July 3rd, 2014 Edition

Three Peat

Helping children flourish

Rev. Starsky Wilson honored by St. Louis Children’s Hospital for advocacy

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

St. Louis Children’s Hospital awarded

Reverend Starsky Wilson, 37, with its Child Advocacy Award this year. The award, established in 1994, recognizes local and state leaders “who leverage their positions, influence and resources to advance the hospital’s mission to do what’s right for kids.”

Rev. Wilson is president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation and pastor (with a

n “No funder can tell us there is something we shouldn’t say on behalf of children.”

– Rev. Starsky Wilson

prophetic fire) at St. John’s United Church of Christ, 4136 N. Grand Blvd. in North St. Louis.

said Greta Todd, director of child advocacy and outreach at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. “Starsky Wilson lives and breathes this mission.” Wilson’s passion for service, the hospital noted in awarding him, is rooted in his personal experience growing up as the child of a single mom and suffering the tragic loss of his brother to gun violence. A native of Dallas, Texas, Wilson is married

“Advancing health and hope for children in poverty, this is the mission of Deaconess,” See WILSON, A7

By Kenya Vaughn

Louis American

Of The St.

(Portland) – “I get to stand here and represent The St. Louis American, but our newspaper is very much a collaborative effort,” said Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor. It was a phrase Suggs would repeat often as he was congratulated or solicited for advice over the course of the evening during the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) annual Merit Awards ceremony Thursday in Portland, Oregon.

– Donald M. Suggs

“You see me, but there is a whole team of individuals who are vital contributors to our success and are continuously striving for excellence,” Suggs said. “What we do is made possible by a committed, dedicated and talented group of people who contribute to The American in several capacities and multiple roles on a daily basis, as well as the acceptance and support

See AMERICAN, A6 n “The real joy comes in knowing that we are being of service to our readers and the community as a whole.”

“I am looking at this as a reset for the district.”

– Sheila Williams

“The community is always grateful for your service. The public always is not.”

– Mike Jones

New Schools Collaborative not bound by state transfer student legislation

By Dale Singer Of St. Louis Public Radio

Before he gave the oath of office to the five appointed members of the new board of the Normandy Schools Collaborative on Tuesday, state school board vice president Mike Jones also gave them some advice.

First, he told them that what they are doing is not community service, it is public service. The difference?

“The community is always grateful for your service,” Jones said. “The public always is not.”

Then, he noted that while the Missouri state school board may have confirmed their appointments, the big job ahead is theirs.

“The state board of education may own the railroad,” he said, “but this is your train, and you have the responsibility of getting it to its destination.”

Photo by UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Photo by Wiley Price

BJC board chair Kelvin Westbrook looks on as Reverend Starsky Wilson, president and CEO of Deaconess Foundation, accepts the Child Advocacy Award from St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

Bobbi Kristina unleashes on Angela Bassett

When E! News asked director Angela Bassett if she considered Houston’s daughter Bobbi Kristina for the starring role in the Lifetime Network biopic, she candidly, yet tastefully replied,

“No, I did not think about that. I did not think about casting her. And probably for a number of reasons, you know. One being that she’s not an actress. I know she’s acted here and there. I know she’s been on their family’s reality show, but she’s not an actress and acting is a craft. It’s an attempt to illuminate the complexities of human behavior and life. And this is a very fast-paced schedule; we have just 21 days to tell this story. It’s more than just saying lines and turning the light on. You have to drive the story—there’s a technical aspect.”

“Ha MsAng “Bassketcase” has such a damn nerve. My lord, at least the world doesn’t mistake me for the wrong sex,” Bobbi Kristina tweeted. “When I win my first Grammy or Oscar, hmm whichever comes first, I’ll be sure to shout your name out [expletive]. HahUrTestResults=Male.”

Did Beyoncé read Jay Z’s mistress during ‘On The Run’ set?

Beyoncé further fueled Jay Z cheating when she aggressively modified her song lyrics for “Resentment” during the Ohio stop of the On The Run Tour.

She was supposed to say:

“I’ll always remember feeling like I was no good / Like I couldn’t do it for you like your mistress could Been ridin’ with you for six years... I gotta look at her in her eyes and see she’s had half of me”

She actually said:

Bobbi Kristina was less than pleased and used her Twitter account to rip into Bassett –even insulting her womanhood.

“I’ll always remember feeling like I was no good / Like I

couldn’t do it for you like that wack [expletive] could Been ridin’ with you for twelve years...I gotta look at her in her eyes and see she’s had half of me. She ain’t even half of me. That [expletive] will never be.”

Ice T’s grandson charged in death of roommate

Nicki Minaj

Ice T’s grandson Elyjah Marrow was arrested in Georgia for accidentally killing his roommate According to reports Ice T’s 19-year-old grandson Elyjah Marrow was arrested in Marietta, GA yesterday after he accidentally shot and killed his 19-year-old roommate Daryus , while handling a gun. Daryus was rushed to the hospital where he was pronounced dead Marrow was charged with involuntary manslaughter, possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, and possession of a stolen firearm A statement from

the Marietta Police Department reads:

“Marrow was not using proper firearms safety when handling the gun. That reckless handling of the firearm is what led to Johnson being accidentally shot and eventually killed.”

Nicki Minaj cites near death experience during BET Awards speech

Most people caught the shade that Nicki Minaj threw at rapper Iggy Azaelia during her BET Awards acceptance speech for “Best Female Hip Hop Artist,” but she also told the audience that the paparazzi, namely TMZ, almost cost the rap starlet her life.

“The other day, literally I didn’t tell anybody this, I really thought I was about to die. Like, I was saying my prayers to die. And I didn’t even want to call the ambulance, because I thought, ‘Well if I call the ambulance, it’s going to be on TMZ,” Minaj said. I would rather sit there and die. And it made me realize I don’t care what anybody got to say. I’m going to do me.”

Sources: BET, E! News, Hip Hollywood, Twitter, Instagram

Foster care agency finds a home

Community Response serves youth aging out of foster care

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St. Louis American

Community Response, a nonprofit serving youth aging out of state foster care, now has a permanent home after renting office space for 12 years. Community Response and All Health Concerns, LLC celebrated with an open house and ribbon-cutting ceremony Saturday, June 21, at 6744 Olive Blvd. University City Mayor Shelley Welsch cut the red ribbon as Community Response Founding Executive Director Barbara McGhee looked on. “We’re hoping to establish ourselves in the community as a resource for all our children and families in need,” McGhee said.

From the outside, the 2,800-square-foot building in University City could be mistaken for a residence. The building has three offices and classroom space in the basement for meetings and workshops. Community Response shares an office location with Innerstrength, LLC, which provides counseling and hynotherapy services, and All Health Concerns, which offers “whole health consultations.” Mark Baden of Royal Banks and Robert Boyle of Justine Petersen attended the ceremony. Royal Banks is a community bank that prides itself on helping local businesses grow, Baden said. Justine Petersen loaned McGhee 20 percent of the down payment and Royal Banks financed the additional amount, she said. “It’s not about me, and it’s not about Royal Banks,” Baden said. “This is about Barbara, Community Response and the fantastic job they’re doing in the community.”

Go slow in Iraq

By Rev. Jesse L. Jackson

Chicago Sun-Times

The furious debate about Iraq is largely a debate about blame, not about solutions. The neo-conservatives who sold the invasion of Iraq on the basis of fables about weapons of mass destruction now want to blame Obama for “losing Iraq.” Unrepentant, they have once more flooded the media —

families are hard to come by. McGhee asked that her identity be withheld for confidentiality purposes. She feels like the “black sheep” of the family, she said. She has five younger sisters and she was the only one of her mother’s children that ended up in foster care, she said.

“My whole family wasn’t supportive,” she said. “They made me feel like they didn’t like me anymore. They just dropped me like a cold case.”

She had hoped to be adopted but was told, “No one’s going to want to adopt you. You’re too old.” She was only 14. Next year on January 5, she will celebrate her 21st birthday and is uncertain about her future.

with the state Department of Social Services- Children’s Division.

Dick Cheney, Paul Wolfowitz, even Paul Bremer, who headed the ruinous post-invasion occupation.

But Gen. Colin Powell, Bush’s secretary of state and former chair of the Joint Chiefs, had it right when he cautioned against the invasion, arguing what was dubbed the Pottery Barn argument that “if you break it, you own it.” The invasion broke up Iraq

Community Response serves as a “surrogate” for young adults whose parent’s parental rights have been terminated, McGhee said. Typically, youth are placed in foster care as a result of abuse, neglect or abandonment, she said. Many youth have lived in an average

and shattered stability in the region. Obama inherited the shards of broken glass. Cheney and his claque want to blame him for not putting the pieces together again. Obama at least had the good sense to get American soldiers out of the mess (although their removal, ironically, was agreed to by George Bush and enforced not by Obama but by the government of Iraq that refused to accept a so-called “residual force.”)

of 10 foster homes by the time they enroll into Community Response’s Independent Living Program, she added. Currently, there are 16 young adults enrolled in the program. One program participant who has not yet aged out of foster care said good foster

The civil war between Shiite and Sunni and Kurd now engulfs Syria and Iraq, with Iran and Saudi Arabia and the emirates involved in supporting various sides. One of the

perverse effects of the BushCheney invasion is that it produced a militantly Shiite government in Baghdad, allied with Iran and intent on suppressing the minority Sunnis in Iraq, to the dismay of our allies in Saudi Arabia and elsewhere. The Bush debacle is measured in millions displaced, trillions wasted, hundreds of thousands dead, and thousands of U.S. casualties, dead and wounded. But the scope of the folly is that all that misery and sacrifice produced a government allied with our adversary in the region and aligned against our allies. Many seem to think that

She said, “As soon as midnight hits on your birthday, no help whatsoever.”

Community Response’s Independent Living Program provides young adults between 18 and 20 years old with housing, a case manager, a therapist or life coach, educational, job and life skills training. McGhee contracts

precision, limited bombing will have transformative power, leading to peace, negotiations, coalition government, a revival of the moderates.

This is frankly silly. There’s already a lot of violence in this expanding civil war; adding a bit more to it isn’t a remedy. President Obama argues that our interests are deeply engaged — in stability of the region, in the supply of oil, in the security of our friends from Israel to Jordan, and even in the security of our “homeland.”

But this, too, seems exaggerated. Obviously, we have an interest in stability of the region — one reason invasion was so foolish. But the civil war isn’t really a threat to our security. Iraq’s oil is not

“Our goal is to make sure that at 21 when they age out of foster care they are as prepared as possible to live on their own,” McGhee said. McGhee also told the crowd that Community Response has secured a 30-unit building at Hamilton and Cabanne Avenues and is working with funders to purchase the property, she said. By having its own building, Community Response would be able to serve more young adults in need, McGhee said. The building would also house additional office space, a fitness center, common area, computer lab and a day care, McGhee said. Community Response will soon launch an Indiegogo campaign to raise $150,000.

“We’ve spoken with some funders, and we need that amount to be competitive,” McGhee said.

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.

essential to the world economy, much less to ours. And the terrorist ISIS forces will be constantly besieged, and hardly a threat to the U.S. In reality, the U.S. has neither the interest nor the resources nor the public support to “resolve” the civil war now raging across the Middle East. We should revive the “coalition of the willing” to offer outside pressure for negotiations and peace. We should be willing to bring our regional allies together with our regional adversaries like Iran to see if a settlement is possible. And we should act economically to limit the damage.

YMCA awards Youth of the Year

Afshanti Hunter, 17, of Florissant is the YMCA of Greater St. Louis’ 2014 Joseph P. Sunnen Youth of the Year winner. The award recognizes young people who demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, volunteer their time to the Y and their communities, and exemplify the Y’s core values. Hunter is a senior at Hazelwood Central High School. Alongside her are Anegeles Echols, Oksana Hill-Needem, Cassidy Munie, Mary McGilvray, Travis Spraul, Ellis Burgett, Christina Krucylak, Kelli Dampier, Rebecca Deters, Jasmine Bates, Jessica Braggs, Ryan Coleman, Jessica Song, Anna Layton, Shannon Wroble, and Victoria Roettger.

Senior sign-up events for reduced fare

Metro transit will host Reduced Fare Permit registration events for older adults on Thursday, July at 10 area Schnucks stores. The Reduced Fare Permit identiies adults age 65 and older as qualifying for reduced fares when riding MetroBus and MetroLink.

Metro representatives will sign up eligible senior citizens 10 a.m.-1 p.m. on the following dates at these Schnucks locations:

• Thursday, July 3, South City, 3430 South Grand

• Tuesday, July 8, Florissant, 8200 N. Lindbergh

• Thursday, July 10, Affton, 10070 Gravois

• Tuesday, July 15, Richmond Center, 6600 Clayton Road

• Thursday, July 17, University City, 6920 Olive

• Tuesday, July 22, Hampton Village, 60 Hampton Village Plaza

• Thursday, July 24, Lindbergh, 10275 Clayton Road

• Tuesday, July 29, Overland, 9074 Overland Plaza

• Thursday, July 31, Cross Keys, 13987 New Halls Ferry Road

The Metro Reduced Fare Permit can only be obtained in person, and older adults are required to present a government-issued photo identiication card which veriies their age.

Permits also can be obtained Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. at the MetroStore, 701 Convention Plaza (at the corner of 7th and Washington). The store is served by the Convention Center MetroLink Station and the #99 Downtown Trolley. More information about the Reduced Fare Permits is available at metrostlouis.org. Representatives of senior organizations or independent living retirement communities can call 314-982-1455 to request a sign-up event at their facilities.

Participatory budgeting in the 6th Ward

By Ald. Christine Ingrassia For The St. Louis American

As the 6th Ward was busy implementing St. Louis city’s first participatory budgeting project over the winter, President Obama released his second U.S. Open Government National Action Plan. The plan outlined participatory budgeting (PB) as a best practice to ensure “citizens play a key role in identifying, discussing, and prioritizing public spending projects, giving them a voice in how taxpayer dollars are spent.”

The document further indicated the Obama administration would actively partner with local governments and other groups to help establish and support PB across the country.

Due to its ability to turn traditionally marginalized residents into active and informed civic contributors by giving them a direct say in how their tax dollars are spent, PB has spread to nearly 1,500 governments worldwide since its inception in Brazil. This year’s 6th Ward project makes St. Louis the fifth city in the United States to undertake PB.

As alderwoman, it is my responsibility to not only represent residents well, but to also encourage as many people as possible to participate in our local government. To accomplish this, I must have meaningful relationships with residents across all neighborhoods and deliberately seek out those people who may not typically be found at neighborhood association meetings or on social media.

To that end, the 6th Ward formed a PB steering committee last spring with a mission to empower residents, expand civic participation and increase government transparency, with a focus on inclusion of historically marginalized populations.

We pulled data to show where we would find residents not registered to vote or those who rarely showed up at their polling places. We mapped this information, along with the lowest income levels in the area, and began a targeted door-knocking campaign last fall to let people know they would have a direct voice on how 40 percent of the 6th Ward’s capital improvement money would be spent. We also went to a variety of neighborhood-based meetings and utilized social media platforms.

We then held neighborhood assemblies where residents learned about the city’s budget, brainstormed project ideas and selected budget delegates. These volunteer delegates formed committees to transform the community’s ideas into full proposals. Delegates presented their proposals and received feedback from residents in February, and the community voted at roving polling places all over the ward for a week in April.

To be as inclusive as possible, we allowed anyone living in the ward to vote, regardless of voter registration or immigration status. Felons and youth aged 16 or older were also able to participate in the entire process.

The three winning projects will be implemented during the city’s 2015 fiscal year.

I’m thrilled to report that, at 4 percent, our project had the highest voter turnout of any other location in the U.S. so far. Fifty-eight percent of our voters were people of color. Anecdotally, we know many of the individuals who participated throughout the process were not those typically involved and we are currently working to formally evaluate our process to determine whether we are on track to meet our goals of inclusion and engagement.

As the White House watched our progress, and that of others across the nation, an invitation was extended approximately 50 of the country’s PB advocates to attend a daylong seminar on promoting civic engagement through participatory budgeting. On May 13, the 6th Ward’s PB team traveled to Washington, D.C. to work alongside White House staffers, PB practitioners, community organizers, foundation funders and academics to outline best practices and identify next steps for expanding PB.

Having the Obama administration validate the work we’ve been tackling on the ground by bringing all key players to the table at one place was a huge step forward for determining whether participatory budgeting continues to deliver on its promise of an inclusive government, rebuilt trust and increased civic engagement. I’m proud St. Louis is a part of this very important national conversation.

Christine Ingrassia is alderwoman of St. Louis’ 6th Ward.

Christine Ingrassia

PAPER

Continued from A1

of the community we serve.”

The American garnered awards in 10 categories (of 19), including the coveted General Excellence Award, which comes with the bragging rights of “The Best Black Newspaper in the Nation.”

This marked the third NNPA General Excellence Award in a row for The American – and its tenth time in than 20 years.

“Having worked for a lot of publications, The American is the most consistent I’ve ever edited or reported for,” said managing editor Chris King. “And I do believe the consistency is due to a very coherent mission. He likes to share responsibility and credit, but as a matter of fact Donald Suggs set the mission – and he’s very relentless about it.”

The mission is what keeps staff at the paper for long tenures.

“Because the staff is so small, given our responsibility, no one stays here who doesn’t get the mission. It wouldn’t be worth the work it takes to please the publisher’s high standards for executing his mission,” King said.

“Between the coherence of the mission, the relentlessness of the publisher and the tininess of the staff, we have to be consistent – and we are,” King said. “And fortunately, we are consistent at a high level of performance. That’s what our peers are telling us, and we appreciate their respect.”

‘Russwurm’ returns

This year’s win also marked the return of “The Russwurm.”

Named in honor of John B. Russwurm, senior editor and co-publisher of the nation’s first black newspaper, The Freedom’s Journal, the award is seen as the standard of excellence among the nearly 100 active member newspapers of the NNPA.

