.

The legislative assistant reported Price told her the morning of Jan. 23 that he had sex with the intern the previous night.

“The woman’s story was taken at face value,” Price said of the legislative assistant. “She went under no scrutiny.”

Correction

Price said that while there are no tangible records, he was in the process of firing the legislative assistant due to her job performance and believes she made the report in retaliation. Price is the son of The St. Louis American’s staff photographer Wiley Price III.

Kaleena Menke has withdrawn her name and is not running for alderman of Ward 17 in St. Louis. A story in The St. Louis American on Jan. 14 incorrectly included Menke among a list of other candidates.

Rep. Wiley Price IV

Leaders should stop manufacturing problems and work to fix the real ones

On Jan. 6, a mob made up of mostly white nationalists, fascists and Trump supporters stormed the U.S. Capitol building in Washington D.C. They faced much less police opposition than even the most peaceful group of Black protesters might have, and stormed their way, many armed, into the building.

They brought the legislative session to a halt with their rampage and had lawmakers and their staff barricading themselves inside their offices.

Five people, including two white police officers, died. After hours of mass panic, Trump called on his supporters — who he had encouraged to “fight like hell” in order to overturn the election in a speech that very morning — to “go home,” adding praise to that message: “We love you,” he told them. “You’re very special.”

The reason many of the men and women who forced their way into the Capitol gave for being there was to “stop the steal” — that is to say, they believed Joe Biden’s victory over Trump was the result of voter fraud, not a legitimate victory, and that they were there to “set things right.”

It’s true that some were there promoting more explicitly bigoted and violent agendas, as evidenced by the Confederate and Nazi symbols they wore or carried.

The Department of Homeland Security issued a report in October calling white supremacists “the most persistent and lethal threat in the homeland.” And there were certainly many known white supremacist figures in the pro-Trump mob.

But many members of the mob told reporters they were there to proclaim that the results of the election were inaccurate, and that Democrats had somehow stolen the vote.

Even during the insurrection itself, Trump repeated on Twitter his claims the election was “fraudulent,” reassuring those storming the building that they were right all along, even

as he told them to go home.

These claims of voter fraud are not new, and as Republicans continue to form their platforms around spurious assertions such as these, they only aid the violent fascism that was on display at the Capitol building.

As Jamelle Bouie pointed out in this week’s New York Times we had our own ‘stop the steal’ moment in good old Missouri in 2000. That year, the incumbent Republican Sen. Jay Ashcroft lost to a dead man, Mel Carnahan. Carnahan’s name remained on the ballot that Election Day, three weeks after he was killed in a plane crash. His wife ran, and won, in his stead.

At Ashcroft’s electionnight party, the state’s senior Republican senator, Christopher “Kit” Bond, said, “Democrats in the city of St. Louis are trying to steal this election.” Then, for the next decade, Republican legislators and governors in this state have announced crackdown after crackdown on voter fraud.

But here’s the thing: even far-right think tank The Heritage Foundation has been able to find fewer than two dozen confirmed cases of voter fraud in the entire state in the past decade.

Two dozen invalid votes, out of well over 4 million registered voters. As far as even the data collected by the furthest right wing tells us, this is a miniscule problem if it is a problem at all.

So, when people like Missouri Gov. Mike Parson — who, this past summer, refused to expand mail-in voting and thereby put people in unnecessary danger of COVID exposure — say that they need to take drastic measures to address voter fraud, they are fighting a phantom problem.

And in putting on this fightperformance, they encourage a much more real and growing serious threat: that of white nationalism. Parson and his cohort provided a justification for racist, violent attacks like

the one our nation’s capital experienced this month.

In encouraging the narrative that an imaginary group of conniving liberals is plotting to steal power, they create the conditions for members of their own voter base to go on a violent crusade all the way into the U.S. Senate chambers. And some senators and Congress members were ready and willing to help.

When Missouri’s own Sen. Josh Hawley raised his fist in solidarity with the ‘stop the steal’ crowds on Jan. 6, he sent a message of solidarity with their sedition. He reinforced the message that, rather than being a justly won election, this was somehow fraud.

Hawley asserted that the good (white, Republican) people of America should rise up to protect their own power from imaginary fraudsters, and thereby put very real people in danger. And that’s exactly what they did.

Just as the justification behind the insurrection has a long history, it won’t just magically go away anytime in the near future unless we take action to stop it.

“Stop the steal” was around before Trump, and it will be around after.

In order to combat these ideas and misinformation — and the violence that those who carry these ideas now know they can enact with almost no repercussions — we must demand of those who govern us that they stop legislating around this imaginary problem and get to work on the many starkly real ones.

We agree with incoming President Joseph R. Biden’s words in his inauguration address:

“We face an attack on our democracy and on truth,” he said, adding, “we must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured … There is truth and there are lies, lies told for power and for profit.”

Dr. Kendra Holmes was another hero of 2020

By Wesley Bell For The St. Louis American

Commentary

There is no healing without accountability

By The Rev. Dr. Emma Jordan-Simpson

We celebrate Martin Luther King, Jr. Day this year at a time when our nation has come to a fork in the road and the fate of our democracy depends on the path we take. Just 12 days removed from the insurrectionists’ attack on the Capitol that left six dead, and two days prior to the inauguration of Joseph Biden as our 46th president, some are making the case that pursuing impeachment does greater harm to the nation.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Biden should instead try to “establish his leadership by calling off the House impeachment in service of his vow that this is a ‘time to heal.’”

It would be difficult to imagine a sentiment more antithetical to the meaning of Rev. Dr. King’s legacy. In response to a man who claimed that the Montgomery Bus Boycott was destroying peace and good race relations, King commented, “I agreed that it is more tension now. But peace is not merely the absence of this tension, but

the presence of justice.”

Fifty-three years after his assassination, by some perverse logic, people still think that protesting injustice is what creates division and not that division and unrest stems from injustice.

We have not yet learned that there will be no healing without accountability.

America has raised the practice of erasing our history into an art, but it is a poisonous gift we must finally learn to reject.

The same white supremacy

allies and other nuclear powers. The desire to move on after calling on supporters to invade the People’s House must either be a terrible joke or a delusion.

Dr. King reminds us that this is the sort of peace that “all men of goodwill hate. It is the type of peace that is obnoxious. It is the type of peace that stinks in the nostrils of the almighty God.”

Dr. King left no room for confusion that the road to peace must travel through accountability, through justice and through truth: “If peace means keeping my mouth shut in the midst of injustice and evil, I don’t want it. If peace means being complacently adjusted to a deadening status quo, I don’t want peace. If peace means a willingness to be exploited economically, dominated politically, humiliated and segregated, I don’t want peace.”

that killed Dr. King in 1968 stormed our capitol on Jan. 6. The whole world bore witness to President Trump’s incitement to violence that day, and yet some among us ask with a straight face that we simply move on.

We moved on when he incited violence at his campaign rallies. We moved on when he threatened violence against

Letters to the editor

Metro area needs efficient vaccination plan

St. Louis Metro requires a plan to efficiently vaccinate. In 1947, New York City successfully vaccinated 6 million people for smallpox, in one month. St. Louis Metro has fewer than 3 million to vaccinate. The logistics and planning challenges are not small. STL requires the vaccine in batches of hundreds of thousands and a coordinated delivery system to put doses in arms quickly. It requires trained staff to direct, record, document and inoculate. It must be done with COVID safety protocols. The question becomes. .. how can it be done?

Bob Ray St. Louis

COVID-19 relief should be global

Doing the difficult work of determining the truth and demanding accountability for the president and the insurrectionists he incited is a small down payment on the truth required for democracy. Without that difficult work true healing and real peace can never occur. Dr. King — and all of us — deserve at least that much. The Rev. Dr. Emma JordanSimpson is executive director of the Fellowship of Reconciliation.

All letters are edited for length and style.

Yara Changyit-Levin Town and Country

Time for Hawley, Hill to find new jobs

Guest Columnist Wesley Bell

My friend Michael P. McMillan was a superb choice for The St. Louis American’s 2020 Person of the Year. Though having Mike in St. Louis is like having Michael Jordan in the NBA – any year, he deserves the MVP Award. In 2020 Mike rose to our regional challenges as president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis as he has never done before. The Urban League’s massive organization of coronavirus relief supplies kept countless families in our region from going hungry. If I might suggest a runnerup or even co-MVP for our community to celebrate, looking back on the hardships and heroism of 2020, however, I would ask your readers to consider Dr. Kendra Holmes. Holmes was promoted to senior vice president and chief operating officer for Affinia Healthcare in August, five months into the region’s response to the pandemic. With the full faith and support of Affinia CEO Alan Freeman, she led the health center’s spirited response to the COVID19 pandemic, partnering with many groups to administer countless tests all over our region. She has done as much as any one single person in the region to limit the spread of the new coronavirus and prevent the loss of life.. Of course, Dr. Holmes has not escaped the notice of The St. Louis American. I celebrated when she received the St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Health Care Award in 2016.

League created in the ashes of Ferguson under Mike’s direction is one of our many community partners that Dr. Holmes helps to keep engaged with our mission.

“I did always know I wanted to work in an environment that would have contact with underserved individuals, so that was my mission,” Holmes told The American I have seen her serve that mission up close and directly. After I was elected St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney on a reform platform in 2018, we initiated the office’s use of alternate treatment courts and introduced new prosecutor-led diversion initiatives. Recognizing the need for community support to divert nonviolent, low-level offenders from both prison and crime, we formed a Diversion Advisory Group. Our dedicated and tireless chair is none other than Dr. Holmes. She is joined in that work by your 2020 Person of the Year, the Michael Jordan of St. Louis civic service, Michael P. McMillan. The Save Our Sons program that the Urban

That mission is simple. There are heinous, violent crimes that must be prosecuted aggressively. But there are lowlevel, non-violent crimes where treatment is often a better remedy than prosecution, and we believe in providing a way out of both prison and the stigma of a conviction for those willing to work with us and heal themselves.

It may seem difficult to believe, but COVID-19 will not always be with us. With the eventual mass deployment of a vaccine — an effort in which I expect that Dr. Holmes will again provide regional leadership — this virus will one day recede as a painful episode in our history. But if history is a guide, crime will always be with us. So, though mass testing for an infectious virus and distribution of pandemic relief supplies will not always be asked of us, we will always need constructive and compassionate solutions to the problems of crime. And thus our region is fortunate to have community leaders like Dr. Kendra Holmes and Michael P. McMillan committed to improving this place we all love so dearly.

Wesley Bell is St. Louis County prosecuting attorney.

Whatever the method, the goal is to inoculate 100,000 people per day to reach 3 million in one month. While not everyone will choose to get vaccinated, we must get as many people as possible vaccinated quickly. As of now, STL has no plan ... in place and must create options ... I call on our city and county leaders to develop options.

The most recent COVID-19 relief bill included a historic $4 billion investment in access to vaccines globally, but beyond that, Congress has done virtually nothing so far to respond to the pandemic and its secondary impacts outside this country. Things aren’t looking good. Global hunger will double, according to World Food Program projections. UNICEF estimates that 80 million children are at risk of preventable diseases like measles and polio. We are badly losing the right against AIDS, TB, and malaria. I call on our senators and Congresswomen Cori Bush and Ann Wagner to get to work passing an emergency COVID19 package that includes $20 billion for global relief to mitigate the consequences of COVID-19, including hunger and malnutrition in low-income communities.

According to the U.S. Constitution, Sen Josh Hawley and Missouri state Rep. Justin Hill must resign. The 14th Amendment, section 3 states: No Person shall hold elected office if they have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against our country. That is what Hawley cheered and promoted and what Hill participated in. The votes have been counted correctly, the election was legitimate and the results are final and have been certified. No angry, treasonous mob of armed vigilantes, threatening our government can change this. We need to hold these traitors accountable and return our country to a place where our leaders reflect the very best of every kind of American. It’s time for Josh Hawley and Justin Hill to find a new job.

Ellen Wentz Kirkwood

Columnist Rev. Dr. Emma JordanSimpson

Racial equity storytelling project adds board members

Deepens ties to the people of St. Louis

For The St. Louis American

Before Ferguson Beyond Ferguson, the St. Louisbased racial equity storytelling project, has added 12 board members to strengthen its representation of thl spectrum of the people of St. Louis. | Now in its third year, the journalistic organization has produced dozens of stories in print, online, and on radio for its St. Louis mainstream media partners. The stories focus on the challenges families of color have faced for generations in gaining their purchase on the American Dream.

The new members are:

Zach Bayly, a native St. Louisan and student at Columbia University, who was recently accepted to the Urban Teachers program. The program is aimed at accelerating student achievement and disrupting systems of racial bias and inequity.

Sylvester Brown Jr., a veteran St. Louis journalist/ columnist, currently serving as the inaugural Deaconess Fellow at The St. Louis American. The fellowship is funded by the Deaconess Foundation as part of its support for Black-led COVID-19 relief efforts.

Evita Caldwell, public information officer for the St. Louis Police Department. Caldwell and her family were featured in a BFBF story about the Preservation Square neighborhood where she grew up and attended school.

Elaine Cha, storyteller/journalist for Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. Cha has broad experience as a producer of multimedia content that illuminates real-life experiences of people who live in marginalized communities.

Brandon Ford, a student at Northwestern University, who has been active in seeking better treatment for students of color in the Clayton School District.

Jung Bum Kwon, assistant professor of behavioral and social sciences at Webster University. Kwon brings experience in teaching and researching social-cultural dimensions of race, public policy, and political economy.

Miya Norfleet, director of digital communications and media relations at Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri. Norfleet has worked on documentaries as a freelancer and in a previous position at the Nine Network of Public Media.

Linda Peterson, a counselor at Hixson Middle School in the Webster Groves School District, and a leader in shaping the district’s policies regarding racial equity and inclusion.

Maalik Shakoor, a St. Louis-based film actor, producer and director, with a degree in film production from Webster University.

Denise Washington, a CPA who works in Human Relations at the St. Louis Federal Reserve. Denise, her husband, Theodore Washington III, and extended family were featured in a BFBF story as part of our racial equity storytelling project.

Theodore Washington III, a social studies teacher at Ladue Middle School, who has also taught in the University City and East St. Louis school districts.

Erika Whitfield, a writer and language arts educator at Clayton High School who has also taught in the St. Louis school district. Whitfield has written extensively on social justice issues in the classroom, with one of her commentaries appearing in the Washington Post

They join founding board members:

Sally Altman, co-founder of BFBF, who serves as an advisor for organizations involved in public health, social justice and racial equity.

Harvey Citerman, an advisor to CEOs and management teams in developing business and financial strategies.

Mitch Margo, an author, former journalist, and currently a principal in the St. Louis law firm of Curtis, Heinz, Garrett & O’Keefe, PC.

Jean Weiss, executive director of Code Savvy, an organization that helps children gain access to new pathways in technology and entrepreneurship.

Richard H. Weiss, co-founder of BFBF and executive editor, who worked as a reporter and editor at the St. Louis Post-Dispatch from 1975-2005.

“Our board brings an array of skills and experiences that will help guide our organization as it grows and takes on new projects in the coming years,” Weiss said. “We include GenZers, Millennials, Gen Xers, and Baby Boomers. Our board members have grown up and worked in different kinds of neighborhoods all across the region.

”BFBF is able to provide content at no charge to its St. Louis media partners, thanks to grants from the Pulitzer Center and an array of foundations and individual donors. The media partners include the Catholic Health Association’s Health Progress magazine, KTRSAM, Riverfront Times, St. Louis American, St. Louis Magazine, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and St. Louis Public Radio.

Waking up to Dr. King’s Nightmare

In my previous column, “Making 2021 better not just new,” a self-identified white reader took exception with my statement about the 70 million voters who would remain obstacles to racial equality and democracy. The reader added that another estimated 70 million or so whites who did not vote for trump have also been obstacles in a passive aggressive way.

Around this time of the year, this country likes to talk about Dr. Martin Luther King but not walk the walk the rest of the year. When Dr. King talked about the “appalling silence of the good people,” he was talking about the well-meaning white people who didn’t cast their vote but were silent in the face of trump’s illegal, unethical and immoral acts for four years.

