July 4th, 2024 edition

St. LouiS AmericAn

Owens beams with pride for wife Simone Biles

‘How did I get so lucky?’

The St. Louis American

Jonathan Owens, a St. Louis native who now plays for the Chicago Bears, let the teddy bear in him come out in praise of his wife gymnast Simone Biles after she qualified for her third Summer Olympics.

n “No words can describe how proud of you I am baby.”

– Jonathan Owens wrote to Simone Biles on Instagram

“No words can describe how proud of you I am baby,” Owens wrote on Instagram, “knowing all the work that you put in and everything that you’ve been through, and to still come back and be as dominant as ever, I was speechless,” Owens wrote in a post on Monday.

“I’m so thankful to be a part of this journey with you, and I can’t wait to be able to watch you out there in Paris.

“Cheers to going to your third Olympic Games!!!!!! Just sounds so surreal being able to say my wife is the best to EVER do it. How did I get so lucky. I love you so much.” Owens was at the U.S. Olympic Gymnastics

Cong. Cori Bush (left) and St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones waved to the crowd during the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day Parade downtown. Jones has endorsed Bush in her race against St. Louis County Prosecutor Wesley Bell for the Democratic nomination on August 6, 2024.

Simone Biles and husband Jonathan Owens shared a kiss after Biles qualified for her third Summer Olympic Games during the Olympic Trials in Minneapolis last weekend. Owens shared the photo on Instagram.

Inmate Othel Moore killed in December 2023

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

State Rep. Marlene Terry of St. Louis called the alleged murder of inmate Othel Moore in the Jefferson City Correctional Center at the hands of Department of Corrections officers, “a tragedy that should have never occurred under the DOC’s watch.”

Moore

Mayor Jones endorses Cori Bush

‘No one fights like Cori’

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

In describing Mayor Tishaura Jones as a “sister-in-service,” Congresswoman Cori Bush proudly accepted Jones’ endorsement of her campaign Tuesday.

“While in office, Mayor Jones, and I have partnered together to provide and distribute nearly half-a-billion dollars in investments through the American Rescue Plan,” Bush stated in a recent press release. These investments are paving the way for a more just and equitable St. Louis.”

Comments from both Bush and Jones reinforce how their partnership in Washington D.C. and St. Louis has brought real time results to the St. Louis region.

In her statement, Jones said she proudly endorsed Bush, who she defined as “a proven leader, partner, and coalition builder who is always putting the needs of St. Louis first.”

“Congresswoman Bush has delivered time and time again for the city of St. Louis and has a proven track record of delivering the necessary resources to our region.

“Of the over $41 million in community project funding she delivered to her district, over half, or $22.3 million went to the city of St. Louis. These funds supported St. Louis

“We are hopeful that the criminal murder charges that have been brought forth against the five DOC employees who are allegedly responsible for his death will result in real change in how minority offenders are treated within our Corrections’ system,” Terry said in a statement on behalf of the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus.

“Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with Othel Moore’s family, and we will be watching closely as the justice system plays out in this case.”

Four former Missouri correctional officers face murder charges and a fifth is charged with involuntary manslaughter for Moore’s death in December 2023. Moore, 38, was allegedly peppersprayed in the face multiple times, had his

door to assassinations

By Stacy Brown and Alvin A. Reid

It is rare for the Supreme Court to reach July before issuing its final ruling. It’s last act of the session that began on October 2, 2023, came on July 1, 2024, the court ruled that former President Donald Trump has immunity for some of his conduct during his presidency in his federal election interference case.

This decision adds another layer of complexity to the potential trial proceedings and assured him he would not go to trial before the presidential election in November.

Chief Justice John Roberts, writing for the majority in the 6-3 vote, emphasized the need for lower courts to examine further which actions Trump can be pros-

Othel

The St. Louis American

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

The

The St. Louis American

Nelly, Ashanti obtain marriage license in STL County

Nelly and Ashanti are celebrating the arrival of their first child together and there is other news.

If you scanned marriage licenses in St. Louis County lately, you might have come across something interesting.

Nelly and Ashanti obtained a marriage license in the county and are reportedly now married.

According to ET, Nelly threw Ashanti an intimate surprise baby show

er at the Dolce & Gabbana children’s boutique in NYC on Sunday June 30, 2024. The celebration included their family and close friends including, Fat Joe and Breland

Fat Joe took to his Instagram account to share a picture of him and his wife with the couple. “Today we had a baby shower. I love you, my sister. I’m sooooooo happy for [you] guys. GOD IS GREAT,” the “Lean Back” rapper captioned the post.

The couple revealed they were expecting their first child together and shared their engagement news in April.

SZA, Biles give NBC Olympics a ‘handstand’ in commercial

Four-time GRAMMY

Award-winning singer-songwriter SZA and seven-time Olympic medalist Simone Biles star in

a new NBCUniversal promotional spot to highlight its coverage of the Games of the XXXIII Olympiad, which begin Friday, July 26 in Paris, France.

The two-minute video opens with SZA, a former gymnast herself, meeting Simone Biles for the first time at the World Champions Centre training facility, located in Spring, Texas, and owned by Biles’ family.

As they stretch in preparation for a handstand contest, Biles asks SZA about her pivot from gymnastics to music, to which the singer reveals that singing was a hidden talent for her. With both women sharing a competitive spirit, they participate in a friendly handstand contest, leaving Biles impressed by SZA’s athletic abilities.

Will Smith makes music return and hits the BET Awards stage

Will Smith debuted his new song “Light’ Em Up” at the 2024 BET Awards on June 30, 2024.

The song marks his first musical release as a lead artist since 2019’s “Prince Ali” for Aladdin. “Light ‘Em Up” features dancehall icon Sean Paul. His most recent album, 2005’s Lost and Found, will be 20 years old next year. A source suggested Smith might be working on a new album.

Smith previously performed with J. Balvin at April’s Coachella festival in his Men in Black attire.

“SZA and Simone’s mutual admiration for each other’s talents provide a preview of the incredible competition in store at the Paris Olympics,” said Joseph Lee, SVP, Creative Marketing, Sports & Entertainment.

“Their shared joy in being together shows the cultural excitement we will experience as we watch these athletes compete.”

With Taraji P. Henson hosting the event was star-studded through and through with Usher, who was honored with the BET Lifetime Achievement Award.

The show featured icons and newbies’ performances, from Lauryn Hill & YG Marley and Victoria Monét to Ice Spice, Tyla, Latto, Shaboozey, and more.

Sources: AllHipHop, NBC

- National NAACP President Derrick Johnson on Donald Trump’s “Black jobs” debate remark

Protesters call for ceasefire in Gaza at Grand Pride Parade

They address intersectionality of movements

By Dawn Suggs and Taylor Marrie

The St. Louis American

Many in the crowd that gathered for the annual Grand Pride Parade on Market Street in downtown St. Louis on Sunday, June 30, were surprised when a group of activists, some affiliated with Resist STL, began to protest Boeing, the lead sponsor of the Pride STL Pride Fest 2024 parade. A number of protesters, some with their arms linked through tubes with slogans on them, such as “Black Lives for Palestine,” and “Remember Stonewall” blocked the parade for over an hour while chanting and holding signs proclaiming, “Bombs and war planes are not gay,” “Cops out of Pride parade.” Self-described as mostly LGBTQIA, the collective, which included five African Americans, protested the war in Gaza and what they consider Boeing’s “pinkwashing” of their production of munitions used by Israel. A man in the crowd heckled the protesters, “This is St. Louis, not Palestine.”

When the parade resumed, a young African American woman offered this perspective, ”While it did delay the parade, I’m always an advocate for peaceful protests. They came out to make a statement for what they believe in and they definitely delivered.”

Police took 19 protesters to the City Justice Center (CJC) on charges that included trespassing and resisting arrest, according to Evita Caldwell, Public Infor-

mation Officer of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department.

The protesters arrested on Sunday were released that day and some held a press conference in front of the CJC at noon on Monday. They expressed their solidarity with Palestinians and the Black Lives Matter movement which gained a foothold in Ferguson, Mo. in response to the police killing of 18-year-old Mike Brown.

At the press conference, they echoed the calls for a ceasefire in Gaza and criticized their treatment by the police. Grace characterized the “inadequate food, water and medical care,” inside the facility as inhumane. Fen Hackfeld said toilet paper wasn’t easily accessible and trash

piled up in a corner because no receptacles were provided. The protesters said the police were overly aggressive when they arrested them. Fen was still experiencing numbness in one arm a day later and was denied medication properly labeled in their backpack while in jail.

African American protester Sarah Nixon, who was arrested on Sunday, said that Black queer people, “As a group, [we] were released after the white people were released and all were treated as Black people in this city by this carceral system are treated every day, which is like less than human.”

When asked by the media about discrimination against LGBTQIA people in Gaza by

A collective group of LGBTQIA activists, some affiliated with Resist STL, and Black Lives for Palestine protested Boeing, the lead sponsor of the Pride STL Pride Fest 2024 parade and called for a ceasefire to the war in Gaza on Sun., June 30, 2024. Briana Chandler (center) was a part of a human chain of protesters which halted the parade for over an hour until they were arrested by St. Louis police.

Hamas, Fen noted the “Islamophobic trope” of the newscaster’s question and said, “Queer Muslims have existed in every place, all the time, forever.”

Fen and the collective spoke about the complexity of the repression LGBTQIA Palestinians face in Missouri as well as in Gaza and Israel. The group said Pridefest STL organizers ignored their requests to sit down and discuss their concerns weeks before the parade.

The St. Louis American spoke with The Grand Pride Parade Director Jordan Braxton for Pridefest 2024 who said, “Everyone has a voice and everyone’s voice should be heard and we wanted to come to an agreement for all parties involved [before the

parade].” Braxton said she met with three representatives of the autonomous group of protesters before the parade and said “They could have marched the entire parade route before the official parade and leafleted, as long as they didn’t jump the barricade because it’s my job to make sure they’re safe and the entire parade is safe.” Instead, Braxton was asked to return the money from the lead sponsor, which Braxton said they couldn’t do. However, Braxton did say she was “willing to talk about this coming year” and one of the organizers reached out to her on Monday immediately after the press conference ended.

Photo by Taylor Marrie | St. Louis American

Guest

Editorial Commentary

Trump lies, bluster overwhelm Biden

By Keith Boykin

Well, that was awkward.

The first presidential debate of the 2024 campaign has just ended in Atlanta, and it felt like a disservice to the public. Donald Trump lied and rambled nonstop without correction. And President Joe Biden was simply not able to keep up with Trump’s torrent of falsehoods.

It was the first time in history a convicted criminal took part in a presidential debate, but it was 40 minutes into the discussion before the subject came up. It was as if it were completely normal for a twice-impeached, quadruple-indicted, convicted felon awaiting sentencing, who also incited a deadly insurrection, to be considered a serious candidate for the most powerful job in the world.

But the spectacle likely did nothing to move the needle: Biden’s shaky performance did not allay concerns about his age, and Trump’s nonsensical tirades did not allay concerns about his mental or moral fitness to hold office.

After the first half hour, Biden finally had a few good moments, attacking Trump as a criminal, condemning him for “having sex with a porn star while your wife was pregnant,” and accusing him of having “the morals of an alley cat.”

But Trump is a master at denying the truth, dodging questions, inflating his own record, and lying about other people as he pivoted to his favorite talking points.

on Black issues: lower Black unemployment, lower Black poverty, more Black businesses, more HBCU funding, more Black judges, less student loan debt and historic appointments to his cabinet.

Trump blithely walked past his own history of housing discrimination in the 1970s, the lynch mob he led against the now-exonerated “Central Park Five” in the 1980s, and the birtherism lie he peddled about President Barack Obama for nearly six years. Biden did cite a few examples of what he’s done for Black voters, but he let Trump put him on the defensive on an issue where Trump’s own record is abysmal.

Asked about child care, Trump avoided the question, rambled off into immigration lies, and spoke about how he fires people. Not one word about child care. And no one held him accountable.

Asked about the opioid crisis, Trump went on and on about irrelevant issues and again failed to provide a single substantive idea, much less give a coherent answer. Asked a second time about the opioid crisis, Trump brought up Vladimir Putin releasing hostages.

Asked about a Palestinian state, Trump did not even pretend to answer the question. He just launched into a rant about NATO.

n Asked about Black voters, Trump blamed immigrants for taking what he called “Black jobs.” First of all, that’s not true, but second: what, exactly, are Black jobs?

Asked about Black voters, Trump blamed immigrants for taking what he called “Black jobs.” First of all, that’s not true, but second: what, exactly, are Black jobs?

In the same round, Biden missed a golden opportunity to sell his own record

And after all that, Trump still refused to say he would accept the election results this November.

President Biden should have mopped the floor with Trump, but he did not. Then, after the debate, Biden showed up at a rally and looked like a different person — refreshed and energized in a way that he was not during the debate.

I don’t know what just happened, but it’s going to be a long four months, and an even longer four years if things keep going in this direction.

“Black Vote, Black Power,” a collaboration between Keith Boykin and Word In Black, examines the issues, the candidates, and what’s at stake for Black America in the 2024 presidential election.

Rev. James Lawson an unsung hero

By Marc Morial

“Through nonviolence, courage displaces fear; love transforms hate. Acceptance dissipates prejudice; hope ends despair. Peace dominates war; faith reconciles doubt. Mutual regard cancels enmity. Justice for all overthrows injustice. The redemptive community supersedes systems of gross social immorality.” — Rev. James Lawson History attributes the success of the civil rights movement of the mid-20th century to nonviolence. The stoicism and quiet dignity of the marchers, the Freedom Riders, the lunch counter sitters stood in stark contrast to the brutality of the segregationists. Scenes of the confrontation, beamed via television into America’s living rooms and splashed across newspaper pages, shocked our collective conscience and galvanized support for the Civil Rights Act and Voting Rights Act.

No one can claim more credit for that hard-won success than Rev. James Lawson, who passed away this month at the age of 95.

He was a driving force behind most of the major civil rights action of the era. His seminars on nonviolence steeled young demonstrators against the inhuman violence they were to experience. He sought understanding and reconciliation with those who opposed him.

Lawson wiped the spit off himself as calmly as he could. Then he looked at the man’s jacket and started talking to him. Did he have a motorcycle or a hot-rod car? A motorcycle was the answer. Jim asked a technical question or two and the young man started explaining what he had done to customize his bike … In that brief frightening moment Jim had managed to find a subject which they both shared and had used it in a way that made each of them more human in the eyes of the other.”

n Rev. James Lawson was a driving force behind most of the major civil rights action of the era.

He also was a friend to the Urban League who frequently attended the Los Angeles affiliate’s annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Awards Gala.