In 2013, The Russwurm was eliminated as part of an NNPA Merit Awards format change. Last year, publications were grouped into categories based on circulation size, and The American took home top honors in the largest circulation group. NNPA returned to its original format for 2014. The Russwurm award was rechristened to pay tribute to 20th century Black Press mogul, civil rights activist, political leader and NNPA founder John Sengstacke as well.

Along with the newly named John B. Russwurm & John Sengstacke Award for General Excellence, The American took home top honors for Community Service,

Best Special Section, Best Use of Photographs, Best Lifestyle Section, Best Entertainment Section and Digital Excellence.

It received second place awards for Best Business Section, Best Layout and Design (Broadsheet), and third place for Best Sports section.

This marked the third first place award in a row for Best Use of Photograph and the Entertainment Section– and the second Digital Excellence top honors in the three-year history of the category.

“These awards don’t belong to just me,” Suggs said.

They don’t just belong to The St. Louis American staff either. “The collaborative

effort” Suggs speaks of also applies to the St. Louis community – whose narrative The American is charged with both sharing and engaging via print, online and multiple social media channels.

“The practical rewards of this work are real, but the emotional rewards that come with celebrating this community are truly priceless,” King said.

King said the paper partly owes its success to a content partnership with St. Louis Public Radio, a strong internship program, the contributions of countless citizen journalists and its access to sources at the highest levels of government and civic leadership.

“We practice constructive engagement. We’re not throwing rocks at the tank.

We’re trying to encourage the civic leaders and decision makers and make them take responsibility for addressing problems in the region – very much including the problems that the black community faces because of generations of disenfranchisement and racism,” King said.

“I would encourage anyone in the field of ethnic media to do that. The corporate community knows who we are because we engage with them – not because we attack them. And that’s why they support this paper – because they feel like they have a partner.”

But in the end, for everyone at the paper, it all comes back to the community.

Pluria Marshall Jr., publisher of The Wave Newspaper Group of Los Angeles; Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of The St. Louis American; Benjamin Chavis, newly appointed president of NNPA; and Cloves Campbell, publisher of The Arizona Informant and NNPA chairman.

“Every time my spirits have drifted a bit on the job, I went and did a story and talked to somebody in the community – and saw how much they need this publication and how much they care about this publication,” King said.

Other multiple winners for the 2014 Merit Awards include The Portland Skanner, The New Pittsburgh Courier, The Philadelphia Tribune and The Atlanta Daily World “We are humbled and appreciative – and extremely grateful – for these awards,” Suggs said. “But the real joy comes in knowing that we are being of service to our readers and the community as a whole.”

Photo by Worsom Robinson/NNPA

Continued from A1

That destination is to regain accreditation for Normandy. Losing that accreditation made the district subject to student transfers that brought it to the brink of bankruptcy and prompted the state to first take over its finances, then take over the schools altogether.

As of midnight Monday, the old Normandy school district disappeared, along with the contracts of all of its employees. At its first meeting Tuesday, in front of a packed room at the district’s headquarters, the new board dealt primarily with housekeeping issues – policies and procedures, meeting schedules and seeking legal representation.

But members clearly had the big picture in mind. Sheila Williams, a former member of the elected board who was confirmed for the appointed board at a meeting Monday, put it this way in an interview after the public session of the meeting adjourned:

“I am looking at this as a reset for the district,” Williams said. “I’m looking at it as an opportunity to effect really deep change in our school

WILSON

Continued from A1

to Dr. LaToya Wilson. They have three sons: Starsky II, 9; Dallas, 6; and Mason, 4. He considers his extended family to be his church, as he told The St. Louis American in an in-depth conversation about organizing the community to make it a policy priority for our children to flourish.

“We want to find out how to craft a theory of child flourishing and begin to point at that with policy,” Rev. Wilson told us. “What does it mean to have an affirmative policy?”

The St. Louis American: Why did St. Louis Children’s Hospital give you its Child Advocacy Award this year?

The Rev. Starsky Wilson: At Deaconess Foundation, one of the things I did last year was open the first new grant program in nine years, focusing on child advocacy. We’re providing new grants to non-profits with some unique element relative to an underfunded area that can affect policy that helps people working in the trenches. Last year we gave grants to 14 programs aligned with our service mission.

I also co-chair the Regional Youth Violence Prevention Task Force that produced the region’s first collaborative plan for East St. Louis, St. Louis and St. Louis County. We put together a public health approach to address youth violence prevention.

I’m also working with a small group of funders and

district. It’s not just a change in name or a change in personnel or a change in strategy, but rather a deep change that really means that we are altering our paradigm, our expectations and our culture.”

Unlike the last few meetings of the elected board, where the audience was sparse, Tuesday’s meeting of the appointed board played out in front of a standing-room crowd, including many members of the staff of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.

Also in the crowd were members of the elected board whose authority ended Monday night and at least one lawmaker, state Sen. Maria Chappelle-Nadal, who was carrying a large cutout of the face of Gov. Jay Nixon. She has sharply criticized Nixon for vetoing a wide-ranging school transfer bill that she worked on.

State Education Commissioner Chris Nicastro said she had met with Superintendent Ty McNichols before the public meeting to show that the “department and the Normandy Schools Collaborative staff will work together in concert and create what is truly an historic opportunity for the children in this community.”

She told reporters after the

service providers to assess regional capacity and engage in the process of youth master planning. Other cities call it “Ready by 21.” We’re providing funds to perform feasibility studies in an effort to align community work, funding and services so children can be better prepared to meet stage-appropriate milestones. A lot has to do with social, emotional, financial and programmatic support being available to them and available in the geographies where they are most needed.

The American: Tell me more about the new grant program and grantees. Rev. Wilson: We didn’t line out specific issues. Rather, we affirmed the fact that the people providing youth services in different spaces know better than we do what policy and legislation affect their work, and we opened up a competitive process where we invited applications for funding.

One grantee I’m excited about is the Scholarship Foundation of St. Louis. They were already providing scholarships and low-interest loans to young people in school. Now they are recruiting a core of those college students and putting them through training and advocacy about the legislative process and ways to approach issues related to college access. These students did research, placed opinion columns and went to Jefferson City to lobby. I’m most excited that specifically the voices of young people are having a direct impact on the legislative process.

meeting that her department will play an active role in the operation of Normandy.

“We will continue to be present and supportive. We will have a full-time transition officer here on site who will work day by day, hand in hand with Dr. McNichols and his staff,” Nicastro said.

“So their presence is going to be pronounced through this year. As the staff here in Normandy become more comfortable and we get through this transition period, we will be deferring to their judgment, just as you saw today.”

McNichols stressed the importance of working not only with DESE but with area lawmakers and community leaders on issues of education but also those of so-called wraparound services, such as health care.

Board member Reginald Dickson said he wants to work to determine what makes students want to learn, then work to make sure those incentives are there.

“That should be our mantra in regards to those things that incentivize students,” he said. “I think there is a big disconnect on that throughout the educational system.”

And McNichols said parental involvement will be a big part of the district’s

success.

“I think that we have some things to start with,” he said, “but we have to refine them and eliminate anything that is a distraction.”

Williams said that the board has to make sure to give students and families reasons to leave the underachieving past behind.

“If they don’t want to change,” she said, “change isn’t

Deaconess Foundation presents Children at the Center

Purpose: To celebrate St. Louis children and shine light on ways to improve their well-being.

When: 9 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. Saturday, July 26

Where: O’Fallon Park Recreation Complex

The children’s festival will include an open house of activities and food for children, youth and their families, a children’s services fair with more than 20 local agencies, a community forum and a parent organizing session.  All indoor and outdoor activities are free and open to the public, without respect of YMCA membership.  Pool will be open.

The American: Tell me more about the work of the Regional Youth Violence Prevention Task Force.

Rev. Wilson: A number of funders gathered in late 2011, early 2012 to see what we could do in response to violence. We recognized that most of the things you hear are criminal justice solutions, like hot-spot policing.

A group of funders went to D.C. to look at the National Forum on Youth Violence Prevention launched by the Obama administration in 2010. It provides select cities with support, assistance and funding. We came back and convened people around a comprehensive plan to apply for support from the federal government. It’s also something we can implement from the ground, with prevention, intervention, enforcement and reentry strategies.

We connected with Vector Communication for a community-engagement

process involving the grass roots in developing a plan.

We reached a group of more than 300 people – service providers, youth themselves – that made several different recommendations, anything from providing mental health support, to changing legislation regarding reimbursement plans for mental health services, to recommending youth employment as a violenceprevention strategy, to hot-spot resource investment in critical neighborhoods.

I am most pleased now that the city health department has integrated our plan into the city’s long-term health plan and strategy. We’re changing the conversation away from demonizing and criminalizing young people towards talking about their overall well being and how we can invest in it.

The American: Tell me more about Ready by 21. Rev. Wilson: There are a lot of buzzwords in the social sector – “collective

going to happen.”

Which leads to Jones’ final words of advice to the new board members.

Listen to all the advice that is offered, he said, and accept help that sometimes comes from unexpected sources.

“Have the courage to say yes to ideas that are outside the box,” Jones said, “and have the courage to say no to all the help that is not useful to your mission.”

impact,” taking a “multisector approach” to solving our most wicked problems, our most intractable problems. We know that poverty has an impact on health and education, and vice versa.

So we began to look at different models and different service providers who are helping the region engage in this work, and we had conversations with staff involving early childhood education, college access, how we frame the youth violence conversation. It’s fine to prevent violence, but let’s talk about youth flourishing. Let’s take a positive approach and see what supports we can bring in. We are looking for funders who can be supportive of solutions and aligning resources better to help kids –and we’re one such funder.

Deaconess is the only independent foundation in our community that only focuses on kids. We are able to invest our finances and staff time on these issues. We get to address the whole thing and use the educational system as a pipeline, and then insulate that pipeline with health, social and emotional supports – which you only can do when you line up funding and resources, so if there is a gap in service in Walnut Park, someone can be sent to Walnut Park. We’re involved in both the investment team and as staff in the working group.

Now I am serving on a small leaders’ council that is seeking to select a backbone of support for the initiative. We’ll advance to implementing the planning

Happy Birthday to Lou

Above all, he concluded, board members need to listen to their conscience.

“Pay close attention to it,” Jones said, “and if you do, you’ll be able to sleep better at night and look at yourself in the morning.”

Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

process over the next year or so.

The American: Lately, I’ve been hearing folks from the Missouri Foundation for Health say that they want to be more than checkbook. Is that the way you feel about Deaconess?

Rev. Wilson: Absolutely. We don’t have enough money. We need to add deep community engagement and policy development. What’s being done in policy has not been sufficient to advance children’s well being as a regional priority.

Now I am cochairing with Sue Stepleton (director of the Policy Forum at the Brown School of Social Work) a children’s well being symposium at the Fed in November. We want to find out how to craft a theory of child flourishing and begin to point at that with policy. What does it mean to have an affirmative policy? To set a positive target? And also advocate for that policy. Our foundation is in a unique position. We are rooted in a faith tradition in the United Church of Christ, so we are in a setting of the church, but we also have independent financial resources. We don’t have to ask for resources. No funder can tell us there is something we shouldn’t say on behalf of children. And we use this unique called space to advocate for people who don’t have a lobby, who can’t vote: our children. It’s all undergirded with financial investment – we own our advocacy with financial investment.

Former St. Louis Cardinals base stealer and member of the National Baseball Hall of Fame, Lou Brock and wife Jackie are surprised as they enter a room full of friends as Brock celebrates his 75th birthday party in St. Louis on June 22.

Photo by UPI/Bill Greenblatt

Golden Memorial for Slain Lonzetta G. Smith Brandon Feb 19, 1945—June 7, 1964

Born Lonzetta G. Smith to biological mother Margaret Smith (preceded in death) and adopted parents James Wm. (died November 1986) and Bobbie Lorene Brandon (died April 1966). Dear Beloved Sister, Words cannot express the

emotion of pain and grief in which your family deeply felt at the moment of your senseless, brutal and horrendous murder and the perpetual hurting sensation in our hearts 50 years later when we reflect upon your photographs and converse about you. Our souls to this day continue to bear witness to the harsh reality of you being a victim of murder at the young tender age of 19 in such a horrific manner.

I was only 3 years of age when you died, but I will never ever let your precious life be forgotten. May your soul rest in eternal peace and you fly with the angels in heaven. Kiss all of the family on the other side for me. Until we meet again, we celebrate you. Love your baby sister, Wanda D. Brandon

Carrie L. Perry

Carrie Lucille Perry was born July 25, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri to George Henry and Willie Lucille Taylor. Carrie was preceded in death by both parents, her brothers, Bennie J. Taylor, Sgt. Raleigh Taylor, James Taylor, John Taylor, sisters Bessie B. Hale, Julia McNeil, daughter Deborah A. Harris and granddaughter Britt I. Johnson. She was the last survivor of 22 siblings. Carrie graduated from Banneker Elementary School and later received her high school diploma from St. Joseph High School for Negroes. She

was a devout Catholic all of her life, a faith she instilled in her children and continued to share with her entire family throughout her life. She met and married George C. Perry, Sr. in 1945 and to this union three (3) children were born; Lillian, George, Jr. and Deborah. She believed in the power of work and she was a tireless worker, employed with Bussman Fuse Company for over thirty (30) years, both at the St. Louis and later Ellisville, Missouri plants. During this same time she also successfully sold Avon products. Following her retirement her activities included serving as a volunteer at various food pantries and each year at the annual holiday charity events at Most Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church and St. Elizabeth’s Mother of John the Baptist Catholic Church. Following the merger of these two churches she would be seen every Sunday at the 7:30 am mass at St. Elizabeth’s Mother of John the Baptist Catholic Church, seated in her familiar pew surrounded by her circle of friends. She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Lillian Gray; a son, George C. Perry, Jr.; sons-in-law John E. Harris, III and Norris Gray; grandsons, David A. Harris and John E. Harris IV; granddaughters Carla M. Harris, Natasha J. McLeod and great grandsons Jalen A. Wright and Xavier A. Wright. She also leaves to mourn her loving nieces, nephews, cousins, grandnephews, grandnieces, god-daughters, close friends and a host of others

The family of Mrs. Carrie Lucille Perry would like to thank each and every one of you for all of the kind expressions of prayer, sympathy, love and support during this time. We are especially grateful for the efforts of John Harris, Anita Harris, David Harris, Vicki Cotton, Sharon McNeil, Father Steve, Father Bob, Minister Carol Taylor, Phyllis Washington, Samuel Boyd and James Leopold.

Slain Smith Brandon

Carrie L. Perry

Not ‘dazzled’ by Slay’s bull on Amendment 7

Mayor Francis Slay has apparently taken notice of the almost universal disapproval (including last week’s editorial in The American) of his support for Amendment 7, the proposal on the August 5 ballot to increase the state sales and use tax in Missouri by ¾ cents. This is the largest tax increase in the state’s history, and the burden of paying it falls heaviest not on the people and businesses who use our highways and bridges, but on families, low-income people and small businesses.

It’s hard to find an elected official in the city of St. Louis who supports this huge tax increase. As far as we can tell, not a single citywide elected official or alderman supports this tax, and many, including some of the mayor’s usual allies, are outspoken opponents of the proposal.

On the mayor’s campaign blog, he has laid out 10 reasons for supporting this enormous tax increase on his constituents. His reasoning makes it clear that he is doing exactly what The American warned against – allowing MoDOT to buy our votes with a vague wish list of projects, some of which may never happen.

The EYE contacted opponents of Amendment 7, who have created a volunteer organization called Missourians for Better Transportation Solutions, to hear their take on the mayor’s arguments. Interestingly, people associated

with this group are primarily progressives who have supported the mayor and have worked for tax increases for transportation in the past.

Several key members are residents of the city who, according to the mayor, would beneit from projects that he excitedly describes as “dazzling” in his campaign blog.

Needless to say, the opponents have come to the same conclusion as The American – that this proposal is far too costly to a city that is not meeting many of its citizens’ basic needs, and building his pet projects is not a justiication for this raid on our tax dollars.

The mayor argues that for the irst time, the State of Missouri will provide funding for transportation modes other than highways and bridges.

It’s hard to think of this as any kind of policy breakthrough, though, since MoDOT is simply returning our own sales tax to us, after irst subtracting what they will spend to widen I-70 and provide as a pass-through to counties. If these projects were so fundamentally important to the future of St. Louis, the mayor should propose a local or regional sales tax where we could keep every dollar and fully control how it is spent.

The list of projects that the mayor believes will dazzle us are vague and ill-deined and have no cost estimates. The list currently being circulated by

n If these projects were so important to St. Louis, the mayor should propose a local or regional sales tax where we could keep every dollar and control how it is spent.

Photo from Twitter@VoteNoOnSeven

MoDOT includes such items as “provide ixed funding contribution toward Phase I of the St. Louis streetcar system.” Huh? How much funding? For operating funds or construction? Where will the rest of the money come from? What about expanding MetroLink? Much of the list is made up of similar vague line items. Dazzling? Not.

The mayor says that the city, not MoDOT or the state highway commission, sets the priorities for projects in the city. Apparently, he hasn’t read House Joint Resolution 68, which is the constitutional amendment that authorizes this tax. HJR68 includes a provision that “monies in the transportation safety and job creation fund shall stand appropriated without legislative action to be used and expended at the sole discretion of the highways and transportation commission…”

Put simply, this means that the city is entirely at the mercy of the state highway commission to provide the funding that the mayor is counting on to build his “dazzling” projects. And this provision will be enshrined in our state’s constitution. Not even the legislature can ix it. But wait – the mayor says that voters get to see the project list and that we can sue the state if the list is not implemented. Well, we’re seeing the list that MoDOT is now circulating. The project descriptions are mostly fuzzy and without any estimates of cost or schedule. We don’t know whether the projects will be built in 2016 or 2026 or beyond. How can we possibly sue for performance of a project with no meaningful description, no cost and no schedule?

Pretty easy for MoDOT to make commitments like that.

The EYE doesn’t think MoDOT will ever have to worry about

being sued by the City of St. Louis. The mayor believes that his aggressive support for this transportation initiative will show the way for the rest of the state. Only about 16 percent of the money coming to the St. Louis region under this proposal will come to the city. The other 84 percent will be used almost exclusively to build more highways. A yes vote on Amendment 7 would be an endorsement of that approach as well.