Where does this leave people of African descent? Always trying to wake up from the American nightmare.

Just days before the failed coup took place in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6, Black folks got the news that the Kenosho cop who shot Jacob Blake seven times in the back leaving him paralyzed would not face criminal charges.

The Department of Justice could find no wrongdoing by the police officers who murdered 12-year-old Tamir Rice six years ago.

Already fuming from this kind of relentless assault on Black bodies, most Black folks watched in disgust as the mob of white nationalists stormed the Capitol. For us, there was little difference between them and law enforcers. We know if those had been Black Lives Matter protesters, their bodies would have been piled high around the perimeter of the Capitol grounds and the use of lethal force easily justified. Just as it has been in the cases of thousands of unarmed Black people murdered by white police/people.

After the destruction of the Capitol by the mob of confederate-flag waving white supremacists, it was mainly Black maintenance workers who had to clean up their mess.

This country should’ve learned the painful lesson of how complacency and enabling of the likes of trump create the Hitlers of the world. The sickening part is how these monster-making enablers and financiers are now distancing themselves from what they’ve created.

Thousands of hate-filled tweets later and billions of dollars in their banks, the social media moguls want to suspend his accounts.

We can’t leave out the corporations who are having revelations about the constitutional crises they helped to bankroll. Corps like Amazon, Comcast, Walmart and others are suspending donations to GOP legislators. Life was good when trump was giving them tax cuts and demolishing industry regulations.

The everyday white person doesn’t get a pass because they don’t have the same money or power as a Walmart or a Zuckerberg. They have gone about the business of propping up racism to preserve white privilege in a more quiet and mundane manner.

Then an uprising like Ferguson happens, exposing their collusion with a racially oppressive and exploitative system they benefited from.

Black and Brown people have been put in harm’s way by trump, his noisy collaborators and his quiet abettors. Whether passive or active, those actions fueled the rancorous voices wailing of a stolen election. They all bear responsibility for inciting the seditious behavior of the crazed throng whose aim was to overturn a hard-fought election of a madman who had no business being in control of a country in the first place.

By refusing to tackle the deep-seated roots of white supremacy and racist systems, white America will never come close to Dr. King’s dream of a true democracy for all. What took place on Jan. 6 will be yet another example of two, unequal Americas.

Jamala Rogers

ed this moment during war, during depression, and now, during pandemic.”

Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts administered the oath of office for Biden and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor administered the oath of office for Harris.

“This is America’s day. This is democracy’s day,” Biden began in his speech, which went on to call for unity and healing. He said the will of the people has been heard and heeded, referring to the November election.

Biden lauded the resilience of the American Constitution and of the American people, noting he stood Wednesday where the insurrection attempt broke out only two weeks prior.

“We’ll press forward with speed and urgency for we have much to do in this winter of peril and significant possibilities,” Biden said.

The new president talked about the ramifications of COVID-19 and the cries for racial justice heard louder than ever before around the country.

“I know the forces that divide us are deep and they are real, but I also know they are not new,” he said. “Our history has been a constant struggle between the American ideal that all are created equal and the harsh, ugly reality that racism, nativism, fear, demonization have long torn us apart. The battle is perennial and victory is never assured.”

Candidates

Continued from A1

include a transparent review process for any use of force or weapons discharge.

Tishaura O. Jones

He said each American has a responsibility to defend the truth and defeat the lies.

“We must reject the culture in which facts themselves are manipulated and even manufactured,” he said. “My fellow Americans we have to be different than this, we have to be better than this, and I believe America is better than this.”

Lady Gaga opened the ceremony singing the National Anthem. She was followed by Jennifer Lopez, who sang a medley that included “This Land is Your Land” and “America the Beautiful.

Near the end of the ceremony, Amanda Gorman read her poem “The Hill We Climb,” becoming the youngest inaugural poet at the age of 23.

Former President Donald Trump did not attend Biden’s inauguration, taking Air Force One to Florida on Wednesday morning after speaking to a small crowd.

Vice President Mike Pence stayed in Washington D.C. and attended the inauguration with his wife, Karen Pence.

The outgoing president has skipped the incoming president’s swearing-in only three times in U.S. history, according to the Associated Press. The last one to do so was Andrew Johnson, 152 years ago.

The U.S. Senate planned to convene Wednesday afternoon, in which Democrats now hold a majority with Harris’ tie-splitting vote.

Missouri’s reaction

Blunt took to Twitter to express appreciation for the various law enforcement mem-

bers involved in Wednesday’s ceremony.

“Thank you to the U.S. Capitol Police, the National Guardsmen, the U.S. Secret Service and the federal and

local law enforcement agencies who have kept us safe this week,” Blunt wrote in a tweet shortly before the ceremony began.

U.S. Rep. Cori Bush,

The deaths of Breonna Taylor and George Floyd reopened a wound of mistrust between the Black community and the police that had never properly healed in the first place. Calls to defund the police have echoed throughout almost every major city in our country. A study using 60 years of data showed that an increase in funding for police did not reduce crime. We must expand our understanding of what actually works and invest in those things accordingly. Defunding the police does not mean abolishing the police. Instead, it means restructuring the department and reallocating the budget to programs and resources that actually prevent crime, like investments in substance abuse and mental health services, job training programs, connecting the right professionals to the right 9-1-1 calls, and being a better partner with our education system.

Lewis Reed I have heard many people give it many meanings. Here are some of the things I have

Amanda Gorman, 22, recites her poem, “The HIll We Climb,” Wednesday at Joe Biden’s swearing in ceremony. The Los Angeles resident is the youngest inaugural poet in U.S. history.

D-Missouri, tweeted shortly after the ceremony

Wednesday:

“Congratulations on making history, Madam Vice President @KamalaHarris.

done. I brought the program Cure Violence to St. Louis. I sponsored the Board bill to move $2 million a year from punitive activities to fund this non-police approach to crime. I recently voted to move just under $900,000 from punitive activities to fund a program that routes some 911 calls to social workers and adds social workers to the response team for some 911 calls, relieving this task from police. I created the Youth Crime Prevention Fund that has funded over $12 million to youth programs and served over 20,000 kids.

I have shifted this funding to produce better outcomes. We have to end this plague of crime that is taking so many African American lives in this city. My goal as mayor will be to make everyone safe from violent crime.

Cara Spencer

“Defund the police” is a confusing term that means different things to different people, and for that reason alone,

I’m excited to partner with you and President @JoeBiden to get our communities the help we need.”

On Tuesday, Bush struck a more somber note.

“Our nation is surpassing 400,000 COVID-19 deaths on Trump’s last day in office,” Bush wrote on Twitter. “The relief we may feel with Trump’s departure from office must be paired with reflection and collective mourning for all of the loved ones lost under his 4 years of negligence and destruction.”

Rep. Ann Wagner, R-Missoui, didn’t immediately make a statement on Biden’s inauguration.

U.S. Sen. Josh Hawley, R-Mo., did not speak publicly Wednesday after he faced intense public scrutiny for objecting to certifying the Electoral College vote in favor of Biden and supporting the rioters on Jan 6. However, media outlets reported Hawley attended Biden’s inauguration.

In a column for The Southeast Missourian on Jan.14, he defended his objection to the vote.

“I objected with regard to Pennsylvania because the state failed to follow its own constitution,” Hawley wrote. “The Pennsylvania constitution has been interpreted by the state’s courts for over a century to prohibit mail-in voting, except in clearly stated circumstances. But last year, Pennsylvania politicians adopted universal mail-in voting anyway.” Blunt, Wagner and Bush did not object to the Electoral College vote certification.

it isn’t a good starting point for building consensus around concrete solutions. We need to do a better job funding a wide spectrum of needs related to public safety, especially in the areas of mental health, domestic violence and social needs. Last week, I released a comprehensive, 10-step crime plan that I will implement in my first year in office. A large part of that plan is dedicated to improving the trust between our communities and the police department and focuses on shifting emergency response from police to social service providers. We will not be able to reduce crime if our citizens do not feel comfortable calling first responders. This will not happen unless we begin to mandate transparency in our police department and demand accountability as well.

The St. Louis American invites the voters of St. Louis to submit questions you would like to ask the candidates. Please send your questions to llockhart@stlamerican.com.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant for the St. Louis American

Officers

Continued from A1 vors’ groups and meetings with local activist groups, is now supported by new data.

A report released Monday, Jan 18, by civil rights law firm ArchCity Defenders shows the number of families navigating the aftermath of a loved one’s killing by police in the St. Louis area is higher than the unaffected might imagine.

In a two-year study, ArchCity compiled a list of “at least 179 people who were killed by police or who died in jail custody between 2009 and 2019 in the St. Louis region.”

In the release of the results of that study, the report used the term “fatal state violence” to describe the combined in-jail killing and police killing numbers. Thirty two out of the 179 died in jail custody. The vast majority of the remaining 132

Workhouse

Continued from A1

awaiting trial and remain incarcerated due to their inability to pay a cash bail.

The Board of Aldermen passed Board Bill 92 unanimously on July 17, which was based on a plan by the Close the Workhouse Campaign. The bill directed the Commissioner of Corrections to begin the process of closing the Workhouse by presenting a plan with a closure date set for no later than Dec.31.

The bill also established two funds of $7.6 million to address neighborhood safety and re-entry programs for inmates.

Regardless, the Workhouse has remained operational weeks after the deadline. In fact, 56 people were transferred from the Justice Center to the Workhouse on Dec. 29, followed by 45 on Jan. 1 after inmates refused to return to their cells in protest.

The St. Louis Public Safety Committee is made up seven alder people: Boyd, Joseph Vaccaro, Tammika Hubbard, Carol Howard, John CollinsMuhammad, Shameem Clark Hubbard and Pam Boyd. All seven supported the bill and they allowed non-committee alder people to also speak on the bill.

Alderwomen Sharon Tyus and Marlene Davis joined the discussion to support the bill. Tyus especially drove home the idea of educating people about the issue, which she believes hasn’t been done to an acceptable extent.

Multiple committee members talked about the effect on inmates’ families, who

were shot by police officers.

Ninety two percent of the victims named in the Fatal State Violence report were men, and 72% were Black. The study also released the names of 80 police officers who were reported to be directly involved in the deaths of people in the St. Louis region, 65 of which were St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department officers. Only three of the total 80, the group noted in their online report, were criminally charged, convicted or incarcerated as a result of killing someone.

Many of the more wellknown police officers who killed civilians on-duty, such as Jason Stockley and Darren Wilson, were acquitted or never charged at all. Seventy six out of those 80 were officers working with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

Six of those 80 officers were involved in more than

would have to travel farther to visit their relatives if the Workhouse is closed.

In December, Mayor Lyda Krewson said Corrections Commissioner Dale Glass was exploring the option of transferring 100 inmates from the workhouse to a jail in Kentucky, which is about a four-hour drive from St. Louis.

Alderman Dan Guenther and Alderwoman Annie Rice spoke during the meeting in opposition of the bill.

Guenther, who represents the 9th Ward in south St. Louis, expressed concerns that the public did not have a chance to comment on the proposed bill and noted the previous bill to close the Workhouse was unanimously passed by the Board of Aldermen — so he sees no need for the ballot question. The 9th Ward includes Benton Park, Soulard and other neighborhoods. In response, Vaccaro, of Ward 23, said he didn’t think that public input would change the board’s vote, that the same oppositional activists would participate in public comment and so he did not find it necessary. Vaccaro’s ward includes the Lindenwood Park, North Hampton and Southampton neighborhoods.

Rice, of Ward 8, also pointed out that the Board had already taken up a vote on this issue, and went on to talk about what she saw as significant public engagement on this issue prior to Bill 92 being passed by organizations who are “100% Black.”

She argued that closing the Workhouse is not a matter of white people in the south

one killing. Several, after being involved in a death, were moved to another police department in the region.

According to the Mapping Police Violence database, the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department has an average annual rate of 16.9 people killed by police a year. ArchCity counts 69 people killed by officers affiliated with that department between 2009 and today.

This rate of police killings

side of the city telling what north side residents should do or want to do. Rice’s ward includes Shaw, Southwest Garden and Tower Grove East neighborhoods.

Later in the meeting, Tyus expressed how upset she was by Rice’s comments.

“You got these all-Black organizations, that don’t mean

might be traced to the sheer number of officers on patrol. Z Gorley, communications director for ArchCity, saidL “Cities of a comparable size to St. Louis have an average of 24 police officers to 10,000 residents. In St. Louis it’s 62 police officers to 10,000 residents.”

Of the 80 reported officers who have killed, two had their licenses revoked — Christine Miller and Don McGhee — according to 2017

they can speak for me,” said Tyus, of Ward 1. Her ward covers parts of the Kingsway East, Kingsway West, Mark Twain, Mark Twain I-70 Industrial, Penrose and Wells Goodfellow neighborhoods.

Rice, who is white, apologized and said that was not her intention.

The committee voted 5-0

state-level data obtained by USA Today. Don McGhee, a former SLMPD officer, was off duty when he reportedly shot at 28-year-old Terrell Beasley on Dec. 19, 2014. During the time period covered by the report, several area police departments — in particular, the nationally-scrutinized Ferguson Police Department — have instituted non-lethal force training, as well as other mitigating measures such as the use of body cameras and diversity training.

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, too, has noted that de-escalation training and racial sensitivity training have been mandatory for all its officers since 2014.

But, as attorney Emanuel Powell put it, “Officers keep killing, despite all the work that is being done. The numbers continue to rise.”

He stated in Monday’s webinar that, if anything,

to bring it to the full board with a recommendation to pass the bill. Two members, Collins-Muhammad and Clark Hubbard, were present intermittently during the meeting but did not vote.

Collins-Muhammad, Howard and Vaccaro requested to be put on the bill as co-sponsors.

ArchCity’s list of 80 names is likely missing some names, due to the inaccessibility of public records data.

“There are many more who were involved. But this is what we were able to find given our public records requests…It was very difficult to identify the officers involved.”

Gina Torres, whose son Isaiah Hammett was killed in a no-knock SWAT raid in 2017, said she works with the Fatal State Violence project in order to ensure other families don’t have to go through what she has experienced.

“If I can help save another family from the pain we go through … I’d never wish it on no one,” Torres said, noting that her surviving children are now afraid to call the police. “If something happened, how are they supposed to think to call the police?” Torres asked. “The police killed their brother.”

Due to procedural guidelines, the

will be

for a second time

board meeting Friday, Jan. 15, and can then be voted on Jan. 22. Near the end of the meeting, Boyd said: “I’m almost offended that people have a problem with asking voters if we should do this.”

Workers protest for $15 hourly wage, fair treatment

By Dana Rieck

Of The St. Louis American

Protesters Friday afternoon shut down the McDonald’s drive-thru on North Tucker Boulevard, calling for a $15-an-hour wage, as well as racial and economic justice.

A long line of cars parked in both drive-thru lanes, honking their horns and shutting down the businesses while displaying signs calling for fair wages and better treatment. Several people spoke at a microphone to demand fair pay and better treatment.

This protest in St. Louis was one of 15 in cities throughout the country Friday calling for a raise in minimum pay to $15 an hour, which organizers said would lift wages for nearly 40% of Black workers and reduce the racial wage gap.

Kansas; and other organizations.

“What we’re doing today, we’re making history,” Aldridge said to the group. “When people read about this movement they are going to read about … all the workers who have made history. Not just in the state of Missouri, not just in Illinois, but all across this country.”

n “We’re going on strike on Martin Luther King’s birthday because his fight for racial and economic justice lives on in our fight for $15 and a union.”

– St. Louis McDonald’s worker Ciara Harris

St. Louis fast food employees were joined in the protest by Missouri District 78’s Democratic Rep. Rasheen Aldridge; the Rev. David Gerth, who is the executive director of the Metropolitan Congregations United; members of Services Employees International Union Healthcare Missouri/

Aldridge was elected in 2019. District 78 encompasses the Old North St. Louis neighborhood, south to Soulard, east of I-55, and Benton Park to the northern border of Dutchtown.