Lawson’s serene and disciplined courage is recounted in David Halberstam’s book on the Nashville student movement, “The Children”:

” … he was enraged by Lawson’s coolness and he spat at him. Lawson looked at him and asked him for a handkerchief.

The man, stunned, reached in his pocket and handed Lawson a handkerchief, and

His gentleness shrouded a fierce radicalism, which was instilled in him by his staunchly anti-racists parents. His minister father, a graduate of McGill University in Montreal, carried a pistol and taught his son to fight. But his mother, a Jamaican immigrant, was a pacifist. When his mother scolded him for slapping a white boy who called him the n-word, he vowed never again to resort to violence. He was 10 years old. He stayed true to that vow when he received his draft notice for the Korean War. As a candidate for the ministry, he was eligible for deferment, which he considered a “moral and ethical sellout.” He served 13 months in prison for refusing to serve. In preparation for joining the civil rights movement in the south, Lawson began work on his master’s degree in theology at Oberlin College. But in 1956, Martin Luther King Jr., came to speak at Oberlin. The two bonded over Ghandi’s teachings, and King persuaded Lawson to join him immediately. He transferred to Vanderbilt University in Nashville and began conducting workshops on nonviolent protest for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

His commitment to reconciliation extended even to the man convicted of King’s assassination, James Earl Ray, whom he ministered in prison.

“The motivation was simple,” he said. “I did not see it as something apart from the love of God or the love of Jesus.”

Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO

Commentary

Conservative right and the new Jim Crow

By John E. Warren

Most African Americans know that the term “Jim Crow” represented the personification of segregation in America following Reconstruction as a means of reuniting a post-Civil War America.

The Jim Crow segregation laws represented the American version of the “separate but equal” doctrine of the then U.S. Supreme Court’s response to Plessy vs. Ferguson Decision which created “separate but equal” for the races in America.

The Conservative Right, which is manifesting itself in election officials of the Republican Party and now the U.S. Supreme Court itself, would seek to roll back all social gains made since the Brown Decision of 1954, which in effect reversed the “separate but equal” Jim Crow doctrine which was further outlawed with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1965.

This law and the Voting Rights Act gave new meaning to the “Equal Protection Clause” of the Fourteenth Amendment to the Constitution of the United States.

of individuals who are not a part of the Conservative Right.

Guest Columnist

John E. Warren

What we see today in the halls of Congress is a Conservative Right Republican movement that no longer honors the Constitution nor the oath of office they took when they were sworn into office.

What we see at all levels of state government where members of this Conservative Right hold office or positions of influence, is an effort to either reverse, abolish or gut any laws or public policies that appear to speak to the rights

These changes, if successful, will ultimately lead to the restoration of “Jim Crow” living conditions, especially for people of color and anyone who appears to have rights in conflict with the Conservative Right. Such a government will eliminate the concept of “due process.” These actions will lead us closer to the goals of Project 2025, which is a blueprint for the next conservative President of the United States. What can those of us who see what is coming and disagree with the new order the Conservative Right has in mind, do? We can vote like never before. We can register in such numbers and wait in such long lines and vote by mail and early ballot, that the groundswell of our numbers will out vote the Conservative Right and perhaps vote some, if not most, of them out of office. We can make sure that we get jury duty for the trials of those fake electorates and that we watch very closely the selection of people for the Electoral College in all States. We can treat every state as a battleground state and make no assumptions. We can remember what Thomas Jefferson spoke when he said, “Eternal Vigilance is the Price of Freedom.” Where do you stand?

John E. Warren is publisher of the San Diego Voice & Viewpoint Newspaper

Columnist Marc Morial

Guest Columnist

Keith Boykin

Unite With Us Day displays value of volunteerism

The inaugural Unite With Us Day, a community-wide day of service to help our neighbors was a success! United Way of Greater St. Louis (UWGSL) united volunteers on Saturday, June 22 2024 across the region, including several UWGSL supporters, board members, Leadership Givers, staff and United Way safety net partners.

Volunteers sorted and packaged food, completed yard work and garden maintenance, organized community clothing donations, and more. More than 6,300 clients were assisted during the first-time event.

“Unite With Us Day was a tremendous success,” said Michelle D. Tucker, president and CEO of United Way of Greater St. Louis.

“We recognize how vital volunteers are to the work of our nonprofits and this event

was extremely noteworthy because of the size of the effort. In fact, each year thousands of volunteers serve our community through our Volunteer Center to make a transformative impact, further demonstrating that every day is a great day to volunteer in our community.”

Tucker said Unite With Us Day will serve as an annual reminder about “the unmatched role volunteers play across the region.”

United Way helps over 1 million people throughout 16 counties annually- 1 in 3 people in Missouri and Illinois. Unite With Us Day will be an annual day of service to mobilize volunteers to help people live their best lives.

To find volunteer opportunities yearround go to www.stlvolunteer.org.

I left my heart in San Francisco

By Julianne Malveaux

I was blessed to recently visit my hometown of San Francisco and joined many successful Black women being honored at the Fillmore Center.

My role? Simply to offer a keynote recognizing women and lifting us up. That might have been one of the easiest assignments I’ve had in a while.

I am so proud of Mayor London Breed, my sorority sister, and an impactful leader. It was informative and important to hear her outline her accomplishments as mayor — too many women are reluctant to toot their own horns.

The Fillmore Center is a testament to the mayor’s leadership, and to her recognition of the African American legacy in San Francisco. The lease on the center is held by Westside Community Health Care, ably led by Dr. Mary Ann Jones, a sister whose work on trauma is global. Another of the key players in San Francisco is Dr. Sheryl Davis, who leads the city’s Human Rights Commission, which includes the city’s reparations work. Imagine all this woman power in one room.

Of course, there were a few good men, including former Mayor Willie Brown, who is enthusiastically supportive of Mayor Breed, and Timothy Simon, a civic powerhouse recently led the California Black Chamber of Commerce. Ace Washington, who I worked with “back in the day” was there helping, as he always has, moving chairs, helping people to their tables and being the all-around good guy that he has always been.

Breed describes herself as a child of the projects, raised by her grandmother. Her lived experience brings a depth of policy knowledge that her melanin-deficient opponents in this mayor’s race do not have. But she should not be reelected simply because she is a Black woman who grew up in the projects. She should be reelected because she is policy-superior, because she is determined to serve ALL the city, but especially the least and left out.

A millionaire whose mama is prepared to fund his campaign isn’t focused that way. Neither is a so-called progressive who embraces the NIMBY (not in my backyard) philosophy. NIMBY won’t help with rising rents or the homeless situation. NIMBY is backward thinking.

San Francisco used to be one of the most progressive cities in the nation. It helped elect the iconic Sen. Dianne Feinstein in the wake of tragedy and produced Vice President Kamala Harris.

Some of the anti-Blackness in this current campaign belies our city’s progressive roots. The power in the room at the Fillmore Center can repel these repulsive sentiments.

I came to San Francisco on the heels of the victory of Angela Alsobrooks, who wrestled a Democratic Senate nomination in Maryland from David Trone, the billionaire who thought he could buy himself a Senate seat.

Some say Angela’s double-digit win over an opponent who spent more than $60 million of his money on the race is an example of “Black Girl Magic.”

Nope. Angela worked hard for her victory — there was no magic dust! Like Angela Alsobrooks, Mayor London Breed has worked hard. She deserves reelection. And my time at home reminded me how much I love my city. What a wonderful walk down memory lane.

Julianne Malveaux, a former college president, is an economist, author and commentator based in Washington, D.C.

Michelle Tucker, United Way of Greater St. Louis president and CEO, helped sort and package food during the inaugural Unite With Us Day on June 22, 2024. Volunteers throughout the region also completed yard work and garden maintenance, organized community clothing donations, and more.

Photo courtesy of United Way

Julianne Malveaux

‘Taking

Care of You’

Surgeon General declares gun violence as health crisis

‘Time to take politics out of it’

By Jennifer Porter Gore Word in Black

The nation’s top doctor declared last week that the skyrocketing number of deaths and injuries due to firearms has made gun violence an American public health crisis that needs urgent attention. In a first-of-its-kind advisory, Surgeon General Vivek Murthy sounded the alarm about this significant public health challenge “… that require[s] the nation’s immediate awareness and action,” the advisory says. It is now time for us to take this

issue out of the realm of politics and put it in the realm of public health, the way we did with smoking more than a half century ago,” Murthy told the Associated Press.

A crisis for America in general is a fullblown catastrophe in Black communities.

Despite making up roughly 14% of the U.S. population, data shows Black people accounted for 60% of firearm deaths each year between 2017 and 2021. Black people were 11.5 times more likely to be victims of firearm

homicide than their white peers, and gunfire has been the leading killer of Black children since 2009.

In 2022, more than 48,000 people in the U.S. — 132 people every single day — died because of a firearm, according to the CDC. More than half of these deaths were suicides and around 4 in 10 were homicides. These numbers put firearm injuries in the top 5 categories for causes of death for people under age 45.

Murthy’s public declaration is the first time gun violence has been identified as a national crisis. It goes

See VIOLENCE, A7

STL finding needed ways to use opioid settlement funds

Narcan boxes now in city locations

By Jo Ann Weaver For the St. Louis American

The resources from the landmark $26 billion opioid settlement continue to reach St. Louis and St. Louis County, and payments will continue for years to come, according to BrownGreer, the court-appointed firm administering the settlements.

St. Louis has received $1.9 million from the settlement payout since 2022 while St. Louis County has received $6.9 million. The city is estimated to receive 13.2 million from 2022 through 2038. The allocated funds amounted to over $1.3 million per year over the past two years, said

Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, St. Louis director of health. She advocated establishing the first Behavioral Health Bureau in the city when she took the job in October 2021, and it has been integral in utilization of settlement funds.

“In the first year, I leveraged relationships with Dr. Rochelle Walensky, then the director of the CDC, who chose our department as the first department to visit in her tenure,” Davis said.

“I talked to her about the need then, and she gave us seven CDC employees, at no cost to the city, to do a strategic plan, an implementation plan, a health equity plan, and the beginSee OPIOID, A7

Cutting back on added sugars

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center

You often wouldn’t know it from what we see on TV and social media, but the basics of a healthy lifestyle can be pretty straightforward. Try to walk or do other physical activities, eat a healthy diet of mostly plant-based foods, limit alcohol and, of course, don’t smoke. As we know though, putting these into practice can be less straightforward, with all that we have going on in our lives. But we should be encouraged that taking even small, positive steps can have real benefit to our health and wellness — and in many ways. One smaller change most of us can work toward is reducing added sugars we regularly eat and drink.

n It’s recommended that we get less than 10% of our daily calories from added sugars.

“Eating foods containing lots of added sugar can lead to weight gain and cause chronic inflammation, both of which can increase the risk of many chronic diseases, including diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer,” said Yikyung Park, a professor in the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. “Also, foods high in added sugar tend to be high in calories but have few other nutrients that help our body function properly.”

These sugars are added when a food is prepared or processed and also include sugars in food such as honey, molasses and syrup.

It’s recommended that we get less than 10% of our daily calories from added sugars. For someone needing 2,000 calories a day, that means consuming fewer than 200 calories, or 50 grams, a day of added sugar.

See COLDITZ, A7

The city of St. Louis installed its first Narcan distribution box at Soulard Market on May 22, 2024, following community outreach efforts by the Department of Health’s Behavioral Health Bureau. The box, which is stocked with dozens of boxes of Narcan, is near the main entrance of the market. From left are Dee Mack, Behavioral Health Bureau staff member, Bob Ray, Soulard Market manager, Dr. Mati Hlatshwayo Davis, St. Louis director of health, and Dr. Julie Gary, Behavioral Health Bureau chief.

Surgeon General Vivek Murthy sent shockwaves through some political and medical communities when he called gun violence a national health crisis in need of urgent action.

Photo courtesy of Photo/Exchange flicker

Photo courtesy of St. Louis Health Department

Graham A. Colditz

‘Taking Care of You’

Affinia receives $30K grant to develop urban garden

St. Louis American

Affinia Healthcare is one of eight community health centers across the U.S. selected to receive a $30,000 grant to participate in the National Association of Community Health Center (NACHC) Innovation Incubator. The St. Louis-based commu-

Opioid

Continued from A6

nings of a data dashboard for this initiative.”

The remaining dollars were used toward strategic priorities, including linking people to care.

“People call, come by and email us every day around mental health and substance abuse needs,” Davis said.

Narcan boxes now in city

St. Louis installed a Narcan distribution box Soulard Market on May 22, 2024, following community outreach efforts by the Behavioral Health Bureau. The box was installed near the main entrance of the market and stocked with several dozen boxes of Narcan.

Narcan (naloxone) is an over-the-counter drug that’s used to treat known or possible opioid overdose. Narcan comes as a nasal (nose) spray. Each container holds one dose of Narcan that’s sprayed into one nostril.

“We put out the first Narcan box outside 1520 Market Street, where our department is housed on May 30. Another is at City Hall,” Davis said.

The boxes are just the first to be installed around

Violence

Continued from A6

further than the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, which has identified gun homicides as an important public health issue.

Murthy’s 40-page declaration outlined several major health threats connected to firearms, including racial and gender disparities in firearm-related deaths along with the impact gun violence has on families, children and communities.

A recent national survey found that “the majority of U.S. adults or their family members (54%) have experienced a firearm-related incident,” according to the advisory’s introduction. That includes “21% who have personally

Colditz

Continued from A6

Most of us consume more than that. And the leading contributor to added sugar consumption? Sugary drinks, like soda, energy drinks, sports drinks, fruit punch and many types of sweet coffee drinks. Just one 12-ounce can of soda has

nity health center will use the funds to develop an urban garden to increase access to healthy foods in areas considered a food desert.

The urban garden is planned for the grounds adjacent to Affinia Healthcare location at 2524 Hadley and Grace Hill Chapel of the Episcopal Diocese of

of

Missouri, with a start date to be determined.

The Affinia Healthcare Urban Garden will help address hunger in the 63106 zip code, which is considered a food desert.

The NACHC and global healthcare company, Abbott, selected eight community health centers to participate in the Innovation Incubator

to find new ways to integrate healthy food into clinical care.

Affinia Healthcare’s aim is to serve residents who have diabetes, pregnant women, unhoused individuals and other special populations with diabetes.

“We work to meet the needs of our patients by providing necessary

the city in the coming months. The Behavioral Health Bureau has developed a partnership with the St. Louis Public Library system to provide boxes in neighborhoods where the most overdose incidents have been documented.

“Providing access to Narcan is critical to our goal of reducing the number of lives lost to overdoses as we tackle substance abuse in our hardest-hit neighborhoods,” said Dr. Julie Gary, chief of the Behavioral Health Bureau.

“We will continue to

been threatened with a firearm, 19% have a family member who was killed by a firearm (including by suicide), 17% have witnessed someone being shot, 4% have shot a firearm in selfdefense, and 4% have been injured by a firearm.”