If the mayor is sending a message about transportation policy, nobody else in the region seems to be listening And as The American noted in its editorial last week, it is this devotion to new highways that is largely responsible for encouraging and enabling the drain of population and jobs from the core of our region.

Even if the mayor’s claims about the list of projects were true, that would not be enough justiication to support this tax. In a city where 60 percent of our children attend public schools that don’t meet minimal state standards, in a city where crime is a real threat in so many neighborhoods, how can the mayor justify spending upwards of $230 million of our money on what could be nice, but mostly non-essential projects?

Perhaps this has more to do with his political connections to the powerful highway looby, organized labor and the construction and trucking industries. Or maybe, in the echo chamber of the mayor’s ofice, it is due to his imaginary vision of the city as a hip, gentriied community, devoid of urban problems – that is, for the most part, a St. Louis without most of its current African-American residents. This is a long-tenured mayor who ignores their concerns, proving nothing more than the occasional photo op with state Sen. Jamilah Nasheed and/ or Alderman Jeffrey Boyd

One thing is for sure, the mayor’s support has little to do with the broad interests of his constituents – hip or square, gentriied or old-school, white

or black – who would pay the bill for this awful proposal. The campaign committee promoting this ill-conceived tax is Missourians for Transportation Safety and New Jobs. It is almost entirely funded by the construction industry and consulting engineers, who believe that their proits are more important than our families and small businesses. The committee has boasted of having written the bill that put this tax on the ballot and has now raised almost $1.7 million in a campaign to convince us to vote yes. It’s one thing for MoDOT and the highway lobby to think we’re stupid. It’s quite another for the mayor of St. Louis to treat us that way.

Nixon derided as ‘most secretive’

Our colleagues at St. Louis Public Radio report that Missouri Governor Jay Nixon has been recognized as one of the “most secretive publiclyfunded agencies or people in the United States.” He’s “won” the Golden Padlock Award from Investigative Reporters and Editors.

Last year St. Louis Public Radio reporters Chris McDaniel and Véronique LaCapra uncovered the identity of the state’s thensupplier, a pharmacy in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The pharmacy was not licensed to sell drugs in Missouri. The reporters also found that a top corrections official paid the pharmacy in cash – $11,000 per execution. Since the initial investigation, the state has become even more secretive, according to St. Louis Public Radio. McDaniel has sued the state for withholding records.

Gov. Jay Nixon

Michelle Tucker, St. Louis regional market manager for the Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs Team at Bank of America, received the 2014 Outstanding Alumna Award from Webster University’s George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology.

Business

Bank of America manager recognized by Webster U

Michelle Tucker earns 2014 Outstanding Alumna Award from business school

n

By Marissa Price For The St. Louis American

This year’s ceremony celebrating graduates of Webster University’s George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology was very special for Michelle Tucker. A St. Louis regional market manager for the Global Marketing and Corporate Affairs Team at Bank of America, Tucker received the 2014 Outstanding Alumna Award. She said that “being selected by the Alumni Association to receive such a distinct honor from the university” was one of her proudest moments. Staying focused on receiving such a prestigious award

allowed her to remain calm and collected when making her acceptance speech in front of an audience of hundreds of graduate students.

In her speech, she encouraged each graduate to “quickly devise a unique personal marketing strategy combined with a healthy dose of integrity to set themselves apart from their peers.”

– Michelle Tucker

Benjamin Ola Akande, dean of the school, whom she considers to be a “trusted business strategist who offers exceptional perspective and guidance,” credited her “totality of commitment

to lifting up others” for her success.

“She represents the very best of Webster University and the St. Louis community,” Akande said of Tucker.

She earned her master’s in business administration from Webster in 2000, attending evening classes while being employed full time. As a 17-year veteran of Bank of America, Tucker said she works daily with “non-profits and community partners to better understand community needs and

challenges and ways we might help develop and execute improvement strategies through thought leadership, volunteerism and grant-making.”

She also is marketing chair for Bank of America’s Black Professional Group.

“Bank of America’s employee networks are a vital part of our company’s diversity and inclusion efforts,” Tucker said. “The group meets periodically to network, mentor and encourage each other’s development, leadership, and success.”

She is also heavily involved with community organizations throughout

IKEA breaks ground in STL

Project must obey city’s inclusion goals for contracting and workforce

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St. Louis American

IKEA, the world’s leading home furnishings retailer, officially broke ground Tuesday, June 24, at the site of its future St. Louis store scheduled to open fall 2015. IKEA representatives, Missouri Secretary of State Jason Kander, St. Louis Mayor Francis Slay, local officials and community leaders attended the ceremonial event.

n “This location affords us a super-regional draw from six states reaching customers in seven metropolitan areas.”

– Reed Lyons, IKEA

“It’s

Arnold D. Bullock MD, was named the inaugural Alan A. and Edith L. Wolff Distinguished Professor of Urology at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He is a professor of urologic surgery at the School of Medicine and treats patients at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, Christian Northeast Hospital and the Siteman Cancer Center. He joined the medical school’s faculty in 1993 and serves as director of men’s health at the medical school.

Darlene Green served as the keynote speaker for the 2014 MidAtlantic Plan Sponsors Trustee Educational Conference in Baltimore, Maryland. She discussed some of the highlights and tough decisions she’s faced in 18 years as comptroller of the City of St. Louis, the city’s chief fiscal officer. The Mid Atlantic Plan Sponsors allows pension fund trustees, administrators and professional service providers in 11 states to exchange ideas and information.

Col. Anthony P. Mitchell is the new District Engineer in command of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers St. Louis District. Previously he served as director, Operational Energy and Contingency Basing Task Force in the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Army. He also served as commander of the Corps of Engineers’ Nashville District and the Iraq Area Office, Middle East District in Baghdad, Iraq.

Jackie HamiltonThomas is the new chief development officer at Beyond Housing. She will head a department which oversees grants, volunteers, events, marketing and external communications. She is a native of St. Louis who is on two boards, Planned Parenthood of the St. Louis Region and Southwest Missouri, and Deaconess Faith Community Nurse Ministries. She completed her undergraduate work at UMSL and her postgraduate studies at Lindenwood University.

Troy L. Nash became the first African-American principal at a major commercial real estate firm in the Kansas City region. He is the new vice president and principal of Zimmer Real Estate Services. He serves as chairman of the planning, zoning, and economic development committee for the Kansas City (Missouri) city council.

Kelly R. Woods graduated from basic military training at Joint Base San AntonioLackland, San Antonio, Texas. She is the daughter of Sheila Spencer of St. Peters and niece of Estelle Straw of St. Louis and a 2011 graduate of Fort Zumwalt High School. The airman completed an intensive, eightweek program that included training in military discipline and studies, and basic warfare principles and skills. On the move? Congratulations! Send your good professional news and a color headshot to cking@stlamerican. com.

Arnold D. Bullock

Darlene Green

Anthony P. Mitchell

Jackie HamiltonThomas

Troy L. Nash

Kelly R. Woods

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Rebecca Barr

What to do if you inherit someone’s 401(k)

By Jason Alderman

Talk about good news wrapped in bad: In the midst of grieving the loss of a loved one, you learn that you were named beneficiary of their 401(k) plan. Chances are you’ve got too much on your mind to make any sudden decisions about what to do with the money. However, don’t procrastinate too long. The IRS has ironclad rules, deadlines and penalties concerning inherited retirement accounts, which vary depending on what type of account it is. This column discusses inherited 401(k) and similar employerprovided plans. Under federal law, surviving spouses automatically inherit their spouse’s 401(k) plan unless someone else was named beneficiary and the surviving spouse signed a written waiver. If someone is single at death, their plan’s assets go to their designated beneficiary. The IRS has basic tax and distribution rules and timetables for inherited 401(k) plans. However, the plans themselves are allowed to set more restrictive guidelines if they choose, so read the plan documents carefully. Basically: You must pay income tax on distributions (except for Roth accounts, which have already been taxed), although you may be able to spread out withdrawals and tax payments over a number of years, depending on how you structure it.

Many 401(k) plans require beneficiaries to withdraw the money in either a lump sum or separate payments extending no longer than five years after the person’s death; however, some

will allow you to keep the money in the plan indefinitely, so check their rules. Note that distributions will be added to your taxable income for the year, which can greatly increase your tax bite. Thus, many people prefer to spread the payments out as long as possible. Plus, the longer funds remain in the account, the longer they accrue earnings, tax-free. If the original account

holder had already reached the mandatory withdrawal age of 70 ½, you may be allowed to continue withdrawing funds according to his or her withdrawal schedule. Your minimum annual withdrawal amount is based on your own life expectancy, according to IRS tables (see Appendix C in IRS Publication 590 at www. irs.gov). Alternatively, you could speed up the payment schedule or take a lump sum.

Business Briefs

Better Together finds overspending on municipal services

As part of its ongoing studies, Better Together compared the budgets of metropolitan Louisville (KY) and Indianapolis (IN) to that of the St. Louis region (St. Louis city and county). Research revealed that the per capita cost to fund municipal services in St. Louis city and county is $1,918.93, compared to about $1,328.40 in IndianapolisMarion County and Louisville-Jefferson County. At one time fragmented, both Indianapolis and Louisville have consolidated their city and county governments, unlike the St. Louis region. Based on the per capita numbers, a St. Louis family of four pays 44 percent more it would in than Indianapolis. Find complete budget information at www.bettertogetherstl.com/regional-comparison.

KAI Design & Build relocates headquarters

KAI Design & Build announced plans to move its corporate headquarters from downtown St. Louis to a new location in Westport at 2060 Craigshire Road. The firm has rented space in the Metropolitan Square building since 1994. It purchased the new 25,000 sq. ft. building in April and will share the space with The Up Companies (comprised of Power Up Electrical Contractors, Square Up Builders, Keep Up Services and Fuel Up Technologies), which are owned in part by KAI President Michael B. Kennedy. Renovation of the building is slated to be complete near the end of July and the firm expects to occupy it by August.

ESL receives $10.5M School Improvement Grant

You may also be able to transfer your balance into an “inherited IRA,” which must be named and maintained separately from your other IRAs. With an inherited IRA, you must withdraw a certain amount each year, based on your life expectancy. Distributions must begin the year following the donor’s death, regardless of whether or not you’re retired.

Make sure the 401(k) trustee transfers funds directly to the inherited IRA’s trustee so you never touch the money; otherwise the transfer may be voided and you’ll have to pay taxes on the entire sum that year.

Surviving spouses have an additional option: Instead of opening an inherited IRA, they’re also allowed to do a “spousal rollover,” which means rolling over the balance into an existing or new IRA in their own name. The key advantage of a spousal rollover is that you don’t have to begin taking mandatory withdrawals until you reach 70 ½, unlike inherited IRAs where you must begin withdrawals the year after the donor’s death.

One last point: Always withdraw at least the required minimum distribution (RMD) amount each year, if one is specified. If not, you’ll pay a penalty equal to 50 percent of the difference between the RMD and what you actually withdrew.

Bottom line: Talk to a financial or legal expert before taking any action on your inheritance.

Jason Alderman directs Visa’s financial education programs. To Follow Jason Alderman on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

East St. Louis School District 189 received a $10.5 million School Improvement Grant from the Illinois State Board of Education to improve academic outcomes for students at Lincoln and Mason Clark middle schools. The district’s award was the second-highest granted by the state. The grant will allow the district to extend the school schedule and add four positions to support academic development. It will also help the district to provide the resources for college and career readiness programs and support for family engagement. Grants are awarded for three years, pending reapplication and state approval each year. For more on the district, go to www.estl189. com.

Ascent announces plans for data center in St. Louis County

Ascent, a provider of comprehensive data center solutions, announced plans to build its latest data center facility in St. Louis County. The multi-tenant space will be designed to provide the infrastructure necessary for the biotechnology, life sciences and start-up sectors. The data center, called STL1, will be developed on a greenfield site near prominent institutions. Covering over 15 acres, the data center will have the capacity to accommodate tenants with a diverse range of design architectures and computing requirements. Additional information can be found at www. ascent-corp.com

Mercy lays off 125 staff in St. Louis region

In response to economic and environmental changes in health care, Mercy system is reducing its workforce throughout its seven-state region. The reduction is limited to non-patient care support areas and it represents less than one percent of its 40,000-member workforce.

Missouri is taking the biggest hit from the 220 layoffs, with 125 coming from the greater metropolitan St. Louis area (including Franklin and Jefferson counties).

Laid-off workers will receive outplacement services and a severance package including compensation and benefits based on their position and length of service.

n

not

– Derrick Rose, when asked if he plans on recruiting free agent Carmelo Anthony to join him in Chicago

Superstar junior forward

Napheesa Collier led the way as the UConn recruit led the team in scoring and rebounding.

Prep Year in Review

Incarnate Word goes national

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

It was another year of exciting high school sports in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Our young athletes gave us many thrills throughout the 2013-14 season. As we close the books on another year of high school sports, here is a look back at some of the highlights of the season in our annual St. Louis American Prep Year in Review. Incarnate Word goes national: Incarnate

Word Academy won its second consecutive Class 4 state championship in convincing fashion. The Red Knights also cemented themselves as one of the top girls’ basketball programs in the country. IWA played a national schedule and reached the No. 1 ranking in the USA Today National polls for several weeks. Superstar junior forward Napheesa Collier led the way as the UConn recruit led the team in scoring and rebounding. Senior point guard Nakiah Bell, an Iowa State recruit, was the heart and soul of the Red Knights for four seasons.

Year of the Lineman: It was a special year for lineman in the area as several of the “big boys” will be headed to college to play for many of the NCAA’s top football powerhouse programs. Massive Roderick Johnson of Hazelwood Central is headed to nationalchampion Florida State. Andy Bauer of DeSmet is headed to Mizzou. CBC’s lineman duo of Armon Watts and Brian Wallace are headed to Arkansas. Highland’s Tanner Farmer signed

Plus, Napheesa Collier makes USA Women’s U18 National Team

We have had a lot of activity on the basketball front this summer. Here is a little recap of what is going on.

National talent evaluator Jerry Mullen will be bringing his big summer showcase event to Lindenwood University on July 11-13. The event will feature a junior college showcase as well as a high school tournament for top summer basketball programs. The Junior College Showcase and Juco Top 100 will bring many of the nation’s top junior college players to town to play in front of hundreds of college coaches and recruiters. The Mullen’s High Profile Tournament features top AAU teams from around the country in the 15U, 16U and 17U age divisions.

To see a schedule of all of the action as well as a list of junior college players who are participating in the showcase, you can visit the website, www.mullensports.net. I will see you there.

Collier goes national

Incarnate Word Academy girls basketball star Napheesa Collier was recently selected to the USA Women’s U18 National Team at its camp in Colorado Springs. The USA Team will compete in the FIBA U18 Americas Championships in Colorado Springs from Aug. 6-10. The 6’2” Collier gave a verbal commitment to Connecticut during the spring after leading IWA to its second consecutive Missouri Class 4 state championship.

Tatum ranked nationally

Chaminade College Prep junior standout Jayson Tatum recently participated in the Kevin Durant Skills Academy in Washington D.C. The 6’9” Tatum is ranked among the top three players nationally in the Class of 2016. His national profile continues to blossom after a strong performance in the

Coach Kidd chasing Bucks, not titles

Jason Kidd seemingly had eyes on the back of his head on the court. He dropped dimes and served up no-look passes like few the league had ever seen. How ironic is it that as a coach, his vision is so awful that neither bifocals nor Lasik would be of much assistance. After being gifted with a head coaching job in Brooklyn fresh off his retirement as a player, Kidd has now forced his way into a trade to the Milwaukee Bucks for two second-round draft picks. Yes, you read that right. Kidd wanted to go to Milwaukee. Generally speaking, nobody has gone to Milwaukee voluntarily since George Karl and Jesus Shuttlesworth (Ray Allen)

bolted the Brew City in the 2002-03 season. In fact, the Bucks organization only has one winning season since. Despite being one of the least selfish players in NBA history, Kidd has shown himself as a hotheaded, “me first,” totalitarian guy numerous times off the court. The most recent occasion was when he cast away top assistant Lawrence Frank after the two disagreed on the Nets’ defensive strategies. The rift was forgotten by many after Kidd and the Nets bounced back from an awful 10-21 start finish a respectable 44-38 record and a trip to the second round of the NBA playoffs. Of course, Kidd couldn’t stay content, not with Derek

n Despite being one of the least selfish players in NBA history, Kidd has shown himself as a hotheaded, “me first,” totalitarian guy numerous times off the court.

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo by Wiley Price

Hall of Famers like baseball’s Ozzie Smith and from basketball’s Julius (Dr. J) Erving reek class in how they carry themselves. Both were part of an event last week here in St. Louis that raised money for inner-city youth to play the game of golf.

Claiborne

Smith has been an institution in St. Louis almost from the day he arrived late in 1981. His accomplishments on and off the field would consume countless pages of declarations for his efforts and involvement in St. Louis. Erving’s name still carries considerable weight in the basketball, corporate and charitable communities.

For the two of them, the back flips and dunks have been replaced with elegant gray hair and a golf club, as each still has the competitive nature to be one shot better today than they were yesterday. To watch both Smith and Erving work the room of well-wishers is an interesting, challenging feat, as they show great patience and real charm with every autograph and picture. Yes, this is the role of true Hall of Famers, making that person they sign for or pose with feel special.

For Erving, you think “basketball legend.” In 2013, Dr. J and his legacy resurfaced as he penned an autobiography that left nothing out and found its way to the New York Times fabled best seller list. Erving was also the subject of an NBA production, “The Dr.,” that won a sports Emmy for Best Sports Documentary.

“2013 was a turnaround year for me,” Erving told The American. “I had a lot of good things happen to me as the economy in this country turned the corner. I had a business that failed, as I had to give it back to the bank, but I learned from it and life went on.”

