June 20th, 2013 edition

and daughter,Daisy Edwards and Myrle Mensey,win 8 Gold medals at Senior Olympics

Court rules on student transfers

By Rebecca S.Rivas

The St.Louis American

‘GUNVIOLENCEISACRISIS’

Community groups, police respond to recent carnage

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

Children and adults gathered on the steps of St. Louis City Hall last Friday to remember Sandy Hook Elementary victims and to ask legislators to push for more rigorous gun-control laws. The candlelight vigil was part of a national movement, yet it couldn’t have been more timely for St. Louis. On June 10, 17 people were injured in gun violence during seven different incidents all in one night. Four days later, four people were shot and killed in a murder-suicide at a Cherokee

The city saw a spike in violent crime last week, but overall crime in the city is down from last year at this time.

Street business. “The amount of gun violence is a crisis,” said 21st Ward Alderman Antonio French, who spoke at the can-

By Peter Baugh For The St.Louis American

Alderman Antonio French,Jasmine Viel,14,and Prince Lawrence,11,participated in

candlelight vigil at St.Louis City Hall

Photo by Wiley Price

Of

Photo by Wiley Price

Billboard dusts Jay-Z’s platinum status due to Samsung deal

Jay-Z let Billboard have it for denying him instant platinum status when Samsung bought one million copies of his upcoming album as part of a promotional partnership.

The rap mogul announced earlier this week that his new album Magna Carta Holy Grail would be given away for free to the first 1 million fans that downloaded the Samsung smartphone app. According to reports, Billboard does not count free to consumer albums no matter who pays for them. Jay Z discounted Billboard on Twitter in a rant with a #newrules hashtag.

“Ok, that was my yearly allotment,” Jay-Z tweeted. “See y’all in 2014 #newrules.”

Did Nicci Gilbert swipe R&B Divas concept?

According to a former friend and business partner Nicci Gilbert stole the concept of R&B Divas. In an interview with The Beat Drops Radio, Jason “The Diva Maker” Williams claims R&B Divas executive producer Nicci Gilbert actually stole the concept for the show from him and Tony Terry’s wife Laronda Dison-Terry.

“If one million albums get sold and Billboard doesn’t report it, did it happen? #newrules,” Jay-Z tweeted. “Ha. Platinum!!!”

The rapper then went on to point out the big moves his team is making on the music side – including the upcoming releases by J. Cole, Wale and Kanye West before bowing out.

had sued the former Miss USA for failing to make the full rent payment for May and defaulting on the terms and conditions of the lease.

The former Miss USA failed to turn up in court to respond to the complaint.

“The decision to file this eviction notice regarding Ms. Moore was reached after pursuing every possible amicable way to settle this matter privately, landlord Conya Dillon told RadarOnline. com after the victory. I am grateful that the judicial system has brought finality to this eviction process and I look forward to regaining possession of my home.”

People, which added the birth was natural and not by C-section. But the baby weighed less than five pounds and was placed in an incubator and carefully monitored, according to multiple sources. The infant’s name has not yet been officially revealed, but a source close to the Kardashians say that the baby has been named Kaidence Donda West.

Drake sees no end in sight for Chris Brown beef

Williams said the devious Gilbert fans see on TV is Nicci through and through. He also claims Gilbert moved to Atlanta to be closer to her boo – which Williams says is none other than Bob Whitfiled ex-husband of former Real Housewives of Atlanta co-star Sheree Whitfield

Kenya kicked to the curb

According to Radar Online, “Real Housewives of Atlanta co-star Kenya Moore was officially shown the door by her landlord. A judge in Fulton County, Ga., ruled in favor of Moore’s landlord on Tuesday, who

Baby Kimye arrives, reportedly named Kaidence Donda

Kim Kardashian and Kanye West welcomed a baby girl into the world on June 15 at Cedars-Sinai in Los Angeles. West skipped his own listening party at MILK in Los Angeles when he got word that Kim was rushed to the hospital.

Kim had “medical complications” several sources and outlets have confirmed. She previously had an infection that doctors were monitoring closely.

