Kelvin Westbrook,Valerie Bell and their children Erinn,Lauren and Brent Westbrook.
Photo by Wiley Price By
Fontella Bass
Photo by Wiley Price
Photo by Wiley Price
James H. Buford
pregnant. Kardashian was in the crowd at Revel Resort’s Ovation Hall with her mother, Kris Jenner, and West’s mentor and best friend, Jay-Z
Most of the Kardashian clan tweeted about the news, including Kim’s sisters. Kourtney Kardashian wrote: “Another angel to welcome to our family. Overwhelmed with excitement!”
Baby Kimye on the way
2012 would be just about over before the biggest celebrity baby news of the year was announced. Kanye West told concertgoers he and Kim Kardashian were expecting their first child Sunday night.
“It’s true,” the 32-yearold reality TV star said in a statement on her site Monday.
“Kanye and I are expecting a baby. We feel so blessed and lucky and wish that in addition to both of our families, his mom and my dad could be here to celebrate this special time with us.”
Kardashian’s father, Robert Kardashian, died in 2003.
West’s mother, Donda West, died in 2007. Kardashian added in the blog post that she was “looking forward to great new beginnings in 2013 and to starting a family.”
The 35-year-old rapper revealed to a crowd of more than 5,000 in song form at a concert Sunday that his girlfriend is
Royce Reed rips former co-stars
After being taunted in an interview by Evelyn Lozada, former Basketball Wives star Royce Reed promised to spill the real tea in a blog for VH1. The network pulled the blog down shortly after it went up but it remained on Reed’s tumblr page.
In the post Royce repeats her claim that Shaunie O’Neal didn’t come up with the Basketball Wives concept, and that it was her, not Shaunie, who was flown out to LA to pitch Basketball Wives to producers.
Royce also reveals the real reason Lozada stopped filming with her was because Royce refused to back down from Evelyn and didn’t let her speak to her the way she spoke to Susie and Jennifer.
“For you to have been a part of a show that was supposed to “Fix Your Life” and you’re still broken is
a problem,” Reed wrote. “At this point I just realize you’re a lost cause. All your anger towards me is material. You speak on my clothes, but I own a house and 2 cars. You speak on my hair, but I can jump in the pool without worries or my mascara running. You stopped filming with me because I NEVER backed down to you. I never let you treat or speak to me the way you did to Suzie or Jennifer & you didn’t like it.”
Fantasia enrages gay fans
A recent post on Fantasia’s Instagram had her gay fans seething.
In the caption for a photo Fantasia writes, “It’s a lot going on that the Bible speaks about we should not be doing. Weed is legal in some places. Gay marriage is legal, yet I am judged! I’m not doing nothing for you… MY LIFE!” After much backlash, Fantasia removed the post and responded to the criticism.
“It was brought to my attention something I said was taken out of context,” Fantasia said via Instagram. “I Fantasia Monique Barrino don’t judge anyone because I don’t want to be judged. The gay community is one of my biggest supporters. I support the gay community
as well as they support me. Bloggers please stop misrepresenting the facts.”
Ev pumps the brakes on Ochocinco reunion rumors
After a strategically cropped photo hit the internet featuring Evelyn Lozada holding hands with ex-husband Chad Johnson, the reality TV star took to her blog to set the records straight. In an excerpt, Lozada says: “I attended a dinner with Chad’s daughter, not only because I love baby girl like my own, but to support Chad and his fan appreciation dinner. While at the dinner, several photos popped up on the Internet of Chad and I holding hands, while in the process of blessing the food. The blogs made last night seem as though, we walked hand and hand into the restaurant announcing a reunion, which wasn’t the case. I care for Chad, we are friends and we love one another, however, we are still separated, not living under the same roof and working on ourselves because we have a long way to go. This is a normal and realistic process for anyone and I don’t know what the future holds for me, but I know God holds it and I’m taking things one day at a time.”
VH1.com, The Associated Press, Kimkardashian.com, Tumblr.com, Instagram
2012: year of laws and lawlessness
By Gloria J. BrowneMarshall Columnist
The Newtown massacre ended a year of laws and lawlessness. Controversial U.S. Supreme Court rulings competed with raucous Congressional battles. Then, President Barack Obama’s re-election was obscured by haggling over the iscal cliff. Mass shootings stole headlines from the revolt in Syria.
The Affordable Care Act, or Obama-care, became a caustic symbol of Federal government intrusion. During three days of oral argument, the Solicitor General, Donald Verrilli, appeared to stumble under the smooth technique of his conservative opponent Paul Clement.
Yet, the law stood. On the last day of the Supreme Court’s calendar, conservative Chief Justice John Roberts read the decision upholding the Affordable Care Act. Anti-Obama pro testers dropped to the Court’s marble plaza in anguished screams. Conservatives felt betrayed. The Obama Administration was relieved. The President had used his waning political collateral to support the healthcare law.
Clement and Verilli sparred again over Arizona’s immigration law. The embattled State enacted laws giving police oficers authority to detain per sons suspected of being in the country illegally. The Supreme Court ruled Arizona could demand documentation supporting legal status if the person was stopped for some other legitimate reason. Since illegal immigrants come in all nationalities, the Supreme Court has given police wide authority to question anyone’s citizenship.
Political feuding relected a divided nation. Attorney General Eric Holder, a Democrat, was blamed for a failed Republican “Fast and Furious” gun program. Under Republican Attorney General Alberto Gonzales, weapons were sold to low-level Mexican drug-dealers with an intention of tracking them to high-level principles and arresting them. When Brian Terry, a Border Patrol agent in Arizona, was killed with them, the Republican-controlled House of Representatives chose to investigate Holder. A vote to sue him came within hours of the Healthcare victory.
On 9/11, a Taliban group attacked the American embassy in Benghazi, Libya. Four men were killed, including Ambassador Chris Stevens. The embassy’s security budget had been cut by a Republicancontrolled Congress. About that time, a video critical of Islam caused protests on three continents. Democrat Susan Rice, an Oxford graduate and irst black woman to be U.N. Ambassador, came under ire because she mistakenly said the video caused the Benghazi attack. Correcting her remarks proved fruitless. Rice was forced to withdraw her bid for Secretary of State.
Presidential candidates provided starkly different paths for the country. Republican career politicians and businessmen, jostled for money and attention. As each fell away or tripped, Willard “Mitt” Romney was left standing. A millionaire businessman and Mormon, trained at Harvard Law School, Romney and President Obama, also a Harvard-trained lawyer, slugged their way through three debates and a billion dollars in political contributions and campaign commercials.
Republicans claimed laws limiting early voting, requiring government identiication, and restricting late registration would deter fraud. Democrats responded with lawsuits alleging voter suppression. Twentysix States enacted voting laws including swing-States Ohio, Florida, and Pennsylvania. Not since the infamous Bush v. Gore case had law played such a pivotal role in a presidential election.
America’s demographics changed. The U.S. Census
announced a coming minority majority. Their power was felt in voter turn-out for Obama. However, a black president winning re-election was overshadowed by the “iscal cliff.” Laws enacted under President George W. Bush which reduced taxes for the wealthy are tied to
reduced taxes for the middleclass. All were set to expire on December 31. And, through it all, SyriaThis year the U.S. Supreme Court took an appeal of two gay marriage cases. In 1996, President Bill Clinton signed the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA).
Under DOMA, the Federal government does not recognize gay marriage. Edie Windsor challenged DOMA, suing the Federal government because she and her gay spouse could not receive tax beneits which accrue to heterosexual married couples.
Protesters spoke against “Stop and Frisk.” Hurricane Sandy caused tens of billions in damage while revealing America’s economic disparity. But, it was Adam Lanza who broke America’s heart. When Lanza took the lives of Newtown irst graders and their teachers he became this year’s seventh mass murderer and part of a sputtering gun control debate. Despite every sorrow, life
must go on. Since the world did not end with the Mayan calendar, there is another chance to live based on this simple law. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
Gloria J. Browne-Marshall, an Associate Professor of Constitutional Law at John Jay College in New York City, is author of “Race, Law, and American Society: 1607 to Present” and a journalist covering the U.S. Supreme Court.
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The Workshop at Macy’s is designed to help retail entrepreneurs and designers that are poised to succeed on a larger scale, but need additional tools on retail business practices to build and sustain growth in the industry.
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Gloria J. BrowneMarshall
Editorial /CommEntary
Archibald’s resignation is a loss for us
Bob Archibald’s leadership of the Missouri History Museum was cut short by an outcry over a some inancial numbers – the steep price the museum paid in 2006 for a parcel of land on Delmar Boulevard, his salary as museum president and the value in vacation time he has accrued according to the terms of his contract. This outcry was fueled by incessant media coverage and dubious attacks from some members of the Zoo-Museum District. A months-long Post-Dispatch news and opinion series on Archibald (matched in lockstep with criticisms led by two of Mayor Slay’s appointees to the museum district, Charles Valier and Gloria Wessels) made alarmist claims about Archibald based on these numbers. And it was inally a number that made Archibald resign a year before the end of his contract – the $10 million in museum district funds that vindictive critics of Archibald claimed were suddenly in danger. Archibald, as he told us, “fell on the sword” rather than attempt to steer the museum through a public funding battle in his current beleaguered state. We think Bob Archibald’s tenure in St. Louis should be remembered and measured by an entirely different and much more impressive set of numbers. We think his value to the museum and St. Louis is made clear when we compare the museum’s numbers in 1988, when Archibald arrived, to its numbers in 2012, when the Post, Wessels et. al. drove him to resign.
The earliest attendance records available are from 1991, when the museum had 142,416 visitors. The 2012 attendance (as of December 23) was 377,797, for a bump of nearly a quarter of a million people per year. In 1988 the museum had slightly under 2,000 members; in 2012 Archibald left it with some 8,500 members, more than four times as many as when he found it. The museum grew in membership and attendance because Archibald expanded and improved programming, including making it radically more accessible to African Americans, a major-
ity of the city’s population for most of his tenure. The American Association of Museums recognized this expanded and improved programming by giving the museum its irst accreditation in 1993. The Institute of Museum and Library Services – the primary source of federal funding for museums – then gave its irst-ever National Award for Museum Services to the museum in 1994. Archibald worked tirelessly and was effective in seeking private funding for the museum in addition to the taxpayer subsidy provided to the museum through the museum district. The museum endowment’s value on Dec 31, 1988 was almost $4.8 million; its value on November 30, 2012 was $24.1 million, a bump of almost $20 million on Archibald’s watch. In 1988 Archibald inherited museum assets of nearly $5 million; he leaves assets of nearly $72 million, a gain of $67 million. Clearly, if the Post et. al. were correct in attacking Archibald relentlessly for poor management of museum funds, there is an extra $20 million in endowment and $67 million in assets that he raised and created that must be explained away.
The growth in assets relects Archibald’s successful acquisition and improvement of facilities. Under his visionary leadership, the Missouri Historical Society purchased the former United Hebrew Congregation in 1989 and renovated the historic facility into a state-of-the-art
library, reading room and conservation facility that opened to the public December 1991. In 2000, after eight years of planning and a $20 million capital campaign, Archibald opened a transformed Missouri History Museum, quadrupling the space available for exhibitions and community programming.
Despite this impressive track record for investing in off-site facilities, Archibald was attacked by the Post et. al. like a common thief for approving an above-market purchase for a parcel of land to build a new cultural center. That project failed – like countless other capital campaigns and development proposals – when the economy imploded in 2007, a year after the parcel was purchased. Yet the Post et. al. were willing to lush down the toilet a museum president and community leader with this documented record for improving his institution. They maintain that his tenure should be measured by one dubious board-approved land deal (and a board-approved contract that rewarded Archibald commensurate with his high level of performance).
We grant that the Post uncovered governance issues at the museum board level that need to be addressed. But, on balance, this community got a great return on our investment in Bob Archibald. Shame on those who ran him out of town in this way, and what a loss for us.
As the Mayan cycle turns
The Maya were wrong. Rather, they would have been wrong if they’d actually predicted the end of the world, which scholars are pretty sure they didn’t. Now that we’re all still here: What is it that humans find so compelling about impending oblivion?
We go out of our way to look for the most obscure and cryptic clues that The End is nigh. This latest scare was based on inscriptions carved into two Mayan ruins in Guatemala. The Maya were obsessed with time, which they saw as moving in vast cycles. They developed a sophisticated and accurate calendar, and the inscriptions indicate they calculated that a major time cycle – and thus, some people have inferred, the world – would end on Dec. 21, 2012. In the world of doomsday anticipation, there’s simply no better source of information than an ancient soothsayer. Anything written in hieroglyphics pretty much has to be true.
But according to experts, the inscriptions in question had nothing to do with cosmic fate and everything to do with local politics. David Stuart, director of the Mesoamerica Center at the University of Texas (and discoverer of one of the two Dec. 21 references) has explained that the date
represents the 13th turn of a long cycle known as a bak’tun. In 696 A.D., when the hieroglyphs were carved, the ruler Yuknoom Yich’aak K’ahk’ was trying to enhance his power and legitimacy by associating his reign with an important turning of time’s vast wheel. All that happens on the appointed date is that the next cycle begins.
Happy New Bak’tun, everybody.
For the Last Days crowd, however, this was mere fine print. While present-day descendants of the Maya were unconcerned – “The world will not end,” priest Alfonso Ek told USA Today – there was genuine panic in isolated parts of the non-Maya world.
In Russia, there was so much hubbub over the Dec. 21 “prophecy” that a government minister felt compelled to announce that the planet was in no imminent peril. In some remote cities there was reportedly a run on supplies such as candles and dried foods. “I don’t believe in the end of the world,” Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev told Voice of Russia radio. “At least, not this year.”
There was reportedly a bit of panic buying in parts of China, apparently sparked by the popularity there of the Hollywood movie 2012 – a what-if blockbuster starring John Cusack that imagines all manner of earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods and other calamities. Supposedly, it all has to do with neutrinos from a solar flare that somehow
Letters to the editor
NRA must help I was stunned and sick to my stomach – and as a mother, I was horrified – when I learned about the shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Connecticut. It’s appropriate that while we grieve for the students, faculty, and their families, that we’ve also begun a longoverdue discussion of how to prevent this kind of tragedy. The constitutional right to own guns is not the issue. The issue is commonsense laws that respect that right, but prevent the mass slaughter of innocent Americans.
her position as Collector of Revenue for St. Louis County. I wish her the best. Let me be clear, this position is not a political appointment. It’s a civil service position and there is a process for hiring civil service employees. I am not involved in that process.
heat up the Earth’s core. Danny Glover plays the president; he dies when a “mega-tsunami” sends an aircraft carrier crashing into the White House. So really, President Obama, the “fiscal cliff” problem could be much, much worse. For world-enders of a New Age bent, much of the focus was on the village of Bugarach in the French Pyrenees. It happens that a famous local mountain, the Pic de Bugarach, is flat-topped, like the Devil’s Tower in Wyoming, which was the setting for Stephen Spielberg’s alien-encounter classic Close Encounters of the Third Kind. Some New Agers see Bugarach as another likely landing spot for extraterrestrials. And what better day for them to arrive than Dec. 21, 2012? The mayor of Bugarach feared such an invasion of free spirits wanting to be beamed up that he declared the whole mountain off-limits and dispatched police to enforce his edict. I should quote some eminent psychologist who explains why Armageddon is such an enduring fantasy – why, to some people, the prospect of sudden and utter doom seems almost comforting. But I think my own theory is as good as any other: boredom. For most people, one day is pretty much like the next. What if something really big happened? What if I were there to see it? How awesome would that be? Eugene Robinson’s email address is eugenerobinson@ washpost.com.
(Widow Maker III). We, the Brothers of Cable Tow #167, are trying to give back to the St. Louis region and this is one of our initiatives. We believe that this exposure will help us increase our contributions in future tournaments.
As a young child growing up in rural Arkansas, I remember older children scaring us with the threat of a “Boogie-Man.”
Although we had never seen him or met anyone who had, we were all terrified at the possibility of meeting this mythical creature on a lonely and desolate road. In our minds, he represented all that was bad and terrifying about being a kid. With time however, the tales of the Boogie-man grew stale. His lore became impractical as we outgrew his legend.
I could not help but reflect on that memory as I watched Republican pundits contort themselves as they tried to explain away the Obama routing of Mitt Romney in the 2012 presidential race. There they sat on television before a national audience, stupefied, embarrassed and stunned at a loss that they could not have imagined in their wildest dreams. These political charlatans had been revealed for the inept strategists that they obviously are and had been ousted by a public too tired of being ripped off to be scared of re-electing a black man as president.
What was sold to America as a tight race that would have us up all night awaiting results turned out to be a political butt-whipping. Bolstered by the largest turnout of
minority voters in this nation’s history, Barack Obama ran up presidential totals that will long prove to be a lesson in political mastery and campaign sophistication.
But how could it happen? I can imagine these pontificators of doom saying to themselves. Of course, in their minds, the election of Obama the first time was certainly a fluke. These so-called political experts had convinced themselves that Barack Obama was merely a charismatic black man on the right side of history. They were certain that white America would not allow this accident of fate to happen again. And so they tried their best to scare the white masses about the impending black disaster destined to destroy the America they loved. They rolled out the horrible “he’s un-American” monster, accompanied by the hideous “Obama is a Socialist “ creation. When those iterations weren’t vile enough, they fed us the old stale and reliable diets of thinly veiled racism, sprinkled lightly with white superiority as Romney supporters brandished “Put the White Back in the White House” T-shirts at campaign rallies.
Unfortunately, their political scheme, based largely on oldSouth code words and white fear, was dwarfed in a cascade of diversity, positive economic trends and good old-fashioned hope. For this group, however, their hope was not nestled in a growing America where multiculturalism flourishes, but in a yearning for a time when no God-fearing white voter
would allow a black man to occupy the White House.
The Obama victory was both decisive and impressive. As the Obama wave swept through the Midwest and the designated swing states, up the East Coast and then finally turned to the West Coast and upper mountain regions, the president secured an overwhelming 332 electoral votes.
In unprecedented fashion, Obama earned in excess of 95 percent of the AfricanAmerican vote. In some precincts that went for the president, Romney failed to get a single vote. Among Latino voters, Obama crushed Romney by winning 71 percent of the vote, allowing him to win in places like Colorado, New Mexico and Florida. The president also claimed 73 percent of the Asian-American vote and an impressive 52 percent of all votes from women. For the first time in the nation’s history, it was clear that minorities had elected the president of the United States.
Neatly tucked away in the pages of the Republican playbook for 2012 was one prevailing theme: “Barack Obama is not like us.” Unfortunately for these dinosaurs, they are right. Obama isn’t like them at all; he’s like us!
Cotton is Senior Major Gifts Officer at The Institute for Regenerative Medicine at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, North Carolina.
But as we start work on banning assault weapons and limiting the rounds in magazines – both commonsense proposals that I strongly support – too many members of Congress worry about their “score” from the National Rifle Association.
The NRA grades senators and representatives based on their votes on gun issues – and even on issues that have little-tonothing to do with guns.
I’m a former Jackson County prosecutor who’s seen gun violence. And more importantly, I’m a mom, and a grandmother. And I’m delivering a message to the NRA this week: Come to the table to prevent this from happening again.
Emerging from the tragedy in Newtown, the NRA has an opportunity to lead. An opportunity to come to the table, be a constructive partner, and make their voice a part of the solution to prevent mass murders of innocent children.
Respecting the Second Amendment does not mean abandoning common sense. The right to own guns in this country must remain, while we also must strengthen our laws to prevent mass shootings. Now, I’m calling on the NRA to use its considerable political influence to help us accomplish those goals.
U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill Washington, D.C.
A huge, embarrassing error
Stacy Bailey has resigned
Ms. Bailey was the unanimous choice of those who served on the selection panel based on her skill level, professional accomplishments and education. When we were first made aware of her bankruptcy she wasn’t automatically ruled out because there are many, many people who are going through hard times financially but who are still very good at doing their jobs.
In terms of her taxes and our failure to catch that, I spoke with Director of Revenue Eugene Leung. I am confident that this is not a case of gross incompetence or negligence. It’s an error – a huge, embarrassing error but an error nonetheless. He checked the personal property taxes and simply made an error in reviewing the correct personal property tax account.
The Director of Revenue is a very good employee who made an honest mistake. We’ve all been there. Our focus now is on beginning a new process to hire a Collector of Revenue.
County Executive Charlie A. Dooley Clayton
Glad for drug court grant
I was really glad when I read about the $200,000 grant to the St. Louis Drug Court. I hope it works so that when ex-cons get out they will be able to get jobs and treatment for drug abuse if needed. That is really a blessing! It is also good that gun violence has gone down.
Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay is a good man. Keep up the good work!!
Gertie Jackson, St. Louis
Increasing contributions
Thank you for posting the article about the 2012 Invitational Fraternity
Barry E. Evans, St. Louis Editor’s note: Send all
Columnist Eugene Robinson
New Immigrant Fee takes effect
On Feb. 1, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) will begin collecting a new USCIS Immigrant Fee of $165 from foreign nationals seeking permanent residence in the United States. This new fee was established in USCIS’s final rule adjusting fees for immigration applications and petitions announced on Sept. 24, 2010.
USCIS has worked closely with the Department of State (DOS) to implement the new fee which allows USCIS to recover the costs of processing immigrant visas in the United States after immigrant visa holders receive their visa packages from DOS. This includes staff time to handle, file and maintain the immigrant visa package, and the cost of producing and delivering the permanent resident card.