It was a long road that got him to the point of putting pen to paper. “I have had a number of starts and stops on the book since the age of 40,” he said. “When I got closer to 60, I really needed to make a legacy play. I needed to make sure that my family knew who I was

CLUTCH

Continued from B3

owner Mikhail Prokhorov told his Kidd to do.

Let’s think about this for a minute - Kidd left an owner who spent a whopping $90 million in luxury tax like it was nothing, all because he didn’t get his way. He purposely ran away from a guy whose spending habits make Floyd Mayweather Jr. look like a frugal fellow. He left an owner who has pledged to do any and everything in his will to win an NBA Championship for a team, to paraphrase ESPN’s Fran Fraschilla, that’s five years away from being five years away. Maybe Kidd looked at the Nets’ aging roster and the fact that Paul Pierce is a free agent and figured rough times were ahead. But when the salary cap means nothing to an owner, the idea of “cap hell” loses its power. I’m sure the Bucks’ new owners, Marc Lasry and Wes Edens, promised Kidd they would woo the best players and do whatever it takes to bring championship talent to Milwaukee. Jabari Parker’s arrival in Milwaukee also certainly played a part. Still, unless Parker turns into James overnight, what top tier free-agent is going to Milwaukee? Think James will field calls from Kidd as a free agent? Fat chance. Will Carmelo Anthony’s agent schedule a sit down

Claib’s Call

With Mike Claiborne

A visit with the doctor

in the first-person. I wanted to make a statement that family was very important, for me, in my journey and I wanted to pay homage to that.”

While Erving’s book is not a tell-all, he made people upset with things he wrote. “There was one call I had to take that took a considerable amount of time,” he said. The mother of Erving’s daughter, tennis player Amanda Stevenson, was unhappy with her depiction in the book. “But again,” he said, “I did the book to the best of my recollection.”

Erving was the first African American with a shoe endorsement deal, not to mention national spokesperson for a variety of successful companies. “I have always been conscious of my brand and associations with various entities,” Erving said. “I have

with Bucks’ GM John Hammond? Unlikely. Will Dirk Nowitzki depart Dallas for a chance to win a title in the Midwest? Nowchancz! I suppose whatever happens in Milwaukee, Kidd and the organization deserve each other. What other organization would trade for a new coach

n As for the high-flying dunks, they are now limited to one per year – at age 64, the Good Doctor still throws one down every year on his birthday.

been very aware of association with the cream of the crop when it comes to businesses and charitable organizations. I always tried to be consistent with messages pertaining causes and certainly family and cultural associations over the years.”

Today Erving looks at the game and its direction on and off the court and continues to play an advisory role, as players still come to him for business and professional advice. He is proud of that role, as it has crossed over into other sports, where athletes are better

without informing the current one that he’s out of a job?

prepared for the challenges.

“Man plans and God laughs, and plan you must,” Erving said with a chuckle. “If you work smart and work hard early, you can cut those work hours down later and have time to do whatever you want to do.”

Both Erving and Smith have mentored youth of the game engaged with the community. Erving was mentored himself.

“I played against pros at an early age going back to high school,” he said. “Even then, the guys would pull me aside and tell me what to watch out

for as I moved up through the ranks. Forty years later, I have gone from being mentored to being the mentor. I look forward to talking to the young guys and welcoming them into the league.” Erving is proud of his accomplishments.

“When you look at my high school, college, and pro career, I can stack mine up against anybody,” said Erving.

“You never get the full credit as you also have to see what your teams did as well. I won championships in both the ABA and the NBA, as well as being a Most Valuable Player in both leagues. Yet there will be some detractors and haters.”

Not enough to harm his brand.

“One thing I’m happy about is that I have not been overexposed, which allows me to

still have a marketing brand for various projects,” he said. “I’m good with that these days. You have to remember, I have not played basketball in almost 30 years, and yet I can still strategically position myself and brand to help others.”

Erving still watches the game and appreciates the play of most. He is quick to point out that AAU Basketball as we know it is not as good for the game as it could be.

“They teach everyone the same thing, be it dribbling and shooting, then all of a sudden you have everyone who does the same thing, with little imagination and the ability to adjust,” he said. “When the game is on the line, you have to have the ability to have the good players show why they are really good.”

As for favorite player to watch, it was a slam dunk:

“Tim Duncan. What is not to like about him and the way he and his teammates play the game? The San Antonio Spurs are good for the game. How they play it, how they conduct themselves. .. yeah, Tim Duncan, especially for his age of 38, is my favorite.”

Today Erving spends time with his family. He and his second wife still have three kids at home in Atlanta. He stays busy with a variety of projects that include wireless cell phone towers around the country, appearances, and corporate outings. Yes there is still time for golf, be it in celebrity events or just a fun round with friends, as Dr. J is still in search of his second hole in one. Which is one more than Ozzie Smith at this stage of their golf careers. As for the high-flying dunks, they are now limited to one per year – at age 64, the Good Doctor still throws one down every year on his birthday. We all should be so blessed. When it comes to how Erving wants to be remembered, he keeps it simple.

“I’m not too worried about what they saw in a highlight, but you do want them to feel good about you as a person, so the essence of how they feel is important,” he said. “So I want them to know that I have tried to make contributions to the game, my community, and I represented my family well.”

Names of experience coaches such as Karl, Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and Lionel Hollins have been mentioned for the Brooklyn job. Former CSKA Moscow coach, Ettore Messina, who won four Euro league titles has also been

That’s precisely what the Bucks did. Poor Larry Drew He probably thought Kidd decided to lace the kicks back up when he heard that the Bucks had traded for him. Drew was booted after just one season for posting a rebuilding record on a rebuilding team with a rebuilding roster. In the end, Drew and Prokhorov will have the last laugh. Drew will still collect a check from the Bucks and get the first selection in the pool of guessing who Kidd demotes, fires or cuts first in Milwaukee. Prokhorov will get a mulligan on a hire many questioned in the first place.

mentioned as a top candidate. Regardless, it appears that patience has officially gone the way of hoodies and been banned in the NBA.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk and on Google+.

Mike

NBA Hall of Famer Julius (Dr. J) Erving and Major League Baseball Hall of Famer Ozzie Smith answer questions at an event that raised money for inner-city youth to play the game of golf. The St. Louis American enjoyed a one-onone sit-down with Erving.

Community college athletes earn academic honors

Two St. Louis Community College players earned 201314 Academic Student-Athlete Awards from the National Junior College Athletic Association. Sophomores Yakcob Brown and Kalah Martin each received an Award for Exemplary Academic Achievement.

Brown, a forward/midfielder on the men’s soccer team, compiled a 3.78 grade-point average (on a scale of 4.0). He tallied one assist for a team that scored just 11 goals in 19 games last season.

Martin, whose GPA was

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Nike Elite Youth Basketball League (EYBL). Playing for the St. Louis Eagles 17U team, Tatum averaged 18.9 points, 6.5 rebounds and 2.3 steals per game. Tatum has been offered scholarships by virtually all of the top programs in the nation, as well as local programs SLU, Mizzou and Illinois.

Suggs in summer league

Former Washington High basketball standout Scott Suggs will be active in the upcoming NBA Summer League season. Suggs will be playing for the Orlando Magic in the Southwest Airlines Orlando Pro Summer League from July 5-11. He will also play for the Miami Heat’s entry in the Samsung NBA Summer League from July 11-21. The 6’6” Suggs enjoyed an excellent rookie season in pro ball with the Erie Bay Hawks of the National Basketball Developmental League (D-League). He averaged 18.5 points a game while shooting 40 percent from 3-point range and 84 percent from the free throw line.

Former Saint Louis University standout Rob Loe will be playing with the Golden State Warriors entry in the Las Vegas Summer League.

Nike Elite at SLU

The Nike Elite 100 was recently held at Saint Louis University. The annual threeday came brings 100 of the nation’s top high school underclassmen to St. Louis. Area players Tyler Cook (Chaminade), Xavier Sneed

3.65, was the second-leading scorer for the women’s basketball team, averaging 14.6 points per game. Martin accepted a full scholarship to attend Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. In 2013-14, more than 1,600 student-athletes met the requirements for individual academic honors, which included the Pinnacle Award for Academic Excellence (4 GPA on a 4 scale), Award for Superior Academic Achievement (3.8 to 3.99 on a 4 scale), and Award for Exemplary Academic

(Hazelwood Central) and Jeremiah Tillman (East St. Louis) participated in the Nike Elite 100 this year.

Recruiting heating up

The activity is heating up on the recruiting front for many of the area’s top young players. Chaminade’s 6’7” Tyler Cook recently received an offer from NCAA powerhouse program Kansas. The junior power forward put in some serious work at a recent team camp at KU, thus earning the offer. Cook had already received an offer from Iowa. The 6’5” Sneed from Hazelwood Central received an offer from Saint Louis University after a great performance at SLU’s Elite Camp. Standout junior point guard Jordan Barnes of CBC received an offer from Missouri State University. Barnes’ CBC teammate,

Achievement (3.60 to 3.79 on a 4.00 scale). Nearly 60,000 student-athletes competed in the NJCAA across 3,500 teams in 28 different sports.

The 2013-14 academic year marks the 31st consecutive season the NJCAA has recognized the success of its studentathletes in the classroom. With minimal changes, the NJCAA academic awards program has been in place since 1983.

Christian Willis, received an offer from Eastern Illinois. Power forward Emondre Rickman of Collinsville got an offer from Bradley. On the girls’ front, 6’1” sophomore standout Lauryn Miller of Kirkwood received an offer from Louisville.

Winning Surge

The St. Louis Surge continued their winning ways with a 62-54 victory over the Kansas City Nuggets last Saturday night at the Mark Twain Building on the campus of the University of MissouriSt. Louis. The Surge are now 7-1 on the season. The Surge will return to action on Saturday, July 12 when they host the Illinois Shooting Stars at 7:05 p.m.

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with Nebraska. O’Fallon’s stud defensive end Dewayne Hendrix signed with Tennessee. Parkway Central’s defensive end Jonathan Bonner is headed to Notre Dame. Standout defensive end Renell Wren of Lutheran North signed with Arizona State. Those were just some of the many top lineman headed to the Division I level in what was a great year.

CBC works overtime: CBC returned to the winner’s circle in boys’ basketball for the first time in 17 years as they won the Class 5 state championship. First-year coach Justin Tatum was a standout on the Cadets’ last state title team in 1997. He returned to his alma mater to lead the Cadets to a thrilling overtime victory over Columbia Hickman in the state championship game. Senior forward Jordan Barnett had one of the best performances in state-title game history with 43 points and 20 rebounds. For his efforts, he earned the title of Mr. Show-Me Basketball.

Markel runs into the record books: Vianney High football standout Markel Smith had a night to remember of Friday, Oct. 4. On this night, Smith rushed for a state-record 541 yards and scored seven touchdowns to lead the Golden Griffins last Washington 48-41 in an entertaining shootout. Smith scored on runs of 65, 75, 46, 4, 65, 32 and 21 yards to lead Vianney to the thrilling win. He is headed to Iowa.

Lions roar: Cardinal Ritter College Prep won another Class 3 state championship in boys’ basketball under the direction of legendary coach Marvin Neals, who returned to the bench after suffering a stroke during the summer of 2013. The Lions defeated Kansas City Barstow in the championship game. It was the school’s fourth state title under Neals and seventh overall. Senior guard Sean Clancey concluded an amazing season by scoring 61 points in Ritter’s two Final Four games in Columbia.

Jamison takes wrestling gold: Hazelwood Central’s Khial Jamison brought home the Class 4 state championship at 170-pounds at the state championships in Columbia. Jamison defeated Dustin Gray of Timberland 4-2 in the state title match to finish the season with a 39-2 record.

McCluer North girls make

history: McCluer North won its first ever state championship in track and field as the girls dominated the Class 4 state meet in Jefferson City.

Junior standout Jasmine Barge spearheaded the Stars championship effort as she won the 110-meter high hurdles and 300-meter intermediate hurdles. She was also a part of two state-championship relays. The Stars’ 4x400-meter relay team of Barge, Rachel Culberson, Miche-Ala Woods and Sydney Rogers ran one of the fastest times in the history of the state.

C.J. runs wild: Cardinal Ritter senior track star Charles Jones concluded a stellar career by winning three gold medals at the Class 3 state championships in Jefferson City. Jones was spectacular in winning the 400-meter dash in 47.06 seconds and the 800-meter run in 1 minute 50 seconds. In his final run as a high school athlete, Jones anchored the Lions’ 4x400 to a state championship with a blistering 46.8-second carry. He is headed to Texas Tech.

The Cahokia dynasty continues: The Cahokia Comanches continued their boys track and field dynasty as they won their fourth

consecutive Illinois Class 2A state championship in Charleston, Ill. Cahokia had a strong challenge from Chicago area power Maple Park Kaneland, but they withstood the challenge to score 90 points. This talented group was led by senior hurdler Gary Hickman and sophomore jumping star Ja’Mari Ward and some speedy relays.

Cahokia girls break through: Not to be outdone by their male counterparts, the Cahokia girls broke through and won their first state championship in track and field, thus sweeping the IHSA Class 2A titles. The young and talented Comanches dominated the competition, led by freshman Mariya Hudson, who won the state championship in the 400-meter dash.

Colts represent at the Dome: The St. Louis area was shut out of the state championships in football, but it was still a great year for the Parkway Central Colts, who powered their way to the Class 5 Show-Me Bowl at the Edward Jones Dome. The Colts were a big and physical outfit that ran the ball down the opponents’ throats and played stout defense.

Sophomores Yakcob Brown, left, and Kalah Martin each received an Award for Exemplary Academic Achievement.

Senior forward Jordan Barnett had one of the best performances in state-title game history with 43 points and 20 rebounds.

Photo by Wiley Price

store will generate nearly a quarter of a million dollars in new tax revenues, Slay said.

IKEA must abide by the city’s minority participation and workforce goals for construction. The project will follow the mayor’s Executive Order #28, which established goals of contracting 25 percent minority business enterprises (MBEs) and five percent women business enterprises (WBEs). IKEA must also follow the city’s 2009 ordinance #68412, which established workforce goals on city-funded public works contracts of 25 percent minority, five percent women, 20 percent local workforce and 15 percent apprentices.

IKEA is working closely with the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE), which will monitor workforce diversity and inclusion goals on the project. The Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) Office will monitor minority participation on the contracting side. Howard Hayes, director of minority business development for the city of St. Louis, said he anticipates that IKEA will exceed its goals. More than 500 jobs are expected to be created during the construction phase. However, construction jobs

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the area, including the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis and the United Way of Greater St. Louis.

For the Urban League, Tucker serves as a member of the Board of Directors’ Development Committee and chairs the Community Outreach Committee. For the United Way, she is vice chair of the Community

are short-term and serve only a small segment of the population, said Adolphus Pruitt, president of the city NAACP. He is advocating for inclusion in hiring for the approximately 300 jobs that will be added to the permanent workforce when the store opens.

n “Our number one priority is to make sure that those doors are open for minorities. Those are the type of jobs that the people in North St. Louis are looking for.”

– Adolphus Pruitt, NAACP

“Our number one priority is to make sure that those doors are open for minorities,” Pruitt said. “Those are the type of jobs that the people in North St. Louis are looking for.”

First IKEA in MO

IKEA St. Louis will be the only IKEA store in the state of Missouri and the 41st store in the U.S. Most IKEA stores are located on the east and west coasts, though IKEA is starting to bring more of Sweden to America’s Midwest, Roth said. IKEA now has stores in Texas, the Great Lakes, and Colorado,

Impact Committee and an active member of the African American Leadership Giving Cabinet.

For 20 years, she said, she and her husband Kennard Tucker, a business development consultant for Wells Fargo Advisors, have motivated each other to partner on communityrelated efforts as much as possible.

“This year, my husband and I are excited to chair the United Way’s 20th Anniversary Charmaine Chapman/African American Leadership Society

and a Kansas City-area store is on track to open fall 2014 in Merriam, Kansas.

IKEA wishes to bring the shopping experience closer to its customers, Roth said. In the past, local customers who wished to purchase products had to do so online or travel to the closest IKEA stores in the Chicago area.

“There are already over 100,000 customers in St. Louis that buy their IKEA furniture somewhere else,” Slay said. “This will be an opportunity to keep that money in St. Louis.”

And bring money to St. Louis from elsewhere.

“This location affords us a super-regional draw from six states reaching customers in seven metropolitan areas,” said Reed Lyons, real estate manager for IKEA.

There are few retailers that generate the kind of enthusiasm that IKEA does, said Dennis Lower, president and CEO of CORTEX. IKEA St. Louis will draw visitors from as far east as Indiana and Kentucky and as far south as Tennessee and Arkansas, Lyons said.

IKEA represents a reflection of St. Louis values, Kander said.

“Jobs with competitive pay and benefits, an emphasis on renewable energy and sustainable practices, and affordable goods for working families,” Kander said. “These are signs of a race to the top.”

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.

black-tie gala hosted in September at the Peabody Opera House,” Tucker said.

She advises young professionals to develop “a solid plan to build and market your personal brand and set goals around networking relevant to the professional path you want to take.” But, most importantly, she said, “Never miss a chance to learn.”

Marissa Price is a St. Louis American intern from Saint Louis University. Follow her on Twitter @missmprice12.

Financial Focus

By Veronica Coleman, financial advisor

Risk-taking, ground-breaking soul singersongwriter

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Bobby Womack sang with soul, played guitar like a bluesman and wrote R&B like a poet. And he lived life in a manner that seemed void of concern for public opinion. Sadly, the music stopped forever when Womack passed away at the age of 70 on Friday. No cause of death has been released. His guitar riffs on Aretha Franklin’s 1968 “Lady Soul” album matched her thrilling vocal runs and aching moans, pound for pound and note for note. He also jammed alongside Elvis Presley and Sly Stone. With aching emotion, he sang about skeletons that not only came out of the closet, but “chased you all around the room” in his 1981 comeback classic “If You Think You’re Lonely Now.”

He set prose to music like an urban Ernest Hemingway –especially in his seemingly firstperson account of ghetto life in “Across 110th Street.”

