January 25th, 2018 Edition

‘The case is closed –the verdict is well-done’

Life and legacy of Frankie Muse Freeman celebrated at homegoing service

By Gentry W. Trotter

n “Today, we can say to Sister Frankie

– Rev. Donnie Robinson

The homecoming celebration of Frankie Muse Freeman on Saturday, January 20 was held at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, just blocks away from where hundreds of women were preparing to march against a patriarchal status quo. They marched for wage parity, respect and an end to sexual harassment and exploitation. It was a fitting coincidence. Freeman – who passed Friday, January 12 at age 101 – had been a determined, lifelong foe of sexism and racism.

“There has been gender discrimination from the beginning of the world,” Freeman once said. “The point is that you have to combat it. But you have to combat it

Bail Project opens office in St. Louis

By Jessica Karins For The St.

Jeanie Ames likens Michelle Obama to ‘a giant rat,’ self-identifies as ‘Confederate’

By Jessica Karins

n “When you hold views like Ms. Ames holds, there are going to be children who get left behind and get left out.”

– Erik Altman, Parkway parent

A candidate for the Parkway School District’s Board of Education has apparently been posting controversial content on her Twitter account, including calling for a ban on Islam in America and referring to Michelle Obama as a “giant rat.” On the Board of Education’s website, Jeanie Ames describes herself as a candidate running to support the families of children with special needs, based on her experiences in nonprofit work and with her own three children. According to her bio, she previously taught at Marion Elementary School in the Ritenour School District and was PTO

Attorney, protest veteran advise taking a lawyer to any FBI interview

By Rebecca Rivas

The Federal Bureau of Investigation is reaching out to St. Louis activists to ask them questions about police conduct during the September protests that followed the notguilty verdict in the murder trial of former St. Louis police officer Jason Stockley. But Ferguson activist Keith Rose warned that people should get a lawyer before speaking with FBI agents. “Even though you may want to help the FBI build up evidence against [St. Louis Metropolitan Police] officers, you still shouldn’t talk to them about anything (even just casually over the phone) without a lawyer present,” Rose wrote in a Facebook post. “That’s because even if they are investigating police officers, they still can use any information that comes up to prosecute (or surveil) you and/or other activists.”

Photo by Wiley Price

Frankie Muse Freeman lie in state at the Missouri History Museum in the Grand Hall on Friday, January 19. The iconic civil rights attorney passed Friday, January 12 at age 101.

Louis American

Photo by Wiley Price

Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, and Adolphus Pruitt, NAACP St. Louis City Branch president, were among the pallbearers for Frankie Muse Freeman. Her homecoming celebration was held Saturday, January 20 at Washington Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, then the pioneering civil rights attorney was interred at Calvary Cemetery.

Too Short accused of sexual battery

According to TMZ, rapper Too Short is facing a lawsuit that stems from an alleged sexual battery.

In documents obtained from the celebrity news and gossip site, the rapper assaulted the accuser on several occasions between June and October of 2016.

According to the documents, the accuser says she and Short met in December 2015, and eventually produced a song together in April 2016. She claims that’s when he made the first unwanted advances. She claims the first assault went down in June when they went to a hotel room in Downtown Los Angeles.

She claims subsequent incidents

happened in hotel rooms or the studio.

She’s suing for sexual battery, sexual harassment, gender violence, gender discrimination and false imprisonment.

Shantel

Jackson wants Floyd to forget about lawsuit

Last year, boxer Floyd Mayweather filed a lawsuit against his ex-fiancée Shantel Jackson accusing her of making unauthorized charges on his credit cards during their relationship.

According to The Daily Mail, Jackson fired back at the boxer’s claim that she ran up his credit card without his knowledge, saying he was fully aware Jackson, 33, attempted to shut down accusations made in Mayweather’s lawsuit against her that claimed she helped herself to his cash and went on shopping sprees behind his back.

In recently filed court papers, Jackson denies each and all allegations of wrongdoing in her ex’s lawsuit.

complaint. Further, she says the boxer consented to the alleged transactions and for her to be in possession and/or own the disputed property.

Jackson argues the undefeated boxing champion’s own conduct bars him from suing her and says he knew about each purchase she made. Jackson is demanding his entire case be thrown out.

Mo’Nique stands by Netflix boycott request

On Monday, comedian Mo’Nique urged her fans to boycott Netflix after accusing them of lowballing her on a comedy special.

In an interview with TMZ, Mo’Nique declared herself the most decorated comedian alive and insists Netflix is discriminating against her because she is a black woman.

She says Mayweather has not been damaged as he alleges in his

given these offers based off their resumes?”

A pregnant Princess Love has left Ray J

“Love and Hip Hop Hollywood” star Princess Love took to her social media to break the news that she hit her breaking point with husband Ray J On Monday, she deleted every picture of Ray J from her social media account and then posted a note on Instagram about men never changing.

Princess Love

Mo’Nique also accuses Netflix CEO of refusing to engage with her husband/manager in negations after he turned down the $500k offer.

“I’m a Black woman in Hollywood,” Mo’Nique told TMZ’s Harry Levin. “Why should I have to take it somewhere else when my comedian brothers and sisters have been

“The problem is women think he will change, he won’t,” Princess Love wrote. “And men make the mistake of thinking she will never leave, she will.”

She also used her Twitter account to reinforce the notion that she and Ray J. are over.

“If you’re going to stay with a man, do it because that’s what you truly want. Never stay because of children. When they grow up, then what?” the reality starlet tweeted. “Your hardest times often lead to the greatest moments in your life. It will all be worth it in the end.”

Sources: TMZ.com, Vibe.com, The Daily Mail.com, Instagram.com

Too Short

Mo’Nique

Number of refugees resettling in St. Louis decreases

Trump admin tells International Institute to expect only 450 in 2018

By Sophie Hurwitz For The St. Louis American

In 2017, 659 refugees arrived in St. Louis, which represents a sharp decrease in resettlement from the previous year, when 1,135 refugees came here. This decrease came because of White House executive orders and travel bans. Afghan, Congolese, Somali and Iraqi refugees were the largest groups admitted during the year.

About 20 percent of those refugees, from Afghanistan and Iraq, worked with the U.S. Army at some point before resettling here.

“As the American military pulls out of those countries, then they’re obviously also bringing people who worked with them – interpreters and drivers and civil engineers that built the roads, and doctors that patched them up in the hospital,” said Anna Crosslin, president of the International Institute of St. Louis, a nonprofit that (among other things) provides integration services to new immigrants and refugees coming to St. Louis.

Though the decrease in refugees admitted this past year is stark, proposed admissions for 2018 are even bleaker. The International Institute has received word that they should only expect 450 arrivals this year, according to the organization.

“There is no question that fewer refugees being sponsored to St. Louis negatively affects the amount of work that the International Institute does,” Crosslin said. “However, in total, we serve about 8,000 immigrants and refugees a year from 80 countries.

So the refugee resettlement program itself, and the decline in numbers in the refugee resettlement program, does have an adverse effect, but we are still very, very busy.”

She added that, although the current national government seems

less than welcoming to immigrants and refugees, “St. Louis has been historically very open and welcoming to refugees. One of the most notable instances of that is back in the 1990s, when Bosnian refugees were resettled here. In total, we sponsored about

Yvonne T. Chatwell

7,000 Bosnian refugees over a period of 1993 to 2001. Then family and friends joined them from other cities, creating a community that now is in excess of 60,000 people, certainly one of the largest in the U.S.” She said that St. Louis has benefited

n “There’s been a history of resettling refugees in large numbers, them being Muslims, and St. Louis being welcoming to them.”

– Anna Crosslin, International Institute

enormously from taking in large numbers of, specifically, Muslim refugees in the past.

“And Bosnians, people may not remember this, are actually Muslims,” she said. “So there’s been a history of resettling refugees in large numbers, and there’s been a history of them being Muslims, and there’s been a history of St. Louis being welcoming to them. And we have seen that continue in the current climate.” Crosslin said she has seen decreases in the number of refugees resettled here in St. Louis before, as public opinion shifts. “We have had years when we have had fewer than 450 arrivals in St. Louis,” she said. “In the period following 9/11, for several years the arrivals were in the 250-350 per year range.”

The International Institute has seen waves of immigration come and go before. But Crosslin said that for refugees, a change in relocation allotment numbers on a page can make a life-changing difference.

“The real tragedy is for the individuals themselves,” she said.

“Many, many more who are desirous and desperate for freedom and safety will not be able to come. And it’s too bad for the community, which benefits from the multicultural environment that these people bring, and the opportunities that they present in terms of being entrepreneurs and skilled workers, and others who really can contribute to our community and help us grow.”

Above: A Somali refugee looks through donations at the International Institute of St. Louis to select winter coats for her family.

Right: A Somali refugee studies English at the International Institute of St. Louis.

Photos courtesy of The International Institute of St. Louis

Editorial /CommEntary

Trump is a color-liner, not hardliner, on immigration

President Trump’s obscene insult for Haiti, El Salvador and African nations – that they are “shithole countries” – reported by U.S.

Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) may have set a new, low standard for how an American head of state discusses another nation. But remove the obscenity and you have a sentiment that has been a primary plank of the Trump campaign and administration. When Trump talks about “protecting our borders,” we never hear about the northern border with Canada, a nation whose population is more than three-quarters white. Trump says he wants to protect America from Mexicans, a group of brown-skinned immigrants he equated with rapists on the campaign trail. His immigration policies – largely crafted by a bloodless, white, 30-something named Stephen Miller – have targeted nations whose people are majorityMuslim and -nonwhite.

Miller’s reported steering Trump away from a deal that would reaffirm the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, no one doubts, is based largely on the fact that DACA Americans are not white. Nearly 63 million people – the overwhelming majority of them white – voted for Trump.

One cringes to consider how many of these Americans agree with the sentiment that America should stop admitting immigrants of color, or stop admitting as many. Perhaps they know or sense that the United States is on trend to evolve into a majorityminority country, like it was before Columbus sailed the ocean blue – or long before a 16-yearold barber from Bavaria named Frederick Trump immigrated to the U.S. in 1885, making it possible for his grandson Donald to grow up American and (to the misfortune of this country and its people) successfully run for U.S. president.

The Republican Party’s policies are consistent with a strategy for white people to remain the dominant majority in this country. If immigration and birth trends continue, and the United States remains a democracy, then white people are destined to become another minority in our multi-racial democracy, rather than the uncontested ruling caste they have been

since the birth of this nation. So limiting the influx of people of color with new immigration restrictions and infringing on minority voting rights by passing voter photo ID regulations that have the practical impact of disenfranchising racial minorities (as well as some other groups) are sound policies for those white Americans who wish to retain their privilege and power. So is packing the federal bench with like-minded judges and gerrymandering U.S. House districts to dilute minority representation. This joins the inherently conservative bias of the U.S. Senate, where red states with tiny populations like Wyoming (which has roughly half the population of St. Louis County) have equal representation as massively populated blue states like California, with a population of nearly 40 million. We have the generally conservative U.S. Senate to thank for blocking needed progressive reforms of health care, the tax code, the budget – and immigration.

Stephen Miller and his former boss, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, are often called “hardliners” on immigration. This is a misnomer – much like calling Trump a “populist” when his appeal is not to “the people” generally but to white identity. Trump is not a populist, but a white supremacist (as was his father, who was reportedly arrested at a KKK rally in Queens, New York in 1927). Race-baiting has long been part of Trump’s business activities, and he has exploited racial tensions in this country to win the White House. Trump, Sessions and Miller are not hardliners on the immigration issue, they are color-liners. Everyone got that message when Trump wondered out loud why the U.S. is not immigrating people from “countries like Norway,” one of the whitest nations on the face of the earth, rather than Haiti, El Salvador or Nigeria.

“The problem of the twentieth century,” the great W.E.B. Du Bois famously wrote, “is the problem of the color-line.” As the almost unfathomable elevation of Donald Trump to the U.S. presidency and everything he has done while in office has made painfully clear, the twenty-first century has the exact same problem.

Commentary

Frankie Freeman, LBJ, white privilege and democracy

By Mike Jones Columnist

As we stop to note the passing of Frankie Muse Freeman and honor an incredible life that was extraordinarily well lived, we must pay specific homage to her service to the country on behalf of our community. The historical record will forever link her name with the 36th POTUS, Lyndon Baines Johnson. Johnson appointed Freeman to the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights in 1964, the first woman ever appointed to the commission.

LBJ changed the structural nature of American society and, with it, the course of American history. We’re all aware that he passed the 1965 Voting Rights Act, but the world took little note and no one has remembered his other prophetic accomplishment of that year, the Immigration and Nationality Act of 1965, also known as the Hart-Celler Act. The reason we will have the opportunity to deliver a mortal blow to structural white privilege in November is the convergence of the historical arc of these two monumental legislative achievements. The Voting Rights Act gave black Americans, with the support of the federal government, full and complete access to the American political system for the first time in history. This led to a sea change in the American political landscape. Though there had never been a black mayor of a major American city, in 1968 Carl Stokes was elected mayor of Cleveland, Ohio and Richard Hatcher was elected mayor of Gary, Indiana. In 1965, there were six black members in the U.S. House of Representatives; currently, there are over 50.

Johnson unleashed an even more powerful change agent with the passage of the Immigration and Nationality Act. The act abolished the quota system based on national origins that had been the foundation of American immigration policy since the 1920s. American immigration policy had favored northern Europeans and discriminated against the rest of the world, often actively barring people of color. HartCeller would significantly, and unintentionally, alter the demographic mix of the United States. In 1960 there were 179 million people in America; 88.6 percent were white, 10.5 percent were black, and there were not enough other people to bother categorizing. In 2016, the Census Bureau estimated there were 323 million Americans, with 61 percent white, 18 percent Latino, 13 percent black and 6 percent Asian. By 2040 it’s projected that America will be a majority minority country. But elections are not about residents of the country, but citizens who are eligible to vote. In 2016 the Census Bureau estimated there were 243 million voting-age citizens, and 66 million were citizens of color. Consider what the numbers tell you about the future. Of the 177 million voting-age white citizens, 102 million are over 45. Of the 66 million votingage citizens of color, 38 million are under 45. One-third third of all the voters in the United States under 45 are people of

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Open letter to President Trump

By Walle Amusa For The St. Louis American

With this letter, I add my voice to the growing chorus of individuals and organizations calling for an apology for your disparagement of women, African Americans, Haitians, Africans in general, and Nigerians in particular.

Almost every day, you insult, disrespect, disparage and smear people from all walks of life for cheap political gain. Of particular concern are the vile insults you’ve directed at women, Africans, African Americans, and people of color that you don’t even know. I was taught very early by my Nigerian parents that respect for the lives and dignity of others is the measure of balance in all human relationships. As a scientist, I know that human beings feel rejection and humiliation in the same part of the brain that they feel physical pain. When you disparage and disrespect people, it is important for you to know that you are inflicting pain.

There are four core principles that guide morality, decency and good public policy in our world today.

First, the life of a white person is neither more nor less important than the life of any other human being on the face of this earth. The life of your son, Barron, is neither more nor less important than the life of any child in Haiti, Nigeria, Jamaica, South Africa, London,

Mexico, France, United States, or anywhere else in the world.

All the treasures of the world cannot replace the life of any child.

Second, the desire for a better life is neither white, black nor brown. It is universal. You and your children, born in the United States, have never advocated moving your family back to Kallstadt, the little impoverished Bavarian village from which your unemployed grandfather emigrated to the United States. Your supporters who call on the children of immigrant families to go back to Haiti, Africa or wherever their parents came from need to cut the crap.

Third, racism, antiSemitism and tribalism are indicators of curable mental illness. This illness is nurtured by a callous disregard for the lives, rights and dignity of others. When this illness is coupled with greed and an exaggerated sense of entitlement, heinous crimes are committed.

Life unworthy of life was the sick rationale for the genocide of Nazism and Apartheid. Life unworthy of rights was the justification of the unjustifiable atrocities of slavery, Jim Crow and the continuing

Letters to the editor

Public safety and civil rights

I appreciated the timely interview done by Rebecca Rivas of Police Chief John Hayden. Her persistent questioning and his reflective, candid responses gave me hope that past mistakes and injustices are going to be addressed and not repeated in the future.

color.

In the 2008 election of Barak Obama, white America was looking at previews of coming attractions. If you are a white male supremacist or just someone who wants to continue to enjoy the privileges that come from being white in America, it’s game over. This is all you need to know to understand the virulent, racist reaction that produced the Trump presidency and the rock-solid political support he has from the “Make America White Again” Republican Party.

If you are a white American, you have been able to believe two contradictory propositions were compatible: liberal democracy and white male privilege. In fact, the entire American project was founded on this contradiction. Beginning with the November 2018 midterm elections, white Americans will have to choose between democracy or white privilege; they can no longer have both.

So if you really want to honor the life and memory of Frankie Muse Freeman, you can no longer be missing in action in the public life of your community. In the future, defining battles to come, you must be metaphorically armed, dangerous and accounted for. Frankie Freeman is now with the ancestors, but who is to say that you were not sent to this kingdom for a time such as this.

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

However, I do have concerns of Chief Hayden’s response regarding independent investigations of police shootings. There was no mention of the Civilian Oversight Board (COB) in his response. The COB is to be the bridge between the police department and the community. It is comprised of ordinary citizens tasked with ensuring, maintaining, and improving, if necessary, the balance between public safety and civil rights.

Right now the COB does not have subpoena power of witnesses, which definitely hampers the impact of their investigations.

It would be heartening for Chief Hayden to recognize and utilize this board in the investigative process, and also work toward ensuring their right to subpoena witnesses.

I have hope. I put much of my hope in our new chief, and him doing the right thing for our public safety and civil rights.

Jay Diamond St. Louis

Police business as usual

Newspaper stories occasionally appear such that they could be melded and a single story written from the combined text. Consider: “John Hayden picked for St. Louis police chief” and “Retention of O’Toole raises questions about city leadership.” The new title: “Hayden’s pick as chief and the retention of O’Toole raise questions about city leadership.”

Hayden’s association with former Chief Joe Mokwa (executive aide) should have been grounds to disqualify him as a candidate for chief. Mokwa’s administration was wrought with alleged

marginalization of women and people of color in the United States and other parts of the world.

Fourth, the human spirit is indomitable. Human beings never go back to what they have truly rebelled against. Racism, anti-Semitism and tribalism have been consigned to the dustbin of human history. As Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. so eloquently stated, the moral arc of history is irrevocably bent towards justice and equality for all.

To make it plain: Black people and women will never go back to second-class citizenship status. Not now. Not ever. Turning back the clock on human progress is not an option.

You are not stupid, but you are tragically misinformed. The overwhelming majority of people in Haiti, Nigeria and the United States are good, decent and God-fearing. They value education and work hard every day to improve the lives of their children, families and communities. They deserve respect, not some of the time, but at all times. Only constant respect for the rights, dignity and humanity of others, regardless of ethnicity, nationality, creed, gender or orientation can truly make a nation great.

Walle A. Amusa is a human and civil rights activist and author of the upcoming book “Love & Kindness.”

letters are edited for length and

illegal shenanigans, and at least one close associate of Mokwa’s went to the federal pen. O’Toole’s reactions to civil unrest and obvious police misbehavior during his stint as acting chief of police should have disqualified him.

City leadership is now suspect. Responsible city officials would have avoided any appearance of impropriety in their selection of a new chief. That didn’t happen, so be aware: It’s business as usual in St. Louis!

Michael K. Broughton Green Park

So-called ‘democratic’ process

If ever politicians and concerned citizens alike take to collectively pondering why so many black St. Louisans harbor such apathy towards the so-called “democratic” process of voting, they need only direct their gaze toward the Scottrade Center debacle for clear understanding. After

all, what’s the point of lifting every voice and casting a ballot to choose how you want your tax dollars spent when you already know that the not-sosecret societies of St. Louis elite will find a way to reverse your “democratically” selected demands in favor of their own?

Arthurine Harris St. Louis

Cherished civil rights leader

St. Louis and the nation have lost one of its most cherished civil rights leaders. Frankie Muse Freeman’s legal career in St. Louis spanned more than 60 years. If I were to tell a tale about Frankie’s lifework, I would say she tackled civil rights issues like the work of a blacksmith, forging a brighter future for society and bending the iron will of those who would oppose such.

Adolphus M. Pruitt II, president St. Louis City NAACP

Guest Columnist Walle Amusa

Columnist Mike Jones

MLK power to the people

Hazelwood hosts public workshops on redistricting

The Hazelwood School District will host community engagement workshops to receive feedback from district residents on redistricting at 6-8 p.m. Monday, February 5 at Hazelwood West High School and 6-8 p.m. Wednesday, February 7 at Hazelwood East High School. Due to limited space, individuals should attend one workshop, which will allow space for more community members to participate. Engagement workshops are open to the entire community; no need to RSVP.

The 2017-2018 school year is for planning and engagement; in 2018-2019, decisions will be made on boundary changes; and in 2019-2020, students will transition to new schools as needed.

MOST 529 plan now open to K-12 school expenses

The board governing Missouri’s MOST 529 plan recently passed a resolution acknowledging and welcoming the expansion of the program to include tuition for public, private and religious K-12 schools.

MOST 529 is a tax-advantaged program that empowers Missouri families to save for a child’s K-12 tuition and other qualified higher education expenses. The plan, which recently surpassed the $3 billion mark for assets under management, offers federal and state tax benefits, low costs and flexible ways to contribute post-tax dollars. Prior to the passage of federal tax reform in December 2017, MOST 529 plans were limited to higher education expenses. Under the new provision, MOST 529 account owners can spend up to $10,000 annually on tuition expenses at a public, private or religious elementary or secondary school.