USCIS processes approximately 36,000 immigrant visa packages each month. Prospective adoptive parents whose child will enter the United States under the Orphan or Hague processes are exempt from the new fee.
For more information, visit www.uscis.gov.
Free pancakes forcharity drive
IHOPinvites guests to enjoy free pancakes during National Pancake Day on February 5, while celebrating Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals’ 30th Anniversary. On this day, the restaurant chain hopes to raise $3 million as the first national fundraising campaign to kick off the 2013 fundraising year for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals.
During National Pancake Day, the company’s largest philanthropic event of the year, more than 1,500 IHOP restaurants across the country will invite guests to enjoy a complimentary stack of IHOP’s signature delicious buttermilk pancakes from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. Guests will be encouraged to make a voluntary contribution to the local Children’s Miracle Network Hospital or other local charities. One hundred percent of the donations will help local charities provide vital equipment, life-saving procedures and critical care for sick and injured children. For more information, visit www.ihoppancakeday.com.
AT&T partners with Big Brothers Big Sisters
AT&T recently donated $14,500 to Big Brothers Big Sisters of Eastern Missouri and gave away four Pantech Element tablets at Pamoja Preparatory Academy.AT&T offered a Pantech Element tablet to the Big Brothers Big Sisters staff person or current volunteer who could recruit the most new Big Brothers and Big Sisters in a specified period of time.Candace Brown earned the top prize for recruiting six volunteers.Pictured:Jayla,Tymia,Renee Teon and Terrancewith Sharon Reed of KMOV,Alderman Marlene Davis,Big Brothers Big Sisters CEO Becky James-Hatter,AT&T President John R. Sondag,Pamoha Principal Sean Nichols and SLPS Superintendent Kelvin Adams.
SLPS educatorpublishes teaching series
Interact, a division of Social Studies School Service, has announced the publication of a series of simulator and review interactive whiteboard lessons designed and created by Major James X. Francis, the current head of the Social Studies Department at Cleveland Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps High School.
Interact offers supplemental materials created by teachers for teachers. Each unit offers a teacher’s guide; a purpose and overview; daily lesson plans; student materials; and time management guidelines that can be easily modified to fit the needs of students. Major Francis’series will cover different periods of world history. An educator with Cleveland NJROTC High School since 2004, Major Francis currently teaches Personal Finance, APEuropean and World History. He also serves as the technology liaison; teaches courses on leadership to the Regimental staff; and co-sponsors Cleveland NJROTC’s first student government. In 2010 he was officially recognized by the District as the Middle/Secondary Social Studies Teacher of the Year. In addition, Major Francis served in the National Guard for 17 years, including a tour in Afghanistan (2006-2007); served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Thailand; and taught English in Slovakia.
Both Jays got it right
Jamillle Fields Special
to The American
Most public health professionals would agree that our health system is broken. As a nation, we spend more but don’t get better results. Forty-two million Americans don’t have health insurance.
And contrary to Governor Romney’s proclamation that “people don’t die in their apartment because they don’t have insurance,” I know at least one man in St. Louis who died for just that reason. He couldn’t keep up with his doctor’s appointments to manage his diabetes after losing his insurance, and his daughter found him dead in his apartment.
And he isn’t the only one. The Institute of Medicine estimates that 26,000 Americans die each year due to lack of health insurance. In Missouri 10 people die every week because they don’t have health insurance. So why then can’t we all agree that something needs to be done? A1990s Jay-Z rap song answers this question: “Politics as Usual.”
Another Jay – Governor Jay Nixon –has offered a solution by proposing that Missouri expand Medicaidcoverage. Seems logical. If people are dying because they don’t have insurance and the federal government will give Missouri money to expand Medicaid insurance coverage, then why not accept it? Providing more coverage is fiscally responsible and downright just humanly decent.
Missouri would pay nothing for three years. After three years, it would cost Missouri a little over one percent more than they are paying now to sustain the expansion. Yet it is estimated between 220,000 to 300,000 Missourians would now have health insurance.
The more people with health insurance, the more people go see a doctor.Insurance coverage is a boost in business for doctors and other health professionals. The University of Missouri estimates that expanding Medicaid will create 24,000 jobs in Missouri.
The more people go see their doctor, the better they are able to prevent illness and the less likely they are to show up at the emergency room without insurance. Also, the more healthy people are the more productive they are at work and the more they can contribute to society.
These basic connections between health insurance and better health are largely missing from the conversation about health reform. No matter how you feel about Obamacare, the president or your party affiliation, it is hard to deny that expanding insurance coverage to more Missourians is good for Missouri’s budget and good for Missourians. Jay-Z got it right when he said “politics as usual” is leading the debate, and no matter how you feel about Jay Nixon, he got it right when he said expand Medicaid.
Fields is a student St. Louis University School of Law and School of Public Health, University of Missouri-Columbia.
Jamillle Fields
Photo by Carl Bruce
BASS
Continued from A1
December 26, 2012 at Westchester House in Chesterfield of complications from a heart attack she suffered Dec. 2. She was 72. Bass had lived in Florissant for several years after having been a longtime resident of University City.
Her memorial service will be held Friday, Jan. 4, at Shalom Church’s Lindbergh campus.
Born to sing
Fontella Bass was born July 3, 1940, the daughter of Walter and Martha Bass Peaston. She inherited her voice. Her grandmother, Nevada Carter, was a gospel singer of some renown and her mother toured with the Clara Ward Singers. Bass was singing in the church choir and sometimes accompanied her mother on piano. As she got older, she began performing at fairs and talent shows.
She got her start at the old Showboat Club when she was 17. After graduating from Soldan High School, she continued to sing and soon found steady work with the local Leon Claxton Show, part of a national revue. She played piano and sang in the chorus. She also began playing piano for blues singer and guitarist Little Milton Campbell, who moved to the St. Louis area in the mid-‘50s and began recording with a small East St. Louis label, Bobbin Records. Bobbin became home to Ike Turner, Albert King and Oliver Sain.
It was her steppingstone to the biggest blues label of its time, Chess Records. She met the company’s promoters while playing for Campbell. They were looking to branch out into other genres, so she moved to Chicago and signed a deal.
Her first hit, “Don’t Mess Up AGood Thing,” a duet with Bobby McClure, was released by Chess in early 1965. It was followed that summer by “You’ll Miss Me (When I’m Gone),” which enjoyed modest success. Then
she struck gold.
‘Rescue me’
Her signature song was released in the fall of 1965. It was a marriage of gospel and funk, courtesy of Bass’sweet voice and the distinctive bass line of Chess session drummer Maurice White, of the future Earth, Wind, & Fire.
“‘Rescue Me’put her on the map,” said Bass’longtime friend and former producer, Bernie Hayes. On Oct. 30, 1965, the song
pushed Joe Tex’s “I Want to (Do Everything for You)” out of the top R&B singles spot, and remained at No. 1 for four consecutive weeks, until it was nudged aside by Marvin Gaye’s “Ain’t That Peculiar.” It rose to No. 4 on the pop charts. The record went gold and earned Bass the first of three Grammy nominations. It was nominated in the category of Contemporary Rock & Roll Female Vocal Performance; it lost to Petula Clark’s “I Know a Place.”
She enjoyed more modest
success with singles
“Recovery,” “I Can’t Rest” and “You’ll Never Know,” and an album The New Look before leaving Chess in 1967.
In 1970, Bass recorded two albums, The Art Ensemble of Chicago with Fontella Bass and Les Stances ASophie. The Ensemble was an avant-garde jazz group co-founded by Bass’then-husband, jazz composer and trumpeter Lester Bowie. They later divorced and he died in 1999.
She toured Europe with the Ensemble before returning to St. Louis in 1972 to raise her family.
With a career on hiatus, Bass had more time to fight for the royalties she never received for one of the most popular songs of all time. She claimed co-authorship of the song; Chess denied it.
“Rescue Me” has been covered by many artists, including Pat Benatar, Cher, Melissa Manchester, Linda Ronstadt and Aretha Franklin. To Bass’s chagrin, Pizza Hut hired Aretha Franklin to sing “Deliver Me” to the tune of “Rescue Me” in a 1991 television ad.
In 1993, she won an undisclosed settlement from American Express and the credit card’s ad agency for unauthorized use of “Rescue
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cretion in throwing out Allen’s conviction because information was withheld at his jury trial that reasonably could have clouded the jury’s verdict that he was guilty.
Attorney General Chris Koster said there will be no further appeal to the Missouri Supreme Court, and St. Louis Circuit Attorney Jennifer Joyce said she would not retry Allen.
The evidence withheld from the jury trial, as summarized by the appellate court, included “serological test results, police documents referencing serological test results, documents concerning fingerprints found at the crime scene, a drawing of the crime scene made by Allen, and the fact that a key prosecution witness had been hypnotized.”
While Koster’s appeal of the lower court ruling was attacked by U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay and others, Presiding Judge Cynthia L. Martin singled out his office for praise in the appellate ruling. Stipulated facts, agreed to by Koster, all but sealed the deal in ruling on the appeal, she notes.
“The Attorney General’s
St.Louis says goodbye to national recording artist Fontella Bass.She was best known for her 1965 “Rescue Me.”She sang and co-wrote the single –which sold more than one million copies and spent a month at the top of R&B charts.The song remains a favorite selection among the Oldies radio format. She resurfaced as a gospel singer 30 years after she made her mark on pop and R&B.Her release “No Ways Tired” earned Bass a Grammy Award nomination in 1995. Bass died December 26 following complications from a heart attack.She was 72.
Me” in a commercial.
“She was an activist for her artistry,” Mitchell said. “She fought for freedom for herself and other artists.”
Voices of St.Louis
Bass continued to perform at charitable events, at music festivals, in cathedrals and on occasion in local clubs. That’s where she met two young jazz saxophonists, the Bosman Twins, in 1980.
“I made the mistake of calling ‘Rescue Me’Aretha Franklin’s tune,” Dwight Bosman said. “I don’t know how we were able to become the best of friends after that.”
The Bosmans began touring with Bass as part of the Voices of St. Louis in the ‘90s, recording two albums with her: Live in Italy, which was never released in the U.S., and Travellin, her last album, recorded in 2001. The Voices of St. Louis also included Bass’younger brother, former Showtime at the Apollo winner David Peaston, her son Bahnamous Bowie on keyboards and her son-in-law Tracy Mitchell on guitar.
“She had perfect pitch and she had her own thing,” said Dwayne Bosman. “I was infatuated with the sound of her
independent investigation of Allen’s habeas claims has persuaded the Attorney General to stipulate that Allen was denied access to evidence prior to his trial which should have been made available to him,” Judge Martin writes in the unanimous appellate opinion.
The ruling was a major victory for Allen, his mother Lonzetta Taylor, volunteer prison minister Tom Block,
“Allen was denied access to evidence prior to his trial which should have been made available to him.”
– Judge Cynthia L.Martin
Allen’s pro bono counsel from New-York-based Innocence Project and Bryan Cave, and the community that rallied behind him.
“I was proud to support George Allen’s fight for freedom, and the determined efforts of his family and the Innocence Project to right this terrible injustice,” Congressman Clay said.
“This case represents the worst kind of abuse of a black suspect with diminished capac-
voice and the quality of her musicianship. Her gift as a musician was phenomenal.” She returned to her gospel roots in the mid-‘90s and received Grammy nominations for two gospel CDs, No Ways Tired and Speaking in Tongues She received a proclamation from Mayor Freeman Bosley Jr. on behalf of St. Louis in 1995. She got her star on the St. Louis Walk of Fame in 2000. She performed at the Rhythm & Blues Foundation’s 12th annual Pioneer Awards at the Apollo Theatre in New York in 2001, where she was an award winner. Other honorees included Al Green and Sly & the Family Stone. Bass was preceded in death by her parents and her brother, David Peaston, who died last February. In addition to her daughter Neuka (Tracy) Mitchell of St. Louis and son Bahnamous (Gaylin) Bowie of New York, her survivors include another son and daughter, Larry (Marina) Stevenson and Ju’lene Coney, both of St. Louis, and 10 grandchildren. Amemorial service and musical tribute for Ms. Bass will be at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 4, at Shalom Church, 5491 North Highway 67 (Lindbergh) in Florissant.
ity who should have never been charged in the first place. I am thankful that Mr. Allen has been restored to his family, permanently. Mary Bell’s tragic murder is still unsolved, and her family deserves justice too. My hope is that law enforcement will take a fresh look at this case and find her killer.”
Mary Bell, 31, was raped and stabbed to death in her apartment in the LaSalle Park neighborhood on Feb. 4, 1982. Police initially picked up Allen because, like the prime suspect in other rapes in the area, he had a shaved head.
The murder occurred during one of the heaviest snowstorms in St. Louis history, and Allen didn’t drive or have access to a car.To commit the crime, Allen would have had to walk 10 miles from his University City home in 20 inches of snow and walk back because public transportation was not running. When Allen was released from prison by the lower court’s order, his mother said, “I know that nothing can replace the many years that he has lost, but it is my greatest wish that I see the day when he walks out of prison.” His mother’s wish, it seems, came true.
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is a college sophomore in economics at Harvard University in Boston.
Their parents, Kelvin Westbrook and Valerie Bell, are an influential duo in St. Louis.
The family leads highimpact lives in different parts of the country, but for the holidays they happily relax together and indulge in their favorite holiday traditions – picking out a live Christmas tree, watching movies, having Christmas dinner at the St. Louis Club, going to church and then taking trips to New York after Christmas.
And as a family, they share another important tradition – a passion for education. Every member of the family has attended Harvard University. Both Lauren and Erinn graduated with their bachelor’s degrees, and Brent is now acing his classes. Kelvin and Valerie earned law degrees from Harvard, and that’s how they met.
Kelvin, president and CEO of the consulting firm KRW Advisors, is originally from Tacoma, Washington. Valerie grew up in Brooklyn. They decided to move to St. Louis because Kelvin wanted an opportunity to start a business. He co-founded the cable and
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American. “When you look at the caliber of people who have received this award, to fit into that category is a little unbelievable.”
Among past awardees he is honored to be grouped with and recognized by, he mentioned St. Louis American Publisher Donald M. Suggs, civil rights attorney Frankie Muse Freeman, Jack and Andy Taylor of Enterprise, Washington University Chancellor Emeritus Dr. William Danforth and U.S. Senator Jack Danforth.
“I go to all of these awards events, so I know this is one of the highest honors you can receive,” Buford said. “It validates a good portion of the work I have done in this community.”
Buford, 68, has led his agency for 27 years and turned it into the nation’s flagship Urban League affiliate. Last
telecommunications provider Millennium Digital Media, LLC, where he served as president and CEO from 1997 to 2006. Westbrook serves on the corporate boards of ADM, Commerce Bank (St. Louis) and Stifel Financial Corp., among others.
When they moved to St. Louis 18 years ago, the children were 9, 6 and 1.
“With no support system, I made a decision to be the prime caregiver at home,” Valerie said. “With the many blessings we had with education, we knew there was no way I was going to just sit. I began volunteering my time in very substantial ways.”
Soon after arriving in St. Louis, Dr. William Danforth, chancellor emeritus of Washington University, asked Valerie to be an attorney in the St. Louis Public Schools desegregation case.
“It enabled me to really work on an issue that is my biggest passion,” she said.
Since then, her volunteering has not slowed. At one time, Valerie was involved in 14 nonprofits, including leading the board of trustees at John Burroughs School where all of their children attended. She has also been active with the St. Louis Black Leadership Roundtable, Focus St. Louis, St. Louis Science Center, Deaconess Foundation and Grace Hill Settlement House.
year he announced he will retire in May 2013. Buford grew the local affiliate from a $2.5 million annual budget to an agency with an annual budget of more than $20 million.
Fundraising for the agency is the “portion” of his work that has been recognized with this award, he said.
“I have raised a lot of money from people in high places to support the Urban League,” Buford said. “I have worked with these people for a lot of years and received a lot of their support. This award validates that portion of my work and tells me, ‘Job well done.’”
For a social service agency, money is only a means to service.
“It’s not about the money, it’s about the scope,” Buford told The American when he announced his retirement last year. “We serve 40,000 people. You can’t do that without funding for programs and facilities.”
In 2004, St. Louis was the
Passion for education and health
“We quickly identified that our passions galvanized around education and health care,” said Kelvin, who is St. Louis Children’s Hospital board chair and a board director for BJC HealthCare.
And their community involvement aligned nicely with their personal credo: To whom much is given, much is expected.
“Access to quality education and quality health care – if you could provide those two things, opportunities for individuals are pretty limitless,”
first local affiliate to be designated a Five-Star Affiliate, a ranking it has maintained ever since.
“Those Five Stars we got from national says that we have a quality operation, and the proof is in the funding we got,” Buford said. The St. Louis affiliate recently was the recipient of two massive waves of federal funding – from the stimulus act and the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP).
Kelvin Westbrook, Valerie Bell and their children Erinn, Lauren and Brent Westbrook.
Kelvin said. “The higher the education, the better people’s health tends to be.”
Kelvin has served on health-care boards for 15 years. Many people ask Kelvin and Valerie why they get so involved in these issues.
“When I look at those three people, I recognize how good God has been to us,” Valerie said of their children.
“Seeing what they are capable because they had opportunities, it really resonates with Kelvin and I that everyone deserves opportunity. For many folks in St. Louis, that’s not the case. Between Kelvin and myself, we have a real
“This award validates a good portion of the work I have done in this community.”
– James H.Buford
chairman of the Board of St. Louis Connectcare, vice chairman of the Metropolitan Sewer District and a board member of the St. Louis Zoo Commission. He also has been a member of the St. Louis Board of Education and the St. Louis County Board of Elections. Other organizations he has
“The stimulus and LIHEAP funding was brought to us, we did not get it on bid,” Buford said. “It was brought to us because of efficacy and no games being played.”
Buford has served in leadership roles for an extraordinary number of other community organizations. He is currently
strong incentive because we realize how much we’ve been blessed.”
All of the children have found ways to volunteer and make a difference in their communities. Brent just became the leader of a student group that mentors children in disadvantaged New York schools.
“We grew up around two community leaders who have done so much,” Erinn said. “We have all taken distinct paths, but we’ve all thrived because of the backbone our parents have given us. We are able to do anything.”
Second home in New York
Growing up, the children weren’t allowed to watch television during the week, so they could focus on studying. They had jobs in high school and were encouraged to save money. And every summer, the children and Valerie would pack up and go to New York, where they have a second home. During high school and college, all the children landed summer internships in New York, which set them apart from their peers.
“They did incredible things here in St. Louis during the school year, and then they would go to New York and max it out,” Valerie said.
Kelvin said interning in
served include Grand Center, the Boy Scouts of America, Fair St. Louis, the UMSL Chancellor’s Council, Jobs for America’s Graduates, Heat Up St. Louis, the Downtown Partnership Foundation and the Missouri State University Foundation.
“Jim has been and continues to be an extraordinary leader, not just of the Urban League, but on a wide range of issues in the St. Louis region,” said Debra Denham, vice president of community affairs at BJC HealthCare and chair of
New York expanded their sense of possibility – along with their perspective of how much hard work it takes to reach those opportunities.
“Once we got to college, it was a blast because you felt like you really earned it,” Lauren said. “You knew how to manage your time. For all of us, being involved and being social was easy because we knew how to do our homework and get it done.”
Among the siblings, they always challenge, push and congratulate each other when things go well.
“That’s been consistent our whole lives,” Brent said.
“When I was five, Erinn created a school for me called ‘Jump Ahead’school. When I was in kindergarten, she had me doing second and third grade homework that she had completed. She was also teaching me how to use computers.”
“I would call him for dinner,” Valerie said, “and he would say, ‘I can’t Mom. I have to finish my homework, Erinn’s Jump Ahead homework.”
“There were rewards,” Erinn said. “Snacks and computer time.”
What makes Kelvin and Valerie most proud is that their children are able to not only support each other but their peers and communities as well.
“It’s not about them,” Valerie said. “They have found ways to share with others.”
the local Urban League board.
“The broader community has greatly benefited from his wisdom as an eloquent voice for understanding among all racial and ethnic groups and from his leadership on a wide array of issues.”
The previous AfricanAmerican honorees as Citizen of the Year are Freeman, Suggs and baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith. Since Freeman was recognized last year, this marks the first time an African American received the award in successive years.
Photo by Wiley Price
Mathews Dickey past president passes at 97
Robert Trice, Sr. Eulogy
Friday, December 28, 2012
Greater Mount Carmel
Missionary Baptist Church
Giving the glory to God Almighty who is indeed the head of my life, I feel honored and privileged to have known Robert Trice, Sr. for more than 50 years. In the days when business was still done by a handshake he was a leader, a brother and a constant support system for me and the boys’ club which would not exist today if it wasn’t for his efforts. With no budget, he was instrumental in helping us increase our membership, growing from just ive baseball teams into 75 baseball, 22 Bulldog football, two basketball teams and 22 cheerleading squads in as little as ive years! He was a remarkable example of dedication and the three pillars in his life were always his family, his church and Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club. Mr. Trice was a man that I would easily have placed in “CIA” status which is Credibility, Integrity and Accountability. He was an outstanding coach and mentor to many young people who’ve advanced through our organization. I never knew such a dutiful person as Mr. Trice because in those early days of countless volunteer hours his weekends remained booked: Saturdays in front of the barbecue pit at Mathews-Dickey fund-raisers and Sunday mornings at Greater Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Congregation teaching Sunday school. I can still see Mr. Trice waiting in front of our former club home on Shreve and Natural Bridge when we irst moved in with his all white coveralls, some buckets of paint and his paint brushes, ready to help us get closer to being open for business.