Fight for $15 organizers plan to challenge the President-Elect Joe Biden’s administration to raise the federal minimum wage — which has been $7.25 for more than 10 years — to $15 in its first 100 days.

“We’re going on strike on Martin Luther King’s birthday because his fight for racial and economic justice lives on in our fight for $15 and a union,” St. Louis McDonald’s worker Ciara Harris said in a statement.

See PROTEST, A10

Pandemic has huge impact on Black fathers

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

Louis American

Of The St.

It’s obvious that Halbert Sullivan, 69, founder and CEO of Fathers & Families Support Center, is proud of his nonprofit’s growth.

Just beyond the foyer, Sullivan points to the suite of classrooms where fathers learn to address relationship violence, improve their parenting skills, communicate better with their children’s mothers and much more. The agency moved last year into its $4.5 million, refurbished headquarters at 1601 Olive St, in downtown St. Louis. Behind a spiral staircase, affirming quotes are attached to the

oval-shaped “Wall of Wisdom.” There, quotes like, “A family that prays together stays together,” complement Sullivan’s oratory about the agency’s evolution from the Father’s Support Center to its current incarnation.

“For the past four years, we’ve been working with moms. We also started a youth program back in 2002,” Sullivan said. “Since we’ve been working with the entire family, it made sense to change the name.”

How has the coronavirus pandemic effected his clientele? Sullivan laced his fingers and spoke solemnly.

See FATHERS, A10

PeoPle on the Move

Focus St. Louis promotes Ford to leadership post

Ford

Shalia Ford has been named as director of leadership programs for FOCUS St. Louis, where she will assume additional oversight for programs as well as serving as director of Women In Leadership and Youth Leadership St. Louis. Ford joined the FOCUS team in 2017 and has been leading the Emerging Leaders and YLSL programs. She has more than 15 years of experience in nonprofit administration, program design and youth development and holds a bachelor of science degree in African American Studies from the University of Minnesota and a master of business administration from Fontbonne University. Sheis a graduate of Coro Women In Leadership – Class 52.

Sen. May to serve on Appropriations Committee

State Sen. Karla May, D-St. Louis, announced that she will be serving on the Senate’s Appropriations Committee for the 2021 legislative session. The committee is tasked with drafting the Senate’s version of the state’s multi-billion dollar operating budget for the next fiscal year.

State Sen. Karla May

“I am honored to be able to serve on the prestigious Appropriations Committee,” May said . “The state budget reflects our values and our priorities. Drafting that budget this year will be especially difficult as our state continues to feel the economic effects of COVID-19. That said, I look forward to the tough work ahead, and ensuring the City of St. Louis has a voice in these important discussions.”

Along with the 12 other members of the committee, May will begin working to craft a state budget for the 2022 fiscal year, which begins July 1, 2021 and runs through June 30, 2022.

Rung for Women names Wilson vice president of career services

Marcus Wilson

Rung for Women, a St. Louis nonprofit agency whose mission is to empower women to achieve sustained independence, welcomes Marcus Wilson as vice president of career services. Wilson brings with him a diverse portfolio of sports and business experience at high levels, along with various accolades for his work with youth, the people who live in north St. Louis and has been recognized for his progressive strategies in diversity and inclusion initiatives.

Rung for Women, empowers women to grow and achieve independence through co-located and coordinated educational, professional, and economic resources.

Protesters Friday afternoon shut down the McDonald’s drive-thru on North Tucker Boulevard, calling for a $15-an-hour wage, as well as racial and economic justice.

Shalia

Dana Rieck / St. Louis American

Protest

Continued from A9

“It’s a struggle to afford basic needs like diapers for my 6-month-old daughter with what McDonald’s pays me. It’s time workers like me finally stop having to live paycheck to paycheck.”

Harris said she is paid $10.30 an hour, which is Missouri’s minimum wage for

Fathers

Continued from A9

“The pandemic has had a huge, negative impact on Black

2021. Shunda Whitfield, a certified nurse assistant and member of the SEIU, also spoke.

“I just feel like until all of us come together and really speak up about what’s really going on and let our voices be heard, we really are not even going to matter to the employers or nobody else,” she said.

Alexis Straughter is an organizer with SEIU and was

fathers. Our demographic, for the most part, are employed in lower-economic jobs. They don’t have jobs where you can use technology and work from home. Most have to be there.” Because African Americans

protesting in her car in the drive-thru. She said she came out to fight for a $15 minimum wage.

“The message that I want to bring across the city is that everyone should be able to get a fair wage and be able to take care of their families,” she said. “That’s not happening across the fast food industry nationwide.”

The shutdown began around noon and cars began

disproportionately comprise the number of “essential workers” in frontline industries such as grocery stores, restaurants and warehouses, to “be there” means some fathers stay away from their children to avoid the

Enterprise expands auto collision repair training program

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs For The St. Louis American

An automotive collision engineering training program is expanding this year to two more colleges, according to the car rental giant, as the collision repair industry adjusts to increasingly complex “connected” vehicles and grapples with a major technician shortage.

The Automotive Collision Engineering Pilot Program, funded by the Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation, launched in the fall of 2020 at Ranken Technical College in St. Louis and the College of Lake County in Grayslake, Ill.

Modeled on the Ranken effort, which so far has attracted a diverse group of more than two dozen students, the program expands this semester to Contra Costa College in San Pablo, Calif., and Texas State Technical College in Waco, Texas, according to a news release and an Enterprise Holdings vice president.

All four efforts are part of a two-year pilot program that aims to attract more entry-level applicants to fill essential roles in the collision repair industry, and to boost retention and advancement among collision repair technicians, the release said.

As part of the two-year apprenticeship program, students work alongside industry experts at a participating employer while also earning an associate degree. Part of the student’s pay for the work completed at the shop is subsidized by the program. The program includes weeks of classroom/lab experience and weeks of full-day, on-site learning at a participating collision repair facility.

Several body shops, including independent operators and chains, as well as the Ford Certified Collision Network, are participating in the program and promoting the opportunity to host a student at their shops, the release said.

to clear out around 1 p.m.

The other cities in which the protest was held were Atlanta; Chicago; Charleston, South Carolina; Detroit; Durham, North Carolina; Houston; Kansas City; Los Angeles; Milwaukee; Memphis, Tennessee; Oakland, California, and in Florida, Orlando, South Florida and Tampa.

risk of spreading the virus.

Then there’s the economic downturn that has robbed many of their incomes.

“Losing jobs causes negatives for the father’s family because there’s one less piece of money coming into the home,” Sullivan said. Many of his clients, he added, are the ones in need of rental or utility assistance.

Because of unemployment and court systems that have been altered by shelter-in-place orders, some fathers find themselves unable to comply with custodial arrangements, which brings more stress on families.

The center has had to adapt to help fathers meet the virtual requirements of family courts.

The center also moved from face-to-face classes to offering the six-week curriculum virtually. Fathers who don’t have a computer or smartphone are given tablets so they can attend classes and court sessions through applications like Zoom.

Still, Sullivan said his job, even in a pandemic, “is a joy.”

Since last March, the center has helped almost 200 fathers find jobs, he said. The same enthusiasm displayed when talking about his rehabbed headquarters is evident when he spoke of the renovated lives of the fathers he works with. It’s a transformation Sullivan has experienced first-hand.

“I got caught up in them streets,” he said, detailing his years-long battles with crack cocaine. In 1993, he decided to combat his addiction by enrolling in a local drug rehabili-

Nearly 80,000 additional collision technicians will be needed between 2020 and 2024, according to the TechForce Foundation, a nonprofit providing students with educational resources and scholarships for careers as transportation technicians. Even as demand for workers outpaces a declining supply of college-educated collision technician recruits, the rapid pace of vehicle innovation and connectivity is adding to the skills needed by technicians, who now must have expertise in car repair, technology and engineering.

The program is helping fill both the worker shortage and skills gap that exist in the industry, Aaron Schulenburg, executive director of the Society of Collision Repair Specialists said in a statement adding, “the opportunity for future technicians to build successful, well-paying careers in this industry is enormous.” Information on the amount of money Enterprise is spending on the program was not immediately available.

tation center. He’s been drug free for some 27 years now, Sullivan said, proudly.

Another quote on the oval wall, “An education can serve you well,” underscores how Sullivan defeated his addiction with schooling.

After rehab, he enrolled in community college, then Fontbonne University, before going on to earn his master’s degree from the Brown School

n “The pandemic has had a huge, negative impact on Black fathers. Our demographic, for the most part, are employed in lower-economic jobs. They don’t have jobs where you can use technology and work from home. Most have to be there.”

Sullivan and three board members incorporated the Father’s Support Center in 1997. A year later, the organization began recruiting fathers for classes.

Since its inception, Sullivan said more than 17,000 fathers have used the center’s services. More than $1 million has been collected in child support and 42,000 children now have a more “responsible father” in their lives, he added. Sullivan introduced one of his recent graduates, Trevon Robinson, 25, a machinist with a local industrial processing equipment company and firsttime father of a 6-month-old daughter. It seems Robinson fit the description of a “responsible dad” even before joining the center. He has a decent-paying job, his daughter and her mother’s toddler son live with him. At this point, Robinson is responsible for the children’s upbringing.

of Social Work at Washington University.

Having been an absent dad himself, Sullivan said the Brown School helped him home in on the plight of missing Black fathers.

“I learned that children who grow up without fathers are all in the 70-percent range of those who will go to jail. These are just some of the negatives that result from not having a responsible male figure in the home.”

— Halbert Sullivan, 69, founder/CEO, Fathers & Families Support Center Visit The St. Louis American at

At first, Robinson thought he didn’t need the services offered by Sullivan’s agency. He decided to try it anyway and was influenced by the stories and struggles of men who were much older and in more desperate situations than him. Those stories helped him understand that his upbringing in Pine Lawn made him vulnerable to their outcomes.

“I related to them. I was raised around all of that; I’ve seen all of that,” Robinson said. “Because of these classes, I’ve gotten confidence. I got the fear of being a bad father out of my mind.”

Cleansing the mind of negative habits and making deliberate choices is the start to becoming a responsible father, Sullivan said.

“At the age of 43, I decided to stop doing drugs and enroll in college. Sure, there were bumps in the road. But if I can change, anybody can change,” Sullivan said. “It’s choices, man. It’s choices.” Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess fellow.

stlamerican.com

and more.

This protest in St. Louis was one of 15 in cities throughout the country Friday calling for a raise in minimum pay to $15 an hour, which organizers said would lift wages for nearly 40% of Black workers and reduce the racial wage gap.

Dana Rieck / St. Louis American

Lee Blount, surgeon, athlete, dies at 88

By Ruth E. Thaler-Carter

For The St. Louis American

The death of Lee M. Blount, Jr., MD at age 88 on Jan.12, 2021, brings memories of a respected and pioneering figure in education, medicine, sports and civil rights.

Dr. Blount was born in Cleveland, Ohio, on Aug. 14, 1932, the second-oldest of five children, but grew up in Carr Square Village in segregated St. Louis. Many St. Louis friends and colleagues think of him as a native of the Gateway City.

“He loved St. Louis and its people,” said St. Louis American publisher, Donald Suggs, who considered Blount a mentor and one of his closest and most valued friends. “He grew up in the working class but was determined to become a physician and come back to serve his beloved community.”

Dr. Blount graduated from Vashon High School, where he excelled in track, and earned his undergraduate degree at St. Louis University at a time when “it was not common for Black students to be accepted,” Suggs said. “He was a person from modest circumstances who overcame multiple barriers during an era when St. Louis University seemed out of reach for Black students.”

After graduating from St. Louis University, where he joined the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity, he was accepted at the Howard University College of Medicine in Washington D.C. There he met and married Mae Ellen Smith. He graduated from medical school in 1958, second in his class. He was popular with his classmates, who elected him as class president. He returned to St. Louis for a surgical residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital, “at the time, the largest facility for Black folk to receive training in highly sought-after resi-

dencies in the surgical specialties,” Suggs said. “His success reflects a different era — there were not a lot of role models (for Black physicians).” He then opened a surgery practice here. He was affiliated with Deaconess Hospital as well as Homer G. When he retired from his practice, he continued his commitment to the community through wellness training and operating a clinic.

“My dad loved his family,” said his oldest daughter, Renee Blount.

“He was very proud of being a Black man. He wasn’t afraid to be himself and show what he stood for. He’d wear his dashiki (to show his pride). He had great strength — he could say things simply but strongly.”

players would meet at our house, and people like Angela Davis and Huey Newton (of the Black Panthers). At the funeral for Dr. King, our family was the fifth behind the casket.”

Dr. Blount walked next to Sen. Robert Kennedy in the procession.

Dr. Blount responded to adversity — of his own and his family’s — with determination, his daughter said. “He wouldn’t let anything stop him or us,” she said.

“He was also proud of Black women and taught me to be proud to be a Black woman. He loved St. Louis and wanted to see people make it here. He would treat people for free if they couldn’t afford his medical services, and there was often a line out the door at his office.”

Dr. Blount was known as a tireless and courageous civil rights activist who “knew how important our institutions are. We didn’t really understand it at the time, but we grew up with leading figures in civil rights at our home because of our dad,” Renee Blount said.

“All the Black basketball

“When I wanted to give up on tennis, he would push me to keep going.”

Renee credited her dad with not only encouraging but pushing her to excel to the highest level of competitive tennis, which led to her becoming the first African American woman to reach Wimbledon, where she played seven times, since Althea Gibson.

“He pushed you to a higher level that you wouldn’t see by yourself,” she said. “He’s the reason I made it to Wimbledon.”

Dr. Blount was an aggressive supporter of and an outspoken advocate for his children. In 1965, the Blounts were the first Black family to buy a home in Ladue, and his children were the first, and at the time the only Black children to attend the district’s Conway Elementary School.

He and his wife sued the Ladue School District in 1970

as the “next friend” of their children to “redress alleged deprivations of rights secured to them by the Equal Protection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment.”

The charges involved “… permitting and allowing children of the school district to subject the minor plaintiffs to repetitive name-calling, insults, and acts of the same. The conduct of defendants [was] alleged to have been done by them ‘concertedly, willfully, intentionally and maliciously and with the intent and purpose of harming the minor plaintiffs and to deprive them of their constitutional rights.’”

Renee Blount also remembers her father as “extremely smart” — “an outstanding genius.” She and her siblings, as well as his friends and colleagues, knew him as a dedicated athlete who competed in marathons and track events.

Dr. Blount’s daughter Melissa, who followed in his footsteps as a physician, has similar memories of his medical and sports prowess, as well as his commitment to civil rights. She and her siblings Kaye and Lee Blount III, as well as Renee, won St. Louis District Tennis Championships as young children thanks to their father’s coaching.

Dr. Blount was an avid follower of high school track and field in the St. Louis area for decades. He attended meets regularly and he knew the names of the top athletes, especially those who competed in the middle distance events, which were his favorites.

Blount’s youngest son, Rameses, remembered his father as “very gregarious and active. He spent a lot of time in the civil rights movement.”

He served as a captain in the Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base during the Vietnam War, using his surgical skills to aid soldiers who came home with serious inju-

ries. “What I learned from my dad is that you can pass it on,” said Renee Blount. “I think he would be proud.” In addition to Renee, Melissa, Rameses and Lee III, other survivors include his daughter Colette; granddaughter Josephine; sister Ardella Burden and brother Frederick; and

A celebration of life will be held at 10:00 a.m., Tues., Jan. 26, at Baucom’s Life Celebration Center, 9480 Lewis & Clark Blvd., followed by Interment at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery.

partner Oliverne Lanier. His daughter Kaye preceded him in death.

Lee M. Blount, Jr.

A day of service

Creve Coeur woman who sued Des Peres and officers also faces criminal charges

By Dana Rieck Of The St. Louis American

A lawsuit is still pending nine months after a Creve Coeur woman sued four Des Peres police officers for what she describes as a brutal assault and battery against her son on March 23, after a false charge of stealing a television from the Sam’s Club at 13455 Manchester Road.

According to the lawsuit, Marvia Gray’s son, Derek Gray, suffered three shattered front teeth, a head injury requiring 12 stitches and seven staples, a cut above his right eye that required seven stitches, along with severe neck and back pain. Gray’s lawyer, William Dailey Jr., said in an interview with The St. Louis American that Derek Gray still had staples in his head.