A copy of the resolution is available here: http://bit.ly/2DpSLNq. To learn more about MOST, visit MissouriMOST.org.

What happened to the Americans?

By Karley M. King For The St. Louis American

My first reaction to Trump’s comments about Africa and Haiti, as an African immigrant to the United States and U.S. citizen, was Africa is not a “shithole.” Haiti is not a shithole. It’s not because we live in a shithole that we come to America. And for that to come out of the president, it’s just heartbreaking. It felt like if somebody punched you in the stomach, to tell you that you are nobody. Telling you that you don’t belong where you’ve been for almost 30 years? It feels painful. I’m still feeling the pain.

In fact, I know I didn’t come from a shithole. I was born in Nima, Ghana, which is a place I could compare to the Bronx, because everything you need, you can get it there.

I grew up with people who considered education very crucial. We were not rich, and we were not poor. We were all going to school, we were a family and a community, we all had each other’s backs. We were strong people.

raised.

My first job in the U.S. was to work at fast food restaurants on Park Avenue. After that, I waited tables, and at the same time I learned how to speak English. I did my GED over, and then started college, and just worked my way. I worked as a home health aid, cleaned hospitals, worked at a nursing home, and pursued my education while I was doing all this work. And today I’m here, working, like everybody else, paying taxes. Since I’ve been in this country, I paid taxes every single year. So, yes, you work hard, you get an education, and you better yourself. That’s what most Africans do in this country. We don’t come here to get money from the government, we don’t come here to be a burden for this country because we come from a “shithole” where we don’t have anything. We come here to better ourselves, and we pay our dues. That’s what we do.

You learn to be strong. You learn to survive anywhere. You learn to support yourself, even though you have family to support you. As a young child, I already knew how to lead my life in the world. You go, you do business, you go to school, you come home, and you go back.

And your parents at home, or your aunts, or your uncles – people you live with in the house, it could be anybody in the house – help you through your education, they help you with your homework. They make sure you succeed.

We didn’t have free school; we had to be able to pay. So if your parents are paying for you to go to an expensive school, that doesn’t mean you don’t have anything. They do have something for you.

Everybody in Africa, when you leave there, you see the United States portrayed in a way that makes you think life there is so different and so good. Yes, life is better here than many places. But we leave home because sometimes you want to go and be curious about what is going on in different countries and to better yourself.

I came to the U.S. in 1989, and since then I have not sat down a day without working or going to school. I did anything to survive. Not a single day at a single time of a single year, at any time, did I ask for help from the government. Because that was how we were

I worked my way into better jobs. In New York, I worked as a manager for United Cerebral Palsy of New York. I had staff of more than 100 working with me to take care of our clients with clinicians, psychiatrists, nurses, direct care workers. I worked with them for 10 years.

I came to St. Louis in 2004 with my family (I am married to Chris King, managing editor of The American, and we had a baby girl then who is now 14). I worked at People’s Health Centers as the director of Enabling Services for three years, then went to BJC HealthCare to work as community benefits manager. I help BJC keep its nonprofit status. BJC is the largest employer in the St. Louis area, and the largest hospital system in Missouri. And I’m from a “shithole,” according to the president. But I don’t think that being from a “shithole” is the real problem. Trump also said, “Why don’t we take more people from places like Norway?” Norway has almost purely white people, unlike Africa or Haiti. So, is he telling us that white is always going to be better than black? I think being a black person as an immigrant, that is the problem for him and the millions of people – almost 63 million – who voted for him. What I’m hearing from my friends who are home today is not the same things that we talked about when I was home. Everybody just wants to know: What happened to the Americans? The fact is, nobody is going to respect America the way we used to respect America ever again.

Karley M. King, MBA, MPH, who was born in Ghana and raised in Togo, is community benefits manager for BJC HealthCare.

Karley M. King

Braylon Taylor raised his fist after his performance at the Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at the Old Courthouse in downtown St. Louis on Monday, January 15.

Photo by Wiley Price

AMES

Continued from A1 president at Parkway Central Middle School. Her candidacy, however, seems to have a different purpose. Screenshots posted on the image-sharing website Imgur of a Twitter account apparently run by Ames, ATeamMom1, show a variety of offensive comments targeting myriad groups.

On October 12, Ames retweeted a quote from actor James Woods: “The world is fighting Islamic terrorism, starvation and disease, but Democrats are fighting for men to pee in the ladies’ room.” She added, “Pretty much sums up my BoE run.” She also objects to the idea of closing the achievement gap in education, writing, “That’s code for the education

FBI

Continued from A1

The St. Louis American sat down with Richard Quinn, the new special agent in charge of the FBI’s St. Louis Division, to get a response to the post.

“In a technical sense, if someone comes to the FBI and implicates themselves in a serious crime, of course it can be used against them,” said Quinn, who took the helm of the local division in November. “But in a practical sense, I would say it’s evaluated on a case-by-case

BAIL

Continued from A1

The Bail Project was founded 10 years ago as a small legal fund, the Bronx Freedom Fund. It has a novel organizational model,

equivalent of income/economic inequality.”

In one tweet referencing immigration policy, Ames writes, “Dreamers is just Anchor Kid misspelled.”

In another, she quotes a Washington Post tweet about the discovery of a new species of giant rat to add “Wait, they just discovered @MichelleObama? That explains so much.” An image of a medieval crusader Ames retweeted bears the text “To Be Exposed To Evil is To Be Exposed To Islam! Let the Crusade Begin! Ban Islam In America!”

In other tweets, she describes Puerto Rico as “one trailer-lot payment away from being homeless,” lists the Congressional Black Caucus as among her problems with America, and expresses her support for former U.S. Senate candidate Roy Moore, an accused pedophile.

basis.” When asked if he would advise people to get a lawyer before speaking to FBI agents, Quinn said that it wasn’t his job to give legal advice.

“If there are concerns about police misconduct and people have information, then they need to bring them to us,” he said. “The vehicle for which they do so, that’s up to them.”

Local attorney Marleen Suarez said Rose was “smart” for posting that advice.

“I don’t recommend anybody – witnesses, suspects, persons of interest – anybody talking to the FBI without an attorney present, or any law

On January 11, she posted a screenshot on a request for a vanity license plate with the letters “SHTHLR,” apparently a reference to president Donald Trump’s comment describing Haiti and African countries as “shitholes.”

n Jeanie Ames also objects to the idea of closing the achievement gap in education, writing, “That’s code for the education equivalent of income/economic inequality.”

Ames has even posted a photograph of herself with Sebastian Gorka, a former Trump advisor with extreme views of Islam and immigration and possible ties to Nazi organizations.

Ames’ account on Twitter is now locked, but in her bio on the site, she describes herself as a “ConstitutionalOriginalist,”

enforcement officer,” Suarez said.

Previously the FBI announced that it is “investigating allegations of potential civil rights violations by law enforcement officers in the St. Louis area on September 15, 2017 and in the following weeks,” in a joint statement with the U.S. Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Missouri.

Quinn said that he cannot comment on the investigation beyond this statement.

After Michael Brown’s shooting death in August 2014,

a “Catholic” and a “Confederate.” Behind a profile photograph of a couple that closely resembles other photographs of Ames posing with her husband, Eric Ames, is a woman firing an assault rifle.

Ames’ candidacy has garnered negative attention from Parkway residents on social media. Erik Altman, a parent of two students in Parkway schools, said Ames’ tweets contradict the inclusivity he’s seen in the district.

“It is extremely troubling, to say the least,” Altman said. “When you hold views like Ms. Ames holds, there are

a number of protestors said they believed the FBI was monitoring their homes and places of work. When asked about this, Quinn said, “We are not allowed to investigate people for exercising their First Amendment rights to assemble and things of that sort. If we have reason to believe that there is a threat to the community or that they are engaging in any type of criminal activity, then of course we are going to utilize the investigative tools that are available to us.”

The American asked how he plans to gain the community’s trust.

going to be children who get left behind and get left out.”

This is not the first time controversial conservative ideology has been an issue in the Parkway School District. The district has been targeted by Missouri MassResistance, an anti-LGBT group listed as a hate group by the Southern Poverty Law Center, over an update to its sex education curriculum in 2017. The group’s small social media following overlaps significantly with Ames.’ Ames could not immediately be reached for comment. Parkway’s communications coordinator, Cathy Kelly, declined to comment and said the district does not offer any negative or positive statements on candidates for the board.

The views expressed in tweets from the account are consistent with a what a Trump supporter –

“I do think it is healthy for people to be skeptical of law enforcement and of government, but there is a big difference between being skeptical and cynical,” Quinn said. “Skepticism is healthy, and cynicism is corrosive to a community’s morale.”

He said he believes the FBI investigates “regardless of creed, color, or ethnicity.”

Quinn arrived in St. Louis just shortly after the Stockley protests began, and The American asked about his perception of what transpired.

“Whatever gave rise to this situation, there’s a better

identified as Jeanie Ames and resembling the woman in her Twitter profile photo – told the Belleville News Democrat in a video interview before the Trump-Clinton debate at Washington University last year. Ames said she is a “guns and money voter” who wants to “close the border” of the United States – presumably, the southern border that preoccupies Trump – and favors policies that lead to “less globalization.” The Parkway Board of Education’s election will be held on Tuesday, April 3, with five candidates running for two open seats. Ames’ opponents are Kevin Seltzer, Jonathan Taylor, Matthew Schindler and Amy Bonnett.

Screenshots of Ames’ tweets can be found at https://imgur.com/a/SbdO0. The video interview is at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=CahObasCyAY.

way,” he said. “We have to be able to discuss differences without resorting to violence.” The American asked, “And the violence that you saw was coming from the police or the protest community?”

“I’ll be quite honest with you, I didn’t have the perspective or the proximity to determine or to remember even particular instances, but I do remember the vitriol, the frustration that was exhibited by the protestors,” Quinn said. “The tenuous and precarious position that not only protestors but the police were in.”

called a revolving fund. The Freedom Fund pays the bail of incarcerated people in New York using donated funds. Then, when those people make their court dates, they receive the bail deposit and the money goes back into the fund. According to the Bail Project, the same money can be used to pay bail for two to three people per year.

people increases the odds they will be able to successfully defend themselves in court.

Throughout its history, the Bail Project has found that most people return to their court dates even if the money they pay bail with is not theirs, according to a spokesman. They have also found that paying bail for incarcerated

The founder of the Bronx Freedom Fund, Robin Steinberg, is now taking that approach nationwide with the launch of the Bail Project, a new national organization. Its first two offices outside of New York will be in St. Louis and in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

Thomas Harvey, the cofounder and longtime leader of St. Louis civil right law firm ArchCity Defenders, recently left ArchCity and began working with the Bail Project.

“We’re really looking to build on the work that folks had already started in St. Louis,” Harvey said.

One of those people is Michelle Higgins, who has participated in two previous mass bailout actions in St. Louis and has now joined the Bail Project as a “bail disruptor.”

“My hope is that I’m bailing out dozens of people weekly,” Higgins said.

Higgins said an important factor in the Bail Project’s model is client follow-up: making sure clients have the resources they need after their bail is paid and that they are receiving solidarity, not charity.

St. Louis was chosen partially because of its status as a high-incarceration jurisdiction. It has also drawn controversy about the conditions in its facilities, particularly the city’s Medium Security Institution, also known

as the Workhouse. ArchCity Defenders recently sued the city with the goal of closing the Workhouse, which has been criticized for poor temperature regulation, black mold growth and denial of medical care, among other issues.

At a press conference in November, ArchCity Executive Director Blake Strode said up to 99 percent of those at the Workhouse are being held on a pre-trial basis, because they cannot afford to pay cash bail.

“Taxpayers spend an estimated $14 billion annually incarcerating people who haven’t been convicted of anything, and because jail contributes so profoundly to the perpetuation of poverty, the collateral costs are estimated to be as high as $140 billion every year,” the Bail Project said on its website.

Higgins said pretrial incarceration also erodes the presumption of innocence that is built into the American justice system.

“It is a fiction to presume that someone can be presumed innocent and yet live in a cage,” Higgins said.

Aside from the financial impact, spending even a short time in jail can have other serious effects on an individual who is unable to pay bail.

“When someone is locked up and can’t afford to pay their bail, terrible things happen,” the Bail Project said on its website. “Even one night in jail can cause someone to lose their job, their home, and

even custody of their children. For many, it can jeopardize immigration status. And just a few nights in jail risks serious, irrevocable physical and mental harm. Studies show the first three days in jail are when people are most likely to suffer physical assaults and sexual violence.”

While the Bail Project believes in upholding the presumption of innocence for all crimes, most of the project’s clients are in jail for minor, non-violent offenses such as marijuana possession. Violent crimes such as homicide generally have much higher bail amounts.

Some jurisdictions, including the state of New Jersey, have replaced the money bail system with risk assessments that use data to determine an arrested person’s probability of returning to court and of reoffending. Harvey, however, said the Bail Project is skeptical of this approach. These algorithms, he said, can reproduce the same patterns of racial injustice as cash bail.

“I think it’s unclear right now how individual jurisdictions would replace cash bail,” Harvey said. “I don’t believe there’s a magic crystal ball that can predict whether someone is likely to reoffend.”

To donate to the Bail Project or learn more about getting involved with the organization, visit bailproject. org.

FREEMAN

Continued from A1 consistently.”

As Rabbi Emeritus Howard Kaplansky said during the homecoming service, Freeman was “challenged with hate. But there were so many groundbreaking accomplishments and world-changing achievements through her journey.”

Kaplansky’s theme had been sounded in the tributes paid during a ceremony at the Missouri History Museum, where her body lay in repose in the Grand Hall on Friday evening.

“Because Frankie Freeman lived a meaningful life, African Americans and marginalized people in America are able to be included in fair housing, education, boardrooms, and the like,” said St. Louis Public Safety Director Jimmie Edwards.

As she addressed the church congregation packed with about a thousand mourners, Freeman’s daughter, Shelbe Freeman Bullock, remembered a beloved mother, more than an historic change agent.

“To me, she is mom, my mother,” Bullock said. “And I want to tell you a little about her – not the professional side, but the personal side. She was warm, loving, caring, generous, tenacious and funny, and often irreverent.”

Michael McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, drew laughs when he apologized for being a contributing factor to the arrival of four stuffed Cunningham Funeral Home flower cars, when the family had requested donations to Howard University or the Washington Tabernacle Nance Scholarship Fund. McMillian, however, announced that he had established an Urban League scholarship program in Freeman’s name, along with an internship program, in partnership with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, and named a portion of the

league’s headquarters in her honor.

“Frankie played a tremendous role in the history of the Urban League,” McMillan said.

James H. Buford, who was president of the local Urban League affiliate when Freeman served as board chair, said she “was holistic in her approach to racial inequality. She could do it all – a lawyer, educator in the sense of training people on how to deal with race, and social issues.”

Freeman’s beloved Deltas – she was the sorority’s 14th national president – were represented by Cynthia ButlerMcIntyre, 24th national president of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.

“If you knew Frankie, you laughed,” Butler-McIntyre said.

She told a long story about taking Freeman to the White

House to meet then-U.S.

President Barack Obama. She told how Freeman stared her down to exclude her from the photo so she could pose alone with Obama.

Lillian Parks represented The Links. She talked about how Freeman – a founding member of the Gateway Chapter some 30 years ago – was focused on the service program of the group, especially when she became the local president. Parks said that Freeman epitomized 2 Timothy 4:7: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”

Her homegoing was often punctuated with laughter and the syncopated rhythm of jazz and gospel music, evoking the “Frankie” many knew. She was a devoted fan of the arts, played the piano, had enough jazz and gospel albums to rival

a professional collector, and wasn’t shy about taking to the dance floor.

It was a musical service, led by Dello Thedford on piano and Charles Creath on organ and fronted by a series of vocalists, including Denise Thimes, Karen Hylton and Freeman’s adult nephew Edward R. Muse. “Lift Ev’ry Voice” was never sung so masterfully before baritone Jermaine Smith mounted the pulpit, and dramatic soprano Brenda Jackson received one of several standing ovations for her rendition of “The Lord’s Prayer.”

“Many of you knew her as the drum major for social justice, civil rights and women’s rights,” said Ron Himes, founder of the Black Rep, “but we knew her as a lover and patron and champion for the arts. She loved the arts,

she loved the Black Rep. She gave her time, advice and financial support to make sure we could do our work.”

Himes announced that the Black Rep had established the Frankie Freeman Spirit Awards and the Frankie Freeman Giving Guild.

During his thunderous eulogy, Rev. Donnie Robinson Sr. of Washington Tabernacle said that Freeman was “predestined” by God to become a lawyer.

“Every time she walked into a court, she had to take the captain of her soul with her,” Robinson said. “Today, we can say to Sister Frankie Freeman that the case is closed, and the verdict is well done.”

As the procession left for Calvary Cemetery, the Bosman Twins performed a swinging rendition of “Just A Closer Walk with Thee.”

After the family left the church, they stopped at the recently installed bronze statue of Freeman in Kiener Plaza to plant several bouquets, then drove by the namesake Frankie Freeman Ville Estates in North City, and then back to the Central West End, where Freeman had lived for more than 50 years.

Mayor Lyda Krewson, who was a neighbor and the alderwoman during Freeman’s Central West End residency; County Executive Steve Stenger; Dr. William Danforth, chancellor emeritus of Washington University; Adolphus Pruitt, NAACP St. Louis City Branch president; granddaughter Nichole Fordson; and Carolyn Thomas, a friend, also spoke at the service.

Former Missouri Gov. Bob Holden and U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay, who flew in from Washington, D.C., that morning, also were in attendance. U.S. Senate Claire McCaskill was detained with the U.S. Senate’s deliberations in Washington, D.C., but sent a statement that was read by Washington Tabernacle’s Pastor Rob Mclish. “She was reared in the Jim Crow-era South when racial segregation was legal, and she witnessed first-hand the harsh consequences of racial inequality,” McCaskill wrote of Freeman. “From these beginnings, Frankie chose to devote her entire career to ending that injustice.”

The family has requested that donations should be made in the name of Attorney Frankie Muse Freeman, c/o Washington Tabernacle Nance Scholarship fund, 3200 Washington Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63103 or Howard University, 2400 Sixth Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20059. The author Gentry W. Trotter was considered a godson by Frankie M. Freeman, who bequeathed him her collection of jazz and gospel music when she moved out of her Central West End home.

Photo by Wiley Price

Shelbe Freeman Bullock, the daughter of late civil rights attorney Frankie Muse Freeman, greeted Dr. William Danforth, chancellor emeritus of Washington University, when her mother lie in state at the Missouri History Museum in the Grand Hall on Friday, January 19. She was joined by granddaughter Nicole Fordson and niece Charlene Muse Thompson.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Honoring Black History Month in St. Louis

By Kiara Bryant For the St. Louis American

During the month of February, we celebrate Black History Month through exploring various events and attractions throughout the St. Louis area which honor the history and achievements of African Americans.

The 11th Annual Africa World Documentary Film Festival comes to St. Louis, Feb. 9-11, at the Missouri History Museum. According to its mission, the festival promotes knowledge, life and culture of the people of Africa across the globe. These fascinating documentaries provide an opportunity for families to enjoy an educational experience together.

The 16th Annual Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Festival will take place in the spring. It is held at Missouri’s first nationally recognized Underground Railroad site located along the north St. Louis riverfront (4500 E. Prairie Ave.) Last year, the festival celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers historic 1,987-mile trek to St. Louis. This year promises to be another successful event.

The site is named in honor of Mary Meachum, a free woman of color who took a stand against slavery and used her home as a depot for the Underground Railroad. In 1855, she was arrested for aiding in the attempted escape of nine slaves across the Mississippi River to freedom in Illinois. We encourage you to visit the site and learn more information at www.marymeachum. org

One of the highlights of Saint Louis Public Library’s month-long Black History Month Celebration will feature guest speaker the Rev. Jesse Jackson on Sunday, Feb. 18 at Christ Church Cathedral. Jackson will make two appearances at 1:15 p.m. and 3:10 p.m. He will discuss civil rights and equality in America. Registration for the event is required. Visit the slpl.org website for the extensive list of programming beginning Feb. 1. Topics range from music to war, Josephine Baker, The Tuskegee Airmen and more.

St. Louis County Library’s Black History Celebration 2018: Engaging the Present to Honor the Past (Feb. 23) event will feature Judge Jimmie Edwards, newly appointed Public Safety Director for St. Louis City, as the keynote speaker delivering an inspirational lecture. There will be many other events covering civil rights, Harriet Tubman, musical and dance performances and more. Go to the slcl.org website for more details about all of the events offered at the St. Louis County Library.

The Scott Joplin House State Historic Site, a National Historic Landmark, is another option for you. Step into the King of Ragtime’s home where he composed what would become legendary music. A visit to The Griot Black History Museum Old Courthouse National Blues Museum and numerous other sites across St. Louis are also great ways to learn more about significant moments in history. Find more events and fun places to visit in St. Louis at www. explorestlouis.com

From meetings to beatings

The 1972 St. Louis City Jail sit-in and protest

Missouri History Museum

Regina Dennis-Nana and Bobby “Brother Bob” Williams served as citizen negotiators during a 3-day sit-in and 21-day protest at the St. Louis City Jail in July 1972 when inmates protested the facility’s inadequate conditions, such as cold food, lack of hygiene supplies, poor recreation facilities, and inadequate medical care. The sit-in ended in violence when 30 white riot squad policemen armed with tear gas, clubs, and dogs stormed the chapel on the jail’s sixth floor.