“You won’t leave me out you booger you!”
See this was the true beauty of his character. He always wanted to be counted in when it came to doing good things for people. He assisted in forming our irst annual awards banquet ceremony, served as our irst baseball commissioner, our irst football coach, managed our irst line of credit, and also was our Club’s second president for a 20-year term.
He is a man who I can say truly walked with me through the trenches from the beginning. I will never forget his steadfast friendship and what we were able to accomplish together for the sake of humanity. I cherish the moments that I
was able to share with him at his residence most recently. Still in charge of the situation, he made sure that my guest and I had taken all of the leftover food with us so that there was less clean-up for the staff. If only I’d known that would be the last time I would see him again. The book of 2 Timothy 4:7 comes to mind when I remember my great friend for “he fought the good ight, inished the course and kept the faith until the end.” His life was the embodiment of our organization’s philosophy of loving, caring, and sharing. He will be sorely missed.
Respectfully Submitted, Martin Luther Mathews On behalf of the Members, Staff and Board of Directors Mathews-Dickey Boys’& Girls’Club
Freddie Lee
Thomas Sr.
Freddie Lee Thomas Sr., son of the late Harvey “Cotton” Thomas and Pauline Parker, November 28, 1921. Born in Brookwood, Alabama. The oldest of 3 sisters, 1 brother and 1 step-sister. The family moved to Roda, Virginia, then later to Big Stone Gap, Virginia.
He worked in coal mining camps, and graduated from the Appalachian Training School in 1941.
He married Dorothy Louise Peebles in 1942, but, became a widower in 1969, due to the untimely death of his wife. He has been both father and mother, raising 7 of 10 children alone. The youngest being 4 years old and the oldest 19 years of age, at the time. He now has over 22 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren and 8 great great-grandchildren.
He was a Veteran of World War II, receiving Honorable Discharge in 1946. That same year he moved to St. Louis, where he resided at his present address for over 50 years as a registered voter. He worked for Bi-State Transit Company (Metro), as a mechanic for 38 years before retiring in 1984. He was a member of Amalgamated Transit Union, Local 788, Retiree Club. Mr. Thomas also worked part-time 26 years with the St. Louis Usher Services (Busch Stadium) Under the pastorship of the, late Charles H. Hawkins, he became a member of Friendship Baptist Church in 1947; where he faithfully served as Deacon and Financial Secretary for many years.
He received the St. Louis Police Recognition Award for Citizen Lifesaving, when he rescued 2 children from a life threaten situation in 1967.
A lover of Jazz, an original American art form. He loved to travel, and has made numerous trips through-out the United States, to visit family and friends as well as enjoy, Church Conventions, the Kentucky Derby, and the Indianapolis 500. He was a sports enthusiast, who enjoys most sports and has coached softball for both young and adult teams. He is also a great isher-man, gardener and cook. According to one of his daughter’s, “He is a Jack of all
Trades and a Master of All.”
He has touched many lives, and is respected and loved by both family and friends. Freddie Lee Thomas went to be with his Lord on Wednesday, December 19, 2012.
Sharon D. Blakemore
Sharon Denise (Fortson) Blakemore transitioned from this life after a six-year battle with cancer on December 18, 2012. She was 56 years old. Sharon retired from 30 years of teaching special education for the St. Louis Board of Education in 2010. Sharon will be greatly missed by her family members and friends. A private memorial service will be held in her honor in January.
Elna Frazier
Born on February 18, 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri, Elna Lee Ferguson was educated in the public school system. She was a proud graduate of Sumner High School in 1944 and she went on to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Education from Harris Stowe Teacher’s College in 1951. She went to Washington University and received a Master’s Degree of Arts in Education in 1955. Her guiding ambition was a belief in the value of education. She started her teaching career at the elementary schools of Attucks, Riddick and Hickey. Along the way she returned to graduate school to obtain a Certiicate in Library Science and then returned to Sumner High School where she worked as the Head librarian and Data Processing Administrator, one of the irst computer professionals. Her teaching career spanned an impressive 45-1/2 years in
the St. Louis Public Schools System, retiring in 1994. Her passion was inspiring young, inner-city children to pursue “excellence in education” as a gateway to a better life. Elna was married twice and in her second marriage to Fred Frazier she had her only child –her son, Steven Girard Frazier in 1957. Following a divorce, Elna raised Steven as a single mother. Through her commitment to education, Steven also graduated from Washington University in Engineering, eventually distinguishing himself with three United States Patents.
In addition to her passion for education and inspiring achievement in her son, Elna had other interests. Beginning in 1945, she became a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority and took pride in her sisterhood and community service. She was also an accomplished seamstress and continually challenged herself to learn the most advanced techniques possible, from tailoring to quilting to designing her entire ensemble for her son’s wedding. She prided herself on her culinary skills and she especially enjoyed mastering dificult recipes. She was also an avid coin collector, bridge player, and dog lover. She was especially sentimental about her family and few knew that she was the keeper of a vast inventory of mementos, documents and photos for those closest to her.
Most important, was her spiritual and life-long commitment to Antioch Church. She attended Sunday School; she served on the Missionary Board; and eventually she was most proud to serve on the the Mother’s Board. Throughout her life she studied the scriptures; she collected a wide range of Bibles; and her faith was a source of comfort and guidance.
Elna leaves a rich legacy cherished by her son Steven Frazier residing in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife of 30 years Charlotte King; Elna’s sister Marie Torrey, her niece Debra Williams, her great nephew Justin Williams and her great niece, Alisha Williams; and her many friends, neighbors, her students, teaching colleagues and the fellowship of Antioch Baptist Church.
Sharon D. Blakemore
Elna Frazier
Robert Trice and Martin Mathews
“St. Louis is moving forward, with more job opportunities for women and minorities.”
—
State Senator Jamilah Nasheed
With the stroke of a pen, Mayor Francis Slay signed Executive Order #46, a historic order giving more construction job opportunities to women and our minority community. Mayor Slay's order extends St. Louis workforce goals to every public works project in excess of $1 million – requiring private construction companies to partner with the City to reach our job creation goals for women, city residents and minorities.
Grass-roots gave opportunity to Slay
Alderman Terry Kennedy, who chairs the African American Aldermanic Caucus and led the effort to establish workforce diversity goals for city construction projects, has been following news reports about Mayor Francis G. Slay extending those goals to projects in the city that benefit from TIF valued at $1 million or more.
Kennedy – who tells the facts plain, with very little seasoning or political grandstanding – remembers when the very same Mayor Slay balked at covering TIF projects with the workforce diversity goals set forth in the board bill.
“I just wanted to point out a few things to you about the workforce ordinance I sponsored and got passed several ago,” Alderman Kennedy writes to the EYE.
“Our original proposal presented several years ago included TIF projects and taxabated projects of $1 million and more. At the time there was no support to pass such a bill so we limited it to Board of Public Service-let projects of $1 million or more. I was told at that time by the Mayor’s staff that he could not and would not support the inclusion of TIF projects in the original bill. Because of this we limited the bill to was finally passed into ordinance.”
Kennedy then claims, and the EYE has no reason to doubt him from past experience, that
Slay lifted a page from his playbook with his Executive Order 46 mandating the TIF goals.
“Due to the success of the workforce bill, for the past months I have been working on an amendment to the original bill which would now include TIFs and taxabated projects of $1 million or more. Representatives from the Mayor’s office were made aware of this about three weeks before he issued his new executive order,” Kennedy writes.
given credit for getting things this far.”
That much certainly is true – Slay was standing on the shoulders of Kennedy and the grass roots when he issued the executive order. Newspapers tend to report the news without always rehearsing the entire back story (it is in our training, perhaps in our blood). Though The American’s reporting
n So, to give credit where due: Kennedy, his caucus and minority inclusion advocates at many levels created the opportunity for Slay.
“Though I worked with Mayor on the original bill and continue to work with him today, the inclusion of TIF projects is not new. It was, in fact, a part of the original idea presented to his office. Though I applaud his executive order that now includes what we originally proposed, please keep in mind that the idea was presented to his staff years ago and came from a grass-roots effort composed of various community groups working diligently with several AfricanAmerican aldermen and myself. In my thoughts, all should be
stated that Slay’s executive order extends workforce goals previously established for city projects by a board bill, we did not describe the board bill or the effort to pass it in any detail.
So, to give credit where due: Kennedy, his caucus and minority inclusion advocates at many levels created the opportunity for Slay. It was Slay, of course, who seized the opportunity, in the context of the controversy over the CORTEX application for TIF. That controversy also was created by the grass roots and minority inclusion advocates at
many levels.
In a civil exchange with Alderman Kennedy – who after the passing of Greg Carter is perhaps the best diplomat in the black caucus – the EYE asked a pointed question in the context of the mayoral primary, which also provided the opportunity that Slay seized. The same opportunity was open to Slay’s mayoral challenger, Kennedy’s colleague aldermanic President Lewis Reed (and, for that matter, to Comptroller Darlene Green, who also is on the March 5 ballot).
“The question still remains,” the EYE wrote to Kennedy, “where was Lewis Reed? He knew about this and could have pushed the Mayor through public discourse to support your amended bill.”
Kennedy responded that he wasn’t speaking up to put a point on the board for Reed, or TO take a point off the board for Slay. He was simply setting the facts straight.
Appeals court commends
Koster
The EYE has had the benefit of several years of off-therecord conversations with Attorney General Chris Koster. In these exchanges Koster has always been very direct,
spoke with intelligence and showed a keen insight into the legal process and the political process in Missouri and how they intersect.
Koster privately shared his handling of the George Allen case, when he was taken to task by activists, Congressman Wm. Lacy Clay and this newspaper for appealing a lower court’s order that Allen should be released from custody. Allen served more than 30 years for crimes that new evidence shows clearly he did not commit. Koster explained to the EYE the role of the Attorney General in the criminal process and detailed similar cases where he filed the same routine appeal that his office filed in the Allen case. He said he was performing simple due diligence.
The EYE expects Koster to speak up for Koster, but the same appeals court that rejected the AG’s appeal – and upheld the court order releasing Allen – also spoke very highly of Koster’s conduct in this case.
The court’s comment has a bit of legal verbiage up front, but bear with it, because it explains how Koster upheld the duties of his office while tipping his hand to the appeals court that Allen’s case was compelling:
“The Attorney General’s suggestions in support of the petition for writ of certiorari
candidly emphasized this court’s ability to exercise its discretion to dispense with portions of the writ procedure (including delivery of the complete record) in the interest of justice. Rule 84.22,” writes Presiding Judge Cynthia L. Martin of the Missouri Court of Appeals Western District.
“The Attorney General’s candor is in keeping with what the habeas court observed was the Attorney General’s cognizance of his role as ‘a minister of justice and not simply that of an advocate.’
[Judgment, p. 4]. We echo the habeas court’s commendations of the Attorney General, and note with respect and appreciation the honorable and appropriately balanced attention the Attorney General’s office has afforded to both its duties to prosecute violations of Missouri law and its duties to Missouri citizens to operate the office with character, integrity, and a commitment to ethical advocacy.”
When Koster said he handled this case respectful of both Allen and the process of justice as mandated for his elected office, the appeals court agrees with him. Also, Koster did not appeal further to the Missouri Supreme Court, as he might have done. George Allen remains a free man.
Alderman Terry Kennedy
Aldermanic President Lewis Reed Mayor Francis G. Slay
Comptroller Darlene Green
BUSINESS
JANUARY3 – 9, 2013
Airman cuts ribbon at Ferguson bank branch
Fifth Third Bank recently celebrated its new branch at 10797 New Halls Ferry Road in Ferguson and gathered to honor,support and raise awareness for the St.Louis Veteran’s Home’s Adopt-A-Veterans Program.Fifth Third Bank welcomed Tuskegee Airman Lt.Everett Bratcher to cut the ribbon for the new branch.The goal is to raise $9,000 for the residents at the St.Louis Veteran’s Home.Fifth Third presented a check for $5,300 to help start the adopt a vet program.Pictured:Tony Manisco,Fifth Third Bank retail executive;Lt.Everett Bratcher,Tuskegee Airman,;and Kathleen Witzke,Financial Center manager,Fifth Third Bank
Resolve to put your financial house in order
By Michelle Singletary Washington Post
It’s that time again. Time to make resolutions that in years past you’ve probably broken before Valentine’s Day.
In its annual New Year’s resolution survey, Allianz Life Insurance found that exercise or diet, better money management, spending more time with friends or relatives, volunteering and getting rid of bad habits are among the top promises that people make.
But more than a quarter of survey respondents said they wouldn’t either make New Year’s resolutions or keep the ones they do make. Allianz also found that 84 percent of the people surveyed said they would not include financial planning in their resolutions for 2013.
I thought this was odd, that people who said they want to get better at managing their money don’t see the need for overall financial planning. Well, the reason people see the two differently is that they don’t think they earn enough money to worry about financial planning.
Allianz Life Insurance found that 84 percent of the people surveyed said they would not include financial planning in their resolutions for 2013.
“There is this fear that people are throwing their hands up about getting their financial future in order,” said Katie Libbe, vice president of consumer insights for Allianz.
It’s worth setting New Year’s resolutions for your financial life. If you are not happy about how you handle your money, make a change. It’s also not enough to just focus on one area such as get-
DISPARITY, B6
RANKEN, ARCHS REWARDEX-OFFENDER
Prisoner Reentry program and Recycled Rides net new car for family
American staff
Ranken Technical College recently presented a fully refurbished car to localfamily in need. The Bobo family – Antonio, LaTasha and their five children with a sixth child due any day –received this gift just in time for the holidays.
Ranken Technical College recently collaborated with Recycled Rides, a national gifting program, and the National Auto Body Council (NABC) to identify, secure and refurbish a 2006 Ford Taurus. More than 30 Ranken students spent 80 hours – approximately $5,000 in labor costs – refurbishing the vehicle. Recycled Rides is a green program that emphasizes vehicle and parts recycling. The program recruits collision repairers, insurers, paint suppliers, parts vendors and others, to
“He’s taken advantage of certain educational and career opportunities, helping him realize his full potential.”
– Wendell E.Kimbrough,ARCHS
contribute in their own, yet synergistic ways. Ranken worked with the Recycled Rides program and NABC to help secure the vehicle donation as well as donations from other businesses, including Esurance, Reliance Auto Body and Dave Sinclair Ford Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS), a not-forprofit organization that designs, manages, and evaluates education and social service programs, selected the Bobo family of O’Fallon, Mo. Several years ago, Antonio made some poor choices that landed him in prison as a convicted felon. After his release, he discovered ARCHS’Prisoner Reentry program. With ARCHS’support, he enrolled at Ranken and graduated with a certificate in
B1
PEOPLEON THE MOVE
Andrea Stewart-Douglas was appointed Assistant Director, Student Financial Services at Washington University. She supports the undergraduate enrollment process by managing the development of strategies to achieve the recruitment goals and budget targets of the five undergraduate divisions. She also counsels both current and prospective students, manages departmental counseling activities, the Student Service Center, and assists with program development.
Traron L. Shivers has been appointed by Gov. Jay Nixon as a student representative to the Lincoln University Board of Curators. The board assures good management of the university; establishes policy; sets fees; grants degrees; selects and supports a president; and monitors presidential, institutional and board performance. Currently a student at Lincoln, Shivers was on the Dean’s List for 2009, 2010 and 2011. He is a member of the National Honors Society.
Helen Oyeyemi was awarded the 2012 Fiction Prize by the Zora Neale Hurston/Richard Wright Foundation for her book Mr. Fox. Inspired by a folktale, Oyeyemi takes on gender stereotypes and male aggression with intelligence, imagination, and a subversive wit. The mission of the foundation, based in Washington, is to discover and encourage writers of African descent and to ensure the survival of literature by black writers.
BUSINESS BRIEFS
Commerce Dept. recognizes minority business advocates
The U.S. Commerce Department’s Minority Business Development Agency recently awarded its 2012 National Minority Enterprise Development Week winners. Lifetime Achievement awards went to U.S. Rep. Silvestre Reyes; Alka Dhillon of Technalink; Andrea L. Harris of North Carolina Institute of Minority Economic Development; Deborah Scott Thomas of Data Solutions & Technology, Inc.; and Andrew Wells of Wells Technology.
National Minority Business Firm of the Year Awards went to D.W. Morgan Company, Inc. of Pleasanton, CA; MarkMaster, Inc. of Tampa, FL; 7Delta Inc. of Columbia, MD; and LSLIndustries, Inc. of Chicago, IL.
Philanthropists commit $1.2M to ‘Safe Haven’forhomeless
Dennis and Judy Jones have committed $1.2 million to Peter & Paul Community Services to assist with renovations of Garfield Elementary School in South St. Louis. The project is the region’s first comprehensive “Safe Haven,” a best practice model in supportive housing for chronically homeless individuals.
Peter & Paul Community Services has launched a private $3 million capital campaign to transform the school building into apartments for chronically homeless men and women who experience mental illness. Affordable Housing Assistance Program Tax Credits are available to qualified donors. For more information, visit www.ppcsinc.org.
Metro sees biggest increase in bus ridership among large cities
Metro Transit in St. Louis once again led the nation with the largest increase in bus ridership among large transit agencies. According to the American Public Transportation Association, Metro Transit saw an 8.55 percent increase in bus ridership from January to September of 2012. MetroBus recorded 22 million boardings as compared to 20.3 million MetroBus boardings during the first three quarters in 2011.
Traron Shivers
Andrea StewartDouglas
Helen Oyeyemi
Michelle Singletary
Photo courtesy of Wendy Noble
Antonio and LaTasha Bobo with their five children and newly refurbished 2006 Ford Taurus.
Retirement plan limits increase in 2013
By Jason Alderman
Benjamin Franklin once declared, “Nothing can be said to be certain, except death and taxes.” Although I don’t have any updates on the former, where taxes are concerned I do have news: As it does every year, the Internal Revenue Service announced 2013 cost-of-living adjustments to many of the amounts you and your employer can contribute toward your retirement accounts. These new limits mean most people will be able to contribute more money in tax-advantaged accounts for their retirement savings.
Here are highlights of what will and won’t change in 2013: Defined contribution plans.
The maximum allowable annual contribution you can make to workplace 401(k), 403(b), 457(b) and federal Thrift Savings plans increases by $500 to $17,500. Keep in mind these additional factors: People over 50 can also make an additional $5,500 in catch-up contributions (unchanged from 2012). The annual limit for combined employee and employer contributions increased by $1,000 to $51,000. Because your plan may limit the percentage of pay you can contribute, your maximum contribution may actually be less. (For example, if the maximum contribution is 10 percent of pay and you earn $50,000, you could only contribute $5,000.)
PERSONAL FINANCE
Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs). The maximum annual contribution to IRAs increases by $500 to $5,500 (plus an additional $1,000 if 50 or older –unchanged from 2012).
Maximum contributions to traditional IRAs are not impacted by personal income, but if your modified adjusted gross income (AGI) exceeds certain limits, the maximum amount you can contribute to a Roth IRAgradually phases out:
For singles/heads of households the phase-out range is $112,000 to $127,000 (increased from $110,000 to $125,000 in 2012). Above
$127,000, you cannot contribute to a Roth. For married couples filing jointly, the range is $178,000 to $188,000 (up from $173,000 to $183,000 in 2012).
Keep in mind these rules for deducting traditional IRA contributions on your federal tax return:
If you’re single, a head of household, a qualifying widow(er) or married and neither spouse is covered by an employer-provided retirement plan you can deduct the full IRAcontribution, regardless of income.
If you are covered by an employer plan and are single
or a head of household, the tax deduction phases out for AGI between $59,000 and $69,000 (up from $58,000 to $68,000 in 2012); if married and filing jointly, the phase-out range is $95,000 to $115,000 (up from $92,000 to $112,000 in 2012).
If you’re married and aren’t covered by an employer plan but your spouse is, the IRA deduction is phased out if your combined AGI is between $178,000 and $188,000 (up from $173,000 to $183,000 in 2012).
For more details, read IRS Publication 590 at www.irs.gov. Retirement Saver’Tax Credit: As an incentive to help low- and moderate-income workers save for retirement through an IRAor company-
sponsored plan, many are eligible for a Retirement Savers’ Tax Credit of up to $1,000 ($2,000 if filing jointly). This credit lowers your tax bill, dollar for dollar, in addition to any other tax deduction you already receive for your contribution.
Qualifying income ceiling limits for the Retirement Savers’Tax Credit increased in 2012 to $59,000 for joint filers, $44,250 for heads of household, and $29,500 for singles or married persons filing separately. Consult IRS Form 8880 for more info. Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www.twitter.com/Practical Money.
Financing helps area non-profits to grow
America staff
St. Louis nonprofits serving some of the city’s most needy communities are realizing significant benefits from affordable financing from nonprofit community development financial institution IFF.