Marvia Gray was 68 at the time and suffered severe injuries to her tailbone, back, rotator cuff, knees and arms, among other injuries, according to the suit.

While Daily believes there will be a hearing scheduled in the nex 30-45 days in the case, nothing was set at the time of publishing.

Attorneys Timothy Reichhardt and Joseph Neely represent the Des Peres police officers named in Gray’s lawsuit.

“Generally speaking, we believe that the video footage tells the whole story and that the actions of the officers were appropriate and justified under the circumstances,” Reichhardt said.

Marvia Gray was charged with obstructing police and

resisting arrest April 23, a month after the incident, which was captured on Sam’s Club surveillance camera. The video in its entirety can be viewed online at https://bit.ly/3s5lcXN. Daily is representing Gray in those criminal matters as well and said he successfully filed a motion to move her criminal case from Des Peres municipal court to the St. Louis County Associate Court.

“But essentially, if you look at this from Marvia Gray’s perspective, you have a mother who is [68] years old who’s watching as her adult son is being slammed against the wall and then on the ground, and his blood is literally spilling all over the place on the floor,” Daily said. “… And the only thing that she did in that interaction, because it’s there [on

video], is when the officer was initially talking to her, she went to the door. She went to get the person who checked them out.”

Dailey said those two criminal cases have hearings scheduled in a few months.

We’re not opposed to a just resolution in either case but we’re just not really interested in the politics behind how these things typically go,” he said.

“Because here is one of those cases where the video pretty much speaks for itself in terms of what happened, what went on. And we’ll just go through the legal process of making sure that on the criminal and the civil side that Marvia Gray is made whole.”

Following the incident, Dailey said St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell’s Conviction and Incident Review Unit launched an investigation into the officers involved. A spokesperson for Bell said the investigation is ongoing and declined to release additional information.

Bell established the unit shortly after taking office in 2019 “to further the office’s commitment to justice, professional ethics, integrity, and protection of the innocent.”

Although it was not widely reported, Dailey said Sam’s Club also responded to the incident by entering into a confidential settlement with the Gray family a few months after the March incident. He called the store the “silent participant” in the case.

“But they were aware of the unjust actions that had taken place and the unnecessary escalation of what went on,” Dailey said.

Weekday Locations

Marvia Gray

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Newly elected St. Louis County Councilwoman Shalonda Webb (left) and Shaunte Harman Young load food into cars during a food distribution event in honor of The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on Mon. Jan. 18, 2021, at the old Jamestown Mall location in north St. Louis County. The food drive was part of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Day of Service.

St. Louis County Council moved forward while awaiting judge’s ruling on leadership

By Rachel Lippmann, Fred Ehrlich and Jason Rosenbaum St. Louis Public Radio

The St. Louis County Council on Tuesday broke through its stalemate over who chairs its meetings — at least for this week.

Council members passed numerous bills Tuesday with Rita Days running the meeting. Days and three other council members voted to make her chairwoman on Friday, Jan. 15, reversing a Jan. 5 vote that chose Lisa Clancy as chair for another year. Clancy said that while she didn’t agree with Days running Tuesday’s meeting, the county had business to complete.

“In the meantime, Councilwoman Days, if it is your will to preside over tonight’s meeting, so be it. I do however want the record to reflect my objection to this action,” Clancy said. “We must get on to our business to the best of our ability until a judge rules over the matter. So let’s proceed.” Days said “thank you very much” after Clancy’s statement and continued with the meeting.

A court case that County Counselor Beth Orwick filed Saturday to determine the chairmanship is pending before a St. Louis County judge.

The action filed by the county counselor, seeks a ruling on whether Lisa Clancy or Rita Days is chair, as well as whether Ernie Trakas or Mark Harder is vice chair. Two factions of the council each say their choices are legally valid in a dispute that has lasted for several weeks.

Rita Days

“Since we do not agree with their action and cannot function with two members claiming to be chair and two members claiming to be vice chair, the correct place to resolve this dispute is in the judicial system,” Clancy said in a statement. “I support the actions of our County Counselor today to request that the court intervene. It should go without saying that the court’s interpretation will be final.”

Councilman Tim Fitch, who backed Days and Harder, has said he believes their election was legal.

Original story from Jan. 15: The dispute over who will lead the St. Louis County Council this year continued Friday with the election of Democrat Rita Days as chairwoman and Republican Mark Harder as vice chairman. Four members — Days and Shalonda Webb, also a North County Democrat, and Harder and fellow Republican Tim Fitch — voted for the new leaders. Those same four voted Tuesday for a resolution overturning the results of the

Jan. 5 leadership elections, a vote that a legal opinion from the county counselor said is nonbinding.

“I do appreciate this,” Days said. “I wish that this transition had been somewhat smoother, but nonetheless this is where we are.”

Because of a charter change voters approved in November, the vote for chair and vice chair of the council occurred before newly elected members were sworn in. That meant Webb, who ousted Rochelle Walton Gray for the 4th District seat, did not have a chance to vote for council leadership. Gray was the deciding vote in Maplewood Democrat Lisa Clancy’s reelection as chair.

Clancy; Councilman Ernie Trakas, R-St. Louis County; and Councilwoman Kelli Dunaway, D-Chesterfield; all strenuously objected to Friday’s meeting.

“That you are treating adherence to the law as optional is dangerous and concerning, especially at this moment in history,” Dunaway said. “You may not like what the law says, you may even disagree with our lawyer’s interpretation. If you wish to initiate a legal proceeding to settle this dispute, please do so. But your response cannot be to install your own separate government.”

Both Clancy and Days acted as chair of the meeting. Multiple times during a public comment period plagued by technical difficulties, Clancy would give instructions to county staff members that Days would then repeat. The issue is likely headed to court.

“Taking Care of You”

Bethesda resident Bessie Johnson celebrates getting a COVID vaccine from health care workers. After starting with health care workers and nursing home residents, Missouri just opened COVID vaccines to first responders, emergency and other public health workers, persons over age 65, and those with illnesses that would make them more vulnerable to severe disease if they contracted COVID-19.

COVID vaccine pre-registration underway

City of St. Louis, St. Louis and St. Charles counties prepare

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Area counties and the City of St. Louis have begun pre-registering people who want to receive the coronavirus vaccine when it becomes available to them, as more doses are being made available in Missouri.

After receiving 3,900 doses in a second shipment of Pfizer’s COVID-19 vaccine, St. Louis County was set to begin vaccinating pre-registrants on Wednesday at its headquar-

ters at John C. Murphy Health Center in Berkeley.

St. Louis County Executive Dr. Sam Page urges honesty from persons signing up to get a COVID-19 vaccine. At his Monday morning news briefing, Page said that’s honesty about where you work, your age and health status to jump ahead of others who are more vulnerable to the coronavirus that caused the ongoing pandemic.

More than 200,000 people have pre-registered through St. Louis County’s

By Michelle Andrews Kaiser Health News

Ted Howard started taking Truvada a few years ago because he wanted to protect himself against HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. But the daily pill was so pricey he was seriously thinking about giving it up. Under his insurance plan, the former flight attendant and customer service instructor owed $500 in copayments every month for the drug and an additional $250 every three months for lab work and clinic visits.

Luckily for Howard, his doctor at Las Vegas’ Huntridge Family Clinic, which specializes in LGBTQ care, enrolled him in a clinical trial that covered his medication and other costs in full.

“If I hadn’t been able to get into the trial, I wouldn’t have kept taking PrEP,” said Howard, 68, using the shorthand term for “preexposure prophylaxis.” Taken daily, these drugs — like Truvada — are more than 90% effective at preventing infection with HI.

Starting this month, most people with private insurance will no longer have to decide whether they can afford to protect themselves against HIV. Most health plans must begin to cover the drugs then without charging consumers anything out-of-pocket (some plans already began doing so last year).

Drugs in this category — Truvada, Descovy and, newly available, a generic version of Truvada — received an “A” recommendation by the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force. Under the Affordable Care Act, preventive services that receive an “A” or “B” rating by the task force, a group of medical experts in prevention and primary care, must be covered by most private health plans without making members share the cost, usually through copayments or deductibles. Only plans that are grandfathered under the health law are exempt. The task force recommended PrEP for

See HIV,

Department of Public Health to be notified when it is their turn, based on eligibility.

“We urge people to be honest when pre-registering, and think about those you could be bumping from line. The state outlined its tier system last week, and we are adhering to that system.”

Page said for the system to work correctly and get the COVID vaccine to those who need it the most, everyone to be honest about

By Sylvester Brown Jr. Of The St. Louis American

For a few days after May 16, 2020, Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis was in a safe space or so she thought.

Hlatshwayo (pronounced “Shla-chwhy-o”) Davis, an infectious disease physician at Washington University School of Medicine, was on maternity leave at the time. Isolated at home with her newborn and her 4-year-old daughters, she was temporarily sheltered from a pandemic that was raging across the globe. But then, nine days after delivering her baby, another harsh reality invaded her sanctuary: the police killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis.

Media images of the killing struck her on several levels. As a mom, it was difficult watching Floyd die while calling out to his dead mother. As a doctor, it was hard to watch a man expire while given no medical attention. And, as a woman of color, she was once again reminded of the fragility of Black life at the hands of police.

“It broke me.” Hlatshwayo Davis explained. “It was trauma. It still is. I have been experiencing acute and chronic trauma and yet I’m expected to just show up and smile through these mini and micro aggressions.”

Hlatshwayo Davis found motivation in the hypocritic oath of charity, mercy, and kindness that doctors like her are supposed to practice when caring for patients.

“At the end of the day, if I’m not taking care of the most disenfranchised and marginalized, then why am I really doing this?”

The impact of the HIV epidemic on her native country, Zimbabwe, drew her into the field of infectious diseases. When she was 15, her father died from complications related to liver cancer. At the same time,

Starting this month, most people with private insurance will no longer have to decide whether they can afford to protect themselves against HIV.

Dr. Matifadza Hlatshwayo Davis

Photo provided by Bethesda

HIV

Continued from A14

people at high risk of HIV infection, including men who have sex with men and injection drug users.

In the United States, more than 1 million people live with HIV, and nearly 40,000 new HIV cases are diagnosed every year. Yet fewer than 10% of people who could benefit from PrEP are taking it. One key reason is that out-of-pocket costs can exceed $1,000 annually, according to a study published in the American Journal of Public Health last year. Required periodic blood tests and doctor visits can add hundreds of dollars to the cost of the drug, and it’s not clear if insurers are required to pick up all those costs.

“Cost sharing has been a problem,” said Michael Crews, policy director at One Colorado, an advocacy group for the LGBTQ community.

“It’s not just getting on PrEP

Vaccine

Continued from A14

their demographics and their employment, which is information used to determine what phase or tier pre-registrants belong.

“We’ve seen some instances where those who say they are healthcare workers are not; others have brought spouses or other family members along who are not eligible for the vaccine,” Page said.

“We have had high school students show up for appointments, who misrepresented who they were on the form. This has not been a huge problem, but as the availability of the vaccine increases, those showing up who should not be in line will ultimately slow down the process, elevate tensions and deprive the vaccine to our most vulnerable, and those who are most likely to have severe outcomes if infected by the virus.”

To sign up to be vaccinated by St. Louis County DPH, visit stlcorona.com and follow the link for registration, or email dphcovidvaccine@stlouisco.

com to receive the link.

Missouri Gov. Mike Parson, on Thursday. Jan. 14, activated the first of three vaccination tiers in Phase 1B of Missouri’s COVID-19 vaccination plan. A news release from his office said federal partners plan to significantly increase vaccine supply this week.

Phase 1B, Tier 1 prioritizes first responders, emergency services and public health “administrators and staff at federal, state, or local public health agencies and other health care workers who carry out functions necessary to the operation of the state’s health care infrastructure that were not included in 1A.”

The state activated Phase 1B, Tier 2 on Monday, Jan. 18. This phase prioritizes indi-

Racism

Continued from A14

HIV was spreading rapidly in Zimbabwe and its capital city, Harare, where Hlatshwayo Davis was born.

She said her father’s death and the HIV pandemic influenced her to pursue a career that addresses acute and chronic infections caused by bacteria, parasites, fungi, or viruses, such as COVID-19.

Hlatshwayo Davis uses her stature, knowledge and public platforms to attack systemic and structural racism. She argues that it is the real reason people of color are dismissed, denied and disenfranchised. For example, in an August 2020 Newsweek commentary,

As

and taking a pill. It’s the lab and clinical services. That’s a huge barrier for folks.”

Here are answers to some questions you may have about the new preventive coverage requirement.

Q: How can people find out whether their health plan covers PrEP medications without charge?

The plan’s list of covered drugs, called a formulary, should spell out which drugs are covered, along with details about which drug tier they fall into. Drugs placed in higher tiers generally have higher cost sharing. That list should be online with the plan documents that give coverage details.

Sorting out coverage and cost sharing can be tricky. Both Truvada and Descovy can also be used to treat HIV, and if they are taken for that purpose, a plan may require members to pay some of the cost. But if the drugs are taken to prevent HIV infection, patients shouldn’t owe anything out-of-pocket, no matter which tier they are on.

In a recent analysis of

“Taking Care of You”

online formularies for plans sold on the ACA marketplaces, Carl Schmid, executive director of the HIV + Hepatitis Policy Institute, found that many plans seemed out of compliance with the requirement to cover PrEP without cost sharing this year.

But representatives for Oscar and Kaiser Permanente, two insurers that were called out in the analysis for lack of compliance, said the drugs are covered without cost sharing in plans nationwide if they are taken to prevent HIV. Schmid later revised his analysis to reflect Oscar’s coverage.

Coverage and cost-sharing information needs to be transparent and easy to find, Schmid said.

It may be necessary to call the insurer directly to confirm coverage details if information on the website is unclear.

Q: Are all three drugs covered without cost sharing?

Health plans have to cover at least one of the drugs in this category — Descovy and the brand and generic versions of Truvada — without cost shar-

ing. People may have to jump through some hoops to get approval for a specific drug, however. For example, Oscar plans sold in 18 states cover the three PrEP options without cost sharing. The generic version of Truvada doesn’t require prior authorization by the insurer. But if someone wants to take the name-brand drug, they have to go through an approval process. Descovy, a newer drug, is available without cost sharing only if people are unable to use Truvada or its generic version because of clinical intolerance or other issues.

Q: What about the lab work and clinical visits that are necessary while taking PrEP? Are those services also covered without cost sharing?

That is the thousand-dollar question. People who are taking drugs to prevent HIV infection need to meet with a clinician and have bloodwork every three months to test for HIV, hepatitis B and sexually transmitted infections, and to check their kidney function. The task force recommen-

dation doesn’t specify whether these services must also be covered without cost sharing, and advocates say federal guidance is necessary to A handful of states have programs that help people cover their out-ofpocket costs for lab and clinical visits, generally based on income.

There is precedent for including free ancillary care as part of a recommended preventive service. After consumers and advocates complained, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) clarified that under the ACA removing a polyp during a screening colonoscopy is considered an integral part of the procedure and patients shouldn’t be charged for it.

CMS officials declined to clarify whether PrEP services such as lab work and clinical visits are to be covered without cost sharing as part of the preventive service and noted that states generally enforce such insurance requirements. “CMS intends to contact state regulators, as appropriate, to dis-

viduals at high risk for severe illness, “including individuals aged 65 and older and any adult with cancer, chronic kidney disease, COPD, or intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as Down Syndrome, heart conditions, a weakened immune system due to organ transplant, severe obesity, pregnancy, sickle cell disease, or Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.”

“We recognize and appreciate that there are a variety of individuals on the frontlines who have a greater risk of exposure each day they go to work,” Parson said.

“We are grateful for the tireless and selfless efforts of our health care providers and first responders who risk their own safety to protect the health and well-being of Missourians.”

Although initial tiers within Phase 1B are being activated, the state says there are currently not enough vaccines for everyone included in these

Hlatshwayo Davis candidly spoke to the profound health disparities that arise from structural racism.