On Tuesday, January 30, at 7 p.m., DennisNana and Williams will take part in the panel discussion “Justice in the Prison System: From the 1972 Sit-In to Today” at the Missouri History Museum. The event is free and open to the public.

The discussion will compare and contrast the issues faced by inmates in the justice and penal systems then and now. The panelists will look at the protest messaging and negotiation strategies that were utilized in 1972 versus those that are used today. Contemporary protesters, negotiators, guards, city officials, and inmates—with the possible inclusion of the sit-in’s inmate leaders Henry Fleming and Henry Henderson—will share their experiences in what is expected to be a lively discussion.

The story that follows was adapted from a post Williams and Dennis-Nana wrote for History Happens Here, the Missouri Historical Society’s blog. Some of the quoted material may be offensive to readers.

Built in 1914, St. Louis City Jail had a history of deplorable conditions. Between 1954 and 1972 inmates staged hunger strikes in protest of the overcrowding. In early 1972, Judge Theodore McMillian ordered an inquiry. In March citizen groups met with jail officials and inmates to discuss how to reduce overcrowding at the jail. By July the jail management had yet to fulfill inmates’ requests for hygiene products, a PingPong table, salt and pepper containers, a visiting area to meet with lawyers and children, and steam tables to serve hot food. Frustrated by the lack of action and respect, inmates launched a sit-in in the chapel.

The inmates and negotiators were “making real progress in mediating grievances,” said Betty Lee, negotiator and associate editor of

PROUD Magazine. Another meeting was scheduled for the next day with John Bass, welfare director for the City of St. Louis. Tensions flared when two elevators, telephones, and the intercom system stopped working and slowed food distribution. Hungry inmates reacted by setting fires in their cells and clogging their drains. Though citizen negotiators and sit-in leaders encouraged patience, an inmate hit jail warden Alphonso Lark in the face. Other inmates found where the tear gas was stored and took it. Warden Lark called the police, and officers soon chopped through the roof. Women screamed, tear gas filled the chapel, and the beatings began. The inmates fought back with pipes taken from the walls and the tear gas taken from the closet. The male inmates looked out for the women and negotiators by shielding them from the vicious dogs and flailing riot clubs. Inmates were dragged out of the building and transferred to the police department’s central holdover.

Regina Dennis, a negotiator and St. Louis United Front member, was thrown into a police wagon with the inmates. While attempting to climb out, she was beaten and thrown back in. Lee, a fellow negotiator, forcefully proclaimed, “She is not an inmate!” until the police released Dennis from the wagon. Bobby “Brother Bob” Williams, a negotiator and coordinator for St. Louis United Front, was singled out by police as “that nigger social worker” and received additional beatings.

The attack ultimately left 32 people hurt, including 9 policemen, 2 jail guards, 14 inmates, and all 7 negotiators. Lee received stiches for dog bites on her leg; others were treated for wounds, smoke inhalation, and tear-gas effects. After the sit-in’s dramatic ending, Dennis and Williams organized 21 days of protests with nightly vigils that attracted national attention— social activist and well-known pediatrician Dr. Benjamin Spock even participated and spoke to the crowd.

Meanwhile, citizen negotiators continued to work with Bass’s office. By August 2 they issued a press release indicating the improvements that had been made, including providing the inmates with toothpaste and personal hygiene products, round-the-clock medical care, city jail policy manuals, improved visiting regulations, better food, a Ping-Pong table, and plans for an inmate council. Although these were definite gains, they met only the minimum living standards. Ultimately the 1972 incident led to the closing of the St. Louis City Jail in 1999. It was replaced by the St. Louis City Justice Center, which opened in 2002. Today, issues have been raised regarding conditions at the St. Louis Medium Security Institution (also known as the Workhouse), built in 1966.

Last year, the Mary Meachum Freedom Crossing Festival celebrated the 120th anniversary of the Buffalo Soldiers historic 1,987-mile trek to St. Louis. This year promises to be another successful event.

Photo by Regina Dennis-Nana

Obituaries & in MeMOriaMs

Odyster (Bledsoe) Whittington

Donald Edward Getter, Jr.

Dr. Angela H. Claxton-Freeman

Dr. Angela H. Claxton-Freeman, 63, went home to be with the Lord on January 17, 2018 in Johnson City, TN. Angela was a remarkable woman who dedicated her life to family, friends, and the community. Known for her pursuit of excellence, love of fun and determination, Angela left an indelible impression on all she encountered. A native of St. Louis, Missouri, Angela was born to Donald and Wilma Claxton on December 7, 1954. The fourth of six children born to this union, Angela was preceded in death by her parents and brothers Donald and Gregory Claxton. She leaves to cherish her memory a devoted daughter Andrea Freeman; beloved siblings Donnetta Moorman, Anquanette Claxton, and Fredrick Claxton; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives, and friends.

MEMORIAL SERVICES WILL BE HELD AT ST. LUKE’S MEMORIAL BAPTIST CHURCH (3623 FINNEY AVE, ST. LOUIS, MO 63113) ON FRIDAY, JANUARY 26 AT 12:00 NOON.

PROFESSIONAL SERVICES PROVIDED BY BIRCHETTE MORTUARY INC. 219 E. MILLARD ST. JOHNSON CITY, TN. HTTP://WWW.BIRCHETTEMORTUARY.COM 423-926-6013

Cathy “Mama Cat” Daniels, Aideen O’Brien and Lexie O’Brien are three about a hundred PotBangerz volunteers who prepare food to feed people without houses who are temporarily staying in various St. Louis-area locations this winter. Christ the King United Church of Christ in Florissant is one of many churches and locations that have opened its doors to PotBangerz to cook large meals for the homeless residents.

PotBangerz

From comforting

the grieving to joyful bangs of nourishing ‘unhoused family’

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Cathy Daniels, better known as Mama Cat, said people can connect over food. “Feed the body, you feed the spirit,” she said. “We want our unhoused family to know that we do love and support them and we can have fun together.” She does not describe people trying to survive on the streets as homeless: “They are unhoused family. The streets are their homes.” Daniels and a group of activists started cooking food for protestors in the streets of Ferguson in 2014. Later, she and other volunteers provided repast meals for grieving families after funerals.

n “We want our unhoused family to know that we do love and support them and we can have fun together.”

“The first thing we started doing was repasts for families of crime victims.” Daniels said. “It started with a police killing of a young man named Antonio Martin in Berkeley and the family didn’t have enough money to bury their child. So we got together and did a fundraiser so we could raise enough

money for them to bury their son. Then we got together and we cooked and provided the repast.”

Mama Cat and her husband had to bury their son 11 years ago.

“I know from personal experience,” she said, “when you leave your child in the cemetery, you need somebody to love on you.”

– Cathy Daniels, aka Mama Cat Missouri Hospital Association proposes broader public health partnerships

They wound up cooking at back-to-back repasts. When food was leftover, she took it to homeless shelters.

“I understand, because I’ve been there,” she said. At one time, she had to live in her vehicle for a while.

After civil unrest settled down, the group started getting together at various kitch-

See POTBANGERZ, A11

How traffic safety holds the key to reducing drug overdoses

In 2010, drug overdoses surpassed motor vehicle accidents as a cause of death in Missouri. The highway and vehicle safety lessons learned throughout the last half century can provide a structure for addressing the drug- and opioid-induced spike in deaths contributing to the recent decrease in average life expectancy nationwide, according to a new fact sheet from the Missouri Hospital Association.

“Improvements in roadway design and maintenance, driver education, licensing and vehicle inspection, and additional safety equipment — like seat belts in cars — have significantly increased the safety of driving since they were adopted in the 1960s,” said Herb B. Kuhn, MHA president and CEO.

“Similarly, strategic and systemwide investments in public health and safety – with strong partnerships between government,

providers and community partners – could help reduce the skyrocketing rate of drugrelated deaths in Missouri and nationwide.”

The average life expectancy in the U.S. decreased for the second consecutive year in 2016 – an unprecedented occurrence in a developed nation. At 77.6 years, life expectancy in Missouri is the 12th lowest in the nation. This decrease has been attributed

Race, class, drugs and addiction

Tackling America’s Opioid epidemic requires traumainformed strategies

By Ivan J. Juzang

For The St. Louis American

In 1992, MEE Productions released its first national research project, “The MEE Report: Reaching the Hip Hop Generation,” documenting the many ills and challenges that were engulfing lowincome youth in the hardest-hit communities.

Crack cocaine, marijuana and other illegal drugs (not tobacco and alcohol, the real killers) were what everyone else was talking about. MEE found that the Partnership for a Drug-Free America’s “Just Say No” television PSAs (based on a simplistic/unrealistic remedy uttered by a former first lady) didn’t work to keep young people away from drugs and alcohol, and their messages were also counter-productive and insulting to entire communities.

n As the demographic profile of those affected has changed, the dialogue is more focused on compassion and recovery from the “disease of addiction,” rather than criminalizing users.

People felt that there was an implied assumption of guilt, that they were being “talked down to” and that their realities were being ignored. With racial disparities in prison sentencing for cocaine versus crack possession and use, poor black and brown people were being demonized and jailed, devastating entire swaths of communities.

Each time there has been a “war on drugs” in America, it has disproportionately harmed those with the fewest resources – the poor, people of color, etc.

Now, 25 years later, opioid abuse (and thousands of related overdose deaths) has been deemed a critical public health crisis, expanding the focus on drugs beyond the inner cities into the suburbs, rural America

Ivan J. Juzang

Photo by Wiley Price

An attack on the health of low-income Americans

By Doris Browne National Medical Association

The Trump Administration is working swiftly to move forward with grant approval to allow states to impose work requirements on their Medicaid programs. Kentucky has received approval to move forward. Nine other states have similar waiver requests, and more approvals are expected. This is first time in the Medicaid program’s history that such a requirement has been allowed. The National Medical Association condemns the Trump Administration’s approval of these cruel and inherently harmful requirements.

OVERDOSE

Continued from A10

to drug overdoses.

In 2016, 63,600 Americans suffered a drug-induced death – a 21 percent increase over the previous year and a 300 percent increase since 1999. With more than 1,400 drug overdose deaths in 2016, Missouri was among the states with a statistically higher overdose death rate than the rest of the nation.

“Missouri remains the only state in the nation without a traditional, statewide prescription drug monitoring program,” Kuhn said. “A PDMP can act like a traffic signal for physicians on the front line of care — providing a real-time indication of patient behavior or abuse risk. Without a PDMP, patients and health care providers meet at a dangerous intersection without a stop sign or signals.”

The intersection of drugand vehicle-related deaths also is visible at the county level in Missouri. Between 2014 and 2016, there were 29 counties in Missouri with more drug overdose deaths than those caused by motor vehicles. These counties account for 70 percent of Missouri’s population, include nine out of the 10 most populous counties, and include Pulaski County –home to many veterans and active service members.

“More than two-thirds of drug-induced deaths are from opioids,” Kuhn said. “Progress toward a PDMP should focus on real-time

POTBANGERZ

Continued from A10

ens in the area once a week to feed people living on the streets, known as “PotBangerz Night.” Daniels said they have put together events with Christ Church Cathedral and Neighbors United block party, where PotBangerz provided over 500 meals, complete with funnel cakes and popcorn, entertainment and 300 backpacks. At Neighbors United’s holiday dinner in December, Daniels said,“ Housed and unhoused, children and adults, everybody had a gift.

JUZANG

Continued from A10

The Trump Administrations assumption that Medicaid work requirements are “a positive incentive for beneficiaries” is misguided and biased.

A recent analysis of Census data by the Kaiser Family Foundation reports that 60 percent of Medicaid’s nonelderly adults already work and of those

Doris Browne

without a job, more than a third are ill or disabled, 30 percent are caring for young children, and 15 percent are in school. This action is an attack on the health and wellness of disabled and lowincome Americans. Imposing such

requirements could result in Medicaid enrollment denials or insurance coverage interruptions that ultimately, endanger the lives of people in need of medical care.

The National Medical Association will continue to challenge this and other policies proposed by the current administration that fail to promote equal access to

data available at the point of care. However, a much more robust strategy will be necessary to address the opioid epidemic, including public safety messaging, community engagement, changes in product design and delivery, and improved systems to treat those affected in every setting.”

There has been progress in Missouri. The St. Louis County PDMP is active and covers approximately 80 percent of Missourians.

Everybody was together. We danced and they enjoyed together, and that’s what makes community. You don’t have to have a roof over your head.” Now, on a daily basis, volunteers continue to use their own resources to address what they say area political leadership is not paying enough attention to: serving the needs of all people, not just those with wealth, power and influence.

“Mayor Krewson is so indifferent, it’s scary,” she said.

Originally from New York, Daniels went to culinary school and is trained to do what is her labor of love.

just on different messagedelivery platforms, driven by technology and digital media.

n “Reducing the death-toll required investments throughout the system focusing on the driver, vehicle and highway. That’s the type of public health and safety effort necessary to reduce druginduced death.”

– Herb B. Kuhn, Missouri Hospital Association

Clinicians, including emergency department physicians, are implementing new opioid prescribing

The group has received support from the Urban League over the years and, PotBangerz is making the move from a grassroots movement to a nonprofit organization, in part, thanks to seed money received from social justice advocate Rev. Traci Blackmon’s birthday wish fundraiser on Facebook. It is called “PotBangerz – Feed the Body Mission.”

In just a few days, Blackmon’s fundraiser brought in $14,737 to support groups like PotBangerz, as well as churches, organizations and efforts that are grassroots – all collectively doing ongoing work to provide cots in warm buildings, food in the bellies

practices. Community-based drug take back programs are increasingly available. In addition, under new state laws

and weather-appropriate clothing to keep people from freezing to death on the streets. Just this winter, one man froze to death in a dumpster while another man froze to death inside a portable restroom.

“I set it up as a way to be able to put some money in the hands of people,” said Rev. Blackmon, pastor of Christ the King United Church of Christ in Florissant and the executive minister of Justice and Witness for the United Church of Christ, based in Cleveland.

“People gave as little as $5 and as much as $500, and every dime of that money helps,” Blackmon said. “When people come together and put our ‘little bit’ and our ‘lot’

healthcare and endanger the lives of the patients that we serve.

Doris Browne, MD, MPH, is president of the National Medical Association, the largest and oldest national organization representing African-American physicians and their patients in the United States.

Feb. 2 deadline to

register for Free Diabetes Education Program

The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy will host its 12th annual Free Diabetes Education Program at SIUE Morris University Center from 8 a.m.-1 p.m. Saturday, February 10. The free program, in collaboration with Alton Memorial Hospital and BJC HealthCare, provides information related to both Type-1 and Type2 diabetes. Participants have the opportunity to attend speaker sessions, a vendor fair, receive free screenings, and speak directly with healthcare professionals. Topics will include a doctor’s perspective on selecting diabetes therapies carbs, diabetes resources and support. Free lunch is provided, so reservations are encouraged. The deadline to register is Friday, February 2. To register for the program or for more information, call (618) 650-5164 or email jekoehn@ siue.edu.

enacted in 2017, naloxone – a drug that can reverse an overdose quickly – is now widely available, and fear of criminal consequence for assisting a victim of an overdose has decreased. However, limited treatment options for drug-dependent individuals are available.

“A broad policy would include activities currently underway, in concert with expanded medication-assisted treatment and care for newborns, youth, adults and the

with other people, then we can make a difference in people’s lives.”

PotBangerz was awarded $1,000 from that fund.

“That $1,000 was seed money that we put into an account so it can grow so we can help more people,” Daniels said.

One young man who owns a bus has been using it to transport people to safety as a warming station at night for homeless people. He received money to buy more gasoline. St. Louis Street Medics received money for first aid supplies. Other groups and churches supported by fundraiser proceeds include St. Louis Winter Outreach,

elderly,” Kuhn said. “Seatbelts and signals alone didn’t create safer highways. Reducing the death-toll required investments throughout the system focusing on the driver, vehicle and highway. That’s the type of public health and safety effort that will be necessary to reduce the high cost of druginduced death in Missouri and nationally.” The Missouri Hospital Association fact sheet is available at https://tinyurl.com/ ydcn8smt.

Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, St. Peter AME Church, Destiny Church, Freedom Arts at Apostle Church, and Christ Church Cathedral. Supplies were also purchased for unhoused guests, such as underwear, socks, feminine hygiene products, flashlights, gloves, hats, cough drops, lip balm, blankets, pillows and other nonperishables, Blackmon said.

“These current-day angels don’t just serve in freezing weather,” Blackmon said. “They serve all year around.”

See more about the work of PotBangerz – Feed the Body Mission on its Facebook page. and middle and upper-class and white families. As the demographic profile of those affected has changed, the national dialogue is more focused on empathy, compassion and recovery from the “disease of addiction,” rather than stigmatizing and criminalizing users. There is more talk these days about not being able to arrest our way out of this epidemic. Clearly, race and class play into this change of tone. It’s disheartening to see many of the same communication misfires from the early ‘90s still playing out,

Many public-health communicators and mentalhealth providers working in this field have fallen into the trap of placing more importance on driving the numbers of digital “connections” than on what takes place offline, on building face-to-face, interpersonal relationships with people within their home communities. They are designing “over-the-transom” campaigns that often land with a thud. (And some politicians have used these campaigns as self-promotion tools.) Because of the serious, life-and-death implications of opioid addiction and misuse,

it is even more critical to use a culturally specific and relevant framework for developing campaigns that could effectively address these issues. Campaigns must also pay more than lip service to the social determinants of health and the many daunting disparities evident in lowincome rural and urban communities. They must embrace trauma-informed strategies that reflect the daily realities of our most vulnerable populations.

Not only can’t we arrest ourselves out of this epidemic, we also cannot rely solely on treatment to reduce the pipeline flow of those who become addicted to opioids. The public health community needs to change

its messages to infuse a protective-factors approach to primary prevention, focusing “upstream,” on positive-coping skills that we can put in place to support at-risk populations in their homes, schools, programs and neighborhoods, leveraging the power of the peer group.

MEE’s messages acknowledge communities, i.e., “We see you!” We let them know that we are not discounting their reality and worldview and let them know, “We don’t want you to fall down.” We also give realistic messages. Instead of intoning, “Just say no to drugs,” we say, “Don’t start using if you haven’t. Stop if you have. And realize you can always quit at any time.”

You can’t simply limit message dissemination solely to traditional media like radio and transit advertising – or even social media – because even an online Facebook discussion will not generate the sustained effect needed for behavior change. It’s the hard roll-up-your-sleeves stuff, boots-on-the-ground, faceto-face and ongoing dialogue (to build trust and educate people) that can increase the self-efficacy one feels, for example, about coping with the unavoidable stress of life without self-medicating with drugs or alcohol.

Traditional and social media strategies could be used to introduce and “brand” a new campaign to the community, providing the information needed to both promote interim measures such as Narcan to reverse overdoses and to prevent drug use in the first place. But these messages must be explained, repeated, personalized and reinforced. We must also offer real (preferably peerdriven) support to make these changes, providing people with better and authentic alternatives to using opioids and other drugs to cope. By staying and planting real roots in these communities (even when the formal campaign ends), we can begin work towards changing the environment within which youth and families must sustain these life changes. Ivan J. Juzang is founder and president of MEE.

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Pharmacy student Jamal Sims visited with Cheryl from Highland at SIUE’s 11th annual Free Diabetes Education Program last.

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Nutrition Challenge:

Visualizing Serving Sizes

One of the reasons that we might overeat is because we just don’t really recognize what a proper “portion” looks like. (Portion is the size of the serving that you put on your plate.)

Balance is an important part of physical fitness. Balance relates to how steady and straight you can hold your body while doing different activities. Practice your balance by doing the most basic balance test. Stand on one foot, hold your arms out to your side and see how long you can hold this pose. Is it harder if you close your eyes? Now challenge yourself to

Only take pills (medicine) that have been given to you by your parent (or a doctor/nurse). Never take anything that is being offered by a friend just because they say it’ll make you “feel good.” Many school-aged kids die every year because their body has a bad reaction to pills

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids Healthy Kids

Bread = 1 ounce = about the size of a CD case/cover

Cheese = 1.5 ounces = 4 dice

Chicken = 3 ounces = deck of cards

Fruit = 1 medium =

To help you visualize what those portion sizes should be, here are a few examples using items that you are very familiar with their size.

For Other Examples, Visit: http://www.webmd.com/diet/ healthtool-portion-sizeplate. Try coming up with your own visual portion size ideas!

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

increasingly difficult balancing actions. Try holding something heavy in one hand, leaving the other hand empty. Can you lean over (while still on one foot) and place the object on the floor? Can you stack a number of items on the floor while staying on just the one foot?

that they should not be taking.

If someone offers you a pill, be sure to tell your parent or teacher. By helping to keep these pills away from others, you could be saving a life!

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

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

Do you think balance can be improved with practice? Try some different balance activities for several days in a row and see if your balance gets better the more you do them.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 4, NH 1

Healthcare Careers

Sherron Patrice Walker,

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

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Metro Classical Academy High School and earned a Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Deaconess Hospital School of Nursing.

What does a school nurse do? I am a good listener, so I try to make sure that I am paying attention when my students come to me and that I hear what they are saying, verbally and nonverbally. I share healthy habits that my students can incorporate into their daily lives.

Why did you choose this career? I feel that nursing and specifically pediatric/ school nursing is my calling. I was raised in a family that always tried to give back to others, to be of service to others. Nursing allows me to do that on a daily basis.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? My favorite part is the daily interacting with my students. I enjoy talking to them about health, safety and making good choices in leading and living a healthy and safe life.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

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

For more information, visit stlzoo.org/education. Join Zoo ALIVE: Active Leaders in Volunteer

School Nurse

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

SCIENCE CORNER

What Is Ecology?