“Such high levels of exposure to firearm violence for both children and adults give rise to a cycle of trauma and fear within our communities, contributing to the nation’s mental health crisis,” according to the advisory.

The advisory recommends several steps to confront the crisis, such as implementing community violence reduction programs, requiring safe storage of firearms, having universal background checks for all firearm purchases, and protection orders in cases

39 grams of added sugar, nearly the 50-gram daily limit for many people. A 16.9-ounce bottle of soda moves past the limit, with 55 grams all by itself. Desserts, pastries and candy can also have a lot of added sugar. And they can hide in good amounts in some foods we may not always think of as high in sugar, Park added. “This can include breakfast cereals, fruit-flavored low-fat

develop and leverage community partnerships to address the mental health issues driving substance use disorders.”

Gary said collaborating with partners has enabled the bureau to implement not only the Narcan boxes, but other outreach programs as well.

“Soulard Market Manager Bob Ray was open and instrumental in making this happen for us and the community,” she said.

Aside from establishing locations where Narcan distribution boxes

can be placed for community use, bureau staff also provide monthly training for City departments and community groups on its use.

Mission-motivated initiatives

Davis said the initiative is part of the bureau’s mission to meet people where they are and give them access to much-needed resources.

“We want the City of St. Louis to know that we are out here, and we’re dedicated to bringing health resources to com-

n Despite making up roughly 14% of the U.S. population, data shows Black people accounted for 60% of firearm deaths each year between 2017 and 2021. Black people were 11.5 times more likely to be victims of firearm homicide than their white peers, and gunfire has been the leading killer of Black children since 2009.

of domestic violence and threats of self-harm—also called “red flag” laws.

Since 2020, firearms have been the number one cause of death among children and teens in the U.S. Firearm injuries, including homicides, suicides, and unintentional injuries, were the leading cause of death among children and teens ages 1 to 19 in 2020 and 2021.

Among Black and Hispanic children and

yogurt and many other low-fat foods and barbecue and many other sauces, which have other flavors that mask the sweetness.”

Use food labels as your guide to reducing added sugars, and be aware that labels often show the amount of sugar in just one serving. We might normally eat more than one serving, increasing our intake of added sugar even more.

resources to support optimal nutritional health,” said Kristen Gore, Women, Infants and Children (WIC) Director. “Providing our community with this garden is an opportunity to help patients access fresh foods and see how these preventative measures can improve their health.”

Through a competitive

The resources from the landmark $26 billion opioid settlement continue to reach St. Louis and St. Louis County, and payments will continue for years to come, according to BrownGreer, the court-appointed firm administering the settlements.

munities where they’re most needed,” she said.

“We want our residents to have access to Narcan and know how to use it because it can and does save lives.”

In May, Behavioral Health Bureau staff were able to administer Narcan to three individuals who were exhibiting symptoms of an overdose near its office.

According to Davis, the department has put close to $2 million of funding back into the community to fund other businesses and community-based organizations.

process, the eight health centers across the U.S. were selected based on their submitted proposals. The health centers will also have a chance to win one of two additional recognition awards at a live competitive pitch session in the fall.

This has been done while prioritizing where the needs of the greatest, which are in “Black and brown communities in North St. Louis, parts of South St. Louis.”

“We have a data-informed approach… [and] a monthly report we do around substance abuse and other metrics,” Davis said.

“We collect a lot of data and then we map out and use that to build strategic approaches to these things, so we have already mapped out where they will go besides city buildings and recreation centers.” Davis said, “one death is too many.”

“We are being proactive about this [by] meeting people where they are. We know that something new can be intimidating to folks.”

The boxes come with instructions, but health department representatives are also available to train people who would like to know how to effectively use them.

“We’ve been training city employees for months…around this work, and I just think that it’s so important for people to know this is happening and to empower themselves to help members of the communities when the need arises,” Davis said.

adolescents, deaths by gunshot have increased sharply since the COVID pandemic began in 2020. In 2022, the rate of firearm deaths among Black youth was significantly higher than any other racial and ethnic group and six times higher than white youth.

Between 2018 and 2022, the rate of firearm deaths doubled among Black youth.

While gun control

And as with most healthy behaviors, we don’t need to make a sudden, major change to see benefit. It’s something we can slowly work toward. “Instead of cutting all sugars at once, try to gradually lower sugar consumption over weeks or months,” Park said. “Focusing on foods you eat daily or frequently can be helpful. For example, try one less teaspoon

advocates hailed Murthy’s advisory, they believe he could have gone further. They want a full-fledged surgeon general’s report on guns similar to the one issued on cigarette smoking in 1964. That report, directly linking smoking to cancer, was a major catalyst in reversing smoking rates in the U.S. That report led to requiring tobacco companies to print warning label on cigarette packages, and was key to groundbreaking lawsuits against the tobacco industry.

“Surgeon General reports are renowned publications that take an evidence-based approach to our nation’s most urgent public health issues,” said Dr. Joseph V Sakran, Board Chair and Chief Medical Officer at Brady United, a gun safety nonprofit. “Seeing as firearms are now the leading cause of death for children and teens in the U.S., there’s arguably no public health issue that’s more urgent or that warrants the commission of a Surgeon General report more than gun violence.” Historically, “we have seen how the release of Surgeon General reports on public health issues such as the dangers of smoking ignited a wave of policy, legal, and public health initiatives that saved countless American lives and, in this case, led to deprogramming our nation from the tobacco industry’s lies,” Sakran said. “We hope this report will have the same resounding impact on the gun violence epidemic.”

of sugar in your coffee for several weeks, and then reduce by another teaspoon after that. If you drink sugary drinks, take the same approach, slowly cutting back the number you drink.”

Even for those of us with a sweet tooth, it can be pretty simple to cut back on added sugar, and in a way we might not even notice. Give it a try. It’s well worth the effort.

It’s your health. Take control.

Dr. Graham A. Colditz, associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis, is an internationally recognized leader in cancer prevention and the creator of the free prevention tool, Your Disease Risk

Biles

Continued from A1

Trials in Minneapolis, where Biles placed first. She will lead the American team to Paris team

Continued from A1

face improperly covered by a hood that blocked his nose and mouth and left unattended in a cell for more than 30 minutes, documents filed on June 28, 2024 in Cole County Circuit Court state.

Moore, who had asthma, screamed at officers that he could not breathe as he was being transported to the cell, the documents state. He died on the morning of Dec. 8. Cole County Prosecuting Attorney Locke Thompson charged Justin Leggins, 34, of Cadet, Jacob Case, 31, of Desloge, and Aaron Brown, 24, and Gregory Varner, 34, both of Park Hills, with second degree assault and second-degree murder.

Thompson charged Bryanne Bradshaw, 25, of Jefferson City with involuntary manslaughter in the second degree.

All five had been arrested or surrendered to authorities by Friday afternoon, Thompson said.

Four corrections officers were fired in March during the investigation of Moore’s death. The warden of the Jefferson City Correctional Center was terminated as an employee of the department earlier this month.

The autopsy of Moore ruled his death was due to “positional asphyxiation”

Ruling

Continued from A1

ecuted for. Specifically, the court determined that Trump’s interactions with Justice Department officials and Vice President Mike Pence in the lead-up to the January 6 Capitol attack by his supporters are considered core presidential powers and thus immune from prosecution.

“The president is not above the law,” Roberts wrote. “But Congress may not criminalize the president’s conduct in carrying out the responsibilities of the executive branch under the Constitution.”

Bush

Continued from A1

Public Schools and many of our partner organizations to continue our mission to make St. Louis safer, stronger and healthier.” Jones and Bush easily ticked off dozens of successes they’ve achieved which included hundreds of millions for violence prevention programs, an updated 911 emergency system, community project funding, Lambert Airport expansion, funding for career advancement program in public schools, funds aimed at securing housing for the homeless, federal funding to improve Metro Link services and much more.

Bush said working with Jones “has been vital in getting the resources on the ground that are needed” in the district, adding “we continue to show St. Louis what it means to be unbought, unbossed, and unafraid to continue to lead and deliver for our communities.”

Bush is facing a huge challenge mostly from St.

alongside Jordan Chiles, Jade Carey, Hezly Rivera and Suni Lee.

The Bears will have opened training camp near Chicago when the Olympics are underway but are giving Owens a leave so he can attend the Games

and cheer on his wife, a seven-time Olympic medalist.

The Bears are actually granting him a couple days off from training camp, so he’ll be there,” Biles told People

“I think it’s super excit-

ing that we get to be in each other’s elements and supporting each other’s dreams and goals; yeah, it is these memories that we make that we’ll never get back.”

The couple celebrated their first wedding anni-

versary in April and overcame demanding schedules to share time together.

“Anytime we can show up for one another and support, we just get super excited because our schedules don’t align that much,” Biles said.

“So, whenever it does, it’s really important for the both of us to support.”

Owens also shared a photo of Biles from their courthouse wedding, saying “One year down ... Man does time fly, I love you so much baby.”

and the death was determined to be a homicide, documents filed with the case state.

“The sheriff’s department did a very thorough investigation and when we set down and reviewed all the evidence available, that is what led us to those charges,” Thompson said in an interview with Rudi Keller of The Missouri

Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, in a strongly worded dissent, accused the conservative majority of creating a dangerous precedent by establishing a new model of presidential accountability that grants undue immunity to the highest office.

“With that understanding of how our system of accountability for criminal acts ordinarily functions, it becomes much easier to see that the majority’s ruling in this case breaks new and dangerous ground,” Jackson wrote.

“Departing from the traditional model of individual accountability, the majority has concocted something entirely dif-

Louis County Prosecutor, Wesley Bell, who has received generous support from pro-Israel groups like AIPAC. Bush has been on the organization’s hit list after calling for a ceasefire in the wake of the terrorist attack against Israel. Funding from these groups have been credited for Rep. Jamaal Bowman’s loss in the recent New York primary race.

In a conversation with the American, Jones stressed that her endorsement is multi-faceted, not single-issue oriented.

“I will say it wasn’t an easy decision considering the current state of the world right now. There is a stark division between what’s going on between Israel and Palestine and its conflicts and nuances,” Jones stressed, adding: “However, I don’t think we should endorse people based on just one issue. For me, it’s based on my over ten-year friendship with the congresswoman and, most importantly, on what she delivers for this district and especially the city.”

Both Bush and Jones-the first Black Congresswoman from

Independent.

The charges were first reported by the Associated Press.

In a press release, Thompson said Moore’s death was linked to a Corrections Emergency Response Team operation to sweep one of the housing units for contraband.

Moore was pepper sprayed twice before being

ferent: A Presidential accountability model that creates immunity — an exemption from criminal law — applicable only to the most powerful official in our government,” she added.

Justice Jackson further warned of the broader implications of the ruling, suggesting that even a hypothetical president who commits grave crimes, such as ordering assassinations of political rivals or instigating a coup, could potentially claim immunity under the new model.

Trump, who faces about 50 other charges related to the 2020 election, has openly discussed executing his rivals.

the state of Missouri and the first Black woman elected Mayor of the City of St. Louis-focused on their combined accomplishments for the 1st Congressional District and the City of St. Louis. Jones said Bush’s assistance has been crucial in helping her keep her campaign promise to bridge the racial wealth gap and “put St. Louis on the road to economic justice.”

She credits Bush for helping the region secure nearly $150 million in American Rescue Plan (ARPA) funds which she’s partly using to specifically revitalize North St. Louis.

Bush has been criticized by her opponents for not supporting President Biden’s 2021 infrastructure bill. They claim she’s caused a loss of federal revenues for the 1st district. Bush scoffed at the accusation.

“It’s so hypocritical,” she countered. “On the one hand, people say ‘you didn’t really bring it (federal funds) to the district because Joe Biden brought the money.’ Then on the other hand they say, ‘you didn’t vote for the infrastructure bill, so you hurt

placed in a spit hood, leg wrap and restraint chair and transferred to a separate housing unit, where he was left in the hood, wrap, and restraint chair for approximately 30 minutes.

“Othel Moore was placed in a restraint hold that led to his death. Period. He can no longer look forward to the possibility of choosing

Justice Sonia Sotomayor said that the ruling undermines a fundamental constitutional principle that no individual is above the law.

“Trump will now be insulated from criminal prosecution. In every use of official power, the President is now a king, above the law,” said Sotomayor.

Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett, a native of the St. Louis area, said during a conference call press conference “they literally are allowing him the ability to kill someone.”

“When Sotomayor put that into her decision, she wasn’t just saying this. This was argued by his

St. Louis.’ Well, pick one; either my vote counts, or it doesn’t.

“I have delivered more than $2 billion throughout my tenure in congress and the infrastructure bill is not included in that. So, any claim that I have not delivered investments to this district is a lie.”

Jones, who said she seriously discussed the matter with Bush, said she came to understand why she voted against the bi-partisan measure. Mostly because other Covid-related recovery bills that were expiring were stripped from the initial bill.

“Bush took that vote because she wanted to vote as a package because it included relief in extending the child tax credits in which we know brought poverty down for millions of families in our country and thousands of families in this district.”

Jones argued that, in the end, St. Louis was not harmed by Bush’s no-vote on the bill.

“We are still getting infrastructure money, mostly in the form of transportation dollars...so, no, we have not been neg-

State Rep. Marlene Terry (D, St. Louis) said she and the Missouri Legislative Black Caucus will push for further reform and protection of minority inmates following the death of Othel Moore Jr., in the Jefferson City Correctional Center. Five corrections officers are facing 2nd degree murder and/or an assault charge in connection with Moore’s death.

another life path,” said Terry. “Nor can he be encouraged by letters or conversations from those who love him.” Terry added “as legislators we take seriously our duty to ensure that there is accountability in the event of tragedies such as this one, and we work hard to see that laws are passed and enacted that prevent what happened to Othel Moore from happening to others.” Terry said the DOC has implemented more comprehensive use of body cameras.

“We will continue to monitor this situation,” she said.

Rudi Keller of the Missouri Independent contributed to this report

attorneys. So, this is not hypothetical for me. This is a very real thing. It’s a very real and scary thing for me.”

Congresswoman Cori Bush said the Trump ruling was one of a series by the “Court’s right-wing, pro-insurrection faction.”

“In the past week, [the Supreme Court majority] has granted Trump partial immunity from criminal prosecution and opened the door for complete impunity for his role on January 6th, greenlit the criminalization of homelessness, left millions of people in states like Missouri and Idaho vulnerable to bans on emergency abortions and

atively impacted by that vote.”

Jones said Bush delivered on federal infrastructure funds. As examples, she pointed to Bush’s delivery of tens of millions to the district after the devastating flood in 2022; the $25 million disaster recovery grant she secured and the “almost $90 million in infrastructure funding” slated for the city’s water department.

other attacks on reproductive rights,” she said in a statement.

