July 26th, 2012 Edition

Diversity: a business imperative

Clay responds to Post-Dispatch

By Chris King Of The St.Louis American

The American: After your interview with them, you told me there was no diversity on the Post editorial board. Special section

which is who does the best job producing real results for the people you represent.

“Dreamgirls”star

and

Muny treated the Girl Scouts to a meal at Sweetie Pie’s Upper Crust on Saturday.

Art museum celebrates diversity milestone

Romare Bearden Graduate Minority Fellowship Program turns 20

The museum recently celebrated the 20th anniversary of its Romare Bearden Graduate Minority Fellowship Program, in conjunction with hosting the National Alliance of African and African American Art Support Groups’annual conference.

Renee Franklin, director of community partnerships for the Saint Louis Art Museum (left),and Bill Appleton,assistant director of public programs (right),pose with past Bearden fellows Rochelle Caruthers, Sherri Williams andJennifer Doyle.

Jones reacts to Post

By Rebecca S.Rivas Of The St.Louis American

“I have 15 years experience in banking, human resources, hospital administration and policymaking.”

– State Rep. Tishaura O. Jones

25th Annual Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala is Sept. 14

American staff

The St. Louis American Foundation’s Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship and Awards Gala will celebrate its 25th anniversary on Friday, September 14 at the America’s Center. This Silver Anniversary gala’s General Co-Chairs are Vanessa Foster-Cooksey, Senior Director, Community Affairs at Anheuser-Busch, and Michael McMillan, License Collector of the City of St. Louis. Dinner Committee Co-Chairs are Anisha Morrell, Director of Communications and

See SALUTE, A7

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.Louis American

Jennifer Holliday and Robbie Montgomery,owner of Sweetie Pie’s

star of the OWN reality show “Welcome to Sweetie Pie’s,”visited with Atlanta youth from the Girl Scout troop based at Holliday’s home church,Mount Welcome Baptist Church in Atlanta.The

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

U.S.Rep.Wm.Lacy Clay greets campaign workers and supporters in his campaign office.Clay is up for reelectionin the Aug.7 primary.

Balfourgets triple life forHudson family killings

JenniferHudson’s former brother-in-law William Balfour has received three life sentences for murdering her mother, brother and seven-yearold nephew. The 31year-old was found guilty of three counts of murder and four other counts related to the 2008 killings earlier this year and he has received the life sentences along with 120 years for the other charges. Illinois does not carry the death penalty.

Jennifer Hudson was present for the ruling on Tuesday in Chicago. Balfour had pleaded not guilty to shooting to death the singer’s mother Darnell Donerson, 57, her brother Jason Hudson, 29, and her seven-year-old nephew Julian King on Oct. 24, 2008, as well as home invasion, residential burglary and possession of a stolen vehicle related to the killings.

Sherman Hemsley passes at 74

Sherman Hemsley, best known for his iconic TV character George Jefferson on “The Jeffersons,” has died at his home in El Paso, Texas. He was 74.

Police confirmed the actor’s death to celebrity news and gossip site TMZ.com, though details of death have yet to be released.

Hemsley first became famous through guest

THE STUFF THAT HAS PEOPLE TALKING

appearances on “All in the Family.”

He starred in the hit spin-off, “The Jeffersons. ” He later went on to lead the NBC series “Amen” and make appearances in a handful of other classic television shows including “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” and “The Hughleys.”

He was also a singer, releasing the 1989 single, “Ain’t that AKick in the Head.”

MiMi signs on for ‘Idol’

Fox Entertainment

President Kevin Reilly started his Television Critics Association in Beverly Hills this morning with news that Mariah Carey will indeed be joining “American Idol” for its upcoming season, completing a deal that is rumored to be worth $12 to $15 million per year.

“Hi everyone, I am so excited to be joining ‘Idol,’” Carey told TCAmembers through Reilly’s cell as staffers from Fox applauded in the back of the room. “I wanted to be there today, but I think you know this all kind of just happened, quickly. I wish I could’ve been there myself to tell you.

“I can’t wait to get started in a couple of months.”

Reilly wouldn’t confirm who would be replacing former judges JenniferLopez and Steven Tyler. Whoever is chosen will join Carey and “American Idol” producers in person for the next TCApress tour to take place in January.

He said Carey “is the biggest recording artist any of these shows have ever had,” and “an artist that many contestants have tried to emulate.”

Usher’s stepson Kile Glover dies

The stepson of the Grammy award-winning singer Usher has died, two weeks after the child was critically injured in a boating accident.

According to the Associated Press, Willie A. Watkins funeral home in Atlanta confirmed Saturday it was handling funeral arrangements for 11-year-old Kile Glover. Glover was the son of Usher’s ex-wife Tameka Foster. The Atlanta JournalConstitution reports that Kile died Saturday morning at an

Atlanta area hospital. The boy was run over July 6 by a personal watercraft on Lake Lanier, according to the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. He had been hospitalized with a major brain injury.

William Balfour

Jennifer Hudson

Sherman Hemsley

Mariah Carey

Nixon vetoes bill targeting coverage of contraceptives

Says state law already protects faith-based employers

By Jo Mannies Of The Beacon

Days before the deadline, Missouri Gov. Jay Nixon

vetoed a bill that would have allowed employers to decline to provide coverage for abortion, contraception or sterilization.

In his veto letter made public last week, the governor said that state law already “provided strong religious protections” that allow employers to decline to provide coverage for abortion or contraceptives. But Nixon said the new bill, SB 749, extended such rights to insurance companies and would allow them to deny such coverage “even if that position is inconsistent with the right and beliefs of the employee or employer.”

“The moral, ethical and religious beliefs of Missourians that are currently honored should not become secondary to the will of an insurance company,’’ Nixon said.

Nixon’s long-awaited actionhas political ramifications, since he’s running for re-election this fall.Although he favors abortion rights, the governor has allowed several measures adding more restrictions to go into effect without his signature since he took office in 2009 – a fact that had both sides in the current debate wondering whether Nixon might that approach again this time. He did not, although Nixon repeatedly emphasized at a news conference last week in Jefferson City that the state’s current laws already achieved the results sought by SB 749’s advocates.

The governor said he shared their main belief that “our churches should be free from the encroachment of government and politics.”

Nixon then cited current Missouri law, passed more than 10 years ago, which stipulates that employers can decline to pay for contraception “if the use or provision of such contraceptives is contrary to the moral, ethical or religious beliefs or tenents of such person or entity.”

Nixon noted that the state’s existing exemptions regarding contraceptive coverage “apply whether the employer is a church or religious organization, or not... Under our existing law, employees and employers can already opt out of providing or receiving contraceptive coverage if doing so conflicts with their religious or moral convictions.”

The difference is that

“current law also ensures that women and families who want contraceptive coverage can get it,” Nixon said, by going directly to the insurance company for the coverage.

He said he objected to allowing insurance companies to block coverage, calling that “one significant – and negative – change” from current law, which makes no provisions for allowing insurers to opt out of covering contraception.

The governor’s action is likely to prompt an attempt this fall by the Republicancontrolled General Assembly to override his veto. A vetooverride majority in the Senate passed the bill, but the House fell four votes short.

State House Speaker-elect Tim Jones, R-Eureka, issued a release promising to attempt a veto override. “It is outrageous that Governor Nixon chose to side with pro-abortion interest

groups and President Obama against a measure protecting the constitutional guarantee of religious liberty for Missourians against Obama’s HHS mandate,” Jones said.

“Just as I led the effort to pass this bill in the Missouri House of Representatives, I will lead the effort to override Governor Nixon’s veto,” he added.

State Sen. John Lamping, R-Frontenac and the bill’s chief sponsor, asserted,“The governor’s office indicated to me this morning that the governor philosophically agrees with the bill, but that he vetoed this legislation due to an alleged minor technicality. I look forward to the governor sharing his timeline on reconciling the matter. We cannot wait until January to fix this legislation as the federal mandate becomes effective in August.”

The governor’s decision had

been sought by the state’s AFL-CIO and reproductiverights groups, since as Planned Parenthood, which said the measure went far beyond Missouri’s current laws allowing employers to opt out of some coverage that violates their religious or moral beliefs.

Mary Kogut, vice president of Patient Services at Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, said in a statement: “We applaud Gov. Nixon’s veto. Given that the vast majority of Missourians support access to birth control, we know they are applauding the governor, too. Legislators, employers and insurers should not be making decisions for the women and families of Missouri.”

Said NARAL Pro-Choice Missouri executive director PamelaSumners: “Gov. Nixon wisely recognized that

Missouri Governor Jay Nixon presents veteran Delores Jones a copy of House Bill 1731 after signing the bill at the Missouri Veterans Home in St. Louis on May 31. The bill provides a dedicated funding source for Missouri’s seven veterans homes, where more than 1,300 military veterans live.

Photo by UPI/Bill Greenblatt

existing Missouri law already protects the rights and liberties of religious institutions. He also wisely recognized that insurance companies shouldn’t have the right to override a woman’s or a family’s decisions about birth control.” But Nixon’s action likely will anger anti-abortion and some religious groups, including the Catholic Church and Missouri Right to Life, which had contended that current law is inadequate. They also are upset over provisions in the federal Affordable Care Act to require no-cost contraception coverage be made to women employees through most group health plans or through insurers, including those employees in universities and hospitals affiliated with a religious group. Churches, synagogues and other religious institutions would be exempt. Edited for length and reprinted with permission from stlbeacon. org.

Continued from A1

Clay: The Post editorial board has zero diversity – and therefore zero credibility in such a diverse community.

The American: Who interviewed you for their endorsement?

Clay: Tony Messenger, Deb Peterson and Kevin Horrigan were basically the ones, with the reporter Nick Pistor.

The American: That’s three white men and a white woman whose last assignment at the Post was gossip columnist?

Clay: [Laughs.] Oh, God. Yes, that was the PostDispatch editorial board. Then they just used Russ’playbook for the editorial itself. Whatever we said did not matter – how we refuted his lies, his claims about me, that didn’t matter.

The American: What was something you refuted they wrote anyway?

JONES

Continued from A1

have. Reading the Post, people wouldn’t think I have 15 years experience in banking, human resources, hospital administration and policy-making.

The American: You were most recently employed as vice president of municipal finance for Blaylock Robert Van, an investment banking firm. .Did the Post-Dispatch ask you about your work experience?

Tishaura O. Jones: They sure did. I was the first person to be interviewed.

Clay: The rent to own issue. Russ Carnahan was our co-sponsor on that bill for the last four years in a row. It provides minimum standards of consumer protection for people entering into a contract with the rent to own industry. It requires clear and concise language in the terms and conditions, and the annual percent rate is capped at 30 percent annually. The bill requires the rent to own industry to tell in plain language how much an item costs over a period of time.

They also claimed I am somehow aligned with the payday loan industry. That’s totally inaccurate. The two times that came up before Congress, I voted both times against the industry. What does it matter if I take campaign money when I vote against the industry? Russ voted for TARPand took hundreds of thousands of dollars over time from banks, so is his vote in Congress construed as a payoff?

But what makes the attack so ridiculous is that Russ Carnahan was one of the rent to own bill’s co-sponsors for

The American: How do you feel about the fact that they didn’t acknowledge your banking and administrative experience in the editorial?

Tishaura O. Jones: That was a stark omission. They can say they didn’t endorse me for whatever reason, but not because I don’t have experience. I don’t know if they were reaching or looking for something. I feel they already had their minds made up. They based their decision on Wessels being around the longest and being the loudest critic – and not who has the necessary credentials or new ideas.

The American: The Post said Wessels was elected in

the last four years!

The American: In their editorial, the Post also seems to have discovered for the first time – starting with you – that elected officials sometimes pay their family members to work on their campaigns.

Clay: Isn’t that something? My opponent hired his wife, Deborah Carnahan, to honcho his redistricting effort (and we see how successful that was), but we hear nothing about that.

1985 to the St. Louis City Board of Aldermen and he has been City Treasurer Larry William’s biggest critics for being a builder of garages and friend to developers. Wessels is the chairman of the board’s Housing, Urban Development and Zoning Committee. Do you feel he has been Williams’ biggest critic, particularly in his role as chairman?

Tishaura O. Jones: He may be the biggest critic, but he has never filed legislation to improve the office.

The American: What are some of the plans that other candidates have talked about that you agree or disagree with?

Tishaura O. Jones: I don’t

His brother got $100 million in tax credits for his wind farm, and we hear nothing about that. My sister, they claim, received upwards of $300,000 from my campaigns. That’s over a six-year period. I’d say $50,000 a year is quite a bargain for a fundraiser, if you look at what others pay fundraisers. I get value for value, and I trust my sister.

The American: Aside from the editorial, I was absolutely

agree with anything the other candidates have talked about doing. There is a stark difference between our campaigns. I feel like I am running for Treasurer and they are running for parking-lot attendant.

The American: You said your plans for the office are different. What are you thinking of doing differently?

Tishaura O. Jones: Financial empowerment. I will make sure the Treasurer’s Office offers programs to financially empower residents and get them out of the horrible cycle of payday lending, as well as pressure the banks to offer more community-based services.

The American: The Post highly praised Wessels for wanting to change the office of city Treasurer to an appointed

Russ Carnahan’s page on the legislative action website for the rent to own industry. Carnahan has been attacking U.S.Rep. Wm.Lacy Clay for supporting the industry,when Carnahan and Clay have co-sponsored the same rent to loan regulatory bills for the past four years.

stunned by the Post’s frontpage news analysis of race in the campaign. Clay: Look at the source –who validates the story? Gentry Trotter!

The American: The Post sources Gentry Trotter, who has been paid by the Carnahan campaign (Carnahan’s July quarterly campaign finance report lists a $2,750 disbursement to Trotter’s Multimedia Services on May 23), but they

post, rather than an elected position.

Tishaura O. Jones: He has never said that in any public forum during the last seven months. When asked, he has dodged the question. Does he really want to get rid of the office, or was he saying what he needed to get the Post’s endorsement? It makes me wonder.

The American: Would you “get rid of the office”?

Tishaura O. Jones: No, I think it needs to be independent. And the only way to do that is to keep it accountable to the people. It still should be the people’s choice.

The American: Is there anything people should pay close attention to in this race?

Tishaura O. Jones: All of those promises to increase the

never state that he is a campaign operative. Clay: They call him a “supporter,” when his company, has been paid by the Carnahan campaign.

The American: Gentry is the first quote in the story who is not one of the candidates. Clay: That doesn’t say much about their credibility. Then they hit me on the fact that two respected ministers spoke up for me in a radio ad. That was held up as being racial. Why does the support of two black ministers have to be racial? It’s insulting.