Assistance League St. Louis is expanding programs, serving more low-income students and battered women; and Project, Inc. has been able to protect the employment of disabled adults, who might otherwise be
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ting out of debt or starting the emergency fund. Your financial New Year’s resolution should entail looking at getting your financial house in order. But before you make any promises, you need to decide how best to go about keeping your resolutions. You need to determine whether you’re a
unemployed, while saving taxpayers money. These loans are part of $66 million IFF has invested directly in Missouri nonprofits through over 108 loans. IFF began its St. Louis operations in 2007 and was certified by the U.S. Treasury as a community development financial institution (CDFI) in 1996. It uses government grants and tax credits to leverage substantially greater private resources to provide facilities loans and related services
do-it-yourself type or whether you need help to guide you to better money management. Take exercise, for example. For the last year, I’ve made endless promises to get into a routine of regular exercise. I keep that pledge for about a week or two and then give up. Some people can get home exercise equipment or videos and work out religiously without any push. That’s not me. I hate exercising. Knowing that about myself, I hired a
at below-market rates to organizations serving low-income communities.
Assistance League St. Louis is celebrating its 25th anniversary supporting low-income families through innovative programs.An IFF loan of $750,000 allowed Assistance League St. Louis to purchase their own expanded facility and attract new volunteers. The loan also helped increase by 30 percent the number of low-income students it serves through Operation School Bell.
personal trainer several years ago. I’m a penny pincher, but I also believe that it’s OK to pay for services that you won’t or can’t do yourself. It was worth the money just for the motivation. So in 2013, I’m getting my trainer back.
Think of financial planning as you might think about getting a personal trainer, Libbe says. If the slogan “just do it” doesn’t work for you, let someone push you to help yourself.
Additionally, lower debt payments freed precious resources to reach more people in the community through Project ROSE (Raise Our Self Esteem), which provides abused women with essentials upon their arrival at a shelter, and Steps to Success which equips needy children with athletic shoes.
“We now have more money to spend on programs and not on rent,” said Sandra Johnson, president of Assistance League St. Louis.“That has allowed
And you don’t have to be a high-net-worth individual to seek the assistance of a financial planner. They can do more than invest your money. Good planners will focus on getting your financial house in order. They can help you develop a budget, look at your debts, tax situation, retirement and college savings, estate planning and insurance needs. There are plenty of planners who will work with people of all income brackets. One of the best ways to find a financial planner is to ask around and get recommendations. Find someone in your circle who has used a planner. You can also find an adviser through the Financial Planning Association (www.fpanet.org). You can search for a planner by city, state, ZIPcode or specialty. To find a fee-only planner, check with the National Association of Personal
us to serve more children, add 57 new volunteers and for the first time, we are forming a program expansion committee to address new needs in the community.”
Project, Inc.’s idea to employ disabled adults for secure document destruction through its DeCycleIt! Program is recognized by IFF for its enterprising business model and commitment to a vulnerable population.
DeCyleIt!, a member of the National Secure Document
Financial Advisors (www.napfa.org), which is the professional association of feeonly financial planners. The Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards (www.cfp.net) also has a search tool for planners. Be sure you ask how your financial planner is paid, which can vary from a commission, hourly fee, annual retainer, or percentage of assets managed. If you’re a do-it-yourselfer in other parts of your life but somehow have a block when it comes to your finances, maybe what you need is step-by-step help. Fidelity Investments has a useful 2013 month-by-month guide to keep you on track. Go to www.fidelity.com and search for “Keep Your Resolutions in 2013.” The investment company of course promotes its services, which I’m not endorsing, but you can easily click through to see the
Alliance, is the only nonprofit secure document destruction company in the St. Louis area among 38 competitors. For every 10 employees Project Inc. hires, it saves Missouri taxpayers $225,000 a year.
Founded in 1988, IFF has total assets of more than $235 million and serves nonprofits working with low-income communities and special needs populations in Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin. To learn more about IFF, visit www.iff.org.
helpful monthly financial information, tips and tools. In January, you start by creating a budget. There’s a tool that allows you to develop a savings strategy for top goals such as paying off credit card debt or boosting your retirement savings. To help start your savings plan, you’ll be asked some questions about your priorities. Even before you start making your resolutions, complete a net worth statement. Looking at your assets and liabilities may be the harsh wake-up call you need. You can find a template for a net worth statement by going to http://wapo.st/TaJkCa. Or Google the title for my third book, The Power to Prosper You will also find some budget templates I created. Even if you’ve failed to keep your financial resolutions in the past, try again this year. What’s the alternative? Do nothing and get the same results you’ve been getting?
Readers can write to Michelle Singletary c/o The Washington Post, 1150 15th St., N.W., Washington, D.C. 20071. Her email address is singletarym@washpost.com.
automotive light maintenance training in 2008. Today, he is assistant manager at the Jiffy Lube in University City.
“Despite the challenges he’s faced, Antonio has ultimately persevered,” said Wendell E. Kimbrough, CEO at ARCHS. “He’s taken advantage of certain educational and career opportunities, helping him realize his full potential. That’s why we felt that Antonio and his family truly deserved this car.”
The Bobos are slowly getting back on their feet after suffering a devastating house fire last year. They are also preparing to welcome their sixth child any day now. The new car will provide Antonio with reliable transportation to and from work, while LaTasha can use the family van to take the kids to school.
“When we found out that we were receiving this amazing gift, we were really shocked,” says Antonio Bobo. “I’ve definitely had some tough times in my past, but I’ve worked hard to get on the right track so I can provide for my family. I am very thankful for the opportunities I’ve been given and look forward to what the future holds.”
"These aren't ordinary rookies."
– Washington
DeAngelo
PREP BASKETBALL NOTEBOOK
Tourney thrills abound around area
East St. Louis is surprise winner of Collinsville tournament
We had a tremendous week of holiday tournament action around the St. Louis metro area. Here is a recap of last week’s tournament action.
Normandy: Madison Prep dominated the field in winning the championship and improving its record to 120. The Bears defeated Germantown (TN) 77-53 in the finals behind 25 points from 6’4” senior Miles Nettles and 19 points from senior guard Kevin Baker. It is the Bears’second tournament title of the season.
Hazelwood Central has won two of the past three Meramec titles.
Meramec: Hazelwod Central won the championship with a 5945 victory over top-seeded CBC. Senior forward Jordan Martin had 15 points and 14 rebounds to lead the Hawks, who have won two of the past three Meramec titles.
Collinsville: East St. Louis entered the tournament with a 4-6 record, but the Flyers won four games and came away with the championship. The highlight came in the semifinals when the Flyers defeated top-seeded Belleville East 41-40 on a jumper by senior Travon McCray as time expired. The Flyers defeated Quincy 60-52 in the See PREP, B5
St. Louisan officiated in five Super Bowls
Megatron should be in the mix for MVP
1,848 receiving yards but was aiming for the hallowed and untapped 2000 yard mark. At the time, many fans and pundits shook their heads and wrote the comments off as preseason swag. Others wondered if he’d bumped his head in training camp and needed a baseline concussion test or two. He was the Madden cover boy after all, so he would surely break a kneecap or something by Week 3, right?
People were so busy calling Peterson the greatest person who ever lived that they shunned the guy who actually broke a record for one who got painfully close.
Well, the Madden curse must be retired like the big, Rice’s receiving record – once thought to be unbreakable. Reaching 2K would’ve just been icing on the cake after all. But what bothered me about Johnson’s historic mark is the
Detroit’s Calvin Johnson broke Jerry Rice’s single-season receiving record.
With Earl Austin Jr.
Photo by Wiley Price
Redskins cornerback
Hall, on star rookie teammates Robert Griffin III and Alfred Morris.
St.Louisan Bob Beeks, who enjoyed a 22-year career as a National Football League official, died on December 26 at the age of 85.
Germantown's Darrell Spencer (24) and Jake Miller (11) attempt to block a shot by College Preparatory High’s Eric Clark during the 79th Annual Normandy Holiday Invitational Tournament Saturday evening.The Red Devils of Germantown went on to defeat the Bears 73-53.
CLAIB’S CALL
With Mike Claiborne
Rams finish creates great expectations
Now that the helmets and jerseys have been put away for the Rams in 2013, have you ever been more excited about the next edition? Not since the Rams won the Super Bowl have the emotions been as high after a season ended. An ending that saw the Rams lose in Seattle, but anyone with the a brain the size of a gnat can see this team has made significant improvement and is ready for the next step.
I have been asked on more than one occasion recently what does this team need for next year? Who are they going to draft? It is simple, they need more offensive line help, linebackers and certainly a free safety.
Mind you, this year the Rams will not draft as early as their previous putrid records have a allowed them to, so this time some real thought will come into play in selecting the best player who can get on the field as soon as possible. The years of waiting and learning on the sidelines are over. When you are taken early in the rounds you are expected to contribute.
I guess this would be considered the most critical draft for the future of this organization, as the Rams will have extra picks that they can use to deal for players or other picks or just draft the player they think will help. In any event, there is a lot of work to do between now and April and the Rams have started to build momentum.
Black Monday
That is what they call the day after the season when they fire coaches in the NFL. There is one twist to this year. They are starting to fire General Managers as well. Not a bad idea when you have a GM that has hired more than one coach who has not produced to the expectations you had hoped for. If you are a coach or GM who was there when new ownership takes over, the term “borrowed time” is one I would familiarize myself with if I were them. The NFLis the most demanding league in the world when it comes to success. Only a storied program in college football may be as challenging. Former NFLcoach Jerry Glanville once defined the NFLas standing for “Not For Long” if you don’t win and win early. He may not have been right about coaching decisions, but he was dead on about this.
No sport comes close to how the media can float a trial balloon about a coach and now GM and have an owner react. In most cases they are deserving, but when the injury bug bites or young players are slow to develop, then it is a matter of time. Did I mention a bad quarterback that is supported by a sub-standard offensive line? Yes, that will get you unemployed even quicker. If there was ever an industry where a person deserves every nickel they get, it is
for a 15-yard
being a head coach in the NFL. The stress is greater than you can imagine, and the lives
and families that are involved when it comes to staff is staggering. No thank you. There has to be a better and happier way to make a living.
Awards? Really? Yes!
I have never been a big fan of how awards are selected in sports as it is either subjective, number-driven, a function of popularity or pure laziness. With that said I will give you my picks.
NFC Rookie of the Year ... Robert Griffin III. He was drafted to save a floundering iconic organization. On and off the field he showed leadership
and class well beyond his age. Griffin helped his team get into the playoffs. I did say HELPED as the Redskins had a terrific running game that saw the team rushing record broken. Throw in a very good defense and RGIII had a lot of things moving in his direction.
AFC Rookie of the Year ... Andrew Luck. Luck walked into a situation where he was asked to replace a legend. No problem. Luck had to deal with a first-year head coach who was taken ill for most of the season, and now the team was going to be coached by the offensive coordinator whom Luck had no prior expe-
rience with. No problem. While he was at it, Luck showed great poise in helping the Colts get into the playoffs. Any guy that could resurrect the career of former Ram Donnie Avery should be considered for something.
NFLMVP... No brainer. Adrian Peterson and Peyton Manning. The easy way out? Ask either one of them how easy was it to come back from a career-threatening injury? What these two have shown is incredible for any sport or profession. Yes, they play for teams that made the playoffs and they were a big part of it. They helped a lot of other players be better on both sides of the ball. Class players who are deserving. As for Comeback Player of the Year, mark them down for that award too.
Anyone who reads this column will know that I am not a big fan of today’s product that is called the NFL. I also understand that it is not the fault of the players who now play. These players do the best they can by the rules prescribed and they should be recognized for that effort. To compare its era to others past would not be fair, as this era would have a tough time living up to other greats.
Having said that, the league as we know it gave many of its fans their monies worth. As for the teams that did not, I will remind you that Black Monday has now come and gone and the work is already underway to make sure it will not happen in the foreseeable future.
Mike Claiborne
The years of waiting and learning on the sidelines are over.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) pushes past St.Louis Rams' Eugene Sims
run during second-half action Sunday in Seattle.The Seahawks went on to win 20-13.
Local Football Team headed to National Championships
The newly formed Team St. Louis 8th Grade All-Stars recently advanced to the Final Four of the Football University (FBU) National Championship Tournament, which is a football equivalent to the Little League World Series. The tournament began on December 1 with a 64 team national field that was structured similar to the NCAA March Madness Basketball Tournament, with Regional Finals held in Reno, Kansas City, Atlanta and Mansfield, OH. The Final Four will be held at the Alamo Dome in San Antonio in early January, with events tied closely to the US Army All-American Bowl, the nation’s premier, nationally televised High School All-Star Football Game and Combine scheduled for Saturday, January 5. The FBU 8th grade National Championship Game
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way it was largely ignored by nearly everyone. People were so busy calling Peterson the greatest person who ever lived that they shunned the guy who actually broke a record for one who got painfully close. No shade towards AP. He deserved all the fanfare he earned in racking up a monster season just months after ACL/MCLsurgery. But Johnson’s season was better. Period.
will take place on Sunday, January 6 at 4:30pm CSTat the Alamo Dome, with the Semifinals taking place on Friday evening, January 4. Team St. Louis won the Great Plains Regional Championship and will face Colorado, the West Regional Champions, in the Semifinals. The other Semifinal Game will have the Southeast Regional Champion team from Northern Georgia facing the Northeast Regional Champions from Massachusetts. The two winning teams will square off for the National Championship in the Alamo Dome on January 6th. Updated tournament brackets can be found at http://www.footballuniversity.o rg/556.
Team St. Louis is coached by Co-Head Coaches: Rick Wilson from the North County Cowboys and Tim Teicher from the Chesterfield Football
Association (CFA) Bears. Both men are the President of their respective organizations and Head Coach of a local 8th grade team. Rick Wilson’s Cowboys Team won the Gateway Football League Super Bowl this year, while Tim Teicher’s Bears defeated the Cowboys to win the GFL Super Bowl in 2011. Now these recent rivals have merged together along with their Assistant Coaches to form the Coaching Staff of this team, with many players from their Super Bowl Champion
How many receivers not named Megatron broke the 1,600 barrier this season? Zilch.
teams as part of the 34 man roster of the Team St. Louis 8th Grade All-Stars. The team was officially formed over the Thanksgiving weekend and held their first practice that following Monday.
After only 4 practices, the St. Louis All-Stars went to Wichita, Kansas for 2 games on December 12, and were able to advance with wins in the first round over Kansas City, KS (29-21) and in the second round over Kansas City, MO (40-22). These two wins advanced them
Megatron could’ve took a megabreak and still finished first this season.
to The Sweet 16 and the Regional Great Plains Championship Round in Kansas City the following weekend. In Kansas City, St. Louis beat Southeast Louisiana 27-0, and then wrapped up the Great Plans Regional Championship and a spot in the Final Four with a convincing 31-0 win over the Texas All-Star Champions from San Antonio.
The Elite Football Academy (EFA- www.elitefootball.net) is a major sponsor of the team, with Matt Biermann and Dave Cooke from EFAserving as the local FBU Tournament Representatives who were responsible for assembling the team along with the head coaches. While many players on the roster came from the Co-Head Coach’s past two Gateway Football League Championship teams, there are
actually 12 different teams from the St. Louis metropolitan area being represented on this 34 man roster of 13-14 year old Middle School students. They come from as far away as Phelps County and include players from the 2012 Junior Football League (JFL) 8th grade Champion U-City Soldiers, the Chaminade Red Devils, the Herbert Hoover Wreckin’Crew, the Hazelwood North Panthers, the Seckman Jaguars, the St. James Tigers, and the Ritenour Huskies. The St. Louis Rams honored the Team St. Louis 8th Grade All-Stars on Sunday during halftime of the Rams versus Vikings game at the Edward Jones Dome, with the team taking part in a fun scrimmage game against Rampage and other local team mascots as part of the celebration of Rampage’s 3rd birthday.
Sportswriters are quick to write off Johnson’s eye-popping stats by suggesting that today’s NFLis different from when Rice set the record. They claim that every team is chucking the ball around the field with no conscience. They say teams don’t run the football anymore. It’s a passing league. There is certainly some truth in those statements, but Johnson’s lack of acclaim is largely due to revisionists’history. If you go back and look at the 1995 season when Rice set the high-water mark, there were three other receivers who surpassed 1,600 yards: Isaac Bruce (1,781), Herman Moore (1,686) and Michael Irvin (1,603).
Continued from B3
The newly formed Team St.Louis 8th Grade All-Stars recently advanced to the Final Four of the Football University (FBU) National Championship Tournament, which is a football equivalent to the Little League World Series. championship game. Seniors Deshawn Munson and Johnny McCray enjoyed excellent tournaments in leading East St. Louis.
Centralia: Cahokia repeated as tournament champions with a 68-58 victory over Jacksonville. The Comanches have won the Centralia Tournament three times in the past four years. Senior guard Keenan Minor and senior forward Vincent Jackson scored 19 points each to lead Cahokia.
For the record, I do think today’s pass interference rules
Chaminade: John Burroughs won the championship for the second year in succession. The Bombers defeated Pattonville 50-46 in overtime in the finals. John Burroughs is now 10-0 on the season.
MICDS: Duchesne knocked off SLUH 66-44 to win the championship for the first time. Junior forward Ryan Tune led the Pioneers with 26 points while junior guard Sam Briscoe added 17 points.
In girls action:
Visitation: Incarnate Word Academy defeated St. Joseph’s 49-34 in a championship showdown which featured two undefeated state powers. Sophomore Napheesa Collier scored 16 points to lead the Red Knights while junior point guard Nakiah Bell added 12 points.
MICDS: The host Rams won the title with a 54-43 victory over No. 1 seed Westminster Academy. Junior guard Emily Kyman scored 18 points while sophomore guard Maya Howard added 10 points
are a joke and help inflate passing and receiving numbers a bit. But let’s take a gander at the record-breakers versus their contemporaries.
Rice, widely considered the greatest NFLplayer ever, beat out Bruce by a mere 67 yards back in ‘95. Johnson crushed his closest competitor, Andre Johnson (1598), by a whopping 366 yards. That means
in the finals.
Summit: Parkway North defeated Ursuline 60-55 to win the championship in a battle of two of the area’s top teams. Freshman guard Alesia Sutton scored a game-high 20 points to lead the Vikings. Parkway North is now 8-1.
Edwardsville: The host Tigers dominated everyone in winning its own tournament. Edwardsville defeated Chatham-Glenwood 71-30 in the championship game. The Tigers had balanced scoring as junior Kortney Dunbar led the way with 16 points, followed by senior Emmonnie Henderson and Aaliyah Covington with 13 points.
(You can followEarl’s daily basketball reports on his website, www.earlaustinjr.com You can also follow him on twitter.com/earlaustinjr).
But when you hear the chatter about MVP, you hear Peterson, Brady and Manning. There’s not a whisper about Johnson. Maybe it’s because his team grossly underachieved at 4-12. Maybe it’s because he posted a shockingly low 5 TDs after amassing 16 just a year ago. But with a below-average running attack and routine red zone triple teams, it was hard for Johnson to get more scores. I’m not arguing that Johnson is better than Rice. I’m not even saying he should be a lock for the MVP. I’m just wondering why the man is getting no love, despite terrorizing defensive backfields the same way APterrorized defensive lineman and linebackers. When the awards snubs come, expect Johnson to be even more motivated and I have no doubt that next season the 2K walls will come tumbling down. Hopefully, a flood of respect will come with them.
Detroit Lions’Calvin Johnson
Grayling Tobias (right), Hazelwood School District super intendent, HSD Board of Education members and other staff members pose during the MSDC gala after Tom Mangogna (front row, center) was presented with the 2012 Buyer/ Coordinator of The Year Award.
Minority SupplierCouncil awards Buyerof the Year
Tom Mangogna, Hazelwood School District director of facilities, honored
By Chris King Of The St.Louis American
The St. Louis Minority Supplier Development Council
recently recognized Tom Mangogna, Hazelwood School District director of facilities, as the 2012 Buyer/Coordinator of the Year. The district significantly exceeded its Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) contractor participation goal of 25 percent for the 12-month period from September 2011 to August 2012 under Mangogna’s direction. In addition, the district instituted major initiatives to foster the continued success of both MBE and Women Business Enterprise (WBE)
contractors.These initiatives include the implementation of a system that allows for the expeditious payment to subcontractors for completed work and the institution of a tracking process to ascertain important MBE and WBE worker participation on a daily basis.
Mangogna, a life-long St. Louis resident, has worked at HSD for six years, four as a construction project manager and two years as director of facilities. Prior to this, he owned a construction and environmental abatement company. His extensive career spanning five decades includes leading several property management companies, serving as chief of staff to
former St. Louis Mayor Vincent Schoemehl and serving on several boards.
“We are grateful for Tom’s leadership,” said Grayling Tobias, Hazelwood School District superintendent.
“His expertise is central to our district’s success in developing and maintaining relationships with minority and women-owned businesses. Hazelwood School District is committed to supplier and workforce diversity. We are proud of the policies and procedures that our district has implemented to support this commitment. Moving forward, we will continue to seek and establish meaningful opportunities with MBE and WBE businesses.”
Financial Focus
By Roger Macon, AAMS
Black Rep plays ‘Piano Lesson’
Opens season with 4th play in August Wilson’s Pittsburgh Cycle
American staff
The Black Rep will open its 36th season on Wednesday, January 9th with the irst play it produced 20 years ago on its current home stage, The Grandel – The Piano Lesson by August Wilson, the 4th play in his Pittsburgh Cycle.
The new production will be directed by Lorna Littleway, who directed On Golden Pond for the Black Rep last year Her previous directorial credits on August Wilson plays at the Black Rep include Seven Guitars and Radio Golf
Winner of the 1990 Pulitzer Prize for Drama, The Piano Lesson deals with a depression-era family’s struggle to honor and cherish its past while expanding and shaping its future. The heart of the play is the family’s cherished piano: complete with ornate African carvings of their ancestors’ faces, ivory keys and a long, hard-fought history.