“We have seen it time and again in HIV, sickle cell anemia, heart attacks, strokes, colon cancer, obstetrical care, organ transplants and many other instances. COVID-19 joins a long list,” Hlatshwayo Davis wrote, adding: “These disparities are not differences due to genes or biology — these are differences that directly arise from the way people are socially divided and treated differently.”

“Just Call Me Mati” Hlatshwayo Davis was recently appointed to the St. Louis City Board of Health. She is also co-chair of “Fast

groups. As additional supplies arrive, this activation will allow for the greatest vaccine coverage where it is most needed.

Missourians began receiving their first doses of COVID-19 vaccines in December. More than 160,000 individuals have received an initial dose, and more than 22,000 have now been fully vaccinated with the 2-dose series. Vaccine supply continues to be the rate-limiting factor for vaccine administration throughout the state.

“We know one of the most common questions among Missourians right now is when it will be their turn to be vaccinated, and we are greatly encouraged by the interest in the vaccines from the public,” said Dr. Randall Williams, director of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

“Each day, our team is monitoring the amount of vaccine available and making sure it is distributed so that people can

Track Cities, St. Louis,” an initiative with a goal of reaching zero new HIV infections and AIDS-related deaths in the region by 2030.

Although her job, her writings and commentaries are demonstratively serious, the doctor has an infectious sense of humor and down-to-earth personality. Recognizing that her name was difficult to pronounce, she jokingly suggested: “Just call me Mati.” Humor, she added, is a prerequisite in her profession.

“To be the only Black person in the department and in a pandemic and have had a pandemic baby … you got to have all the jokes,” Hlatshwayo Davis explained.

“One of my skill sets is being able to bring a realness and humor that hopefully dis-

receive the vaccine as quickly as possible. We are so thankful to our hundreds of clinical partners throughout the state who are making that happen.”

The state says individuals in Phase 1A and Phase 1B - Tier 1 should work through their employer and/or association to obtain the vaccine. Individuals in Phase 1B - Tier 2 should contact their local pharmacy or health care provider or visit MOStopsCovid.com to learn when vaccines may be available and how to receive them.

St. Louis County pre-registration

St. Louis County began the week of Jan. 4 pre-registering individuals who will be contacted when the vaccine is available for them. The county pre-registration form asks for your name, address, phone number and email address. It asks your age, if and where you work, and a few health ques-

arm people’s defense mechanisms so that we can acknowledge things and start to come up with real, tangible solutions. For that, I am unapologetic.”

The doctor addresses many inconvenient truths. In the Newsweek commentary she expressed concern about the rush to find a COVID-19 vaccine and how it may leave disenfranchised communities out of the process.

“Alarmingly few” Black and Latinx individuals have been included in the vaccination trails, she wrote, stressing how this demographic is “five times as likely to be hospitalized due to COVID-19 compared to white patients.”

Hlatshwayo Davis rejects the notion that her positions on structural racism are “bold.”

“For me, it’s not about

cuss issuer’s compliance with the federal requirements and whether issuers need further guidance on which services associated with PrEP must be covered without cost sharing,” the agency said in a statement.

Q: What if someone runs into roadblocks getting a plan to cover PrEP or related services without cost sharing? If an insurer charges for the medication or a follow-up visit, people may have to go through an appeals process to fight it.

Q: Are uninsured people also protected by this new cost-sharing change for PrEP?

Unfortunately, no. The ACA requirement to cover recommended preventive services without charging patients applies only to private insurance plans. People without insurance don’t benefit. Gilead, which makes both Truvada and Descovy, has a patient assistance program for the uninsured.

Michelle Andrew is a reporter for Kaiser Health News, a reporting partner of The St. Louis American.

mercy.net/MOVaccine to confirm eligibility and to register. St. Luke’s Hospital patients may go to lukesvaccine.com to sign up and make an appointment for a COVID-19 vaccination.

Bethesda floor finisher Courtland Hester receives a COVID vaccine at one of its senior living communities.

tions that will assist the county health department determine which vaccination category best fits.

In St. Louis County, people may preregister online at http://ow.ly/zJGN50D1yu7, or at https://stlcorona.com/ covid19-vaccines/.

St. Louis Metropolitan Pandemic Task Force hospital systems are offering COVID19 vaccine pre-registration as well.

BJC Healthcare preregistration is at https://www.bjc. org/coronavirus/Covid-19Vaccines. When their eligibility window opens, patients will be invited to make an appointment to get the vaccine.

SSMHealth is using its MyChart system to pre-register patients for the COVID-19 vaccine. Register with MyChart at www.mychart.ssmhc.com. SSMHealth will email patients when it is time to register for a vaccination appointment.

Mercy patients can go to

being contentious or bold. It’s about speaking truth and leading with compassion.

The underlying definition of implicit bias means it’s unconscious. We are all susceptible. But if we don’t make it plain, we’re never going to address it or get through it.”

Hlatshwayo Davis strongly advocates that people of color get vaccinated against the coronavirus. There is no contradiction, she added, between questioning the vaccination trials and stressing the dire need to get vaccinated.

“Three months ago, positive pressure needed to be applied. Integrity needed to be upheld. Now, we need to move forward with helping our communities.”

City of St. Louis pre-registration

The City of St. Louis Department of Public Health is asking residents to sign up for updates about the COVID19 vaccine, as it had not yet received any doses as of Jan. 13. Those who sign up to receive notifications will be updated on the status of vaccine availability and its phased distribution.

“The vaccine survey that we created will help get distribution updates and other vaccine information to residents directly, and as soon as possible,” said Dr. Fredrick Echols, acting director of health for the City of St. Louis.

“A direct link to residents will be critical to sharing rapidly-changing and evolving information related to vaccine distribution in a timely manner.”

To complete the survey, please visit the COVID-19 Vaccination Information website at https://bit.ly/3icTx2t. Residents may also text “STLCOVID” to 888777 for text notifications on vaccine updates from the City of St. Louis. Visit www.stlouis-mo.gov/ covid-19/ for more information about the coronavirus and the vaccine or email CityVaccine@ stlouis-mo.gov for assistance.

St. Charles County vaccine registration

For information on COVID19 vaccine information, eligibility and registration, visit https://www.sccmo. org/2162/COVID-19-VaccineInformation. The red registration button is at the bottom of the page.

There are many similarities between the AIDS and COVID-19 pandemics, Hlatshwayo Davis said. How both impacted the media, church, and social life; the stigma, shame and politicization of the diseases are comparable. The lessons learned in attacking HIV, she added, should be applied to the coronavirus. And that, she said, is her mission.

“This is the corner of earth I choose to inhabit and how I choose to use the gifts that God has given me in this period and time. I don’t know how long this will be required or if it will continue to be a space I choose to occupy.

“But for now, this is the place I choose to be.”

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

Photo provided by Bethesda

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

What Is ASize?Serving

Warm Up & Cool Down

Slip Sliding Away...

Ice can be dangerous for several different reasons.

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

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

Healthcare Careers

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4,

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

> 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

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

Cracker-wiches

Ingredients:

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

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

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

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

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

Students investigate the study of forensic science through analysing and identifying the differences in fingerprints.

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS

African-American Biochemist William C. Davis

SCIENCE CORNER

What is Metabolism?

Metabolism is the process of converting the food we eat into energy through a series of chemical reactions. The thyroid gland produces hormones to determine how fast or slow this process takes place. The pancreas secretes hormones to determine the body’s metabolic activity. Your basal metabolic rate (BMR) is the rate your body burns calories at rest. People with a low BMR tend to gain weight more easily. The more muscle you have, the higher your BMR rate will be. If you want to burn more calories while you sleep, you need to lose fat and add more lean muscle. Get active!

What can you do to help the process? First, choose your food wisely. Even though a chocolate

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

In this experiment, you will use chemistry to see the different components of milk. You will turn milk into a solid.

Materials Needed:

• Skim Milk • White Vinegar • Microwave Proof Bowl

• Strainer • Measuring Cup • Measuring Spoons

Procedure:

q Add 4 teaspoons of white vinegar to 1 1/2 cups of skim milk.

w Microwave the mixture for a minute.

e After a minute, the milk and vinegar will be separated into two parts, a liquid and a solid. If it has not separated, try microwaving the mixture for another 15-20 seconds.

As a class, keep track of your daily activity /exercise minutes. Set a goal and work to meet it. Brainstorm ideas of ways to add exercise and fun activity to your day. Survey 20 people regarding their activity level. 1 = inactive and 10 = very physically fit. Graph the results.

DID YOU KNOW?

Solid Milk

bar has the same number of calories as a banana with yogurt, your body processes those calories differently. Choose foods with a lot of nutrients for your calories— fresh fruits, vegetables, dairy, lean protein, and whole grains. Aim for 60 to 90 minutes of activity each day to boost your metabolism. Drink plenty of water to flush wastes from your body. And finally, get plenty of sleep. This allows your body to build and repair cells.

Learning Standards: I can identify main idea and supporting details in non fiction text. I can make textto-self connections.

r Stir the milk, and the solid curds will become a “blob.”

William Davis was born in August 1926 in Georgia. When he was 15, he moved to New York City to live with his brother. He graduated from Dwight High School in 1945, then attended New York University before going to Talladega College in Florida. Davis left college to serve as 2nd Lt. of Engineers in the Korean War. He did return to Talladega College, where he earned his bachelor’s degree in chemistry in 1956. Two years later, he earned a master’s degree in organic chemistry from Tuskegee Institute. In 1965, he earned his PhD in biochemistry from the University of Idaho. Davis has worked as a research director at Physicians Medical Laboratories. He specialized in the chemistry of food while there. He worked to improve such foods as the potato chip, instant potatoes, and soft serve ice cream. He also developed an organic glue that holds particle board together.

t When you strain the liquid off, you can make the blob into one big lump.

y Let it cool off before you play with it. It feels like rubber. The protein in the curds is what makes it act like rubber. You can form the blob into shapes. If you leave it out, it will harden.

Beware: The smell is very foul!

What happened? By adding the vinegar, you have created a chemical reaction that separated the milk into two parts, a solid (curds) and a liquid (whey).

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

Food and Activity Challenges

Keep a food journal for one day. Write down everything you eat and drink. At the end of the day, calculate the number of calories you consumed. What nutrients did you get? What changes do you think you should make?

Bring in three food labels to class. Use them to write math problems for your classmates to solve. Trade labels and answer the questions asked.

Many fast food menus offer more nutritious choices. Use a fast food menu to showcase unhealthy vs. healthier choices. Create a poster with the amount of calories, fat, and sodium in an unhealthy meal vs. a healthier meal choice at the restaurant.

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

Processed foods, especially those with added sugar and salt, can be addictive.

Davis was a visiting scientist at Washington D.C.’s George Hyman Research Institute and a research associate at the University of Texas Health Science Center. Next, he worked as a chemistry professor at St. Philip’s College in San Antonio, Texas.

Davis is a member of the American Chemical Society, Health Physicist Society, Society of Nuclear Medicine, and the American Association for the Advancement of Science. He is the chair of the National Sciences Department and director of Renewable Energy at St. Philip’s College. The science building at St. Philip’s College is named in his honor, he received the Tuskegee Institute’s George Washington Carver fellowship, the U.S. Armed Forces Purple Heart, and he was inducted into the Texas Hall of Fame in 2000. His research has been published in the Journal of Medical Technology and the European Journal of Pharmacology.

Learning Standards: I can read about an African American who has made strides in the STEM fields. I can make text-to-text connections.

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

Activities — Vowel Scavenger Hunt: words from the newspaper and count the number of vowels and consonants in each word. Paste the words on a separate piece of paper and write the fraction of vowels for each. Reduce the fractions, if possible. For example, cat = 1/3 (1 of the 3 letters is a vowel). Newspaper = 3/9 or 1/3.

Purchasing a House: In the classified section, find a house that you would like to own. If you paid $500 a month towards the house payment, how many years would it take to buy the house?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify and reduce fractions. I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

According to Melanie Warner, author of “Pandora’s Lunchbox,” 70% of our calories now come from processed food.

5,000 additives to be allowed in our food.

Living It

‘Phenomenal Woman’ Barbie

Maya Angelou honored as part of Mattel’s ‘Inspiring Women Collection’

St. Louis American Staff

Author, activist, poet, global cultural treasure and beloved St. Louis daughter. Maya Angelou received countless distinctions and honors during her lifetime – and in the nearly seven years since her death at the age of 86 in 2014.

Last week, famed toymaker Mattel an nounced that her likeness would be included as part of its Inspiring Women collection of Barbie dolls.

“Barbie is proud to honor the extraordinary Maya Angelou as the newest heroine in the Inspiring Women Collection,” Mattel an nounced via Twitter on Jan. 14. “As an author, activist and teacher, Dr. Angelou is an inspiration for what can be achieved when we speak up, stand out and refuse to be silenced.”

Since the role model line launched in 2018, Angelou is the 10th to be included in the series that also includes African Americans Rosa Parks and Ella Fitzger ald.

“The series pays tribute to incred ible heroines of their time; courageous women who took risks, changed rules and paved the way for generations of girls to dream bigger than ever be fore,” Mattel said in a statement. “Dr. Maya Angelou has received numerous awards and accolades including over 50 honorary doctorates, the Presiden tial Medal of Freedom and a National Book Award nomination for her 1970 autobiography, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. In 1993, she became the first African American and female poet to speak at a U.S. Presidential inauguration.”

The statement also said Angelou used her voice and unique writing style to connect with people and inspire generations.

The Maya Angelou Barbie is dressed in a floral print floor-length dress and matching head wrap. Accessories include a golden ring, watch, earrings, and a bracelet. The doll recreates

Angelou’s warm smile –displaying her signature gapped teeth and beautiful broad nose. The doll also features Angelou holding a copy of her memoir, I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings. The book, perhaps her most famous, has been translated into 17 languages and sold more than one million copies.

“Mvstermind” readies “Gems:

Muhammad Austin’s creative hub,

“The

Gem” airs its first performance

on Friday

By Danielle Brown Of the St. Louis American

The grind doesn’t stop for Muhammad “Mvstermind” Austin despite the coronavirus pandemic.

2020 was a year of blood, sweat, and tears as he released “Be’, the 29-year-old’s first project in four years, and the first installment of the three interconnected EPs titled, “BEGREATFOOL,,” a 23-song collective. Austin released the first EP in November. The lead single “Gems,” which rolled out in July, is centered around Austin’s skyrocketing success as an indie rapper. The journey included marriage to his wife, Savis Davis Austin, and becoming father to their now 2-year-old son, Moon. During these unprecedented times, some artists struggle with the idea of still putting out music. They’re left uninspired and uncertain of what’s to come next. As a result, they choose to take a break from the music.

Austin hasn’t had that problem, he’s been fortunate to consistently perform virtually and in-person. On Halloween, he headlined “All Hallows Bash,” a socially distanced outdoor concert at The Lot, a pop-up venue in downtown St. Louis, alongside Tonina, singer/songwriter from St. Louis who recently signed with Empire, an independent record label.

“It’s important for me to continue to push my artistry and perform during this time because

Mattel, maker of the iconic Barbie brand, announced last week that St. Louis native Dr. Maya Angelou is the latest to be honored with her own Barbie doll as part of their Inspiring Women Collection.

Although Angelou was a global citizen – and she spent her final years in North Carolina – St. Louis has the distinction of being the place where she was born. She entered the world on 3130 Hickory Street

Muhammad “Mvstermind” Austin and his team, (from left to right) Jayvn Solomon, Muhammad Austin, Matthew Scott and Bryant Powell, prepare for their first performance “Gems: The Augmented Reality,” scheduled to take place at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 22, on Facebook and Instagram.

I have a refreshing love for performing and expressing myself in front of people,” Austin said.

“Expanding that light from myself to others at this time is important because the world needs

musicians, entertainers and people who are going to show others that you can do this and

By Danielle Brown Of The St. Louis American

“I’m not a cook, but I have an amazing sauce.” Reggie Smith, owner of STL Pure Heat gourmet sauce, said.

Smith admits he’s not much of a cook, but after growing up and eating at McDonald’s a lot due to his mother’s lack of culinary skill, he decided to learn how to cook.