The American: When was the last time you got a call from a political reporter, editor or editorial writer at the Post who was African-American? Clay: [Pauses.] Hey, man, it’s been a long time. Back in the days of Bob Joiner or Greg Freeman. Before I was in Congress. At least 12 years. They are not reflective of this community, which is a diverse community, all over this region and this district. Kind of incredible, isn’t it?

amount of funding of the general revenue through parking are illegal. You can’t make contributions directly to the general revenue because of the Hancock Amendment. There are other ways to make allocations, such as by the Treasurer’s Office purchasing services from the city (police or legal services, etc.). Adirect transaction is not possible.

The Treasurer also is the chief investor for the city. Right now, that function is outsourced, and I have the experience to bring it back in-house and to know what good investments versus bad investments are for the city. We need to look at the investment portfolio and investment policy and if it’s meeting our needs.

The Democratic Primary for Treasurer will be held August 7.

BEARDEN

Continued from A1

“This fellowship has produced individuals who continued with successful careers in the arts, thereby contributing to the advancement of the rich legacy of African-American scholarship, creativity and education across America,” said Brent Benjamin, director of the Saint Louis Art Museum.

Each year one candidate is selected who is enrolled in or recently has completed a degree in art history, arts administration or a related field. Each Bearden fellow has an opportunity to customize a rotation among the museum’s professional tasks, focused primarily on education, curatorial and administration.

“I tell people all the time that the art museum has every job that every corporation has,” Franklin said. “We have a marketing department, a finance department, an engineering department.”

The fellowship was the brainchild of local businessman and philanthropist Dan Schlafly and his wife Adelaide in 1991.

“He came to the institution one day and said, ‘I don’t see many people of color working here,’” Franklin said. “And he offered his money to help solve that problem.”

At the Alliance national conference, a group of nearly 100 artists, supporters, scholars, museum professionals and educators from across the country gathered in St. Louis to discuss “Navigating the Mainstream: Learning from the Past, Looking to the Future.”

Past Bearden fellows helped to host and organize, and they gave presentations.

The Bearden Fellowship was the focus of a working panel as the Alliance pursues the ambitious goal of building 20 minority internships or fellowships nationwide by 2020.

Already the Bearden Fellowship has inspired similar programs at the Cincinnati Art Museum, the David C. Driscoll Center at The University of Maryland at College Park and the Cleveland Museum of Art.

“If we expect to have a diverse field and a field that represents the population of the country, we need to make a commitment to training,” Benjamin said.

“I can’t go out and hire people who don’t necessarily exist, but I can certainly train people and know that we have a role, not only in the current, but certainly the next generation with providing a wider pool of talents.”

Past fellow Jennifer Doyle was changed by the program.

Doyle said, “I hope that I am upholding the legacy that Romare Bearden established for African Americans and African-American artists and those interested in AfricanAmerican aesthetics and careers in the arts.”

The fellowship’s namesake Romare Bearden (19111988) was a pathbreaking, world-renowned AfricanAmerican artist.

“Bearden was an artist who pushed the envelope and was always looking to the future, and when I think about his collages and taking small bits of paper and making big pieces, I think that’s what the fellowship does,” Franklin said.

“It takes people where they are and brings them forward.”

The range of professional development offered through the 2005 Bearden Fellowship transformed Doyle.

“Initially, my interests were curatorial,” Doyle. “It’s really surprising how that interest evolved into education, which I think is a much

more immediate way of interacting with different audiences and communities.”

As she hits the job market, exiting Bearden fellow Rochelle Caruthers feels well prepared.

“The Saint Louis Art Museum created a fantastic opportunity, and I will never forget it and encourage others to apply and work to pursue their dreams of a career in the museum field,” Caruthers said.

“The fellows and the program are good role models for other museums around the country.”

Next up for the Bearden Fellowship: Vanity Gee. Her intentions are perfectly aligned with the program.

Benjamin said, “During her fellowship, Vanity hopes to make extended efforts to cultivate and engage minority youth to become lifelong artists, patrons of the arts and arts professionals.”

SALUTE

Continued from A1

Annual Programs at SSM Health Care Foundations, and Michael Kennedy Jr., President of KAI Design & Build.

The co-chairs and black-tie celebratory dinner committee members met last week to kick off the Salute season and discuss plans. Long-time committee members like Dr. Henry Givens Jr., Ida Goodwin Woolfolk, Dr. Charlene Jones, Malik Ahmed, Anita Banks, Gerald Brooks, Sherman George, and Bessie and Veto Reid welcomed the younger generation represented by the co-chairs, who offered their innovative ideas.

“For us, the Salute to Excellence in Education is not our parents’chicken dinner,” Morrell said, speaking for her fellow young professionals.

“It marks the beginning of the inclusive social season in St. Louis where generations collide, network and celebrate the foundation of every com-

munity – education.From Alist awardees to fashion, food, entertainment and networking, no young professional can afford to miss any of the events in theSt. Louis American Foundation’s Salute series, especially the Salute to Excellence in Education.”

This year’s top honors will be presented to Lifetime Achiever in Education Gerald Early, director of the Center for the Humanities at Washington University, and Stellar Performer in Education Judge Jimmie Edwards, founder of Innovative Concept Academy. Proceeds from the gala benefit scholarships for local minority students and community grants. Since 1994, the St. Louis American Foundation, 501(c)3, has distributed nearly $2.5 million throughout the St. Louis region. Individual tickets are $85 each/$850 table and VIP/Corporate tickets are $150 each/$1500 table. Visit www.stlamerican.com and click on Salute to Excellence, or call 314-533-8000.

Aplurality of residents of the city of St. Louis (49.2 percent) are African-American, and those voters are split between two state senatorial districts, the 4th and the 5th For a number of reasons, the EYE strongly believes at least one of these state senators should be African-American.

Missouri has only 34 state senators, compared to 163 state representatives. It is powerful position, with a large constituent and fundraising base, as well as public platform.

Given that Missouri never has elected an African American to statewide office (even Barack Obama lost here in 2008), at the moment the glass ceiling for blacks in state politics is set at state senator. More importantly, it’s a position where one strong progressive legislator can make a difference, even when their party is in the minority, thanks to the parliamentary tactic of a filibuster, allowed in the state Senate but not in the House. Any state senator willing to talk a bill to death simply must be dealt with seriously by the majority.

In 2006, the EYE and The American fought dearly to return Missouri’s 4th Senatorial District to AfricanAmerican leadership when state Sen. Patrick Dougherty was term-limited. In a crowded candidate field of two white men, two black women and one black man, Jeff Smith won with only 36.4 percent of the vote. The American endorsed the strongest black candidate, Yaphett El-Amin, who won 24.9 percent of the vote; had the votes that went to the other two black candidates (AmberBoykins and Kenny Jones) gone to El-Amin, she would have won easily with 40.6 percent of the vote, all other things being equal.

When Jeff Smith resigned in August 2009 before pleading guilty to felony obstruction of justice charges, there was a chance to return black leadership to the first state Senate district in Missouri to elect a black senator in 1960, state Sen. Theodore D. McNeal After Smith’s resignation, the 4th District seat was filled through an internal Democratic Party process that looked suspicious. State Rep. Jamilah Nasheed was expected to contend, but at the very last minute decided to attend a movie instead of the election, where the candidate’s presence was required. It looked like Nasheed had taken a fall for someone, but she says she was simply following an agreement already forged among the North Side committtepeople by Sharon Tyus, who (Nasheed said) got everyone to agree to back a consensus black candidate. Nasheed disappeared at the last minute, she said, because Tyus had arranged more black committeepeople votes for Jerryl Christmas once Nasheed’s proxy votes were discounted, as Tyus mandated. When Christmas was defeated in a round of the tiered voting, Tyus threw her votes behind Joe Keaveny, a committeeman whose previous claim to electoral fame was losing on one of Mayor Francis G. Slay’s hand-picked school board slates. The more progressive white candidate, state Rep. Rachel Storch –who enjoyed a great deal of black support – lost as a result, and she soon left Missouri and our tawdry politics behind to start a family in New York.

The cost of $95K So with the 4th Senatorial District now represented by a mediocre white male Democrat who traces his politics back to Slay, the 5th Senatorial District is our only hope for AfricanAmerican representation for the city of St. Louis in the state Senate. That seat is being contested in the August 7 Democratic Primary, and with an African-American incumbent, state Sen. Robin Wright-Jones, surely there

Three flawed candidates fight forthe 5th

would be a strong black consensus to protect her seat.

Right?

Wrong. Wright-Jones’campaign committee was called out in the Post for a whopping $95,000 in missing campaign funds. In the end, the money was improperly accounted for, not actually missing, and she was able to settle her fine with the Missouri Ethics Commission before the August primary.

However, in the critical months she needed to be raising election funds, she was in the news for having lost track of $95,000 of the campaign funds she previously had raised, which obviously put her in a terrible fundraising position. She was a very weak incumbent because of this. Nasheed doesn’t live in the 5th Senatorial District, but she was advised that a constitutional loophole allowed her to file in the district because of changes in the boundaries of the district and of her own state representative district caused by the Legislature’s redistricting maps following the 2010 census. Nasheed announced she would file against the incumbent senator and – unlike her withdrawal in September 2009 –she actually did file and start to raise serious money.

Tainted by Tilley

Nasheed’s credibility as a Democrat, however, has been seriously tarnished by her close association with Speaker of the House Steve Tilley, who has favored Nasheed with a plum office in the Capitol and contributed money to her campaign. Nasheed stood with Tilley through the recent shameful episode where he honored right-wing demagogue Rush Limbaugh with a bust at the Missouri Capitol – in a closed ceremony with an armed guard posted at the door. Seeing a weak incumbent Democrat with meager fundraising potential challenged by Nasheed – who has access to Republican money, but at presumed additional cost to her progressive policy stands as a Democrat – termlimited state Rep. Jeanette Mott Oxford entered the race in March.

Oxford turns opportunist

As early as December 8, 2011, the EYE warned of a “lurking non-black senatorial hopeful who envisions a split black vote” in the 5th District. In case Jeanette did not take the hint, the EYE came back

on December 22, 2011 with this: “As for Jeanette Mott Oxford, she should know better than to run against Robin and Jamilah for state Senate, although – once again, this being the real world – any strong black challenger who takes on a black incumbent should expect a non-black opportunist to step in next and try to take advantage of the split black vote. Does

Jeanette want to be that opportunist?” The answer, in the end, was yes. Jeanette requested an editorial board meeting with The American before she announced, at which time she made her case, saying Robin had been ineffective and was in no position to raise funds, and insisted that Nasheed was thoroughly co-opted and not to be counted on as a progressive

When Jamilah Nasheed announced her campaign for Missouri’s 5th Senatorial District in January at Ranken Tech,she opposed a black incumbent (Robin Wright-Jones) and created an opening for a white progressive; Jeanette Mott Oxford filed in March.The election is August 7.

hand ($21,241 to $3,118) at the time of the July campaign document filing. And Mott Oxford’s argument that progressives in the district were looking for a credible alternative to Wright-Jones also was born out by the fundraising numbers, since even with her late start she had outraised Wright-Jones with $58,621 and had more cash to spend in the final month than anyone with $27,123.

Jetton and pollution

Democrat. Jeanette said she was compelled to run as a progressive Democrat who understands the dynamics of these particular candidates in this particular election.

Certainly, Nasheed was right that Nasheed would outraise Wright-Jones. She has raised nearly three times as much money as the incumbent ($96,237 to $33,545) with seven times as much cash on

Nasheed, however, is going after Mott Oxford where she lives: her progressive base. Nasheed paid for a tidy piece of opposition research that ties the flagship progressive candidate in the 5th directly to not only a major polluter in Missouri (and other places), Noranda Aluminum, but also to Rod Jetton, a disgraced Republican who makes Nasheed’s friend Steve Tilley look squeaky clean. Mott Oxford accepted $5,000 from Noranda on June 15 – her campaign’s biggest payday –and her campaign also was promoted in an independent expenditure by Missourians Against Higher Utilities, which was founded by Jetton and funded exclusively by Noranda. Its goal is to stop Ameren from developing nuclear energy in Missouri –something many progressives might support, but by associating herself with a big polluter and a dirty Republican operative, Mott Oxford plummeted from the high ground from which she criticized Nasheed for taking money from Tilley. Now all three candidates are sunk in the foul pit of politics as the August 7 primary looms.

Photo by Wiley Price

By Melanie Adams

Novel gets slavery right

o long as this country is cursed with slavery, so too will it be cursed with vampires. These words come about a third of the way into the historical fantasy novel, Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter. While I usually steer clear of teen novels, especially ones about vampires (and boy wizards), I was intrigued to find out how this book discussed slavery. How would the author talk about the peculiar institution of slavery and the role it played in the Civil War?

The novel is more fiction and fantasy than history. In addition to the vampires, the author takes lots of liberties with his story of Lincoln and his rise to the presidency. I don’t consider myself a presidential scholar, but even I could pick out of many inaccuracies in the book. One of my favorites is Lincoln meeting Edgar Allen Poe in New Orleans and bonding with him over their lost loves. From what I am told, the movie presents even more inaccuracies. How about Harriet Tubman helping Abraham Lincoln even while she was busy on the Underground Railroad? But if Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter got so much wrong, what did it get right? Believe it or not, it got slavery right.

The portrayal of slavery was the typical description you could read in any textbook or see in any Hollywood movie. What impressed me was that, even though it used the absurd framework of Vampires, the book accurately described the nation’s mood regarding enslaved people. Many people want to believe and were even taught that Lincoln sought to abolish slavery because it was the right thing to do and that the emancipation proclamation freed the slaves. The novel refutes both of these myths.

In the novel, Lincoln is very clear about his motives in trying to end slavery. As the quote above implies, without slaves, there would be no vampires. It turns out that the southern plantation owners made a deal with the Vampires to provide them with slaves upon whom to feed so the Vampires would not feed upon white people. Lincoln realizes what is happening and decides the only way to rid the country of vampires, is to rid it of its food source, the enslaved people.

Now, gentlemen, let us starve the devils into defeat by declaring every slave in the South free.

This line from the novel not only gives Lincoln’s motives for freeing enslaved people but also shows that the emancipation proclamation only applied to the

Confederate states. Enslaved people in the Union did not need to be emancipated because the Vampires were not depending upon northern slaves for their nourishment. This gets to the heart of the slavery argument with what the late professor Derrick Bell called “interest convergence.” In other words, enslaved people were freed not because it was the morally right thing to do, but because in the long run abolition served the purpose of those in power. In fact and in fiction, the Civil War was about slavery, and this novel gets it right by portraying the real motives behind what looks like humanitarian actions – even if those motives involve Vampires.