Daughter Berniece (played by Sharisa Whatley, a former acting intern at The Black Rep) keeps the piano in perfect See PLAY, C4
Sons of soul, jazz and gospel
STL natives Marcus Baylor and Shedrick Mitchell bring their roots back to the Bistro
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis
American
The venue was Jazz at the Bistro for the Sons of St. Louis Reunion Show, but the experience was fused with gospel, soul and a touch of holiday spirit as Marcus Baylor and Shedrick Mitchell reunited for a set that brought the McCluer classmates together on stage Thursday night for the irst time in 15 years.
“We got together, we started talking about this a couple of months ago and this has been a natural ride,” Shedrick Mitchell told the crowd at the second of two sets he performed along with drummer Marcus Baylor,
Baylor’s wife Jean and bassist DJ Ginyard. “We are so happy that you are here. In rehearsal, we were going in like we were playing for a stadium full of people.”
The irst set of their one-evening engagement was standing-room-only. and the second show was nearly at capacity. And before the night was done, the audience responded with hands lifted in praise, a holiday sing-along and the type of audience interaction that only jazz improv can inspire.
“Freedomland,” a tune by Baylor’s former group The Yellow Jackets, kicked off the unique evening of music featuring two natives who between them share nearly four decades of experience on the jazz, R&B, pop and soul scenes.
A sound clash of down-home holy organ, the most progressive of jazz percussion and hardcore funk bass incited hand waves and hollers from front to back of the Bistro.
And when Mitchell took his time with a solo performance of “Amazing Grace,” he could have passed around an offering plate with little
objection from the audience.
Stevie Wonder’s “Master Blaster (Jammin’)” was probably the least likely tune one might select as a follow up after Mitchell made his organ moan with the depth of a Negro Spiritual, but somehow it worked. The Stylistics’ soul classic “People Make The World Go ‘Round” introduced the audience to Jean Baylor
Black & Single
Another inidel’s cheating tales
By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American
tone as he talked about what keeps him in his marriage.
Y’all remember him from the last column right?
“Married for 13 years and cannot stand
his wife … He’s had four serious relationships over the course of his marriage –even considered leaving his wife for one of his girlfriends.”
In case you were wondering, his “starting over” statement has nothing to do with the cycle that leads to holy matrimony and happily ever after.
He’s probably going to hate me for saying so, but from the sounds of things he simply doesn’t want to give up the lifestyle and spoils that come with having a supersuccessful wife.
They don’t have one of those “joint inances” marriages, but she pays more
See SINGLE, C4
Recent changes at some local blackoriented radio stations have listeners wondering how will their lives be affected and how much true and vital information will they receive?
The African-American community is again at risk of being divided, marginalized and deceived by some black talk show hosts and others who do not have the best interests of our community at heart. Because a person is of African ancestry does not particularly suggest that they love or care for their race. Black radio has transcended many fazes. From the pioneering days of Jack L. Cooper, Al Benson, Wiley Price and Spider Burk to a serious, tangible medium, yet there are still many fundamental and critical problems to confront and overcome.
I have recently been participating in conference calls with former national talk show host Bob Law, with such scholars as Sonja Sanchez, Maulana Karenga, Haki Madhubuti, Gary Byrd, Walter Beach, Walter Lomax, Leonard Dunston, Kenny Gamble and Sara Lomax-Reese. Everyone agreed that it is essential that we start talking about reclaiming black economic and political power.
The participants came to a consensus that activist organizations in the network should present community forums on the importance of black dollars and the need to use our dollars to inluence political and corporate policy. Dr. Karenga made it clear that there are two levels of responsibility: corporate responsibility and community responsibility. He illustrated that too often blacks are assigned responsibility while the oppressive system is not held accountable, and noted that three areas must frame our conversations: recognition, respect
BERNIE, C4
The Black Rep will open its 36th season on Wednesday, January 9th with The Piano Lesson by August Wilson (above), directed by Lorna Littleway.
Bernie Hayes
Organist Shedrick Mitchell, drummer Marcus Baylor, Baylor’s wife Jean and bassist DJ Ginyard. Photos by Lawrence Bryant
Shedrick MitchellMarcus Baylor
Jean Baylor
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
Thurs., Jan. 3 – Sun., Jan 6, Jazz at the Bistro presents Gregory Porter, Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Blvd., 63101. For more information, call (314) 531-1012 or visit www.metrotix.com.
Jan. 5, 8:30 p.m., Method Man with BURNTmd, DJ WHO & DJ CHULO, Coliseum Music Lounge, 2619 Washington. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.
Fri., Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m. & 9:30 p.m., Jazz at the Bistro presents JavierMendoza’s Latin Jazz Experiment. For the first and last time in 2013. 3536 Washington Blvd., 63101. For more information, call (314) 531-1012 or visit www.metrotix.com.
Tues., Jan. 15, 7:30 p.m., The Sheldon Concert Hall presents The Joe Mancuso Quartet. Vocal and Instrumental Jazz Standards featuring Joe Mancuso, vocals; Willie Akins, tenor saxophone; Randy Holmes, trumpet; Tim Garcia, piano; Willem von Hombracht, bass and Kevin Gianino, drums. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.
Sat., Jan. 19, 8 p.m., MAJIC 100.3’s inauguration celebration starring Charlie Wilson with special guest Mint Condition, The Fox Theatre. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.
Fri., Feb. 15, 8 p.m., New Jack Swing Valentine Jam featuring Dru Hill, Tony! Toni! Tone!, Guy, SWV, and Al B Sure, Chaifetz Arena. Tickets available at MetroTix.com, by phone at 314-534-1111 and at the Chaifetz Arena Box Office.
local gigs
Sat., Jan. 5, 7 p.m., Saxophonist Fred Walker Saxy Jazz Music Show. Van Goghz Martini Bar & Bistro, 3200 Shenandoah Ave., 63104. For more information, call 9314) 865-3345.
Tues., Jan. 15, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis Central Library hosts Not So Quiet Concert Series: Electro Funk Assembly. A variety of genres of music from jazz, funk, RnB, pop, to the electronica genres known as house, jungle, electro and ambient. 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call 9314) 241-2288.
Wed., Jan. 16, 9 p.m., Blueberry Hill presents Chuck Berry. 6504 Delmar Blvd., 63101. For more information, call (314) 727-4444.
special events
Fri., Jan. 4, 5:30 p.m., WestminsterChristian Academy hosts Hoop it Up. Fifth and sixth grade students are invited to play games in the gymnasium, watch a girls varsity basketball game, get to know the coaches and players, and learn about our state-ofthe-art sports facilities while enjoying pizza. 10900 Ladue Rd., 63141. For more information, call (314) 997-2900.
Fri., Jan. 4, 7 p.m., Scottrade Center presents TheHarlem Globetrotters You Write the Rules World Tour. 1401 Clark Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 622-5435.
Fri., Jan. 4, 5:30 p.m., WestminsterChristian Academy hosts Hoop it Up. Fifth and sixth grade students are invited to play games in the gymnasium, watch a girls varsity basketball game, get to know the coaches and players, and learn about our state-of-
CALENDAR
the-art sports facilities while enjoying pizza. 10900 Ladue Rd., 63141. For more information, call (314) 997-2900.
Fri., Jan. 4, 7:30 p.m., Miami University Men’s Glee Club WinterTourPerformance St. Margaret of Scotland Church, 3854 Flad Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 776-0363.
Sat., Jan. 5, 12 p.m., The
National Park Service hosts 1773 Twelfth Afternoon Ball. Come seehow early French residents ended the holiday season in 1773 with music & dance instruction, and a historic holiday food demo. Historic Old Courthouse, 11 N. Fourth St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 6551614.
Jan. 5 – 6, 11 a.m., America’s Center hosts The Wedding Show. In just one afternoon visit with over 200 wedding exhibitors, see bridal fashions and enjoy wedding musicians as they perform throughout the day. 701 Convention Plaza, 63101. For more information, visit www.stlbrideandgroom.com.
Jan. 6, Soulard Mardi Gras –Twelfth Night. The traditional beginning of Mardi Gras, twelve nights after Christmas. Hear the reading of the proclamation followed by a musical procession ending at the corner of 7th & Soulard where the Soulard Mardi Gras flag will rise and fireworks signal the official start of the Mardi Gras season in Soulard. Johnny’s, 1017 Russell Blvd., 63104. For more information, call (314) 771-5110.
Sun., Jan. 6, 9 a.m., 3
Monkey Productions presents Sports Collectibles Show with special guest Jon Jay. Show featuring various vendors selling collectibles, memorabilia and autographs. Jon Jay and
Brad Thompson will also be on hand signing autographs for fans. Heart of St. Charles Banquet Center, 1410 S. Fifth St., 63302. For more information, call (314) 301-9443.
Wed., Jan. 9, 6 p.m., COCAbiz presents bizTHINK Networking Evening: Relevance Redefined Participants will learn how to maintain truth and authenticity while shaping relevant communications for various audiences. Includes cocktails and appetizers. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org.
Fri., Jan. 11, 7:30 p.m., Composer’s Poetry-Inspired Score Debut. Amusical score composed by Barbara Harbach and based on works by Greek surrealist poet Andrea Embirikos. Harbach is a professor of music at UMSLand a composer, publisher and concert performer. Blanche M. Touhill Performing Arts Center, UMSL, 8001 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 5164949.
Sat., Jan.12, 6:30 p.m., The Dr. Martin LutherKing Jr. State Celebration Commission of Missouri will host its 27th annual kick-off program, Founder, president, CEO and executive producer of the Trumpet Awards Foundation Xernona Clayton will serve as the keynote speaker for the event, which is themed, “Women Who Dare to Dream.”Harris-Stowe State University’s Main Auditorium.
Thur., Jan. 17, 7 p.m., Commemorating Dr. Martin LutherKing, Jr.: Continuing the Search forCivil Rights & Social Justice. Featuring Rabbi Ben Kamin, author of Room 306 and Nothing Like Sunshine in discussion with Ron Himes, Founding &
Sensational Sundays, 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Jazz @ Eventide, featuring Black and White Trio. Sip N Savor, 286 DeBaliviere, 1/2 block north of the Forest park Metro link. For more information, call (314)361-2116
literary
Wed., Jan. 9, 7 p.m., Poetry Talk by author and artist Glendon McFarlane author of Musical Lyrics in Art and Poetry. Expressive Poetry with musical rhythm and cultural lyrics and language. Glendon McFarlane changes the mood from humor to faith and culture. Jamestown Bluffs Branch St. Louis County Library, 4153 N. Highway 67, 63034. For more information, call (314) 498-3085.
Producing Director of the Saint Louis Black Repertory Company. Featuring a Special Presentation recognizing the accomplishments and forthcoming retirement of James Buford, President and CEO, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, for his role in the building and promoting of African-American/Jewish relations. Staenberg Family Complex Gymnasium, 2 Millstone Campus Dr., 63146. For more information, call (314) 442-3299.
Jan. 18 – 20, St. Charles Convention Center hosts Fourth AnnualSt. Louis Golf Expo. One Convention Center Plaza, 63303. For more information, call (636) 669-3000 or (425) 412-7070.
Sat., Jan. 19, 10:30 a.m., Missouri Botanical Garden presents Great Green Adventures: WinterColor Walk. There may not be many plants blooming, but that doesn’t mean we can’t find color around us. Join us as we search for common, and some not so common colors in the Garden. For children ages 6 to 12 with an adult. 4344 Shaw Ave., 63110. For more information, call 9314) 577-5100.
Sat., Jan. 19, 8 p.m., The 2013 Slumfest Hip Hop Awards. This award show recognize the many hip hop artists in the Metro St. Louis/Metro East area who excelled in the respective art throughout this past year. Artists nominated this year represents the four elements of hip hop: Emceeing, DJing, B-boy (Breakdancing) and graffiti arts. Atomic Cowboy, 4140 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, email slufestinfo@gmail.com.
Jan. 19 – 20 and 26 – 27, Circus Harmony presents Capriccio: ALively Vaudevilliam Performance. Catch the flying children! This vaudeville based show features thirty fantastic flying children accompanied by the sensational Circus Harmony Band in a lively show with all new acts that will amaze and amuse the entire family. City Museum, 701 N. 15th St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 436-7676.
Mon., Jan. 21, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. St. Louis Metropolitan Area Chapters and Veterans forPeace present MLK, JR. Day of Service Program. Foundations of Money Management at 12:30 p.m., register at www.mlkjrmoneymgmt.eventbrite.com. MLK, Jr. Day of Service Program with keynote speaker Minister Terrance G. Clark of Shalom Church City of Peace, register at www.akamlkjr.eventbrite.com. Centenary Church, 1610 Olive St., 63103. For more information, email event@aka-omicroneatomega.org.
Wednesdays, 6 p.m. Lexus Len’s Happy Hour, Live Band featuring: Cheryl Brown, Jeremiah Allen, Jeff Taylor& Gerald Warren, 2 for 1 Drinks, Free Food, No Cover Charge, Mature Atmosphere, The Loft, 3112 Olive.
Mon., Jan. 14, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books CWE presents author Lori Rotskoff, author of When We Were Free to Be “Free to Be… You and Me” captured the spirit of the growing women’s movement and inspired girls and boys to challenge stereotypes, value cooperation, and respect diversity. 399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call 9314) 367-6731.
Wed., Jan. 16, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books CWE hosts discussion and book signing with author Leah Stewart, author of The History of Us. Three grown siblings return to their childhood home in Cincinnati and face a family secret that forces them to reexamine their relationships to each other and to the aunt who took them in as children. 399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.
Thur., Jan. 17, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books CWE hosts discussion and book signing with author JenniferChiaverini author of Mrs. Lincoln’s Dressmaker. 399 Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.
Fri., Jan. 18, 7 p.m., Maryville Talks Books presents author David Von Drehle author of Rise to Greatness. A deeply human portrait of America’s greatest president and a rich, dramatic narrative about our most fateful year. As 1862 dawned, the American republic was at death’s door. Buder Commons, Maryville University, Maryville University Dr., 63017.
Wed., Jan. 30, 7 p.m., Friends of the University City Public Library hosts an evening with authorTerry BakerMulligan who will read from herbook, Sugar Hill: Where the sun rose over Harlem: Amemoir. Ms. Mulligan was born and raised on Sugar Hill in Harlem. She lives in St. Louis and in May 2012 won an Independent Publishers Award for adult multicultural nonfiction for her memoir. Copies of Ms. Mulligan’s book will be available for purchase and signing after the event. Refreshments will be served. For further information: Patrick Wall, 7273150, pjwall@ucpl.lib.mo.us.
Sat., Jan. 5, 1:30 p.m., The PulitzerFoundation forthe Arts presents Curatorial Tour of The Progress of Love Accompany members of the Pulitzer’s curatorial staff through the exhibition. Visitors will learn about the exhibition concept, central thematic elements, and cultural context of the works on display. 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 754-1589.
Sat., Jan. 12, 1 p.m., Learn to Paint with Gateway Decorative Artists. Let us show you how to unleash your creative side. You do not need to know how to draw to learn to paint. Mediums to be taught will include: acrylics, watercolor, fabric painting, glass painting & colored pencil. Preregistration is required. Holiday Inn Express St. Louis Airport-Riverport, 13735 Riverport Dr., 63043. For more information, call (636) 5610612 or email arttouch@aol.com.
Jazz at the Bistro presents Gregory Porter.See CONCERTS for information.
Wed., Jan. 16, 1:30 p.m., The PulitzerFoundation forthe Arts presents Frame of Reference. Members of the St. Louis community will discuss the works featured in The Progress of Love based on their personal and professional perspective. Speakers include Dominic Molon, Chief Curator at CAM St. Louis, Niyi Coker Jr., Professor at UMSL, Serra Bording –Jones, Docent at The Pulitzer Foundation for the Arts, MK Stallings, Founder of Urban Artist Alliance for Child Development, and Jade Harrell, Radio Host and Producer at 100.3 KMJM. 3716 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 754-1589.
Fri., Jan. 25, 6 p.m., Memories of the Future Gallery Opening. This exhibition highlights the powerful artwork of a mother and daughter pair and explores the symbiotic relationship between artistic creation and the healing process. By incorporating both visual and written elements, mother and daughter share their stories of strength and resilience. Free and open to the public through March 3, 2013. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org.
Through Jan. 24, The Judicial Learning Center presents Freedom Riders Exhibit. Alook at six months in 1961 when more than 400 courageous Americans - old and young, black and white, men and women, Northern and Southern - risked their lives to challenge segregated facilities in the South. The exhibit tells the harrowing and inspirational civil rights story that changed American forever. The exhibition combines powerful photography, news coverage, and first-hand audio accounts to create a moving and empowering experience for viewers. Thomas F. Eagleton U.S. Courthouse, 111 S. Tenth St., 63102. For more information, visit www.judiciallearningcenter.org.
Fri., Jan. 25, 6 p.m., Memories of the Future Gallery Opening. This exhibition highlights the powerful artwork of a mother and daughter pair and explores the symbiotic relationship between artistic creation and the healing process. By incorporating both visual and written elements, mother and daughter share their stories of strength and resilience. Free and open to the public through March 3, 2013. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org.
theatre
Jan. 5 – 6, COCAFamily Theatre Series presents In the Loop. Dance concert showcasing the talents of COCAdance and the COCAHip-Hop Crew. Fast-paced and wildly entertaining show featuring contemporary dance and commercial hip-hop, choreographed by internationally-known visiting choreographers and COCA faculty members. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-6555.
Through Jan. 6, Fox Theatre presents Wicked. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341678 or visit www.metrotix.com
Jan 8 – 13, Peabody Opera House presents Flashdance The Musical. Story of Alex Owens, a working-class girl from Pittsburgh striving to make her dreams of becoming a professional dancer a reality. She works by day at a steel mill, where she catches the eye of her boss Nick Hurley. By night she works as a “flashdancer” at a local bar, but longs to become a student at the prestigious Shipley Dance Academy. 1400 market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 499-7600.
Jan. 9 – Feb. 3, The Black Repertory Theatre presents The Piano Lesson. In Depression-era Pittsburgh a family strives to hold on to its history. Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, call (314) 534-1834 or visit www.metrotix.com.
Jan. 11 – 13, The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents STOMP. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – filling the stage with magnificent rhythms. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.fabulousfox.com.
Jan. 11 – 20, Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents The Last Romance. Robert G. Reim Theater, 111 S. Geyer Rd., 63122. For more information, call (314) 821-9956.
Sat., Jan. 12, 8 p.m., NCCD Corporation & T.L.T. Productions presents Beyond the River: Movin’Forward. Understanding where we have come from to understand where we are going. Are we moving forward? VIPNetwork Reception at 7 p.m. with recognition to Min. Felix Gibson Sr.-Hope Outreach, Capt. Troy Doyle-1st Precinct North St. Louis County Police, Sharon Pace MO State Representative Dist. 74th, Bridgett Elliott-Neighbors Jennings Bank Manager. Jennings High School, 8850 Cozens Ave., 63136. For more information, call (314) 7800721.
Jan. 12 – 27, Metro Theater Company presents Jackie and Me. An exciting play that illuminates Jackie Robinson’s courage and dignity in the face of cruel racial prejudice, Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 935-6543.
Jan. 11 – 13, The Fabulous Fox Theatre presents STOMP. The eight-member troupe uses everything but conventional percussion instruments – matchboxes, wooden poles, brooms, garbage cans, Zippo lighters, hubcaps – filling the stage with magnificent rhythms. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.fabulousfox.com.
Jan. 11 – 20, Kirkwood Theatre Guild presents The Last Romance. Robert G. Reim Theater, 111 S. Geyer Rd., 63122. For more information, call (314) 821-9956.
Jan. 11 – 27, Metro Theater Company presents Jackie and Me. An exciting play that illuminates Jackie Robinson’s courage and dignity in the face of cruel racial prejudice, Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, call (314) 935-6543.
Jan. 18 – 19, COCATheatre
Company presents James and the Giant Peach. 524 Trinity Ave., 63130. For more information, call (314) 725-6555 or visit www.cocastl.org
lectures
Tues., Jan. 8, 10:45 a.m., 2013 International Relations Lecture Series. Dr. Sudarsan Kant will talk about India, An Emerging Superpower. Ethical Society of St. Louis, 90011 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, call (314) 9910955.
Tues., Jan. 8, 5:30 p.m., U.S. Green Building Council-MO Gateway Chapter hosts State of the ChapterDiscussion and Free Social. Come and learn about the design, construction and operation of ecofriendly buildings. Leaders will review 2012 and present 2013 ways to assure more green buildings. Alberici Headquarters, 8800 Page Ave., 63114. For more information, call 9314) 577-0225.
Sat., Jan. 12, 8:30 a.m., College Nannies & Tutors presents Free Practice ACT Test. College Tutors will proctor this simulated examination
The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.State Celebration Commission of Missouri will host its 27th annual kick-off program featuring keynote speaker Xernona Clayton.See SPECIAL EVENTS for details.
Dougherty Ferry Rd., 63122. For more information, call (314) 966-9100.
Tues., Jan. 8, 7 p.m., Crohn’s & Colitis Support Group Patients living with Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis and their family members are invited to participate in this support group. Main Hospital Entrance, Missouri Baptist Medical Center, 3015 N. Ballas Rd., 63141. For more information, call (314) 8634747.