While he says he’s no chef, he’s proved you don’t have to be. And now he’s excited to see his sauces available in area Schnucks stores.

Said Pam Hild, category manager for Schnuck Markets, Inc.: “I am always excited to feature local products in our stores because our Schnucks customers love to support local businesses just like we do.”

“My personal favorite is the Garlic Heat,” Hild said. Smith said, “It’s an amazing feeling to know that you can go into a store you grew up going to with your mom, grandmother, and aunt to buy groceries, and now see your face on the shelf.”

“To see my face on that shelf it’s almost like, “Mama, I made it,” he said.

Smith wasn’t asked by Schnucks and other stores to sell his products. Instead, he took the direct but daring route by going to them and pitching his product to store owners and managers.

“Man, it was pure hustling and grinding,” Smith said. “Nobody reached out to me, it was footwork. I walked through those doors, sold myself, sold my sauce, I let them taste it, and it was over with from there.”

n “I saw that it was gonna go commercial, so I had to do it the proper way and get FDA-certified, get my ingredients on there, get the nutrition facts on the bottle, get a decent label made for it.”

— Reggie Smith

Aside from Schnucks, the sauce is sold in a number of local stores in St. Louis and in his native of East. St. Louis.

The owner of Discover Thermopolis called Smith after seeing an article about him in Sauce Magazine, and it’s now sold in Thermopolis, Wyoming. St. Louisans who’ve relocated to the DallasFort Worth area helped spark Interest there as many connected Smith with requesting the sauce. It’s now sold in those areas. The sauces are also available on www.walmart.com. The idea for his own line of sauces began in 2013 when he was owner and operator of the now-closed nightclub, Pure Ultra Lounge Bar and Grill.

Unfortunately, as most clubs that have come and gone in the city. Pure Ultra is another example of that. It closed due to unforeseen circumstances according to Smith; partly because of consistent gun violence and fighting in the area.

The establishment might be closed, but interest in his Sweet’n’Spicy sauce lingered. As interest in his sauce grew, Smith decided that even in the midst of the pandemic he would start selling it. He began with 12 bottles, then 100, eventually growing to 1,000 bottles every two weeks. He did all of this from the comfort of home.

As demand for the sauce continued to grow, he realized that he couldn’t keep selling it from home and it was a safety hazard having everyone know his address.

“I saw that it was gonna go commercial so I had to do it the proper way and get FDA-certified, get my ingredients on there, get the nutrition facts on

See Sauce, B2

Photo/Dawson Holter

Photo courtesy of Mattel.com

Continued from B1

still tap into your potential in the midst of a pandemic.”

Not only is it pertinent for Austin to provide hope and positivity to his fans and supporters during the pandemic, it’s just as crucial for him as an independent artist to always place himself and his team in a position where they all can eat.

“Being an indie artist, I take care of my family when I get paid from these shows,” he said. “I’m also taking care of my team since they’re employed by me. I always want to make sure that we can find other types of facets to bring in income.”

Last year, Austin and his production manager, Bryant Powell, created an in-house performance venue called ‘The Gem’, lifted from his single “Gems.”

A newly renovated warehouse now serves as an incubator hub for indie artists and

other creatives throughout the St. Louis region. The studio is equipped with cutting-edge audio and high-quality video technology.

Astroturf serves as carpet. Walking into the space you’ll find walls plastered with paint in a collage of vibrant colors done by Javyn Solomon, lead designer for many of Mvstermind’s live shows.

“The Gem is a magical manifested spot,” Austin said. “I want artists and creatives to come into the building to get whatever they need accomplished done and continue to focus on themselves, while they better their craft.”

Austin and MVCO have partnered with Maven, a digital media company started by Solomon, a graphic designer, and Matthew Scott, a filmmaker. The teams will collaborate closely at The Gem in an effort to produce dope high-quality content in visuals and concerts.

On Friday, Jan. 22, they will debut, “Gems: The Augmented Reality Experience,” an interactive engagement that unites the environment of the real world

through objects emphasized through computer-generated imagery. It is the venue’s first official concert.

“COVID threw a wrench for everyone around the world,” Solomon said. “Instead of reflecting on the negative, Matthew and I decided to launch our startup during the pandemic so we can collaborate on projects such as this. We’re looking forward to everyone seeing the end results and appreciate Mvstermind for extending this opportunity to us.”

“We really want people to phenomenally enjoy this show which they will, but also [we also want them to] understand the story behind it, ‘cause we think it’s quite a motivational tale,” Mvstermind said.

“Gems,” will be streamed live for free online at 7 p.m., Friday, on Mvstermind’s Facebook page, Mvstermind; and Instagram page, Mvstermind.

To RSVP and sign up for event updates, visit https://www.mvstermind.com/gemsxr.

Sauce

Continued from B1

the bottle, get a decent label made for it,” Smith said.

“I said if I’m gonna do it on this level then I need to start soliciting some of these stores so that I can stop having people come to my house. I started soliciting gas stations and minimarts near my house, and then I started going to the grocery stores.”

Smith insists that what makes his sauces different from others on the market is that they have a little something special to them.

“There’s a little soul with my sauce and it was made with a lot of love,” Smith said. “It wasn’t made originally for commercial use. It was made for personal use inside my bar and grill. It’s more of a personal touch to it.”

“I want everybody to give it a try,” Smith said. “Support a small business and help it to grow,” Smith said. Smith’s sauces come in three flavors: sweet and spicy; sweet and mild; and garlic heat. All are sold in 30 stores nationwide. They will be on local shelves in nearly 70 Schnucks stores across the metropolitan area by early

Barbie

Continued from B1

as Marguerite Johnson on April 4, 1928. The home was designated a city landmark in 2015.

“This modest house in a once-segregated St. Louis neighborhood helps to convey the journey Ms. Angelou made to become a renowned author, poet, performer and outspoken civil rights activist,” The landmark designation legislation reads. “And although Ms. Angelou’s life was spent in many places in the United States and abroad, the Property comprises an important part of the history of one of the most prominent

February, retailing for $6.99 each.

Pure Heat’s garlic heat sauce placed second in the Scovie Awards, a competition recognizing the top fiery foods around the world. Thirty-two states and five countries submitted entries and were judged by a panel of culinary experts.

If you have a local product and want to learn more about how to partner with Schnucks please visit https://rangeme. com/schnucksdiversity for more information. Learn more about the Scovie Awards here: scovieawards.com. For more information about STL Pure Heat: https://stlpureheat.com/.

and respected women of her generation.”

She chronicles some of her childhood experiences while living in St. Louis within the pages of I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings.

Mattel said that their selection of Angelou as the latest in the Inspiring Women Collection was part of their commitment to spotlight more Black role models who are female. In less than four days after the doll was announced, pre-orders of the Maya Angelou Barbie were sold out. But by visiting Barbie.com, those interested in purchasing the doll can be notified when more of the collector’s item will be available for sale.

“I am delighted that Barbie has chosen her as one of its

Inspiring Women,” Angelou’s son Guy Johnson said in a statement. “My mother, Dr. Maya Angelou, was a pioneer and an activist with an invincible spirit for justice.”

Johnson added that through her words and actions, she developed a unique ability to create deep connections with people around the world.

“She used to say, ‘I write from the Black perspective, but I aim for the human heart,’” Johnson said. “I hope the Barbie Maya Angelou doll will inspire new generations of teachers, writers and activists.” For more information on the Maya Angelou Barbie, visit www.barbie.com.

Monday, January 18, 2021

Join us for a virtual celebration of the life and legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Moderated by Kathryn Bentley, the event will feature music, dance, and theatrical performances by local artists Anita Jackson, Heather Beal, and Joel PE King in response to prints and photographs by Moneta Sleet Jr., who was inspired by Dr. King and the Civil Rights Movement. For more details, visit slam.org/mlkfreedomcelebration

Virtual Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Freedom Celebration

Reggie Smith, owner of STL Pure Heat gourmet sauce

Sports

InSIdE SportS

Vashon and Incarnate Word to meet in key game next week

The Chaminade Red Devils have enjoyed a tremendous run of success in boys basketball over the years with a couple of state championships, several state Final Four appearances and a group of alums who have made their way to the National Basketball Association, such as Bradley Beal, Jayson Tatum, Tyler Cook and the retired David Lee. The faces are different, but not much has changed around Chaminade as they have posted a 7-1 record this season with victories over such top teams as Cardinal Ritter, DeSmet and last Friday night’s road victory at CBC. They are currently in first place in the Metro Catholic Conference and ranked No. 2 in the Missouri Basketball Coaches Association Class 6 poll. Leading the charge this season are a pair of talented juniors in 6’10” Tarris Reed Jr. and 6’2” guard Damien Mayo. Both were instrumental in the Red Devils’ run to the Class 5 state Final Four last year as sophomores. Both have taken their games to another level as junior leaders. Reed has emerged as one of the top big men in the Midwest region. He has scholarship offers from several major Division I programs already, including Michigan State, Florida, Saint Louis University and many others. He is averaging 19.4 points, 12.1 rebounds and nearly two blocks a game. Mayo is an explosive guard who is averaging 15 points and 6.6 rebounds while shooting 38 percent from 3-point range. He has also received a number of Division I scholarship offers as well. Making up the supporting cast are a group of talented players who are getting

their first taste of extended varsity minutes. Junior Nate Straughter is a 6’2” guard who provides instant offense off the bench with his 3-point shooting. He is averaging 12.6 points a game while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range. Sophomores Bryan Ward and Nilavan Daniels are a pair of

nice guards while 6’7” junior Filip Sinobad is a forward who can shoot the ball from the perimeter.

RIP Dr. Blount

I would like to pass along my prayers and sympathies to the family and friends of Dr.

A year has passed since the St. Louis Blues hosted the NHL All-Star Weekend – and what a year it has been. College and professional sports, and much of American society, would be halted because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The Blues would wait months before defending their 2019 Stanley Cup –and be dismissed in the first round of the playoffs in the bubble of Edmonton. All-Star Weekend became the highlight of the fractured season. It began with the NHL honoring Willie O’Ree, who became the league’s first Black player with the Boston Bruins in 1958.

office on one of his frequent visits, he would always make time to come over to my desk to talk high school track. Dr. Blount was a keen observer of the middle distance events, especially the 800-meter run. If you were a star in the 800, Dr. Blount knew your name. Whether it was Darnell and Marquis Walker, Ann Heffner, Charles Jones, Kim Gardner or Brandon Miller, Dr. Blount knew who they were and he celebrated their success along with that of many others.

Vashon vs. IWA week

Make sure to mark down the date of next Tuesday, Jan. 26 on your girls’ basketball calendar. That is when a strong Vashon basketball team will pay a visit to Incarnate Word Academy to take on the nationally-ranked Red Knights. The Wolverines have one of the most talented teams in Class 4 in the state. Before their showdown with IWA, they also have games with Webster Groves and Lift for Life. Incarnate Word is currently 12-0 on the season. The Red Knights will visit Westminster on Friday in a rematch of the Visitation Christmas Tournament championship game.

Tyson Ford commits to Notre Dame

Lee Blount, who passed away last week. Dr. Blount was an avid track and field fan and we shared a mutual love for following the great track athletes in the St. Louis metro area. Dr. Blount was part of a group of sage gentlemen who would go to area high school track meets around the area and the state championships in Jefferson City. I used to call them the “Council of Elders.”

SportS EyE

Bruins to retire

The Bruins will retire O’Ree’s No. 22 sweater on Feb. 18 at the TD Garden, making him just the 12th Boston player to receive the honor.

A screening of the award-winning documentary “Willie,” was held at the Urban League’s Ferguson Community Empowerment Center. The film documents O’Ree’s life and career and ends with his selection into the Professional Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018. Unfortunately, O’Ree was unable to attend because of a health issue.

The Blues honored O’Ree in a short video tribute before the home opener against the San Jose Sharks on Monday night. It was January 18, the same date that O’Ree took the ice for the first time in 1958 and the evening of the 2021 Dr. Martin Luther King Day celebration.

The Blues also sported a helmet decal depicting the 85-yearold O’Ree in his recognizable Fedora with the words “Celebrating Equality.”

“I was at a loss for words there for a few seconds,” O’Ree told the Bruins website after learning his sweater would be retired.

“I’m overwhelmed and thrilled about having my Bruins jersey hung up in the rafters.”

While playing in a minor league, O’Ree was struck in an eye with a puck and lost sight in the eye.

They have been going to meets for decades. I loved those guys. During the meets, athletes and coaches alike would come up to the section where the group sat to pay their respects. Whenever he visited our

O’Ree’s

No. 22

Congratulations to John Burroughs football standout Tyson Ford, who gave a verbal commitment to attend Notre Dame on Monday afternoon. The four-star defensive end selected Notre Dame over his other three finalists, which were Missouri, Oklahoma and Georgia. The 6’6” 240-pound Ford was ranked among the top prospects in Missouri in the Class of 2022.

Note: Tyson Ford will be announcing his college choice at 2 p.m. today. When I get that information, I will fill in those blanks for you.

Even though he was advised to leave hockey behind, O’Ree refused. “I was obsessed with play-

ing the sport. Just that burning desire,” he said. “I said, ‘well, I can still see.’ I just kept on playing.”

O’Ree was a Bruin for just two seasons but continued playing professional hockey until 1979.

He also realizes, as with his Hall of Fame induction, that many years passed without any honors coming his way.

“It possibly could have happened sooner,” he said. “Sometimes things take a little longer.”

The Reid Roundup

The St. Louis Blues held an online auction to support the Christian Hospital Foundation and the annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. celebration. Game-worn jerseys from former Blues players of color Grant Fuhr, Ryan Reaves and Jamal Mayers were up for bid. Fuhr’s jersey went for $4,776… The NBA was the first sports league to celebrate Dr. King on an annual basis and there were tributes at every game on Monday. The Atlanta Hawks had a nice touch in trading the familiar ‘ATL’ on their jerseys for ‘MLK.’…

Seeing Kansas City Chiefs phenom quarterback Patrick Mahomes out on his feet

during last Sunday’s playoff win over Cleveland caused me to quiver… Bradley Beal and the Washington Wizards had Wednesday night’s game called off because of COVID contact tracing. It was the fifth game to be postponed. It is unknown if Beal is one of seven players that contracted the virus… Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum remains out of the lineup after contracting the virus and, as of Tuesday, there was not a date for his return… Ladue native Becky Sauerbrunn, team captain, was among the seven of 11 members of the U.S. Women’s National Team that knelt during the anthem before its match against Colombia on MLK Day… Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy interviewed for the open Houston Texans head coaching position. Of seven possible slots, five have been officially or reportedly filled by white coaches. The Philadelphia Eagles position was also open, as of Tuesday. The lone minority head coach hired is Robert Saleh with the New York Jets… Oklahoma State walk-on basketball player Dee

With Alvin A. Reid

Alvin A. Reid

Earl Austin Jr.

With Earl Austin Jr.

Charminade’s Bryan Ward Jr. (2) drives past CBC’s Justus Johnson (3) during action Friday, Jan. 15. The Red Devils of Charminade went on to hand the Cadets of CBC their first loss of the season 62-58.

Willie O’Ree broke the NHL’s color barrier on Jan. 18, 1958 as a member of the Boston Bruins. The team will retire his No. 22 sweater on Feb. 18.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant for the St. Louis American

In ‘Walking With the Excluded’ Rev. Dr. Starsky D. Wilson to discuss creating hope-filled future for youth

For the St. Louis American Saint Louis University, along with Loyola University Maryland and the University of San Francisco, will honor the life of the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. in a virtual event at 2:30 p.m., Thursday, Jan. 28, with Rev. Dr. Starsky D. Wilson, the president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund, as the keynote speaker.

Wilson is also a minister, philanthropist and activist, pursuing God’s vision of community marked by justice, peace, and love. The theme for his speech is “Walking with the Excluded: Accompanying Young People in the Creation of a Hope-Filled Future.”

Previously, Wilson served in St. Louis as president

and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation in St. Louis, a faithbased grant-making organization supporting a movement for child well-being through philanthropy, advocacy, and organizing for racial equity and public policy change.