Now why would I spend the time reading, let alone writing about, Abraham Lincoln the Vampire Hunter? In today’s society, students get their information from a variety of sources including popular culture. Students see movies, watch “reality” shows, peruse Wikipedia; and then they think they have all the facts. They don’t always have the skills to critically analyze the information they receive, and they often just accept it at face value. Students are more likely to read Abraham Lincoln: Vampire Hunter than historian Doris Kearns Goodwin’s Team of Rivals and think they know about Lincoln and the Civil War.

With the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the Missouri History Museum created an in-house exhibit that looks at the Civil War in Missouri. In addition to the exhibit, there have been dozens of programs discussing the topics of the war. This fall the Museum will once again provide a professional development for teachers entitled Teaching Slavery. This four-part workshop provides teachers with the opportunity to sample some of the most respectful and engaging ways to teach this difficult subject and in the process to learn about themselves and what they themselves were taught about slavery. This year’s workshop will focus on the three presidents represented in the Museum this fall (Lincoln, Jefferson, and, with an upcoming exhibit, Washington) and how these men wrestled with the conundrum of creating freedom for some while personally enslaving others. Anything that gets students to read is a good thing. Now we just have to make sure they have the skills to tell fact from fiction. For more information about The Civil War in Missouri and other exhibitions and programs, visit www.mohistory.org.

Tilghman was first black allowed into the U.S.

John O. Tilghman entered into rest, suddenly, at his home in St. Peters, Missouri on Saturday, July 14, 2012. Mr. John Oliver Tilghman was born September 22, 1922, in St. Louis, MO to Lloyd and Marie Tilghman. He was the sixth of their seven children (Gladys, Dollie, Theresa, Francis- Joseph, Anthony, and Lloyd Tilghman). He was such a smart young man and could accomplish anything he set his mind to do. He always knew he wanted to serve his country but was told he was too short to be a soldier. All his brothers served in different branches of the military: Army, Navy, and Coast Guard. He chose the Marines as his branch of service and defied the odds and height requirements. Not only did Corporal John Tilghman serve in the United States Marines, during World War II, he was an honored Montford Point Marine, the first black allowed into the United States Marine Corps. On June 28, 2012, he received the highest civilian honor that Congress bestows, the Congressional Gold Medal, “in recognition for their personal service and sacrifice for their country.” In 2007, the same award was presented to the survivingTuskegee Airmen, black pilots and crew members who served in the Army Air Forces in World War II. He said, “They gave us the credit we were supposed to have.”

Marine Corps

O.

Corporal John Tilghman also received the Award of Merit from Michael McMillan, License Collector of the City of St. Louis, at City Hall as well as, a Proclamation from the City of Saint Louis Board of Alderman. Mr. John Tilghman was a proud man, educator, a devoted soldier, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, and friend.. He received honors at the Gateway Classic Sports Foundation and University City Walk of Fame. He was inducted into the Montford Point Marine Hall of Fame and was the recipient of two national presidential awards from the Montford Point Marines. He was the epitome of a United States Marine Corps. Finally, he was a dedicated parishioner of Visitation Saint Ann church where he served on the Parish council, was a member of the choir, Eucharistic Minister and a member of the Knights of Peter Claver. He was an educated man having graduated from Stowe’s Teacher’s College and the University of Oklahoma. He was a math teacher for St.

Louis Public Schools, a mechanic for the United States Postal Service, and a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Incorporated, He was always working on a project. He loved cars and had a garage full of tools, parts, and pieces to prove it. Anyone could call him and he’d talk you through step by step, to fix any car on earth. If you had the time, he had the patience to walk you through any repair. He was a very active man, always on the go. In fact, he actually left this earth with his shiny, black shoes on his feet. He had plans to clean out one of his storage bins that morning with his eldest son. He would say, “AMarine is always ready.” He is survived by his brother Lloyd Tilghman (Julie), sons, Stanley Tilghman(Jocelyn) and Craig Tilghman (Denise), daughters, Rochelle Tilghman and Sandra Tilghman-Young, daughters, Marsha and Portia Tilghman preceded his passing, grandchildren Terrence Tilghman, Robert Mayo, Stanley Pitchford, Shujaa Searcy, Rashonda Alexander, Jarron Tilghman, Brandon Tilghman, Jasmine Tilghman, Brittany Tilghman, Ja’Nee Tilghman, Maikieta Brantley, Nia Tilghman, Immanuel Young, Gabriel Young, Camille Tilghman, Nathaniel Young, a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, Visitation Parish Family and friends.

Price was formerLaclede Gas employee

James E. Price, beloved son of the late Bennie, Jr. and Betty Ruth Price, was born on October 1, 1961 in St. Louis, Missouri. At a young age, James joined, and was baptized at, Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church. He was educated in the St. Louis Public Schools and was an exceptional student. He attended Pierre Laclede Elementary School and graduated from The Academy of Math and Science High School with honors at the top of his class. James participated in the INROADS St. Louis Program. He attended the University of MissouriRolla in Rolla, Missouri and majored in Mechanical

James E. Price

Engineering. On November 14, 1981, he was initiated into the Epsilon Psi Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. James was employed with the Laclede Gas Company for 25 years. During that time he held various positions and established a successful career. James was affectionately known to his friends and fraternity brothers as “Price”. James had a great love of music and cars. His greatest joy, however, was his family. He was a wonderful son and a caring brother and was truly

loved. James departed this earthly life for his heavenly home on July 18, 2012. He leaves to cherish his beloved memory: a loving and devoted mother, Betty Ruth Price, a loving and committed sister, Mitchelle Price, a cherished grandmother, Willie Bell Springfield, five aunts, three great aunts, six uncles, one great uncle, many cousins, loved ones and friends. Celebration of Life services will be as follows: Visitation: Fri., July 27 at Austin Layne Mortuary Renaissance Chapel at 7239 West Florissant Ave. from 4-7 p.m.; Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Omega Service: 6 p.m.; Homegoing Service: Sat., July 28 at 10 a.m. at the Friendly Temple MB Church located at 5515 Martin Luther King Dr., St. Louis, 63112.

John

Tilghman

Slave nurse Louisa and H.E. Hayward

Missouri History Museum

Missouri must expand Medicaid

By Ruth Ehresman Guest Columnist

Guest Columnist Ruth Ehresman

If the criticism of the Supreme Court’s ruling affirming the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare) was rainfall, we would be facing rising rivers rather than drought.We have come to the bizarre place in which providing affordable coverage for working individuals who do not have affordable choices for health insurance is seen as a bad thing.

Critics condemn a plan that requires health insurance companies to cover people who are sick, allows young people an opportunity to remain on their parents’ insurance until they get on their feet, and that supports seniors by providing free preventive care and assistance with their prescription costs.While we generally accept across party lines the principle that individuals bear some responsibility for their own health, Obamacare critics now claim that requiring individuals who can afford insurance to assume that responsibility by purchasing one of a variety of affordable insurance plans is un-American.

I have too many friends and neighbors who lost their health insurance when they lost their job, faced a diagnosed illness and knew they could not afford treatment, or lived in fear that one accident or sickness would exhaust their life savings.I never want to purchase another raffle ticket, or attend another silent auction, barbeque or dance to raise money so someone can get medical care without losing their home.

The real question is how can we afford not to implement the Affordable Care Act?

A big piece of the ACA is expanding Medicaid to insure many more working families as well as working single adults. From a financial perspective, Missouri has much to gain. The federal government pays 100 percent of the cost for the first three years of implementation, and about 90 percent of the cost for the next 5 years, injecting an estimated $8.4 billion into Missouri’s economy.Current workers will be more productive since they will be healthier, new jobs in the health field will be created, and increased wages will pump

money into the economy. Missouri gains a lot from a relatively small investment of its own.

From a human perspective, implementing the ACAis even more compelling.

A recent report from Families USA estimates that more than oneMissourian has died each day from 2005 to 2010 because they were uninsured and did not get needed treatment.At least 100,000 working Missourians lost their insurance when Medicaid was cut in 2005.If Medicaid is not expanded, the Missourians who will lose are those with incomes under the federal poverty level ($1,595/ mo for a family of three) who make too much to be insured by our current Medicaid program ( current eligibility level of $292/mo for a family of three), but too little to be eligible for insurance subsidies that will be available at 100 percent of the federal poverty level.It would be a tragic mistake for these most vulnerable working families to bear the brunt of politically motivated decisions. Elected officials are jumping

on the bandwagon to block the expansion of Medicaid in Missouri. They claim we can’t afford to insure people, and that other cuts in education will be needed if we expand Medicaid.Kneejerk ideology is not a helpful response.Saying a blanket “no” to any new revenue defies common sense.There are taxes that should be raised –such as our tobacco tax that is lowest of any state. And there are plenty of loopholes to be closed that would create a more level playing field for local businesses and provide the resources needed to fund both education and health care. Common sense, common decency and openness need to prevail when the next session begins in January 2013. Turning our backs on an opportunity to help working families who are uninsured is a mistake we cannot afford to make.

Ruth Ehresman is former director of Health and Budget Policy at the Missouri Budget Project and a candidate for Missouri House District 78.

BUSINESS

system is adopting a new

Hospital has become an Accountable Care

BJC designated Accountable Care Organization

Affordable Care Act provision aimed to coordinate care of elderly

By Robert Joiner Of The Beacon

“We believe that this kind of care coordination model, which I consider more holistic, can be expanded across”the BJC network, says June Fowler, vice president for corporate and public communications for BJC Healthcare.

BJC HealthCare system is adopting a new philosophy of care for the elderly. The change will occur because Barnes-Jewish Hospital has become an Accountable Care Organization, a federal designation that is supposed to spur hospitals to focus with CAT-scan accuracy on issues to improve quality and cut cost. This new model is a response to what federal health officials say is a disjointed medical treatment system for many Americans over age 65. Two out of three suffer from several chronic conditions that are treated by different doctors, many of whom are said to coordinate the patient’s care about as well as

David Steward: doing more than saying

World Wide Technology founder and chairman offers better model for celebrity

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Mandela

Nelson Mandela celebrated his 94th birthday and the fourth annual Nelson Mandela International Day on July 18.President Obama said, “In 2009, the United States joined 192 United Nations member states in the creation of Nelson Mandela International Day.We honor Madiba’s commitment to service and the betterment of our communities. There is no more fitting tribute to a man who has demonstrated to the world the extraordinary power of non-violence, of tolerance, of unwavering service.”

John Gaskin III was elected chairman of the National Youth Work Committee by the National Association for the NAACP. His main task is to serve as a liaison between the National Board of Directors, President and CEO, and national field director Rev. Charles White. Asophomore at Benedictine College in Atchison Kansas, he is the first chairman ever elected to this position from Missouri. He will also serve as an ex-officio member of the NAACPNational Board of Directors.

Lois Taylor has earned a doctoral degree in educational leadership from Maryville University. She is principal of Townsend Elementary School in the Hazelwood School District. Taylor’s career in education began in 1989 as a classroom teacher in the district. She held roles such as instructional specialist and assistant principal. She has a Master of Arts in speech communication and a Master of Arts in elementary education, both from Southern Illinois University-Edwardsville.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

Express Scripts and Walgreens reach pharmacy agreement

Express Scripts and Walgreens have reached a multi-year pharmacy network agreement that includes rates and terms under which Walgreens will participate in the broadest Express Scripts retail pharmacy network available to new and existing clients. The companies are not disclosing the terms of the new contract.

Walgreens will again be part of the network of pharmacies available to Express Scripts clients as of September 15. With Walgreens included, the Express Scripts network now offers more than 64,000 pharmacies nationwide.

Missouri Tourism awards

$457K to St. Louis CVC

No permits or licenses issued until business pays personal property taxes

American staff

In an effort to keep businesses up to date on personal property taxes, the Saint Louis County Council approved legislation on an ordinance that will prevent the issuance of permits and licenses until the property taxes are paid.

“If you own a Saint Louis County-based company that’s delinquent on any of its personal property taxes, you won’t get any annual license or permit from us until you pay what you owe,” said Eugene Leung, Director of Revenue for Saint Louis County.

“The vast majority of companies who do business in Saint Louis County pay their personal property taxes on time. There is, however, approximately $25 to $35 million in unpaid commercial personal property tax rev-

By Raynard Jackson For The St.Louis American

One of my favorite expressions is, “When all is said and done, there’s more said than done.”But when it comes to businessman David Steward, I want to revise my expression to read, “When all is said and done, there is more done than said.”

Dave Steward is a longtime friend from my hometown of St. Louis.He is the founder and chairman of World Wide Technology. So often, in the black community, we talk about all the negative images that are put before us; but yet, these are the images that we choose to accept.We know what celebrity is pregnant, the baby’s name and all other sorts of baby mama drama.

But yet, a person like Dave Steward is hardly known within the black community.

Steward was born in Clinton, MO (about four hours west of St. Louis) and graduated from Central Missouri State University with a degree in business.He worked for a series of Fortune 500 companies before founding World Wide Technology in 1990.WWTis a major systems integrator of technology that provides powerful, yet cost-effective technology and supply chain solutions to the commercial, government and telecom sectors. They specialize in delivering and supporting advanced technology solutions to customers around the world.Their expected revenues for 2012 are in excess of $5 billion U.S. By any objective measurement, Steward is a great success.But, the most amazing part of his success is that his success is built upon Biblical principles.

See STEWARD, B6

The Missouri Division of Tourism has awarded $457,294 to the St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission to help fund marketing projects designed to increase visitation to St. Louis. The St. Louis CVC will match each dollar of state funding with a dollar of local funds. The Missouri Division of Tourism’s Cooperative Marketing Program, in its 19th year, contributes to the development and improvement of local economies by enhancing, expanding and promoting the tourism industry. Tourism helped generate more than $627 million in state tax revenue in Fiscal Year 2011, and provided more than 275,000 Missouri jobs.

U.S. DOTgrants Metro

$5M forbus repair

The U.S. Department of Transportation has awarded Metro (the Bi-State Development Agency) a $5 million competitive grant under the U.S. DOT’s Good Repair Program, for bus replacement.This project was selected on a competitive basis through the FY2012 State of Good Repair Program.

Nelson

John Gaskin III

Lois Taylor

David Steward, founder and Chairman of the Board at World Wide Technology

Photo by Wiley Price

Calvin Thomas,BSN,Smart Team Coordinator for BJC,talks with Norma Barnes.BJC HealthCare

philosophy of care for the elderly.The change will occur because Barnes-Jewish

Organization.

Financial Empowerment Initiative in STL

American staff

An educational initiative on wheels will be rolling through the St. Louis area this summer.

Fifth Third Bank’s eBus will be offering financial empowerment tips and workshops over a two-week period, making stops in a number of low and moderate-income neighborhoods.