“Her doctor made the decision the baby needed to be delivered,” one source told

Drake covers the new issue of GQ Magazine, who incidentally named Chris Brown worst dressed last week, and opens up on his feud with Chris Brown over Rihanna.

“I hear he has everything he could want now. I don’t want my name to be synonymous with that guy’s name. I really don’t,” Drake told the magazine. “I wish we could sit down just like you and me are right now, and talk it out man-toman. But that’s not going to happen. I’m not confrontational, but if someone challenges, I’m not going to back down. If I think about it too much, I feel it wrapping around my foot, like I get a feeling it could end really badly…Like, it gets really dark.”

Sources: Twitter, GQ.com, RadarOnline. com, People.com

STL NAACP celebrates centennial

By Bridjes O’Neil

Of The St. Louis American

The St. Louis City NAACP’s Centennial Gala held Friday, June 7 in the Khorassan

Ballroom at the Chase Park Plaza Hotel was not merely the branch’s largest fundraising event of the year. It also served as an opportunity for 700 gala attendees to support one of the oldest NAACP branches nationwide, one that has been at the forefront of the fight for civil rights since its inception a century ago.

“Ameren has been around since 1902,” said Thomas Voss, chairman, president and CEO of Ameren, “so we understand the challenges and obligations a century-old organization may face.” Voss and his wife, Carol, served as Centennial Campaign co-chairs.

Those “challenges and obligations” date back to a time when the national NAACP was involved in hundreds of court cases. These cases garnered several U.S. Supreme Court victories and the landmark civil rights legislation of the 1960s. The important contributions St. Louis City NAACP attorneys made to that legacy were detailed in a documentary shown at the gala.

Like the case of Lloyd Gaines, an honors graduate

of Lincoln University, who was denied admission to the University of Missouri School of Law in 1936. The decision was based solely on the grounds that the Missouri Constitution called for “separate education of the races.” The St. Louis City NAACP filed suit on his behalf, challenging the university’s admissions policies. Gaines won his case before the U.S. Supreme Court, paving the way for Brown v Board of Education (1954) outlawing segregation in public education.

“Clearly, this fine organization has played a major role in improving relations between various groups and advocating for equality,” Voss said of the NAACP.

In January, the St. Louis City NAACP launched its Centennial Campaign with hopes to raise $500,000 by December 31. Presenting sponsors include Ameren, Centene, Edward Jones, Express Scripts and Monsanto. As campaign co-chair, Voss thanked lead sponsor Stifel

and diamond sponsors BJC Health Care, Wells Fargo Advisors, Emerson and Anheuser-Busch, Inc. for their contributions.

Adolphus M. Pruitt II, president of the St. Louis City NAACP, said further advancement of the organization’s mission will require greater financial support from the St. Louis community. These contributions, he said, will aid efforts to grow the branch’s membership and increase the effectiveness of its programs.

Freedom Riders honored

At the gala, the Margaret Bush Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to two of the original 13 Freedom Riders, Charles Person and Henry “Hank” Thomas. There are only three surviving Freedom Riders left.

“Charles and I went to Anniston [Alabama] in the springtime of our lives,” Thomas said of the Freedom Rides organized to challenge the segregation of public

facilities and services.

“In 1961, we were so young and optimistic,” said Person, who at 17 was the youngest member of the Freedom Riders.

“Today, we’re not so young, but we’re still optimistic.”

Thomas said, “When we must, we’ll cross that river and go dancing with our ancestors of the Middle Passage. And if they ask us why we went on the Freedom Ride, we will simply say, ‘We saw something wrong and we done something about it.’”

The Frankie M. Freeman/ Norman R. Seay Commitment to St. Louis Award was presented to James H. Buford, retiring president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis; John P. Dubinsky, president and CEO of Westmoreland Associates LLC.; and Richard J. Mark, president and CEO of Ameren Illinois.

The award honors exemplary service, distinguished leadership, and commitment to improve the cultural, social and economic growth and development of the St. Louis community.