Shirley Malcom had a PhD in ecology. What is ecology, you may ask. Ecology is the relationship of living things to each other and to what’s around them. So, if you are learning about what kinds of relationships fish have with other plants and animals in their neighborhood, then you are learning about ecology. Did you know the word “ecology” comes from Greek words meaning “study of the household?” That means that ecology is the study of the “household” of living things, which includes their neighbors and their neighborhood (their habitat). Ecology includes not only how living things interact with each other, but how they interact with their physical environment: things such as

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

climate, water, and soil.

Ecologists are scientists who study ecology. They learn about living things by observing them and analyzing what happens. They apply the scientific method. There are many different jobs in ecology. Some ecologists study a specific species or habitat. Some study the behavior of a species to see how it interacts with other organisms and the environment. They might study many different species that either depend on each other or compete with each other for food and space.

To Learn More About Ecology, Check Out: http://www.ecokids.ca/pub/index.cfm.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text to find

How to Clean Your Fur— If you had Any!

Shirley Malcom was a zoologist who studied animals and their behavior. In this experiment, you will see a process that simulates the method an animal uses to clean its fur.

Materials Needed:

Cotton Ball • Fingernail File • Pencil Process:

q Rub the side of the sharpened end of a pencil across the end of your finger to collect a layer of graphite (pencil lead) on your fingertip.

w Gently rub a fingernail file back and forth across the graphite layer on your finger.

e Observe your fingertip and the file. Which has the most graphite present?

r Rub the fingernail file back and forth across a cotton ball.

MATH CONNECTION

Scientists are excellent problem solvers. Use your problem solving abilities to answer these ecology based word problems.

q You are planting 48 flowers and want them to grow in rows. If there were 8 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? _______ If there were 4 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? _________ If there were 12 flowers in each row, how many rows would you have? __________

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN AMERICAN ZOOLOGIST & ECOLOGIST: Shirley Malcom

Shirley Malcom was born on September 6, 1946, in Birmingham, Alabama. As a young child she knew she wanted to be a doctor. She worked hard in school and graduated as one of the top students in her class. Malcom earned her bachelor’s degree in zoology from the University of Washington and her master’s degree in zoology from the University of California at Los Angeles. Then, she earned her doctorate degree in ecology from Pennsylvania State University.

Malcom taught biology at both the high school and university level, working at the University of North Carolina. After teaching, she became a program officer for National Science Foundation. In 1994, she was appointed to the National Science Board by President Bill Clinton and became a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

From 1994 to 2001, she was named to the President’s Committee of Advisors on Science and Technology. From there, Malcom went to work for the American Association for the Advancement of Science, working to increase opportunities for women, minorities, and those with disabilities in the STEM professions.

t Observe the surface of the cotton ball and the file. What happens?

Think About It: This experiment might remind you of how one of your pets keeps itself clean. Which animal uses its tongue to clean its fur?

Explanation: This experiment demonstrates how a rough surface can be used to clean another surface. Cats use a rough surface (their tongue) to lick their fur and clean it. A cat’s tongue feels rough because of the coarse pieces of skin (papillae) on its tongue. The papillae are similar to the fingernail file used in this experiment. When the cat rubs its fur with its tongue, the papillae remove dust, dirt, and loose hair.

Learning Standards: I can follow directions to complete an experiment. I can make observations and analyze results.

w During the summer, you earn money by mowing lawns. If you mow 6 lawns an hour, and you have 21 lawns to mow, how long will it take you? ______________

e If you want to build a fence to enclose your flower garden, and your garden is 6 feet wide and 9 feet long, how many feet of fencing material do you need? Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

She has won many awards, including the Alumna Summa Laude Dignata Award from the University of Washington and the Public Welfare Medal of the National Academy of Sciences. Malcom has fifteen honorary degrees and has participated in many national committees that focused on scientific education and literacy. Finally, she has authored several reports on engaging women and minorities in science.

Discuss:

Malcom has worked as an administrator of education and has a background in zoology. What do you think a zoologist does? What topics does a zoologist study? Dr. Malcom also received her PhD in ecology. How is ecology different than zoology? How would you describe the ecology of your neighborhood?

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

Use the newspaper to complete these activities:

Activity One —

Examine Dialect: As a class, talk about your area’s dialect. Look for examples of local dialect in the newspaper. Pay special attention to local news stories and advertisements. Discuss examples found.

Activity Two —

Meeting People’s Needs: Locate pictures of groups and organizations that help meet people’s needs. Cut and paste the picture on a piece of paper. Write an explanation that explains how each group or organization meets the needs of the people.

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

Malcom addresses Ridhwaa Seminary students in Dar es Salaam, in 2010.

Photo courtesy U.S. Embassy, Dar es Salaam.

Why did St. Louis hire a more expensive lobbyist?

If St. Louis residents aren’t frequently checking the elevator at City Hall, they may have a hard time finding out that former union leader Jeff Aboussie won the city’s lobbying contract at a December 7 meeting – for an unknown amount.

“Today’s meeting was not posted to the city’s online calendar,” wrote 7th Ward Committeewoman Marie Ceselski on her blog on December 7. “It was taped to an elevator at City Hall. I’m glad Gerry (Connolly) took time out from his busy day to go and get the information for us.”

On December 7, concerned city resident Gerry Connolly was the lone witness to the selection committee awarding Aboussie and his team the contract.

Attending the meeting would have been the only way to find out, other than scouring the Missouri Ethics Commission website for new lobbyists.

The St. Louis American tried to find out more details about the contract on January 17, and the city’s operations director Todd Waelterman said he couldn’t yet say. The American tried to find out who was on Aboussie’s team through Tom Shepard, who was on the selection committee representing his boss, aldermanic President Lewis Reed. Shepard wasn’t sure if he could say yet either, but he did confirm that Aboussie’s new lobbying firm Regional Strategies won the contract. Shepard, Reed’s chief of staff, was the only “no” vote in the 4-1 vote for the contract. These interactions were odd considering that the meeting where the contract was announced was public – though barely – and the three lobbyists have already registered themselves as representing the city with the Missouri Ethics Commission. From what The American

was able to find out, there were only two applicants to replace former lobbyist, Rodney Boyd, who now lobbies for the City Treasurer’s Office. Aboussie’s proposal was almost $20,000 more than the other bidder, Shepard confirmed, though he couldn’t say the exact amounts. He said it was within the budget. Waelterman said that $96,000 was budgeted for the new lobbyist, and the contract does not have to go before the Board of Estimate and Apportionment. Boyd had been paid $90,000 annually. Aboussie, who had previously been the executive secretary-treasurer for the St. Louis Building and Construction Trades Council, has only been a registered lobbyist since February 2016. His competition, Richard McIntosh, has been registered since 1996, and his firm, Flotron & McIntosh LLC, has been in business since 2000. So why go with someone who was more expensive and had less experience?

The rumblings are that billionaire conservative financer Rex Sinquefield is going to push for a statewide referendum for a citycounty merger. And, of course, there’s also the privatization of city-owned and -operated St. Louis Lambert International Airport. Some say that those are the city’s two lobbying priorities going forward. Aboussie and his two team members seem prime to support this effort.

January 5. His other teammate is Jacqueline Bardgett, a Democrat who works for her father’s firm, John Bardgett & Associates. She registered on January 5 as well.

Interestingly, one of Bardgett’s clients is the St. Louis Police Retirement System.

Until October 16, Aboussie was registered to lobby for Kiel Center Partners, who own the Scottrade Center.

The city is now paying $1.5 million a year for the hockey stadium’s improvements after many months of lawsuits and litigation. Aboussie registered as the city’s lobbyist on December 29. Aboussie also represents Great St. Louis, which paid for the Prop A campaign (the ballot issue that falsely promoted body cams) and Prop B (for changing municipal election dates) last April. He also lobbies for the Kelley Group, which helped put St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger and St. Louis Mayor Lyda Krewson in office. Krewson’s office has not yet responded to The American’s request for comment.

Bardgett also has a part to play in the looming citycounty merger or reentry, said Ceselski.

One is Tom Dempsey former president pro tem of the Missouri Senate, a trusted Republican in Jefferson City. On his lobbyist registration for the Missouri Ethics Commission, Dempsey lists his address as Pelopidas LLC –which is Sinquefield’s primary political shop. Dempsey registered as a lobbyist for the City of St. Louis on

“The lobbying team is really about coming up with a chunk of money to pay pension liabilities, so we can be forced into the county by the [Missouri Legislature],” she said, “so I can see how that is one of her connections that she brings to table.”

The Missouri Constitution is clear that county does not acquire the city’s liabilities with re-entry, Ceselski said. Re-entry means the city would become the 91st municipality in St. Louis County.

“Police will go along with re-entry and being county police funded by a special tax

district if their old pension system is secure,” she said.

Currently the Missouri Constitution states that city and county residents would be the ones to vote on any merger or reentry referendum. But it’s no secret that some state legislative leaders are aiming to change that, allowing the issue to be voted on statewide.

Sinquefield has been making hefty campaign contributions to those who would support this cause.

‘Leasing’ the airport

Sinquefield is also bankrolling the privatization process for the airport. Just weeks before then-Mayor Francis G. Slay left office, Slay initiated the application process for the Federal Aviation Administration’s airport privatization pilot program.

The application process is being paid for entirely by Sinquefield’s nonprofit Grow Missouri Inc.

Going forward would require a city ordinance, approved by the Board of Aldermen, or a City Charter amendment, which would require 60 percent voter approval.

Grow Missouri has also launched “Fly314,” its outreach project to gain support for privatizing Lambert. If the deal is successful, Grow Missouri will be reimbursed for the application fee and its promotion efforts. Slay’s former chief of staff Jeff Rainford is a lobbyist for one of the potential bidders.

On January 17, a selection committee met to review proposals for a consultant firm that would advise the city on whether or not it should “lease” the airport. About seven city aldermen showed up to the meeting to ask questions.

Deputy City Counselor

Michael Garvin explained that the Request For Proposals (RFP) went out in October, and they have received 11 proposals. However, he said there are only two full proposals. And only one of them truly meets the requirements, though they are flexible and could make the other work through negotiations, he said.

Alderwoman Carol Howard (D-14th Ward) asked about the wording in the RFP that states the consultant will not get paid unless a deal is cut in leasing the airport.

“That’s strange,” Howard said. “That’s very strange.”

City Counselor Julian Bush said it is a very typical approach to financial transactions.

“But this is not a financial transaction,” said Alderwoman Cara Spencer of the 20th Ward. “This is an agreement to hire a consultant to tell the city whether or not we should privatize. So we are setting up a situation to hire a consultant to consult us on whether or not we should move forward, and only agreeing to pay them if we do move forward.”

Garvin responded, “We all understand that the analysis we receive could be affected by the financial interest of the … It’s like a realtor telling you to sell your house.”

On January 16, St. Louis Post-Dispatch’s Tony Messenger wrote a column about the city’s airport privatization process through the eyes of a nonprofit think tank that studies the privatization of public assets.

Donald Cohen, executive director of In The Public Interest, said that going forward with the consulting contract wasn’t a good move. “If this contract gets executed, it really puts the finger on the scale,” Cohen said. “It gets harder and harder to say no because there is momentum.”

Cohen also said that the

closed nature of the process is not normal – along with the fact that Sinquefield is paying for it. The aldermen agreed. Alderwoman Christine Ingrassia of the 6th Ward said she and her colleagues feel like the public has been left in the dark.

“When we go to the chair of transportation and commerce, who should be able to answer those things, she is not able to either,” Ingrassia said. “I understand that there is a process and some of this information is closed for a reason. But I find it very troublesome that we just have had zero proactive communication on this.”

The mayor and Bush went to the Airport Commission two months ago, Bush said. In June, they had a half-dozen briefings on what the process would be, he said. When asked how many other airports are privatized, he said that a few cities, including Kansas City, are looking into it. (The Muñoz Marín International Airport in San Juan, Puerto Rico, is the only airport currently operated privately under the FAA program, which began in 1997.)

“Bottom line is there are zero private airports in the United States,” Spencer said. And St. Louis is one of the few cities that get considerable amount of income from their airports, she said.

“But we are looking to see if there is a way to make more,” Bush said. The aldermen asked to hear from Comptroller Darlene Green, and her representative at the meeting told the aldermen, “We believe that there is an opportunity to answer the question of whether it is something we should consider doing.”

Reed released a statement on January 18 that the city needs to “carefully and diligently” examine the idea. He said, “Communication needs to be a key part of this process.”

African-style hair braiders lose court appeal

Vow to continue fight to end state mandate for cosmetology training

By Sophie Hurwitz For The St. Louis American

On January 11, the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals upheld Missouri’s requirement that hair braiders must have 1,500 hours of cosmetology training, most of which covers topics unrelated to hair braiding. That training includes 130 hours in hair coloring, bleaches and rinses, for example, and 110 hours in “manicuring hand and arm massage, and treatment of nails.”

Two unlicensed hair braiders from St. Louis, Ndioba Niang and Tameka Stigers, first challenged the law in 2014, arguing that this training was not relevant to their work, and that the current law requiring them to spend thousands of dollars on getting that irrelevant

n “The struggle for hair braiding freedom in Missouri is not over.”

– Ndioba Niang

training violated their economic freedom. The two women had, collectively, been braiding hair professionally for over 20 years at the time they filed the lawsuit.

They are represented by the Institute for Justice, a libertarian law firm based in Virginia.

The Institute for Justice has successfully challenged similar licensing laws regarding

hair braiders in 12 different previous cases over the past several years. In all of those cases, the Institute for Justice has won, or the state’s legislature has changed their laws.

“This is different, in that this is actually the first case we’ve lost,” said Dan Alban, the lead attorney on the case. In the other cases, and on the national scale, “we’ve seen a pretty dramatic change over the past several years.”

There are now only 14 states that require African-style hair braiders to have full cosmetology licenses; the others either require no license or have created a special license with different requirements for hair braiding.

“Economic liberty is a civil right protected

See BRAIDING, B2

Connecting the community to Wash U.

Lathon Ferguson is charged with diversifying the metro area’s fourth-largest employer

By Sophie Hurwitz

For The St. Louis American

n “Through work in the community, but also through some changes internally, we can do a better job of making sure that individuals are aware of the opportunities that exist.”

– Lathon Ferguson, Washington University

Lathon Ferguson, manager of Diversity and Community Engagement at Washington University in St. Louis, was told by his mother growing up that he would attend Wash U. When the time came for him to choose a college, however, the Berkeley, Missouri native chose to attend Mizzou instead.

When he visited Wash U. in 1998, Ferguson said, “I didn’t see many people that looked like me. It just wasn’t, in my mind, the place for me to go. It was the place to aspire to go, but it was not the desired place to go.”

See FERGUSON, B6

Quincy A. Rose was appointed dean of the College of Education at Harris-Stowe State University. Most recently she served as department head and associate professor of Curriculum and Instruction at Grambling State University. She also has served as director of Teacher Education and department chair of the Bachelor of Science Interdisciplinary Studies Program and Master of Arts in Teaching program at Tusculum College.

Andwele Jolly is one of 11 midcareer professionals chosen from a national pool of candidates for an Eisenhower Fellowship. He is business director in the Divisions of Allergy & Immunology, Rheumatology and Hematology at Washington University School of Medicine. The Eisenhower Fellowships aims to enhance international understanding and promote peaceful dialogue.

Cora Faith Walker was selected to serve on the Community Advisory Board for the St. Louis Regional Health Commission. She will provide direct input to the commission, which was formed in 2001 to improve the health of uninsured and underinsured citizens in St. Louis city and county. A licensed attorney, Walker (D-Ferguson) represents Missouri’s 74th House District in the Missouri House of Representatives.

Quinton Ward was named the 2018 Katherine Dunham Fellowship recipient by the Arts and Education Council. He is a senior at Webster University studying graphic design. He will receive a $3,000 stipend, experience in all the critical skills needed to manage an arts organization – including fundraising, corporate relations, database management, fiscal and board management – and mentorship.

Ebony G. Patterson was named one of United States Artists’ 2018 Fellows with a fellowship in art. A native of Jamaica, she received her Master’s in Fine Arts from Washington University and now is represented by Monique Meloche Gallery in Chicago. The award recognizes artists for contributions to their field and comes with an unrestricted $50,000 prize.

Shawn Roundtree was chosen to be the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University staff humanitarian winner by Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. He is a social worker and athletic director at the university’s East St. Louis Charter High School. “He supports students socially and emotionally, so they can succeed academically,” said Alison Reeves, the professor who nominated him.

Quincy A. Rose

Cora Faith Walker

Shawn Roundtree

Ebony G. Patterson

Andwele Jolly

Quinton Ward

Tameka Stigers (left) braided LaQuinn Laws’ hair with the help of Ivy Perry in St. Louis on June 13, 2014. Stigers and Ndioba Niang are plaintiffs in a suit challenging a state law that mandates 1,500 hours of cosmetology training for hair braiders.

Photo courtesy of Institute for Justice

Lathon Ferguson, a native of Berkeley, Missouri, is manager of Diversity and Community Engagement at Washington University.

Photo by Wiley Price

Consumer protection payday rule at risk

Trump interim appointee ‘reconsidering’ rule

By Charlene Crowell

For The St. Louis American

An important consumer protection rule that was to take effect January 16 is now being “reconsidered” by the same agency that was to enforce it – the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB).

After years of fierce advocacy that drew bright lines between a predatory lending industry and a coalition of concern that looks like America, a rule was announced in 2017, designed to ensure that loans only went to consumers who could afford to repay them. The rule also curbed triple-digit interest rates on small-dollar loans like payday. The new announcement came on the watch of Mick Mulvaney who was hand-picked by the White House to serve as CFPB’s acting director. The validity of that appointment is currently the subject of two lawsuits. Mulvaney also continues to serve as President Trump’s Director of the Office of Management and Budget.

But Mulvaney’s years of serving as a member of South Carolina’s congressional delegation could help to explain how an agency created to be the consumers’ financial cop on the beat still supports lenders who helped to finance his campaigns.

Following the bureau’s statement that it would reopen the rule, Rebecca Borné, a senior policy counsel with the Center for Responsible Lending said, “Today’s announcement is a big deal and could become a terrible deal for consumers. The human devastation caused by payday loans, which average nearly 400 percent annual percentage rates (APR), has been extensively documented. For more than five years, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau studied the issue, welcomed public input, and crafted a rule to help stop the payday loan debt trap.”

Advocates opposed to payday lending are as broad as the loans are harmful: clergy of all colors stand with civil rights leaders and consumer advocates, all working at both the state and federal levels with a central message: Stop the debt trap that preys upon people with the fewest financial resources.

n “By scrapping this rule, Mick Mulvaney will allow his campaign donors to continue to generate massive fees peddling some of the most abusive financial products in existence.”

– U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren

“Payday lenders spent $63,000 helping Mick Mulvaney get elected to Congress and now their investment is paying off many times over,” U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren (D-Massachusetts) said in a statement. “By scrapping this rule, Mulvaney will allow his campaign donors to continue to generate massive fees peddling some of the most abusive financial products in existence.”

Loans that charge interest rates that double or even triple the amount of money borrowed worsen --not help -- those suffering from financial stress.

“I cannot imagine a single legitimate reason to go back and undo this good work,” said Stephen K. Reeves, associate coordinator of partnerships and advocacy for the Cooperative Baptist Fellowship.

“At the very least, this decision should be left to a permanent director who has been confirmed by Senate.”

“Given acting director Mick Mulvaney’s prior statements about the work of the bureau and his long history of vigorous defense of payday lenders,” continued Reeves, “this action should not come as a surprise.”

Now, with plans to “reconsider” the rulemaking, the long-awaited payday rule

that curbs triple-digit interest rates

may be undone entirely.

This column in earlier editions spoke to similar delays in student loan rules. Efforts to address mounting and unsustainable student debt, servicer errors and career training institutions that failed to deliver what was promised were put in place during the Obama administration through its Borrower Defense to Repayment Rule and a second, Gainful Employment. But under Education Secretary Betsy DeVos, rulemaking has begun anew.

Could it be that an

administration pledge to deregulate federal agencies is being advanced by President Trump’s cabinet?

Beyond CFPB and the Department of Education, HUD Secretary Carson recently pledged to “review” the agency’s rule to “Affirmatively Advance Affirmation Action”. And what will happen to the Justice Department’s Civil Rights Division that worked hand-in-hand with CFPB to punish financial bad actors found to violate fair lending laws?

In the meantime, financial

relief from payday and car-title lending is lost particularly for communities of color where these predatory products are most often sold.

But just as the old Negro spiritual, I Don’t Feel No Ways Tired, brought renewed vigor to preceding generations in the struggle to overcome the vestiges of slavery and Jim Crow, in 2018 those same words of defiant struggle written and composed by Harry Thacker Burleigh still ring true:

“I don’t feel no ways tired, I’ve come too far from where I started from.

Nobody told me that the road would be easy, I don’t believe He brought me this far to leave me.” As Black History Month approaches, may we remember who we are and all that our forefathers encountered and overcame. The fight for freedom includes our rights to fair lending. Charlene Crowell is the Center for Responsible Lending’s communications deputy director. She can be reached at: Charlene. Crowell@responsiblelending. org

Free Income Tax Assistance programs

One hundred and fifty Volunteer Income Tax Assistance programs (VITA) in partnership with the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) will open beginning late-January to mid-April. VITA provides free tax preparation services for taxpayers whose income is less than $64,000.