“The eBus is a great way to get our bankers out into the community, counseling people on ways to improve their financial picture,” said Royce Sutton, vice president and community development manager for Fifth Third Bank in St.

BJC

Continued from B1

a surgeon would perform an operation with two left hands.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services says on its website that the system subjects many elderly patients to needless medical errors, costly duplications of health services and avoidable hospital readmission rates. This causes patient frustrations over “having to share the same information over and over with different doctors.”

CMS projects that the ACO model, which is part of the Affordable Care Act, will not only improve quality but will save the federal government an estimated $940 million over four years. BJH is one of two ACOs designated in Missouri. The other is Heartland Regional Medical Center in St. Joseph.

The two are among 89 ACO designations announced last week, all part of a second wave of ACOs. They will

TAX

Continued from B1

enue that we intend to collect with our new ordinance.”

Fifth Third Bank’s eBus here through Aug. 4

Louis. “It allows people free access to credit reports, homeownership information, small business information, and other practical money management advice.”

The 40-foot eBus, making its sixth tour of St. Louis in the past five years, is a way for Fifth Third Bank to reach out to communities often overlooked by other traditional banks. To date, Fifth Third Bank has conducted more than 1,500 one-on-one counseling sessions aboard the eBus in St. Louis.

To add some fun and draw attention to the events, radio

serve an estimated 1.2 million Medicare patients. An initial group of 32 pioneer ACOs set up earlier already serve about 2.4 million beneficiaries.

“The ACO is designed to make sure there is better coordination among all the partners involved in the care,” says June Fowler, vice president for corporate and public communications for BJC Healthcare. “You achieve two things – better patient outcomes and lower cost.”

She cites the hypothetical example of a patient being treated for a chronic heart condition by one or more of the 200 physicians on staff at one of the 13 hospitals in the BJC network. Patients joining the ACO might not notice any difference, Fowler says, except for more interaction between providers and patients. Already, the system has begun hiring more case managers and would have done so even if it had not been designated an ACO, Fowler said. “You want to do more outreach and better coordinate that patient’s care,” Fowler

Effective September 4, 2012, companies that need a yearly license or permit will have to show proof that they’re current on their businesses’ personal property tax obligations before Saint Louis

DJ’s will be broadcasting live from each eBus stop. Some locations will also offer giveaways and games.

One of the eBus stops is targeted to small business owners and entrepreneurs, and will feature the Fifth Third Bank NASCAR show car, #17. The car will be on display on July 31 at the bank’s downtown location. This event is part of the Small Business Expo, and bankers will be on

says. “That means all parts of the system will talk to each other. That can include the cardiologist, the primary-care physician, a nurse practitioner, a case manager,” and those who might provide home health services as well as the patient and the patient’s family.

To date, Fifth Third Bank has conducted more than 1,500 one-on-one counseling sessions aboard the eBus in St.Louis.

hand to offer tips on business start-ups and financing. Several speakers from other organizations will also share advice for entrepreneurs.

The schedule of eBus stops during the tour include: Friday, July 27, 11 a.m.-3

p.m. – Overland Community Center 9225 Lackland Road, 63114 Sunday, July 29, 11 a.m.-2

“Everybody’s linked to the care plan,” she says. If the patient is expected to follow up with a cardiologist within 10 days, she says the system doesn’t rely on the patient to call the cardiologist. “Instead, those same instructions will go to the cardiologist and to the primary-care physician. And there is also outreach to the patient and the patient’s family to make sure

County issues the documents – without which the business can’t operate. By an ordinance, the County Council approved the measure on June 19.

“We’re not doing this to be punitive or heavy-handed,” Leung continued. “But it’s important that everyone play by the same rules. And more importantly, in these tough budgetary times, it’s imperative that we make every effort to collect what is owed to the citizens of Saint Louis County, Missouri.”

The new requirements apply to a wide variety of commercial enterprises,

the patient gets in to see the doctor.”

Fowler says, “In the best of all worlds, that is what happens now, but it’s not hard wired into the system. This (ACO) approach puts everybody into the same protocol, making sure they understand their opportunities and responsibilities to help better manage the care of that patient.”

Savings are expected to result, Fowler says, because “if you are able to better manage the patient’s care, the potential of the patient going back into the hospital is reduced.”

If an ACO sounds like the old managed care concept, it is different in that patients are allowed to keep their physi-

including electrical licenses, waste vehicle licenses, restaurant permits, liquor licenses and coin-operated amusement devices.

Officials emphasize that the new measure applies to the personal property taxes owed by a company – rather than any tax issues surrounding the employee applying for the permit or application on behalf of the company.

Do you or your company owe?

Saint Louis County offers three different ways of check-

p.m. – Hispanic/Latino Empowerment Day Casa De Salud, 3200 Chouteau Avenue, 63103

Tuesday, July 31, 11 a.m.-2

p.m. – Small Business Expo and NASCAR Ford Fusion Show Car, Fifth Third Bank Downtown Branch, 10th and Olive, 63101

Wednesday, August 1, 3-5

p.m. – Oasis of Love Fellowship Church 355 Shepley Dr., 63137 Thursday, August 2, 4-7 p.m. — Bosnian Empowerment Day Bosnian Chamber of Commerce, 5039 Gravois Ave., 63116

cians of choice. She is unsure how many Medicare patients will choose to become part of the ACO.

“But we believe that this kind of care coordination model, which I consider more holistic, can be expanded across” the BJC network.

Although a health system does not get extra money for volunteering to become an ACO, Fowler says participating hospitals will share in long-term savings “that will be achieved by taking some of the cost out of the system.”

She says BJC began looking at the model about 15 months ago and decided that “there were potential benefits in terms of better patient-centered health outcomes.”

Some of the shortcomings CMS is seeking to address through ACOs always have been on the radar screens of most hospitals. But even highly praised health systems, such as BJC, have shown how easy it is to slip on quality. In spite of its excellent medical staff and state-of-the-art facilities, the hospital has had to work

ing the payment status of personal property taxes. Online records can be searched by account number, name or address at http://revenue.stlouisco.com/Collection /ppInfo/. Once the account is displayed, property owners can select the year they would like to view, and will be given the opportunity to print a duplicate receipt if needed.

It is important to remember that online payments may take up to one week to be posted. Online payments are processed through an outside company, and can take up to five business days to post on Saint Louis County’s website. You can call 314/615-5500

Or you can visit any Saint Louis County office:

Friday, August 3, 3-6 p.m. –Grace Hill 2125 Bissell Street, 63107 Saturday, August 4, 9 a.m.1 p.m. – St. Louis Public Schools Back-to-School Fest, Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton, 63103 The eBus visits are free and open to the public at all of the above locations. For more information about Fifth Third Bank’s financial empowerment program, visit https://www.53.com/financialempowerment/kip-faq.html or call 314-721-2078. The eBUS Hotline is 314-889-3333.

extra hard to reduce avoidable readmission rates among some Medicare patients for heart attack, heart failure and pneumonia.

“What has become evident is that those being readmitted don’t come back because of what happened to them while in the hospital,” Fowler says.

“These patients come back because the transitional care plan, the discharge instructions that have been given, have not been followed for whatever reasons.” That awareness led to one ACO-like change, the addition of case managers to help coordinate care and more outreach, for example, to “make sure the patient is taking medicine appropriately and is on the path to getting better” when recuperating away from the hospital.

“We are pleased to have been selected, and we think it will benefit patients,” Fowler said. “That’s why we are all here.”

Reprinted with permission from stlbeacon.org.

Clayton 41 S. Central Avenue Clayton, MO 63105 North County 21 Village Square Shopping Center Hazelwood, MO 63042 South County 4546 Lemay Ferry Road (Keller Plaza) Saint Louis, MO 63129 West County 74 Clarkson Wilson Centre Chesterfield, MO 63017

If a delinquent tax payer needs a receipt immediately, they must pay in person at

Calvin Thomas,BSN, is Smart Team Coordinator for BJC

Photo by Wiley Price

“So I lost every college football game I ever played in?”

– Former Penn State star Evan Royster,reacting to his alma mater having to forfeit 114 wins as part of the NCAA sanctions

Usain Bolt shattered three world records in Beijing in the 4x100m relay, American legend Michael Johnson’s 200m record and lastly bested his own 100m record despite slowing down to celebrate well before crossing the finish line.

IN THE CLUTCH

With Ishmael H.Sistrunk

Bolt hoping to sprint into history

Jamaican Olympian seeks to shake off injuries in London

If sports had soundtracks, sprinters from the world of track and field would run to techno/hip-hop hybrid music, full of fast beats, pounding bass drums and energetic vocals. From start to finish, the 100m dash is intense as the athletes grit, grimace and gallop violently down the track. However, with the London Olympic games fastapproaching, Usain Bolt, the man whose stride is as smooth as a Coltrane saxophone solo, aims to race to a different beat, right into Olympic lore.

Going into the 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics, Bolt was largely unknown outside of the track and field circuit. The young, lanky 6’5” Jamaican sprinter

Usain Bolt, the man whose stride is as smooth as a Coltrane saxophone solo, aims to race to a different beat.

was a 200m specialist but his coach Glen Mills saw the potential to turn Bolt into the best 400m runner in the world. Whether it was the lack the glamour or the brutal nature of what many consider to be the toughest event in track, Bolt resisted the 400m. Like Ricky Bobby, the aptlynamed Bolt wanted to go fast. Hoping it would energize his protégé and add explosiveness needed for the 200m, Mills relented and began training Bolt in the 100m as well.

INSIDE SPORTS

With Earl Austin Jr.

Earl watches it all

It’s Summer Olympics time!

Olympics.

I have been a fan of the games ever since I was a child. I could remember that great 1968 USA Team when I was just three years old. By 1972, when I was a little older, I was all into the Olympics. And I am still to this very day. Naturally, I will be keeping

a close out on our USAmen’s and women’s basketball teams. However, my true passion is the track and field competition. There’s nothing like it. From the 100-meter dash to the marathon, I watch it all. It is even better when there are local athletes in the field. That is the case again this year with the presence of former East St. Louis star Dawn Harper, who is trying to become a two-time gold medalist in the 100-meter high hurdles. You also have former Festus High star Brittany Borman, who will be competing in the women’s javelin. Another local athlete, former Berkeley star Mike Rodgers, qualified for the men’s 4x100-meter relay pool.

However, Rodgers will not be competing in London due to a stress fracture in his leg. Rodgers was a 2008 Summer Olympian and a 2009 World Champion.

Junior Olympics

Many of the St. Louis area’s top track and field athletes are headed to Houston, TX. this weekend to participate in the Amateur Athletic Union Jr. Olympic Games. The Junior Olympics will begin on Saturday and will run until Aug. 3. We always look forward to our athletes representing the STLand bringing

The payoff was shocking and immediate. In only his fifth 100m race on the senior-circuit, Bolt came out of nowhere to break the worldrecord just a few months before the summer games. Then, on the world’s biggest stage, Bolt shattered three world records in Beijing in the 4x100m relay, American legend Michael Johnson’s 200m record and lastly bested his own 100m record despite slowing down to celebrate well before crossing the finish line. An Olympic legend was born. Bolt’s affable nature and boastful ways helped turn him into a bona fide celebrity. His dominance on the track made him seem invincible. His long, smooth stride frequently left his competitors in his trail winds. Similar to Tiger Woods in his prime, it seemed that Bolt’s com-

ESLhosts City of Champions Classic

Julyon Brown and Dana Howard bring four exciting matchups

Flyers’first state championship team in 1975. They both still have a ongoing brotherly argument about who’s teams were better every holiday season that I have to referee.

Julyon reminds his brother that he may have played on the first state championship team, but he was a member of a mythical national championship team in 1979. Brown played for John Mackovic for the Illini, and also played for Lou Tepper after Tepper took over as head coach during the Hancock Bowl when Mackovic was named head coach at Texas at the end of Illinois final regular season game. In the Hancock Bowl against UCLA, it

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

See CLUTCH, B5

Former East St.Louis star Dawn Harper is trying to become a two-time gold medalist in the 100-meter high hurdles at the 2012 Summer Olympic Games.

See EAST SIDE, B4

With Maurice Scott

Earl Austin Jr.

Maurice Scott

In perhaps the most heinous offense in the history of college sports, the legal system had already spoken with respect to the perpetrator, Jerry Sandusky. All eyes were on the NCAA, which had a moral obligation to do something. This was not about an athlete being paid under the table or some academic fraud, this was about a crime that took place on the watch of the NCAA and something was expected to be done. The NCAAanswered with both barrels.

The loss of $60 million, scholarships, no bowl games for four years, along with other sanctions that covered everything one could imagine. As for Joe Paterno’s role, he did not escape. His record is now tarnished with respect to wins, as Penn State will vacate all their victories dating back to the first hint of Jerry Sandusky’s predation on youth when nothing was officially done about it. The NCAAthought it was a good idea to use this incident as a lesson to any other school and coach who thought they were invincible. The NCAAhas allowed Penn State students to go anywhere they want with no penalty. They can still play and

Paterno was part of the problem and he paid dearly, even in death.

NCAApiles on Paterno

get an education, though in some cases they will have to compete for a job as they will have a change in address. That is better than not being afforded an education at all. For those sanctimonious fans who lived in a bubble in “Happy Valley,” let’s see if you will still come out and support “Old State U” now. This is when the real fans will show up. If businesses and attendance is down, they can only blame themselves as they were there for the good times. Let’s see how adversity will affect the loyal. You can see the NCAApiling on Joe Paterno, but then again what else could they do? It was on Joe’s watch, and he knew about it. He reported it and yet still allowed Sandusky to have his way on campus and eventually with the kids. In all he was part of the problem and he paid dearly, even in death. What happens to the people above Paterno who have yet to go to court? What can the NCAAdo to them? Nothing. The legal system will handle it; and should they survive, what institution of any learning would employ them?

EAST SIDE

Continued from B3

was Julyon Brown who came away with a key fumble recovery to secure the Illinois victory.

Howard, an Illinois linebacker from 1991-94, earned consensus All American honors at linebacker for the Illini in 1993 and 1994. He finished his career at Illinois with 595 tackles, at earned the nickname “Butkus” by his Illini teammates.

I remember watching Howard record 25 tackles in front of an national televised audience against Earl Austin Jr.’s Ohio State Buckeyes one Saturday afternoon. ABC sportscaster Brett Musberger was in awe of the kid from East St. Louis, where nobody gives our kids a chance to make it in life.

But the city is proud of men like Howard and Brown, who give back and demonstrate you can come back home or live

here and give back to show our youth to be proud of were you are from.

If you have never been to historic Clyde C.Jordan Memorial Stadium in East St. Louis, you are in for a treat.