“[The Court has] enabled a total assault on the power of federal agencies to regulate polluters, pharmaceutical and health insurance companies, companies who violate labor rights, and other bad actors. Its cruel and callous decisions flout decades of precedent to shield the wealthy and powerful, including the 34-times-convicted former President, from accountability for the harm they have caused our communities.”

Stacy Brown is NNPA Newswire senior writer

“No one fights like Cori does,” Jones said, adding: “We must have someone in congress who’s going to fight and stand up. I don’t always agree with her methods, but she delivers results.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is the Deaconess Foundation Community Advocacy Fellow.

Bush received additional good news on Tuesday. Her re-election campaign was endorsed by other influential individuals and House Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his deputies, political action committees (PACS). Some include the Congressional Black Caucus, the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Planned Parenthood, Abortion Action Missouri, Jewish Voices for Peace Action, League of Conservation Voters, National Women’s Political Caucus, Progressive Democrats of America, Communications Workers of America, National Nurses United, the American Federation of Government Employees and the Coalition of Black Trade Unionists. In addition, Bush received endorsements from the President of the Board of Alderman, Megan Green, Alderman Shane Cohn, Alderwoman Daniela Velazquez, Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier, Alderwoman Shameem Clark Hubbard, and Alderman Rasheen Aldridge. Both the mayor and the congresswoman are ending their first terms in office. Jones simply believes Bush’s reelection is crucial in continuing the work they’ve started here in the St. Louis region. Considering the possible reelection of Donald Trump and the disastrous, divisive agenda he and his cronies represent, Jones insists the country needs another Cori Bush term.

Photo by Tim Bommel / Missouri House of Representatives

Square route

Cortex Square One supports minority entrepreneurs

By Ashley Winters The St. Louis American

Antonio Brazelton always had big ideas for starting his own business. He also knew he didn’t have the framework in place to sharpen and shape those ideas in a way that would bring to fruition explore his passion for plant science and feeding the world. Like many budding entrepreneurs, Cortex One helped make his dream come true.

The Cortex Square One program is a series of programs that helps early-stage entrepreneurs bring their ideas to life through learning and networking opportunities, resources, and mentorship. Last year, Square One’s programs produced 103 grad-

uates, including 23 in its Square One Bootcamp. 65% of the graduates are women, and 70% are people of color.

Brazelton joined in 2022 because he felt he needed a formal setting with clear guidelines to help bring his ideas to life. He also believed he would benefit from being with a network of peers and people who were moving in the same direction.

“The Square One Ignite program helped me to take the customer discovery interviews I had done during SLU-ICOR and funnel them into a tangible set of problems I could address,” Brazelton said. “It also helped me realize that I needed to completely pivot from my original idea to better serve the needs of my potential customers.”

Brazelton owns HerbanAg Tech, a

software company devoted to providing scalable digital resources to the farm-totable movement. His company is prototyping an app to connect urban farmers and chefs here in the city.

“Urban farmers benefit from the ability to grow niche varieties of produce at scale,” he said. “This makes them a great partner for chefs, artisans, and local grocers who want to provide premium, hyperlocal ingredients to their customers.”

He wants to help empower new urban farmers growing niche products by making it as simple as possible to connect to new markets.

The heart of Square One’s mission is empowering those from underserved

Black Americans embracing new era of financial inclusion

By Cong. Jonathan Jackson

In a country where wealth disparities persist, financial inclusion is still the road that leads to equity. Black Americans have historically faced barriers to wealth generation and investment opportunities. Today, the tide is turning, and technology is paving the road to education, access, and empowerment.

A myriad of new technologies continue to create more opportunities for our historically underserved communities to participate in the financial system, including in the areas of banking and investing.

What is financial inclusion?

At its core, financial inclusion is a term of hope. It aims to ensure all individuals and communities, regardless of socio-economic background, have equitable access to affordable and reliable financial services to manage their finances, invest, save, and build wealth.

For Black Americans, it represents a pathway to rectifying historical injustices and systemic barriers that have hindered economic progress for centuries. Financial inclusion is a prime facilitator of poverty reduction and a generator of financial stability for Black families to accumulate assets and create pathways to mobility.

participate

PeoPle on the Move

Larry Morris named to new role for Kranzberg

Larry Morris has been named the director of programs and partnerships for the Kranzberg Arts Foundation. Morris joined the foundation in May 2022 as the director of artist residency. During his tenure, he worked to elevate the Kranzberg Artist in Residency program, contributed as a committee and staff member to the growth of Music at the Intersection, and formed and maintained partnerships for the foundation in the St. Louis region.

Douglas LaVergne promoted at Lincoln U.

Lincoln University of Missouri has promoted Dr. Douglas LaVergne to the newly created position of vice president of land-grant engagement, in addition to his current role as dean of the College of Agriculture, Environmental and Human Sciences, LaVergne will lead the land-grant engagement operations team, collaborate on public relations and marketing activities, consult with state and federal agriculture committees and serve as an expert voice on landgrant matters. He holds a master’s degree in agricultural & extension education from the University of Arkansas. In 2008 he received his Ph.D. in agricultural education from Texas A&M University in College Station. Douglas LaVergne

Chukwu-Smith joins Carmody McDonald

Chioma ChukwuSmith

Chioma Chukwu-Smith recently joined Carmody MacDonald PC as an associate attorney in the firm’s litigation group. She represents clients in a wide range of matters including contract disputes, business disputes, real estate disputes, general civil litigation, complex litigation, and commercial litigation. After completing her Juris Doctorate, Chukwu-Smith clerked for the Missouri Court of Appeals Eastern District and then was a post-doctoral fellow at Saint Louis University School of Law. Following her fellowship, she served as a Judicial Law Clerk for the U.S. District Court –Eastern District of Missouri.

Nunn-Faron named HSSU Education dean

Dr. Nicole Nunn-Faron

Harris-Stowe State University has named Dr. Nicole Nunn-Faron as its College of Education dean. Nunn-Faron served as the Education Department chair at St. Charles Community College from 2013 to 2024, where she played a key role in transforming the education program. She earned her Doctor of Education in Educational Leadership degree from Maryville University, a Master of Arts in Educational Administration, and dual bachelor’s degrees in social science and education from Lindenwood University.

Larry Morris

Adjo Honsou, owner of FuFu n’ Sauce food truck, was busy serving a large crowd during Food Truck Friday in Tower Grove Park Monday night June 17, 2024.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

See CORTEX, B2

Photo courtesy of Jonathan Jackson / House.Gov

From left, Congressman Jonathan Jackson, Rev. Jesse Jackson, Rainbow/ Push president emeritus and Congressman Hakeem Jeffries, House Minority Leader. Jonathan Jackson says young Congressional leaders are helping expand Black financial inclusion.

Cortex

Continued from B1

communities who may have traditionally been shut out of the entrepreneurial ecosystem so that St. Louisans, regardless of their backgrounds, may contribute to creating a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem.

“The program focuses on IT, bio-science, advanced manufacturing, consumer manufacturing, and food. Cortex Square One provides entrepreneurs with the tools they need to successfully launch their businesses,” said Ben Molina, Entrepreneur Manager of the program.

“We give them idea validation, teaching them target market discovery, and connecting them with the local ecosystem,” Molina said when describing Square One Ignite. Square One Ignite is stage one of the program and is a four-week session available twice a year.

Square One Bootcamp is stage two, and it’s a 10-week program designed

Inclusion

Continued from B1 lower cost only technology can produce. Now, those groups can educate themselves about personal finance, investment strategies, and wealth-building.

Mobile Apps: Apps have transformed the way we connect with businesses and one another. Intuitive interfaces, quicker response times, and overall enhanced user experience make apps a powerful tool for us to do business.

Financial Literacy: Educational resources are

for entrepreneurs to learn the fundamentals of running a business, connecting with mentors and other experts. Entrepreneurs are trained in budgeting, building a pitch, and marketing. They also learn details about product design and personal credit. Partnerships with the St. Louis Empowerment Center, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce St. Louis, Afghan Chamber of Commerce St. Louis, and African Chamber of Commerce St. Louis help keep the program connected with the community.

“We realize Cortex has a responsibility, we try to make sure we are collaborating across the region with people doing similar work,” said Vice President of Entrepreneurship Gabriela RamirezArellano. Piggybacking off of her comment, Molina added, “ Our role is to provide them with the support and tools they need to be successful.”

Ramirez-Arellano said it was clear that Brazelton, who participated in all three stages of the program, had the drive needed to succeed.

available to empower individuals to make informed financial decisions, whether through e-newsletters, podcasts, webinars, or online courses.

Digital Banking: Online banking allows for more convenient and cost-effective money management. No longer tied to physical branches, underserved communities can transact, save, and invest from anywhere.

Fintech: With the convergence of finance and technology, Fintech is leveraging digital platforms to create innovative solutions to democratize financial services. Companies like

“He showed extreme resilience,” said RamirezArellano. Brazelton would sometimes bring his young son to class with him. “ It’s very inspiring to see him show so much commitment to his future,” she added. Many of the entrepreneurs have fulltime jobs, families, and other responsibilities.

Participants are provided with transportation such as Uber and Metro Bus/ Link passes. “This is to

Robinhood have enabled a new wave of investors to participate in the stock market without costly trading commissions and high account minimums.

According to the ArielSchwab Black Investor Survey conducted in 2022, trust in technology surpasses trust in people when it comes to managing assets. Young Black investors are leading the charge, with three times as many investing in the stock market for the first time in 2020, compared to their white counterparts. Additionally, 29% of Black investors under 40 were new to investing in 2020, compared to 16% of

ensure there are no barriers keeping people from coming here,” said RamirezArellano.

Molina said Adjo Honsou, owner of FuFu n’ Sauce food truck, first joined Cortex Square One knowing that she wanted to be in the food business but needed help getting started. The program gave her access to a commercial kitchen and taught her how to develop a resource networking circle.

white investors. Federal Reserve data reinforces this trend. In 2022, 58% of American households owned stocks. Notably, Black and Hispanic investors increased their participation significantly, both almost doubling since 2019.

The road ahead

The Black community stands at the forefront of this era, where under-resourced communities embrace their newfound access to the financial landscape. But despite increasing literacy and inclusion and the combined efforts of our polit-

“We meet [entrepreneurs] where they are,” said Molina. Honsou said that she liked how the program moved at a slower pace. “ I got more in-depth information from the classes I took and resources,” she said. She said this gave her time to think about how to incorporate the material she was learning into her business. For example, she learned how and when to use the

ical leaders, including the Congressional Black Caucus and the Financial Services Committee, and recent legislation like the “Financial Innovation and Technology for the 21st Century Act” (FIT21), history has taught us that our continued progress isn’t guaranteed.

Some federal regulators, like Securities and Exchange Commission’s Gary Gensler, have pursued new regulations that would undermine important efforts to narrow the racial wealth gap and increase financial inclusion for the Black community.

As we look ahead, the

mentors she was meeting. Honsou came from a more corporate environment, and said she also needed to learn how to transition into the entrepreneurial arena.

Trinity Griffin joined the program in 2021 after looking for small business resources in the St. Louis area. The program helped her move through the idea validation process and develop a better understanding of market fit. Griffin created a mobile app to help people on their emotional journey.

Tracking My Tears tracks the number of times the user cries. The app tracks relevant data about each cry and connects with other users. Tracking My Tears has a user track only one physical response across a range of emotions. This helps users identify how their body can use one response for many different emotions. To learn more visit https://squareone.cortexstl. org/

Ashley Winters is a Report for America reporter for the St. Louis American.

support of young and new voices in Congress who champion pro-innovation policies is exactly what we need to sustain momentum. Despite the setbacks, recent progress is encouraging, but there is so much more that can be done to increase participation. Harnessing the power of technology and advocating for financial inclusion can pave the way for a more equitable future where every Black American is ensured the tools needed to thrive and prosper.

Rep. Jonathan Jackson (D-Ill.), represents Illinois’ First Congressional District

Nonprofit seeks to lure middle-class to ESL with $360,000 homes

By Will Bauer Of St. Louis Public Radio

(St. Louis Public Radio)

– By the end of the summer, a new subdivision in East St. Louis will be complete with 20 homes that are part of the first major private housing development in the city in the last 40 years.

Lansdowne Up, the religious nonprofit building the homes, says it’s designed to help grow East St Louis, which has lost a vast majority of its population since peaking in the 1950s.

“We’re hoping that having homes like this will bring in a middle-class population,” said Kevin Green, director of administration for Lansdowne Up. “East St. Louis used to be a predominantly middle-class city, and we want to see a return back to that.”

So far, nine of the three-bedroom homes are complete, and one is occupied, Green said. The homes are listed at $360,000 each.

The subdivision — known as Lansdowne Park — sits near North 25th Street and Gross Avenue on the north side of town. Another housing effort is planned near Nectar Avenue, about a half-mile to the west.

Green spoke with St. Louis Public Radio’s Metro East reporter Will Bauer. The following conversation has been edited for length and clarity.

Will Bauer: What kind of housing challenges does the city face from your vantage point?

Kevin Green: If you look at East St. Louis, it›s been a long time since we›ve actually had market rate housing. As an example, the home that I live in is 102 years old. As we’ve had new housing coming into the city, in many cases over the last 30-40 years, it’s been new public housing. It’s been government-subsidized housing. We haven’t really had a lot of new private homes built in the city. This has been a challenge for the city — for us bringing a subdivision into the city. The city basically had to relearn what it’s like to work with a developer. And, technically, we’re not a developer, but we are someone who has come in with private financing to actually build homes. And it’s been an interesting challenge for the city even to get to that point just because they’ve been so used to public-subsidized housing.

Bauer: What do you hope these homes that you are building will solve in East St. Louis?

Green: East St. Louis has many, many challenges. We›re hoping that having homes like this will bring in a middleclass population — which East St. Louis used to be a predominantly middleclass city. We want to see a return back to that. Then, we’d like to have the tax base go up.

Right now, we’re down to less than 18,000 people from a high of almost 80,000-90,000. So here we are now — we’ve got less than 18,000 people, many are at or below the poverty line — we need to attract people back to the city. We need to attract the middle class, so we can have a tax base. Once you have people and you have a tax base, now the businesses will come back into the city.

Published with permission as part of a content partnership between The St. Louis American and St. Louis Public Radio from https://www.stlpr. org/

People wait in line to get food from FuFu n’ Sauce food truck in Tower Grove Park Monday night June 17, 2024.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

This home on Lansdowne Park Lane in East St. Louis is one of the completed homes in a newly built subdivision that nonprofit Lansdowne Up hopes will attract middle-class residents.

n “I’m trying to get my name out for myself.”