National tax preparation chains will be open and tend to cluster their offices in low-income neighborhoods, according to a study by the Progressive Policy Institute, co-authored by Paul Weinstein, director of Johns Hopkins University Graduate Program in Public Management. Zip codes with the highest level of taxpayers eligible for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC) have about 75% more tax preparers per filer than neighborhoods with a more modest share of people eligible for the credit. The researchers

BRAIDERS

continued from page B1

by the U.S. Constitution,” Alban said. “Courts should not allow legislatures to require people to complete ‘needless, wasteful requirements’ in order to provide for their families. This opinion is an unfortunate example of judicial abdication.

also found Baltimore and Washington DC clients eligible for the EITC spend between 13–22% of their refund on tax preparation fees.

These stiff fees can quickly erode the EITC refund. The cost to file a single return could reach as high as $509, while the average is $400.

Characteristics of these returns are several W-2s or 1099MISC and dependents.

Another more exploitive group includes individuals preparing fraudulent returns for no other reason than to generate false refunds through inflated EITC and education credits. This group preys on very low income taxpayers who are receiving other federal or state funded assistance. In some cases, these predators charge as much as $700.

Taxpayers usually are concerned with their tax refund or balance due amount without

The court fails to take seriously its role in protecting the constitutional right to earn a living, and instead defers to the legislature.”

A bill just passed in the Missouri House of Representatives that would exempt African-style hair braiding from cosmetology licensing. If it passes the Senate, that will mean good news for

and

regard to how the figures were derived. Taxpayers have a due diligence responsibility in knowing how the refund was derived. After the tax preparation phase, the preparer should review the return with and provides a copy of the return to the client. The client knows the refund or balance due and signs a document (Form 8879) authorizing the preparer to e-file the return. IRS requires that VITA volunteers be certified by passing tests covering standards of conduct, basic or advanced tax topics, and other specialty areas including military, health savings, or international. For information about VITA locations, visit https://www.irs. gov/individuals/find-a-locationfor-free-tax-prep.

Other free online options are MyFreeTaxes, https://www. unitedway.org/myfreetaxes, and the IRS Free File program.

If it doesn’t, though, they will keep fighting. Niang and Stigers intend to take their case to the U.S. Supreme Court. “The struggle for hair braiding freedom in Missouri is not over,” said Niang, who has offered braiding services in Florissant since 2001. “We will continue to fight for our opportunity to pursue the American dream.”

Charlene Crowell

Niang

Stigers.

President Trump with Mick Mulvaney, his director of the Office of Management and Budget and acting director of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.

n “There ain’t no positives in Ls.”

— Jacksonville Jaguars

cornerback Jalen Ramsey, after the loss to New England in the AFC Championship game

Sports

P

BasketBall

Jennings eyes Final Four

currently

The Jennings Warriors have continued to post winning seasons on a regular basis.

Earl Austin Jr.

This year is no different as the Warriors are currently 17-2 and headed for another 20-victory season. The won the championship of the Denver Miller Tournament at Kirkwood and also finished second at the Pattonville Tournament. The Warriors have victories over excellent teams such as Trinity, Cardinal Ritter, Kirkwood, plus two victories over Duchesne. Jennings finished the 2017 season with a 24-5 record and advanced to the Class 4 state quarterfinals before losing to Parkway Central. The Warriors are looking to take that next step and advance to the Final Four this season. Leading the way for the Warriors is Kyle Younge, Jr., a fearless 5’9” senior guard who is averaging 14.9 points and 3.6 steals a game. Junior forward Elijah Hicks, a 6’3” forward is averaging 12 points a game. Senior guard Terran Jackson averages 8.8 points while 6’6” senior forward Jordan Brown averages 8.6 points.

*Webster Girls’ Classic features a loaded field

The Webster Winter Challenge is a girls’ basketball tournament that features some of the top programs of the state on an annual basis. This year’s tournament will be held from Jan. 30 to Feb. 2 at Webster Groves High.

Heading the field is perennial powerhouse Incarnate Word Academy, the defending Class 4 state champions. They are joined by defending Class 5 state champion Kirkwood and fellow 2017 Class 5 Final Four participants St. Joseph’s Academy and Columbia Rock Bridge. Rounding out the field are Parkway Central,

Bradley Beal earns All-Star stripes

When asked why he didn’t openly campaign for an AllStar nod, Washington Wizards guard Bradley Beal had a simple answer.

“If it has anything that says, ‘Vote for me,’ I’m not posting it,” Beal told The Washington Post

“I just feel like I shouldn’t have to do that just to get votes,” he stated. “My game should speak for itself.

As it turns out, the knockdown shooter from St. Louis didn’t have to say a word.

A year after being snubbed in favor of Carmelo Anthony, Beal finally earned his first career All-Star selection. The former Chaminade College Preparatory School standout let his sweet shooting stroke, improved playmaking ability and stout defense do all the talking.

This season, Beal has been the Wizards’ most valuable

player, averaging 23.6 points, 4.3 rebounds, 3.7 assists and 1.1 steals per game. It may have taken five seasons, but the 24-year-old is finally being recognized around the league as a bona fide star.

Worth the wait

Many didn’t expect for it to take this long for Beal to reach AllStar status. Beal was a five-star prospect at Chaminade. Following his senior season in 2011, he was named Mr. Show-Me Basketball and the Gatorade National Player of the Year. He competed internationally, winning gold medals in the 2009 and 2010 FIBA U16 and U17 World Championships. Following his freshman season at the University of Florida, Beal was named to the All-SEC team. After the season, he declared for the draft and was selected by the

who will compete in the 2018 All-Star

Wizards with the third overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft. In other words, Beal was built for this. It’s been four years since Beal raised eyebrows by boldly proclaiming that he and teammate John Wall comprised the “best backcourt in the league.” Now, the dynamic duo is one of just three backcourt pairings See CLUTCH, B5

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Photo by Wiley Price

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Wilks lands Cardinals head coaching post; NFL scores ‘A’ on racial hiring

Steve Keim, Arizona Cardinals general manager, was vacationing on a beach on the outer banks of North Carolina during 2017, when a black man approached him.

He had never met the gentleman and, luckily, his first reaction was not one of fear. In fact, a few minutes later Keim was generally impressed with the guy’s outlook on life and football knowledge.

That man turned out to be Steve Wilks, Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator.

Wilks, 48, now works with Keim as head coach of the Cardinals.

Ian Rapoport shared this story on his “Rap Sheet” website and said “Keim was blown away with this impressive dude.”

This cat is so cool he taped a video for Cardinals fans, the Bird Gang, minutes after his hiring. You’ll recognize a phrase used by that other Cardinals franchise and one that is common to the Oakland Raiders.

Championship game. He was named defensive coordinator following that season.

Mike Jones of USA TODAY wrote on Monday, “Former players of his love Wilks. Describe him as a great leader, puts players in position to succeed and trusts, which motivates them. They say he’ll be a star.”

While Pat Shurmur, the New York Giants new head coach, might have been the Cardinals first interview, Wilkes should not be considered a second choice.

The Cardinals were reportedly interested in Shurmur because of his work as offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings and the chance he could lure free-agent quarterback Case Keenum to Arizona.

“I’m so excited about being a part of something great here. It’s all about trying to create a commitment to excellence.

I can’t wait to see you guys at the red sea,” he said while wearing a sharp black suit.

While this will be Wilks first head coaching gig, four of the last six Cardinals coaches were in the same position.

The recently retired Bruce Arians had less than a year’s experience as a head coach as the interim leader of the Indianapolis Colts for 12 games in 2012.

Wilks was assistant head coach and in charge of defensive backs in 2015 when the Carolina Panthers blasted the Cardinals 49-15 in the NFC

The mediocre Keenum we had grown accustomed to as a member of the Rams showed up in the NFC Championship game at Philadelphia - not the one who played at All-Pro level in 2017. Shurmur’s game plan was also thoroughly trashed by the Eagles’ defense.

The Cardinals got the best man for the job – and could easily now target Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater instead of Keenum on the free agent market.

It also should be noted that the Panthers hired Eric Washington, a black coach in charge of the team’s defensive line, to replace Wilks as defensive coordinator.

The black head coaching ranks lost Jim Caldwell in Detroit, but gained Wilks in Arizona. Barring any changes between now and next September, the number of black head coaches will remain at seven.

That’s not bad, folks.

TIDE rising in NFL for blacks

In a season that saw politically manufactured controversy by the Donald Trump administration concerning a small percentage of black players demonstrating their 1st

Amendment rights by kneeling during the national anthem, the NFL earned an “A” for racial hiring practices on the annual report card by The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport (TIDES) at the University of Central Florida.

“The NFL had significant gains for people of color as head coaches and general managers, the two positions most closely watched in the report card,” said Richard Lapchick, TIDES director and the study’s primary author.

The NFL office under Commissioner Roger Goodell which was under constant criticism throughout the sºeason, also increased its diversity in 2017.

“The NFL continued to have good results on racial hiring practices and improvement in gender hiring at the senior level in the League Office where the number of women and people of color at or above the vice president level continued to increase. In 2015, there were 21 people of color at or above the VP level. In 2016, there were 24 and in 2017, that number jumped to 31 people of color,” according to the study.

Other highlights of the study include:

There were eight head coaches of color in 2017, two more than last season’s total. Six of them were black. Ron Rivera, a Latino, remains at the helm of the Carolina Panthers. There were six general managers, or executive performing the role of GM at the start of the 2017 season, an increase from five in 2016. Two were fired during the 2017 season, though.

The increase of women in management positions in the league office in 2017 reached

a milestone. Previously, they held 31.6 percent of the positions. In 2017, the percentage increased to 35.4 percent, which is the highest in the report’s history.

The Jacksonville Jaguars (Shahid Khan) and Buffalo Bills (Kim Pegula) both had a majority owner of color. Khan is of Pakistani descent. Pegula, who co-owns the Bills with husband Terry, was born in South Korea, orphaned and is of Japanese descent.

The percentage of assistant coaches of color dropped from 31.9 percent in 2016 to 31.4 percent in the 2017 season. There was also a slight decline in African-American coordinators, as the number dropped from 14 to 13 AfricanAmericans.

was hired by the 49ers as an assistant wide receivers coach for this season, making her the second female coach in the NFL. She is also the first open LGBT coach in NFL history.

Nine teams employed multiple vice presidents of color in 2017 while 28 teams employed multiple women vice presidents in 2017.

The NFL had 38 game officials of color. This matched the all-time high of 38 officials of color in 2016.

While the NFL can celebrate its ‘A’ in racial hiring, it received just a “C” in gender hiring.

Lapchick explained, saying, “The number of women in significant decision-making positions in the League Office continued to grow. However, at the team level they are still poorly represented at the senior positions. The good news on the teams is that women hit an

all-time high in professional positions.”

Soul in South Korea

Maame Biney, 17, will walk with the American team during the Opening Ceremony of the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea after already making history. In December in Salt Lak City, Utah, she became the first black woman to qualify for the short track speed skating U.S. Olympic Team.

“I don’t really feel pressure to be the first to get a medal or anything like that,” she told the Huffington Post.

“I just want to go out there, do my best and have fun, and experience the Olympics. That’s what I’m here for. I’m here to win, obviously, but also have fun.”

Biney, who was born in Ghana and is an American citizen, will not be alone in making black athletic history at the Pyeongchang Games. Erin Jackson, is one of the fastest female inline skaters in America. She never attempted to move to the ice for several reasons including a fear of crashing. Four months before the U.S. Olympic long-track trials, she decided to give it a shot and began training. The long-shot, long-track skater shocked herself and the world.

In the first of two 500-meter races, she set a personal-best 39.22 seconds. An hour later, she went 39.04, earning the third of three spots on the U.S. team and making her the first black woman to achieve the feat.

“It’s just been crazy,” she told the Milwaukee Journal.

“I’m still kind of processing it. To be ready for something like this, you have to have sort of an idea that it could happen, right? I didn’t have much of an idea, so it’s just kind of thrown on me.”

To say her future is bright is an understatement. While 25 is older for an Olympian, Jackson is a University of Florida graduate with a degree in materials engineering. She’s plans a career in the bio-med field.

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

Alvin A. Reid

Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks was recently named head coach of the Arizona Cardinals.

InsIde sports

With Earl Austin Jr.

Trinity’s coach joins the Fighting Illini

The leader of “The Movement” is moving up to the Division I collegiate ranks.

University of Illinois head football coach Lovie Smith has hired Trinity High coach Cory Patterson to join his staff as the tight ends coach. Patterson, 37, leaves behind an emerging powerhouse program that features some of the best talent in the state of Missouri. In his three seasons as head coach, Patterson has guided the Titans to a 27-5 record, which included a berth in the 2016-17 Class 2 Show-Me Bowl.

Following his senior season at Chaminade in 2011, Beal was named Mr. Show-Me Basketball and the Gatorade National Player of the Year.

Patterson’s successor figures to inherit a boatload of returning talent, which includes Class of 2019 standouts in quarterback Isaiah Williams, receiver Marcus Washington and linebacker Shammond Cooper. All three have scores of scholarship offers from many of the top collegiate programs around the country. They will also be competing in the Under Armour All-American game in 2019.

Illinois is one of those many schools to have offered scholarships to Trinity’s talented trio, as well as a number of other players on

the Titans’ roster, including offensive linemen Ira Henry and Jalen St. John and running back Teriyon Cooper. With Patterson joining the Illinois staff, Smith is hoping that those relationships will help bring some of that talent to Champaign. Former Trinity offensive lineman Larry Boyd just completed his freshman season at Illinois.

County (Georgia), Cincinnati Elder (Ohio) and a date with East St. Louis, Illinois on September 1 at the Gateway Scholars Classic, a game that will most certainly fill Clyde C. Jordan Stadium in East St. Louis.

Earl Austin Jr.

As for the future of Trinity, it will embark on a national schedule during the 2018 season, which includes games with Colquitt

Several area football players commit A number of talented football players from the St. Louis metro area have recently given verbal commitments.

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

about his breakthrough All-Star selection, Beal was humble and grateful.

“It’s a blessing and an honor,” Beal said. “Still hasn’t hit me yet, a little bit. I’m definitely happy about it. I’m sure it will probably hit me later tonight...”

New All-Star format

Beal’s first time as an AllStar should be an interesting one due to the league’s all new take on the All-Star roster.

PREP

Continued from B3 Washington, Cor Jesu and host Webster Groves. There will also be a number of talented future Division I players in the tournament, including Sonya Morris of Incarnate Word (DePaul), Jayla Everett of Kirkwood (New Mexico), Jaidah Stewart of Webster Groves (Minnesota), KK Rodriguez of Webster Groves (Tulsa) and Rickie Woltman of Incarnate Word (Purdue).

The semifinals of the Webster Winter Challenge will be held on Friday, Feb. 2 at 7 and 8:30 p.m. The championship game is set for Saturday, Feb. 3 at 4:30 p.m.

*Prayers up for Coach Lowe

Sending out prayers to Lutheran North boys’ coach Darron Lowe, who had brain surgery last Friday to remove a tumor. Best wishes to Darron for a complete and speedy recovery. As well as being an excellent young basketball coach, he is an even better gentleman who truly cares for his kids. Get well, Darron.

Instead of being split into the traditional East vs West rosters, this year the two leading vote-getters, LeBron James and Curry, will be named team captains and get to select their teams from all of the selected All-Stars. The remaining eight starters must be selected first. The selection of the reserves will follow. The hope is that the new format will lead to more competitive games. Though recent All-Star games have been full of dazzling plays and highlights, defensive effort has been as effective as Mo’Nique’s Netflix boycott. By eliminating the conference affiliation, the league hopes the new system

will translate to a better effort on both ends of the court. For Beal, that means he could end up matching up against his backcourt bro. Though they seem to be getting along very well, it’s doubtful that either of the extremely competitive players would mind the chance for a few one-on-one matchups in Los Angeles.

Beal could also end up in a super sniper lineup alongside Curry, Thompson, Kevin Durant and James Harden The possibilities are endless. Speaking of three-pointers, Beal also confirmed that he will also compete in his second NBA three-point contest. In

2014, Beal finished as runner-up to Marco Belinelli in New Orleans. He turned down an invitation to compete last year after he was not selected for the All-Star Game.

According to The Athletic’s Anthony Slater, “Chef” Curry will pass on the opportunity to cook in this year’s competition. So far, the expected contestants include Beal, Thompson, Devin Booker (Suns) and Kevin Love (Cavs). The full lineup should be announced in the coming days.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

• CBC defensive back Lonell Boyd, Jr. has committed to Missouri State University.

• Linebacker Donnell Sharp of Cardinal Ritter College Prep has committed to Quincy University.

• Running back Canaan Brooks of Lutheran North has committed to the University of South Dakota.

• Receiver Josh White of Fort Zumwalt West has committed to Lindenwood University.

• Running back Darries Rainey of Trinity has committed to Quincy University

• Linebacker David Young of Kirkwood has committed to Lindenwood-Belleville.

• Running back Perez Hall, Jr. of East St. Louis has committed to Wayne State University.

• Receiver Barrion Clemons of Ritenour has committed to Iowa Western Community College.

The senior guard from Fayetteville, AR reached the 1,000point career milestone while helping the Spartans to two victories last week. The 5’11” Hopkins scored 16 points in a 74-52 victory over St. Louis College of Pharmacy. He added 13 points in a 62-60 victory over Park University. He also had a high game of

32 points against LindenwoodBelleville earlier this season. For the season, Hopkins is averaging 15.8 points, 4.3 assists and 1.0 steal a game while shooting 50 percent from the field and 46 percent from 3-point range. Missouri Baptist is currently 17-2 and ranked No. 17 in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics rankings.

Andranae Wash

St. Louis Community College – Basketball

The sophomore guard from Cardinal Ritter College Prep enjoyed a couple of good performances in two victories last week. The 5’7” Wash had 17 points, eight rebounds and four steals in an 89-65 victory over North Central. She

followed up with 19 points, four rebounds and five steals in a 73-61 victory over Penn Valley. For the season, Wash is averaging 15.7 points, 5.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists while shooting 45 percent from the field.

Senior forward Jericole Hellems was named the Most Valuable Player of the tournament after averaging 23 points a game in the three victories, including 19 points in the championship game. Junior guard Keyyaun Batchman

scored a team-high 21 points in the finals, followed by sophomore guard Luke Kasubke with 16 points, senior guard Jadis White with 11 points and senior forward Henry Gladson with 10 points and 12 rebounds.

*On Tap this weekend

The Ameritime Tournament at Parkway West will conclude with the championship game on Friday at 8:30 p.m. Top-seeded Hazelwood Central is seeking another tournament title.

Some of the local powerhouse teams will be taking on teams from Illinois this weekend. Chaminade will host

prep AthLete of the Week Jaron Thames Trinity – Boys Basketball

The 6’4” junior guard led the Titans to a pair of impressive victories last week. Thames had 20 points, eight rebounds and two steals in Trinity’s 86-58 victory over Lutheran St. Charles. He made nine of his 13 field goal attempts in the victory. He followed

*Chaminade repeats as Belleville East Tourney champions For the second year in succession, the Chaminade Red Devils outlasted a talented field of teams to win the championship of the Chic-Fil-A Classic at Belleville East. Last season, the Red Devils defeated Belleville Althoff 87-81 in a thrilling championship game. This year, Chaminade took on Belleville West in the finals and came away with an 81-77 overtime victory in a battle of two of the top teams in the St. Louis metro area.

Chicago Whitney Young on Saturday at 7 p.m. Vashon will travel to Chicago to take on Orr High on Saturday at 7:30 while Webster Groves will travel to Quincy, Illinois to take on the host Blue Devils in a big showcase event on Saturday evening.

Photo by Wiley Price

By Jessica Karins

Trump suspends fair housing rule

‘We need HUD to enforce this important rule, not suspend it’

For The St. Louis American

A sudden decision by the Trump administration to suspend an Obama-era housing regulation could set back efforts to fight housing discrimination both nationwide and in St. Louis.

Called the Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing rule (AFFH), the 2015 rule was intended to clarify the Fair Housing Act’s requirements to go beyond non-discrimination to constructively working towards integrated communities.

The Obama administration gave communities that receive Housing and Urban Development (HUD) funding a specific pathway to do this, by creating an Assessment of Fair Housing that uses data and community input to identify problems and work towards solutions.

Under Trump, HUD has

FERGUSON

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Now his job is to change that impression. His mandate is to recruit more minorities to leadership and management positions within the university, retain those individuals once they’re there, and make the university seem more approachable to the local community.

“When I saw this position, it jumped off the page,” he said. “It gave me the ability to help change that perception.”

Ferguson hopes to show St. Louis that Washington University “is accessible, is a phenomenal place to work. Through work in the community, but also through

extended the deadline for communities to submit an Assessment of Fair Housing until after October 31, 2020.

Many housing advocates have seen this as an effective suspension of the rule that will bring the enforcement process to a halt, including Elizabeth Risch, the assistant director at St. Louis’ Equal Housing Opportunity Council (EHOC).

“We really see it as a way to repeal the rule,” Risch said.

Jennifer Bellamy, legislative council for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), said HUD, as the federal agency that distributes funds for public housing, has an obligation to hold the local jurisdictions that receive its funding accountable for using it properly.

“By eliminating this rule, HUD leaves communities in the dark about how to achieve their housing and development goals, without the tools and resources to eliminate discrimination,” Bellamy said

some changes internally, we can do a better job of making sure that individuals are aware of the opportunities that exist, and aware of the openness of the environment and culture. It is a place that individuals can build a career from.”