Under Wilson’s leadership, Deaconess constructed and established the Deaconess Center for Child Well-Being, a 21,000 square foot community action tank. Each year, more than 15,000 citizens engage the Center to build power for children and families. Alongside its capacity-building support for non-profits, the Foundation sponsors a network of congregation-based Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools. From 2008 through 2018, Wilson pastored Saint

St. Louis pastors say the church must ask Black people to get coronavirus vaccine

By Andrea Y. Henderson

St. Louis Public Radio

When the Rev. Rodrick

Burton began a recent weekly Bible study via Zoom, he opened with prayer and a special announcement. He encouraged everyone on the call to get the coronavirus vaccine.

Burton and his leadership team at New Northside Missionary Baptist Church in

Jennings talk about the importance of the vaccine for Black people at least twice a week — midweek and Sunday services.

“I’m going to continue to message positive messages about the vaccine,” said Burton, who pastors a congregation of about 500.

Some Black preachers in the area are using their online services and social media channels to encourage members to take

John’s Church (The Beloved Community), related to the United Church of Christ.

After the police killing of Michael Brown Jr. in 2014, Wilson co-chaired the Ferguson Commission. In 2015, the Commission released the ‘Forward Through Ferguson: A Path Toward Racial Equity’ report, calling for sweeping changes in policing, the courts, child well-being and economic mobility.

Before heading to the Children’s Defense Fund, Wilson also served as a member of The St. Louis American editorial board.

The free virtual event will be held at 2:30 p.m.,Thursday Jan. 28;pre-registration is required. Register at alumni.slu.edu/mlktribute2021.

the vaccine because many are leery of it.

New Northside Missionary Baptist Church lost about 20 of its members last year, including about three congregants who died of COVID-19. Burton, also a member of the St. Louis Department of Health Clergy Advisory Board, said the loss of a few church leaders led him to discuss the vaccine as much as possible.

“My members said I just don’t trust it,” Burton said. “I want to see what happens.”

Burton shares his platform with Black doctors and nurses who are members of his church to help build trust in the vaccine.

“My biggest concern is that people will drag their feet in

getting it. And for me, it is very crystal clear, it is life or death,” Burton said.

The Rev. Anthony Witherspoon, senior pastor of Washington Metropolitan AME Zion Church, also is apprehensive about some of his Black members missing out on being vaccinated because of lack of information.

“The Bible tells us the Bible’s message that God wants us to be prosperous and in good health, and so if the vaccine is going to help us be on the way to good health, then that’s something we need to seriously consider doing as good stewards of the body that God has given us,” said Witherspoon, whose church in the Midtown neighborhood has

about 300 members.

Witherspoon allows his health unit to talk with church committees and answers COVID-19 related questions.

Both Witherspoon and Burton said the rushed vaccine and the misuse of African Americans for medical experiments in the past are common responses that many African Americans advert to as to why they are hesitant to take the vaccine.

Witherspoon is not hesitant to take the vaccine, but some other pastors are not sure.

Bishop Elijah Hankerson of North St. Louis’ Life Center International Church of God in Christ said he wants to learn more information about the vaccine before he talks to his

congregation of about 300 about the shot.

“What we’re doing in our local church is just adding more information to the pot so that people can look at that and just weigh their options as far as what they desire to do,” Hankerson said.

Hankerson said he is in consultation with his church’s staff doctors and nurses because he wants his church to be aware of the positives and negatives of the vaccine, because Black people have been hit hardest by the virus.

Andrea Henderson is a reporter for St. Louis Public Radio, a reporting partner of The St. Louis American.

Rev. Dr. Starsky D. Wilson is president and CEO of the Children’s Defense Fund.

AR SPECIALISTS / STAFF ACCOUNTANT

Urban Strategies Inc is seeking applicants for the AR specialists / Staff Accountant position for in our Central office. To view the full job descriptions visit https://urbanstrategiesinc.org/ about-us/ under Careers

FULL-TIME HOUSEKEEPERS

Fontbonne University has two openings for full-time Housekeepers. Applicant must have general housekeeping experience and the ability to work with little supervision. The incumbent will be assigned to a particular area of campus, and will be responsible for sweeping, mopping, dusting, trash removal and other housekeeping duties. Shifts available are M-F from 3:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. (afternoon) with occasional weekend rotation, and 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. (night). High school education preferred along with recent experience.

Benefits package included with generous holiday and vacation schedule. If interested, please submit an application and three references via the website at www.Fontbonne.edu/employment. If unable to apply via web, please call 314-889-1493 and leave a message requesting an application.

EOE

East-West Gateway Council of Governments has an opening for an Accounting Specialist I position. Please follow the link to view posts at http://www.ewgateway.org/ careers/ An Equal Opportunity Employer

MARKET ANALYST

Administrative position responsible for establishing reasonable rent level for each unit participating in the Housing Choice Voucher program in a manner that provides responsive customer service and complies with the program requirements. Duties include preparing and maintaining a rent reasonableness database; calculating and negotiating rents and rent increases; maintaining the Section 8 Utility Allowance Schedules and conducting owner outreach. This position involves extensive contact with the public. 2 years college in Business Administration or related field and three (3) years of related experience. Experience in Real Estate and knowledge of the Housing Choice Voucher or Affordable Housing programs is preferred. Starting Salary $50,000 Annually. Apply or send resume to: St. Louis Housing Authority, HR Division, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 by 5:00 p.m. February 3, 2021 via our website www.slha. org or email athomas@slha.org A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

PERSONAL CARE ATTENDANTS

Declare Home Health Care

Hiring Personal Care Attendants in St. Louis City and County (314) 201-3200

PUBLISH EVERY THURSDAY WE DISTRIBUTE IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, ST. CHARLES COUNTY, ST. LOUIS CITY, AND PORTIONS OF ILLINOIS

ACCOUNTING

Full-Time Accounting Assistant Proficient in Accounts Payable & Excel Spreadsheets. Working knowledge of Accounts Receivable. Understands General Ledger and Financial Reports. Professional phone etiquette & customer service skills.

Email resume with qualifications and work experience to: rbritt@stlamerican.com

Subject: Accounting Assistant Or you may mail to: St Louis American Newspaper Attn: Accounting Assistant 2315 Pine Street, St Louis, MO 63103 NO PHONE CALLS PLEASE

The City of Clayton is now accepting applications for the positions of Plans Examiner & Mechanic. To apply, visit www.claytonmo.gov/jobs EOE

POLICE OFFICERS

to https://richmondheights. applicantpro.com/jobs/ Applications will be accepted from January 11, 2021 through January 29, 2021.

POLICE OFFICER

The City of Olivette is accepting applications for the position of Police Officer. Salary range $56,732 - $73,542 w/excellent benefit package. Applicants must be 21 years of age and POST certified at time of appointment, have a valid driver’s license, be a high school graduate or equivalent, Associate’s Degree or a minimum of 64 hours of college credit preferred. Duties include, but are not limited to, Patrol, Traffic Enforcement, Enforcement of State and local laws and providing police services to the community. Application packets are available through the City’s website at www.olivettemo.com (Careers section) or by contacting Human Resources at dmandle@olivettemo.com. Application deadline is Friday, February 5, 2021 at 2:00 pm (deadline may be extended based on number of applications received). For additional information contact the Human Resources office at 314-983-5231 or dmandle@olivettemo.com

THE CITY OF OLIVETTE IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

To view all current openings and to apply, please visit www.stpetersmo.net/Jobs.

Applications are being accepted for Disability Determination Counselors in the St. Louis area. Starting salary is $40,728-$42,744. Deadline: January 25, 2021. View job description and application instructions at: https://mocareers.mo.gov/ hiretrue/ce3/job-board/ 5effe9b2-4b89-494b ac76-c45e25190768/29f8c0ed123b-4571-b75b-86871a2aaf52

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

U.S. Department of Transportation Public Meeting Notice

The opportunity for you to talk directly with Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) and Federal Transit Administration (FTA) in an open house meeting concerning your views on the transportation planning process in the St. Louis Metropolitan Planning Area is scheduled for:

Time: 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.

Date: Thursday, January 21, 2021

Place: Virtually via online platform. Link is available on the East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) website at www.ewgateway.org

This public meeting is a part of a review that will assess compliance with Federal regulations pertaining to the transportation planning process conducted by the EWG, Missouri Department of Transportation, Illinois Department of Transportation, Metro Transit Agency, Madison County Transit Agency, and local units of government in the St. Louis metropolitan area.

If you are not able to attend this scheduled public meeting, please address your comments to: Brad McMahon FHWA- Missouri Division 3220 West. Edgewood, Suite H Jefferson City, MO 65109 OR Eva Steinman FTA Region VII 901 Locust, Room 404 Kansas City, MO 64106

Individuals who need an accommodation for the meeting should contact EWG by email at titlevi@ewgateway.org or phone at 314-421-4220 or 618-274-2750. A request for an accommodation should be submitted to EWG at least 48 business hours prior to the meeting.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Responses for St. Louis Community College on RFP-B0004037 for Independent Audit Services will be received until 3:00 P.M. (local time) on Monday, February 15, 2021 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing

SITE CLEARING AND FENCE INSTALLATION

RFP 2021

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks proposals from qualified companies to provide site clearing and fence installation at a property in Franklin County. The site clearing needs to be completed by March 31, 2021. Bid documents are available as of 01/13/21 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

BID NOTICE

The City of Beverly Hills is soliciting qualifications to perform architectural/ engineering services to repair inlets and sidewalks. Sealed Bids due Friday, Feb 5, 2021, 10:00 a.m. at 7150 Natural Bridge Rd Ste 101, Saint Louis, MO 63121

BID NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking bids for repairs to pedestrian bridges. Go to www.greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ by February 3, 2021.

BID NOTICE

The City of Crestwood is seeking request for proposals for consultants for the Whitecliff Park Quarry Enhancement Project, Phase 2. This is an equal opportunity bidding event. Please call (314)729-4860 for more information. Qualified consultants may obtain a bid packet at www.cityofcrestwood.org

Submittal deadline is January 29, 2021 at 2:30 pm. The bids will to be received at the Crestwood Community Center, 9245 Whitecliff Park Lane, Crestwood, MO 63126.

BID NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking Bids for Mississippi Greenway: Walnut Bridge Canopy Repair. Go to www. greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by February 10, 2021.

applied to the evaluation of professional service prime contracts who are currently certified MBE-African American, Hispanic American, Asian American, Native American and WBE-Women owned Business Enterprises.

Point of Contact: Briana Bryant– bnbryant@flystl.com

Proposal documents may be obtained at St. Louis Lambert International Airport, Airport Properties Division, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., or by calling (314) 426-8174. This RFP may also be obtained by visiting our website at www.flystl.com/business/contract-opportunites.

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

Responses for St. Louis Community College on RFQ-B0004040 for Legal Consulting Services will be received until 3:00 P.M. (local time) on Friday, February 19, 2021 at the Dept. of Purchasing, 3221 McKelvey Road; Bridgeton, MO 63044, and immediately thereafter opened and read. Bid documents can be accessed on our website at www.stlcc.edu/purchasing

BID NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking a Volunteer Coordinator. Go to www.greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids/ and submit by January 29, 2021.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Stormwater Infrastructure Repairs (Rehabilitation) (2021) under Letting No. 13126- 015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Thursday, February 18, 2021 Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) St.Louis and various municipalities in St.Louis County and unincorporated St.Louis County 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 2731 S. Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 or at www.stlmsdplanroom.com. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Spring Ave Sanitary Relief (Yeatman Ave to Dale Ave) under Letting No. 12208-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 03:00 PM on Thursday, February 18, 2021

Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: Sewer Construction Webster Groves Drain Layers License Required

Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s websiteand look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available forviewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 2731 S. Jefferson Avenue, St.Louis, MO 63118 or at www.stlmsdplanroom.com. 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.

BID NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking qualifications for Digital Strategy and Support Service. Go to www.greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by January 22, 2021.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for Union/Lindell Bridge over Forest Park Parkway and Metrolink Reconstruction. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 p.m. CT, Thursday, February 18, 2021 at the Board of Public Service, 1200 Market Street, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org On Line Plan Room; or call Helen Bryant at 314-589-6214. 16% DBE participation goal for this project.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR: REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals to provide its Communicable Disease program with Website Design and Development Services for its HIV Prevention Programming. Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning January 4 2021, from the City of St. Louis Department of Health, Natalie Torres, 1520 Market Street-Suite 4027, St. Louis MO 63103, negronn@ stlouis-mo.gov, (314) 657-1491. Proposals may also be downloaded from the City of St. Louis website at www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/ procurement.cfm. All questions must be submitted in writing no later than January 11, 2021, to Natalie Torres at the information listed above. All questions will be addressed through addenda posted on the St. Louis City website at http://stlouis-mo.gov/. The deadline for submitting proposals is January 29, 2021, by 4:30 P.M. at the address listed above. The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any or all responses with or without cause.

BID NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking Bids for Mississippi Greenway: Walnut Bridge Canopy Repair. Go to www. greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by February 10, 2021.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Villa Dorado Drive Culvert No. C-2-416, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1712 will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouisco.munisselfservice. com/Vendors/default.aspx, until 11:00 a.m. on February 17, 2021.

Plans and specifications will be available on January 18, 2021 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

PJ Hoerr, Inc. Is Soliciting Bids MBE/WBE/DBE/Veteran/ SDVE for the following; University of Missouri, Columbia University

QuarterDeck HVAC Upgrade Bid Date: 2/9/21 @ 1:30pm Zoom Pre-Bid: 1/22/21 @ 1:00pm

https://umsystem.zoom.us/ j/96662191146?pwd= dDZabXZHL1lGZVMvRUc4N zkvN1hrUT09

Contact: Gabriel Rodriguez, gabe@pjhoerr.com

Phone: 309-688-9567 Phone: 309-688-9556

BIDS

Russell HBD, general contractor, is soliciting bids from subcontractors and suppliers certified through the City of St. Louis, MO, as M/WBE. This is an Historic Renovation of the existing 10 story, 163,530 sf YMCA into a 21c Museum Hotel with 174+/- guest rooms, bars, restaurant, ball rooms and meeting spaces. Plans are available on line at this link:

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/ wa3qbmzamkydgax/ ACC_73olAKmHHLsYl2 NAe1CDa?dl=0

Further details can be found by accessing the link provided or by contacting Russell HBD at 314-781-8000 for more information.

TO ADVERTISE YOUR BID, PUBLIC NOTICE, EMAIL ahouston@ stlamerican.com

Notice of Funding Availability St. Louis City Housing

The St. Louis City Community Development Administration (CDA) seeks proposals through a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) from developers interested in facilitating the new construction or rehabilitation of affordable housing defined as housing sold or rented to households earning at or below 80 percent of Area Median Income (AMI) as defined by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Market-rate projects will be allowed on a limited basis (see NOFA for details). The NOFA will be issued on January 15th, 2021. A copy of the NOFA can be obtained from CDA’s website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/cda. Deadline for proposal submission is March 12th, 2021 at 4:00 p.m. A workshop to explain the NOFA process and answer questions will be held by videoconference on January 28th starting at 9:00 a.m. Details on how to join the videoconference can be found at https://www.stlouis-mo. gov/cda. Any questions concerning this NOFA may be directed only by e-mail to cdanofa@stlouis-mo.gov.

CDA does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, disability, or national origin in the administration of the program. CDA is an equal opportunity Agency. Minority participation is

To

NOTICE OF INTENT TO REQUEST RELEASE OF FUNDS

Date of First Publication: 1/14/21

City of St. Louis: Community Development Administration (CDA) 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000 St. Louis, Missouri 63103 314-657-3700 / 314-589-6000 (TTY)

On or after 1/29/21, the City of St. Louis (“the City”) will submit a request to the U.S. Dept. of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for the release of the following funds, under Title I of the Housing & Community Development Act of 1974, PL93-383, as amended, 42 U.S.C.-5301 et seq., to undertake the following Public Improvement, within the City:

Public Improvement: Recreational Center Improvements

Purpose: The interior renovation of the existing facility public recreation centers to involve no ground disturbance consisting of the six recreational centers

Location: Site 1. 2907 Gamble, 63106 Site 2. 1515 N Kingshighway, 63113 Site 3. 1410 S Tucker, 63104 Site 4. 4025 Minnesota, 63118 Site 5. 4206 W Kennerly, 63113 Site 6. 3200 S Jefferson, 63118

Estimated Cost: Total development cost of this project is approximately $500,000, with $500,000 of funding coming from St. Louis City’s Year 2020 Federal CDBG Program Funds— Grant # B-18-MC-29-0006.