His captivating life experiences played out like Sylvester Stallone’s “Rocky” movies. Womack was often counted out, yet always managed to muster up one last punch to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat. And, like Rocky, his comebacks managed to be just as entertaining as the original. There didn’t seem to be anything thrown at Womack that he couldn’t handle or bounce back from. He lived through addiction, diabetes, prostate cancer, a near fatal bout with pneumonia – and less than two years ago had announced he was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s

By Nancy Fowler Of St. Louis Public Radio

Stan Chisholm’s whole working-

in-Styrofoam thing started with a need to keep moving.

Wood is heavy. Styrofoam is light. It can be broken into pieces and easily transported in a suitcase or even a backpack, especially important during his car-less time at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. Its unconventionality also infuses a bit of dark comedy into Chisholm’s work.

“It’s kind of a parody,” Chisholm, 27, said. “I don’t know anyone who uses foam like me.”

Many people use Styrofoam for decorating parade floats. But a familiar sight along local parade routes is what Chisholm’s currently creating from foam inside his Cherokee Street studio, headquarters for his 18andcounting artistic efforts.

Forget the Arch, toasted ravioli and Ted Drewes. To Chisholm, who grew up as the second of nine siblings in South City, nothing says “St. Louis” like its awnings, tattered and often loosely tethered to aging structures with a grandiose past.

“You see these beautiful buildings

By Kenya Vaughn Of The

Soul artist Musiq (formerly known as Musiq Soulchild) will bring his signature sound to Forest Park for

performance at

Bobby Womack

1. Email your listing to calendar@stlamerican. com

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

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

concerts

Sat., July 12, 8 p.m., The Ready Room presents Ying Yang Twins. 4195 Manchester Ave., 63110.

Thurs., July 17, 8 p.m., Gateway Arch Riverboats Blues Cruise presents Big George. Experience the sounds of live local blues bands as you cruise down the Mississippi River and enjoy the beautiful St. Louis skyline. Reservations are required and include cruise and music. 21 and over. Cash bar and concessions are available. 50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., 63102.For reservations, call calling (877) 982-1410. For more information, visit www. gatewayarch.com.

Thur., July 24, 6:30 p.m., K & LG Enterprise presents New Edition with special guest Dru Hill. St. Charles Family Arena, 2002 Arena Parkway, 63303. For more information, call (314) 4564826 or visit www.metrotix. com.

local gigs

Sun., July 6, 6 p.m., Carondelet Park hosts The Carondelet Summer Concert Series. Come enjoy and listen to the Air Force Band. Admission is free for all. Bring your chairs, blankets, and friends. For more information, call (314)752-6339 or visit CarondeletEvents.com

Thurs., July 17, 8 p.m., Gateway Arch Riverboats Blues Cruise presents Big George. Experience the sounds of live local blues bands as you cruise down the Mississippi River and enjoy the beautiful St. Louis skyline. Reservations are required and include cruise and music. 21 and over. Cash bar and concessions are available. 50 S. Leonor K. Sullivan Blvd., 63102.For reservations, call calling (877) 982-1410. For

more information, visit www. gatewayarch.com.

Sun., July 20, 6 p.m., The Carondelet Summer Concert Series presents Lynn Rose Terry & Friends. Carondelet Park is located at Holly Hills & Loughborough. For more information please call 314-752-6339 or visit CarondeletEvents.com.

Sun., July 27, 6 p.m., Union Communion Ministries presents Free Concerts at Ivory Perry Park feat. Ptah Williams Trio. Instrumental jazz ensemble. Commerce Bank Stage, 800 N. Belt, 63112. For more information, visit www.ivoryperrypark.com.

Tues., July 29, 7 p.m., The Sheldon presents TreG and Friends. Tre’von “TreG” Grifith returns to The Sheldon. Joining him will be a host of eclectic St. Louis talent including Tiffany Elle, Nakischa Joseph, Tebe Zalango, Lauron Linna’e and many more. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

special events

Thurs., July 3, 6 p.m., The Liberty Bank Alton Amphitheater host the Alton Fireworks Viewing Party. Come and enjoy listening to great bands as you celebrate the Fourth of July. Bands include Tyler Filmore, Leslie Craig and the Hellbangers, and Nashvegas. 1 Riverfront Dr., Alton IL 62002. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

July 3 – 5, Forest Park hosts Fair St. Louis. July 3: The Band Perry, Smash Band, Thompson Square; July 4: VP Parade, Bonnie Raitt, Matt Nathanson, Gavin DeGraw, Mary Lambert, Ozark Mountain Daredevils; July 5:

Calendar

The Fray, the Neighborhood, Musiq Soulchild, En Vogue. 5595 Grand Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. fairsaintlouis.org.

July 3 – 5, Forest Park

hosts Fair St. Louis. July 3: The Band Perry, Smash Band, Thompson Square; July 4: VP Parade, Bonnie Raitt, Matt Nathanson, Gavin DeGraw, Mary Lambert, Ozark Mountain Daredevils; July 5: The Fray, the Neighborhood, Musiq Soulchild, En Vogue. 5595 Grand Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. fairsaintlouis.org.

Fri., July 4, 9:06 p.m., Alpha Eta Chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. presents Phrozen Phourth III. Calling all Greeks & Colleges to come out and Represent. Trendy dress code enforced. Greeks may wear paraphernalia. Harry’s Restaurant and Bar, 2144 Market St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 2236367 or (314) 324-0257.

Sat., July 5, 5:30 p.m., Family Fireworks Viewing Party. Highlands Golf Course, Forest Park, 5163 Clayton Ave., 63110.

Fri., July 11, 10 p.m., Elevated Fridays presents Jermaine Dupri. The Marquee Restaurant, 1911 Locust St., 63103.

Sat., July 12, 11 a.m., Southern Mission Baptist Church presents 10th Annual Classic Car Show. All cars, trucks, SUV’s and motorcycles are welcomed. The event is

free but if you desire to enter your car in the competition, there is a $20.00 entry fee. Refreshments will be available. 8171 Wesley Ave., 63140. For more information, call (314) 521-3951.

Sat., July 12, 7 p.m., Integrity Resolutions, Inc. presents Sipping for a Cause Charity Wine Tasting. All to beneit the communities we serve right here in the Greater St. Louis Metropolitan Area. Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. integrityresolutionsinc.org.

Sat., July 12, 9 p.m., Queeny Park hosts Glow in the Park St. Louis 5K Fun Run. 550 Weidman Rd., 63131. For more information, visit www. glowinthepark.com.

Sat., July 12, 6 p.m., The Old Rock House presents Summer Gras. A Celebration of the Food & Music of New Orleans. Featuring: Dumpstaphunk, Honey Island Swamp Band, Dirtfoot, Al Holliday & the Eastside Rhythm Band, and more.1200 S 7th St., 63104. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., July 12, 9 p.m., Queeny Park hosts Glow in the Park St. Louis 5K Fun Run. 550 Weidman Rd., 63131. For more information, visit www. glowinthepark.com.

Sat., July 19, 7:30 a.m., Six Flags presents The Biggest Loser Run Walk at Six Flags St. Louis. A race for all itness levels, whether you are ready to set a personal

For more information, call (314) 475-1202.

Mon., July 21, Persimmon Woods hosts The 26th annual AAFA Golf Classic. The event is held for the St. Louis chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. 6401 Weldon Spring Pkwy, Weldon Spring, MO 63304. For more information, visit aafastl.org/ golf.

Fri., Aug., 1, 6:30 p.m., Shrewsberry Community Center hosts Not your Granny’s BINGO 2014. A fun and interactive event to beneit the efforts of GiFT (Giving is a Family Tradition). 10 rounds of BINGO (must be 18 to play) 5200 Shrewsbury Ave., 63119. For more information visit,www. givingisafamilytradition.org

record or this is your irst race, come join The Biggest Loser RunWalk. 4900 Six Flags St Louis Railroad, Eureka, Mo., 63069. For more information, visit http://www. biggestloserrunwalk.com/ SixFlags_St_Louis_race.

Sat., July 19, 8 a.m., Lift for Life Academy presents 2nd Annual UberAsphalt (Urban bike experience ride). An obstacle hunt using bikes, brains and brawn. Bicyclists in teams of 2 will create their own routes, taking them through the city of St. Louis, in a race to complete this fun scavenger hunt. 1731 S. Broadway, 63104. For more information, visit www.liftforlifeacademy. org.

Sat., July 19, 1 p.m., Contemporary Art Museum hosts Educated Girls Rock Oficial Launch “Appreciation Party.” The event will have music, prizes, school supplies, food, jewelry, handbags, body-wraps & essential, scarfs, cupcakes, etc. Everything that girls, young women and women love will be there. 3450 Washington Blvd., 63108.

Sun., July 20, 9 a.m., Rescuers 5K Run. Tremayne Shelter, Creve Coeur Park, 13725 Marine Ave., 63043. For more information, visit www. rescuers5krun.com.

Sun., July 20, 12 p.m., St. Louis’Best Bridal Show & 9th Annual Cake Dive. Regular admission is $5 (cash only) at the door. Orlando’s Event and Conference Center, 2050 Dorsett Village, 63043.

as the Plantagenet Richard, Duke of York, who believe England must be led by a strong king if she is to survive. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-6731.

Fri., July 11, 6 p.m., Heart of Woman book signing & Live Poetry Event. Join me for an inspiring evening of poetry, song and words of wisdom on how to thrive in the meantime.

National Memorial St. Louis Holy Temple, 6802 Primrose

Sat., July 12, 1 p.m., Barnes and Noble hosts author Jim Merkel, author of The Making of an Icon: The Dreamers, the Schemers, and the Hard Hats Who Built the Gateway Arch The Gateway Arch is one of America’s most distinctive and beloved national monuments.

Much has been written about the Arch, but no book has captured the legend, lore, and spirit behind its conception and construction, until now. 113 West County Center, 63131.

Mon., July 14, 7 p.m., St. Louis County Library hosts authors John Sanford and Michele Cook, authors of Uncaged. Library Headquarters, 1640 S. Lindbergh Blvd., 63131. For more information, call (314) 994-3300.

Tues., July 15, 7 p.m., St. Louis Public Library hosts author Karin Slaughter, author of Cop Town. An epic story of a city in the midst of seismic upheaval, a serial killer targeting cops, and a divided police force tasked with bringing a madman to justice. Downtown Branch, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, visit www. slpl.org.

Sun., July 20, 3 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Earl Swift, author of Auto Biography. An unforgettable ode to American car culture, the narrative follows an outlaw-genius motorhead as he attempts to restore an iconic 1957 Chevy from rusted-out wreck to gleaming, chromed work of American art before the FBI closes in. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 3676731.

theatre

July 7 – 13, The Muny presents Porgy and Bess. Winner of the 2012 Tony Award for Best Revival of a Musical, The Gershwins’ Porgy and Bess arrives at The Muny with award-winning members of the Broadway cast in this stunning and stirring new staging. Set in Charleston’s fabled Catfish Row, it tells the story of

the beautiful Bess as she struggles to break free from her scandalous past, and the only one who can rescue her is the courageous Porgy. One Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www.muny. org.

July 14 – 20, The Muny presents The Addams Family. Making its US regional and Muny premiere, The Addams Family puts Charles Addams’ classic and beloved characters in a hilarious Broadway musical that has been thrilling audiences worldwide. See what Bloomberg News called “uproarious!” Come meet Gomez, Morticia, Lurch and the entire hilariously odd Addams Family. One Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www.muny. org.

July 19 – 27, Family Music Theater presents Sweeney Todd. Murder and mayhem ensue when Sweeney Todd comes back on the scene swearing revenge on those who wronged him. His razor-sharp barber skills come in handy for his neighbor, Mrs. Lovett, and her failing meat pie shop. 7620 Michigan Ave., 63111. For more information, visit www. familymusicaltheater.org.

July 22 – 28, The Muny presents Seussical. Making its Muny premiere, Seussical brings fantasy to life on the Muny stage. Based on the classic children’s books of Dr. Seuss and narrated by the mischievous Cat in the Hat, this delightful musical follows Horton the elephant in his quest to protect the people of Who-ville. One Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

July 24 – 30, Stray Dog Theater presents Funny Girl. In turn-of-the-century New York, a young Jew from the Lower East Side dreams of becoming a Broadway star despite her unglamorous appearance. This semi-autobiographical musical follows the life and career of Fanny Brice and her stormy relationship with Nicky Arnstein. 2348 Tennessee Ave., 63104. For more information,visit www. straydogtheatre.org.

July 31- Aug., 8, The Muny presents Grease. One of the most popular shows in Muny history, Grease returns for nine nights in its irst Muny production since 2007. One Theatre Dr., 63112. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Fri., Aug. 1, 8 p.m., Union Avenue Opera presents A Streetcar Named Desire. Desire is taking on a new rhythm as Tennessee Williams’

play sizzles onto the stage This scintillating Streetcar adds a new level of drama and excitement to Williams’ enduring portrait of sex, class and secrets. 733 Union Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit unionavenueopera.org.

Sat., Aug. 2, 7:30 p.m., Ivory Theatre presents Kids’Kabaret: A Broadway Inspired Beneit for SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center. The show will consist of musical theater songs and dances from beloved shows such as Nine, Working, Hairspray, A Christmas Story, Annie Get Your Gun and Disney’s The Jungle Book.7620 Michigan Ave., 63111. For more information, visit www.ivorytheatrestl.com.

arts

Thurs., July 24, 6:30 p.m., Contemporary Art Museum hosts Animated Evenings. Ages 21 and up. Join artist Sarah Paulsen for this crash course in stop-motion animation. Stop in early for a drink then move on to CAM’s studios where you’ll create your very own animated short. 3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit http://camstl.org.

Through July 27, Urban Wanderers: A Partnership with Stray Rescue of St. Louis. Urban Wanderers is a heartwarming art exhibition featuring professional works of art inspired by Stray Rescue’s companion animals. Artists will paint, photograph and sculpt a Stray Rescue dog or cat that has been abandoned, abused or neglected. Stray Rescue shelter dogs will create works of “arf,” using

Elevated Fridays presents Jermaine Dupri. The Marquee Restaurant. See SPECIAL EVENTS for details.

lectures

Sat., July 12, 8 a.m., St. Louis Community College at Meramec hosts How to Start and Manage Your Own Business. This seminar will cover, how to write your business plan, marketing your business, inancial planning, legal entities, and technology. 11333 Big Bend Rd., St. Louis Community College at Meramec, 63122. For more information, call (314) 5396602 or register at stlouis. score.org.

July 19 – 20, As You Go Events presents Teens in Motion Teen Expo. Hey Teens! Looking for something to do? Bring the entire family for 2 fun illed days with a focus on teens. Admission is Free. 12365 Saint Charles Rock Rd., 63044. For more information, visit asyougoevents.com/teen-expo.

their paws, tails and noses. All artwork will be available for purchase via an online auction. Proceeds directly benefit Stray Rescue of St. Louis. A reception to kickoff the exhibition will be held on June 6, at 5 p.m. St. Louis University Museum of Art, 3663 Lindell Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 977-2666 or visit www.strayrescue.org/ urbanwanderers2014.

Fri., Aug., 1, 5 p.m., Contemporary Art Museum presents First Friday. A complimentary drink for Young Friends members and above. Cash bar. Enjoy an evening of art, music, and culture the irst Friday of every month. DJs and musicians present music in dialogue with the exhibitions, Museum staff lead tours, and the bar and café are open. Arts organizations throughout Grand Center are free and open the entire evening.750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For a complete list of participating institutions, visit irstfridaysgrandcenter.org.

Sun., July 20, 12 p.m., A Beautiful Face: Makeup 101. Enjoy an informative, fun illed, and interactive makeup class taught by professional makeup artist, Alexandra Butler, whose work is featured on Vh1’s Love and Hip Hop Atlanta, Bravo’s Real Housewives of Atlanta, and BET’s Comicview. 14th Street Artist Community, 2701 N. 14th St., 63106. For more information, email alexandrabutlermua@yahoo. com.

health

Sun., July 13, 11 a.m., St. Peter’s UCC host Salam Free Adult Medicine Clinic. St. Peter’s United Church of Christ in Ferguson is partnering with the Muslim Community of St. Louis physicians to provide free basic healthcare to adults. The clinic is offered at the St. Peter’s UCC at no charge each Saturday from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. on a walkin basis. Immunizations are not provided. 1425 Stein Rd., 63135. For more information, call (314) 521-5694.

Sat., July 5. 10 a.m., Integrity Village hosts Freedom Festival. Celebrate Faith, Fun & Fellowship is the mission for this Community Event. There will be games, music, giveaways, and lots of fun activities for all ages. 1600 S. Vandeventer Ave., 63110. For more information or to volunteer for this event, call (314) 881-3210.

July 18-20, Shiloh Temple Church of God in Christ, Men’s Ministry presents the Total Man Conference, Friday night, Total Man Musical (7pm); Saturday 10-4pm Community Fair and American Red Cross Blood Drive 9-1pm. Sunday July 20th, 11am service, 2pm Total Man Dinner 2 p.m. and 4pm Close out service. 4100 Washington St Louis Missouri 63108. Registration is open NOW at www.TMC2014.org.

Sun., July 13, 6 p.m., Fee Fee Baptist Church presents Free Summer Concerts. An evening of gospel music with Phil Woodmore and friends. Joining Woodmore will be the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department Choir, Trinity Community Church Singers and others. The concert is free however an offering will be taken. Super Sundae Night will follow. 11330 St. Charles Rock Rd., 63044.

film

Thursdays in July, 6:30 p.m., St. Louis Central Library presents Free Beach movies July 3: Couples Retreat. Four couples head to a resort for vacation. One couple goes to work on their marriage, but the others don’t realize therapy sessions are mandatory.

July 10: Forgetting Sarah Marshall July 24: Cast Away. July 31: Point Break. 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5390395 or email mlambert@slpl. org.

disease. But the show went on.

“Everybody’s got personal problems,” Womack said in a 2012 interview with The Los Angeles Times. “That’s life.

If you’re strong enough and want to pull out, you can only pull out for the better.”