Above: Charles Person and Henry “Hank” Thomas received the Margaret Bush Wilson Lifetime Achievement Award from the St. Louis City NAACP at its Centennial Gala. They are two of the original 13 Freedom Riders who went south in integrated groups in 1961 to challenge the segregation of public facilities and services.

“To receive this award from the oldest civil rights organization named for two of the most prestigious civil rights leaders is an honor beyond belief,” said Buford, in reference to Freeman and Seay.

The gala was hosted by native St. Louisan U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters, D-Calif., who was honored with the Public Servant Award.

“Since the early ‘60s, we’ve seen tremendous improvement as it relates to tearing those

walls down and opening up doors of equality and opportunity for all,” Pruitt said.

“But, there are still vestiges of discrimination. Our job is to make sure that we don’t slide backwards.”

The Centennial celebration concluded on Saturday with a variety of family-friendly events at Forest Park that included an antique car show, social justice rally, golf tournament and concert.

Left: Adolphus M. Pruitt II, James H. Buford, Hattie R. Jackson, U.S. Rep Maxine Waters (D-CA), John P. Dubinsky, Richard J. Mark, Carol Voss and Tom Voss at St. Louis City NAACP’s Centennial Gala on June 7.

Photos by Lois Ingrum

Editorial /CommEntary

New ideas out of the clear blue Missouri must expand Medicaid

At the Mathews-Dickey Boys’ & Girls’ Club “Maleness to Manhood” workshop this Saturday, one of the club’s youth, Jahkem Webber, was asked by his mentor what he was best at doing. Jahkem, who is moving into the 6th grade in the St. Louis Public Schools, responded, “Coming up with new ideas out of the clear blue.”

Once he had recovered from the shock of this startling response, the mentor asked for an example of Jahkem’s new ideas. The 11-year-old boy then described his new idea of a 5th Grade Involvement Group, where he organized other youth his age to provide positive leadership and examples for younger children in their school. Jahkem then pointed out that he had now left the 5th grade and was moving onto a new school, so he had another new idea: to meet with the principal of the school he is leaving in order to come up with what adults would call a “succession plan” so that his brainchild, the 5th Grade Involvement Group, continues after its mastermind moves on.

Anyone who commits time to young African Americans in St. Louis will have moments such as this with youth like Jahkem, when it seems anything is possible and the future is nothing but bright. It’s for dreamers like Jahkem, who come up with “new ideas out of the clear blue” and work to make their ideas a reality, that many of us struggle to improve the public schools, the only institution mandated to teach all of our children, regardless of their parents’ circumstances. And it is in the hope that we can protect and nurture such precious youth so that they survive long enough to have a future that many individuals and agencies, such as Mathews-Dickey, strive to steer our youth away from the street culture of drugs and guns.

“I know you are leaders,” ESPN radio personality Randy Karraker said to the “Maleness to Manhood” youth from his emcee podium on Saturday. “So I need you to go back and tell the other kids you know: There

Above: Jahkem Webber

Left: Martin Mathews

is nothing good to come from using a firearm to solve a conflict.” Karraker was not speaking “out of the clear blue” when his thoughts turned to gun violence during a peaceful, positive mentoring event. He said he was disturbed by the fact that the previous week 17 people had been shot on the streets of St. Louis in one single night. “One shooting in our city is unacceptable,” Karraker said, “but to have 17 alone in one night ...” He did not finish the thought; perhaps it’s too unthinkable to finish that thought.

To sit with someone like Jahkem Webber, it’s possible to forget, for a moment, the crises in the city and the world around us. Talking to such a person, drugs and guns are literally the last things that would come to mind. One thinks, instead, of “new ideas out of the clear blue” and the work and dedication it takes to make new ideas into a concrete reality that outlives our personal efforts to sustain them. In this great metropolitan region with its resourceful people and our collective, vast, mostly unrealized potential, we are humbled by this young person and his belief in the value of “new ideas out of the clear blue.” We think of his 5th Grade Involvement Group and the youth whom he and his principal will anoint to lead it now that Jahkem is gone. We think of what we might call, after Jahkem, our collective “St. Louis Involvement Group” and our responsibility to provide positive leadership and examples to those coming behind us.