– Bronny James, son of Lebron James, at his L.A. Lakers introductory press conference

track & FiEld NotEbook

By Earl Austin Jr.

St. Louis American All-Area Track and Field teams

There are two things you can say about the 2024 high school track season in the St. Louis area - it was outstanding, and like its sprinters, it went fast.

It was a great season of track and field in the St. Louis metro area in 2024.

Several teams from the area brought home state championships this year, including the girls from Cardinal Ritter, Ladue and Incarnate Word and the boys from Ladue and Edwardsville.

This week, we recognize the outstanding individuals as the St. Louis American announces its 2024 All-Area Track and Field Teams for boys and girls.

Edwardsville High standout Malik Allen is the St. Louis American Boys Track Athlete of the Year while Skyye Lee of Parkway Central is the Athlete of the Year on the Girls side.

Boys All-Area First Team

100-meter dash: Jaydon Marley (Sr.) Metro

200-meter dash: Tristan Williams (Sr.) MICDS

400-meter dash: Tristan Williams (Sr.) MICDS

800-meter dash: Joseph Snyder (Sr.) Kirkwood

1,600-meter run: Graham Stevener (Sr.) Kirkwood

3,200-meter run: Levi

At the Class 4 Girls State Track & Field Championships

Saturday, May 25, senior Skyye Lee of Parkway Central finished her fabulous career by winning three gold medals. She won the 200 in 23.94 seconds and swept the titles in the 100-meter high hurdles and 300meter low hurdles. Her winning time in the 100-meter hurdles was 13.34 and the 300-meter hurdles was 42.63. She also finished second in the 100 in 11.75.

Rowan (Sr.) Kirkwood

110-meter hurdles: Louis Yohannes (Jr.) Triad

300-meter intermediate

hurdles: Kelvin Coleman (Sr.) Hazelwood Central

4x100-meter relay: Edwardsville

4x200-meter relay: Hazelwood East

4x400-meter relay: Belleville West

4x800-meter relay: Kirkwood

Long Jump: Joseph Anderson (Sr) Westminster Christian

Triple Jump: Malik Allen (Sr.) Edwardsville

High Jump: Brandon Johnson (Sr.) McCluer

Shot Put: David Habermehl (Jr.) Collinsville

Discus: Zavier Winton (Jr.) Troy

Pole Vault: William Geiler (Sr.) Eureka

Javelin: Preston Brown (Jr.) Hillsboro

Second Team

100- Shaun Roberts (Sr.) Ladue

200- Clayton Lakatos (Jr.) Edwardsville

400- Michael Clark (Soph.) Lutheran North

800- Graham Stevener (Sr.) Kirkwood

1,600: Levi Rowan (Sr.) Kirkwood

3,200: Carson Driemeier (Sr.) Festus

110-high hurdles: Koen Holtman (Sr.) Borgia

300-intermediate hurdles: Demarion Fountain (Sr.) Belleville West

4x100 relay: Ladue

4x200 relay: Edwardsville

4x400 relay: Ladue

4x800 relay: Bethalto

Long Jump: Dwayne Foley (Sr.) Ladue

Joseph

Westminster Christian HIgh Jump: Luke Bass (Sr.) Fort Zumwalt South Shot Put: Mark Goldman (Jr.) Parkway North Discus: Iose Epenesa (Jr.) Edwardsville Pole Vault: Leo Flynn (Jr.) Parkway Central Javelin: Luke Powell (Sr.) Northwest Cedar Hill

All-Area Girls First Team

100-meter dash: Aniyah Brown (Sr.) Cardinal Ritter

200-meter dash: Alaji Bradley (Sr.) Pattonville

400-meter dash: Alaji Bradley (Sr.) Pattonville

800-meter run: Aaliyah Rogers (Fr.) Ladue

1,600-meter run:

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Natalie Bernard (Sr.)

Lafayette

3,200-meter run: Natalie Bernard (Sr.)

Lafayette

100-meter high hurdles: Skyye Lee (Sr.) Parkway Central

300-meter intermediate hurdles: Kyndall Spain (Jr.) Cardinal Ritter

4x100-meter relay: Cardinal Ritter

4x200-meter relay: Belleville East

4x400-meter relay: Ladue

4x800-meter relay: Lafayette Long Jump: Aaliyah Elliott (Sr.) John Burroughs

Triple Jump: Hannah Wallace (Sr.) Cardinal Ritter

High Jump: Hannah Wallace (Sr.) Cardinal Ritter

Jayson Tatum cashing in as Celtics owners cashing out

Fresh off winning his first NBA Finals championship, Jayson Tatum will reportedly become a member of the elite “$300 million club.

The St. Louis guy who starred at Chaminade before playing a season at Duke, has agreed to a fiveyear, $314 million contract extension which will kick in for the 2025-26 season. That comes to about $62.3 million a season.

A five-time allstar, Tatum would be with the Celtics through the 202930 season barring a trade. It also isn’t like the STL superstar is hurting for money – he will make $34.8 million next year. To put Tatum’s $314 million in perspective, note that the majority owners of the Boston Celtics purchased the historic franchise in 2002 for $360 million.

L.L.C., announced it will sell all the shares of the team by 2028. It was quite a lucrative investment. Forbes lists the Celtics’ value at $4.7 billion, and that was before Boston won the title last month.

Speaking of big money, with Tatum’s extension the Celtics starting five players will have combined deals valued at more than $1 billion.

Jaylen Brown will earn $49.4 million as part of the five-year $28.2 deal he signed last year – which at the time was the largest in NBA history.

million

2025-26 season.

a dynasty over the coming five years.

A day before Tatum’s new deal was reported by various media outlets, the Boston Basketball Partners

Kristaps Porzingis received a twoyear $60 million extension before the 24-25 season, Derrick White just signed a new four-year, $125.9 million extension, and the Celtics signed Jrue Holiday to a four-year, $135 million contract extension in April.

The Celtics are serious about defending their title next season and building

Tatum’s championship season included 26.9 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.9 assists per game on 47% shooting from the field. He was among the NBA leaders by connecting on 38% of his threepoint attempts. He entered the postseason carrying the baggage of “not being a money player” in the clutch. Tatum silenced those crit-

ics by averaging 25 points, 9.7 rebounds and 6.3 assists during the playoffs. Tatum could top off a dream year by bringing home a gold medal from the Paris Olympics with the USA men’s basketball team. Competition begins in late July, and should the favored U.S. team prevail, it would be Tatum’s second Olympic gold medal. During the 2020 Tokyo Olympics, he averaged 15.2 points for the team.

As the saying goes, Jyson Tatum has the world by the tail.

The Reid Roundup

It isn’t the Boston Celtics fault but the free-agency fury over the past few days has been more interesting than the NBA Finals… Klay Thompson signed a trade deal that sent him to Dallas and ended the historic run of he and Steph Curry, the “Splash Brothers,” at Golden State…Paul George was rumored to be going to the L.A. Lakers in a freeagent deal but instead ended up on the East Coast with the Philadelphia 76ers. Teaming with Joel Embiid and Tyrese Maxey makes that team a threat…The New York Knicks took a hit with Isaiah Hartenstein planning to sign a three-year, $87 million deal with the Oklahoma City Thunder… Chris Paul was sent packing by the Warriors after a lackluster season but he quickly agreed on a one-year, $11 mil-

Shot Put: Madison Fowler (Sr.) Cor Jesu

Discus: Joi Story (Soph.) Edwardsville

Pole Vault: Avery Foster (Jr.) Fort Zumwalt East

Javelin: Clara McDonald (Sr.) Festus

Second Team

100- A’laji Bradley (Sr.) Pattonville

200- Aniyah Brown (Sr.) Cardinal Ritter 400- Delaney Brinker (Jr.) Ladue

800- Luciana Medina (Sr.) Nerinx Hall

1,600- Josie Baker (Sr.) Kirkwood

3,200- Evyn Humphrey (Sr.) Francis Howell

100-high hurdles: Kydall Spain (Jr.) Cardinal Ritter

300-low hurdles: Skyye Lee (Sr.) Parkway Central

4x100 relay: Belleville East

4x200 relay: Cardinal Ritter

4x400 relay: East St. Louis

4x800 relay: Nerinx Hall

Long Jump: Krysta Miller (Sr.) Hillsboro Triple Jump: Uyoyoghene Omunu (Soph) Parkway North

High Jump: Bailey Hengens (Fr.) Incarnate

Word Academy

Shot Put: Emily Sykes (Sr) Granite City

Discus: Kamari Brown (Sr.) Incarnate Word

Academy Pole Vault: Kylie Scott (Sr.) Lindbergh

Javelin: Lauren Rowland (Sr.) Fort Zumwalt North

lion-plus deal with the San Antonio Spurs. He will now help develop Victor Wembanyama along with coach Gregg Popovich James Harden reportedly will return to the L.A. Clippers on a two-year, $70 million contract. Waste of money, says me…Tobias Harris is returning to the Detroit Pistons on a two-year, $52 million deal and he will have a superior coach…J.B. Bickerstaff has agreed to a five-year deal to become the next coach of the Pistons. The Cavaliers fired him even though he led the team to the playoffs in consecutive years, reaching the Eastern Conference semifinals this past season…Charles Barkley announced he will retire from NBA broadcasting after the coming season –but no one seems to buy it including his TNT buddy Kenny Smith LeBron James has earned the right to call his own shots but his forcing the L.A. Lakers to draft his son Bronny James doesn’t sit right with me.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Jayson Tatum has agreed to a five-year, $314

contract extension which will kick in for the

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Triple Jump:

Anderson (Sr.)

Photo courtesy Boston Celtics Facebook

Ferguson Community Forward, Urban Harvest STL receive AARP grants

Ferguson Community Forward and Urban Harvest STL are recipients of respective 2024 AARP Community Challenge grants. Grantees will implement “quick-action projects” that include helping communities become more livable by improving public places, transportation, housing, and digital connections, with an emphasis on the needs of adults ages 50 and older.

The Community Forward project has received an AARP “Capacity-Building Microgrant” to offer training on home modifications to enable older residents to live longer in their homes.

Courses will focus on energy efficiency, renovation and remodeling resources and inexpensive projects.

Urban Harvest STL is recipient of a “Flagship Grant,” and the not-for-profit will make improvements to a community garden, which produces healthy food to distribute to families in need. Urban Harvest will add raised garden beds, seating, and a generator to the space.

“AARP Missouri is committed to working with local leaders, advocates and policymakers to make our communities better places to live for Missourians of all ages, especially those 50 and older,” said Craig Eichelman, AARP Missouri state director.

In addition, Citizens for Modern Transit is receiving a Flagship Grant to transform a bus stop in the Soulard neighborhood into a safer and more accessible facility for riders of all ages.

AARP awarded three different grant opportunities, including flagship grants, capacity-building microgrants for improving walkability, bikeability and accessible home modifications, and demonstration grants that focus on equitable engagement to reconnect communities, housing choice design competitions and improving digital connections to endure disasters.

AARP is also bolstering its investment in community resilience, rural communities, and addressing disparities.

Since 2017, AARP Missouri has awarded 26 grants and $296,700 through the program to nonprofit organizations and government entities across the state.

The St. Louis Association of Community Organizations (SLACO) is launching its SLACO HOMES Program, which is designed to rehabilitate and update older properties in the St. Louis region. The initiative aims to offer

SLACO to launch its SLACO Homes program

low—and moderate-income residents quality housing, foster community revitalization, and provide homes.

It will begin on July 8, 2024, and has a goal of completion and delivery of the homes for sale by

September.

“SLACO is committed to improving the quality of life in our communities,” said Kevin McKinney, SLACO executive director.

“Through the SLACO HOMES Program, we aim to transform vacant and neglected properties into beautiful homes for families who need them the most.”

Evergreen Resimercial Realty LLC is collaborating with SLACO to provide real estate man-

agement and development. Better Living Spaces, LLC is providing construction and renovation solutions.

These partners will identify additional properties, ensuring the program’s ongoing success and expansion. SLACO is a coalition of neighborhood associations working together to improve the quality of life in St. Louis through advocacy, collaboration, and community engagement.

The Urban Harvest STL Little Sprouts Early Childhood Garden Education pairs farm management with a hands-on weekly gardening program for Pre-K students. Urban Harvest is a recipient of an AARP Community Challenge Grant.

Photo courtesy of Urban Harvest

Living It

Chef’s kiss for classic musical

The Muny absolutely delights with latest presentation of ‘Dreamgirls’

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

And I am telling you, you should be going. I couldn’t resist, but my hope is that the corny “Dreamgirls” pun does not deter anyone from heading to the Muny to see a spectacularly talented ensemble serve the classic musical to its highest capacity.

It’s a shame that because of how “Dreamgirls” fell within the Muny season that only one more opportunity to view the show remains at the publishing of this article. However, if this is being read on July 3 (before 8:15 p.m.) not a single person will regret inconveniencing themselves or rescheduling other commitments in order to experience this performance.

The Muny’s latest staging gives audiences the how and why with respect to “Dreamgirls” providing a platform that stars are made from – especially for women named Jennifer. It’s a little known fact that Kinloch’ own Jenifer Lewis is the first to ever assume the role of Effie White. Lewis workshopped the role before the original Broadway run made a Tony and Grammy winner out of Jennifer Holliday. Twenty-five years after the musical made Holliday a household name, the film adaptation did the same for Jennifer Hudson. The “American Idol” finalist became an Oscar, Golden Globe, SAG and NAACP Image Award winner after starring alongside Beyonce, Anika Noni Rose, Jamie Foxx, Danny Glover, Eddie Murphy and others in the screen version.

Tiffany Mann is the Muny’s latest Effie White – and if there is an angle for the role to become a star-making opportunity for her, she certainly deserves it. Mann poured every ounce of her talents into the role, and exceeded the highest possible expectations while doing so. The audience enthusiastically leapt to their feet at the end of act one following her performance of the musical’s signature song “(And I Am Telling You) I’m Not Going.” “She looks like her daddy, but

Tiffany Mann poured every ounce of her

exceeded the highest possible expectations

she sings like her mama,” a person said while applauding so loudly that his hands sounded as if they were chafing. She is the daughter of entertainers David and Tamela Mann, but her Effie proves that she is anything but a “nepo baby.” She brought the pipes – and, more importantly, she brought the passion. Mann wasn’t the only artist on the

Muny stage who delivered unforgettable performances. In fact, just about everyone who graced the stage was top tier. And director Robert Clater was exacting in his ability to cohesively bring their talents to the forefront in a manner that

See Muny, C3

Legends of The Black Rep

Company vets captivate with masterful chemistry in ‘King Hedley II’

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

Sometimes it takes going to a restaurant to appreciate how good a home cooked meal can taste. Because the St. Louis Black Repertory Company is homegrown, it’s easy to take for granted the performances and production value that they have consistently brought to the stage for the better part of five decades. Their season 47 finale – a staging of August Wilson’s “King Hedley II” –serves as a reminder of the Black Theatre gem in our proximity. Familiar faces to the Black Rep stage, some might even call them legends of the company, breathe life into August Wilson’s genius. With the help of director Ron Himes, they embody the characters and follow the flow of Wilson’s one-of-a-kind dialogue cadence with the improvised precision of a skilled jazz drummer. “King Hedley II” continues through July 14 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre.