2012’s “The Bravest Man in the Universe” would be the last album in a career that spanned seven decades.

The project illustrated Womack’s fearless chartering into new territory, featuring unlikely collaborations with breathy pop singer Lana Del Ray and Malian folk singer Fatoumata Diawara.

The title also could serve as concise, yet accurate memoir for Womack. He never went the safe route. Those risks made his music groundbreaking and his personal narrative more compelling than tragic.

Born in Cleveland to two musician parents on March 14, 1944, Womack began his musical career at age 16 as a member of Curtis Womack and the Womack Brothers with his siblings Curtis, Harry, Cecil and Friendly Jr.

After Sam Cooke signed the group to his SAR Records in 1960, they released a handful of gospel singles before changing their name to the Valentinos and earning success with a more secular sound. In 1964, one month after the Valentinos released their hit “It’s All Over Now,” The Rolling Stones put out their version, which went to No. 1 on the U.K. singles charts.

The group’s mentor, Sam Cooke, was tragically killed that same year, and 21-yearold Womack infamously

ART

Continued from C1

with these weird, janky awnings, like funny little eyelids, hanging off of them,” Chisholm said. “St. Louis is a weird city, and I just want to make weird stuff to reflect it.”

Chisholm sees his awnings as street art, a kind of 3-D graffiti. So far, he’s only created a prototype but he’d like to do more.

“To actually explore it, I’ve got to make multiples, different scales, different sizes,” he said.

The prototype – which almost has a cartoon-town look – is made from hackedup bits and pieces of previous projects. There’s a good reason Chisholm has lots of leftover Styrofoam: Hardly

married Cooke’s widow soon after. They divorced in 1970. He left the Valentinos to become a successful session musician – playing guitar and providing background vocals to several seminal soul and R&B albums, including many of Franklin’s recordings from the 1960s.

Womack’s solo career began with the debut album “Fly Me to the Moon” in 1968. A string of successful R&B albums would follow, including “Understanding” and “Across 110th Street,” both released in 1972, 1973’s “Facts of Life” and 1974’s “Lookin for a Love Again.” He had 45 hit singles on Billboard’s Hot R&B chart over the course of his career. Among those are two No. 1 hits: “Woman’s Gotta Have It” and “Lookin’ For a Love.” And in addition to The Rolling Stones, his music was performed by Janis Joplin, George Benson and many others.

Womack returned to the

anyone buys it.

“Most people don’t have room for a 6-foot-by-4-foot piece that juts off the wall three feet,” he explained. You may have seen Chisholm’s sizeable Screwed Arts Collective collaborative projects at St. Louis’ Regional Arts Commission. He’s also known for his street-art statements on money, bags marked with dollar signs, filled with fake currency, and dropped in Chicago, then St. Louis and Tokyo.

But how does any of this make real money?

Chisholm’s sold a couple of large pieces, taught classes and taken commissions. This past December, a $20,000 RAC fellowship bought him a precious commodity: free time to make art and music.

Chisholm’s also a rap artist who is putting out a new

top of the charts with the 1981 R&B classic “If You Think You’re Lonely Now.” But it would be nearly another 20 years before he would return to the charts after that.

“The Bravest Man in the Universe” was named among Rolling Stone Magazine’s 50 Best Albums of 2012.

He announced a tour to support the critically acclaimed record and was ready to take on the world. Soon after, he learned that he was in the early stages of Alzheimer’s disease.

Knowing the condition meant he might forget songs – or even the city in which he was performing – Womack kept working.

“With the support of many good doctors, my family and all of my wonderful fans, I will continue to write and perform and bring the good music to the people for as long as I can,” Womack told CNN in January 2013. Spoken like the bravest man in the universe, indeed.

seven-inch record in August with a buddy from Chicago.

On the side, he has regular, all-vinyl Lord Have Merzy DJ gigs.

“Some people don’t even know I’m a visual artist. They just see me out there playing music,” Chisholm said.

“A goal of mine is a slow merging of all these things.”

Chisholm doesn’t see his music and his sculpture as two different pursuits.

“It’s all the same. If I’m drawing something or writing some text, it’s the same thing to me as putting music together, as writing and recording a song,” Chisholm said. “Textures and components coming together is all it is.”

Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

By

Come for the fair, stay for the museum

See History Museum exhibits while Fair St. Louis is in Forest Park

My first community service experience in St. Louis occurred about one month after I arrived in town. I’m not sure how it happened, but I got a call from a community leader who was looking for volunteers to help staff the family fun area at Fair Saint Louis. Being in town for only a month and never experiencing either the Fair or St. Louis in July, I enthusiastically volunteered.

For two long, hot days I helped children make crafts and catch wooden fish, all the while trying to stay hydrated. After that experience I’m surprised I went back to Fair Saint Louis, but I did. I have some great memories of concerts by Musiq SoulChild, John Legend and India Ari, along with breathtaking fireworks.

The current traveling exhibit, American Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, will be free from Thursday, July 3 to Sunday, July 6.

This year, instead of going down to the Gateway Arch to celebrate, the fun will be in the Missouri History Museum’s backyard.

The Missouri History Museum welcomes Fair Saint Louis to Forest Park from July 3 to July 5. The museum will be open extended hours to allow for visitors to come in from the heat and enjoy our exhibits.

If you haven’t had the time to experience 250 in 250, the Museum’s exhibit commemorating the city’s founding, this is a great time. While you are checking out the people, places, events, images, and moments that make St. Louis unique, you can write a postcard to yourself in the future. The postcards will be kept by the museum and mailed in 2064.

The current traveling exhibit, American

thrill baseball fans by “sitting down in the outfield, jumping up at the crack of the bat and running down the ball.”

Spirits: The Rise and Fall of Prohibition, will be free from Thursday, July 3 to Sunday, July 6 thanks to the generosity of the exhibit’s local sponsor, Anheuser Busch. This family-friendly exhibit allows visitors to step back in time to learn about America’s “drinking problem” and the law that was put in place to curb the problem. A sneaky lesson in civics, this exhibit explains how amendments are passed and how liquor still somehow made it to the underground speakeasies. There are opportunities to quiz yourself on the 18th Amendment, take a picture in a lineup, and try to outrun rum runners through winding rivers. If you are bringing young children to the fair, be sure to stop by the Museum’s newest children’s exhibit, The History Clubhouse: Let’s Build It! This new exhibit encourages families to explore St. Louis by learning about Cahokia Mounds, Soulard Farmer’s Market, and Downtown. Throughout the exhibit there are opportunities for children to play and learn while their parents can provide valuable feedback on how to enhance the gallery experience. This exhibit is a prototype. Using the feedback from visitors, the final exhibit will be installed in the spring of 2015. We are looking for feedback on your experiences in the exhibit and what we can do to make it even better for your family. The museum will be open from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. each day of the fair to allow visitors to spend time discovering new galleries and rediscovering older galleries. From the history of St. Louis to the World’s Fair, the History Museum permanent galleries tell the story of the region from its founding in 1804 until today. If you haven’t been to the museum in a while, the 4th of July weekend is a great time to rediscover the city’s history and commemorate its 250th birthday.

Leon Anderson’s Cleats: Leon Anderson was a standout player in segregated baseball, dazzling legions of passionate fans with his deft and colorful play. From the 1920s to the 1940s, he roamed center field for both the St. Louis Sports and the St. Louis Bees. He was known to

Bobby Womack

Melanie Adams

classic in A sandy suit, and the new Mrs. Johnson looked like a Greek goddess.

Mr. and Mrs. Ondray Wells were on hand along with 50 of the couples’ family and friends to watch Mirinda walk down the aisle with her father by her side, rocking his white Converse to match the grooms’ attire. The Johnsons are looking forward to expanding their family right away.

I’ve never seen Makeda Crane without a smile on her face – and her personality lights up any room. But these days she is shining even brighter since Teddy Blackett proposed while the two were on vacation in Punta Cana a few weeks back. The two have been a couple for the past three years.

So ladies, when you see Mr. B. Free out taking pictures, pretend like you were raised right and are respectful, because the native New Yorker is off the market. The nuptials are set for the fall of 2015. Speaking of respect, attorney Jermaine Wooten deserves plenty for opening the doors to his new posh offices. He held an open house Friday that was filled with men in tailored suits and women who couldn’t keep their eyes off them.

Tonia Harris, who keeps The Legal Solution Group in order, was on hand ensuring everyone knew they were ready for new business at the new North County location.

SLPS school board member

Susan Jones was there toting

her new baby girl – and she didn’t let that stop her from working the room. Law bosses Leslie Broadnax and Wesley Bell both did a walkthrough. Developer Ken Hutchinson was there to support his longtime friends Tonia and Jermaine.

I did miss seeing my favorite attorney Michael Walton, who has been tastefully rocking the Common beard these days. But

Phillips Hospital, the pride of the area.

Continued from C1

spoke of, only the Annie Malone Children and Family Services Center remains.

Scattered around a few lingering institutions – like Antioch Baptist Church – are the bones of one of the most thriving African-American communities in the region.

In “The Ville,” elders who lived within the borders of the North St. Louis neighborhood share their stories about the community with young people. They speak of the glory days and relive the heartache of watching the decline of their beloved community as the young people of St. Louis Artworks capture the moment and others take notes. Their faces would light up in the moments of the good old days – especially Homer G.

“The doctors left Meharry Medical College and Howard University and came there,” said Ville preservationist Harold Crumpton. “Some of the best black medical minds in the world were trained right in the Ville.”

“The Ville” screens at 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 15 at The Tivoli Theatre.

Pride of East St. Louis

“The Ville,” a short film, will screen with Sandra Pfeiffer’s full-length feature “Against All the Odds.”

Like “The Ville,” it also consists of a heavy helping of first-person interviews, coupled with narration over archival photos to transition the viewer to the next historical sequence.

his was an excused absence, because he was busy getting things together for the Annual Mound City Bar Association Scholarship dinner – which I hear went extremely well.

Majic 100.3 FM’s Tammie Holland was the hostess with the most last Thursday evening as Macy’s at the Galleria held a VIP All White Party to highlight all the new trends in summer fashion. And I’m

The format isn’t particularly as entertaining or captivating as one might hope, but the interesting subject matter and rich, unique history will manage to hold viewers’ attention.

“Against All the Odds” starts off with a tale woven by an imagined survivor of the 1917 race riot that killed hundreds and is considered to be one of the worst race riots in American history.

Nearly 100 years after the infamous riots, a different type of tragedy remains in East St. Louis. It is absent of opportunity for most, as evidenced by horrifying crime statistics in a city that is almost exclusively African-American.

“Against All the Odds” speaks of the golden days of ESL as “An All American City” to its current reputation as one of America’s most violent urban areas.

Yet the film still manages

so glad that MOST everyone understood that white does not mean eggshell, ivory, cream, corn silk, bone or light beige. For those who didn’t, Macy’s new personal shopper Gail was on hand to make sure everyone knew who to get summer ready with –colors included. Tammie was looking absolutely fabulous – including her “bombshell blonde” platinum hair color – but Macy’s store manager Rob Franklin stole the show with his rendition of Vanilla Ice’s early ‘90s hip-hop guilty pleasure “Ice Ice Baby.”

But my focus quickly shifted to Gina Cheatman who served me style and tea and even had the nerve to do an outfit change.

I’m not sure St. Louis is ready for Cheatman, who is a cast member of “BAPS,” the newest St. Louis reality show set to air later this month on The Lifetime Network. I wouldn’t call her (or any grown woman, for that matter) a princess, but it’s clear she doesn’t need to prove her pedigree – unlike others who are on a personal campaign all around town.

I’m doing my research on the “BAPS” cast, since the question that I’m getting most is “who are they?” I hope the show doesn’t turn into one big Jack and Jill nightmare.

With the St. Louis sun beaming down, make sure you catch the shade I’m serving online at stlamerican.com and stay connected with me on social media @theSTLsuite for a healthy serving of Tea & Crumpets.

to inspire with stories of the thriving musical legacy and the contributions of notable and everyday citizens who’ve managed to buck the stereotypes and live up its “City of Champions” slogan.

“The Ville” and “Against All the Odds” are just two of the interesting lineup of films at this year’s showcase that express the black experience on topics from American slavery to the current child sex slave trade in Malawi.

“Against All the Odds” will screen immediately following “The Ville” (at 5 p.m.) on Tuesday, July 15 at The Tivoli, 6350 Delmar.

The St. Louis Filmmaker’s showcase will take place from July 13-July 17 at The Tivoli Theatre, 6350 Delmar Blvd. Tickets can be purchased online at tickets.landmarktheatres. com. For more information and a full schedule of films, visit www.cinemastlouis.org.

Disrupting the education of children

Raise your hands if your were surprised by the Francis Howell School District’s decision not to take Normandy School District students. Hmmm, that’s what I thought. Most observers were not surprised that black students would be stopped at the door if there were no lucrative tuition payments accompanying them.

The Francis Howell decision had a domino effect, as other school districts barred Normandy students once the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education dissolved the Normandy district and reconstituted it as a new entity with no accreditation status that is not governed by the state transfer law regarding unaccredited districts. Of the 928 Normandy students enrolled in other districts, about 560 will no longer qualify for transfers.

taking two of the children, but it’s causing tension between them. Hubby’s reasons for being opposed to taking the kids in is couched in the fact that they aren’t his kin and he’s looking forward to starting his own family.

Most districts cite reasons from district policy to instructional disruption to financial stress to lowering of academic outcomes. Reading and listening to the rationale of individual school board members of the various districts as they justify their positions was reminiscent of a scenario where the parents of a family of seven have perished and the kids have to be split among other family members.

Uncle Jake and Aunt Betty can take two kids, even though it will be a financial hardship. They already have three children of their own.

Grandma Nel did not hesitate to take one child. She would take more, but she’s getting up in age and on a fixed income.

Cousin Rene and her husband are considering

Aunt Rae and her partner Candace have the desire and the financial means to take two of the children, but because they are lesbians, some of the family don’t think this is a good idea – even though no one else is stepping up to assume responsibility for raising the children. And like children who are forced to go into foster care or be split among family members, there’s an emotional and psychological cost to the children’s well being. William F. Tate is chair of the Department of Education at Washington University. He said that the sociological research is clear: the students will face both academic and emotional challenges. I can only image how Normandy students are feeling as adults express to them that they are unwanted and unwelcome. After a tumultuous two years, adults with decision-making power have not made these students’ lives any more certain and secure. They should not be told their desire to be educated is “disruptive.”

It’s not too late to for all the stakeholders to ratchet up their efforts to hammer out reasonable solutions for faltering districts and child victims of the system. Minimally, it will take patience, commitment and innovation. For sure, shortsighted legislation and half-hearted instructional methods don’t work.

FILM

100.3’s Morning show host Tammie Holland on hand with Macy’s new personal shopper, Gail.

Jamala Rogers

Nuptials

Terry Evans III of St. Louis and Raquel

M. Scott of Houston, TX were united in marriage on June 7, 2014 in Houston, TX. The groom is the son of Elder Terry Evans Jr. and Karen Evans. Terry is employed by the State of Missouri. Raquel is the daughter of Bridgette McMullen (Houston, TX) and the late Terry Marc Noel (Virginia). Raquel is employed by KIPP Schools. They will reside in St. Louis with their two sons.

Reunions

Beaumont High School Class of 1974 is holding its 40th Class Reunion August 1-3, including a sock hop at the school Friday evening and dinner and brunch Sat and Sun at the St. Louis Airport Renaissance Hotel. For more info contact James White at 314-494-5554 or ten55jw@ yahoo.com.

Beaumont Class of 1979

~ Celebrations ~

Anniversaries

Happy 50th wedding anniversary to Leno and Yvonne Holmes on June 28. Love, Cynthia, George, Tiffany and family

Bernd and Sharon Marion celebrated their 35th anniversary on June 30. The couple has two children, Nikki and Jamell and one grandson, D’ante. Bernd retired from American Airlines, and Sharon retired from Verizon in New York. To God be the glory, because He has truly blessed us!

will be celebrating their 35th Class Reunion during Friday, September 5th thru Sunday, September 7th 2014. For additional information, please contact Scarlett McWell at 314-458-7782 or send email to msscarletto@yahoo.com or Sandra Hooker at ayaina612@ sbcglobal.net.

Northwest High School Class of 1979 reunion dates are set for Sat. August 23 and Sunday, August 24 2014. Please contact Duane Daniels at 314568-2057 or Howard day at 414-698-4261 to purchase tickets and any needed further information.

Congratulations to Marvin and Jean Jackson for 50 years of marriage on June 28.

Soldan is having its 10th

Sumner A Capella Choir Reunion September 12 - 14, 2014. All former A’Capella choir members are welcome; All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Lincoln Sr. High School (East St. Louis, IL) Class of 1964 50th Class Reunion, 6 pm, Friday, September 26; 6:30 pm, Saturday, September 27, St. Louis Airport Marriott, 10700 Pear Tree Lane, St. Louis, MO 63134; 10 am, Sunday church service at Southern Mission M.B. Church, 2801 State Street, East St. Louis, IL, 62205. Contact persons: Carolyn Leggs Curry at 314.385.6305 or Ruby McSwain Akins at lottie840@yahoo.com.

Riverview Gardens Class of 1994 is planning its 20th reunion for August 22-24, 2014. Please join us via Facebook: Riverview Gardens Senior High Class of 1994. You may provide your contact information via survey monkey: https:// www.surveymonkey.com/s/ XRKC975. You may also contact the planning committee Shannon Tuggle, Leslie Norwood, Scott Wolosyk, and/or Mark Grzechowiak via email at rgclassof1994@gmail. com.

All-Class Alumni Picnic, Sat. August 2, 2013 at Blanchette Park in St. Charles, MO., from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. The price is $10/adults, $5/4-12yrs, free 3 and under. T-Shirts with the grad. year on the sleeve are $13. For more information call: (314) 413-9088. For order form e-mail: gptate@ sbcglobal.net.