We consider ourselves challenged by this bright-eyed youth to think of “new ideas out of the clear blue” to collectively improve our condition. Everyone in this metropolitan region is interconnected, and our response to our challenges must be collective, because the challenges we fail to address will have increasingly negative consequences for our entire region.

DNA and ‘the protection of our people’

The Supreme Court’s ruling last week allowing police to compel DNA samples from persons arrested for serious offenses will solve cold cases around the country, putting dangerous criminals behind bars. But despite this clearly beneficial impact, the court’s 5-4 ruling was wrong – and may be more far-reaching than we can now imagine. The words “Antonin Scalia was right” do not flow easily for me. But the court’s most uncompromising conservative, who wrote a withering dissent, was correct when he issued a dire-sounding warning from the bench: “Make no mistake about it: Because of today’s decision, your DNA can be taken and entered into a national database if you are ever arrested, rightly or wrongly, and for whatever reason.”

The case, involving a Maryland law that mandates DNA collection, scrambled the court’s ideological seating chart. Scalia, of all people, sided with the liberals; while Justice Stephen Breyer, a liberal, joined the conservative majority.

Maryland v. King was an appropriate test case. A man named Alonzo King was arrested in 2009 on an assault charge. Police in Wicomico County took a DNA sample by swabbing the inside of his cheek – without obtaining a search warrant – as permitted

under Maryland law. Months later, King’s DNA profile was matched with evidence from a 2003 rape case. King was subsequently tried and convicted of the rape.

It’s impossible not to applaud the result: A rapist who otherwise would have escaped justice was made to pay for his heinous crime. But the way this result was obtained, Scalia argued, ignores the U.S. Constitution.

The Fourth Amendment prohibits most warrantless searches without reasonable suspicion, and police had no reason to suspect that King had committed the rape – or that he had committed any crime except the assault for which he had been arrested.

Writing for the majority, Justice Anthony Kennedy accepted the state’s argument that the DNA sample was actually a method of identification, like a mug shot or a set of fingerprints, and not an unreasonable search. As Scalia put it, Kennedy’s argument “taxes the credulity of the credulous.” Before the DNA test was even performed, police knew perfectly well who King was. No question had been raised about his identity.

Months elapsed before King’s DNA was entered into a national database. If identity were the purpose for collecting the sample, you’d think it would be compared with the DNA of people who looked like King or had a similar name. Instead, it was compared with DNA samples collected at the scenes of unsolved crimes. The obvious purpose of collecting the DNA sample was to solve cold cases. This is an

The failure of Missouri lawmakers to expand Medicaid under the provisions of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act is the biggest disappointment of the 2013 legislative session. Democrats in the Missouri House and Senate offered numerous bills and amendments to bills to expand Medicaid and provide health insurance to nearly 300,000 working Missourians, but Republican leaders in both chambers refused to consider any of them.

By rejecting Medicaid expansion in Missouri, Republican House and Senate leaders are turning down billions of dollars in federal funding to provide health care to nearly 300,000 working Missourians. The economic and social costs of not expanding Medicaid in Missouri are enormous, but it is not too late for Missouri lawmakers to do the right thing on behalf of the people they serve.

Most people without health insurance delay going to the doctor for routine checkups, only reluctantly agreeing to see a doctor when the pain is too great to bear or a loved one’s health is in jeopardy.

They often are treated in the emergency room – the most expensive treatment option. Since they have skipped routine checkups that might have detected an illness in its early stages, treatment of the existing illness becomes much more costly.

Hospitals are required to treat a patient regardless of their ability to pay, and the federal government reimburses hospitals for a portion of those costs. Under the Affordable Care Act, however, those federal reimbursements to hospitals will decrease. The reasoning is that if everyone has health insurance – the goal of Obamacare – then hospitals won’t be stuck with the bill. In states that refuse to expand Medicaid, the uninsured will still seek treatment but the hospitals will not be reimbursed for their services. When it became clear that House and Senate leaders in Missouri would not expand Medicaid, Liberty Hospital in western Missouri announced just before the end of session it was going to lay off 129 hospital employees. Most health care experts believe rural hospitals will be forced to severely curtail services or even close in states that refuse to expand Medicaid, which is ironic given that the strongest opposition to Medicaid expansion in Missouri comes from rural lawmakers.