So, here it is three years later with a lot of hard work and dedication that these two gentleman have overcome hurdles along the way with there volunteer staff, to give back to the football heritage in East St Louis.

“It’s a lot of work,” says Brown who’s a lieutenant with the East St. Louis Fire Department. “But the goal is to keep it going for the long run, and we need the people to come out and support our efforts.”

And this years match-ups will be well worth the price of admission.

from B3

Game #1 will have a St. Louis flavor with rivals Berkeley playing University City at 11 am, followed by a Illinois match up between Peoria High vs Chicago Simeon at 2 pm. In the evening sessions beginning at 5 pm its Missouri powers the Kirkwood Pioneers vs Hazelwood East Spartans. These two teams met in the Class 5 state semifinals a year ago. And the nightcap will feature Darren Sunkett’s East St. Louis Flyers against Tennessee power Whitehaven High School out of Memphis, which features three top 50 players in the country coming to play in the City of Champions Classic. In last year’s classic, Whitehaven defeated Chicago Catholic power St. Rita in a exciting game in front of 5,000 fans. Come out and support these gentleman in there efforts to provide one of the nation’s premiere football events. Tickets are $15.

Mike Claiborne

Hooded as if in shame,a statue of Joe Paterno was removed from outside the Penn State football stadium on Saturday.

What to watch in the Summer Olympics

Eyes turn towards London as unknowns challenge medalists from 2008 Games

By Michael A.Thompson

For The St.Louis American

The 2012 Summer Olympics are upon us and the lucky city that is hosting this spectacular event is London, England. I could write this column solely about the U.S. Men’s Basketball Team already winning the gold medal (LeBron + Basketball = Gold Medal), but the Summer Olympics only come around once every four years. Why just waste it watching LeBron (once again) show the world why he’s the best player in basketball?

The last Summer Olympics held in Beijing, China in 2008 was the most viewed Olympic event in history, and it did not disappoint. The records that were broken both on land (Bolt), and in the water (Phelps) were a true pleasure to witness. The U.S. Men’s Basketball team, coined the “Redeem” team winning the gold medal added to the historical event, having overcome their embarrassing performance from the 2004 Olympics in Athens where they received a bronze medal.

The U.S. Women Gymnasts (Liukin and Johnson) winning gold by flipping, twirling, and spinning in the air, on the beam, or on the bars was also a phenomenal spectacle. These Olympics left me wondering: How would the next one top this? With less than a week away, we will shortly find out.

At first, I felt the clear-cut winners for gold were obvious. I thought Bolt would run his way to another insane, superhuman 100-meter world record. Or Phelps would have folks questioning, “Does he have gills?” as he swims his way to more gold medals. And the U.S. Men’s Basketball team would put up ‘92 Dream Team-like numbers and win gold. This was before I watched the US Olympic Trials. Either the past Olympians who showed us their superior athleticism from ‘08 have gotten too caught up in the limelight and stardom and or lost their passion, or everyone else has been practicing and are hungrier for a gold medal. We could potentially witness some huge upsets at these Olympic games.

Ryan Lochte, Phelps’fellow U.S. Swimming teammate seems ready to step out of Phelps’shadow and create a name for himself. He battled Phelps in the U.S. Trials, and even beat Phelps a few times. I’m expecting Lochte to beat Phelps in one or two events.

Yohan Blake, a Jamaican sprinter, will be a competitor to keep an eye on. He made a statement in the Jamaican Trials as he beat Usain Bolt in both the 100m and 200m races. The track and field competition is going to be electrifying.

The U.S. Men’s Basketball team drew much criticism for lacking only one true center (Chandler). The exhibition games have been great practices for the team, and we can see they’re going to rely heavily on their quick guards for their defense. With a team stacked with the talents of LeBron James, Kevin Durant, Kobe Bryant and Chris Paul, it’ll be hard to imagine this team winning anything other than gold. Many speculate that teams with dominant big men (Spain, Argentina, Brazil) will be trouble for the smaller but quick U.S. team. I’m expecting that U.S. and Spain will meet in the Gold Medal match and the U.S. will claim the medal.

Some other events worth watching:

U.S. Gymnastics – Gabby Douglas (16) and John Orozco (19) are both heavily favored to medal in their respective events. This could be the first time we see two minorities on the U.S. gymnastic team bring home gold on both the men’s and women’s side. Soccer – The Women’s US national team captured America’s heart in the 2011 Women’s World Cup and have since become a national sensation.

Beach Volleyball – The legendary dynamic duo of Misty May and Kerri Walsh will return to battle for one more gold medal. Michael A. Thompson is a journalism student at Maryville University.

STL Team Adidas finishes third at AAU Nationals

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

petitors were simply racing for second-place and thirdplace, hoping to stand on the podium beneath the fastest man on the planet. Though his fellow countryman Asafa Powell and American Rudy Gay were always fast enough to keep Bolt on his toes, it was always clear the Bolt was the alpha dog on the scene. Over the past four years, the sprinter has had bouts with bad starts, a bad back and on/off hamstring issues, but he always seemed to get the job done – until recently. In the Jamaican trials leading up to London, Bolt was shocked in both the 100m and the 200m by teammate, friend and new kid on the block Yohan Blake. But while Blake’s winning times were impressive (9.75s/100m, 19.29s/200m), they don’t compare to Bolt’s world-

Blake’s recent victories have made a captivating storyline and catapulted him into the limelight. He’s undoubtedly looking to make his own sweet music down the track, complete with golden cymbals around his neck.

record times (9.58s and 19.19s). Bolt also appeared to labor through those runs, fighting to achieve high speed rather than gliding effortlessly through it as in the past.

Rumors have run rampant as to reasons for the recent letdown and less-than-stellar performances. Injuries, hard partying and discomfort with the new starting blocks have been blamed. For his part, Bolt is making no excuses, but taking

precautionary measures to ensure he’s at his best to put on a show for the three billion viewers expected to tune into the Olympics. He pulled out of what would have been his final tune-up for what was called a minor injury. He’s reportedly put a kibosh on partying and various endorsement activities to focus on the task at hand –cementing his status as one of the greatest Olympians in his-

tory. According to Mills, the time off has helped him heal. Bolt also bought a set of the new starting blocks in order to get familiar with them before stepping on the big stage. Blake’s recent victories have made a captivating storyline and catapulted him into the limelight. He’s undoubtedly looking to make his own sweet music down the track, complete with golden cymbals around his neck. But if Bolt is truly focused and injury-free, he’s unbeatable. If he can once again find his smooth, rhythmic strike on the world’s biggest stage, the world’s fastest man won’t play second fiddle to anyone. Either way, the world will be listening with its eyes.

Congratulations to the STL Team Adidas girls basketball team on their third-place finish at the recent Amateur Athletic Union Sixth Grade National Tournament.Team Adidas was also the AAU Ozark Regional champions.The team members are:(front row,left to right) Rodney Williams,coach;Jessica Myers,MaKayla Wallace,Mallory Meeks,Kalen Rodriguez,Travis Wallace,head coach.(Back row,left to right) Kalifa Muhammad,Alaira Tyus, Danyelle Millett,Kelsie Williams,Michon Forrest.Not pictured:Jackie Gilbert,coach,Lindsey,coach.

Michael A. Thompson

STEWARD

Continued from B1

Steward is the author of the critically acclaimed book Doing Business by the Good Book (Hyperion) Former U.S. President George H.W. Bush wrote, “David Steward has come up with an idea that betters the way we live and work. He contends that the same qualities of integrity, trust, commitment and loyalty that we expect from our friends and family are also appropriate in the workplace. His story of success epitomizes the American dream and his example is an inspiration to us all.” Steward reminds me a lot of NBAbasketball players David Robinson and Tim Duncan. They both played their whole career for the same team – the San Antonio Spurs.Robinson retired several years ago, but Duncan is still playing.Both are 7 footers, Robinson at center and Duncan at power forward.They both are considered within the top 10 best of all time at their respective positions. They were not considered

flashy players, but yet they averaged double digits points and rebounds on their way to winning four NBAchampionship rings.Robinson has already been inducted into the NBAHall of Fame, and Duncan will follow upon his retirement.

Neither have ever had any hint of scandal surrounding

What a shame that Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Jay-Z are better known than David Steward, even though Steward will have a more lasting impact on our society.

them – no DUIs, no womanizing, no arrests, etc.Yet, they were considered bland, boring players because they were drama-free, no chest thumping after a great play, no histrionics after they blocked a shot. In other words, “they acted like they had been there before.”They were the consummate professionals.But, by today’s hip-hop standards,

they were not “down enough.” But they commanded the respect of owners, management and players simultaneously. Steward is similarly viewed. He has been married to the same woman, Thelma, for over 35 years and has two grown children.He is a pillar in the St. Louis business and philanthropic communities. He serves on the board of directors of civic groups, hospitals, universities and banks; but just as important he’s on the board of the local Boy Scouts and an active member of his church, Union Memorial United Methodist Church. His work has been recognized by major publications, like Black Enterprise (ranked #1 in the 2011 BE 100 List of The Nation’Largest BlackOwned Businesses) and ranked # 50 on Fortune’s 100 Best Companies to Work For.

So, the next time you hear a politician berate corporate executives as being greedy, selfish and uncaring, please ask them if they know a person by the name of Dave Steward. Wealthy? Yes. Giving? Yes. Caring?Yes.He has created 400 new jobs this year alone, given away millions of dollars to various charities, and created a work environment that makes his employees want to come to work everyday.

Dave doesn’t seek the spotlight, but rather, his actions are the spotlight that reflects the Biblical principles that he uses in his approach to business. What a shame that Beyoncé, Kanye West, and Jay-Z are better known than Steward, even though Steward will have a more lasting impact on our society.

With Steward, when all is said and done, there is more done than said.

Raynard Jackson is president & CEO of Raynard Jackson & Associates, LLC., a D.C.-public relations/government affairs firm. His website is: www.raynardjackson.com. Reprinted with permission from Black Enterprise

POTPOURRI

WITH DANA G. RANDOLPH

‘Africa always’

By Mama Lisa For The St. Louis American

“Welcome to Gambia, my sistah.

Faulk parties for foundation in STL

On June 29 MTV’s popular Emmy winning docu-series Made showcased some of St. Louis’ most talented professionals and artists including PR Diva Abesi Manyando (Abesi PR and Marketing) along with her friend and client songstress Amber Lunceford. Abesi, who served as Amber’s “Made” coach on the show, says it was a rewarding experience for both of them as well as choreographer Redd Williams and City Spudd of St. Lunatics fame. Bravo, MTV!

Top Lady. Congratulations to Dr. Ingrid Taylor Trasada who was honored at the Top Ladies of Distinction’s 36th Annual Status of Women Humanitarian Awards Luncheon on May 19.

Making Moves. NFL Hall of Famer Marshall Faulk returned to St. Louis June 9 – 11 to host a weekend of social events and golf for new and old friends of the “The greatest Show on Turf.” The weekend was sponsored by Lumiere Place Casino, Stonewolf Golf Club and the Marshall Faulk Foundation. The foundation has been dedicated to building brighter futures for inner city youth since 1994.

Amit Dhawan’s Synergy Productions planned the weekend that began June 9th with the Pairings Party in the Lumiere Theatre. A live and silent auction, pairings bid board, introduction, welcome, great Lumiere fare and drinks made for a perfect evening.

Celebrities on hand to support Marshall’s foundation included Alfonso Ribeiro aka Carlton of Fresh Prince of Bel Air, Hall of Famers Marcus Allen, Richard Dent and Eric Dickerson, Pro Bowlers Marc Bulger and Sterling Sharpe, All Stars Vince Coleman and Jim Edmonds, St. Louis Cards Broadcaster Mike Claiborne,

First time?” This greeting echoed continuously during my recent 10-day trip to The Gambia in West Africa.

The extremely well-kept Sunset Beach Hotel in Kotu and balmy 80 degree weather made for a pleasant stay. I enjoyed reading and journaling on the balcony. The inviting ocean breeze was not only delightful, but it kept the mosquitoes at bay as well.

Breakfast was included each morning, and everyone from the short-order cook to the mini-mart cashier greeted me warmly all day long. The common areas included a café with an outdoor patio, a bar area with a large-screen television and

a medium-sized pool. A gift shop, beauty salon and currency exchange window rounded out the amenities immediately adjacent to the rooms.

The breathtaking beach environment behind the hotel beckoned to me daily. There, I found soft white sands, thatchedroof cabanas, juice bar kiosks and an open-air pavilion housing the sweetest group of lady merchants, who offered a host of services, from hair braiding to meals. I spent most of my time here and dined the traditional way around a single bowl with the women.

July is the off- season in The Gambia, so business was slow at the beach. I helped out this beach family of roughly 15-20 people on most days by giving them my business. Our business ventures turned into a wonderful cultural exchange

experience. They were happy to have someone to bring them news and ideas from America, and they were just as happy to share their local languages and traditions.

The Wolof and Mandinka are prominent ethnic groups in the vicinity, while the Krio, Fulani and immigrant groups from Sierra

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Celebrating Nellyville

NELLY, C4

Dana G. Randolph See GAMBIA, C4

Mama Lisa enjoys a sunset drum talk at Kotu Beach with Mandinka drummers.

Tellis, known as

Amber Lunceford on MTV’s

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

1.Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican.com OR 2.Visit the calendar section on stlamerican.com and place your listing

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

concerts

July 27 – July 28, 8:30 p.m., DrummerRonnie Burrage featuring Bob Deboo (Bass), Eric Slaughter(Guitar) and Rick Tate (Alto Sax), Robbie’s House of Jazz, 20 Allen Ave, Webster Groves. For more information, visit http://www.robbieshouseofjazz.com/events.html

Tues., July 31, 7 p.m., Peabody Opera House presents Nicki Minaj. 1400 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 4997600.

Sun., Aug. 5, The Ambassador presents R&B Legends feat. Silk & Shai. 9800 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 456-6662 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Thur., Aug. 16, 7:30 p.m., The Pageant hosts Meek Mill. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 726-6161.

local gigs

Wed., Aug. 1, 6 p.m., O’Fallon Park Jazz Concert feat. Roland Johnson. West Florissant and Interstate 70 in North St. Louis.

Fri., Aug. 10, 8 p.m., Girls Incorporated presents Kim Massie. An evening of R&B, Blues and Jazz to benefit the programs of Girls Incorporated of St. Louis. Plush St. Louis, 3224 Locust St., 63121. For more information, call (314) 385-8088.

Sat., Aug. 11, 8 p.m., Tribute to Whitney Houston. Special guests include The Taylor Revue, Mondin, Street Beat, AJSR & Mother’s Children, Saman and more. Alton Amphitheatre, #1 Riverfront Dr., Alton, IL. 62002. For more information, call (618) 210-9809 or go to www.henry-

taylorproductions.com.