Connecting Wash U. with the community as an employer is important, Ferguson said, because it is the fourth-largest employer in the metro area. He was well-qualified for the job. After graduating from Mizzou, Ferguson went on to get his Master’s degree in business at Webster University, and then filled his resume with management jobs at both nonprofits and for-profit companies, eventually landing back in Florissant, where he now lives with his wife and two daughters.

n “By eliminating this rule, HUD leaves communities in the dark about how to achieve their housing and development goals, without the tools and resources to eliminate discrimination.”

– Jennifer Bellamy, American Civil Liberties Union

in a statement.

Seventy-six organizations focused on civil rights, affordable housing and other issues have come together to protest the rule change.

In a statement drafted by the ACLU, they called on HUD to revoke the deadline change and on Congress to ensure the agency is properly carrying out its duties.

Shanna L. Smith, president of CEO of the National Fair Housing Alliance, said the U.S. is falling short of achieving the goal of truly equitable housing.

“Actions taken over many years by HUD, other

“My background is actually in business and nonprofit leadership,” he said. “I worked for a large telecommunications technology company for about 12 years, I worked for a large healthcare company here in St. Louis for about two years, and then I ran a nonprofit. I was the Midwest regional director for Inroads prior to coming to Wash U.” Ferguson is using his nonprofit experience to better connect Wash U. with its nonprofit partners, to make those partnerships less symbolic and more helpful for all parties involved.

government agencies and the private sector have left us more segregated than we were 100 years ago,” Smith said. “That has led to concentrated poverty and weaker communities and undermines our prosperity.

We need HUD to enforce this important rule, not suspend it.”

The rule change came as an unpleasant surprise for Risch’s organization; EHOC has been working with Missouri jurisdictions to develop their assessments and just issued a fact sheet on AFFH in December.

According to that fact sheet, changes that the AFFH

“One of the things that I’ve truly been focused on in my first 24 months was the ability to build strategic, sustainable, long-lasting relationships,” Ferguson said.

n Connecting Wash U. with the community as an employer is important, Ferguson said, because it is the fourth-largest employer in the metro area.

“A lot of times, institutions will build relationships with organizations on paper, for the appearance that they are truly working towards diversity, but sometimes the substance falls through the cracks. I’ve been focused on truly building a trusting and a working relationship with various organizations.”

He cited the Urban

could recommend include “investments to improve quality of life in high-poverty, segregated neighborhoods, including commercial redevelopment, infrastructure improvements, etc.” and the construction of more mixedincome housing. Jurisdictions’ assessments would have to include identification of the factors that lead to segregation and make it difficult to find affordable housing in their communities, as well as action plans to change those factors.

Risch said St. Louis and other nearby jurisdictions that receive HUD aid, including Ferguson, were working towards a 2019 deadline and developing assessments with community input. Now, Risch said, that process has no enforcement behind it and will revert back to the previous legal requirements. However, jurisdictions are still required by the original Fair Housing

League of Metropolitan St. Louis,the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce and minority professional organizations like the Black Data Processors Association and the National Black Nurses Association as examples. He finds that offering resources to these groups in order to build trust is a better approach than more traditional universitycommunity collaborations such as job fairs.

“It’s kind of an indirect approach, instead of a minicareer-fair type approach, which is just more, ‘We really want to use you for your members to hire,’” Ferguson said. “You know, hosting things like the National Black MBAs’ annual quarterly business meeting. We get a chance to interact with them,

Act to affirmatively work towards change and can undertake those efforts independently at any time.

“We really hope that jurisdictions still recognize that,” Risch said. Segregation in St. Louis remains a persistent issue, with one study from the Manhattan Institute finding that the stark divide between majority black and majority white neighborhoods makes St. Louis one of the most segregated major cities in the nation. A report by the website 24/7 Wall St. in 2017 found that some of St. Louis’ persistent problems with racial divides and poverty in black neighborhoods could be traced back to housing projects like Pruitt-Igoe, which were legally segregated and fell into disrepair after white residents moved out.

St. Louis’ HUD office did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

give them information about the university, and they get a chance to conduct their business on our campus, which is a nice venue and facility.” The university as a business benefits in the exchange as well.

“As we continue to evolve, it’s important to ensure that you have the thought process, representation, experience of diverse individuals,” said Ferguson. “And sometimes, the best way to ensure that you’re attracting that population is to have someone that can view through both lenses, that can view through the institutional lens and understand the traditions and culture that exists, but then also be able to bridge to how that can translate into the population that you’re seeking to attract.”

Financial Focus

By Roger M. Macon, AAMS

Like everyone, you want to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle when you retire. But a successful retirement doesn’t just happen – it requires a lot of planning. And that’s why it’s a good idea to draw up a “pre-retiree checklist.” Such a checklist might look like this:

• Twenty years before retirement: Try to estimate a “price tag” for your retirement, incorporating a variety of factors – where you might live, how much you might travel, what activities you’ll pursue, and so on. Then, assess if your retirement savings are on track to help you meet your expected costs. From this point, monitor your progress every year.

• Fifteen years before retirement: Although you’re still fairly far away from retirement, you’ll want to bring your goals and challenges into a clearer focus. For starters, try to establish a firmer target goal for the assets you’ll need during retirement. Also, consider your legacy goals and start developing your estate plans, if you haven’t already done so. You might also explore methods of dealing with potentially enormous long-term care costs, such as an extended stay in a nursing home. Solutions to long-term care

may become much more expensive later in life.

• Ten years before retirement: At this stage, in addition to reviewing your target asset and spending levels, you’ll want to get more precise about how much income you can expect as a retiree, whether through your investments or retirement accounts (such as your 401(k) and IRA), or through some type of part-time work or consulting. Maintaining an adequate income flow is extremely important, because you could spend two or three decades as a retiree, and some of your expenses – health care in particular – will likely rise during the later years. It›s important to plan for health care and long-term care, given the costs and ability to qualify for coverage later in life.

• Five years before retirement: Re-evaluate your investment mix to help reduce the risk of having your portfolio vulnerable to a market downturn when you plan to retire. Generally speaking, stocks and other

Turning the page with Books N Bros

Sixth grader Sidney Keys III uses reading to show the power of representation

Books N Bros Book Club founder Sidney Keys III had a whirlwind of a winter break. In between wrapping up his first semester of sixth grade, the Hazelwood West Middle School student headed off to New York City to be recognized as a “Young Wonder” as part of the 11th Annual CNN Heroes. A couple of days later he flew to Los Angeles to be a guest on the “Steve Harvey Show.”

“I’ve never been happier to do a videotape greeting,” Oprah Winfrey told Sidney as he sat grinning from earto-ear between Harvey and his wife Marjorie on the set of the show. “I wish I could be there to give you a hug Sidney Keys.” Things had calmed down a bit when Keys and his

March 16, 1930 –December 1, 2017

Jeter Thompson of Trio Tres Bien passes at 87

By

The local and national jazz scene lost a beloved staple when Jeter Thompson of Trio Tres Bien passed away December 1. He was 87.

“It was fabulous to play with him,” Jeter’s younger brother Howard Thompson confessed. Before he was his bandmate, Howard would travel to see his brother as the piano man for Quartette Tres Bien. They were a favorite of the famed Gaslight Square era of the St. Louis music scene.

“Wherever they were play we would go and hear them,” Howard said. “I remember they played in Chicago and I caught a train just to go hear them.”

Quartette Tres Bien headed west. They would

Winnie Caldwell and son Sidney Keys III made an appearance on ‘The Steve Harvey Show’ last month, where Books N Bros was praised by media mogul and fellow book club founder Oprah Winfrey.

‘Get Out’ Oscar nods make history

mother, Winnie Caldwell, sat down with The American to talk about the amaz ing year they have had. “I wanted it to be this way, but I didn’t expect it to be this fast,” Keys said. “When we started Books N Bros, we had seven members – including me. Now we have more than 100.”

As a surprise on “The Steve Harvey Show,” Amazon gifted an additional 50 members with yearlong subscriptions and com plementary e-readers for all cur rent members. “It was really cool

See BOOKS

ultimately record 14 albums before the original group disbanded and Jeter returned home to St. Louis.

While Jeter was away, Howard had taught himself to play drums and Howard’s twin brother Harold picked up the bass. The brothers became familiar faces on the St. Louis music scene, playing for the likes of Jimmy Forrest, Spanky Wilson, Sonny Stitt and Johnny Hartman among others. They suggested to Jeter that quartette Tres Bien become a trio of broth-

ers – and Jeter obliged. The latter incarnation became a notable group in their own right in the 1970s, and developed a legacy that stretched several decades.

“We could almost read each other’s minds even while we were playing,” Howard said.

“We could be playing a brand-new song and we knew when to take a break and when not to take

Jordan Peele is in a league of his own with debut film

By Sandra Gonzalez Of CNN

(CNN) – Those worried that Jordan Peele’s

“Get Out” wouldn’t get love from the Oscars can breathe a collective sigh of relief.

The horror film, which has received praise for its performances and thought-provoking take on race in America, received four Academy Award nominations Tuesday, including one for best picture.

“Right now I’m just thinking about everyone who bought a ticket and told someone else to. You did this,” Peele wrote on Twitter after the news broke. “Thank you.”

n Peele made some history of his own, becoming the first black director to receive nominations in the writing, directing, and producing categories for his first feature film.

It’s true that word of mouth played a part in not only the movie’s performance at the box office – it has grossed over $175 million domestically – but also its sustained popularity.

Movies vying for awards attention typically receive release dates in the last quarter of the calendar year. “Get Out” was released in February 2017. Speaking to CNN recently, Peele explained that part of “Get Out’s” success came from its ability to put viewers in the shoes of Daniel Kaluuya’s character Chris. In the film, Kaluuya, who earned a best actor nomination, plays an African-American man whose weekend getaway to meet his white girlfriend’s parents takes a disturbing turn.

“I think the biggest thing ‘Get Out’ taught me about the power of story is that one of the few ways we can promote empathy is by seeing the world through somebody else’s eyes, and that’s what a great story does,” he said. “That’s what a strong protagonist does.”

“Get Out” has received a bevy of honors throughout awards season from various critics’ circles and guilds.

It was also nominated for best motion picture – musical or comedy at the Golden Globes. It’s inclusion in that category, however, was questioned. By Peele’s own admission, the film in many ways defies categorization.

See FILM, C4

Renowned Jazz pianist Jeter Thompson of Trio Tres Bien passed away December 1, 2017. He was 87.

Kenya Vaughn OF The St. Louis American

Legendary South African musician Hugh Masekela died on Tuesday after a long battle with cancer, the South African government announced on its official Twitter page. He was 78.

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Jordan Peele

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

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

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

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

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

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

Feb. 14 – 17, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Alicia Olatuja. Jazz at the Bistro.

local gigs

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

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

information, visit www.slso. org.

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

Sat., Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Jazz Memories of Michael Jackson. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

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

Sun., Feb. 11, 3 p.m., The Saint Louis Chamber Chorus presents Love Dances, St. Louis Chamber Chorus, Concert 4. 560 Music Center, 560 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www. chamberchorus.org.

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

Thur., Feb. 15, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library presents a Gene Jackson Concert. Central Branch, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www.slpl. org.

special events

Jan. 26 – 28, COCA presents Momentum. A mix of cutting-edge hip-hop and contemporary dance across a

Kenya Vaughn recommends

broad range of styles brings members of COCAdance and the COCA Hip-Hop Crew together. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, visit www.cocastl.org.

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

Tues., Jan. 30, 3 p.m., UMSL PAN African Student Association hosts an Anti-Slavery Rally. We aim to send a message to world organizations and world leaders to take action against Libyan slavery. 1200 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 3198809 or (314) 448-7636.

Wed., Jan. 31, 10 a.m., JobNewsUSA.com St. Louis Job Fair. Meet with recruiters from Aldi, Bethesda Health, Enterprise

Holdings, Whelan Security, and more. Resume reviews and free workshop will also take place. Doubletree Hotel, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information or to register, visit www. jobnewsusa.com/stl/event.

Thur., Feb. 1, 5:30 p.m., KIPP St. Louis High School Open House. Take a tour, meet our teachers, and enter the raffle. 706 N. Jefferson Ave., 63103. For more information or to register, visit www.connect-stl.lpages.com.

Fri., Feb. 2, 5:30 p.m., Kendra Scott Gives Back to the Center for Women in Transition. Join us for sips, sweets, and shopping for Kendra Scott jewelry. 20% of proceeds benefit the Center. 1701 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www.cwitstl.org.

Fri., Feb. 2, 6 p.m., St. Louis Science Center presents First Friday: Marvel Universe, Featuring Black Panther Dress as a Marvel character, explore “Marvel-ous” questions, and watch Captain America: Civil War. 5050 Oakland Ave., 63110. For

more information, visit www. slsc.org.

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

Sat., Feb. 3, 7 p.m., Doorways invites you to InspiRED 2018. The gala supports the programs, services, and mission of our organization. The Ritz Carlton St. Louis Ballroom, 100 Carondelet Plaza, 63105. For more information, visit www.doorwaysred.org.

Sat., Feb. 3, 8 p.m., Vashon High School Class of ‘83 invites you to Blue Valentine Dance. Food and setups will be sold, champagne and chocolate fountain. Carr Square Center, 1629 Biddle, 63118. For more information, call (314) 480-0311.

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

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

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

Tues., Feb. 13, 11 a.m., National Career Fairs presents St. Louis Career Fair Live Hiring Event. Double Tree Westport, 1973 Craigshire Rd., 63146. For more information, visit www. nationalcareerfairs.com.

Tues., Feb. 13, 4 p.m.,

Showcasing the “E” in STEM. Youth will be exposed to hands-on engineering activities facilitated by NSBE. Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club, 4245 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63115. For more information or to RSVP, visit www.dstslmac. com/stem.

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

literary

Thur., Feb. 1, 4:30 p.m., Library Faculty Book Talk Series hosts author Brandon Wilson, author of The Half Beneath. Wilson explores the life of a slave through his great-great-grandfather. Olin Library, WashU, One Brookings Dr., 63105. For more information, visit www. library.wustl.edu.

Thur., Feb. 8, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts author Dr. Jonathan Quick, author of The End of Epidemics: The Looming Threat to Humanity and How to Stop It. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, visit www. slcl.org.

Mon., Feb. 12, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Morgan Jerkins, author of This Will Be My Undoing: Living at the Intersection of Black, Female, and Feminist in (White) America. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www.leftbank.com.

comedy

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

Thur., Feb. 1, 6 p.m., Beards and Red Dresses Pre Valentine Happy Hour. Enjoy the comedy of Frank Lyles. The Gallery by Troy, 4519 Olive St., 63108. For more information, visit ww.eventbrite.com.

Jazz St. Louis presents Cyrus Chestnut. For more information, see CONCERTS.

theatre

Jan. 26 – 27, 7 p.m., Black

Anthology presents 1:05

This year they are partnering with the Friends of the Kathy J Weinman Shelter, and will be accepting donations. Edison Theater, Washington University, 6465 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. facebook.com/blackanthology.

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

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

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

Feb. 4 – 25, Metro Theater Company and Jazz St. Louis present Bud, Not Buddy. Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. metroplays.org.

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

Wed., Feb. 7, 6:30 p.m., Lila: The Life of a Missouri Slave Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer, 63143. For more information, visit www. maplewoodpubliclibrary.com.

Feb. 7 – 11, Fontbonne University Theatre presents Principal Principle. Kay

Josephs quits her corporate job to teach English in an urban high school. She wakes up to harsh realities. Mustard Seed Theatre, 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

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

Mon., Jan. 29, 5:30 p.m., Resilient Souls Project Opening Reception. A powerful exhibit of portraits and writing celebrating women’s perseverance. George Warren Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www.CLGphoto.com.

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

Thur., Feb. 1, 11 a.m., Black Masculinity and the Black Speculative Arts Movement. Join us for a day exploring the image of the black male within the context of the Black Speculative Arts Movement. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Through Feb. 4, National Blues Museum presents The Blues in Black and White –

The Blues Photography of Kirk West. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Sat., Feb. 10, 6 p.m., St. Louis Reconciliation Network presents HeARTS for Racial Reconciliation St. Louis ArtWorks, 5959 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Jan. 25, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Let’s Get Legal: From Dred Scott to the Missouri Human Rights Act. University of Missouri law

Ave., 63122. For more, information, visit www. kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org.

Wed., Jan. 31, 6 p.m., Human Trafficking Awareness and Education Night. International Institute, 3401 Arsenal St., 63118. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

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

Thursdays in February, Missouri Humanities Council presents A View of African American History and Culture. Henry Givens Jr. Admin Building, Harris Stowe, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. mohumanities.org/educationprograms.

professor Charles Henson will explain the importance of Dred Scott trial as it relates to the Missouri Human Rights Act. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit mohistory.org

Tues., Jan. 30, 7 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents Justice in the Prison System: From the 1972 SitIn to Today. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit mohistory.org

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

Thur., Feb. 1, 6:30 p.m., Becoming a Part of the Community: How Do I Become Involved? Local organizations will share their needs and how you can get involved. Maplewood Public Library, 7550 Lohmeyer, 63143. For more information, visit www. maplewoodpubliclibrary.com.

Tues., Feb. 6, 6:30 p.m., The Foundation for Financial Education presents College Planning 101. Discussing the M.Y.T.H about financial aid, sources of money, and advice for the funding process. 140 E. Jefferson Ave., 63122. For more information, visit www. kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org.

Sun., Feb. 11, 2 p.m., Race and the Blues in St. Louis: The Present. A community dialogue series to bring people together by celebrating the legacy and future of the blues in St. Louis. The Stage at KDHX, 3524 Washington Ave., 63103. For more

information, visit www. facebook.com.

Mon., Feb. 12, 5:30 p.m., SCORE presents How to Start a Not-For-Profit Business. Learn how to achieve tax-exempt status, generating money, and supervision of a non-profit. Anheuser-Busch Hall, Fontbonne, 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www.stlouis. score.org.

Tues., Jan. 30, 2 p.m., Empower Missouri and MO HIV Justice Coalition present HIV Criminalization Training. Promo, 2200 Gravois Ave., 63104. For more information or to register, visit www.secure. everyaction.com.

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

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

spiritual

Jan. 31 – Feb. 4, 2018 Tabernacle of Life Christian Church Annual Leadership Conference. Our theme is “Building Sustainable Leadership for Kingdom Connection. 3649 Clay Ave., 63115. For more information, visit www.tolccvision.org.

Peter Martin and Brian Owens: Jazz Benefit Concert with guest appearance by Terence Blanchard. See CONCERTS for details.

Kenya Vaughn recommends

being on the show,” Keys said. “He was so energetic and so funny. I just had a good time.” The demand has been so overwhelming, that Books N Bros has temporarily closed its membership at just over 150 –though interested boys and parents are more than welcome to keep up with the organization by subscribing to its newsletter at https://www.booksnbros. com/.

“We want to spread awareness about African American literature – and make it fun,” the mother and son duo said about Books N Bros. Their journey began with a visit to Eye See Me, a store that specializes in African American books.

“When my mom said we were going to a bookstore, I was like ‘okay,’” Keys said. “But when we got in there and I saw that it was African Americans, I picked up a book and I started reading it and I loved it.” From the moment he started reading “Danny Dollar Millionaire Extraordinaire, Keys couldn’t put it down. “It caught my eye because it was a black boy who looked like me on a million-dollar bill,” Keys said. Caldwell saw how absorbed her son was in the book and recorded him. The post went viral. Keys decided he wanted to start a book club so that he could share the feeling. He began picking a selection and meeting at Eye See Me each month to discuss what they read. The club quickly outgrew Eye See Me. The same thing happened at The Microsoft Store in the Galleria. Now their monthly meetings are held at the Ferguson Youth Initiative, which gifts Books N Bros the space.

The young people pair up in groups that feature “young bros” readers and “big bros” who help lead the discussions. Members have gone from reading a book or two a year to an average of two books a month. Keys has read more than 50 books since founding Books N Bros.

“My favorite thing about reading is that I really love to see new stories,” Keys said. “It’s amazing how you can find out new things from reading a book. You can learn new things that are so interesting and things that you’ve never thought about.”

JETER

Continued from C1

a break – when to get loud and when to get soft. All of that seemed to come natural.”

They were also known to make up songs right on the bandstand during a gig.

His favorite thing about Books N Bros is that he’s encouraging young boys to embrace reading to the point where the club is being used by parents to incentivize the young bros.

“I like seeing happy faces on members and other people,” Keys said. “I feel great knowing that I’m doing something that’s impacting people’s lives – and they are having fun while doing it.”

A family affair

The last thing Caldwell expected when she took Keys to Eye See Me was that she would be a full-time employee of Books N Bros, but she’s more than happy to work alongside her son and his vision. A couple of weeks before each meet-up they ship out the books to each bro.

Caldwell develops the curriculum and coordinates the schedule of the club and her son –who has been in demand to talk about Books N Bros since its very inception.

“It’s created a bond that we haven’t had before,” Caldwell said. “We are able to connect

believes that love and service transforms the lives of men who are wounded and in pain into men of valor and courage. He theorizes that "our helping becomes our psychological and emotional healing". We salute Mellve Shahid as a member of the Sheroes and Heroes in the St. Louis community.

as business partners and it’s allowing for opportunities that I hadn’t been able to make for him as a single parent – from traveling to attending certain events. It’s very fulfilling –and I can use my communications degree.”