A new study from the Rand

Letters to the editor

Medgar Evers and Trayvon Martin

admirable goal. But there’s that pesky Fourth Amendment.

“Solving unsolved crimes is a noble objective,” Scalia wrote, “but it occupies a lower place in the American pantheon of noble objectives than the protection of our people from suspicionless law-enforcement searches.”

I don’t pretend this is an easy case. My first reaction would be to try to find some way to uphold King’s conviction -- and give police a way to catch others who believe they’ve gotten away with crimes such as rape or murder. But the court’s solution is based on the kind of juryrigged legal reasoning that can end up creating more problems than it solves.

The ruling upholds laws already in place in 28 states; I imagine most or all of the rest will soon pass DNA laws of their own. If DNA collection is allowed for suspects arrested for alleged felonies, why not misdemeanors? Why not, for that matter, whenever police stop someone whose identity is deemed questionable because of, say, an expired driver’s license?

As Scalia notes, the Founders “would not have been so eager to open their mouths for royal inspection.”

In that spirit, before we give police such a broad right to compel DNA testing to put individuals in prison, we should at least guarantee that individuals who are incarcerated have a similar right to DNA testing that might exonerate them. And we should be honest about why we’re making people say “Aaaaah.”

The week of June 10 was symbolic for the AfricanAmerican community. It marked the beginning of the George Zimmerman/Trayvon Martin trial. It also marked 50 years since the assassination of Medgar Evers, who lost his life to assassin Byron De La Beckwith of the White Citizens Council on June 12, 1963 Zimmerman stands trial for the murder of a unarmed adolescent African-American male. Like De La Beckwith, Zimmerman was a part of a organization whose agenda is to keep a certain group of people (African Americans) in check. Zimmerman is protected by Florida’s Stand Your Ground Law, which gives citizens the right to protect themselves in the threat of danger. But young Trayvon was not a threat to Zimmerman, it was the other way around.

Though Evers was killed in 1963, De La Beckwith was not convicted until 1994, the year before Trayvon Martin was born. The deaths of Evers and Martin revolve around racism. I can only hope that the Martin family does not have to wait 30 years for justice to be served.

Grady Brown, East St. Louis

Mass shootings and HB 436

The Santa Monica shooting was the tenth mass shooting since the Newtown massacre six months ago. And again, the shooter has a history of mental illness. When will we learn that only responsible individuals should own guns?

In Missouri, House Bill 436 will even allow minors age 19 to own. This bill must be vetoed.

Most Americans agree with universal background checks. The Center for American Progress has found clear links between high levels of gun violence and weak state gun laws. How can we ignore the will of the people and the results of research?

U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill voted for universal gun registration; Senator Roy Blunt has not. Governor Nixon should veto House Bill 436. We can’t afford more lost lives. When I next vote, I will

Corporation, published in the journal Health Affairs, finds that the 14 states (Missouri is not officially a “no” state yet) that have refused to expand Medicaid will lose $8.4 billion in federal funding in 2016 alone. In those 14 states, nearly four million people who would have been eligible for health insurance will be left without coverage, costing those states an extra one billion dollars in uncompensated care. This is what awaits Missouri if we do not act.

I was instrumental in the creation of a Joint Interim Committee to study Medicaid expansion over the summer. Republicans say they want to focus on reforming Medicaid rather than expanding it, and that’s okay if it gets us closer to the ultimate goal of providing health care to poor, working Missourians.

Still, if we’re going to get this done, we need your help. If your state senator or representative holds a town meeting, take a bunch of friends to the meeting and tell your elected official to expand Medicaid for the good of our state. Show up at rallies held in support of Medicaid expansion, or write to your elected official. Now is not the time for apathy or inaction – we must mobilize on behalf of our brothers and sisters who struggle each day to pay the bills and raise a family.

remember their vote!