Sun., Aug. 26, 6 p.m., Union Communion Ministries presents Free Concerts at Ivory Park feat. Boogie Chyld. Big Band Jazz. Commerce Bank Stage in Ivory Perry Park, 800 N. Belt Ave., 63112. For more information, visit www.ivoryperrypark.com.

special events

Thur., July 26, 4:30 p.m., 10th Annual Big Kahuna BartenderChallenge. Volunteer bartenders will go head-to-head in a battle to raise the most money for Community Living, Inc. All proceeds will benefit programs and services for people with disabilities. Side Pockets, 1439 Bass Pro Dr., 63301. For more information, call (636) 9702800.

Sat., July 28, 8 a.m., Bubbling Brown Sugar Productions presents Bubbling Brown Sugar’s “Butterfly” Bus trip to Osage Beach Outlet Mall. To benefit the Alliance for Lupus Research. Clock Tower Plaza, 270 & West Florissant. For more information, call (314) 215-9143 or visit www.bubbling-brown-sugar.com.

Sat., July 28, 6 p.m., Uhuru Salon presents The Natural HairRevolution 2012. Summer explosion of St. Louis natural hair care talents. A platform for natural hair salons/stylists, barbershops/barbers to share their gifts of natural hair styles, while competing amongst salons and shops for awards and cash prizes. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 533-9900.

Sun., July 29, 2 p.m., Women In Vision, Inc. hosts 14th Annual “Christmas In July”

CALENDAR

Charity Banquet: A

Perception of Love. Event features dinner, dancing, and a silent auction. This event brings together many community leaders for the purpose of promoting awareness to the depleting number of women to men, through incarceration and domestic violence, as well as the devastating impact it has on the children of these families. Marriott St. Louis Airport, 10700 Peartree Ln., 63134. For more information, call (314) 837-6979.

Thurs., Aug. 2, 5:30 p.m., INSPIRE STLand Kristin Thompson of Renaissance Financial will present The Attire to INSPIRE-Women’s Professional Networking Affair, taking place at Rung Boutique, 9739 Manchester Road, 63119 on Thursday, August 2, 2012 from 5:30pm7:30pm, with music, wine, complimentary hors d’oeuvres, and chic shopping.

Aug. 3 – 5, SumnerHigh School Class of 1982 hosts 30th Class Reunion. Embassy Suites Hotel, 11237 Lone Eagle Dr., 63044.

Sat., Aug. 4, 1 p.m., Missouri Black Expo hosts The Teen Convention ForYouth hosted by Rasheeda from Love & Hip-Hop. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plz., 63101. For more information, call (314) 342-5036 or visit

www.missouriblackexpo.com.

Sat., Aug. 4, 10:30 a.m., Howard Alumni AssociationSt. Louis presents the 5th Annual Frankie M. Freeman & Wayman F. Smith Scholarship FundraiserJazz Brunch, Vin de Set (The Chouteau Room), 2017 Chouteau, St. Louis, MO 63103. For more tickets and/or additional information, call (630) 697-9641 or email: stlhualumni@yahoo.com.

Sat., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., P.O.W.’s 2nd Annual Trivia Night with special guest emcee Arika Parr of Majic 104.9. Come out and join us for a fun filled evening which will include; special raffles, silent auction and a cash prize for the winning table. All proceeds to benefit P.O.W.’s Scholarship fund in honor of Frankie Muse Freeman. St. Ann of Normany Catholic Church, 7530 Natural Bridge Rd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 5601883 or visit www.powincstl.org.

Sat., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., Opulent Productions presents Welcome to My House Party Tour2012 feat. Whodini. The Ambassador, 9800 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 4564826 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Aug. 4, 5 p.m., Missouri

Robbie’s House of Jazz presents Ronnie Burrage.See CONCERTS for details.

Black Expo Fashion Show. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plz., 63101. For more information, call (314) 342-5036 or visit www.missouriblackexpo.com.

Sat., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., Opulent Productions presents Welcome to My House Party Tour2012 feat. Whodini. The Ambassador, 9800 New Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, call (314) 4564826 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Aug. 4-5, Walmart presents Missouri Black Expo: A Taste of Soul. Live music and entertainment, hot topics discussion that lead to answers in health, business, and the development of our youth. Also MBE Literary Corner with Evelyn Lozada and more. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plz., 63101. For more information, call (314) 342-5036 or visit www.missouriblackexpo.com.

Sun., Aug. 5, 3 p.m., Missouri Black Expo Gospel Explosion. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plz., 63101. For more information, call (314) 342-5036 or visit www.missouriblackexpo.com.

Sun., Aug. 5, Hearts N Souls

“Back to School Picnic.” Free food, games, backpacks with school supplies, and more. Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 799-0944.

Aug. 10 – 11, SumnerHigh

School Class of 1952 hosts 60th Class Reunion. Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel, 9801 Natural Bridge Rd., 63134. For more information, call (314) 383-5017.

Sat., Aug. 11, 1 p.m., King C presents The 4th Annual Basketball Classic. Slam dunk, 3point, and free throw contests. Men and women 3on3 tournaments. N. County Tech High School, 1700 Derhake, 63033. For more information, call (314) 4774179.

Sun., Aug. 12, 2 p.m., The Craig Shields Foundation presents Craig Blac’s 11th Annual Community Cuts for Kids, 3 Locations: Herbert Hoover Boys & Girls Club (2901 Grand Ave.),Monsanto YMCA(5555 Page Ave.,The Mary Brown Center (606 South 15th Street,East St Louis, Il.). For more information, visit www.thecraigshieldsfoundation.org.

Thur., Aug. 16, 4 p.m., Saint Louis Crisis Nursery presents 22nd Annual Celebrity Waiters’& Waitresses’ Night. Join over 100 National & Local St. Louis Celebrities as they dine and make BIG tips for the Saint Louis Crisis Nursery Kids! Make your reservations TODAY. Plaza Frontenac (Brio’s Tuscan Grille, Canyon Cafe, Cardwell’s at the Plaza & Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse), 1701 S. Lindbergh, 63131. For more information, call (314) 292-5770 or visit www.crisisnurserykids.org.

Sat., Aug. 18, 11 a.m., Extraordinary Events pres-

Aug. 25 – 26, 10 a.m., International Institute’s Festival of Nations. Amultiethnic celebration featuring dance, music, food, cultural and educational exhibits, folk art demonstrations, and craft market. Tower Grove Park, 4256 Magnolia Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 773-9090.

Downtown St. Louis Community Improvement District presents Wednesday Night Out, every Wednesday 4 – 7 p.m., Through August. Discounted beer, wine, specialty drinks, and shot. Half-price appetizers. For more information and a list of participating restaurants, call (314) 4366500 ext. 240 or visit http://www.downtownstl.org/w ednesdaynightout.

Berkeley Class of 1982 is celebrating its 30 year class reunion August 17-19, 2012 and is seeking classmates to attend the reunion and reunion planning meetings. For more information about the reunion please call Anthony Wilder 314-479-0110, Portland (Matthews) Whitlock 314-7669108, or Tammy Davis 314302-1339.

Fri., Sept. 14, The St. Louis American Foundation hosts Special 25th Anniversary Salute to Excellence in Education Scholarship & Awards Gala. For more information, call (314) 533-8000.

comedy

Fri., July 27, 8 p.m., Chaifetz Arena hosts Steve Harvey Live: The Grand Finale. One S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-1111.

Fri., Aug. 3, 7 p.m., Lumiere Place Casino & Hotels hosts Tracy Morgan. 999 N. Second St., 63160. For more information, call (314) 8817777.

Sun., Aug. 5, 7 p.m., The Love 2 Laugh Comedy Tour feat. Pierre and more. Club Illusion 526 E. Broadway, 62205. For more information, call (314) 922-2104.

literary

Fri., July 27, 8 p.m., Urb Poetry presents The Legacy Anniversary Show feat. Taalam Acey. Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 361-2182.

Tues., July 31, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library is pleased to present military historian and Missouri University of Science and Technology professor John C. McManus for a discussion and signing of his book “September Hope: The American Side of a Bridge Too Far.” St. Louis County Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd. For more information, visit www.slcl.org

Sat., Aug. 4, 10 a.m., Matthew Pearlman author of That’s Great Advice!Advice from Pro Athletes for Kids, Written by a Kid. By age 13 Pearlman had interviewed more than 500 top athletes and authored a book to help share the wisdom of these sports icons.He will be answering questions and signing copies of his new book. ATTEvolution Gym – MMAand Family Fitness Center, 9751 Manchester Rd., 63119. For more information, visit www.teensonsports.com.

Sun., Aug. 5, 2 p.m., Barnes & Noble Store hosts Matthew Pearlman, author of That’s Great Advice!Advice from Pro Athletes for Kids, Written by a Kid. Meet the teen author during a discussion of his book and a book signing. 721 Gravois Rd., 63026. For more information, visit www.teensonsports.com.

theatre

Through July 29, The Muny presents Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. 1 Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 534-1111.

Fri., July 27, 8 p.m., The Eugene Field House Foundation presents Della Reese performing “My Life In Song.” In a rare appearance, Ms. Reese will bring her over six decades of jazz, blues, R&B, and gospel music to the perfect acoustics of The Sheldon Concert Hall. The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 421-4689.

July 30 – August 5, The Muny presents Pirates! 1 Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 5341111.

August 6 – 12, The Muny presents The King and I. Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 5341111.

Through August 4, Thursdays – Saturdays,

11:30 a.m., St. Louis History Museum presents Civil War, So What? Join us to find out why we study the Civil War, how Museum visitors have answered that question, and how the war continues to both divide and unite us today. Lee Auditorium, St. Louis History Museum, Lindell and DeBaliviere in Forest Park, 63108. For more information, call (314) 746-4599.

Aug. 15 – Sept. 2, The Lion King. Tickets now on sale Fabulous Fox Theatre, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5341111 or visit www.metrotix.com

arts

Through August 26, St. Louis Art Museum presents Harper’s Pictorial History of the Civil War, (Annotated) by Kara Walker. This exhibition places two prints from Walker’s 2005 portfolio in dialogue with a selection of 19thcentury wood engravings that are contemporaneous with the original Harper’s publication. These Civil War era wood engravings focus on the portrayal of active roles played by African-Americans in the war and provide a historical perspective to Walker’s very personal and 21st-century viewpoint. One Fine Arts Dr., Forest Park, 63110. For more information, call (314) 7210072.

Through August 31, Portfolio Gallery and Education Center presents Dark Girls, Portfolio Gallery and Education Center, 3514 Delmar Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit http://portfoliogallerystl.org

Through Sept. 3,Missouri History Museum presents Fire! Friend and Foe. Using artifacts from its extensive collection and local collectors, the Missouri History Museum examines the mystifying duali-

ty of fire. Visitors will learn the history of St. Louis’volunteer and professional firefighters. They will gain an understanding of the horrors and heroism of fires—including the Great Fire of 1849. For more information call 314746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

lectures

Sat., Aug. 4, 1 p.m., Dr. Shonta Smith & Real Talk Inc present Is Hip Hop Poisoning OurYouth: HomeSchool-Community-Church: Resolving the Issue. During this seminar participants will discuss the impact hip-hop has on our youth as it pertains to the home, school, community, church and its power ofinfluence. Proceeds benefit “Real Talk Inc” (Gang Violence Prevention Program). Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 425-9315.

Saturdays through Aug. 11, 8:30 a.m., College Tutors hosts Free ACTPractice Test. College Tutors will proctor this simulated examination for students to learn what they can expect on the college admission tests. Students must preregisterforthis test; space is limited. College Nannies & Tutors, 5988 Mid Rivers Mall Dr., 63304. For more information and to register, call(636) 926-2681.

Thur., Aug. 16, 7 p.m., Allstate presents The Savage Truth on Money St. Louis. Top financial literacy speaker and journalist, Terry Savage will give attendees the tools to create a plan that helps ensure a more secure future. During the presentation, Terry will share practical tips for saving, spending, and insuring what matters most. Plus, you’ll get a FREE COPYof Terry’s book. Chase Park Plaza-Khorassan Ballroom, 212 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63108.

Sat., Aug. 25, 1 p.m., The Art of the Headwrap Luncheon. Come learn different techniques and styles as well as historical aspects of scarf adornments from across the world. We are collecting scarves to donate to women living with cancer. Tam Tam African Restaurant, 35 Florissant Oaks Shopping Plaza, 63031. For more information, call (314) 643-6067.

Through August 30, 2012, DREAMS Orgs. Inc is the proud sponsorof the ALLSTAR SOCCER CLUB, Sign up for 2012 Soccer Tea for young ladies ages 6-14. APPLICATION IS ONLINE. For more information visit www.dreamsorg.com or call 314-323-3290. Mail application & Registration Fee to: D.R.E.A.M.S. Orgs. Inc Po Box 372106 Saint Louis Mo. 63137.

health

Sat., July 28, 9 a.m., Sickle Cell Stroll. Registration is free; $20 donation gets a Walk T-shirt. Upper Muny Parking Lot in Forest Park. For more information, call (314) 2273950 or visit www.sicklecellstroll.com.

Through July 28, Saturdays, Free SeminarSeries: How Health Research Works. Understand how health research promotes or maintains community health and learn how research works –from developing a question to designing a study to sharing the results. Monsanto Family YMCA, 5555 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 335-7190.

Sat., Aug 4, 7:30 a.m., 100 Black Men presents 10th Annual Prostate Cancer Run/Walk. Free Prostate (PSA) Exams. Kiener Plaza, 601 Market St., 63101. For more information, call (314) 367-7778 or visit www.100blackmenstl.kintera.o rg.

Sat., Aug. 4, 10 a.m., Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. St Louis Metropolitan Chapters present 6th Annual Community Health Fair: Living Healthy Today fora BetterTomorrow. Free Screenings, healthy food demonstrations, children’s activities, and more. Monsanto YMCA, 5555 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 368-4670 or (314) 276-3634.

Sat., Aug. 4, Lupus Foundation of America hosts Wolfride GranFondo 56 or 112 Mile Bike Ride. Columbia, IL. For more information, call 1-800-9LUPUS6 or visit www.wolfride.com.

Sun., Aug. 5, 1:15 p.m., March of Dimes hosts Marching forBabies at Busch Stadium. The Cards play the Brewers and a portion of each specially priced ticket sold will support important research and programs that help babies begin healthy lives. All ticket buyers will have an opportunity to participate in an on-field parade. Busch Stadium, 700 Clark Ave., 63102. For more information, visit

www.tinyurl.com/forbabies.