Thur., Jan. 10, 5:30 p.m., St. Anthony’s CancerCare Center sponsors Pink Hope Support Group forWomen with Breast Cancer. Charli Prather will speak about Mindful Eating as an approach to weight management after cancer treatment. 10010 Kennerly Rd., 63128. For more information, call (314) 268-4669.
for students to learn what they can expect on the college admission tests. Bring two #2 sharpened pencils and a calculator. Students must pre-register, reservations are limited. 5988 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., 63304. For more information, call (636) 926-2681.
Sat., Jan. 12, 1:30 p.m., Community Music School hosts Free Early Childhood Music Class Sample. Children ages 3-6 years old and their parents are invited to sing, dance, play instruments, and have fun at the Young Years Demo Days. Meet the teachers, sample early childhood music classes, and register for the spring session. 535 Garden Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-5939.
Sat., Jan. 12, 10 a.m., Left Banks Books Downtown presents Writing Workshop with Wade Rouse: Facing YourFearFinding Your Voice. Wade will lead participants through an in-depth discussion on fear, how it is intertwined with writing, and how it nearly stopped him. 321 N. Tenth St., 63101. For more information, call (314) 4363049.
health
Sat., Jan. 5, 10 a.m., Down Syndrome Association of GreaterSt. Louis and Ranken Jordan present Music Mania - Music therapy forindividuals with Down syndrome. Free program for individuals with Down syndrome age 4-16 that uses music to improve health through emotional development, cognitive stimulation, motor skills and social skills. Ranken Jordan, 11365 Dorsett. Rd., 63043. For more information, call (314) 872-6400.
Tues., Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m., Mercy Heart and Vascular Hospital presents Freedom From Smoking. This free seven-week class was developed by the American Lung Association, to help participants learn how to quit, establish a quit day and develop the skills to remain smoke free.
625 S. New Ballas Rd., 63141. For more information, call (314) 251-3965.
Tues., Jan. 8, 6:30 p.m., Des Peres Hospital presents Alleviating Knee/Hip Joint Pain with Joseph Williams, MD, orthopedic surgeon. 2345
Sun., Jan. 13, 1 p.m., St. Anthony’s Medical Center hosts Sibling Class. Aspecial class for “big brothers & sisters” of newborns. In small groups, children practice the correct way to hold, feed & diaper a baby. They also visit the nursery. Participants should bring a doll or teddy bear for diapering practice & a picture of themselves. Parents are required to stay with their children. 10010 Kennerly Rd., 63128. For more information, call (314) 268-4669.
Wed., Jan. 16, 6 p.m., St. Anthony’s Medical Center will host CPR forFamily and Friends. The class was developed by the American Heart Association to introduce expectant and new parents to the principles of basic life support for adults, infants and children. Hyland Education & Training Center, 10020 Kennerly Rd., 63128. For more information, call 9314) 268-4669.
spiritual
Jan. 12, 6:30 p.m., The Worship CenterChristian Church Bible Trivia, How well do you know your bible? Well put your knowledge to the test or come to sharpen your skills. Join us us for a relaxed evening of fellowship. 11339 St. Charles-Rock Rd. at the corner of Fee Fee (diagonal from Walgreen’s).
January 16-18 , 7:30 p.m. New Bible Days Church (Bishop Bobby Jones, Pastor) Hosts a Women’s Conference, 8390 Page , Vinita Park, Mo 63030.
Continued from C1
than her fair share of the bills. And she goes overboard partaking in the trappings of her professional accomplishments. He’s not necessarily a kept man, but he wouldn’t be able to match the six-figure salary amenities if he were to go solo.
But let’s get to the heart of the matter.
This man has established and maintained a handful of hardcore romantic relationships since about halfway into his nearly 14-year marriage.
“She works days and I work nights, that helps a lot.” He said. Well, isn’t that convenient?
He says his wife started giving him the cold shoulder after being frustrated with his professional stagnancy and repeated, failed attempts at career changes. Before long she started ignoring him. He ultimately reached out to other women for affirmation with respect to his manhood.
“It started with me hanging out with a coworker,” he said. “She would listen, and she knows how hard it is to break through the next level in our field.”
BERNIE
Continued from C1
The listening ear started meeting him for lunch, dinner and drinks. Before he knew it, he had a girlfriend.
“Getting over the idea that you are being unfaithful is difficult in the beginning,” he said. “That first time I was like, ‘I’m married. What am I doing?’ It was a struggle. But after a while I enjoyed spending time with my lady – and couldn’t even stand the thought of passing by my wife in the hallway of our home.”
He has tried to leave three times, moving in with friends twice and with a relative another time. Squatting got old, so he asked to come home and his wife obliged. They would be on the road to a reconciliation, but her recurring response to his behavior patterns that ruin any chance for them becoming a power couple starts the cycle all over again.
“We haven’t had sex since April,” he said. “And the only time she really talks to me is to ask for my part of the bills.”
I don’t understand how being perched in a lovely home and matching décor with a woman who makes your skin crawl is worth it. He makes enough money to live comfortably on his own – even if he had to scale back. Plus, he and his wife have no children
together. “Is there any fixing your marriage?” I ask with frustration. “I mean, what’s the point of carrying on? Does she have a side boo, too? How is it easier for you, a married man, to find girlfriends than it is for me to find boyfriends?”
He doesn’t think she is seeing anyone else, but won’t ask – probably because he’d have to answer his own question … even though he feels like his wife might know something is up.
Another interesting tidbit was learning that unlike the perceived bombshell homewrecker stereotype, he says most of his “other women” are unusual suspects.
“Captivating conversation is what initially attracts me,” he said. “And it just goes from there.”
He usually waits until the fourth or fifth date before he drops the “M bomb.” By the time he does so, he says the women are already reeled in and ALL of them “go with the flow.”
Cheating aside, I don’t understand why she hasn’t left him if she hates his guts – so I asked.
“I think the title of wife is a part of her total success package,” he said. That doesn’t seem worth it to me either.
JAZZ
Continued from C1
and her rich soprano tone. She infused her vocals with the instruments through a series of scats and understated acrobatics. Fellow McCluer classmate Marlon Bonds surprised the crowd with a surprise trumpet solo.
“Tell me what it say,” “Jesus” and “come on now, play that thang,” were all offered to the self-made band as the crowd of family friends and music lovers edged them on from start to finish.
Mitchell also took the liberty of paying tribute to his former boss Whitney Houston.
“I used to say ‘Nippy, I want to take one of your classic songs and do it like it’s never been done before,’” Mitchell said.
He never got the chance, but last night the crowd bore witness to what could have been as Jean sang “All The Man That I Need” in an arrangement that sounded touched by the hands of Duke Ellington thanks to intricate chords and eloquent piano riffs.
“We’ve played at jazz clubs all over the world, but before we were doing that we were getting beatings for coming down to this jazz club,” Mitchell said, poking fun at the trials of growing up as the children of pastors. “I remember lying,
saying I was going to the movies.” You could tell that Mitchell and Marcus felt a certain kind of way about returning to the Bistro as stars with experiences and credentials to inspire a new generation.
“Educate the children about the music of the past because this music is our culture,” Mitchell said. “And it’s really important that the young people hear the music that came from out of us. You would be surprised to see how they’ll take it
and do something possibly even greater.”
Donny Hathaway stood as an example as Jean closed the show with his classic “This Christmas,” inserting a friendly coercion that turned the parting crowd into a caroling choir. “This is a very special holiday gift for me,” Mitchell said to the crowd as he fought back emotion. “To see faces that I haven’t seen since high school – thank you, thank you thank you for coming. Our roots start here in St. Louis.”
can be is more responsive. We must counter the hate radio movement with programs that provide useful and helpful information.
We must recognize our value as a people, the value of our money, our votes and our contributions to the world as well as to America. Blacks are due high regard and equal treatment; we must be respected. The well being of our families and community is our responsibility, but often that includes holding others responsible for their actions and policies.
In February 2013, I would like to ask black people to celebrate Black History Month by making history and launching a campaign to redirect black and corporate dollars back into the black community, black-owned media and black businesses.
We do not own many media outlets, but what we
We have announcers such as Tom Joyner, Steve Harvey, Michael Baisden and Ricky Smiley with programs that keep us entertained, and there is Bev Smith, Rev. Al Sharpton, Tavis Smiley, Joe Madison, Warren Ballentine and others who understand the powerful role of urban radio. They know conservatives like Rush Limbaugh, Sean Hannity, Glen Beck, Bill O’Reilly, Laura Ingraham, Herman Cain, Neal Boortz and Don Imus, all hate radio personalities, dominate talk radio with the backing of white conservative millionaires, but we must get our message to the people. We should be motivated to promote self-esteem in the African-American community through information and affirmations by persons we can
Soul Food Junkies
Wed JAN 9 7pm FREE
Filmmaker Byron Hurt explores the history and social significance of soul food to black cultural identity and its effect on African American health, and investigates the dark side of the food industry and the growing food justice movement. A discussion follows.
and DeBaliviere in Forest Park (314) 746-4599 • mohistory.org
trust who desire to better the community. Black radio has its challenges, and you must decide who our true leaders are and who the false prophets are. Through our radio programs we should develop positive alternatives for negative or violent behaviors, and it is imperative that we reveal facts to an informed electorate. We must hold our on-air personalities accountable. Who will be our future communicators and what messages will they deliver? What will the new generation of black announcers promote? What will the next creation be? It is all up to you. Please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday Night at 10pm and Friday Morning at 9 am and Sunday Evenings at 5:30 pm on KNLC-TV Ch. 24. I can be reached by fax at (314) 8373369 or e-mail at: berhay@ swbell.net.
PLAY
Continued from C1 and responsibility.
condition, maintaining it as a relic of their family’s history.
Her brother Boy Willie (played by Ron Conner, last seen at the Black Rep in Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom as Levee), wants to sell the family’s precious piano to purchase the land on which their family once worked as slaves.
Conner, who began his career as an acting intern at the Black Rep, received the Black Theatre Alliance award for Best Lead Actor for his performance as Boy Willie in the Court Theatre (Chicago) production of The Piano Lesson.
The cast also includes Bob Mitchell as Doaker, Chauncy
Thomas (last seen in The Black Rep’s production of Midsummer Night’s Dream) as Lymon, Ethan Jones as Wining Boy, Robert Davis as Avery, Candice Jeanine as Grace, and Carli Officer as Marthea.
Every member of the cast was either a member of The Black Rep’s Professional Intern Program or participated in The Black Rep’s workshops and classes.
The set is designed by Tim Case, who is the scenic designer and coordinator for the Theatre Design and Technology at The University of South Dakota.
The lighting is designed by Jim Burwinkel, who designed several Black Rep productions.
The costumes are designed by Daryl Harris, an associate professor at the University of Northern Kentucky where he designs, directs, and teaches
“Race, Gender, and Theatre” courses. The Piano Lesson will run January 9 through February 2 at The Grandel Theatre. The preview will be January 9 at 7 p.m. The show will run Thursdays at 7 p.m. and Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m. The three Sunday matinees are on January 13, 20 and 27 at 2 p.m. The Saturday matinee will be at 2 p.m. on February 2. Ticket prices range from $29 to $47 and special group rates are available. Call the box office at 314-534-3810 or visit metrotix. com to purchase tickets. Visit theblackrep.org for more information. The student matinee is January 30 at 10 a.m. and features special student ticket rates and post-show discussions. Contact Linda Kennedy at 314-5353810 for more information.
Life in the Yes Program
Stephon Redus YES Alumnus
I started at the Saint Louis Science Center as a YES (Youth Exploring Science) teen way back when the Taylor Community Science Resource building first opened, and man was it a new experience for me. At that point in my life, I had been going through family issues, which resulted in me being placed in a children’s home with a very uneasy mindset.
The opportunity to work with the YES Program started off as a mere way of getting out of the place I had to call home for awhile and earn a few extra dollars. When I first started there, I was a little shy and quiet because of the new people I was meeting. It was also hard hearing about the things they were able to do, knowing that I was not able to do them myself given the situation I was in at that time.
into play. Being a part of YES 2 Tech team gave me a chance to build a geodesic dome green house. That project led to building a few more houses for food pantries to grow their fresh foods to give away. The lesson I took from this is not only the Science and the Engineering part, but it was the fact that I was able to design and build something that would help other people live and eat. In doing this project our team won an award from the National Society of Black Engineers, showing me the power behind the things I was doing that might have seemed so small and obsolete at the time.
The Yes Program gave me an outlet and a chance to learn science in a way I would have never learned at school. There were many times that I didn’t want to come in at all because of the stress of life, or school itself. There were people in the program who helped me better understand that I was not just working and learning some cool science tricks; I was growing as a person. I learned the opportunities at the Saint Louis Science Center as a YES teen were far beyond just science; I was given roles like creating lesson plans for younger kids that varied from math to science to reading. There were also times when the focus was not on science at all, but on developing skills that you can take with you outside of the science center by going to professional development programs.
As a YES teen, you learned a great deal about team work and the importance of having a solid team you could count on. One of my all-time favorite job roles as a YES teen was working with the YES 2 Tech team. That is where my passion for Engineering came
I was led by some very smart and talented people who not only helped me grow as an employee at the Science Center, but they helped me with school work and understanding the importance of getting a good education as well. On top of all the new people I got to meet as a YES teen, there was a moment I will never forget. One of the long-time supervisors had seen me during my lunch break holding a conversation with a group of people that I worked with and said, “Every time I run into you I see you talking to someone.” I had then realized the growth that had taken place while being there. I started off as a quite young man looking for a way out of a bad situation and found a home as a YES teen. Now that I am out in the world interviewing for jobs, people look at my resume and see my age plus all the cool things I have done up to now. I get the type of looks for which I can only give thanks to the YES program, for the great opportunities that helped mold me into a better man, student and mentor to people. I can go on and on talking about the great things that you are able to learn and gather from while being a YES Teen at the Saint Louis Science Center. All in all, I am proud to say I was a YES teen for four years and will always be grateful for the life and educational skills it has taught me.
Stephon Redus
Jean Baylor and bassist DJ Ginyard groove as Marlon Bonds takes a trumpet solo.
Photo by Lawrence Bryant
By Melanie Adams
Sneak peak at The Abolitionists
150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation
While on Thanksgiving break, I received a Facebook message from a friend asking what the History Museum was doing for the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation next month. Originally, we didn’t have anything planned, but at the last minute we were afforded a wonderful opportunity through a collaboration with PBS. On Thursday, January 3 at 7pm, the Museum will host a free advanced screening of The Abolitionists
The Abolitionists is a threepart series which traces the abolitionist movement through the decades. It intertwines the stories of Frederick Douglass, William Lloyd Garrison, Angelina Grimké, Harriet Beecher Stowe, and John Brown, showing the faces of the men and women who fought to end slavery. The screening at the Museum will be from the second part of the series, which will be shown on PBS over three nights, January 8, 15 and 22.
To be clear, the reason we hadn’t planned anything was not because we didn’t think emancipation was a significant event in American history. The issue is more about how the Emancipation Proclamation has been taught as a singular event that “freed the slaves” and made Abraham Lincoln the great emancipator. For many African Americans whose families were enslaved in confederate states, it was the first of many important historical events leading up to citizenship.
One of the reasons I am glad we are hosting the PBS documentary is because the series frames the Emancipation Proclamation within the agency of those who were enslaved and their allies. In other words, it does not make it look like one man was responsible for granting freedom to millions, but instead shows the years of hard work that propelled Lincoln to make his decision. The African Americans’ fight for freedom started the minute they were brought to the shores of Virginia and forced to build a country in which they could not participate. Whether it was a slave rebellion, a work stoppage, or an escape, enslaved people had ways of resisting their situation and laying the groundwork for eventual emancipation.
A slave, Louisa, and her bill of sale.
The work of Missouri’s own Dred and Harriet Scott could be considered one of the many steps leading up to the Emancipation Proclamation. By using the master’s tool of the legal system, the Scotts tried to dismantle the house in which they were held captive. While the court decided that Scott was not free just by crossing into a free state, the case did become a watershed moment in history that gave energy to the already robust abolitionist movement sweeping the nation.
The screening of The Abolitionists is an appropriate way to commemorate the anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation because it focuses on the diversity of voices and the agency of individuals, not the heroic act of one man. Times have changed since I have been in school, but in many history classrooms, students are still taught that Lincoln freed the slaves and considered this act to be humanitarian in nature. In 1862, Lincoln said, ““My paramount object in this struggle is to save the Union, and is not either to save or to destroy slavery. If I could save the
Union without freeing any slave I would do it, and if I could save it by freeing all the slaves I would do it; and if I could save it by freeing some and leaving others alone I would also do that. What I do about slavery, and the colored race, I do because I believe it helps to save the Union.” In that end, Lincoln’s main concern was the Union, not the emancipation of enslaved African Americans.
So as the country recognizes the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation, I hope honest conversations can take place about the document and how it should be remembered. African Americans should celebrate the end of slavery made possible not by a document, but by the blood, sweat, and tears of both the known and unknown abolitionists.
The Abolitionists
Thursday, January 3, 2013
Lee Auditorium
7pm • FREE
We got what we wanted, but lost what we had
The Saint Louis Art Museum invites you to join us for our annual Reverend Dr. Martin Luther Freedom Celebration at 8:30 am on Saturday, January 19. This year’s Sunrise program will celebrate Dr. King’s dream for educational, economic, and social equality while remembering his vision for beloved communities filled with peace and harmony. Dr. John Wright will offer words of reflection and commemoration of Dr. King’s vision, youth theatrical group 40 Corners will perform their dream for hope, and the Inspirational Choir of Saint Peters A.M. E. Church will provide gospel song and music.
Dr. Wright will provide the keynote address, “We Got What We Wanted, but Lost What We Had.” A native St. Louisian and graduate of St. Louis Public Schools and Harris Teacher’s College, Dr. Wright has dedicated his professional career to education. He began his career as a teacher and later as a principal and superintendent in several St. Louis metro area school districts. He holds a Ph.D. degree from St. Louis University, where he wrote his dissertation, “The Desegregation of the All-Black Schools that Existed in St. Louis County Prior to 1954. He is the author of several books including Discovering African American St. Louis - A Guide to Historic Sites. Dr. Wright is the recipient of numerous civic honors and has held numerous public offices, including service on several boards of education, as President of the Board of Trustees of St. Louis Community College, and as Missouri State Coordinator for the Educational Policy Fellowship Program of the Institute for Educational Leadership. We are pleased to showcase the talent
of our youth in a performance titled, “Hope in the ‘Hood” by Marsha Cann artistic director and actress, poet, story-teller, and educator. The performance tells the story of neighborhoods through poetry, improvisation, song, and dance. Student participants and the audience are encouraged to acknowledge the challenges of neighborhoods, draw on the wisdom of elders, embrace the hope that exists within neighborhoods and themselves.
The Saint Peter African Methodist Episcopal Church Choir, organized in 1985, has faithfully served Saint Peter and provides song throughout the St. Louis area. The Saint Peter Inspirational Choir sings a wide variety of sacred music including anthems, spirituals, hymns, traditional, and contemporary gospel music. Shamar Jordan is the Minister of Music and The Reverend Joseph C. Nixon is the pastor and spiritual leader of this great choir. Join the Saint Louis Art Museum for Reverend Dr. Martin Luther Freedom Celebration at 8:30 am on Saturday, January 19 in Gallery 236. Doors will open at 7:30 am with free coffee and danish. Space is limited for this free program – first come, first served.
Sunrise Freedom Celebration
Louis Art Museum Gallery 236 Saturday, January 19, 2013 8:30 am -10:00 am Free. No tickets required. Space is limited. First come, first served. Door Open at 7:30 am. Join us for free coffee and danish before the program.
For more information and a complete listing of programs at the Saint Louis Art Museum, please visit www.slam.org.
John A. Wright, Ph.D.
~ CELEBRATIONS ~
Birthdays!
Happy 8th Birthday to Syrai Lovelace on Jan. 7. We are so proud of you! With love from Mommy, Daddy and Christian
Happy 15th Birthday to Keela Cotton on Jan. 4! Love, Grandma (Edna Jones)
Happy 70th Birthday to Mrs. Katherine Beasley on Jan. 3. May God bless her. We love her and wish her the best year of her life. From the Hodge and Beasley Families and many other family members and friends
Syrai Lovelace
Katherine Beasley
We would like to wish our Mother, Grandma, and First Lady of New Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church of the Ville, a Happy 61st Birthday and New Year! Words cannot express how much we love and appreciate you. May this year be full of joy, blessings and wonderful memories! Love, Haven, Trinita and Skylar Hobbs
Reunions
All reunion announcements can be viewed online!
Jennings High School Class of 1973, Planning is in progress for the 40th reunion to be held next summer. For more information see the Facebook Group: Jennings
High School Class of 72 73 and 74, and the Yahoo Group: http://groups.yahoo.com/grou p/jenningsclassof73/. Email: jenningsclassof1973@yahoo. com to update your contact information to ensure you will receive all reunion updates.
Jennings Class of 1983 alumni, we are in the process of planning our 30th class reunion. We are looking for the Warriors ‘83. Facebook: Jennings High School Class of 1983, 30th Reunion. For more information contact Yolonda FountainHenderson (La La) at 314-868-2761 or Carmen Ford Keaton at 314-
363-5172.
SumnerHigh School Class of 1963 is seeking all classmates for its 50th Class Reunion June 14 - 16, 2013 at Sheraton Westport Chalet, 900 Westport Plaza. You may contact any of the following classmates: Jacqueline Vanderford @ 314.265.9541 email: jvanderford63@att.net, John Abram @ 314.276.0741 email: AbramJD50@aol.com, Camillia Banks email: camibanks@gmail.com, or Terri Cobb @ 314.868.0233.