While he was celebrated by CNN, Keys says that he didn’t have to look very far to find his own hero.

“Not to make it sound corny, but my mom really encouraged me,” Keys said. “I’ve always looked up to her ever since she started her blog. She’s help me a lot with thinking that you’re never too young to make a difference in the world.”

Caldwell beamed as she shared a story about him asking his fourth-grade teacher if she could speak to his class about her blog. “Sidney has been my cheerleader as much as I have been his,” Caldwell said.

And because of his work with Books N Bros, Keys is being praised by some of the biggest names around.

“I just want you know how proud I am of you,” Winfrey told Keys. “A lot of people think that young black boys don’t read, but you obviously know differently.

You know that it’s a great way of connecting and learning and expanding. You get to see a whole world through a book.”

For more information on Books N Bros, visit https:// www.booksnbros.com/.

“We would tell the bass player, Harold, to start a rhythm. He would start,” Howard said. “Then I would join in on drum. And then Jeter would come in with whatever was on his mind. We instinctively knew what we had to do and would do it right there. People would say, ‘What was the name of that song?’ We would say, ‘We don’t know.’”

For the Thompsons, music was in their blood. Their father, Justus Thompson, had a group that used to rehearse in the family’s living room. They watched their dad play. Jeter, who was the second oldest of the children, was the first to catch on.

“That’s how we got the

Continued from C1

“It’s a little bit of everything is in there. I wanted to get the cheers, I wanted to get the laughs, the tears and all of it,” he said, pointing to films like “Rosemary’s Baby,” “The Stepford Wives,” and “Night of the Living Dead” as his genre inspirations.

“I really looked to a type of film that I call the social thriller...these are movies where humanity and society is the monster,” he said. “But I’m very flattered when people come up to me and [say], ‘Wow, I don’t even know how to describe that movie.’”

Heading into the Oscar nominations, many observers had

musical touch,” Howard said. “We always had a piano in the house and Jeter just picked it up. He never had any real lessons.”

Well, maybe a few. The Thompson family paid for Jeter to take a few classical lessons from the music teacher that lived across the street from their home. But according to Howard, Jeter already knew how to play any and everything before he ever sat down for a formal lesson.

“He played for Chuck Berry when he was a teenager,” Howard said with a proud laugh. “My folks didn’t know where he would be in the evenings and he’d be with Chuck Berry playing on the East Side.” Howard described his brother’s style as a mixture of Oscar Peterson, Art Tatum, Earl Garner and their father.

“It was a thrill playing with him – it really was,” Howard said. “The crowds were still following us wherever we played. We made some great contacts.”

been hoping to see “Get Out” and other movies by and about persons of color and women receive accolades.

They were not disappointed.

Greta Gerwig’s “Lady Bird” earned five nominations, including best picture and best director. Guillermo del Toro’s “Shape of Water” led nominations, with 13. “Mudbound” writer/director Dee Rees also became the first black woman to receive a best adapted screenplay nomination, and Rachel Morrison became the first woman to receive a best cinematographer nod for her work on that film.

Peele made some history of his own, becoming the first black director to receive nominations in the writing, directing, and producing categories for his first feature film.

Trio Tres Bien became synonymous with the St. Louis jazz scene. Howard said that beyond his music, people will remember his brother for his big beautiful smile and his warm personality.

“He was one of the nicest people you’d ever want to meet,” Howard said. “And he was willing to help any young musician whenever they would come to him – telling them what to do or what not to do. He was a great person to everybody.”

He was also a great bandmate.

“Every single time we got together to play, it was special,” Howard said. “I mean, each performance. It was truly a joy and a thrill.”

Jeter Thompson is survived by his wife Louisa, daughters Donna Patton and Pamela Cobb-Miller, sister Patricia T. Whitelocke, brothers Harold and Howard Thompson, several grandchildren and a host of family and friends.

Only two other people have accomplished that feat, according to the Academy. Warren Beatty with “Heaven Can Wait” (1978) and James L. Brooks with “Terms of Endearment” (1983). These milestones, while significant, shouldn’t mark the end of the conversation about Hollywood’s need for diversity and inclusion, however. #OscarsSoWhite creator April Reign cautioned in an interview with CNN on Monday that doing so would be premature.

“When we’re still at the point where we’re pointing out the ‘first’ whatever, there’s still a long ways to go,” she said. The-CNN-Wire ™ & © 2018 Cable News Network, Inc., a Time Warner Company. All rights reserved.

FILM

Hazelwood West Middle School student Sidney Keys III (right) in New York City being recognized as a “Young Wonder” as part of the 11th Annual CNN Heroes.

Howard Thompson, Jeter Thompson and Harold Thompson of Trio Tres Bien.

Celebrations

Classroom Makeover Winner

Ardella Diggs, a sixth-grade science teacher at Pattonville Heights Middle School, was selected to receive a classroom makeover sponsored by Because of Them We Can™ and American Family Insurance. Both organizations celebrate educators and students yearround and sponsored the back-to-school sweepstakes makeover. Diggs was selected out of 600 entries to receive a prize of $2,500 for the classroom makeover; Because of Them We Can soft-cover books, posters and backpacks; 100 lunch bags for her students; and a variety of school supplies.

Reunions

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

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

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

McKinley Class of 1978

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

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

Soldan Class of 1978 is

Sweet 16

Happy Birthday to Pattonville High Varsity Ladies Basketball player aka “Drip Drop”. On January 27, Niya Amber Michelle Danfort will reach a big milestone, 16 years old! You have turned into a beautiful young lady. We love you, and may the Lord keep on showing His favor in your life. From: Your Nana and the rest of the family

Just Published

Local author R.L. Jackson recently celebrated the release of his debut fiction novel, A Murder in the STL, which is available on Amazon. The St. Louis native is a graduate of Vashon High School and the University of MissouriSt. Louis. He is also a veteran of the United States Air Force.

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

Sumner Class of 1976

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

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

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

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

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

Ardella Diggs

Pastor Aeneas Williams opens new church location in St. Ann

Grand Opening is 2-5 p.m. Saturday, January 27

American staff

The Spirit of the Lord Family Church (The Spirit Church), pastored by NFL Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams, will celebrate the completion and Grand Opening of its new, permanent church location in St. Ann 2-5 p.m. Saturday, January 27.

The celebration will be held at the new church location: 915 Northwest Plaza Dr., St. Ann, MO 63073 (in the old Toys ‘R Us Building). A number of elected officials, police chiefs, friends and Spirit Church members have been invited to the Grand Opening, along with members of the media. Members of the community also are welcome to participate in this free celebration.

The Spirit Church was founded in 2007 by Pastors Aeneas and Tracy Williams. In its 10-year history, the church has grown from several members to now over 400 in attendance each Sunday.

They held their first service, along with their four children in their basement in 2007. After 11 months in the basement of the house, they moved the ministry to the Crowne Plaza on June 1, 2008. They then rented larger spaces at Christ Memorial Baptist Church in Cool Valley, the JC Penney Building on the University of Missouri-St. Louis’ campus and then McCluer South – Berkeley High School before moving to their new permanent space.

Pastor Aeneas first ministered to teammates with the Arizona Cardinals before games in 1992. This work grew into a weekly study including his teammates, their wives, significant others, and friends.

The new location will not only be a worship center, but also a place for the Bridgeton and St. Ann communities to connect, said Pastors Aeneas and Tracy, who said they are excited “to be a part of the redevelopment in the St. Ann and Bridgeton area.”

The Spirit Church offers two Sunday

school,” they state on their website. “The Kingdom Kids programs impart the Word of God in exciting and practical ways. Our Glory Girls and Champion Warrior tween programs from 6th to 8th grades, allow the youth to experience the Word of God in an atmosphere designed just for them.”

For more information on The Spirit Church, email Info@TheSpiritChurch.org, call (314) 260-7363 or visit thespiritchurch.org.

Black Church’s role in education

James J. Hankins of Wilmington, North Carolina, sent The American an excerpt from his book “What We Blacks Need To Do” about the Black Church’s role in education.

“If your church (you) is accused of being Christlike, is there enough evidence for a jury to find it (you) guilty? Most black churches have a well-built exterior with unique design furniture, accessories and climate-controlled interiors. It is a very expensive, under-used, ‘consecrated’ building. Some have a church hall with a full commercial size kitchen for serving and sometimes selling dinners,” he writes.

“The tables in the hall would be perfect for the neighborhood children to do their homework on and receive tutoring. The kitchen can be used to serve our children a good tasty low-fat snack and to teach them how to cook simple food items. This would be a safe place for our children to spend quality time together without TV, games or cellphones.

“Being in their own neighborhood would eliminate the need for transportation. The parents could walk to the church to pick up the children and the older children could walk the younger ones home. This would give the older children some responsibility and the younger ones a new friend. This would cut way down on “bullying” because all children would have a big brother and sister.

The Message

Not built to forgive

Jesus time and again reminds His disciples that although the laws of His Father are crystal-clear, God is always receptive to a repentant heart. “Godly sorrow brings repentance that leads to salvation…” 2 Corinthians 7:10.

The whole point of Christ’s crucifixion was to forgive us our sins, thereby freeing us from the prospect of trying to earn our way into God’s good graces. Christ took care of that for us indeed.

“In Him we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace that He lavished upon us with all wisdom and understanding.” Ephesians 1:7-8.

This identifies forgiveness as the focal point for the Christian experience and deserves our serious attention.

Even though Christ fulfilled His purpose on the cross, our obligation to forgive became critical as we assume the position of being saved. We too are now part of the forgiveness experience, if you catch my meaning. “…Forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”

We must exhibit mercy and forgiveness in our own lives if we are to enjoy the blessing of mercy and forgiveness so graciously given to us. “Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the lord forgave you” Colossians 3:13. This is not “turn the other cheek” stuff. This is “let it go, forgive and forget” stuff – and it’s hard. We are not built not to hold grudges, not to seek revenge, not to want to get even or not to wish harm on those who have done harm to us. It is so much easier to play the “eye for an eye” game.

When you understand your own unwillingness to forgive, or your own “just don’t want to” attitude, it is easy to hear Christ say, “He who is without sin cast the first stone.” John 8:7. Some of us even have the nerve to walk around with rocks in our hearts as well as our hands.

It is the honest Christian who recognizes that the world is more easily navigated with a “do unto others as you would have them do unto you” frame of mind. I’d rather be done by people who will do me correctly. Do me in the name of the lord, and I’ll do you likewise.

worship services at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m. each Sunday.

“Each of our Sunday services offers children’s programs from toddler to middle

“I close with two questions for you that only you can answer truthfully: Is your church guilty or not guilty of being Christlike? What will you do to help save our children?”

Allow me to put my point to you this way. The road to heaven is readily navigated by the ones who let the stones go. The road to hell is navigated by the ones who throw them. Which one are you?

NFL Hall of Famer Aeneas Williams pastors The Spirit of the Lord Family Church (The Spirit Church), now located at 915 Northwest Plaza Dr. in St. Ann. Its Grand Opening is 2-5 p.m. Saturday, January 27.

Columnist James Washington

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER

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

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

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

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

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

The St. Louis Housing Authority is seeking a highly qualified and motivated individual to serve as its Executive Director. The Executive Director is responsible for leading the development and implementation of the Authority’s vision, mission and strategic goals. The selected candidate will be responsible for overseeing all aspects of the Authority’s operations including its 2,790 public housing units, all of which are all currently managed by third-party contractors. The Authority has a Housing Choice Voucher program with 7,042 allocated units and a staff of approximately 61 full-time employees. The ideal candidate must have a minimum of a 4-year college degree from an accredited college or university (an advanced degree is preferred) and 10 years of progressively responsible experience in a public housing authority or the affordable housing field. Salary is negotiable based on experience. Apply or send resume to St. Louis Housing Authority, Attention: Stacy Taylor, 3520 Page Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63106 or via email to staylor@slha.org by 5:00 pm, March 2, 2018. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

POSITION

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

FINANCIAL STABILITY COORDINATOR

The United Way of Greater St. Louis is seeking a Financial Stability Coordinator. Please visit our website at http://www. stl.unitedway.org under our careers section for a complete job description. No phone calls please.

UNDERWRITER – TREATY REINSURANCE

Entry level underwriting/marketing account representative for small or medium client companies within established lines of business.

Relied upon by SN management to develop and provide solutions for client insurance company reinsurance purchases. Responsible for the underwriting, processing, retention, profitability and other analysis of assigned renewal deals within the Treaty Reinsurance (TRe) portfolio.

To apply, please visit: www.safetynational.com and click on the Careers tab.

New Openings with Missouri Botanical Garden!

Supervisor, Visitor Services:

Supervises the daily and special event admissions and ticketing support provided by the Visitor Services Department. Provides direct supervision and support to the Visitor Services Attendants. Ensures staff delivers a high level of customer service to our public, members and other Garden staff on site, on the phone, or via online/social media contact.

Manager, Facility Support:

Responsible for providing cleaning and event set up support to the Garden ensuring a clean and well-presented facility for public and staff. Provides for cost effective operations with respect to mail and shipping and receiving operations, as well as those for MBG Press.

How to Apply:

environment that

Missouri Botanical Garden

and

SPECIALIST – PSA POLICY OPERATIONS

Handle high level, complex Excess Workers’ Compensation accounts and special programs, in a timely and efficient manner, performing all life cycle policy transactions within state requirements and system parameters. Issue any transactions manually, as needed, in order to meet customer service standards. Responsible for process and system training of unit personnel, to include applicable procedures and functionality of various systems utilized.

To apply, please visit: www.safetynational.com and click on the Careers tab.

RESOURCE PROTECTION OFFICER, PART-TIME

The Missouri Historical Society seeks a part-time Resource Protection Officer. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details and to apply. An Equal Opportunity Employer

MAJOR GIFTS OFFICERS

The Missouri Historical Society seeks Major Gifts Officers. Visit www.mohistory.org for position details and to apply.

An Equal Opportunity Employer

DIRECTOR, MINORITY BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AND COMPLIANCE

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

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

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

DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT AND COMMUNICATIONS

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

DIRECTOR, REGULATORY COMPLIANCE

Under the direction of the Vice President Corporate Compliance: Responsible for providing compliance product support for all product lines. Responsibilities also include the day to day supervisory oversight and coordination of form, rate, and rule filings and related compliance matters of the Company for all lines of business. Responsibilities also include the communication and implementation of procedural and/or policy form changes resulting from regulatory, legislative or judicial action.

To apply, please visit: www.safetynational.com and click on the Careers tab.

CITY OF ST PETERS, MO CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Are you a team player? Work for an employer who values and supports teamwork for their employees. St. Peters Rec-Plex and Golf Course offer their employees competitive pay and a chance to work in a fun atmosphere.

To view current openings and to apply please visit: www.stpetersmo.net/jobs AA/EOE

REGISTRATION SPECIALIST

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

DIRECTOR OF UNDERGRADUATE AND GRADUATE ADMISSIONS

Webster University has an opening for a Director of Undergraduate and Graduate Admissions. Please visit our website at https://webster. peopleadmin.com//postings/2885 for a complete job description. No phone calls please. We are proud to be an equal opportunity affirmative action employer. Women and minorities are encouraged to apply.

ATTORNEY

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

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

RELATIONSHIP BANKERS & CLIENT CARE RECEPTIONIST

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

WE’RE HIRING!

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

Qualifications

Missouri Administrative Certificate

Minimum of 5 years of teaching experience Administrator experience preferred

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

MetroLink System-Wide Security Assessment

East-West Gateway is seeking proposals from consultants to conduct a security assessment of the MetroLink system. DBE information can be found in Section VII of the RFP. Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on February 16, 2018. Submittal details and specifications can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org or by calling 314-421-4220 ext. 263.

BID REQUEST

Saint Louis Art Museum (SLAM) requests proposals for general contractor for pavement and drainage improvements for sculpture placement in Fine Arts Drive. Bid documents through County Blue Reprographics and Dodge Plan Room. Proposals are due to SLAM by February 26, 2018, 3 P.M.

SEALED BIDS

Sealed bids for the St. Louis County Library -Grand Glaize project are being received by Brinkmann Constructors on Jan 30 – 3 PM

All sealed bids to be hand delivered to Brinkmann Constructors 16650 Chesterfield Grove Rd #100 Chesterfield, MO 63005 Attn Steve Hunter, St Louis County Library

Plans may be viewed or downloaded at https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/ PublicPlanRoom.aspx?Id=349417

Contact Brinkmann Constructors for further details on the project or obtaining plans at 636-537-9700

*All bidders must be in compliance with the Fair Employment Practices Commission

*This project is a Missouri Public Works Project

*St. Louis County Library & Brinkmann Constructors are Equal Opportunity Employers

INVITATION FOR BIDS #: 57818010

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

BID NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking qualifications from property appraisal companies, title and closing companies, and for digital strategy and support. Check https://greatriversgreenway.org/jobs-bids/ for details and deadlines.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

The City of St. Louis, Department of Health (DOH), Bureau of Communicable Disease is requesting proposals from local organizations, community agencies, universities, local governmental entities and other interested parties to provide the following services: STI Testing and Treatment Services and STI Testing and Treatment Services for Youth 13-24

Request for Proposals (RFP) may be obtained beginning January 22, 2018 from Franda Thomas at the City of St. Louis Department of Health, 1520 Market Street, Suite 4027, St. Louis, MO 63103, or downloaded from the St. Louis City website at http://stlouis-mo. gov/, or by contacting Franda Thomas at thomasf@stlouis-mo. gov or (314) 657-1461.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS ST. LOUIS LAMBERT

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Request For Proposals (RFP) for Weather Advisory Services

Proposals Wanted

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) 426-8184. This RFP may also be obtained by visiting our website at www. flystl.com/business/contact-opportunites.

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Fee Fee Road ARS Infrastructure, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1468, will be received at the Office of the Director of Procurement for the County of St. Louis, County Government Center Administration Building, 41 South Central Avenue, 8th Floor, Clayton, Missouri 63105, until 2:00 p.m. on February 14, 2018.

Plans and specifications will be available on January 22, 2018 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouisco.com), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

Explore St. Louis is seeking a benefits brokerage/consulting firm to perform the full range of services related to the design, implementation, maintenance and improvement of Explore St. Louis’s employee benefits insurance programs. The RFP for the Benefit Consulting Services can be requested by email to ntuckson@explorestlouis.com Proposals will be due by 3:00pm Friday, February 2, 2018. Explore St. Louis reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. EOE

BID NOTICE

KCI CONSTRUCTION requests proposals for the MSD ORS Pump Station Gate Project. Proposals are due by 10:00 a.m. on March 6, 2018. We will hold a pre-bid meeting for interested MBE firms on 2/15/18 at 10:00 a.m. at our office. Plans and specifications are available for viewing in our offices at 10315 Lake Bluff Drive, St. Louis, MO, 314-894-8888.

KCI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

NOTICE- CHANGE OF NAME JUDGEMENT From Erinn Christopher Brown/ To Erinn Christopher French

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

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

BID NOTICE

January 23, 2018

Solicitation for Bids (SFB) for:

Large tenant improvement 4 story building 100,000 + Sq. Ft within the city of St. Louis

Bids Wanted

Bid documents can be obtained by emailing abright@dbsi-inc.com Any questions will be answered Monday through Friday between 8:00 AM and 5:00 PM. Construction documents can also be obtained by the link below. The bid walk will be 2/6/2018 at 8:00 AM. Bids are due 2/16/2018 at 12:00 PM CT. The anticipated start date of construction will be 2/26/18 and completion by 6/1/18. A majority of the work will be awarded to union preference, although all interested parties will be considered

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/70awtps7axlqpc2/AACVEGWAzonYBjYKxnpSd7rpa?dl=0 DBSI Inc

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting bid proposals for Fire Systems, Annual Inspection, Repairs and Monitoring. The request for proposal is available on the Court’s website www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com. Click on General Information, Then Request for Proposals. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on February 21, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., at the Carnahan Courthouse, Room 308, located at 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63101.

EOE

INVITATION TO BID

The Twenty-Second Judicial Circuit is currently soliciting bid proposals for cleaning and custodial services. The request for proposal is available on the Court’s website www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com. Click on General Information, Then Request for Proposals.

A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on February 16, 2018 at 11:00 a.m., at the Carnahan Courthouse, Room 308, located at 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63101. EOE

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

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

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

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Notice is hereby given that The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District (District) will receive sealed bids for Grotto Ct 107 Storm Sewer (IR) under Letting No. 12778-015.1, at this office, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103, until 02:00 PM on Tuesday, February 20, 2018, at a place designated. Bids will be received only from companies that are pre-qualified by the District’s Engineering Department for: SEWER CONSTRUCTION – St. Louis County drainlayer’s license required Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.” Plans and Specifications are also available for viewing or purchase at Cross Rhodes Reprographics located at 1712 Macklind Avenue, St. Louis MO 63110. All bidders must obtain a set of plans and specifications in order to submit a bid in the name of the entity submitting the bid. The Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SEALED BIDS

for North Plaza Repairs and Erosion ControlCapitol Building, Jefferson City, MO, Project No. O1810-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 2/15/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS for

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

SEALED

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis Center for International Relations d/b/a World Trade Center-St. Louis (the “WTC”) is soliciting proposals from qualified service providers with banquet facilities to host an annual regional forum of approximately 700 international business leaders to occur in September 2018, with two successive options to renew for events to be hosted in 2019 and 2020.

To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM on Thursday, February 15, 2018. Proposals should be sent by email to hbean@stlpartnership.com. DBE, MBE, and WBE firms are encouraged to bid.