St. Alphonsus ‘Rock’ High School Class of 1964 is planning a 50th year reunion on August 14, 2014. For more information please contact Mary Jo ‘Kozlowski’ Knight at 636-916-4449 or Lee Ann ‘Schepker’ Ward at 314-6316765.

songs from Mr. Billups years will be sung. The Reunion Concert is Sunday, September 14 at Antioch Baptist Church, 2401 Annie Malone, Saint Louis, MO 63113 at 4 p.m. The rehearsals are on Mondays at West Side Missionary Baptist Church 2677 Dunn Road at 7 p.m. Contact Elaine Smith, Chairperson at 314-456-3838 for more information.

Sumner High School Classes of 1954 is planning its 60 Year Class Reunion, scheduled for Friday, August 15-17, 2014 at the Sheraton Westport Hotel, Plaza Tower. For more information contact: Audrey Poindexter at (314) 383-7174; e-mail: ajpoin@charter.net or Marlene May at (314) 5679629; e-mail: onelene@att. net.

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 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

New Life awards $21K in scholarships

New Life In Christ

Interdenominational Church, 689 Scott Troy Road in O’Fallon, Ill., awarded scholarships totaling $21,000 to seven area high school students during its annual Education Sunday worship service on June 8.

The 2014 New Life In Christ scholarship recipients are:

• Jeremy Dorsey, Belleville Township High School East, John H. McCants Hope Scholarship, $5,000, attending University of Notre Dame

• Evan Meirink, Belleville Township High School West, Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, Sr. Pastoral Scholarship of Excellence, $5,000, attending University of Illinois-Urbana-Champaign

• Olivia Clark, Belleville Township High School East, Bishop Leamon and Ida Dorothy Dudley Memorial Scholarship, $2,500, attending Lincoln UniversityJefferson City

• Raychael Baker, O’Fallon Township High School, Minister Sheila Renee Swygert Memorial Scholarship, $2,500, attending the University of Alabama

• Audreyana BrownNash, Belleville Township High School East, NLICIC Life Changer Scholarship, $2,000, attending the University of New Haven

“These young people are proving that educational success is achievable through hard work and determination,” said Bishop Geoffrey V. Dudley, New Life in Christ’s senior pastor. “We hope the scholarships they are receiving will assist them in pursuing their future goals and dreams.”

New Life In Christ began awarding scholarships to graduating high school seniors who are members of the church

nine years ago. Recipients were chosen based on their high academic achievement and their ability to demonstrate a love for serving others as well as their communities. To date, more than $167,000 in scholarships has been presented.

Gospel Superfest talent search

Producers of the Allstate Gospel Superfest will conduct its sixth annual new talent initiative in three major U.S. cities this coming August. The Allstate Gospel Superfest Battle of the Bands, a competition for aspiring gospel artists, will travel to Washington, DC, Memphis, TN and Jacksonville, FL in search of its next opening act for 2015.

Interested gospel artists (consisting of twenty members or less) can enter the competition immediately. The winner will be selected on Monday, September 15. Each submission will be

reviewed by the show’s producers and a select panel of industry professionals. Up to 20 artists will be selected in each city. The competition will also feature celebrity judges and a free concert in each city immediately following the auditions in each city.

The Allstate Gospel Superfest Battle of the Bands is familyoriented entertainment suitable for the entire family. All seats are free and open to the public. The audition cities and locations are:

• Jacksonville, FL – The Potter’s House International (5119 Normandy Blvd., Jacksonville, FL 32205), 6-9 p.m. Saturday, August 2

• Memphis, TN – Oak Grove Missionary Baptist Church (7289 Highway 64, Memphis, TN 38133), 7-10 p.m. Friday, August 8

• Washington, DC – The Sanctuary at Kingdom Square

COGIC in STL

Bishop Lawrence Wooten delivered the sermon Sunday, July 22 when the Eastern Missouri Western Illinois Jurisdiction of the Church of God in Christ (COGIC) hosted its weeklong regional convocation at Williams Temple, where Wooten is pastor. Wooten also is a prelate and General Board member of COGIC.

(9033 Central Avenue, Capitol Heights, MD 20743), 6-9 p.m. Saturday, August 16.

For more information, please visit gospelsuperfest.com. The Allstate Gospel Superfest is a production of Unity Media Limited of Ohio who is solely responsible for the contest and fulfillment of the grand prize.

Church Family Reunion Compton Hill M.B. Church, 3141 LaSalle Street in St. Louis, is hosting a Church Family Reunion August 16-17. “Reunions are meant to draw people together, and we are looking forward to a high praise fellowship and worship service with all former and current members and friends,” organizer said. The Rev. Stephen R. Vasser is pastor. For information call Valerie (Clark) Miller at 314-664-6270 or email valeriemiller06179@ att.net.

Ever since I began this journey of mine, I have heard minister after minister talk about their church’s individual ministries. Many have put their mission statements before their congregations for a vote of approval and then a commitment in action and activities to be pursued. Some describe themselves as urban ministries, while others serve the homeless. Still others prioritize prison ministries, while others focus, depending on size and resources, on Christian education. Some are simple. Some are varied, if not complex. Maybe you’ve been told, like me, that everyone has a ministry. Where you see a need, you can probably find a calling. Maybe my rather public statements of faith could be interpreted as ministry. Ministering doesn’t necessarily only come from ministers. We all have an obligation to spread the Word, preach the gospel, proclaim Christ as Lord.

In private moments of contemplation, I’ve often wondered what Jesus’ ministry was. If you want to emulate someone’s ministry, it would be His. Aside from miracles and the like, it seems God came amongst us and simply served where needed. He taught

(teacher). He communicated (motivational speaker). He converted (recruiter). He harvested the fruits of His labor (salesman). Simple man, simple ministry … service, service, service. We can all minister. The question is: Will you choose to? Will you accept the obvious role God has chosen for you? I write and have made a conscious decision to write something for the Lord. What do you do as lawyer, accountant, cook, salesman, banker, day laborer, mother, father or mechanic, employed or not? Jesus proved you have no excuse because each gift has a spiritual manifestation, if we choose to view it as ministry. “We have different gifts according to the grace given us. If a man’s gift is prophesying, let him use it in proportion to his faith. If it is serving, let him serve; if it is teaching, let him teach; if it is encouraging, let him encourage; if it is contributing to the needs of others, let him give generously; if it is leadership, let him govern diligently; if it is showing mercy, let him do it cheerfully.” Romans 12:6-8. Stop for a moment and take inventory of the many gifts God has blessed you with, then use them wisely.

The American is accepting Inspirational Messages from the community. Send your column (no more than 400 words) as a Word document and pasted text to cking@stlamerican. com and attach a photo of yourself as a jpeg ile. Please be patient; we will run columns in the order received.

James A. Washington

Photo by Wiley Price

Misheri and Terry of Driver 1 Transportation, a father daughter duo that get all the celebrities to where they need to be, took in a little 2 Chainz @ The Coliseum before transporting the rap star

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

Of all the cities in the world that he could have celebrated his 21st birthday, Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal chose to bring the NBA to his hometown and do it big. He stopped at EXO on Friday with fellow NBA star Glen Rice Jr. He also made his way to The

Shameless horn-tooting on behalf of The American. I know most of y’all already know by now that The St. Louis American is ONCE AGAIN the best black newspaper in America. We also earned “Best Website” honors. For those who haven’t been counting, that makes three in a row (eat your heart out Miami Heat) and 10 within the past 19 years. …and there’s a story about it on 1A if you want to know about the other nine awards that we took home from Portland last Thursday. The article is very gracious, but you know by now that I barely have a hint of gracefulness…if that. So I’m saying loud, proud, strong and long that we did it! But seriously, this is as much your award as it is ours. Seriously, I’ve been to cities all over and they wish that their city would embrace their brand in the same manner as us. We are so fortunate to have generations that have supported us over the past 86 years. We consider it an honor to represent black St. Louis in print, on the web, though events and through social media and thank you for your continued support.

Two Chainz in honor of five years. So I know I wasn’t the only one scratching my head when Phil and the Liquid Assets crew said that they were bringing a 2 Chainz TOUR to the Coliseum in honor of their five year anniversary. I was thinking “by ‘tour,’ they surely mean pop bottles on stage, wave to the crowd, turn towards the exit and punch.” I was sorely mistaken. 2 Chainz actually gave a show. And before he got his stage act together the year before last it would have easily knocked his full-fledged show out of the park. They had a nice crowd, but it wasn’t to the gills like I had expected – especially for a free party. And by free party, they meant “we will hold the line to make it look unbearably long and entice you to pay” free party. Everyone seemed to enjoy themselves. Even 2 Chainz, who is known for quietly having an attitude problem. He was quite personable –so much so that it took me off guard. Congrats to Phil and his Liquid Assets crew for managing to keep it consistent amidst venue changes and all sorts of other circumstances.

New Knockouts. We came to see the new generation of Knockout Girls get crowned for Kevin Cunningham’s revival of his popular sports bar that is TBA, but got to see a verbal boxing match when Kevin let loose on Mocha Latte in the middle of the judge tabulation. Actually for me, it was the most exciting part of the evening on Tuesday. But what had me pleasantly thrilled was when Loosecannon SLIM was the one playing peacemaker in the whole ordeal. Yes…that SLIM. You don’t have to believe it, but it’s true and was beautifully ironic to see SLIM Luther King in action. What was not so beautiful was to see the glorious shapes of some contestants permanently marred by the most ratchet abundance of tattoos. Girl, did you have to get your baby daddy’s whole face on there? Now you’ve mutilated yourself to the point that even the most masterful of Photoshop geniuses can’t restore. I also feel the need to let a few ladies know that being a Knockout Girl is not for everybody, especially if young men automatically call you “ma’am” or you decide that a poorly constructed church lacefront will give you an edge over the competition. No-no’s aside, I’m still eager to see how the revival of Knockouts will fare.

Red Hot Soul. I only caught the tail end of Café Soul, but still managed to get all of my life. I ran into the lovely Tammie Holland, who was giving me life in a red dress. On a side note, be sure to tune into her weekday mornings on Majic. She’s so St. Louis and we should support her. Okay, back to my regularly scheduled Café Soul programming. I ran into my boy Keith Turner showing his fellow Morehouse alums a good time by stopping through to check out Theresa Payne and her glorious fire-red fro in the spotlight Saturday night at The Rustic Goat. She brought a full band with her too – horns and all. I would have loved to see her do some of my favorite covers, but the folks didn’t seem to mind her originals – especially “Bye Fear.”

Bradley Beal’s STL b-day. Washington Wizards star Bradley Beal celebrated his 21st birthday in St. Louis this past weekend and the city showed up and showed out to help him celebrate. For those of you wondering about that Bentley cruising through the city…yeah, that was him. I made my way over to the Marquee on Saturday night and it was probably the most packed that I’ve ever seen it. I heard that Bradley was being a bit Hollywood: The NBA Edition. But I guess when you take a team the furthest in thirty something years it’s understandable…well at first. I’m telling you, Brad wasn’t the only freshly-turned-twenty-one up in there. I felt like I was at a HBCU Springfest party with the youngsters boppin’ around like nobody’s business. If you know somebody under 30 and regularly on the scene, trust and believe they were kickin’ it with Bradley on his b-day.

Summer Breeze Sunday. Cornell Boone almost interrupted my BET Awards game with their Summer Breeze day party Sunday afternoon at Mike Shannon’s. It was giving me at daytime version of Glow, if you replace the glow necklaces and grills with flower lays. I had a nice little time, but the Cardinals game had me parking at the White Castle and walking north with a cheeseburger (bottom buns only) slider in both hands. The usual suspects of the young black and fabulous scene were in the building – though I was quietly expecting a fuller crowd. Y’all better slow down with the day parties because the girls are clearly running out of creative ways to recycle a sundress.

Monique, Taquila and Nicole came to get their Luau on Sunday afternoon @ The Summer Breeze Day Party @ Mike Shannon’s

Nationally renowned saxophonist Andre Delano posed with fan Ashleigh after he packed out The Rustic Goat Friday night

Michelle and her hubby Shirmond ushered in his birthday Saturday night @ The Marquee

Tendai and Angela Brown of Café Soul celebrated the success of their Black History Month Edition Saturday night @ The Rustic Goat

Phil of Liquid Assets, rapper 2 Chainz and LooseCannon S.L.I.M. came together celebrate the 5th Anniversary of Liquid Assets Friday night @ The Coliseum

Theresa Payne tore the stage own as the featured performer for the Black History Month edition of Café Soul Saturday night @ The Rustic Goat

TC, Raphael and host Fat Fat kept the party going Saturday night as the crowd came together to celebrate NBA star Bradley Beal @ The Marquee

Nikki and Teresa met up with friends and kicked off their weekend Friday night @ Soho

Slum Fest performers Nato Caliph and Elvin ripped the stage Saturday night @ Plush

Marquee on Saturday.

Photo by Arlis Davis

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Feature Story

First aid training for mental illness

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

Whose responsibility is it to recognize signs of mental illness? Is it family, friends or coworkers, or should it be left to bystanders, strangers or “good Samaritans?”

Who should assist them until professional help arrives?

Would you know what to do if you suspect that someone around you is in crisis?

Just like medical first aid, mental health first aid is a first response, and Provident Inc. is one of the local mental health organizations training the public on recognizing symptoms of mental illness, how to offer initial, supportive help in order to connect them with professionals who may be able to help them.

“We are there to calm the situation down, assess it, listen non-judgmentally, calm the individual down and provide resources and information,” said Tameka Brown, director of community services at Provident.

Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) is an eight-hour certification training originally developed in Australia. It teaches a five-step action plan to assess a situation, select and implement interventions and secure appropriate care for the person in a mental health crisis.

“It’s actually able to provide any lay person the knowledge and skills to help friends and family, staff members of different organizations, corporations, and faith-based communities,” Brown said. “We are training them to sit down and approach the person to have a comfortable conversation and to be able to provide resources to them.”

At Provident, those resources include self-help, individual and family therapy, suicide support groups, online support, life-crisis 24-hour hotline as well as community resources.

The MHFA program outlines risk factors and warning signs of mental health problems, builds understanding of their impact and reviews common treatments. Brown said, “We are not training them to be experts in the situation, we’re just training them to identify these are some signs and symptoms an individual may be experiencing a mental health disorder or illness.”

Provident received a grant from the Missouri Foundation for Health to provide free MHFA training to 180 individuals in St. Louis area communities through the end of October. As a result, one group to receive such training recently was the staff at The Little Bit Foundation in St.

Louis. The foundation supplies young students with basic essentials, like clothing, school supplies, nutrition and hygiene kits, so they can be successful at school.

Its quest to address unmet needs for children brought them to mental health first aid training.

“One of the most requested things that we found over the years was some

mental health support – help for children in crisis in the schools,” Rosemary Hanley, executive director, The Little Bit Foundation, said.

Provident and Little Bit developed a program to pilot this fall at Herzog Elementary School that will incorporate the MHFA training as a first piece of a three-tier program.

“We will go into schools for an education piece,” Hanley said. “The principles have a menu they can pick from for healthy character change at the school.”

“In addition to this training, we are going to be working together on provid-

Trainer Tameka Brown of Provident Counseling instructs a mental health first aid class at The Little Bit Foundation.

Wiley Price photo

MFH needs Real Time Learning and Evaluation Consultants

Missouri Foundation for Health is seeking consultants to work with the Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative’s place-based efforts, in the Bootheel and St. Louis, with the interest and desire to serve as an evaluator providing real-time evaluation and learning using a model called “developmental evaluation.” The consultants will receive training and coaching in developmental evaluation from an already engaged developmental evaluator to

support their work. The selected consultants will apply skills and knowledge gained through the coaching process to inform real-time learning and evaluation activities within the Infant Mortality Reduction Initiative (St. Louis Effort and Bootheel Effort).

Applications are due by 4 p.m. CST on July 16.

To apply or for more information, visit mffh.org.

SLU’s Center for World Health and Medicine receives sub-grant to find childhood diarrhea drugs

As part of a $15.6 million grant Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation awarded to PATH (formerly known as Program for Appropriate Technology in Health), Saint Louis University’s Center for World Health and Medicine has received a $3.13 million, three-year sub-grant from PATH to explore new treatments for pediatric diarrhea, which kills about 600,000 young children around the world each year.

Researchers will study multiple drug compounds and targets at various stages of development with a goal of identifying at least two drugs that, after testing in animal models, are promising enough to study in clinical trials. SLU will have eight scientists working on the grant to varying degrees – an experienced drug discovery team that includes biologists, chemists and pharmacologists.

“We’re trying to repurpose drugs for childhood diarrhea that pharmaceutical companies had developed as therapy for hypertension that also target a similar pathway in the intestine. Researchers conducting clinical trials found these drugs are safe but didn’t work to

lower the blood pressure of study participants,” said Marvin Meyers, Ph.D., director of medicinal chemistry for the Center for World Health and Medicine, and one of SLU’s lead researchers on the project.

“For our purposes, that’s good because we don’t want to lower blood pressure. We want to stop the loss of fluids from acute secretory diarrhea, which strikes quickly and leads to a life-threatening loss of water and electrolytes in young children who live in developing countries. We also are looking at other drug candidates that have an entirely different target and developing other assays that improve our ability to identify other potential drugs.”

Diarrhea is the second leading cause of death of young children worldwide. It is particularly lethal in developing countries where the lack of clean drinking water, malnutrition, inadequate sanitation, misunderstanding about the illness, and poor access to modern medical care at hospitals take their toll on children under age 5.

$1.6 million

HealtH BrieFS Komen St. Louis race brings in

The St. Louis Komen race is the largest in the country, and collectively, the Komen Race for the Cure series is the largest 5K runs/fitness walk events in the world. Funds from the race support the local fight against breast cancer while celebrating breast cancer survivors and honoring those who have lost

their battle with the disease. In St. Louis, 75 percent of the net funds raised through the Race stays in the St. Louis community to fund breast health and breast cancer screening, education and support programs. The remaining 25 percent goes toward breast cancer research.