Chicago based A.C. Smith became a household name among St. Louis theater lovers thanks to his Black Rep performances – many of the roles in August

Wilson’s plays. And he is true to form as Stool Pigeon – the character that sets the tone for the tough and gritty eighties drama. The perfection of his timing cannot be overstated with his expletive laden tribute to his higher power. “God is a bad [expletive] will be stuck in the minds of theatregoers. That is until Denise Thimes emerges on stage and gives Ruby the type of assurance and self-confidence no one would expect from a woman resigned to the slums of Pittsburgh at the height of the crack epidemic. Thimes’ Ruby is not defeated. Her head’s not bowed. She lives life on her own terms – despite the fact that her son became collateral damage in her resolve to do so.

Ka’ramuu Kush, who delivered stun-

“Everyone has a story.”

-Colman Domingo, who will play Joe Jackson, in the biopic on Michael Jackson

‘A Journey’ on the High Line

on display at the Western Rail Yards of the High Line in New York City. The exhibition will be on display through October 2024.

Sculptures by Oliver Lee Jackson on display at popular NYC greenspace

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis

American

Denise Thimes and J. Samuel Davis in The Black Rep’s production of ‘King Hedley II,’ which runs through July 14th at The Edison Theatre.

Photo by Keshon Campbell

ning portrayal as the lead in The Black Rep’s 2011’s staging of “The Real McCoy,” is once again on their stage in a title role as King. Though he possesses the natural magnetism and presence that stage and film stars are made of, on opening weekend he was still grasping the rhythm of Wilson’s words. He rightfully portrayed his King as a man from the East Coast with the weight of his past on his shoulders. However, King’s life is informed by those who made their way East as a part of the Great Migration. It would serve the character for Kush to inject some of his natural charm and a bit

One connection is all it takes to form an indissoluble relationship with the work of visual artist and St. Louis native Oliver Lee Jackson. That connection could be superficial. Maybe it’s how the light hits the silver and aluminum of “Alchemy” to make the splashes of bright orange and rich blue leap from the canvas. Perhaps it is more profound – or even emotionally charged. The visceral response of the artwork and the tragedy that inspired Jackson’s “Untitled Sharpeville Series” is a prime example. After more than 60 years, Jackson is still experiencing career milestones – and n “Oliver Lee Jackson’s creations feel elegant, mysterious, and strangely out of time, attuned to the spirit of the High Line’s Western Rail Yards section.”

- Cecilia Alemani, The Donald R. Mullen

Director

& Chief Curator of High Line Art

proving why his name is worthy to be spoken within visual art circles of influences when they engage in discussions about their Mount Rushmore of great living artists.

Two weeks ago, the special exhibition Oliver Lee Jackson, A Journey opened at the Western Rail Yards of the High Line in New York City. The series of massive new steel sculptures feature five towering artworks – and marks a celebratory moment in the park’s Western Rail Yards. This northernmost section of the park recently reopened for the first time since 2022, as the High Line hits its milestone 15th year as a publicly accessible greenspace.

“Oliver Lee Jackson’s creations feel elegant, mysterious, and strangely out of time, attuned to the spirit of the High Line’s Western Rail Yards section,” said Cecilia Alemani, the Donald R. Mullen Director and Chief Curator of High Line Art. “It’s an honor to showcase this chapter in Jackson’s long and storied career,

Photos by Phillip Hamer I Courtesy of The Muny

talents into the role of Effie, and

while doing so.

Photos by Timothy Schenck I Courtesy of the High Line

‘Oliver Lee Jackson, A Journey’ features five steel sculptures currently

SHOWS

Dreamgirls

7/3/2024 8:15pm The Muny 1 Theatre Dr St. Louis, MO

$46+

“Sixty Years under the Stars”

7/7/2024 7:30 p.m.

The Gateway Festival Orchestra and Guest Conductor Leon

Burke III’s “Sixty Years Under the Stars”, a celebration of the orchestra’s 60th anniversary season. Washington University Brookings Quadrangle 1 Brookings Drive

7/9/2024 7:30 p.m. The Factory 17105 North Outer 40 Road St. Louis, MO

$50.50 - $70.50

It’s Time Presents: Girls Night Out Tour

7/11/2024 7:00 p.m.

Stifel Theatre 1400 Market Street St. Louis, MO

$35.95 - $121.00

Children’s Performance Series: Music + Movement with SLPL

7/5/2024 10:00 a.m.

Featuring performances from storytellers, musicians, dancers, and more. Tower Grove Park 4257 Northeast Drive St. Louis, MO

STL Fest: VIP Row Car Show, hosted by Rides N’ School Supplies

STL Sites & Sounds

7/7/2024 12-5 p.m.

Enjoy an exclusive car showcase, live performances, and more. 6 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103 Registration Fee: $25 (includes car show entry and two concert tickets)

NIGHTLIFE

CITY Block Party featuring Stazi 7/3/2024 4:30 p.m. Before CITY SC takes on San Jose (7:30 pm kickoff), enjoy a live performance from Stazi, as well as local food and beverage vendors, fan giveaways, and games and activities for all ages.

W CITYPARK

2100 Market St. St. Louis, MO

Free

Down South Dance Party

7/6/2024 8:00 p.m.

Delmar Hall

6133 Delmar Blvd

St. Louis, MO

$20.00

Puttshack Turns up its Summer Experience with ‘Summer Vibes to the MAX’

7/4/2024 - 7/11/2024 opens at 11:00 a.m.

A tech-infused mini golf experience with theme nights and theme cocktails

Puttshack - St. Louis 3730 Foundry Way St. Louis, MO $14.00

FAIRS FESTIVALS

Sunday’s STL Fest includes a VIP Row Car Show, hosted by Rides N’ School Supplies. Enjoy an exclusive car showcase, live performances, and more.

12-5 p.m.

6 Washington Ave, St. Louis, MO 63103

Central West End Association Fourth of July 7/4/2024 10:00 a.m.

Celebrate our Nation’s independence with entertainment, family fun, and snacks during the annual Central West End Association (CWEA) Fourth of July Parade

First Friday in Grand Center: Disability Pride 7/5/2024 5:00 p.m.

This month, CAM is pleased to host a special First Friday celebrating Disability Pride month, which marks the anniversary of the passing of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in 1990. Visitors who are Deaf and hard of hearing are invited to kick off the event with a special happy hour in partnership with DEAF Inc. Next, writer, speaker, and

Photo by Phillip Hamer I The Muny

The Muny’s presentation of the Tony Award-winning musical ‘Dreamgirls’ continues through July 3.

Muny

Continued from C1

compliments the story that “Dreamgirls” tells. Along with Mann, Nick Rashad Burroughs as James “Thunder” Early and Aisha Jackson as Deena Jones were impossible to glance away from for a nanosecond.

Just like with the cast, the production team also each had their time to shine. With the exception of the appropriated performance of “Cadillac Car,” Edward E. Haynes, Jr.’s scenic design for

the first act was the weak link. In fact, there were moments where the rotating light pillars even felt obstructive. But the truth is, he could have had cardboard cutouts and it would have been fine because of the caliber of performances delivered by the cast – which also included Courtnee Carter, Charl Brown, Ron Himes, Aramie Payton, Robby Clater and Natalie Kaye Clater. And to Haynes’ credit, he raised the bar substantially for the second act, giving it umph it needed to maintain the audiences’ engagement level for the duration of the musical.

Costume designer Leon Dobkowsi’s dressing of Curtis Taylor, Jr. and Choreographer Lesia Kaye’s dance sequence in “Steppin’ to the Bad Side” also deserve a nod. And it might be unorthodox – or even uncouth – to include a casting agency in a stage review, The Tesley Office is worthy of recognition for such a perfectly crafted ensemble.

The Muny’s presentation of “Dreamgirls” continues through July 3rd at the Muny in Forest Park. For more information, visit www.muny.org

July Programs at the Missouri History Museum

African American History Initiative (AAHI) programming is presented by

By the Missouri Historical Society

Continued from C1

of the southern sensibility displayed by his costars –and for him to follow the flow of the dialogue with the same ease that Pimp C rides the beat on a UGK record.

When J. Samuel Davis emerges on stage as Elmo, the production is instantly elevated. His timing, his presence, his delivery, his charm – all of it – make the complexities of his character look easy. They are not. And when he con-

nects with Thimes’ Ruby, audiences are quickly swept away by their organic chemistry – and the way they honor the dynamics of their relationship with every range of emotion. They instantly sell the stranger than fiction nature of their characters’ on-again-off-again love/ hate story.

Geovonday Jones manages to make the most of his performance of Mister and Alex Jay proved herself to be an emerging go-to talent among The Black Rep’s new generation of regulars. The production team brought their a-game, par-

ticularly scenic designer Timothy Jones. He impeccably replicated the blight and urban decay of 1980s Pittsburgh – or any other inner city across America that was stripped of its resources and sense of community thanks in no small part to the crack era.

The Black Rep’s presentation of August Wilson’s “King Hedley II” continues through July 14 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre, 6465 Forsyth Blvd. For additional information, visit www.theblackrep.org or call (314) 534-3807.

The Summer Family Fun Series continues at the Missouri History Museum throughout the month of July. Families with children ages 2–12 can enjoy crafts, performances, and scavenger hunts on Wednesdays. On Fridays, there will be Storytelling in the Museum and Cuentos en el Museo programs at 10:30am, followed by a 2-hour drop-in craft workshop. Themes for July include “Happy Birthday, USA!” (July 3), “We Are America” (July 5), “Show-Me Science” in collaboration with Saint Louis Science Center and Healthworks (July 10), “I’m from the Lou and Celebrating Half a Million Visitors to the History Clubhouse” (July 12), “Early Missouri” (July 17), “Disability Pride Month” (July 19), “Summer Olympics” (July 24), “Sweet Treats” (July 26), and “Family History” (July 31). ASL interpretation for story time will be provided by DEAF Inc. on July 5 and 19. The July 26 story time will be presented in Spanish and English. On Thursday, July 11, the Museum will screen Target: St. Louis Vol. 1 as part of the Thursday Nights at the Museum series, presented by WashU. This 2021 documentary recounts the Aerosol Spray Study, in which the US government tested known harmful chemicals in the PruittIgoe housing community and other predominantly Black neighborhoods in north St. Louis during the Cold War. The film begins at 6:30pm. Afterward, there will be a conversation with director Damien D. Smith and former Pruitt-Igoe resident Ben Phillips Living Legends” will be celebrated on Saturday, July 13, in an interactive program adapted from a poetry book co-written by sisters Aja La’Starr Owens and Adrienne Draper. Their poetry will be illustrated through theater, music, dance, art, and film to capture the depths of the Black experience through their eyes. The program will pay homage to prominent Black individuals in the St. Louis community and encourage audience members to celebrate their own family history and consider the role they’re playing in creating and actively living out their legacy. Honorees include Cal Brown, Michael Brown Sr., Shameem Clark Hubbard, Mathew Foggy, Niah Foggy, Adrienne Pennington, Keaton Strong, and Theda Wilson. Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Key Bistro at 5:00pm, and the presentation will begin at 6:00pm. The Thursday Nights at the Museum

theme for July 18 is “Sweet Me in St. Louis,” celebrating the history of confections in our region, from cotton candy to Pixy Stix to SweeTARTS to chocolate galore. Satisfy your sweet tooth with hands-on activities, demonstrations, and samples, and hear stories about candy history—including the story of cotton candy at the 1904 World’s Fair—in bite-sized presentations by food historian Suzanne Corbett and Patrick Murphy, author of Candy Men: The Story of Switzer’s Licorice.

In honor of National Ice Cream Day on Sunday, July 21, the Museum’s first 120 visitors between 10:00am and 1:00pm will receive a free scoop of Clementine’s ice cream, and 50 visitors will receive an exclusive National Ice Cream Day T-shirt. This event will feature an ice cream–themed craft and play area for little ones, plus a story time. Interpreters will provide free dropin experiences for visitors of all ages in our newly reopened 1904 World’s Fair exhibit.

On Tuesday, July 23, at 10:00am, the Museum will present “The Americans with Disabilities Act: Advancements, Challenges, and the Path Forward,” featuring a panel discussion, spoken-word and musical performances by Katie Rodriguez Banister and Liam Williamson, and resource tables. Dr. Thy Huskey of Washington University School of Medicine’s neurorehabilitation division will moderate the discussion. Panelists include De Linda Brite, Luke Barber, and Seyoon Choi. ASL interpretation will be provided by DEAF Inc. This event is free, but registration is required. Visit mohistory.org/events to register.

The Thursday Nights at the Museum theme for July 25 is “The Great Big STL Structure Showdown.” At 6:30pm, Missouri Historical Society Public Historian Amanda Clark will interrogate experts about the secret intricacies of some of the most iconic St. Louis humanmade landmarks, and the audience will decide which St. Louis structure wins the showdown. Food and drink will be available for purchase from the Key Bistro starting at 5:00pm.

The St. Louis African American History and Genealogy Society will present its monthly workshop at 1:00pm on Saturday, July 27. The topic is “AI and Genealogy.” Visit mohistory.org/events for more detailed information about these and other Missouri Historical Society programs.

Wells Fargo.

Religion

A joyful tradition

Dance remains part of some Black church services

By Dorothy S. Boulware Word in Black

The spiritual tradition of praising God by dancing in Black church worship services isn’t taught — it’s passed on by observing elders.

Joy in a Black church worship setting often leads to physical expression, evidenced by singing, clapping, and even dancing, a long-held practice in holiness or Pentecostal churches.

What has evolved through generations are distinctive patterns of steps never to be confused with liturgical, classical, or colloquial dancing. These steps, thought to have evolved from African worship traditions, are often referred to as the holy dance or merely shouting.

This particular dance is not taught; it’s just caught as children observe their elders and begin to mimic it as soon as they’re able.

Some call it dancing in the Spirit. Others call it shouting. It’s so recognizable it doesn’t really need a name.

“I was born and raised in a holiness church where dancing was a normal expression of getting ‘happy,’ and it’s been part of my whole life experience,” says the Right Rev. Ralph L. Dennis, presiding prelate of Kingdom Fellowship Covenant Ministries in Towson, Maryland.

Getting ‘happy’ characterizes expressive behavior motivated by the presence of the Spirit of God.