The Request for Proposals may be obtained from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership.com. The WTC reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Questions should be directed to Howl Bean II at (314) 615-7663 or hbean@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis County Port Authority (the “Authority”) is soliciting proposals from qualified developers to purchase and redevelop an approximately 140-acre property located at the former Jamestown Mall site in St. Louis County, Missouri. The property includes improvements with at least 1 million square feet “under roof” and 2 million square feet of asphalt parking. It is located adjacent to N. Lindbergh Boulevard (US Highway 67) and is easily accessible from Interstate 270. To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, April 20*, 2018. The Authority reserves the right to accelerate this response deadline to consider any time-sensitive proposals, in accordance with the procedures set out in the Request for Proposals (“RFP”). Proposals may be sent to 7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2200, St. Louis, MO 63105, Attn: Dustin Allison, or by e-mail to dallison@stlpartnership.com. DBE, MBE, and WBE firms are encouraged to bid. The RFP may be obtained from the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership.com. The Authority reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Questions should be directed to Dustin J. Allison, General Counsel, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership at (314) 615-7663 or dallison@stlpartnership. com. St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

MWBE PreBid Meeting Notice

The SITE Improvement Association is hosting a Prebid meeting for Qualified and Certified MWBE contractors to discuss working on MSD’s Roxbury I/I Reduction Part 2 Contract Letting No. 11680-015.2

This meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: J. M. Marschuetz 15 Truitt Drive Eureka, MO 63025 636/938-3600

The meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. February 1, 2018

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

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

INVITATION TO BID

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. requests bids on Micropiles from qualified and certified MBE and WBE subcontractors and suppliers for the following project: St. Louis Aquarium at Union Station BIDS DUE: February 15, 2018 by 2:00 PM CST Contact: Mary Peterein at mpeterein@mccarthy.com or 314-919-2171

Project plans and specs can be obtained through our online Plan Room beginning January 25, 2018 at https://www.mccarthy.com/subcontractors

Prequalification is required and can also be accessed through the McCarthy website above.

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer.

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

LETTING NO. 8657

IMPROVEMENTS AT FRANCIS PARK ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI 63109

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

A pre-bid conference for

Public Notice of Single Source Procurement

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

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

BID NOTICE

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

The project scope includes the construction of a wood deck and shade structure over fifteen existing concrete piers. The site is the north lake, near the Wilds Train Station. Deliveries and construction equipment will access the site via Zoo gate on Washington Drive. The size of the deck is 17’- 4” x 45’- 8”. This project must be completed by 4/5/2018.

A mandatory pre bid meeting will be on 1/26/2018 at 9:00AM. Meet at the Living World lower Rotunda. Bids are due on 2/5/2018 at 2:00PM. Bid Documents will be available on 1/17/2018 at: https://www.stlzoo.org/about/contact/vendoropportunities/

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

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

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

SEALED BIDS

SEALED BIDS

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

REQUESTS

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

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

Bids Wanted

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

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

Notice of Single Source Procurement

Notice

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

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for DESIGN SERVICES FOR DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING DRIVE LIGHTING AND SIGNAL INTERCONNECT – PHASE III, FEDERAL PROJECT STP-9901(643), ST. LOUIS, MO. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 PM, CT, January 5, 2018 at Board of Public Service,

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

GRG reserves the right to reject any or all proposals.

EOE

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

Swag Snap of the Week

A gluttonous old-school hip-hop buffet. Saturday night I set out to get my fill on nostalgic rap by way of the Hip Hop All Stars show at Chaifetz Arena. They brought the folks out of the crypts to give us a taste of their hits. I can say I wasn’t expecting Tela to open the show dressed like an extra from “Uptown Saturday Night.” I know it seemed like a lot going on as far as the lineup mix, but I actually didn’t mind it because it showed the diversity in rap. It still went more than a bit long for my taste. I know y’all are gonna accuse me of playing hometown favorite, but Murphy Lee and Kyjuan were my faves of the evening. And I forgot how bad I had it for Sean Paul of The Youngbloodz until he brought his little dusty self on stage. Folks got life from MC Lyte and Scarface. It didn’t hurt that both seem to have found the fountain of youth. After seeing Lyte’s set, I’m ready to start the debate again about who had the best verse on the “I Wanna Be Down” remix. I wish I could say something positive about E-40 and B Legit’s portion of the show. Oh wait, I can. Now I don’t feel bad for not being able to keep up with 40’s verses after years of trying, because he can’t either. I think he should have just lip-synced, because him trying to catch the tracks sounded like mumbo jumbo. I was thrilled with the live version of “Captain Save ‘Em Tho.” And he could have been on the sick and shut-in list with that voice, but DJ Kut and Sir Thurl were killing it with their transition sets. DMX was tapped to close things out. I was confused when just before he did his thing, somebody brought their baby on stage and parked the stroller right on stage. Come to find out it was DMX’s baby. Hey, I couldn’t make this up if I wanted to. I figured DMX was going through something when he took a tumble from off those speakers – and I knew I was right about it when he dropped and did 60 push ups smack dab in the middle of his set. I must give him props for powering through. Listen, if I decided to do 16 pushups, EMS would have to get involved after 12. X’s finale of a performance was a bit of a mess, but I would be lying if I didn’t tell y’all I got a good word from his inspirational moments. Even still, I never would have thought he’d decided to close the show in prayer.

An artistic Mane (‘N Tail) event. Late last year, when Katherine Simone Reynolds started posting promotions on her IG for her latest art exhibition, I swore nothing but death could keep me from opening night. So, on Friday I planned my day, so I could arrive early, because I knew that people would come out of the wood works with an exhibition title like MANE ‘N TAIL. True to form, she did not disappoint. Arriving soon after they unlocked the doors, the space was already buzzing with people of all races. There were so many familiar faces present, I was bumping into folks I knew all night. There was Marty, JacQ, and Blvckspade, the lovely Sarita Moody and the list goes on. But let me get to the art. Who else was delightfully shook by that fountain of pink oil moisturizer? I know some of y’all wouldn’t step foot into any venue after 5pm that had the word gallery attached to it except Troy’s (which we will get to in a minute), but I strongly recommend you go see these incredible works of art created around the exchange of black beauty before the exhibit closes in March.

A barely there Lil Baby. My line of work had me leaving the creatives and scooting over to the savage scene over at The Marquee to catch rapper Lil Baby rock the mic. Whispering the mic was more like it. It was a full house, but he tip-toed over his whole little concert snippet. His DJ had it more lit than his alleged main attraction. I thought he would at least get hype for his club hit “My Dawg,” but he hardly let out a bark.

All about that Sauce. The rumors about the SAUCE party being 2018’s biggest party so far turned out to be dead-on point. Presented by OsBlockParty, Teddy Bfree and The TycoonSTL at the Olive Bar, IG showed people lined up down the street waiting to enter before the club opened, so I hurried on down Saturday to see what the fuss was about. It lived up to the hype, to say the least. Anytime you are at capacity a halfhour from the start time on the flyer, it is a win. And the folks were jukin’ up a sweat trying to keep pace with DJ P Ellington, who had the crowd on twelve. Who knew the millennials were about that “bust a move life?” If you missed it, I heard they are already working on the next event and I’ll definitely be pulling up – and keeping you posted.

Sunday sticking and moving. I heard about the BOSS Winter Mixer and on a whim, I decided to venture out Sunday to be nosey. I am not sure why, maybe it was the wonderful weather, but whatever it was, it had everybody who was trying to be somebody at The Gallery by Troy getting their network and mingle on. Many of the folks were who I hadn’t seen in a minute. It was indeed a good look to see so many people in the building kicking it on a non-three-day-weekend Sunday – and definitely a good sign of what’s to come over that way. I swung by the Day Party at MOOD and with only a little while it was still empty. Hey, you can’t win ‘em all. I was about to call it an evening when I remembered to roll by Lyrical Therapy at UrbArts. For a while it seemed like the best kept secret, because I could count on two hands the people in the room. Well, the secret is out, the building was standing room only.

Inquepacitated2015 of Omega Si Phi and Jaemica of Delta Sigma Theta made it clear that the Greeks had the SAUCE Saturday night @ OBar

Telaysha and Syreeta, owner of illuminate Boutique, joined Heather as she hosted the BOSS Winter Mixer @ The Gallery by Troy Sunday

Glam dolls Dee and Lawanda were full of life Saturday @ ShiSha

Michelle, Lindsay and Gayla met up at The Gallery by Troy on Sunday to support Charlotte of SEBB Creations

Bri and Khittq chilled to the sounds of DJ Charlie B Saturday @ ShiSha

David and Ryan stepped in the OBar confident and clean for the SAUCE Saturday night

Victoria and Basil were among the many creatives that came through The Luminary Friday for the opening reception of MANE ‘N TAIL

Apreece and Jasmine were into the groove as they partied @ Blank Space for the Aaliyah Tribute Friday

Tameika and Shaun were still warming up when they were photo bombed by Melanie Friday @ The Marquee

Rapper Lil Baby received a warm welcome from Shirley of the J & S crew Friday night at The Marquee.

Kris and Aaliyah turned heads @ SAUCE Saturday @ The OBar

MONEY MATTERS

OVERCOME STRESS

How to Overcome

(Page

‘People need to self-educate and research’

How to overcome financial illiteracy

American staff

America is consumed with higher education - going to college and earning a degree - as the necessary means to a wellpaying job.

Yet with parents emphasizing the importance of academic excellence, and their children graduating and going on to successful employment, why do many still remain uneducated in fundamental financial matters?

Numerous statistics show financial illiteracy is a major problem in the U.S., reflected in enormous personal debt, woefully small savings, and irresponsible spending. Despite being home to many millionaires and billionaires, the U.S. ranks only 14th in the world in financial literacy, according to Financial Literacy Around the World, a Standard and Poor’s

Rating Services Survey.

“A lack of knowledge or interest in financial matters comes from the family culture early on, and often as adults people have to teach themselves,” says Alexander Joyce, a retirement planner and president and CEO of ReJoyce Financial LLC.

“They’re not teaching financial literacy in high school, certainly not even the basics, like how compound interest works. People need to self-educate and research. All the information is out there. Financial illiteracy is a widespread problem and its consequences reach far, from having no emergency funds to having little set aside for retirement.”

Joyce comments on three areas where the costly effects of financial illiteracy are significantly felt:

Low Savings. A 2017 survey of more than 8,000 people by GOBankingRates

found that 57 percent had less than $1,000 in their savings account. “There’s an overall lack of education there as well from our schools,” Joyce says. “But at home if you don’t set examples for your children, I don’t think it will ever change. At the end of the day, you’ve got to put a little aside and say to yourself, ‘I’m not going to touch it.’“

Credit card debt. In December, NerdWallet revealed in its Household Credit Card Debt Study that the average American household owes $15,654 in credit card debt. Forty-one percent in the study admitted to spending more than they should, which leads to paying more interest and lingering high debt. “It’s a lack of discipline and not knowing the effect of interest rates,” Joyce says. “Most people are welleducated enough to understand what living outside their means actually means. But many adults act like a child making

a decision and not really thinking about the consequences until they actually happen. This is especially true with the younger generation. The way the world is progressing with technology makes it easier to buy, and I think people easily get trapped in that.”

College debt. Five-figure college loan debts are common and continue to be a major drag on the economy. Joyce says parents of normal to low-income means might want to re-evaluate saddling their child and themselves with such a burden. But he also points the finger at colleges and employers. “The colleges are to blame as well, because they make it seem as though in order to get a good job, everybody must go to college,” Joyce says. “There’s nothing wrong with trade school. The cost of college is ridiculous. And I think employers can do a better job of having a benefits package that would absorb a lot of that college debt cost for a long-term valuable employee.”

“People lack financial discipline,” Joyce says. “They need to stop and think about their needs versus their wants, about their short-term and long-term goals.”

At Edward Jones, your goals are our priority. That’s why your financial advisor will meet with you face to face to talk about what’s most important to you and your family. From there, you’ll work together to create an investment strategy to help you work toward your goals.

advocates demanding banks stay out of payday lending market

Faith leaders hand-deliver letter signed by 230 groups

American staff

As a federal agency re-opens the door to predatory payday lending for some banks, scores of groups representing a broad cross-section of Americans are saying “not so fast.”

Advocates are mailing hard copies of an open letter to banks and regulators, and faith leaders are delivering the letter directly to bank branches, some where the congregations hold their accounts. The letter, which urges the banks to pledge not to start making payday loans, was coordinated by the Stop the Debt Trap campaign and is signed by 230 faith groups, consumer advocates, and civil rights organizations.

In October, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC) rescinded its 2013 guidance that curbed predatory bank payday loans. The OCC’s rollback of guidance on “deposit advance” loans, which are toxic 300 percent APR payday loans, will make it easier for banks to make loans designed to trap customers in debt, including older Americans who receive social security.

On October 6, the day following the OCC’s announcement, over 100 groups sent the OCC a copy of a letter urging banks to pledge that they will not start making payday loans. Since then the number of groups expressing their concern has more than doubled.

Faith leaders knocked on the doors of U.S. Bank, Chase, Wells Fargo, Regions Bank, TD Bank and Bank of America to deliver the letter. Members of FriendshipWest Baptist Church joined Rev. Frederick D. Haynes to hand-deliver the letter to Wells Fargo Bank in Dallas.

“Members of our churches and residents in the community are financially held hostage by these ‘loans,’” said Rev. Haynes, senior pastor of Friendship-West Baptist Church.

“They confess that in a situation of desperation they have sought out loans that eventually became traps. They made

payments, every other week or monthly, only to get deeper in debt. They were in a financial hole and upon getting a payday or car title loan, received a shovel instead of a rope. I am especially appalled by the harm done to communities of color that have been historically exploited and suffer from a lack of economic opportunity. Payday loan borrowers are disproportionately African-American. The research reveals, sadly, that payday

to the level of loanshark payday lenders and begin trapping their customers in debt trap loans once again.”

“For me, it is immoral to offer a product to hurting poor and vulnerable people that only further hurts and harms them under the pretense of helping them,” said Rev. Carolyn Foster, Faith in Community Coordinator at Greater Birmingham Ministries. “Predatory lending is a trap that is next to impossible

In October, the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency rescinded its 2013 guidance that curbed predatory bank payday loans.

lenders target these disadvantaged communities. This predatory industry adds to the problem of the racial wealth gap in this nation.”

“We let Wells Fargo know in no uncertain terms that we will not accept any plan they may have to move back into this predatory market. We want access to credit, but it must be quality credit. Anything less adds to the stress of the desperate and needy,” continued Rev. Haynes. “This is a depraved business model. Banks risk another round of hits to their reputations if they dare to stoop

to be freed from.”

Rev. Foster joined Rev. Tommy Morgan of Christian Church (Disciples of Christ) in delivering the letter to the CEO of Regions Bank in Birmingham, Alabama. Regions Bank is one of those who had engaged in bank payday lending before the OCC issued its 2013 guidance, the FDIC issued the same guidance, and the Federal Reserve (which supervisions Regions) issued a cautionary supervisory statement.

“Economic health in our community depends on honest and fair banking

practices and educating people on healthy economic living,” said Rev. Morgan.

Rev. Jerome Hurst of Southeast SDA Church in Cleveland, Ohio, delivered the letter to Fifth Third Bank. Fifth Third Bank was also making 300% payday loans prior to the 2013 regulatory intervention, and it continues to make payday loans at a lower, but still excessive, cost today.

“Listen, this is not ‘free money.’ Don’t fall prey to this trap. This is a game you’ll never win,” said Rev. Hurst. “I am committed to this issue until the shackles of payday lending are broken.”

“We will not go back to a time when major banks had license to trap their customers in debt no less predatory and harmful than any quick cash storefront predatory lender,” said Rev. Sekinah Hamlin, Director of Faith Affairs at the Center for Responsible Lending.

“I oppose predatory lending because it preys on vulnerable people. They are often among the hardest working, yet poorest among us. This bitter irony belies the American Dream,” said Rev. Ebony Grisom of the Rhode Island State Council of Churches and Ecumenical Poverty Initiative, who delivered the letter to TD Bank in Rhode Island. “I join other people of faith by going to large, commercial banks to ‘Speak out for those who cannot speak...to defend the rights of the poor and needy’ (Proverbs 31:8a,9c, New Revised Standard Version).”

In 2011, the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) documented that the median bank payday borrower had 13.5 loans per year and was in debt at least part of six months annually. And in 2013, the CFPB found that borrowers spent an average of 114 days during the year in triple-digit debt. CRL also found that more than half of borrowers had more than ten loans annually, 12% had more than 30 loans annually, and that a quarter of the loans went to bank customers who receive social security. Banks were siphoning $500 million per year from struggling customers.

After an outcry by community and civil rights organizations, faith and military leaders, and many state and federal lawmakers, the OCC and FDIC instructed the banks they supervise to assess their customers’ ability to pay back the loans without falling into a cycle of debt. Rather than do that, the banks generally withdrew from the market. Without the guidance, the banks overseen by the OCC may again attempt to trap their customers in unaffordable debt.

overcoming stress in money talk

American staff

A five-week curriculum to get couples talking about money is increasing couples’ happiness and reducing stress, according to a Kansas State University financial planning researcher.

Sonya Lutter, associate professor of family studies and human services and a certified financial planner, paired up with brightpeak financial to offer a curriculum to get couples talking about money. She measured how couples’ physiological stress and happiness changed. Lutter said she anticipates publishing the research in 2018.

“We cover eight different things in five weeks, with the first being communication,” Lutter said. “While it seems obvious that couples need to know how to communicate before addressing larger issues, without practice, it is hard to implement different ways of expressing thoughts and emotions than what has typically been used in everyday communication.”

Lutter asked 13 couples to score their happiness with finances, communication and household responsibilities, and

Money conflict for couples includes

workaholism, household division of labor

financial stress before and after the curriculum. On a scale of 1-100, couples’ average happiness with finances went from 51 before to 63 after; happiness with communication went from 72 before to 79 after; and happiness with household responsibilities went from 69 before to 78 after. On the same scale, financial stress went down from 38 before to 30 after.

“The curriculum is designed for couples who are early in their relationship and is based on the top predictors of money conflict for couples, such as workaholism and household division of labor,” Lutter said.

The curriculum uses many methods to make communication about money easier

and decrease physiological stress. For one of the exercises, couples used play dough to sculpt out their first memories about money, which helped each person understand their partner’s rapport with money.

“It is easier to focus on your hands and movement versus the words that come out of your mouth,” Lutter said. “We are not usually very good with coming up with words to describe things, so having something tangible to grab on to is really good.”

The curriculum also covered how physiological stress can stop couples from having important financial conversations.

“Stress influences the way we talk

and something may accidentally come out of our mouths that we didn’t mean to say,” Lutter said. “So when people are physiologically stressed, they tend not to communicate.”

To counter this, Lutter had the couples measure their skin temperature throughout the curriculum using a mood ringlike device. According to Lutter, individuals’ skin temperatures decrease when they are stressed. If one person in the couple had a lower skin temperature, they paused the conversation and came back to it when everyone was more relaxed.

“We really encourage couples to be aware of how they are feeling during stressful conversations,” Lutter said.

“For every one negative, it takes five positives to make up for it, so the best strategy might be to take a break from the discussion until they are more relaxed.”

Lutter said that overall, the average financial stress was reduced among the couples because they learned how to talk about stressful topics and they could carry on discussions at home. Lutter is working to distribute the curriculum nationally through brightpeak financial.

Source: Kansas State University.

our children should own their own homes one day

Banker: ‘When I think of homeownership, I think of my son’

By David Noble For The St. Louis American

When I think of homeownership, I think of my son. Like many young people, he hopes to one day own his own home. He knows, thanks to coaching from Dad, that homeownership is an important way to build wealth. But he also knows that it won’t be as easy for him as it was for past generations. Millennials on average make less money than Boomers did in their 20s, and the cost of living and student loan debt has continued

to rise. For many people, home ownership is still part of the American dream. But

that part of the dream often seems out of reach, especially for young African Americans.

As of 2016, African American home ownership rate (41%) is now 30.5 percentage points lower than non-Hispanic whites (72.2%) and 22 percentage points lower than the national average. This is the lowest rate since before the Fair Housing Act. Many young people can’t afford to save for down payments. And many Baby Boomers who do own their homes are choosing to stay put. The recession hit Americans hard, and made it harder to purchase a home or sell the one they had. This has created challenges for many communities. Homeownership through community revitalization can be a catalyst to creating healthy neighborhoods.

from saving for a large down payment. It is a positive step that Midland and some other banking leaders are making financing available with low down payment options and the potential eligibility for down payment assistance so they can move into homes sooner.

People are more than their credit scores, so they shouldn’t drive lending decisions, including if people have no credit history. We are also looking at other factors besides FICO scores to make mortgage and home improvement loans possible for people ready to invest in their homes.

I am inspired and humbled by young African Americans in St. Louis working hard to make our region more equitable. Let’s give them a better way to make it their home.

If someone wants to fix up a home and better their neighborhood, it is important to help them get through the process. And if older homeowners want to fix up their homes so they can sell, we are making that possible and easier to access.

But my son has also shown me that people in his generation are hopeful and resilient. They want to make a difference and rebuild our communities. That is why it is so important that banking institutions, including Midland States Bank, are paying attention and creating products that make home ownership possible.

Many young people have monthly student loan payments that prevent them

I am inspired and humbled by young African Americans in St. Louis working hard to make our region more equitable, just and united. They are making St. Louis a better place to live; let’s give them a better way to make it their home.

David Noble is the Community Development and CRA Officer for Midland States Bank.

David Noble