Photo by Wiley Price

CDC: youth cigarette smoking at lowest level in 22 Years

Youth cigar, smokeless tobacco use remain stagnant

Youth cigarette smoking has dropped to 15.7 percent, the lowest level ever recorded, in the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)’s 2013 Youth Risk Behavior Survey. Part of this record low is attributable to a significant decrease in cigarette smoking among high school boys since 2011, from 19.9 percent to 16.4 percent, which is also the lowest level yet for this group. Lower cigarette smoking among youth directly translates into fewer people that will die from tobacco-caused disease.

“These survey results clearly show that progress is being made; however, more than a million kids start smoking cigarettes each year,” said Paul G. Billings, senior vice president for advocacy and education of the American Lung Association. “Proven measures such as higher cigarette taxes and com-

prehensive state tobacco prevention and cessation programs funded at CDCrecommended levels must continue to be implemented to help end the tobacco epidemic.”

However, recent survey results on cigar and smokeless tobacco use among youth was disappointing. The study found that nationwide, 12.6 percent of students smoke cigars, cigarillos or little cigars. The findings show that an astonishing 23 percent of high school senior boys continue to smoke cigars and 8.8 percent of youth continue to use smokeless tobacco products.

Cigar smoking is not safe. The U.S. Surgeon General and the National Cancer Institute have confirmed that cigar smoking can cause chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), cancers of the oral cavity, larynx, esophagus and lung, as well as heart disease. Cigar smoking is not limited to adults: each day, almost 2,800 youth under 18 smoke a cigar for the first time.

The ALA said use of cigars among youth highlights the urgent need for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration

(FDA) to finalize its proposed rule that would give FDA basic oversight over cigars and all other tobacco products. In April, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a proposal to begin oversight of cigars, little cigars, e-cigarettes, hookah and other unregulated tobacco products. The FDA is considering exempting some cigars from all oversight.

“This study highlights how vital it is that FDA have basic authority over all tobacco products in order to protect public health and the health of our children,” added Billings. “A sweetheart deal for cigars or any kind of tobacco product –especially those proven to cause lung and heart disease and cancer – is unacceptable.”

Walk, run or throw – just go! Exercise prevents cancer

The same month Raymond Marbury found out he had prostate cancer, his fraternity brother passed away from it. Losing his friend was so hard that Raymond declared if he survived cancer, he would become an advocate. Fifteen years later, Raymond is fulfilling his promise and volunteering with the Program to Eliminate Cancer Disparities (PECaD) to bring attention to cancer screening, prevention and cancer disparities in St. Louis. At PECaD community

talks and events, Raymond encourages men to become advocates for their own health.

One way that men and women can become advocates for their health is by understanding what raises and lowers the risk of developing cancer. These are often things we do (or don’t do) every day! For instance, there is strong scientific evidence that regular exercise – just 30 minutes each day – will lower your risk of developing certain cancers, including

breast, colon and uterine cancer. Being obese, which often goes hand-in-hand with the lack of exercise, is also associated with having a higher risk for prostate, ovarian, cervical cancer and others.

Whether you’re running on a treadmill, walking around the block or playing tennis, it all counts. Encourage your whole family to get up and moving together. Exercise is especially important for cancer survivors. For some cancers, regular physical activity may lower the

risk of recurrence and help cut the risk of other chronic diseases.

To learn more about lowering your cancer risk or PECaD’s community events where you can learn more about cancer disparities and cancer prevention, visit:

PECaD: http://www.siteman.wustl. edu/pecad.aspx

8 Ways to Stay Health and Prevent Cancer: http://www.8ways.wustl.edu

Dr. Arnold Bullock

HealtH Q&a

Ovarian Cysts

Q: A reader wants to know: Are there are early prevention measures to take to keep ovarian cysts from occurring? There is a family history of these cysts.

A: The answer comes from Josiah Ekunno, MD, department chair of obstetrics and gynecology at Christian Hospital, who said, “If a woman has an idea that she has a family history of cysts, her best bet is to see her gynecologist as often as necessary, because its only by a pelvic exam that a cyst can be detected. If it is hereditary, there is nothing that can be done to prevent it. If one does is not allergic or have a

Obstetrician/ Gynecologist

Josiah Ekunno, MD, department chair, OBGYN, Christian Hospital

contraindication for birth control pills, it replaces the function of the ovary and the ovary is at rest. If the ovary is not functioning then the cyst will not grow.”

Send you health-related questions to yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com.

ProFiling

PeoPle in HealtH

name: LaKricia Cox

PoSition/Where: Director of Programs & Advocacy, Lupus Foundation of America, Heartland Chapter (LFA)

Career HigHligHtS: Established, developed and managed various educational, support, advocacy and awareness programs on behalf of the LFA; successfully, implemented the chapter’s first advocacy program in March of 2010; led outreach efforts for various educational programs that resulted in a 65 percent increase in participation within the chapter territory over a three year period; and initiated partnerships and collaborations with medical institutions and other non-profit and health and human service agencies to support and develop client programs.

eduCation: Bachelor of Arts in Legal Studies and a Master of Arts in International Relations from Webster University

PerSonal: Married to an educator with two children; attends Treasure House Church, in St. Ann, MO

St. louiS ConneCtion: I am a St. Louis native and I attended Parkway Central High School in Chesterfield, MO.

your journey to SuCCeSS: I am truly dedicated to a life of service to God and community. I find great pleasure in advocating for the rights of people whose voices have been silenced. Previously, I worked in the legal field as a paralegal and became engaged with the Lupus Foundation of America, Heartland Chapter (LFA) in 2003. While volunteering, I served on the Board of Directors of the Heartland Chapter and chaired the advocacy committee. I also served as a devoted program committee member and was dedicated to doing outreach in the Greater St. Louis community to help raise awareness of lupus. I deeply desired to follow my passion and focus on a career that focused on serving others. In February of 2010, I was hired as a staff member of the LFA and I now serve as Director of Programs & Advocacy. My favorite program that I oversee is the Summer Jam Youth Retreat, which is a camp for children and teens living with lupus. Additionally, I am engaged in activist work with the national Lupus Foundation of America, Inc., in Washington D.C. and in the state and local community. Most importantly, I am genuinely touched by the people that I serve in the Heartland Chapter. My greatest joy is offering support to individuals that are in need and helping them rediscover their inner strength. I am grateful for the opportunity to encourage others to find strength, faith and hope. I find that my compassion to serve underrepresented communities is strength to aid me professionally in supporting the mission of the LFA.

MENTAL

continued from page 3

ing behavioral health services within the schools… workshops around specific topics. We have a menu of things our therapists specialize in, Heather Rich said. She is the associate executive director at Provident. Topics could include sessions on bullying, positive decision-making, self-esteem or anger management.

“Hopefully what we’ll see by providing those educational groups – we’ll start to identify trends in students. It will help us to determine which kids can really benefit from further counseling,” Heather ___ added. “The goal of the pilot is to make sure every child receives some sort of behavior health

education.”

Provident’s goal over the next decade is to make MHFA training as apparent as CPR.

“When someone is having a cardiac issue, we know how to physically treat them, but if someone has just been diagnosed with cancer, they may be having a panic attack and what are the things we do?” Rich asked. “They are having a hard time breathing and they are nervous or suffering from anxiety –what are some of the things you can do as someone who is not a therapist?”

Upcoming trainings in adult MHFA training are set for scheduled July 29, August 13 and Sept 10 at Provident’s administrative office located at 2650 Olive St. in St. Louis, 63103. For more information, call 314-8022582 or visit www.providentstl.org.

African Americans respond better to first-line diabetes drug than Whites

Study suggests metformin controls blood sugar more effectively

in African Americans

African Americans taking the diabetes drug metformin saw greater improvements in their blood sugar control than white individuals who were prescribed the same medication, according to a new study published recently in the Endocrine Society’s Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism (JCEM). An estimated 29 million Americans have diabetes. African Americans are twice as likely to be diagnosed with diabetes as whites and have a higher rate of complications such as kidney failure,

according to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Office of Minority Health.

Metformin is the most common oral medication prescribed for diabetes. It decreases the amount of glucose produced by the liver and helps the body respond better to insulin, the hormone that helps carry sugar from the bloodstream into cells.

“Metformin is normally the first treatment physicians prescribe for type 2 diabetes, but the standard of care is based on clinical trials where the vast majority of participants were white,” said one of the study’s authors, L. Keoki Williams, MD, MPH, of Henry Ford Health System in Detroit. “We wanted to examine how the drug performed in an African American population. Our findings suggest that African Americans who have diabetes actually respond better to metformin than whites.”

The observational study used medical and pharmacy records from the Health System to examine blood sugar control in 19,672 people with diabetes who were prescribed metformin between January 1, 1997 and June 2, 2013. Among the participants, 7,429 were African American and 8,783 were white. Using pharmacy records, researchers estimated each individual’s exposure to metformin and other diabetes medications. Each study participant had at least two hemoglobin A1c (HbA1C) blood sugar measurements taken at least four months apart while they were on metformin.

Because the HbA1C test measures a person’s average blood sugar level from the past three months, researchers ran an analysis to measure the change in participants’ blood sugar levels in relation to the amount of metformin taken.

The study found the maximum dose of metformin was associated with an

absolute decrease in HbA1C values of 0.9 percent among African Americans. In contrast, the same analysis found a 0.42 percent reduction in HbA1C numbers among whites.

“When one considers that the goal HbA1c level for individuals being treated for diabetes is less than 7 percent and that the average starting HbA1c level in our patients was around 7.5 percent, these differences in treatment response are clinically important,” Williams said. “Moreover, since African Americans are more likely to suffer from diabetic complications when compared with white individuals, it is heartening to observe that metformin is likely more effective at controlling blood glucose in the former group.”

The study, “Differing Effects of Metformin on Glycemic Control by Raceethnicity,” was published online, ahead of print.

Helpful Resources

Behavioral

Christian Hospital offers free and confidential psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

Christian Hospital Key Program offers support and education to patients with chronic mental illness to prevent increased severity of symptoms and to reduce the need for inpatient re-hospitalization. Call confidentially to 314-839-3171 or 1-800-447-4301.

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons affected by criminal acts. Email peggy@ supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (6523673) or visit www.supportvictims.org.

Bike helmet safety

The St. Louis County Health Department provides free bicycle helmets to St. Louis County residents between ages 1 and 17 by appointment only. Proof of residency is required. For the location nearest you, visit www.tinyurl.freebikehelmets.

Breast Cancer

Gateway to Hope offers no-charge medical and reconstructive treatment for uninsured breast cancer patients in Missouri. Contact 314-569-1113.

Dental

Free Dental Hygiene Clinic - No charge dental exams, x-rays, cleanings and other dental services for children and adults provided by dental students at Missouri College. Patients needing more extensive dental work (fillings, crowns, etc.) will be referred to local dentists. For information, call 314-768-7899.

Diabetes

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center provides free, Diabetes Support Group sessions the second Tuesday of every month from 6 – 7 p.m. to address health management issues. It’s located at Meeting Room 1 on the second floor, 6420 Clayton Rd. in St. Louis. To register, call toll free 866-SSM-DOCS (866-776-3627). Fresh Food Coop

Community Helpings Coop

fruits, vegetables and other foods at wholesale prices in locations throughout the St. Louis area and Metro-East. For more information, visit www.communityhelpingscoop.com.

Health Partnerships

The Center for Community Health and Partnerships: Building Bridges for Healthy Communities works to develop and support beneficial community-academic partnerships to address the health needs of the St. Louis. For more information, email publichealth@wustl.edu; phone 314-747-9212 or visit publichealth. wustl.edu.

Information

Missouri 2-1-1 offers referral and information on a wide range of social service and helpful resources. Call 2-1-1.

Lupus

A Lupus Support Group in North St. Louis County meets the third Thursday of the month from 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. in Community Room #1 at Northwest Health Care, 1225 Graham Rd. in Hazelwood. RSVP to the Lupus Foundation of America at 314-644-2222 or email info@lfaheartland.org.

Medical

Boys & Girls Clubs Dental & Vision Clinic at Herbert Hoover Club, 2901 N. Grand, St. Louis. Open year-round for members at no additional fee by appointment only. Teeth cleaning, braces, x-rays, root canals, some extractions; vision mobile unit, comprehensive exam and glasses, if required. Make an appointment by calling 314-355-8122.

Salam Free Saturday Clinic, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. at the Isom Community Center at Lane Tabernacle CME Church, 916 N. Newstead, St. Louis, Mo. for those who are uninsured. For more information, call 314-533-0534.

Nutrition

Food Outreach provides food, meals and nutritional education/ counseling to eligible persons living with HIV/AIDS or cancer in St. Louis. For more information, call 314-652-3663 or visit www. foodoutreach.org.

St. Louis Milk Depot - SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital is a breast milk depot for the Indiana Mother’s Milk Bank. Milk Depot staff will store and ship your milk to IMMB. For more information, call (314) 242-5912.

Prostate Cancer

The Cancer Center of The Empowerment Network at 6000 W. Florissant in St. Louis provides information on prostate and other types of cancer, and services and support. For more information, call 314-385-0998.

Prescription Cost Help

Schnucks Pharmacies – now offers certain prescription prenatal vitamins for free and offers no-cost generic prescription antibiotics at select locations.

Wal-Mart Pharmacies – offer select prescriptions for $4 or less for a 30-day supply or $10 for a 90-day supply. View the complete list at www.walmart.com/ pharmacy.

Respiratory Health

Free lung function screening - Christian Hospital Breathing Center at Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. For more information, call 314-953-6040. Free flu shots for patients being treated for an illness or injury at Downtown Urgent Care (314-436-9300), North City Urgent Care (314-932-1213), Creve Coeur Urgent Care (314-548-6550) and Eureka Urgent Care (636-549-2100). Sexual Health

St. Louis County Health Department offers free, confidential testing, counseling and treatment at the North Central Community Health Center, 4000 Jennings Station Road, St. Louis, MO 63121. For more information, call 314679-7800.

The SPOT offers private, reproductive, mental and behavioral health services at no charge to youth ages 13-24, Monday – Friday, 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. at 4169 Laclede Ave. For more information, call 314-5350413 or visit http://thespot.wustl.edu.

STI testing and treatment at North City Urgent Care and Downtown Urgent Care.

HealtH Calendar

Mon., July 7, Ranken Jordan’s 10th annual Golf Tournament at Norwood Hills Country Club. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1nC7l4Q.

Fri., July 11, 9 p.m., Glow in the Park St. Louis 5K Fun Run in Queeny Park, 550 Weidman Rd., St. Louis, 63131. For more information, visit www.glowinthepark.com.

Sat. July 12, 10 a.m. – 11 a.m., Free Low Impact Aerobics class for persons diagnosed with lupus, St. Louis Jewish Community Center Staenberg Family Complex, 2 Millstone Campus Drive, St. Louis 64146. Participants must be age 16 and older and written parental consent required for minors. To register contact the Lupus Foundation of America Heartland Chapter at 314-944-2222 or email lcox@lfaheartland.org.

Sat., July 19, 7:30 a.m., The Biggest Loser Run Walk at Six Flags St. Louis, 5K, 10K, Kids 1 Mile Fun Run. 4900 Six Flags St Louis Railroad, Eureka, Mo., 63069. For more info, visit http://www. biggestloserrunwalk.com/SixFlags_St_ Louis_race.

Mon., July 21, 26th Annual AAFA Golf Classic, Persimmon Woods Golf Club, Weldon Spring, Mo. for the St. Louis chapter of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation. For more information, call 314-645-2422 or visit aafastl.org/golf.

Sat., Sept. 6, 8 a.m., 2014 Walk to End Alzheimer’s at Scottrade Center, 1401 Clark Ave. St. Louis, 63103. One-mile and 3-mile walk; for more information, contact the Alzheimer’s Association by calling 314-801-0446, email stlwalksupport@alz.org or online at http://bit. ly/1hNjILu.

Sat., Sept. 6, Be The Match Walk Run, Creve Coeur Lake Memorial Park –Tremayne Shelter (Sai9lboat Cove) 13725 Marine Ave., St. Louis, 63146. For more information, visit http://bit.ly/1nV7YVC.

Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I-270/ Hwy. 367. This is an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

Mondays, 7 p.m. – “Tobacco Free for Life” support group – free weekly meetings at St. Peters Mo. City Hall. Supported by SSM Cancer Care; RSVP initial participation to 636-947-5304.

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Informational meeting, Christian Hospital, Professional Office Building 2, Suite 401. For information, call 314-839-3171.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. –STEPS Schizophrenia Support Group This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 1807 Biddle Street. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314-9624670.

Free psychiatric and chemical dependency evaluations are confidential at the Christian Hospital Center for Mental Health. Call 314-839-3171.

The biggest loser Run Walk, July 19, at Six Flags St. Louis

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center celebrates 90 years of service

SSM St. Mary’s Health Center in Richmond Heights, Missouri, is celebrating 90 years of serving the community of the greater St. Louis area. The hospital held a party for its employees on Tuesday, June 10. When it opened in 1924, there were less than 70 physicians, who treated 2,000 patients that year (1,200 of the patients were indigent).

In 1933, SSM St. Mary’s became the first hospital to care for African Americans in St. Louis and began educating young African American women in nursing by offering a three-year degree program.

Today, St. Mary’s is a 525-bed full-service health center, with more than 800 physicians on the medical staff and 2,100 employees. It delivers an average of 3,000 babies each year and and cares for nearly 50,000 patients in the emergency department each year. In 2013, St. Mary’s served more than 215,000 patients.

“SSM St. Mary’s has been around for 90 years because of its ability to adapt and focus on the needs of the community,” said Kate Becker, president, SSM St. Mary’s Health Center. “The mission that our founding sisters instilled in us holds true today.”

Today, through the excellent partnerships with St. Louis University, SSM Cardinal Glennon Children’s Medical Center and the St. Louis Fetal Care Institute, SSM St. Mary’s offers the most comprehensive high-risk pregnancy care in St. Louis.

Looking to the future, St. Mary’s Health Center is finalizing plans for the new Rosetta Boyce Kyles Women’s Pavilion, which it will dedicate later this year.

For more information, visit ssmhealth.com/ stmarys.