SumnerClass of 1976 Annual Holiday Social
Wednesday, December 26, 2012, 6 pm untilat the Loft Jazz Club, 3112 Olive Street. Jazz Band (7-9:30 pm), Free Food (while it lasts), NO Cover (all night), Drink Specials (6-7 pm), OPEN Kitchen.Please RSVP ASAPwith B. Louis at 314.385.9843.
Vashon Alumni Association Holiday Skate Party Saturday Dec. 29, 2012 at St. Nicks, 1805 Lucas, 8pm11pm,admission is$5.00, free skate rental, all ages are welcome to come and have a great time.
Vashon High School, Class of 1978 will be celebrating its 35th year reunion July 1921, 2013. Please contact Zaro McPherson (314) 285-3350, or Vareda Madison at (314) 381-5250 or geddyupgang@yahoo.com. Please leave name and number.
Vashon High School Class of 1984 will host a Skating Fundraiser on December 8 at St. Nick’s, 701 N. 18th St, 69 pm, $5 donation. We are also planning our 30th year reunion. Please contact us at vashonclassof1984@yahoo.c om or visit us on Facebook: Vashon Class Eighty Four.
FREE OF CHARGE
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,graduation, 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 4242 Lindell Ave St. Louis, MO 63108
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, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. 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
Keela Cotton
Happy 1st Birthday to SkylarAlyssa Smith born Jan. 7, 2011, weighing just 1lb 8oz. What a miracle!
Lots of love from your grandparents, Lucy and Mario Woolfolk
Congregations donate winter clothes
Donations go to SLPS students who are homeless or ‘In Transition’
American staff
During a recent St. Louis Public School District’s monthly Superintendent’s Clergy Breakfast, the Office of Students-in-Transition received a large winter donation, including coats, gloves, hats, clothing, heaters, gift cards and money from over 100 area congregations.
“This donation is a blessing for our students and their families,” said Deidra Thomas-Murray, SLPS Homeless Coordinator and Foster Care Liaison for the “Students-In-Transition” program.
The program provides day-to-day services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, ensuring that homeless children are able to attend school.
Thomas-Murray, a former social worker from New Orleans who provided foster care for more than 178 children during her tenure, arrived in St. Louis homeless by way of Hurricane Katrina, and learned firsthand the struggles and frustration of students and their parents when it came to enrolling students. Because of this, she brings life to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, advocating for the rights of homeless children and unaccompanied youth.
“Many students and their families do not know that they are homeless by definition and eligible for state and federal services. I work with congregations, shelters and other organizations to spread the word about our services,” she said.
According to the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, homeless children are defined as “individuals who lack a fixed, regular, and adequate nighttime residence.” More specifically, homeless services are provided to:
(a) Children sharing housing due to economic hardship or loss of housing
(b) Children living in “motels, hotels, trailer parks, or campgrounds due to lack of alternative accommodations”
(c) Children living in “emergency or transitional shelters”
(d) Children “awaiting foster care place-
During a recent Superintendent’s Clergy Breakfast, the SLPS Office of Students-in-Transition received a large winter donation, including coats, gloves, hats, clothing, heaters, gift cards and money from over 100 area congregations.
gram;
(e) Children whose primary nighttime residence is not ordinarily used as a regular sleeping accommodation (e.g. park benches, etc.)
(f) Children living in “cars, parks, public spaces, abandoned buildings, substandard housing, bus or train stations, etc.”
(g)Migrant children who meet the abovementioned criteria.
Under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, homeless students are guaranteed the following rights:
• To maintain attendance at the school of origin (if this is in the child’s best interest), or enroll in the local school where currently residing;
• To receive transportation;
• To receive free meals;
• To receive assistance obtaining needed records and documentation;
• To receive support services and programs for which they are eligible, such as gifted education, children with disabilities, vocational education, and preschool;
• To receive academic assistance through the district’s federally funded Title I pro-
• To have parent or guardian involvement in school activities; and
• To maintain enrollment in the current school for the remainder of the school year (with transportation assistance, if needed). One of the hardest areas to reach, and possibly the largest “at-risk” group, is the student population known as unaccompanied youth. An unaccompanied youth, as recognized by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act, is a student not in the physical custody of a parent or guardian. This would include youth living in runaway shelters, abandoned buildings, cars, on the streets, or in other inadequate housing and children and youth denied housing by their families (sometimes referred to as “throwaway” children and youth), and school-age unwed mothers, living in homes for unwed mothers, who have no other housing available. In addition, children who have a parent or parents become incarcerated during the school year also qualify for services under the McKinney-Vento Homeless Act.
Adam and Eve
God’s grace and mercy has allowed those who remain in the land of the living to see another year. As we look back to reflect on people, places and things we have come in contact with, we often use them as a gauge on how we will make our regular, ritualistic “new year’s resolution.”
God has dropped in my spirit that this is the “year of accountability.”
When he said “year” he did not mean a calendar year or a solar year, but it is as the “year of the Lord” is indicated in the bible. Our “year of accountability” spans until God says it is over!
Cynthia Bennett
Everyone feels in his own mind that they do not have to report, explain, answer or justify anything that they do not want to or have to do. We see it in marriages, in politics, on the job and, sadly, in the body of Christ.
This spirit has been in the Earth realm since the book of Genesis 3:12. When God was looking for Adam in the “cool of the day,” Adam replied that he hid from him because he was naked. When God saw what Adam and Eve had done, he asked Adam why did he eat from the tree of the knowledge of good and evil?
Adam’s lack of accountability made Eve “the excuse” for his disobedience and transgression by saying “it was the
woman you gave me.” This spirit has been interwoven into the psyche of man ever since. It makes one think what is in their mind that causes people to always think the fault always lie with others, not realizing it could very well be that God’s perfect will is not operating in their life. I used to think that it was some type of disorder, but when God recently spoke to me about Adam and Eve and the forbidden tree and fruit, I realized the spirit of “excuse” derived from sin that was committed in the garden. We use explanations like “this happened to me because of …”; “I don’t go to church because of…”; I didn’t pay my tithes because of …”; I didn’t get good grades because of…; I didn’t apologize because of…” Every one of us can add something from our experiences behind the dotted lines as “the excuse” we used that justified our disobedience. However, this time, we need to be honest and take an introspective look within ourselves and come clean before God for forgiveness, restoration, healing and deliverance. No longer should we say because of this person or that one, or this thing or that, is why I didn’t do better.
The American is accepting Inspirational Messages from the community. Send your column (no more than 400 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican.
ByHazel Trice Edney TriceEdneyWire.com
Despite unresolved “fiscal cliff” negotiations between President Obama and House Speaker John Boehner, African Americans should see signs of hope in a trend downward in the unemployment rate and an unexpected growth in jobs, says a black economist and former member of the Obama Administration.
“I think it’s something to get excited about,” says Bill Spriggs, former assistant secretary for policy at the U. S. Department of Labor for four years. Spriggs, who recently returned to his former position as an economics professor at Howard University, explained in an interview: “The issue is more the trend. There has been a steady trend downward. If you go back to July, if you compare last November to this November, the bigger trend is that it has been going down.”
The unemployment rate dropped from 8 percent to 7.7 percent in November 2012,
careercenter
Economist sees hope forblack employment
ly twice that of whites, Spriggs says there’s good news.
Although the black unemployment rate fluctuated
Bill Spriggs, former assistant secretary for policy at the Obama administration’s U.S. Department of Labor,recently returned to his former position as an economics professor at Howard University.
them down and force them to go off the cliff.”
The White House responded with excitement to the BLS report, which included an unexpected addition of 146,000 new jobs in the private sector last month.
Economists had predicted less than half that many because of Hurricane Sandy.
“While more work remains to be done, today’s employment report provides further evidence that the U.S. economy is continuing to heal from the wounds inflicted by the worst downturn since the Great Depression,” the White House said upon release of the numbers Dec. 7.
“It is critical that we continue the policies that are building an economy that works for the middle class as we dig our way out of the deep hole that was caused by the severe recession that began in December 2007.”
between 13 and 14 percent all 2012, when comparing to 2011 the trend is clearly downward. The November 2011 jobless rate was 15.5 percent. This is a significant drop of 2.3 percent.
Despite the downward trend, Spriggs says President Obama and Speaker Boehner must take action to refocus on jobs, rather than just the “fiscal cliff”, which means the possibility of year-end tax hikes combined with severe spending cuts.
“They’re going to have to get more serious about talking about jobs,” said Spriggs, who also served for 16 years as director of the National Urban League’s Institute for Opportunity and Equality until 2004.
“I think there needs to be a greater emphasis put by the President on at least transitioning the dialog away from austerity (deficit cutting while lowering spending) to how we are going to get jobs. The fiscal cliff is a debate about austerity. It’s a misplaced debate. No one seriously wants austerity. That’s why they’re all screaming and hollering… They are afraid that the president might not blink, stare
The good news is tenuous unless more definitive action is taken, agrees at least one public policy think tank.
“Policy discussions now and beyond the fiscal showdown need to focus on accelerating job growth today and laying the foundation for a stronger economy built from the middle out for the long term,” states the Center for American Progress.
“Here’s why: If politicians do nothing to spur growth, prolonged job-market weakness will be in our future for some time. At the current three-month job-growth trend seen in today’s jobs data, the U.S. economy will not recover to ‘full employment’until June 2031.”
The back and forth debate and the talk of economic doom causes extra stress, especially during the holidays when people’s pocketbooks are already stretched. Spriggs says the stress is compounded when the anxiety is misdirected.
“What people have to be very careful about is internalizing this,” Spriggs said. “People are internalizing the frustration. We need to channel all of this energy to this stupid Congress and at these stupid Republicans, who are off on another tangent.”
Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week
NYE Newbies. For 2K12, New Year’s Eve was all about the new kids on the block as far as the nightclubs went. The Coliseum can charge a win to their first ever New Year’s Eve party despite the fact they were charging folks half a cellphone bill to get up in there. It was turned up at the door, even if a few folks turned and left when they heard about door price. But it was packed like it was free up in there and the folks were turned ALL THE WAY UP. I don’t know if it was Mocha Latte on the mic, the way the THREE DJs were killing it on the wheels of steel or folks just deciding that they were going to take 2012 out with a bang, but either way they were beyond hype. Their neighbors, the Rustic Goat, had it goin’ on as well with their Grey Goose New Year’s Eve get together. Because of them and the Coliseum the block of Washington and Jefferson was hot with folks. Between the valet and the folks blocking traffic just to be cute, I had to scoot over to Locust just to beat all that commotion. Soho was also not to be slept on as they put their first NYE in the history books since opening their doors.
Ciroc Nation. But if I had to pick a favorite among the handful of noteworthy spots I hit up for the last holiday of 2012, I think Door 2115 (just past the old Imo’s downtown) gets my vote with their Ciroc-sponsored set. Even though it got too packed to be reasonable just after the clock struck midnight, it felt especially fly to me. The energy was young and fresh, and being in a new spot gave it an out of town type of flavor. Even though the “watch your step” entry/ exit was not necessarily a friend of the folks who went hard on the Ciroc (and the girls in stilettos…forget about it), but I’m excited to see how the venue fits in with the mix of the midtown/downtown stretch of nightlife that seems to be expanding every week.
New Year’s Eve on the road. Actually, one of the hottest tickets for Monday night was a bus pass! BFree, Night Society and Super Smooth Productions teamed up for the New Year’s Eve edition of Nightlife Express party buses. One of them looked like it was the end result of a “Pimp My Ride: The Party Bus Session” MTV special. That thing took up almost a whole block. And I just so happened to be heading to two of the three spots they hit up at the same time as them and they turned it up as soon as they walked through the door! Black Katz in Black. Because of the New Year’s wonky position in the week, I ended up “celebrating” for five doggone days. Things kicked off for me with “Men In Black,” the 13 Black Katz with PRE NYE at the Met Building. I know I say my two cents about them being the more seasoned of the partygoers, but they get clean in a way that even the most formal of freakum dresses or True Religion trousers couldn’t hold a candle stick to! Even if there had been no music or mingling, I would have been thrilled with just standing at the entry way watching the impromptu fashion parade. Based on the carelessly created quick weaves with tacky 2013 tiaras glued on top that were a recurring tragedy among the more soulful revelers around the city, serious notes need to be taken from the straight up grown women who were pulled together from their “mink stoves” to their toenails. I’m telling you I was so impressed by the _______ (insert new swag for borderline elderly grown and sexy) that I was convinced to incorporate a pants suit into my rotation. The single reason I am not sitting here in one now is the only place where I know to buy them from is 1989. But seriously, the Black Katz have cornered the market for the best of mature audience nightlife and you would be silly if you don’t stop through. So fresh, so clean: NYE STL style. Since I’m already on the subject of serving with your wardrobe, I might as well shout out the folks who brought the thunder when it came to their New Year’s Eve ensembles. While the actual celebration element for the year’s biggest party night didn’t necessarily measure up to others in my opinion (maybe I was expecting folks to go hard after living through the Mayans’ predicted rapture), y’all still came out looking fierce. I was thinking “what recession” after seeing some of y’all’s swag. Sequined whatever was to NYE 2012 what body dresses were to 1990. Pants, blouses, dresses, whole outfits…whatever! And most of them worked. I think my favorite was the retro white blouse – with shoulder pads of life –worn by Sherrell Hall. But if I were giving an overall best look, it would go, hands down to Afton and what I’m assuming was one of her Young Addy Co. Clothing originals. Her “I Dream of Genie”/Roman Goddess gown with an empire waist and dangerous slits had me ready to start my New Year’s resolutions that night!
A Fresco Friday night. Although it was still packed by anybody’s standards, folks must have been preserving their kicking it for New Year’s Eve because it wasn’t super swole like it typically is up in the Loft on Eye Candy night. VIP was another story! It was so thick that folks had to cop a squat in the DJ booth! St. Louis’ own Shorty Da Prince was home from BET’s “106 & Park” for the holidays and he brought his co-star Paigon with him. I couldn’t help but act like a proud parent when giving him props for being on the small screen in a major way every weekday? But anyway, based on another VIP dweller I think St. Louis is going to experience that same type of pride sooner than later. Those of y’all who saw the crowd’s reaction to Fresco Kane’s new mix tape blasting in the club know I’m right about it. I haven’t heard folks reciting homegrown rap lyrics like that since Murphy Lee’s verse on “Not a Stain on Me.” The crazy thing is Murph was in the VIP rapping along to it too. Starpower Ent’s T-Luv, Abe and Shaki, LooseCannon S.L.I.M. and a whole heap of other of the who’s who in the Lou were deep in VIP as well.
Ryan and Louiza joined the grown and sexy crowd who spent their New Year’s Eve @ the all-new Rustic Goat Monday night
Chloe and Sakinah getting their dance on DJ Kut tears it up for New Year’s Eve @ Lola
Tobi and Monica
Jeanelle, Shemika and Maranda were among the radiant beauties bringing in 2012 with Ciroc Nation Monday night @ Door 2115
Alex and Ashley was part of the Ciroc Nation Monday night for New Year’s Eve @ Door 2115
Candace and Mo bringing in the New Year together Monday night @ The Coliseum
BET was indeed in the building with MPAC’s Eye Candy Party as 106 and Park co-host Paigion happily posed with fan Destiny Friday night @ The Loft
Danielle and Scott Tate start their New Year’s Eve off @ Soho
Wendi, Travis Baker, Travis Crosby, and Artist De’joneiro celebrated New Year’s Eve Monday @ Cielo @ The Four Seasons Foxy 95.5’s Dj Kut and DELUX Magazine’s Keith Griffin teamed up to help Lola celebrate New Year’s Eve style and swag
By Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor
Webster defines habit as an acquired mode of behavior that has become nearly or completely involuntary. It can also be defined as an addiction. Habits can be positive, such as remembering to wash your hands after using the bathroom or harmful, such as smoking cigarettes with every cup of coffee. Habits are done without an individual even being aware that the action or behavior has occurred. When was the last time you thought about how to tie your shoe, brush your teeth, or parallel park the car? You completed those tasks without hesitation or preparation.
Steven Covey even authored a book about habits, “The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. The book gave insight into how personal change could be accomplished. His book has been used by companies and leadership teams around the world. I read this book many years ago as part of a family medicine management course and was most impressed with Habit 7: “Sharpen the Saw, Principals of Self Renewal.” As we begin 2013, let’s look into this principal and glean from it some tools to make this year the most powerful one yet!
New habits for2013
If you were like me, in 2012 you had a lot going on. I worked a full time job which equated to about 50 plus hours a week, participated in various civic organizations, volunteered at my kids’ school, chauffeured the kids to their extra-curricular activities, cooked, cleaned, and sometimes put my own personal needs last on the list. Does that schedule sound familiar to any of you?
Denise Hooks Anderson,M.D.
In 2012, I often found myself rescheduling doctor’s appointments because they conflicted with my work schedule. I would not treat myself to a massage because I told myself I should use that money to purchase the kids a new outfit or treat them to dinner. Instead of going to book club and hanging out with my friends who were engaging in stimulating conversation, I opted to sit on the couch and eat popcorn. Instead of accepting the proposal of my husband to see the latest movie, I chose to put on my fluffy pajamas and go to bed early. And I am certain that I was not the only person in 2012 that did a poor job of making themselves their number one priority!
So before we began another year of idle promises, we must understand the different dimensions of our rejuvenation and renewal: spiritual, physical, social/emotional, and mental.
First, we have to take time and simply give thanks. The simple act of acknowledging that we did not accomplish all that we have by ourselves nor did we survive those trials and tribulations without the awesome creator is the initial step. After you awaken in the morning, sit quietly for 10-15 minutes. Take a deep breath and think of all the things for which you are grateful. You will then notice that your pulse rate is down and the thought of going to work does not seem as stressful as before.
Second, if we want our mojo back, we have to get a little sweaty! We have to move! We cannot keep thinking that those extra pounds will evaporate or magically disappear. Our bodies were meant for motion. Treat yourself to a line dancing class, learn how to Zumba, join a boxing gym, or play soccer with your grandkids. It doesn’t matter what you do. Just move!
In addition, let’s stop treating our bodies like a Pinto instead of a Mercedes. Would you put cheap gas in luxury vehicle? Would you let just anyone get behind the wheel? Would you neglect to
get a tune-up? I doubt it! Therefore, in 2013 let us treat our bodies as the temples for which they were intended. Let us refrain from the quick, no energy processed foods. Let us remind ourselves that not every Tom, Dick, or Jane needs to be handling our temples!
Third, we cannot forget that it is ok to have fun! Just because we have reached adulthood, does not mean that we cannot giggle with friends, have play dates, such as weekend get-a-ways, or plan a scented candle-filled rendezvous with our spouse. As human beings, we crave interaction. Make a new friend. Do something kind for someone un-expectantly and see how good you feel afterwards.
Lastly, take a break from things that will not edify you such as reality TV. Learn a new language. Learn how to play that instrument that you have always wanted to play. Start blogging about issues that matter to our community. Keep your mind sharp.
Please don’t let 2013 be like all of the other years where you start out strong but then quickly give up. Let’s exchange the bad habits of yonder years with habits that will catapult us to a new level of wellness.
Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com
YourHealth Matters
Abi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American January 3, 2013
YourHealth Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.
Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher
Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO
Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President
Chris King, Editorial Director
Denise Hooks Anderson, M.D., Medical Accuracy Editor
Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter
Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach
Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales
Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager
Angelita Jackson, Cover Design
Wiley Price, Photojournalist
S
Enjoying the bonuses of exercise
By Sandra Jordan
Of The St.Louis American
Von Atkinson was surprised when his eye doctor changed his eyeglasses to a weaker prescription. Losing 50 pounds in five months reduced the pressure on his eyes. That was a bonus, because a few months earlier, Atkinson was shocked into the gym when his doctor told him he was a borderline diabetic.
“The doctor told me, ‘Now you need to lose weight; your blood pressure is rising a little bit.’And he said I was border-
line diabetic,” Atkinson recounted. “I said, ‘No, I can’t deal with that; taking pills or shots,’so he said just watch what you eat and do a little more physical activity.”
That was the push he needed to get serious about regular exercise.
“I was kind of reluctant, but I decided to give it a try and here I am.I love it,”Atkinson said.“It’s fun now.It’s not a job.”
– Von Atkinson
Rather than trying to go solo at his former fitness center, Atkinson found the
camaraderie of group classes at a new club was the incentive he needed to keep coming back.
“When I first started, I said you’ve got to be crazy to think I could do this type of stuff,” Atkinson said. “They do want you to go to the best of your abilities … but they don’t want you to hurt yourself, but he doesn’t want you to be lazy.”
What really encouraged him was seeing old-timers getting it done.
“I could see some other people that I knew was older than myself; middle-age or older than a lot of the people there. And some of the people who are much larger lost weight and are losing weight,” he explained. “I said if they can do this stuff, I can too.”
Another key to his success was finding the right gymnasium to suit his personality. Although he held a membership
See EXERCISE, page 5
Von Atkinson of St.Louis incorporates a couple of spin classes into his weekly exercise regime.Since July,he has lost nearly 50 pounds,was taken off blood pressure medicine and has reduced his risk of type 2 diabetes.
Photo by Wiley Price
HEALTH BRIEFS
Exercise can extend yourlife by as much as five years
Health Behavior News Service/Newswise — Adults who include at least 150 minutes of physical activity in their routines each week live longer than those who don’t, finds a new study in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine. Promoting the years of life that can be gained from moderate activity may be a better motivator to get Americans moving, said study author Ian Janssen, Ph.D., of Queen’s University in Ontario, Canada.