“We didn’t always refer to it as a holy dance. We often called it shouting or just dancing. I

learned later in my childhood that we shout with our mouths and dance with our feet.”

Dennis says dancing is just as natural as praising God with instruments, as the Bible instructs in Psalms 150:4

Shannon Davis, an entrepreneur from New Jersey who grew up in a nondenominational holiness church, agrees that no one had to be taught. “We just watched and learned. I believe I was about 12 when I first did it myself for real. I would say it came naturally,” she says. “The only instruction given was to make sure you were dancing in the spirit and not in the flesh.”

Davis sees the dance as an enhancement of her praise — actually more of a weapon of praise.

Physical and Spiritual Benefits

Some find the worship time less

fulfilling when there’s no dancing.

“Back in the day, it felt like if no one shouted, then the Spirit hadn’t moved. I know the Spirit moves in different ways,” says Patrice Amankwa, a high school teacher in New Jersey, who also

grew up dancing in church and “play” shouting at home. “If no one dances, it feels like something is missing.”

As for whether there is any physical benefit, Amankwa says yes. “Recently, I started tracking my steps, and in a Sunday service, I can easily get a thousand or so steps during praise and worship.

Some congregations call it ‘dancing in the Spirit, others label it it ‘shouting.’ Dancing and movement remain a part of many Black church services in America

Photo via Canva

I have also used praise break music for exercise.”

Joy and Spiritual Strength

For Dennis, it’s more of a personal expression of joy at encountering the Holy Spirit. “Those who dance and can express their joy beyond the constraints of shame or the ego will likely be spiritually stronger, “ Dennis says. “The Bible clearly teaches that the joy of the Lord is the strength of his people. And though dancing is not a proof of salvation, I believe it is a suitable expression of gladness and thankfulness unto the Lord.”

Amankwa recalls a specific time of dance.

“A few years back, before President Obama was elected, I told my co-worker that if he became president, I would dance for her. When he won, I did three dances; an old school dance, a newer dance, and a

church dance. That’s another name used to describe it.”

A Vision of Unity Through Dance

The idea of dance has the power to give us a glimpse of a more unified spiritual existence.

“I have this image of the new church as the Dance of God — some doing the two-step, others the waltz, line dancing going on, none sitting it out, to and fro gliding, in one timeless happening, an unchained melody of love. In those moments, no one is doing analysis or questioning, especially if we figure out that the Lord of the dance is the Dance,” The Rev. William D. “Bill” Cotton wrote in his newsletter, Memo For Those Who Preach.

As Cotton puts it, “Can you imagine Jew and Arab, Korean and Korean, and all “enemies” being called out to the dance floor, two and fro—and perhaps we will decide to look past everyone’s differences too. Wouldn’t that be something?!”

FOOD OUTREACH, INC. NUTRITION SERVICES MANAGER – FULL TIME

to welcome a new team member whose compensation will include platinum health benefits, 10 paid holiday days, paid vacation and sick time, family medical leave and employee/employer-contribution retirement plans. The Nutrition Services Manager is responsible for all aspects of Nutrition Center and Warehouse management, including inventory, ordering, stocking, scanning groceries and accurate data management. In addition, the Nutrition Services Manager trains volunteers and guides proper inventory rotation, sanitation, safety and quality assurance.

Essential Functions:

• Oversee operations of the Nutrition Center and Warehouse.

• Manages inventory, ordering and warehouse functions.

• Maintains adequate supplies of groceries and food products.

• Works closely with vendors for competitive pricing.

• Coordinates stocking of grocery shelves and freezers/ coolers.

• Manages all aspects of the Nutrition Center and Warehouse, including risk management, forklift maintenance, freezers, coolers and nutrition center equipment.

• Performs data entry of inventory.

• Assists with client check-in for Nutrition Center services.

• Manages regular bidding process for groceries and nutrition center repairs.

• Analyzes food cost comparisons.

• Analyzes Nutrition Center and Warehouse maintenance costs.

Position Qualifications:

• Experience in nonprofit, volunteer-supported community organizations.

• Experience in managing staff, volunteers, and vendors.

• Must have inventory management experience.

• Knowledge of computer networking and hardware.

• Familiarity with Access software a plus.

• Available to work or respond to emergencies on short notice and to work some evenings and weekends.

• 3 years of experience in nonprofit setting, management a plus.

Send resume to: joel@foodoutreach.org

This position may be financed in part through an allocation of Community Development Block Grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration. Food Outreach is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SOLICITING BIDS

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting sealed bids for demolition of improvements at two separate locations. Go to www. greatriversgreenway. org/jobs-bids and submit by August 02, 2024.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

Washington University in St. Louis is soliciting proposals for Project 240322 –North Campus Flood Door Installation project located at 700 Rosedale Ave, St. Louis, MO 63122.

An electronic copy of the Invitation for Bid can be obtained by contacting JoAnne Steineman, Project Manager WU Facilities Planning and Management, at email address jsteineman@wustl.edu

Your response to this ITB should be received no later than Thursday, July 18, 2024, at 3:00pm CST

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Switchgear, Powerplant & Maintenance Building at Eastern Reception & Diagnostic Correctional Center, Project No. C2330-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, July 30, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Fire Alarm System, Infrastructure at Northeast Correctional Center, Project No. C2314-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, July 30, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANT

The St. Louis County Library is seeking applicants for a full time Development Assistant. This position is responsible in providing support to the Advancement Team. This position manages the donor database, ensuring donor records are entered and updated properly and responsible for other administrative tasks. A Bachelor’s degree is required. Must possess excellent communication and organizational skills. Salary: $39,758.00 plus paid health insurance and other benefits. Apply online at https://www.slcl.org/ content/employment Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

A virtual public meeting for the Big Bend Boulevard Resurfacing - I-44 to South Elm project, St. Louis County Project No. AR-1851, Federal Project No. STBG-9901(679) will be held on Wednesday, July 24, 2024, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.

The goal of this meeting is to inform the public and local stakeholders of St. Louis County’s plans to resurface Big Bend Boulevard and repair and replace curb ramps, existing sidewalk, ensuring they are ADA compliant. Additionally, we will be replacing damaged and deteriorated driveway approaches. A road diet will also be implemented, creating one lane in each direction.

You can dial into this meeting by phone at 1-408-418-9388. Enter the meeting number 26337479944#, then enter the numeric password 1234#.

The following QR code will link to the in-person meeting information on the St. Louis County Department of Transportation and Public Works website. You will need to enter the webinar password 1234 to access the meeting.

RAILROAD WARNING STRIP INSTALLATION II

RFP 2024

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals. Bid documents are available as of 7/3/24 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor.

The St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC) is eagerly seeking candidates to join our team as we endeavor to bring economic justice to St. Louis City residents and communities that were disproportionately impacted by the coronavirus pandemic.

There are multiple 2-4-year limited term positions available, term of employment will vary for each position.

These positions will assist in the administration and implementation of various Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Fund (SLFRF) Programs targeted for households, small businesses and communities adversely impacted by the pandemic.

All positions will be funded in whole or in part through an allocation of Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF) from the US Department of the Treasury and the City of St. Louis’ Community Development Administration.

To apply online and see a full job description go to https://www. developstlouis.org/careers and then click “Open Positions & Apply Online.”

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT/NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) seeks comment on amendments to Connected2050, the St. Louis Region’s long-range transportation plan, including the FY 2025-2028 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and related Air Quality Conformity Document. The comment period will also satisfy Madison County Transit District’s and Metro’s public hearing and program of projects requirement of the Federal Transit Administration Sections 5307, 5309, 5310, 5337, and 5339 programs in the St. Louis Region.

The public comment period begins Friday, 6/28/24, and ends Thursday, 8/1/24. The documents, comment forms, and a summary of the documents will be available on EWG’s website at www. ewgateway.org. Throughout the comment period, EWG staff will answer questions on the documents. Comments or questions must be received or postmarked by midnight, Thursday, 8/1/24. Send comments via the comment form on the website, by email to TIP@ ewgateway.org, or by mail to East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Attn: TIP, 1 S. Memorial Drive, Ste. 1600, St. Louis, MO 63102.

The public is also invited to view these documents and supporting materials at a series of open house meetings. Dates and locations are listed below. Each meeting will be held between 4:30 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

• Tuesday, 7/9/24 – Delmar Divine (Conference Room 2), 5501 Delmar Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63112

• Wednesday, 7/11/24 – Scenic Regional Library – Pacific Branch, 111 Lamar Pkwy, Pacific, MO 63069.

• Monday, 7/15/24 – Arnold Rec Center, 1695 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010.

• Tuesday, 7/16/24 – Creve Coeur City Hall (Multipurpose Room), 300 N. New Ballas Rd, Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

• Wednesday, 7/17/23 – IDOT District 8 (Regional Room), 1102 Eastport Plaza Dr, Collinsville, IL 62234.

• Thursday, 7/18/24 – Wentzville City Hall, 1001 Schroeder Creek Dr, Wentzville, MO 63385.

EWG is committed to ensuring that all meetings are both ADA and LEP accessible. To request a reasonable accommodation for the open house meetings please contact EWG’s Title VI Coordinator at least 48 business hours prior to an open house meeting at (314) 421-4220 or (618) 274-2750 or titlevi@ewgateway.org

NOTICE OF ELECTION

Notice is hereby given by the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri, that a Primary Election will be held at the designated polling place for each precinct in the City of St. Louis, State of Missouri, on Tuesday, August 6, 2024, as certified to this office by the Honorable John R. Ashcroft, Secretary of State of the State of Missouri. The polls will be open between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M. for the purpose of nominating candidates for federal, state and municipal offices, and electing political party county (city) central committee members.

Pursuant to Section 115.389 of the Revised Statutes of the State of Missouri, the following list contains the name and address of each person who has filed in the office of the Secretary of State or the office of the Board of Election Commissioners for the City of St. Louis a written request to be included and is qualified to be voted on at the Primary Election to be held August 6, 2024, together with a designation of the office for which he/she is a candidate and the party he/she represents. The polls will be open between the hours of 6:00 A.M. and 7:00 P.M.

PRIMARY ELECTION

CITY OF ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

TUESDAY, AUGUST 6, 2024

Louis, MO 63116 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 2 (Vote for One)

Joseph (Joe) Carretero 8144 Parkwood Dr. St. Louis, MO 63123 FOR COMMITTEEWOMAN WARD 2 (Vote for One)

Mary Theresa McLean 5206A Holly Hills Ave. St. Louis, MO 63109 FOR COMMITTEEWOMAN WARD 3 (Vote for One)

Kathleen Baden 4326 Dewey Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 4 (Vote for One)

Donald W. Flecke

6202 Marquette Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139

Richard (Ricky) Cowell 1327 Ripple Street St. Louis, MO 63139 FOR COMMITTEEWOMAN WARD 4 (Vote for One)

Mary Colombo 6330 Marquette Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 5 (Vote for One)

Kirk Hilzinger 5225 Fairview Ave. St. Louis, MO 63139 FOR COMMITTEEWOMAN WARD 5 (Vote for One)

Patricia C. Cornell 4960 Odell St., 1st Fl. St. Louis, MO 63139 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 7 (Vote for One)

Michael Hebron 3134 St. Vincent Ave. St. Louis, MO 63104

FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 8 (Vote for One)

Jim Povolish 2007 Allen Ave. St. Louis, MO 63104 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 9 (Vote for One)

Dan Scott 4342 Chouteau Ave. St. Louis, MO 63110 FOR COMMITTEEWOMAN WARD 9 (Vote for One)

Taunia Allen Mason 4537 Westminster Pl. St. Louis, MO 63108 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 12 (Vote for One)

Mark Comfort 5128 St. Louis Ave. St. Louis, MO 63115 FOR COMMITEEMAN WARD 13 (Vote for One) Robert Vroman 4105 Dressell Ave. St. Louis,

WARD 5 (Vote for One) Patrick J. Moynihan IV 5817 Potomac Street St. Louis, MO 63139 Patrick Charles 5243 Lansdowne Ave. St. Louis, MO 63109 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 6 (Vote for One) Keith Rose 3618 Bamberger Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 FOR COMMITTEEWOMAN WARD 6 (Vote for One) Karisa Gilman-Hernandez 4544 Tholozan Ave. St. Louis, MO 63116 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 7 (Vote for One)

Ty Schlichenmeyer 3135 Oregon Ave. St. Louis, MO 63118 FOR COMMITTEEWOMAN WARD 7 (Vote for One)

Vanessa Carroll 2928 Shenandoah Ave. St. Louis, MO 63104 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 8 (Vote for One)

Shedrick Kelley 2243 Jules Street St. Louis, MO 63104 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD 9 (Vote for One)

Parker A. Loveless 5122 Waterman Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108

Andrew Chad Caldwell 4909 Laclede Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108

Michael J. Gras 4480 Maryland Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108 FOR COMMITTEEWOMAN WARD 9 (Vote for One)

Debra Loveless 5122 Waterman Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63108 FOR COMMITTEEMAN WARD

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS

ADVERTISEMENT TO BID

Sealed bids will be received by the Construction Manager, S. M. Wilson, at the main office of S. M. Wilson & Co. located at 2185 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139 or submitted through Building Connected, until 2:00 pm CDT, on Tuesday, July 9th, 2024, for the Bid Packages described herein.

Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the main office of S. M. Wilson & Co. located at 2185 Hampton Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63139.

Northwest R-1 School District

Bid Package 01 - Brennan Woods Elementary

Bid Package 01 - Maple Grove Elementary

A Pre-bid Meeting for Maple Grove Elementary Bid Package No. 1 will begin at 9:00 pm on Tuesday, June 26th 2024, at Maple Grove Elementary School located at 7887 Dittmer Ridge Rd, Dittmer, MO 63023.

A Pre-bid Meeting for Brennan Woods Elementary Bid Package No. 1 will begin at 10:00 am on Tuesday, June 26th 2024, at Brennan Woods Elementary School located at 4630 Brennan Road, High Ridge, MO 63049. The purpose of this meeting is to address technical questions concerning the project from prospective bidders. Contractors shall not visit the site unless prior arrangements are made with the Construction Manager. The School District reserves the right to reject any and all Bids, and to waive informalities therein to determine the lowest and best bid.

The bid documents will be available for viewing on BuildingConnected.com. https://app.buildingconnected.com/public/5913928fce945d0a00d28943

Plans will also be available for viewing or purchase at: Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies 2713 S Jefferson Ave, St Louis, MO 63118.

No Bid may be withdrawn for a period of sixty (60) days subsequent to the specified time for receipt of Bids.