Thursdays Through August 9, 6 p.m., City of St. Louis and East St. Louis health departments’Let’s Move: So You Got Moves Golf and Walking Program the Grand Marais Golf Club, 5802 Lake Drive, Centreville, IL. The 15 week golf program will culminate with a tournament on August 16th from 7:30 A.M. to 1:30 P.M. to allow the new golfers to put together and highlight everything they learned during the program. This event is free and open to the public. For more information visit the City of St. Louis Health Institute website www.thehealthinstitutestl.org or contact Lauren Landfried at 314-657-1549 or landfriedl@stlouiscity.com

Aug. 10 – 11, Missouri Black Expo Health Fair. Bring your whole family and receive free health screenings and consultations. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plz., 63101. For more information, call (314) 342-5036 or visit www.missouriblackexpo.com

Sun., Aug. 5, 10 a.m., Missouri Black Expo hosts City Wide Church Service with PastorJoe Lewis Middleton. America’s Center, 701 Convention Plz., 63101. For more information, call (314) 342-5036 or visit www.missouriblackexpo.com.

Sunday, July 22, 9 a.m., Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Crestwood liturgical worship, Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 8646 New Sappington Road, Crestwood, 63126. For more information, call (314) 843-8448 or visit www.poplchurch.org.

Sun., July 22, 3 p.m. The Philadelphia District Ministers’Wives and Widows presents the “First” Concert featuring “Minister’s Wives and Widows in Concert” Theme: “Singing Praises to our Lord and Savior,” Greater Fairfax Missionary Baptist Church, 2941 Greer Avenue St. Louis, MO. 63107. For more information, call 314-534-1998. Sun., July 29, 10 a.m., The Mercy Seat Baptist Church Women’s Day Celebration, Theme is “ Move Mountain Move”, Matt: 17-20. 4424 Washington Blvd.

October5 – 6, Southern Mission Baptist Church hosts trip to see “Joseph.” Overnight trip to Branson, MO. For more information call (314) 521-3951 or (314) 2493046. film

Thur., July 26, 7 p.m., Bill W. Documentary. Bill W.tells the story of William G. Wilson, co-founder of Alcoholics Anonymous. ill Wilson, a hopeless drunk near death from his alcoholism, found a way out of his own addiction and then forged a path for countless others to follow. Tivoli Theatre, 6350 Delmar, 63130.

Opulent Productions presents Welcome to My House Party Tour 2012 featuring Whodini.See SPECIAL EVENTS for more information.

St. Louis, but a lot of them aren’t further along simply because they don’t have the finances to get there.” Before he can become the Robin Hood of R&B, G knows he has work of his own to do. So he’s been on the local scene as a prominent opening act for artists and in the studio putting the finishing touches on his debut CD Guilty Thoughts He is planning for a fall 2012 release with the help of GoGetta Entertainment.

“The album has everything,” G said. “There are party songs, urban street songs and club songs. It’s thoughts from my mind that I wanted to get off of my chest. It’s a very intimate record, and I think the ladies will like it.”

From a ‘Phat Boi’ to a ‘G’

His grind as an R&B heartthrob hopeful began in an unlikely station. Back in 2006, he was a full-time student at University of Arkansas – Pine Bluff. He was also a part-time rapper under the moniker of “Phat Boi” in homage to his larger frame. He was in the studio recording when his partner in rhyme wanted to change the hook, so G just went ahead and sang it to expedite the process. The song was a hit on campus – and so went his rap career.

“People didn’t even know it was me singing it,” G confessed. “We opened up for Bobby Valentino, Avant the Brat and 3P at our homecoming concert, and the moment I did that I knew what I wanted to do.” But he felt like if he were

going to have a fighting chance at a career in R&B he would have to do something else as well – lose weight. He dropped 50 pounds and has worked hard regularly to maintain.

“I just know what I want,” G said. “I’m just so positive and I have so much tunnel vision – oh, and shout out to Shonda Bush and Steele Company fitness.”

The same diligence applies to his work ethic.

“It’s the same way with getting a deal – if you want it, you are going to do what it takes to do it,” he said. “You can’t worry about what people say. They’ll say you can’t do this or that because you are in St. Louis. Why not tell yourself that you can every day?”

For more information on G, visit www.gthesinger.com, Facebook.com/gthesinger or follow him on Twitter at @ gthesinger314.

School

GAMBIA

Top Barristers Anthony Schumann and Scott Rosenblum and The Big Ro Show Chuck Jackson’s Fox Sports Midwest managed the live feed for all events.

June 10 began with a celebrity brunch before the 1:00pm shotgun start at Stonewolf. The weather was beautiful, and golfers enjoyed a fun-filled day at the beautiful course.

Back at Lumiere for the evening, guests had a great time mingling at Lounge 28 (Stadium Sports Bar and Grill) where a great DJ was spinning the latest hits and Chef Keith Jones served up the best summer fare in the area. Day 3 at Stonewolf started with a shotgun start at 10 a.m. but was interrupted by a rain shower around 1 p.m. Not to worry, everyone regrouped and spent the rest of the day at Lumiere and a good time was had by all.

Camp Shakespeare Shakespeare Festival St. Louis sponsored “Camp Shakespeare: Freedom and

Power” at Crossroads College Preparatory Academy in June. On the camp’s final day the student’s presented The Tempest and Julius Caesar Both presentations were impressive and aptly directed by Christopher Limber

Talented young actors on the Julius Caesar production were: Zoe Call as Marcus Brutus, Hannah Grimm as Caius Cassius, Tori Manisco as Mark Antony, Ricci Franklin as Casca, Sam Buchholz as Decius Brutus, Louis McClellan as Metellus Cimber, Naima Randolph as Portia, Anna Brende as Calpurnia and Sarah Lowe as Octavius Caesar. The place to be

Frontenac Grill on Saturday nights. Former Four Tops and Temptations artist, the dashing Theo Peoples performs two Saturdays per month at 9pm. Theo’s next performance will be on July 28. Call 314.569.4115 to reserve your group’s table now. The Frank Sinatra themed Frontenac Grill offers guests live entertainment Wednesdays through Saturdays. The Frontenac Grill is the culmination of the late Mike Faille’s successful and longstanding career as a restaurateur in St. Louis. Count it all joy! Dana Grace: dgrandolph@ live.com.

Continued from C1

swapping rhythms, songs, stories and histories. The guys got a big kick out of seeing Mama Lisa play the drum, and the women were astonished by the fact that I could dance like them.

Beyond the hotel and the beach, I ventured to make academic connections at a local school. I was well-received by Kotu Junior and Senior Secondary’s campus. The Vice Principal, Mr. Koroma, was elated to receive the suitcase filled with school supplies for teaching advanced concepts in algebra and geometry.

Upon touring the school, I observed a split campus which offered classes for girls in the front courtyard and boys in the back. All of the children wore blue uniforms and were deeply involved in exams.

I spoke extensively with the math teacher and committed time in the near future to volunteer to teach upper-grade math classes. V.P. Koroma felt his prayers had been answered, since his school had not yet made a lasting outside connection for more resources. We both gave honor to my guide, Mr. Saidyba, for making the arrangements and to our ancestors for a successful initial meeting.

My ancestral homage was

fulfilled in a greater sense upon my trek to Juffureh. Like others before me, I carried fragmented knowledge about Kunta Kinte and the Mandinka people based upon Alex Haley’s book Roots and I desired to learn more. My guide and I traveled by taxi to the downtown capital of Banjul (about 12-15 minutes southeast of Kotu.) There, we rode a ferry to the town of Barra and took a second taxi to Juffureh.

The site is promoted as a major place of pilgrimage for all races and is marked with a large, 10-foot, black and white statue of a person with a globe for a head and dangling chains that have slipped the shackles.

The words “Never Again” are painted in large letters on its base.

The campus housed an old church, museum, restaurant and remnants of a fort. A 20-minute boat excursion transported us in small groups to nearby James Island, where transactions had once been made to export slaves from the Senegambia.

The guides brought to life the tragic tales of past centuries. It was all very humbling. Some day, I still hope to finalize the search for the village of my ancestors.

Margaret, a restaurant manager, escorted me to Timbooktoo Bookstore to gather research materials and took me to her church on Sunday. She was a member of Winners Chapel International.

The pastor spoke on the value of wisdom and the need for

Gambians to use their innate wisdom to influence their destinies towards changing from “begging to distribution.” He felt poverty was not an excuse to supplant ambition and ingenuity. His constant message throughout the sermon was “your breakthrough is coming.”

The pastor’s message inspired me to ponder further and reflect. We may never fully understand the depths of the assistance we give to others, but one thing is clear for me: Africa always.

As I sang and danced at the beach on the last evening before my departure, I looked deep into each face to try to make a spiritual connection. My libation prayer to them was for their continued perseverance and positivity, because more help would come. As the sun was setting over the horizon, I washed the sand from my feet, waved good-bye and uttered an “ashe, all praises” to those that could hear it. The Gambia is one of many places in Africa that I encourage people to visit. Kotu, though small like St. Louis, has a wealth of experiences to offer. I ask those with charitable incomes and gifts, as well as professional talents to share, to meet me next summer during a month-long stay and, like me, hope that your “first time” will not be your last. Contact Mama Lisa at fundishaent@yahoo.com.

Together again: St. Lunatics Murphy Lee, Ali, Nelly, Kyjuan and City Spud felt the love as over 40,000 concert-goers descended on Soldier’s Memorial for their performance Saturday

NELLY

Continued from C1

They couldn’t have been more than toddlers when the song was originally on the charts – if they were even born. Yet they mimicked every word in the exact cadence of the man who made the lyrics famous more than a decade ago.

A grandmother named Lynn had a custom made bedazzled T-shirt with “Nelly” written on the front and “#1” on the back. She wore a rope gold necklace and danced along to every song.

“Get it, ‘Golden Girl,’” someone yelled out as she bounced along to Nelly’s hits. It was a good night to be from St. Louis – Nellyville, indeed. As the city showed up in droves, Nelly and the Tics lit up the stage like they had everything to lose.

Between the snippets, guests verses and full-length songs, about 20 selections were squeezed into the hour and 10 minute set. They included hits like “Air Force Ones,” “Stepped on my Js,” “Hot in Herre,” “Ride Wit Me,” and “Grillz.” He also laced Nelly verses over recent hip-hop hits like Wacka Flocka Flames “No Hands,” T-Pain’s “All I Do is Win” and Drake’s “YOLO.” He allowed his partners in rhyme some shine time as well. Murphy Lee performed several of his guest verses and his own hits “What Da Hook Gon Be,” “Look At My Shoes” and “Get Money.” City Spud was given special praises before kicking into his “Ride with Me” verse and Ali performed a snippet of “Breathe In, Breathe Out.” “We’re showing out,” Nelly said. “We’re gonna make some people mad because we’re going over on time … but we at the crib.” The audience roared – and

Nelly continued. He called up fans on stage to dance along with him for “Body on Me” and “All in My Head.” One young lady was so lucky to sing Kelly Rowland’s verses in his Grammy Award winning hit “Dilemma.” The experience was a once in a lifetime/you had to be there priceless situation – and not just for the lucky ones who got called to the stage. Everyone played a part –most obviously when an offkey choir chimed in to sing the hook on “Just A Dream.” The same could be said for the headliner. It was as if Nelly had been waiting his whole career – better yet, his whole life – for this exact moment. “Shout out to all of the other local artists out there trying to make it,” Nelly said. “We have as much talent here as any other city. This is St. Louis –not just Nelly – in the history books.”

Dana Grace with Marshall Faulk

Mr. Dumbuya and his 7th and 8th grade math students at Kotu Junior Secondary

enjoy a visit from Mama Lisa.

night. Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St.Louis Convention & Visitors Commission

No place like home

Hot summer attractions in STL

Summer may be coming to a close, but the fun keeps going in St. Louis. Alate summer getaway to the Gateway City provides a happy ending to your summertime story.

Seeking cool activities that everyone can enjoy?Arctic adventures await at two popular family attractions.

At the Saint Louis Science Center, the giant screen OMNIMAX film, “To the Arctic” follows a mother polar bear and her cubs as they traverse their icy home.

Avisit to Penguin and Puffin Coast at the Saint Louis Zoo brings you up-close to the popular tuxedoed sub-Arctic inhabitants who playfully swish through frigid waters at speeds of up to 15 miles-per-hour.The hottest habitat at the Zoo – Sea Lion Sound – opened earlier this summer.Stroll through underwater viewing tunnels to catch the antics of sea lions in their splashy new home and performance arena. Through September, Zoo visitors can dip their hands into a salt water touch tank to gently greet stingrays and get eye-to-eye with three species of sharks in the Caribbean Cove exhibit.

Massive and elaborate Chinese lanterns are on view at the Missouri Botanical Garden through August 19.“Lantern Festival: Art by Day, Magic by Night”is a never-before-seen in the United States exhibition that showcases 26 huge and elaborate lanterns designed specifically for the festival and placed throughout the scenic, 79-acre garden.At night the Garden hosts special events that feature the illuminated lanterns in a spectacular display of lights and colors, Thursdays through Sundays.The splendors of a different Asian culture are celebrated when the Garden presents its 36th Annual Japanese Festival over Labor Day weekend, September 1-3.

Perhaps you’ve seen Paris and you’ve seen France, but bet you didn’t know that you can see vintage underpants, corsets and petticoats at the Missouri History Museum’s “Underneath It All” exhibit.The historic undergarment “fashion show” explores changes in women’s clothing and the role of females in American society since the 19th century.The exhibit is open free of charge at the museum in Forest Park.

The museum also showcases St. Louis’ surprising Civil War history in “The Civil War in Missouri” special exhibition.

Curated by the Missouri History Museum for the 150th anniversary of the Civil War, the extensive exhibit is filled with artifacts, imagery and first-person narratives that reflect St. Louis and Missouri’s bitter divide between secessionists and Union preservationists.

There’s no such thing as the “summertime blues” in The Lou, but there is plenty of blues music to be enjoyed.The signature sound, which spills from clubs and pubs throughout the river city, is feted during the annual Big Muddy Blues Festival.The region’s largest blues music event caps off summer during Labor Day weekend,

September 1 and 2.

Thirty-plus bands perform on three stages throughout the cobblestone streets of the historic Laclede’s Landing entertainment district from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. each day.

Big name headliners like the infamous Dr. John, Joe Louis Walker and the Royal Southern Brotherhood – a band whose members, including Cyril Neville and Devon Allman have blues-infused DNA–perform in the shadow of the Gateway Arch. Not to be missed:a tribute show honoring the late blues icon Etta James presented on Sunday afternoon by a trio of St. Louis’ home grown blues divas.Acomplete schedule of events is available at www.bigmuddybluesfestival.com

Does the thought of back-to-school frighten your little ones?Prepare rising preschoolers for the world of elementary school with a visit to the very first kindergarten classroom in the nation. In 1873, St. Louis educator Susan Blow conducted the first publicly funded, continuously operating kindergarten in the United States at Des Peres School.The Carondelet Historic Center, based in the school building, is a museum that preserves Blow’s classroom and the history of the surrounding neighborhood.