Janssen and his team used data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, the National Health Interview Study mortality linkage, and U.S. Life Tables to estimate and compare the life expectancy at each age for adults who were inactive, somewhat-active and active.
Adults who include at least 150 minutes of physical activity in their routines each week live longer than those who don’t
“Active” was defined as doing at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week.
They found that men at age 20 were estimated to gain as much as 2.4 years of life from moderate activity. Women at age 20 gained about 3 additional years from engaging in moderate activity. The biggest benefit from physical activity was seen in non-Hispanic black women, who gained as many as 5.5 potential years of life.
Janssen hopes the positive message of the study can help health officials better relay the importance of exercise to the public.
“Research has shown that the health messages that have the greatest effect on changing people’s behaviors need to be easy to understand, specific to the individual, and be phrased in a gained-framed and positive manner,” he explained.
“The messages on longevity gains associated with physical activity that were developed in this paper meet all three of those characteristics,” Janssen added. “That is, people will understand what it means if you tell them they will live longer if they become active.”
Sara Bleich, Ph.D., assistant professor of Health Policy at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, said presenting the issue as “years of life gained” versus “years of life loss” raises the classic issue of the carrot or the stick, that is, when it comes to behavior change, do people prefer to be rewarded or penalized?
“For healthy behavior changes such as dieting or smoking, rewards have been shown to effectively motivate behavior change,” she continued. “From the current research, it is unclear whether rewards or penalties are more effective at motivating behavior change, but it is clear that rewards do work.”
Physically fit students perform betteracademically
Newswise —Middle school students who are more physically fit make better grades and outperform their classmates on standardized tests, according to a study recently published in the Journal of Sports Medicine and Physical Fitness by a professor at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville.
The study is among the first to examine how academic achievement relates to all aspects of physical fitness including endurance, muscular strength, flexibility and body fat.
“Not only does improving fitness have physical health implications for the child, it also has implications for their academic achievement,” said Dawn Coe, assistant professor in the UTDepartment
Dawn Coe, assistant professor in the UT Department of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies, found that the students with the highest fitness levels performed better on the standardized exam and earned better grades.
of Kinesiology, Recreation, and Sport Studies, and the lead researcher on the study.
“We know a lot of schools are cutting out physical education classes and physical activity opportunities throughout the day. Some of my previous research showed that if kids have one hour of physical education during the day instead of an academic class, they did not show a
decrease in academic achievement compared with students who received an extra hour of academic instruction per day. By being active, they could potentially raise their grades.”
Coe, who conducted the study while a doctoral student at Michigan State University, examined 312 sixth- through eighth-graders from a single public school in western Michigan. She con-
ducted a series of assessments on the students including shuttle runs, curl-ups and push-ups. She then measured the children’s academic achievement in four core classes over the course of one school year as well as their performance on a standardized test.
She found that the students with the highest fitness levels performed better on the standardized exam and earned better grades.
“Youth who are engaged in a physically active lifestyle reap benefits not only in their physical health but also in other aspects of their well-being, such as mental health and academic performance,” the report states.
How much exercise do we need?
Children and adolescents
60 minutes a day, mostly aerobic and also including muscle-strengthening exercises like gymnastics or pushups; and bone-strengthening exercises like jumping rope or running, included in that hour three times a week
Adults
150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity, like brisk walking, every week and muscle-strengthening activities on two or more days a week that work all major muscle groups (legs, hips, back, abdomen, chest, shoulders, and arms). Sounds like a lot? Breaking it up in 10 minute spurts is fine. Try this: Go for a 10-minute brisk walk, three times a day for five days a week. You will reach your 150 minute goal.
Or75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity weekly – like jogging or running.
Seniors
If you’re 65 years of age orolder, are generally fit, with no limiting health conditions you can follow the guidelines listed above for adults.
Source: CDC
EXERCISE
Continued from page 3
to a gym in Clayton, Mo., Atkinson said it was the “good energy” he felt at BKM, his old friend’s gym in Florissant, Mo. that kept him motivated to continue.
“I was kind of reluctant, but I decided to give it a try and here I am. I love it,” Atkinson said. “It’s fun now. It’s not a job.”
Then Atkinson started to notice he wasn’t feeling as good. He was feeling weak because his blood pressure started dropping too low.
Because of his weight loss, Atkinson’s doctor decided the medicine was taking to control his blood pressure was no longer needed.
“I haven’t been on blood pressure pills since the first of September; last of August,” he said, which means incorporating activity quickly improved his blood pressure in about six weeks.
He had been taking HBPmeds since he was 47. Now 53, and on-track health-wise, Atkinson takes no medication.
Atkinson’s weekly workout includes an hour of exercises like jumping jacks, leg lifts, kettle bells, squats, and chair exercises five or six days a week. In October, he added one hour of spin classes twice a week.
“My goal when I came to the gym, I was 247pounds and I said I wanted to get down to 200,” he said. “I’m at 197.”
At 6 feet 2 inches tall, Atkinson said people are telling him he looks just right. He plans on maintaining his weight and his exercise. He just doesn’t want that “Bobble head” look.
“My doctor is very happy where I am,” he said. “My clothes fit much better and I have to take some things to the tailor. I used to be 40 in the waist; I’m down to a 36 now.”
He said the older people are telling him not to lose too much weight – because if he gets sick, he’s going to “need something.”
Being sick is the furthest thought in Atkinson’s mind these days.
“Now I feel like I am 21 again,” Atkinson admits.
Although still a couple of weeks away from his next glucose testing, he expects his blood sugar will be in the normal range.
‘Whole Person Healing Through Song’
Workers at St.Louis area health centers and their friends presented as a gift to the community a holiday concert on Saturday,December 22 at Mt.Olive Missionary Baptist Church in St.Louis.Audience members donated non-perishable food and cold-weather apparel that was given to St.Michael’s.
Organized by workers at St.Louis ConnectCare,Myrtle Hilliard Davis Comprehensive Health Centers and Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers,participants include employees and friends from St.Louis Integrated Health Network, Family Care Health Center and Grace Hill Neighborhood Health Center).Shown are Rosetta Keeton, Sharon A.Foote and Rosalyn Fulton.
June Macon leads a song for the St.Louis Health Care Community Choir.
LaRonda Griffin leads a song for the St.Louis Health Care Community Choir.
Praise dancers from Annointed Feet Dance Group
St.Louis
Sleep duration affects hungerdifferently by gender
Newswise —Anew study suggests that increasing the amount of sleep that adults get could lead to reduced food intake, but the hormonal process differs between men and women.
“Restricting sleep in healthy, normal weight participants has limited effects on metabolic risk factors and may affect food intake regulating hormones differently in men and women,” said MariePierre St-Onge, PhD, FAHA, the study’s principal investigator. “We were sur-
prised by the lack of a significant effect of sleep on glucose and insulin, leptin, and sex differences in the hunger-stimulating hormone ghrelin and the satiety hormone GLP-1.”
The study, appearing in a recent issue of the journal SLEEP, tracked the sleep duration, glucose dysregulation, and hormonal regulation of appetite in 27 normal weight, 30- to 45-year-old men and women. Participants provided fasting blood draws, and they were studied
under two sleep conditions: Short (4 hours) or habitual (9 hours). Short sleep increased total ghrelin levels in men but not women and reduced GLP-1 levels in women but not in men, a sex difference that has not been reported before. The results suggest that the common susceptibility to overeat during short sleep is related to increased appetite in men and reduced feelings of fullness in women.
“Our results point to the complexity of the relationship between sleep dura-
tion and energy balance regulation,” StOnge said. “The state of energy balance, whether someone is in a period of weight loss or weight gain, may be critical in the metabolic and hormonal responses to sleep restriction.”
According to the authors, this is the largest controlled clinical investigation of the effects of sleep reduction on hormonal regulation of food intake. The results support a causal role of sleep duration on energy intake and weight control.
How to keep yourresolution to be healthierin 2013
I want to take bettercare of my health. I am new to this; please give me advice as I get started and tips to stick with a healthy lifestyle.
Making the decision to be healthier is a great first step. The following health behaviors can lower your risk of cancer, heart disease, stroke, osteoporosis and diabetes. Before you know it, you’ll also have more energy and get a boost to your mood. Start small and build. Choose one or two behaviors to start with. Once you’ve got those down, move on to others.
Maintain a Healthy Weight. Add physical activity and movement into your life. Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains. Choose smaller portions and eat more slowly.
Exercise Regularly. Choose activities you enjoy. Many things
count as exercise, including walking, gardening and dancing. Make exercise a habit by setting aside the same time for it each day. Try taking a walk regularly after dinner. Stay motivated by exercising with someone.
Don’t Smoke. Keep trying to quit! It often takes six or seven tries before you quit for good. Talk to a health-care provider for help. Join a quit-smoking program. In Missouri and Illinois, call 1800-QUIT-NOW(1-800-784-8669) for quit counseling.
Eat a Healthy Diet. Make fruits and vegetables a part of every meal. Put fruit on your cereal. Eat vegetables as a snack. Choose chicken, fish or beans instead of red meat. Choose whole-grain cereal, brown rice and whole-wheat bread. Cook with olive or canola oil, which are high in healthy fats. Cut back on fast food and store-bought snacks (like cookies), which are high in bad fats. Buy a 100 percent RDAmultivitamin that contains folate.
Drink Alcohol Only in Moderation, If at All. Choose nonalcoholic beverages at meals and parties. Avoid occasions centered around alcohol. Talk to a health-care provider if you feel you have a problem with alcohol.
Get Screening Tests. There are a number of important tests that can help protect against cancer, heart disease, stroke, diabetes and osteoporosis. Some of these tests find diseases early, when they are most treatable, while others can actually help keep a disease from developing in the first place. Go to the doctor regularly and talk to a health-care provider about which tests you should have and when.
Read about St. Louis resident Karlton Thornton’s cancer journey and his effort to keep a healthy lifestyle in the newspaper during January.
Where can I find more information to stay healthy and prevent cancer? Visit www.siteman.wustl.edu for 8 ways to stay healthy and prevent cancer
Visit www.yourdiseaserisk.wustl.edu to learn your risk and how to prevent many common diseases If you need help finding a primary care doctor, visit www.211.missouri.org or call 2-1-1 from most landlines (1-800-4274626 from cell phones).
The Program forthe Elimination of CancerDisparities (PECaD) at the Siteman Cancer Centeris working to eliminate local and regional disparities in cancereducation, prevention and treatment through community outreach, research and training. To learn more about cancerorto get involved with PECaD, call 314-747-4611, email PECaD@wudosis.wustl.edu or write to us at SCC-PECaD, Campus Box 8100, 660 S. Euclid Ave, St. Louis, MO, 63110. Look forfuture articles in HealthMatters..
Grace Hill Health Centers CEO named as new directorof Department of Social Services
Freeman brings more than 20 years of experience in health care administration to the position
On Dec. 26, Governor Jay Nixon named Alan O. Freeman, president and chief executive officer of Grace Hill Health Centers, as the new director of the Missouri Department of Social Services. Freeman brings more than 20 years of experience in health care administration to the position; he will take over from acting DSS Director Brian Kinkade, who has served as acting director since June 2011 and who will remain with the department as deputy director.
“Very few leaders have Alan Freeman’s unique combination of health care administration experience and an intimate understanding of the needs of Missouri’s most vulnerable families and children.”
– Gov.Jay Nixon
“Very few leaders have Alan Freeman’s unique combination of health care administration experience and an intimate understanding of the needs of Missouri’s most vulnerable families and children,” Gov. Nixon said. “As we move forward with meeting those needs, I am confident that Alan is the right person to take on the challenges ahead, and that he will continue the fine work the department has done under acting Director Brian Kinkade, and under Director Ron Levy before him.”
In November 2006, Freeman became president and CEO of Grace Hill Health Centers, which operates five health care centers and a community health program in St. Louis. From 2002 to 2006, he was executive director for Missouri Highlands Health Care, a non-profit community health center that provides primary and preventive health services in Butler, Carter, Iron, Reynolds, Ripley, Shannon and Wayne counties. Freeman also served six years as the CEO for Cass Medical Center in Harrisonville, as well as senior leadership positions at two
other Missouri hospitals.
He is the current president of the board of directors of the St. Louis Integrated Health Network, has served as board president for the Missouri Primary Care Association, and also sat on the governing body of the St. Louis Regional Health Commission.
Freeman holds a master of business administration with an emphasis in
health services management from Webster University, and will complete the coursework component of the doctor of management program at Webster in March 2013. He also is a fellow in the American College of Healthcare Executives.
The Department of Social Services is responsible for coordinating programs and providing public assistance to chil-
On Dec.26,Governor Jay Nixon named Alan O.Freeman, president and chief executive officer of Grace Hill Health Centers,as the new director of the Missouri Department of Social Services.
dren and their parents; providing access to health care for low-income families; child protection and permanency services; and specialized assistance and rehabilitation services to trouble youth. While many DSS programs provide needed financial assistance and rehabilitation services to troubled youth, other units work toward reducing financial dependence of the citizens on government.
Photos by Wiley Price
FDAexpands Tamiflu’s use to treat children youngerthan 1 year
Parents, health care professionals must ensure proper dosing
Two weeks ago, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration expanded the approved use of Tamiflu (oseltamivir) to treat children as young as 2 weeks old who have shown symptoms of flu for no longer than two days.
The drug is not approved to prevent flu infection in this population. In addition, the safety and efficacy of Tamiflu to treat flu infection has not been established in children younger than 2 weeks old.
Tamiflu was approved in 1999 to treat adults infected with flu who have shown symptoms for no longer than two days. It has since been approved to treat flu in children ages 1 year and older who have shown symptoms of flu for no longer than two days, and to prevent flu in adults and children ages 1 year and older.
higher risk for developing complications from the flu, with the highest rates of hospitalization in those less than 6 months of age.
Although there is a fixed dosing regimen for patients 1 year and older according to weight categories, the dosing for children younger than 1 year must be calculated for each patient based on their exact weight. These children should receive 3 milligrams per kilogram twice daily for five days. These smaller doses will require a different dispenser than what is currently co-packaged with Tamiflu.
“Pharmacists must provide the proper dispenser when filling a prescription so parents can measure and administer the correct dose to their children,” said Edward Cox, M.D., M.P.H, director of the Office of Antimicrobial Products in the FDA’s Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. “Parents and pediatricians must make sure children receive only the amount of Tamiflu appropriate for their weight.”
Tamiflu is the only product approved to treat flu infection in children younger than 1 year old, providing an important treatment option for a vulnerable population. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), children younger than 2 years are at
The FDAexpanded the approved use of Tamiflu in children younger than 1 year based on extrapolation of data from previous study results in adults and older children, and additional supporting safety and pharmacokinetic studies sponsored by both the National Institutes of Health and Roche Group, Tamiflu’s manufacturer.
Data on how the drug is metabolized in the body (pharmacokinetic data) indicated a dose of 3 mg/kg twice daily provided concentrations of Tamiflu similar to those observed in older children and adults, and is expected to provide similar efficacy in this very young age group.
Almost all of the 135 pediatric patients enrolled in the two safety studies had confirmed flu. Results from these studies showed the safety profile in children younger than 1 year was consistent with the established safety profile of adults and older children. The most common side effects reported with Tamiflu use in this age group include vomiting and diarrhea. Although not seen in the new studies, rare cases of severe rash, skin reactions, hallucinations, delirium, and abnormal behavior have been reported.
Sexual Health
St. Louis County Health Department offers free, confidential testing, counseling and treatment at the North Central Community Health Center, 4000 Jennings Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information, call 314679-7800.
St. Louis Metropolitan HIV/AIDS Program offers confidential or anonymous testing at St. Louis ConnectCare, Suite 203 at 5535 Delmar, St. Louis, Mo. 63112. For more information, call (314) 879-6468.
Respiratory Health
Free lung function screening - Christian Hospital Breathing Center at Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. For more information, call 314-953-6040.
Prescription Cost Help
St. Louis ConnectCare Retail Pharmacy – Offers a $4 generic prescription program. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. – Fri., no weekends or holidays. Located at 5535 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis, Call 314-879-6208.
Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers cer-
HEALTH RESOURCES
tain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.
Wal-Mart Pharmacies – offer select prescriptions for $4 or less for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. View the complete list at www.walmart.com/pharmacy.
Prostate Cancer
The CancerCenterof The Empowerment Network at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. For more information, call 314-385-0998.
Nutrition
Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www.foodoutreach.org.
Angel Food Ministries operates in hundreds of churches nationwide and offers heat and serve meals, canned and fresh food boxes at a reduced cost. Find the nearest locations by zip code at www.angelfoodministries.com.
Medical
St. Louis ConnectCare offers walk-in services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most holidays. For more information, call 314-879-6300.
Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. –2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534.
Information
Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-1-1.
Health Partnerships
The CenterforCommunity Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial community-academic partnerships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@wustl.edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth.wustl.edu.
Dental
Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge
dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.
Diabetes
SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. Located in Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866776-3627).
Behavioral
Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171.
Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314839-3171 or 1-800-447-4301.
Sat., Jan. 5, 10 a.m., Music Mania –Music Therapy forIndividuals with Down Syndrome, at Ranken Jordan, 11365 Dorsett Rd. presented by Down Syndrome Association of Greater St. Louis and Ranken Jordan. Free program for children and youth ages 4-16 that uses music to improve health through emotional development, cognitive stimulation, motor skills and social skills. Rd., 63043. For more information, call (314) 872-6400.
Thur., Jan. 10, 5:30 p.m. - Pink Hope Support Group forWomen with Breast Cancer, by St. Anthony’s CancerCare Center. Charli Prather will speak about Mindful Eating as an approach to weight management after cancer treatment. Prather, a cancer survivor, teaches Mindful Eating practices that are based on the AM I HUNGRY?
Mindful Eating model. 10010 Kennerly Rd., 63128. For more information, call (314) 268-4669.
Sat. Jan. 12, 2013, 9 a.m. -11:30 p.m. –
CALENDAR
Just Lose It Weight Loss Challenge
Kick Off, Christian Hospital Atrium. Make changes and improve your health with some help from your North County friends and weigh in locations at Christian Hospital, City of Bellefontaine, City of Florissant, St. Louis City Parks, Community News, Eagle Fitness, Christian Hospital’s Occupational Health at Graham Medical Center, the Emerson Family YMCAand Curves in Maryville, IL. $10 registration fee checks payable to Christian Hospital Foundation. No walk-ins. You must register by calling 314-747-WELL(9355) to attend.
Sat., Jan. 19, 8 a.m. – 11 a.m., Lose to Win Kickoff Event at May Centerat SSM DePaul Health Center. During the 12-week challenge, SSM will provide the accountability and resource you need to get in shape, shed pounds and find the healthiest you inside. At the end of the program, the top five men and top five women with the highest weight-loss percentage will be awarded prizes. To register for the mandatory kick-off, call 1-
866-SSM-DOCS or visit www.losetowin.com. Registration opens 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 7.
In January: Mondays 6 p.m. -7 p.m. & Tuesdays, Noon – 1 p.m., Healthy Meal Replacement Orientation Program, SSM DePaul Wellness Center. Attend a free orientation to learn: the Five Success Variables needed to lose weight, different diet options available and how important physical activity really is. Please call to register at 1-877-477-6954.
Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I270/Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.
Mondays, 7 p.m. – “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304.
Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Information Meeting, Christian Hospital Professional Office Building 2, suite 401.For information, call 314-839-3171.
Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. –STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.
First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at the Grace Hill Murphy-O’Fallon Health Center, 1717 Biddle St. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314-962-4670.
Free psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations are confidential at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. Call 314-839-3171.
Women often lose theirhealth insurance when divorced
Newswise — Each year, almost 115,000 women in the U.S. will lose their health insurance in the months following a divorce, finds a study in the Journal of Health and Social Behavior
Nearly 65,000 of these women will become uninsured for the long-term. Losing health insurance adds to the financial and emotional stress women frequently experience after a divorce.
Previous research shows that married women have better health, said lead study author Bridget Lavelle, a doctoral candidate in public policy and sociology at the University of Michigan-Ann Arbor.
“Having health insurance is one of a range of contributing factors,” Lavelle added. “Married people also have higher incomes, more social support and better health behaviors than unmarried people, which also play a role. But the possibility that this specific resource of health insurance may be an important contributing factor has received surprisingly little attention in the body of research that explores why married people really are healthier.”
Women often experience fairly substantial losses of economic resources after divorce, more so than their spous-
es—so many women get pushed below the poverty line, Lavelle said.
About a quarter of U.S. women below age 65 receive dependent health insurance that may cease after a divorce—a rate higher than for men.
The study utilized data from 1,442 women in the Survey of Income and Program Participation. Lavelle collaborated with UM colleague and sociology professor Pamela J. Smock to focus attention on this topic they felt was “offthe-radar” in both academic literature and policy.
Newly-divorced women face a host of
challenges, including caring for their children, juggling work and family, and struggling to make ends meet, Carr said.
“If women fail to receive timely and appropriate health checkups, treatments, and care, they are at risk of even more serious health declines.,” said Deborah Carr, Ph.D., professor of sociology at Rutgers University.
Study results may be well-timed. “We hope our work will make policymakers aware that a system with de facto linkage between marital status and health insurance will have unintentional and adverse consequences,” Lavelle said.