Any offer exceeding $100,000 will be subject to a Bid Bond or Certified Check made payable to the Owner, in the amount of 5% of the Base Bid shall accompany the Bid Packages as a guarantee that the bidder, if awarded the Contract, may be asked to furnish a satisfactory Performance and Payment Bond; execute the Contract; and proceed with the work. Upon failure to do so, he shall forfeit the deposit or amount of the Bid Bond as liquidated damages, and no mistakes or errors on the part of the Bidder shall excuse the Bidder or entitle him to a return of the deposit or Bid Bond.

The prevailing wage law is in effect on this project. All bidders shall conform to the State of Missouri, Division of Labor Standards, Annual Wage Order No. 31, Section 010, Jefferson County in accordance with Section 290.262 CUM. Supp. RSMo (1994). All Contractors and Subcontractors shall conform to the Excessive Unemployment Articles 290.550 through 290.580 of the Prevailing Wage Law.

Bidders must be in compliance with the rules and regulations of the Fair Employment Practices Commission.

The Construction Management Agency for this project is S. M. Wilson Contact info: Brian Nuehring, 314-306-7566 brian.nuehring@smwilson.com

Northwest R-1 School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

S. M. Wilson. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. S. M. Wilson strives to make our industry a more inclusive community and to sustain this model for future generations. Bidders agree to take all reasonable steps necessary to ensure Minority, Women and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises have an opportunity to participate in the performance of this project. Consideration of subcontract award may be based on diversity involvement.

ADVERTISEMENT/NOTICE

McCownGordon Construction is soliciting preconstruction services for the Missouri S&T –Engineering Research Laboratory Addition and Renovation project, located at 500 St. Patrick’s Ln., Rolla, MO 65409. The scopes of work include Fire Protection, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Fire Alarm, Low Voltage Systems. The preconstruction services for these scopes of work will be awarded based on the RFP response which includes an analysis of your firm’s qualifications, proposed team, fee proposal and estimate of probable cost.

The RFP responses will be submitted electronically through Building Connected by 2:00pm August 1st, 2024 or by physical delivery; please submit in sealed envelope to McCownGordon Construction, 850 Main St, Kansas City, MO 64105. If the bid date extends, an announcement will be made through Building Connected.

Contractors and sub-contractors may obtain RFP documents and information about pre-bid events on or after July 3rd, 2024, by emailing Kyle Pryor, kpryor@mccowngordon.com Missouri University of Science & Technology reserves the right to reject any and all RFP responses, and to waive all informalities in the RFP responses. McCownGordon Construction and Missouri University of Science & Technology are Equal Opportunity Employers.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace 29 Basic Sites with 25 New Premium Sites at Lake of the Ozarks State Park, Project No. X2316-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, July 18, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Construct Bellefontaine Readiness Center, St. Louis, MO, Project No. T2150-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 7/11/24 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Roofs at Department of Mental Health Joplin Regional Office, Project No. M2331-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, August 1, 2024 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for HVAC Improvements for Infection Control, Mexico Veterans Home Project No. U2301-03 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, July 25, 2024. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org > Doing Business With Us > View Bid Opportunities

Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

SOLICITING BIDS

C. Rallo Contracting Co. is soliciting bids from MBE, SDVE, WBE & DBE firms for Middlebrush Farm –NextGen Center for Influenza Research – Phase II. C. Rallo has goals of 10% MBE, 3% SDVE, 10% Combined WBE, DBE, Veteran Owned Business for this project. Please contact Mark Haynes with any questions or if you need assistance accessing bid documents. Contact: Mark Haynes 314-633-9703 markh@crallo.com

Website: www.crallo.com

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

MEDICAL DEBT FORGIVENESS PROGRAM

The City of St. Louis Department of Health seeks applications for its Medical Debt Forgiveness program.

Request for Proposal application requirements may be obtained beginning July 2, 2024, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at www.stlouis-mo.gov/health

The deadline for submitting proposals is July 30, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. to Craig Schmid, 1520 Market Street, Suite 4051, St. Louis, MO 63103. Please see the website for application specifics. Late or incomplete proposals will not be accepted.

The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any, or all responses with or without cause.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

COMPREHENSIVE CLIMATE ACTION PLAN

East-West Gateway is seeking submittals from consultants to develop a Comprehensive Climate Action Plan for the St. Louis, MO-IL MSA. Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on July 10, 2024. Submittal details and specifications can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

CONSULTANT TO IMPROVE JAIL HEALTH CARE & MEET NATIONAL COMMISSION ON CORRECTIONAL HEALTH CARE (NCCHC) STANDARDS

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination. “We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.” Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads today!

The City of St. Louis Department of Health seeks applications for a consultant to improve jail health care and meet National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) Standards. Request for Proposal application requirements may be obtained beginning July 2, 2024, by downloading from the City of St. Louis website at www.stlouis-mo.gov/health

The deadline for submitting proposals is July 30, 2024, by 5:00 p.m. to Craig Schmid, 1520 Market Street, Suite 4051, St. Louis, MO 63103. Please see the website for application specifics. Late or incomplete proposals will not be accepted.

The Department of Health reserves the right to reject any, or all responses with or without cause.

REQUEST FOR BIDS

SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT

The City of Maplewood is accepting bids for sidewalk replacement services throughout the City. Bids must be received in a sealed envelope, marked “Sidewalk Replacement” at Maplewood City Hall, 7601 Manchester Rd. 63143 no later than 10:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 23, 2024. For specifications, please go to the city’s website at www.cityofmaplewood. com or contact the City of Maplewood at 314-645-3600. The City of Maplewood reserves the right to accept or reject any or all bids.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SLATE is excited to release three new Requests for Proposals (RFPs) to enhance the St. Louis community. We invite entities with expertise and demonstrated experience in seeking out and applying for federal, state, and local funding opportunities to support our organization’s needs, goals, programs, and services.

1. Marketing and Branding Consulting Services Closes: 07/12/2024, 4:00 PM

2. Operation Brightside: Unhoused Edition Closes: 07/19/2024, 4:00 PM

3. Grant Writing Services Closes: 08/02/2024, 4:00 PM

How to Submit Your Proposal: • Follow the RFP requirements.

• Submit by the closing date to slaterfp@stlworks.com and 1520 Market St, 3rd Floor, St. Louis, MO 63103.

• For detailed RFP documents, visit our website at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/slate/ about-us/rfp.cfm

PUBLIC NOTICE

Donald Maggi Inc. is accepting bids from Disadvantaged Business Enterprises for subcontracting opportunities on project: Replace 29 Basic Sites with 25 New Premium Sites, Lake of the Ozark State Park, Kaiser MO. Project No.: X2316-01 Bid Date and Time: 1:30 pm July 18, 2024 Plans/Specification is available via Dropbox or google drive or https://missouribuys.mo.gov Contact Donald Maggi Inc. at 573-364-7733 or email maggiconst@gmail.com Donald Maggi Inc.

NOTICE OF APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM OPEN ENROLLMENT

You may have what it takes to be successful in the construction industry if you are…

- Dependable

- Someone that enjoys hands-on work

- Someone that works well in a team environment

- Someone that is looking for a career with room for growth

- Someone that wants to help build their community

Associated Builders and Contractors Heart of America is accepting applications for its Pipefitting and Plumbing Apprenticeship programs. All programs take place at our Eastern Missouri Training Facility.

To apply you must be 18 years or older, attend a scheduled orientation, and submit an application including the following documents in person: Valid Driver’s License High School Diploma or Transcripts or a GED Certificate DD214 – Veteran Documentation (if applicable)

Please visit www.abcksmo.org for more information and to complete an interest form in your trade of choice. Staff will contact you to schedule a time for you to attend an orientation.

All minorities, including women, are encouraged to apply. The recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices during their apprenticeship shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, creed, disability or sexual orientation. All contractor members are Equal Opportunity Employers.

have the opportunity to get in the know about him – and form their own connection with his work.

Citygarden grows

with a series of sculptures that combine his masterful treatment of painting surfaces with the sculptural presence of his commanding forms.”

A master of many disciplines within his chosen form of creative expression, Jackson refers to himself as a “maker” rather than an artist. He rejects the elitism, hierarchy, gatekeeping that has plagued his artistic field for centuries. And yet he can offer informed, intellectual and intentional context regarding art as a practice – and as a critical basic need for human beings – with the power to shift perspectives on how art is consumed.

Arts scholars can provide lengthy, highbrow jargon-filled dissertations on Jackson’s many “makings” and their significance within the canon. But five simple words will do. And they are, “If you know, you know.”

He has had featured solo exhibitions in countless world class institutions. His artworks are also represented in the permanent collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, Illinois; Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York; Museum of Modern Art, New York, New

York; National Gallery of Art, Washington, DC; New Orleans Museum of Art, New Orleans, Louisiana; Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon; Saint Louis Art Museum, St. Louis, Missouri; San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and many more. Sculptures by Jackson are in the permanent collections of the Detroit Institute of the Arts, Detroit, Michigan; Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, California; Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago; San Jose Museum of Art, San Jose, California; and Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven, Connecticut. Through Oliver Lee Jackson, A Journey, residents of New York City and the millions who visit from around the globe will have the opportunity to get in the know about him – and form their own connection with his work. The exhibition, presented with special thanks to Andrew Kreps Gallery, BLUM, and Lisson Gallery, is on view from June through October 2024. Jackson’s sculptures are the first artworks installed in the Western Rail Yards since 2019. Owned by the City of New York and operating under a license agreement with NYC Parks, the High Line is both a nonprofit organization and a public park on the West Side of Manhattan.

“Built on a historic, elevated rail line, the High Line was always intended to be more than a park,” The organization said in a statement. “You can walk through the gardens, view art, experience a performance, enjoy food or beverage, or connect with friends and neighbors—all while enjoying a unique perspective of New York City. Through our work with communities on and off the High Line, we’re devoted to reimagining public spaces to create connected, healthy neighborhoods and cities.”

The Interim Walkway in the Western Rail Yards, the section located between 30th and 34th Streets, west of 11th Avenue, offers visitors a glimpse of what the High Line was like before it was transformed into the park it is today: a self-seeded landscape along a simple path, with expansive views of the Hudson River and the Empire State Building.

“In this setting, a rare find in contemporary New York City, Jackson’s sculptures complement the wild natural life that grows on the tail end of the historic wrought iron structure,” the High Line said.

Oliver Lee Jackson, A Journey is currently on display Western Rail Yards of the High Line in New York City through October 2024. For more information, visit thehighline.org.

New sculptures prove instant attractions at the reopened Citygarden in St. Louis

By Jeremy D. Goodwin St. Louis Public Radio

All three acres of Citygarden are open again to the park’s customary mix of downtown St. Louis office workers, strolling tourists, art of all sorts and folks just looking for a shady place to sit.

Temporary fencing had blocked off large sections since October, when workers began installing four new sculptures — three that are new to Citygarden and another that proved a popular guest star during a temporary visit and is now permanently installed. They join 25 other sculptures.

“The cool thing about where we are now is — this used to be Ninth Street,” landscape architect Michelle Ohle said on a recent morning, as she stood by the newly installed sculptures near the center of Citygarden. Ohle worked on the renovation project.

The park’s newly added section bridges Citygarden’s eastern and western halves, which had been divided by Ninth Street since the Gateway Foundation built and opened the sculpture park in 2009.

“Now it feels complete,” said Gateway Foundation Executive Director Heather Sweeney.

The downtown St. Louis sculpture park stretches two blocks along Market Street, from Kiener Plaza toward the monumental Richard Serra sculpture that has sat in front of St. Louis Municipal Court since 1982. Virginia-based Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects designed Citygarden.

Some early critics of the sculpture park argued the

prime real estate within the Gateway Mall would be better suited to housing or retail. Owners of Burger 809 on Cherokee Street announced they’d open a location there in April; their plans are delayed but intact.

With the 2022 opening of nearby CityPark, home of St. Louis City SC soccer club, Citygarden stands as a key link in a freshly extended Gateway Mall. The strip of green spaces and key municipal buildings along Market Street creates a visually striking effect showcasing city landmarks and shows the urban core’s potential, according to some planners. (The soccer stadium stands on land that had been part of Mill Creek Valley, a predominantly Black neighborhood and city cultural hub that St. Louis officials and developers razed beginning in the late 1950s while leaving large swaths undeveloped.)

Sweeney declined to say how much the Gateway Foundation spent on the Citygarden renovation. A St. Louis Business Journal report from 2009 states the nonprofit spent $30 million to install it. The Gateway Foundation continues to fund ongoing maintenance and private security at the park, which closes to visitors at night.

Citygarden offers a good view of another Gateway Foundation project: the LED lighting that illuminates the Gateway Arch.

New art, old rabbits

The newly installed sculptures are “White Ghost” by Yoshitomore Nara, a towering statue made of glossy white fiberglass of an uncanny figure with a combination of human and canine features; “Mechanical Planet” by Jan Kaláb, made of several colorful spheres stacked atop each other; and “All Power to All People” by Hank Willis Thomas, an 8-foot-tall Afro pick made of shiny, reflective aluminum with a fist atop its handle.

“MOONRISE.east.may” by Ugo Rondinone, a play-

ful bust of a friendly-looking but misshapen head, has returned permanently to Citygarden after proving a popular attraction for children when it was added temporarily as part of the site’s 10th anniversary in 2019.

New plantings of white penstemon and other flowers that thrive in direct sunlight complement the shade-loving flowers found elsewhere in the park.

(These new plants also share another important quality for survival in Citygarden: resistance to a hungry downtown rabbit population.)

“Every time you come to visit Citygarden, you’ll see something else is blooming. That’s intentional,” said Ohle. “It really does play on the ‘garden’ aspects of Citygarden. It’s meant to be a respite from the urban environment, and different than Kiener Plaza or Soldiers Memorial or any of the other plazas downtown. This is a garden space.”

Other additions to the park include lighting and a hardwood serpentine bench.

On a weekday afternoon this week, Citygarden visitors included families with young children, meandering couples and professionals seemingly headed home.

“I think the city needs more gathering points, you know? And I think this is a perfect sort of iteration of that,” said Christy Fox, who led the Gateway Foundation when it opened Citygarden.

She visited for a grand reopening party on a recent Saturday morning, as children played in water jets and visitors took turns knocking on the fiberglass exterior of the already popular “White Ghost.”

“I’m just thrilled to see everybody here, too,” Fox said. “It’s become a magnet — a significant downtown magnet.”

Published with permission as part of a content partnership between The St. Louis American and St. Louis Public Radio from https://www.stlpr.org/.

Jackson

Continued from C1

Photos by Timothy Schenck I Courtesy of the High Line

Through Oliver Lee Jackson, A Journey, residents of New York City and the millions who visit from around the globe will

Photo by Theo R. Welling/ St. Louis Public Radio

Kofi Oyirifi, 34, of Maryland Heights, takes a photo of his daughter Naomi, 2, on May 25 during the Citygarden expansion grand opening in downtown St. Louis.