Older students can get a jump on English Lit homework by grabbing a seat at the riotous parody play, “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare (Abridged)” at the Grandel Theatre from August 10-19.

Practice makes perfect and August is prep time for the St. Louis Rams.Two preseason games kick-off at the Edward Jones Dome before the regular NFLseason begins. On Saturday evening, August 18, the Rams take on cross-state rivals the Kansas City Chiefs and the Baltimore Ravens fly into town for a test run on Thursday night, August 30.

Atrip to Busch Stadium to watch baseball’s World Champion St. Louis Cardinals at play covers all the bases for a good time outing.The Redbirds host sixteen games at home during August, including highly anticipated series with their Central Division opponents, the Milwaukee Brewers and Pittsburgh Pirates.

Tower Grove Park provides the lush, outdoor venue for the Festival of Nations August 25 and 26.Music, dance, art, an international market and amazing food from cultures around the world are highlights of this annual “global” event LouFest, the biggest Indie music event in The Lou, rocks Forest Park on August 25 and 26.

Headliners include The Flaming Lips, Girl Talk, Dinosaur JR and Sleepy Kitty.

LouFest is known for serving crowdfavorite menu items from local restaurants in the “Nosh Pit.”

For more information about these and other events taking place in St. Louis during August and over Labor Day weekend, click on www.explorestlouis.com.

20-year anniversary

Robyn and Reginald L. Austen Sr. will celebrate 20 years of marriage on July 26, 2012. Robyn is the owner of Reggie’s Tax Service and Reginald is a Production Assistant for Wonder Bread. They are the proud parents of one son, Reginald II, age 14. The couple has planned a special anniversary celebration with family and friends at the Polish Heritage Center.

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Young achiever

Congratulations to Dallis Johnson of Grace Chapel Lutheran School, on her acceptance to the 2012 Junior National Young Leaders Conference in Washington DC. Dallis will join 250 other high-achieving middle school students to take part in this extraordinary leadership conference this summer.

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

2nd Annual Riddick

School/Evans Neighborhood Reunion, Saturday, September 1, 2012, from 9am - 9pm, at the 4100 Block of Evans Avenue. Please be sure to tell

your friends. For additional information, please contact Catherine Kendrick at 314389-0956.

Beaumont High School 50th Reunion, Jan and June classes of 1962, September 15, 2012. Addresses needed! Send name, address, phone number and email address to: beaumontclass@comcast.net.

East St. Louis Sr. High Class of 1992 will celebrate its 20 year reunion, August 3-5, 2012. Call (618) 203-6318 for more information.

Hadley Tech Classes of “6263” will be celebrating their

Cancer survivor

Congratulations to Jimmie Combs, who celebrated four years of being cancer free on July 25. To God be the Glory!

50th class reunion at the Marriott Hotel St. Louis Airport, October 12-14, 2012. For more information contact: Hellon Jefferson at 314-3073681, Virdell Stennis at 314773-8177 or Wilhelmina Baker at 314-588-0779.

Northwest High Class of 1982 is celebrating its 30 year reunion August 31-September 2.We are currently looking for classmates to attend our upcoming fundraiser events. For more information call Johnny Bolden 456-1776 or Herman Hopson 573-2304290.

Soldan Class of 1962 will celebrate its 50th Reunion August 10-12, 2012 at the Embassy Suites Hotel in St Charles, Missouri. There will be a “Meet and Greet” on Friday, picnic, dinner and dancing on Saturday, brunch on Sunday! If you only want to attend the dinner/dance, let us know. Please contact Wanda Morganfield at mswanda1103@sbcglobal.com or Sam Harris at harrissam@hotmail.com.

Soldan All Class Alumni Picnic, August 18, 2012, 10 am-6 pm at Blanchette Park, 1900 W. Randolph St., St.

Birthdays

McElroy celebrated her 21st birthday on July 24!

Charles, MO. Food, Music, Prizes and Memorabilia. Adults $15 / Children $8 (412). Tickets can be purchased at Legacy Book / Café, 5249 Delmar (at Union) 314-3612182, Visit Website: http://www.70cos.org/.

SumnerHigh School Class of 1952 will hold its 60th class reunion August 10-11, 2012 at the Renaissance St. Louis Airport Hotel. We would like to hear from all graduates. For more information, contact: Mary McCauley at 314-3835017 or email mmccaul8@sbcglobal.net.

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

Aunya

Happy 4th birthday to Christian Lovelace on July 27!Love, Mommy, Daddy and Syrai

‘I’m from the Lou and I’m proud.’ Before I do anything else, I must tip my grill to Nelly and the St. Lunatics for the way they tore up the Celebrate St. Louis Stage last Saturday at Soldiers Memorial! The only bad thing I can say about the show is that they shole (yes, I said shole) took their time taking the stage. But once they did…it was on and poppin! I haven’t seen such an outward display of STL pride since the Y2K – back when “Country Grammar” came out of nowhere to eat the competition alive on the charts! I don’t even know where to start, it was such a great set! It was an evening of STL’s greatest hip-hop hits and the friendly mob of tens of thousands were all the way up in it. And y’all were really doin’ your own dances too! I saw hip swivels inspired by everything from the Partridge Family to the Too Live Crew. The couple in front of me looked like they were dancing to the rhythm of the Brady Bunch classic “Sunshine Day.” I had almost as much fun watchin’ the folks get down as I did seeing Nelly, Murphy Lee, Kyjuan, City Spud and Trife do the doggone thang (yes, I said thang)! And they didn’t shortchange us either. Was I the only one thinking “dang, I forgot Nelly had all of these songs,” as he jumped into hit after hit? He gave the other Tics a taste of the spotlight too, which we all sincerely appreciated. I was also thrilled to see I wasn’t the only person over 30 who knew every single word to Murph’s verse on “Get Money.” And more than a handful twerked themselves into heat exhaustion after breakin’ it down to “Hot in Herre.” The folks at Fair St. Louis really deserve a round of applause – from the entire city, and the Tics – for givin’ us a special highlight in recent STL history. I did the ‘chicken head’ all the way to my next location. And I’ll bet when he’s 98, and wearing a muscle shirt while propped up in the nursing home to the stars, Nelly will be smiling at the thought of how he had what seemed like half the city on its feet.

The nerve of some security. I didn’t want to infect my props to Nelly and the St. Lunatics – and Fair St. Louis for that matter – but I feel like I must mention the way I was treated when I was minding my own business and making my way to my seat on Soldiers Memorial. I flashed my media badge thinking it would be business as usual, but the female security staff –who bore a striking resemblance to the robust woman from ‘Bridesmaids’ –wanted no part of me in the media area. First she tells me that my badge is forged and goes on to say “today is not the 21st.” She refused to look at my phone – which had the date clearly displayed. Then when she finds out that it IS in fact the 21st she tells me I can’t enter because I am clearly not the media. Girl, you can’t tell me what day it is, but you know media when you see them? Help. She then proceeds to tell me that I don’t have a pen, therefore I couldn’t be media. Not even in this digital age? I guess. She eventually let me in the media area, but when I mentioned that she was rude she essentially said if I didn’t like it I was free to not enter the concert. Luckily Nelly and the Tics made up for it, but I started my Celebrate St. Louis experience with a sour taste in my mouth because of her…and I probably wasn’t the only one.

Downtown Nellyville. But back to the good news! Between the Nellyfest (yes, that’s how I’m referring to the concert from now on) and the baseball game, downtown St. Louis looked like Times Square Saturday night and I was all up in it! Every single spot serving a cocktail and a chicken wing was packed to the gills! I even think I saw a few folks trying to turn the Papa John’s into one of the many party centrals that had popped off from Union Station all the way to the Eads Bridge. Every establishment or eatery should be paying the Cardinals and Celebrate St. Louis a tribute for the record-breaking sales and attendance the crowds must have served up. It was like World Series victory night – but with an additional 20K (give or take) of folks added to the masses.

Lola Vaporz. I ended up landing back at Lola after a good minute of downtown people watching and peeking my head in a place or two. Folks had already cooled down enough to get ready for the G.O.O.D. sounds of Mr. Kanye Kardashian West…via the ones and twos of course. Shadzilla was on the the mic and DJ Reminisce was ready to spin. I stayed for a little while but eventually wandered off to see Nelly and ‘nem unwind.

Celebrity boo sighting. I made my way to The Coliseum for the official Nelly after party. It wasn’t as (insert new slang for crunk) as many probably expected, but it was a chill time with a delightfully blended and nice sized crowd. The who’s who were in the house: T-Luv and the lovely Gabby, Daryel Oliver, the always gorgeous DT, and a whole gang of others joined Nelly and all of the ‘Tics came through, gettin’ plenty of props for their performance! I even saw Ashanti tucked away in the VVIP (Very Very Important People). Cute updo, girl!

The Social hour. I must say that I was expecting a slow motion weekend, but it turned out to be one of the best non-holiday kicking-it experiences I’ve had in a while. I’m going to give some of the credit to how it kicked off. Friday afternoon I stopped by Shift 58’s The Social weekly happy hour at Lola and felt like I was smack dab in the middle of an all-black adaptation of “Cheers”. Everybody knew everybody else, and those who didn’t introduced themselves and joined in the casual conversation and soaked up the drink and appetizer specials. And while I have a feeling Lola’s Creole crab cakes will make a difference when the time comes to zip the back of my 25th anniversary commemorative Salute to Excellence in Education gown, the entire evening was totally worth it! The social goes on from 5-8 p.m. every Friday. White Soul. I know you thought that I was going to say that a Robin Thicke concert was coming your way, but I have even better news! Café Soul’s all-white edition is going to have Plush on and poppin’! Between the all-white ensembles and the top-notch local artists I’m expecting, I can’t help but be excited. I’m still relishing in that magnificent showing that the ladies offered us by way of Ledisi and Eric Benet – and the preview sip of Theresa Payne, Tiffany Elle, Justin

is

to

Hoskins, Tasha B and more. Plush

the place

be tomorrow (July 27) and 8 p.m. is the time.

Darryl and Mike keeping the door Yezzy fresh as Shadzilla and the crew paid tribute to Kanye West Saturday night @ Lola

Summer and Keitston showing off the designs of Sierra Moses’ (middle) Haus Clothing at the Handmade Happy Hour on Washington Friday afternoon

Dannie and Megan kicked their weekend off Friday night @ The Loft

Vega of Rockhouse Ent. and Indiana Rome came out to support and show love for The War Machine 2 Mix-tape release Friday night @ The Gramophone

Alex and Michelle took it up a notch Friday night @ The Turn Up @ The Gramophone

STL’s own Tef Poe, Rockwell Knuckles and Corey Black marked the release of The War Machine 2 Mix-tape with a release party Friday night @ The Gramophone

Ciara and Chinele stopped by the Mangrove’s sultry new hot spot SOHO Friday night

Shaneis and Adrian were among the early birds to get a good seat in the shade for Nelly’s Celebrate St. Louis Concert @ Soldiers Memorial

Friends Valerie, Ken and Tavonda rocked out to DJ Reminisce during his tribute to Kanye West Saturday night @ Lola

Gwen and Shaunta were in the house to help Nelly celebrate a job well done at his official concert after party Saturday night @ The Coliseum

Cousins Elaine and Keysha at Lola said cheers to the weekend Friday afternoon @ The Social’s weekly happy hour @ Lola

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

The latest Celebrate St. Louis’ annual concert series was transformed into a Nellyville block party. People left Soldier’s Memorial saying “I’m from the Lou and I’m proud” after rap star Nelly and the St. Lunatics brought the house down Saturday night. Taz, secretary for the Derrty Riders motorcycle group, was just one of tens of thousands who came out to show support for the STL’s brightest rap star.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN

Authorand executive to speak at scholarship fundraiser

Frankie Muse Freeman and Wayman F. Smith Scholarship Fundraising event August 4

American staff

Amy S. Hilliard, author of “Tap Into Your Juice,” will keynote the 5th annual Frankie Muse Freeman and Wayman F. Smith Scholarship Fundraising event on Saturday, August 4. This year’s fundraiser is a Jazz Brunch in the Chouteau Room of Vin De Set restaurant from 10:30 AM to 1:30 PM. Ms. Hilliard is founder and CEO of The ComfortCake Company and is on Howard University’s Board of Trustees. The topic of Ms. Hilliard’s message is “The Value of Historically Black Colleges and Universities in the 21st Century.” ADetroit native and honors graduate of both Howard University and the Harvard Business School, Ms.

Hilliard is a former senior marketing executive with leading Fortune 500 corporations and entrepreneurial firms including Bloomingdale’s, Gillette, Pillsbury, L’Oreal and Burrell Communications Group. Additionally, Ms. Hilliard owns The Hilliard Group, a strategic marketing consulting, product development and speaking firm whose clients have included IBM, American Express, HBO and Gap. The event is hosted by the Howard Alumni Club of St. Louis. Howard alumni Drs. Esther and Earl Beeks; and Dr. Joseph Dorsey; are serving as Premiere Sponsors of this event. This fundraiser is designed to be both a celebration of the contributions

of Ms. Freeman and Mr. Smith, as well as raising funds for scholarships for Howard

University students from the St. Louis region named in their honor.

This year’s winners are: DaVonna Williams, Nathaniel Shelton and Tiffani Ferrell. DaVonna Williams is an incoming Howard freshman from Timberland High School in Wentzville. This honor student has held membership in the Future Business Leaders of America and will dual major in Information Systems and Marketing. Nathaniel Shelton, a graduate of John Burroughs High School, is entering his sophomore year at Howard pursuing a degree in Theater Arts. He is spending this summer performing Shakespeare in D.C. Nathaniel’s long term goal is to make his mark on Broadway and in television and movies.

Tiffani Ferrell, a sophomore at Howard, is a two time recipient of this scholarship. She is spent part of this summer in China with Howard’s Freshman Leadership Academy. Tiffani is

“We have

fortunate to build strategic partnerships with organizations like the Wayman F. Smith Scholarship Foundation as well as our alumni benefactors who make these awards possible,” said Tamara Howard, Howard Alumni Club of St. Louis President.

“We want to award students who best exemplify the excellence and grace Frankie M. Freeman and Wayman F. Smith have demonstrated in their contributions to this community and the world. These scholarships are one way of accomplishing that goal.” This Jazz Brunch will showcase the talents of HU