The activity proposed is categorically excluded subject to under HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58 from National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) requirements. An Environmental Review Record (ERR) that documents the environmental determinations for these projects is on file at the City’s CDA, at the address listed above, and may be examined or copied weekdays 8 A.M to 4 P.M, by contacting Rashonda Alexander, CDA, Program Manager II, at (314) 657-3803.

PUBLIC COMMENTS

Any individual, group, or agency may submit written comments on the ERR to Rashonda Alexander, CDA, Program Manager II, at the address listed above. Comments and questions pertaining to these programs can be directed to Matt Moak, CDA, Executive Director, at the address listed above. All comments received by 1/28/21 will be considered by the City prior to authorizing submission of a request for release of funds. Comments should specify which notice they are addressing. Visit https://www.onecpd.info/environmental-review/ environmental-review-records to review HUD ERR.

RELEASE OF FUNDS

The Certifying Officer of the City of St. Louis, Lyda Krewson, in her capacity as Mayor, 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 to use these program funds.

OBJECTION TO RELEASE OF FUNDS

HUD will accept objections to its release of funds and the City’s certification for a period of 15 days following the anticipated submission date or its actual receipt of the request (whichever is later) only if they are on one of the following bases: a) the certification was not executed by the Certifying Officer of the City; b) the City has omitted a step or failed to make a decision or finding required by HUD regulations at 24 CFR Part 58; c) the grant recipient or other participants in the development process have committed funds, incurred costs or undertaken activities not authorized by 24 CFR Part 58 before approval of a release of funds by HUD/State; or 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 58.76) and shall be addressed to Ms. Renee Ryles, Acting Community Planning & Development Director, HUD, 1222 Spruce Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103 (314) 418-5405. Potential objectors should contact HUD to verify the actual last day of the objection period.

Lyda Krewson, Mayor Certifying Officer

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Upgrades to Air Distribution System at the State Capitol Building, P r o j e c t N o . O2016-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 1/28/2021 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

REQUEST FOR BIDS PINNACLE CONTRACTING

Washington University Investment Management Company

101 South Hanley Rd, Suites 1850 & 1850A, Clayton, MO 63105

Due date: 1/21/21 at 5:00pm.

Partial renovation of existing office space, originally built out in 2016.

Existing video conference room to be converted into two separate focus rooms. Remove existing coat closet and portion of adjacent storage/file room to open up to open office/reception area.

Modify existing systems furniture in open office area. Ddd two standard and one executive office. MBE/WBE participation strongly encouraged from all bidding subcontractors. Contact Keana at keana@pinnaclecontracting.com or 314-783-8000 ext. 0 for more information.

CITY OF JENNINGS INVITATION FOR BID (IFB)

City Owned Property Auction – IFB #01-21

The City of Jennings is seeking sealed bids for the auction of city owned properties. Bids will be accepted during the period of January 25 - February 5, 2021 no later than 4:00 p.m. CST. They should be addressed “Sealed Bid” to the attention of the City Clerk. Bidder should submit one (1) original and two (2) copies of the bid. Sealed bids will be opened and publicly read aloud on February 11, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. via Zoom. Visit Jennings City Hall or the City’s website at (www.cityofjennings.org) for details on the bid specifications, pictures and addresses of the properties.

Zoom Meeting Information: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89069226176?pwd=dXkxeEhHSkNqc2FzZzhsaXRxY3VDQT09

Meeting ID: 890 6922 6176 Passcode: 439475

One tap mobile +13126266799,,89069226176#,,,,*439475# US (Chicago) +19292056099,,89069226176#,,,,*439475# US (New York)

Dial by your location +1 312 626 6799 US (Chicago) +1 929 205 6099 US (New York)

Please contact Myra Randle, Economic Development Specialist, at 314-388-1164 or mrandle@cityofjennings.org if there are any questions or to request additional information.

BID NOTICE

The City of Crestwood is seeking request for proposals for consultants for the Whitecliff Park Quarry Enhancement Project, Phase 2. This is an equal opportunity bidding event. Please call (314)729-4860 for more information. Qualified consultants may obtain a bid packet at www.cityofcrestwood.org Submittal deadline is January 29, 2021 at 2:30 pm. The bids will be accepted at the Crestwood Community Center, 9245 Whitecliff Park Lane, Crestwood, MO 63126. www.cityofcrestwood.org or can be emailed to eramirez@cityofcrestwood.org

St. Louis County, in

20SL-CC05483, appointed Hospitality Receivership Services, Inc. (111 Westport Plaza Dr., Suite 500, St. Louis, Missouri 63146) as the general receiver for Route 66 Hospitality, LLC (Registered Agent: SPRA Corp., 120 S. Central, Suite 1600, Clayton, Missouri 63105). Husch Blackwell LLP (190 Carondelet Plaza, Suite 600, St. Louis, Missouri 63105. Attn: Joseph P. Conran and Mohsen Pasha) seeks appointment to be counsel for Hospitality Receivership Services, Inc.

& MAINTENANCE CENTRAL ELEMENTARY INTERCOM SYSTEM

Sealed bids to provide labor, material, and professional services to install intercom hardware are being requested from the FergusonFlorissant School District and will be received and publicly opened on Tuesday January 26, 2021 at 1:15pm at the Operations & Maintenance Facility located at 8855 Dunn Road (Rear); Hazelwood, MO 63042. Bid specs must be obtained at: http://new.fergflor.K12.mo.us/ facilities-rfq. Contact Matt Furfaro (314) 824-2418

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 21 501, Replace Boiler in Childcare Building, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, until 2:00 p.m. local time, Tuesday, January 26, 2021. Bids can be dropped in the mail slot at the front door of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park Drive. Bids will be opened and read by the Manager of Engineering and Design (Ken Kempf), 5464 Highland Park Drive (Plan Room). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained by emailing Angie James at ajames84@stlcc.edu

Voluntary PREBID Meeting: January 18, 2021 at 9:00am at Childcare Building, Florissant Valley 3400 Pershall Road, St. Louis, MO 63135 An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

BID NOTICE

The City of Crestwood is seeking bids for the Operation and Management of the Whitecliff Park Aquatic Center. This is an equal opportunity bidding event. Please call (314)729-4860 for more information. Qualified contractors may obtain a bid packet at www.cityofcrestwood.org The sealed bids are due January 21, 2021 at 2:00 pm. The bids will to be received at the Crestwood Community Center, 9245 Whitecliff Park Lane, Crestwood, MO 63126. www.cityofcrestwood.org

STLZOO MAGAZINE RFP 2021

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified contractors to print four issues of stlzoo Magazine. Bid documents are available as of January 13, 2021 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

INVITATION TO BID

You are invited to submit a bid proposal for the University of Missouri-St. Louis, Mark Twain Building Mezzanine Repairs project. Work shall be performed in the northeast corner of the first floor. Project includes demolition, structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work.

Subbids are due at 12 p.m. on January 20, 2021. These may be emailed to bids@tarltoncorp.com. Any questions, please contact Nathan Hart at 314.633.3334 or NLHart@tarltoncorp.com.

Diversity participation goals are as follows: Subcontracting with Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) of 20%, with Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVE) of 3% and with Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Disadvantage Business Enterprise (DBE), and/or Veteran Owned Business of 20% of awarded contract price for work to be performed. It is our desire to provide meaningful opportunities for minority-owned (MBE) and women-owned (WBE) businesses to participate in the construction projects we complete for our clients. Firms that do not have MBE/WBE status are strongly encouraged to include MBE/WBE firms in their contracting and purchasing plans. Additionally, we work to enhance diversity through the workforce, or “boots on the ground,” which serves to increase the representation of women, minorities, and apprentices, and St. Louis City residents.

To view this invitation on BuildingConnectedsite: https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/55b2997ad17b3807006f2618 Tarlton is an equal opportunity employer.

LETTING #8723

2020 Capital Main Replacement Program – New 20” Mains in Jefferson and Cass Ave.

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service in Room 301 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Mo. Until 1:45 PM, CT, on February 16, 2021, 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).

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).

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Black History Month at the Missouri Historical Society

By Shakia Gullette and Nya Hardaway

The Missouri Historical Society (MHS) will usher in Black History Month with virtual programs about MHS’s African American History Initiative (AAHI) and the Black family on February 2–4.

The AAHI strives to promote stories that explore facets of the African American experience throughout this region and greater cultural understanding and collaborative efforts to strengthen ties between MHS and underserved communities in the St. Louis area. In addition to supporting the core values of MHS, the AAHI supports the development of future museum professionals who will have the potential to create change in the history museum field.

One of the primary aims of the AAHI is to expand MHS’s community and educational programs. Alongside this aim, the initiative prioritizes the strategic collection of artifacts and oral histories of historically underrepresented people. Reflecting the goals and priorities of the community, the AAHI supports the development of exhibitions to education, empower, and enlighten visitors.

The AAHI was created in 2015 through a generous gift from Emerson. In summer 2020, the AAHI presented a series titled “How Did We Get Here?,” a collection of workshops, presentations, and keynote speakers that facilitated the process of addressing and combatting systemic racism by evaluating present conditions of inequality through a historical lens. This program was designed to invite the perspectives and understandings of community members on debates in critical race theory outside of an academic setting. The AAHI’s efforts with “How Did We Get Here?” highlight the ability of history museums to remain present and responsive as they incorporate contemporary events in their presentation of history. Learn more about the AAHI at 6:00pm on Tuesday, February 2, and Wednesday, February 3, in an online program, The Makings of the African American History Initiative at the Missouri Historical Society, presented with the St. Louis County Library. This program is free, but registration is required. Visit mohistory.org/ events for more information.

Expanding our virtual learning platform, the AAHI is shifting to a virtual celebration of Black History Month this year. For 2021, the AAHI is celebrating the national theme of the Black Family. The year begins with a virtual Emancipation Day Celebration and will continue with presentations, workshops, and discussions highlighting the development and importance of the position of the Black Family in American society.

On February 4, the AAHI is pleased to present Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr. as its keynote speaker. Glaude will speak on The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity as part of MHS’s STL History Live series.

One of the nation’s most prominent schol-

ars, Glaude is the James S. McDonnell Distinguished University Professor and chair of the African American Studies department at Princeton University, as well as former president of the American Academy of Religion. Glaude, a native of Moss Point, Mississippi, is a graduate of Morehouse College and holds a master’s degree in African American studies from Temple University and a PhD in religion from Princeton University.

He is the author of Democracy in Black: How Race Still Enslaves the American Soul and the New York Times –bestselling Begin Again: James Baldwin’s America and Its Urgent Lessons for Our Own , among other books on Black history, democracy, philosophy, and religion. His book Exodus! Religion, Race and Nation in Early 19th Century Black America was awarded the Modern Language Association’s William Sanders Scarborough Book Prize.

Glaude regularly appears on MSNBC programs and Meet the Press, and he writes for Time, including a recent column about the insurrection at the US Capitol on January 6, “We Can Make America Anew Only If We’re Honest about the Depth of the Ugliness and Hate Today” (January 11, 2021). In addition, he also hosts Princeton’s AAS podcast, a conversation around the field of African American studies and the Black experience in the 21st century.

Glaude is known for both his inspiring oratory and his ability to convene conversations that engage fellow citizens from all backgrounds, from young activists to corporate audiences. Combining a scholar’s knowledge of history, a political commentator’s take on the latest events, and an activist’s passion for social justice, Glaude challenges all of us to examine our collective American conscience, “not to posit the greatness of America, but to establish the ground upon which to imagine the country anew.”

“The Black Family: Representation, Identity, and Diversity” begins at 6:30pm on Thursday, February 4. Visit mohistory.org/events for more information and to join the program through Zoom.

Black Culture in the Gateway City

By Darralynn Hutson

St. Louis is the perfect place to relax and recover from the craziness of our unpredictable world. My daughter and I recently enjoyed a three-day adventure around St. Louis filled with good food, fun attractions, and shopping. During our visit, we were able to experience the Black culture and entrepreneurship throughout the city. Here are some fun ways to cure cabin fever and be a tourist in your own town.

1. The Angad Arts Hotel is rich in colorful imagery. Each room has a designated color palette depending on the mood of its patron. The celebration of art and local talent can be seen in every inch of the property. My green room featured a number of specialty items like an umbrella, reading chair, and bold painting above the bed. The green represented my mood for a wealth of new adventures throughout the city. We also took the time to visit the numerous art exhibits throughout the hotel.

2. If you are looking for a good steak, stop by Prime 55. Prime 55 originally marketed itself as St. Louis’s new sexy restaurant experience, but the atmosphere has a homey vibe to it. The promise made by Orlando Watson and Tony Davis, co-owners and childhood friends, to their staff to continue to generate income for them and their families drove them to stay open during the hard times of COVID-19.

3. Relax with a peaceful yoga class with The Collective STL. The husband and wife team have created a safe space on the old north side of the city for Black folks to come and experience their yoga practice authentically. Offering classes, fresh veggies from their garden, and warm apple cider, this studio was a true breath of fresh air.

4. Pharoah’s Donuts in down-

grown so rapidly that she’s created an online distribution center inside the CIC Building to house her current inventory and process her online orders.

7. BB’s Jazz, Blues and Soups has been a part of the St. Louis downtown scene for more than 50 years. The kitchen makes hot catfish nuggets, the bar serves cold Budweisers, and the stage feeds your soul with your favorite R&B jams from the ’90s. The cover band Love Jones played the night I visited and belted out tunes by Jill Scott, Eric Benet, and Erykah Badu.

town St. Louis is the perfect spot for breakfast. Co-owners and father-daughter duo Amon Aziz and Syeeda Aziz-Morris have been bringing Pharaoh’s Donuts to close to 50 gas stations and corner stores in Missouri and Illinois for over 20 years. Their assortment includes old-school favorites like glazed donuts, cinnamon rolls, apple fritters, lemon-filled donuts, and more!

5. If you are interested in a perfect mixture of flavors from Tanzania, Mexico, and America, all plated into scrumptious breakfast and brunch dishes with refreshing cocktails, then the Egg is your place. Co-owners Lassaad Jeliti and Mengesha Yohannes (also co-owners of Bar Italia restaurant) seem more like brothers than business partners who work tediously to create a family atmosphere at their restaurants.

6. Get your shop on at Honey’s Child Plus Size Boutique! Owner Letitia Young opened her boutique nine years ago and it became St. Louis’s first plus-size boutique. Honey’s Child was named after Young’s mother who, after the death of her husband, raised her children to be the best and lead by example. Her business has

8. Olivia Ridgel, owner of C. Oliver Coffee + Flower Bar, celebrated her first year in operation in September. Decked in floral prints of soft pinks, white and yellow, Oliver’s Coffee + Flower bar is too adorable for words. Six months pregnant with her first child, yet still committed to carving out her own safe space, Ridgel created this coffee house because she didn’t feel comfortable anywhere else.

9. Catch up with Steve from the famous St. Louis Steve’s Hot Dogs. We enjoyed delicious hot dogs topped with bacon, cheese and hot peppers. Serving hot dogs with names like bacon, bacon Jamaican, prince Akeem, and donkey burger, Steve’s flavor-filled comfort food became a huge component to keeping his block afloat. Owner and operator Steve Ewing stated that he learned a lot about himself and learned how his hard work would contribute to the success he has seen during COVID-19.

St. Louisans are so fortunate to have these great businesses in your community and it was a real treat for me to explore St. Louis! Make sure you support your own and plan your next staycation by visiting explorestlouis.com

Dr. Eddie S. Glaude Jr., Black History Month keynote speaker.

Darralynn Hutson