Arlene Rubin Stiffman professor emeritus Brown School, Washington University St. Louis

Unequal treatment

We’ve been tracking racial profiling in Missouri traffic stops for over a decade, and the numbers are worse than when we started. Blacks are 65 per cent more likely to be stopped, and even more likely to be searched and arrested even though they are less likely to be found with contraband.

Now comes an ACLU study on arrests for marijuana possession. The inequalities here make the traffic stop data look almost good by comparison. In 2010 black Missourians were arrested at a rate 263 per cent that of whites, and in St. Louis the racial disparity skyrocketed to an unbelievable 1800 per cent! These numbers persist despite the fact that marijuana usage among blacks and whites is essentially equal.

At least St. Louis’ arrest rate is down. In St. Louis County, arrest rates for the drug are up almost fourfold in the last decade. St. Louis deserves credit for a new marijuana ordinance that potentially lowers punishments. But the new law also gives police more discretion in enforcement. Will more discretion lead to even higher racial inequalities?

Unequal treatment is wrong, and it exists across the board.

The result is that blacks’ prospects too often include time in prison and a lifetime of struggle in overcoming prison’s aftereffects. The community must demand better.

John Chasnoff, program director American Civil Liberties Union of Eastern Missouri St. Louis

Unique classroom tool

Thank you so much for Bridjes O’Neil’s wonderful article about the Each One Teach One program with Ford and Hamilton schools. It was factually accurate, informative and very well written. The STEM page was a useful tool for our students

and their WUSTL tutors; it really made a difference. We have begun to plan for next year and sincerely hope to once more have the opportunity to use this unique classroom tool for STEM education as we strive to improve the quality of education for our students.

Shirley B. Brown, St. Louis

Guest Columnist Sen. Jamilah Nasheed

Columnist

Eugene Robinson

Photos by Leon Algee

Cards tickets forclunkers

MERS/Goodwill has partnered with Six Flags St. Louis to offer a promotion for the month of June in which donors of automobiles, running or not, will receive six general admission tickets to Six Flags St. Louis. The tickets are valid for the 2013 season.

Goodwill accepts all vehicles, even clunkers, including cars, trucks, vans, trailers, some boats and RVs. All donated vehicles are sold throughout the bi-state area, and the money generated is used to support MERS/Goodwill’s employment and rehabilitation programs. The only requirement is that the donor provides a clear title for the vehicle.

Donations can be made online at www.mersgoodwill.org/autodonation/ or by phone at 314241-3464.

Housing Resource Fairin Berkeley

Community Action Agency of St. Louis County (CAASTLC) will coordinate over half a million dollars from a variety of federal funding and will bring private resources from partners to Berkeley residents. Funds will support homeowners with home repair through forgivable and low-interest loans, assist renters to become homebuyers with special financial incentives, and will help homeowners meet building codes.

As part of this project, a Housing Resource Fair, supported by the Berkley City Council will feature new resources for Berkeley residents. The fair will be held on Saturday, June 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Berkeley Civic Center, 6129 Madison Ave. CAASTLC has served 16,415 households in St. Louis County of which 10,226 were 100 percent of poverty or below as per federal guidelines. For more information contact Doug Eller at 314-258-6532, deller@caastlc.org.

Under the hood

Crafts with Conviction donates school materials

Crafts with Conviction reached a milestone this year, celebrating a 10-year partnership with KidSmart – Tools for Learning.

Since 2003, the Missouri Department of Corrections (DOC) has donated more than $500,000 worth of “Crafts with Conviction” items to KidSmart, a nonprofit organization that provides school supplies to underprivileged students in the St. Louis area. Offenders in the Restorative Justice program hand-make school materials known as Crafts With Conviction. No tax dollars are used.

Fifteen DOC facilities donate materials such as coloring books, journals, flashcards, bookmarks, notepads and learning games to KidSmart. Teachers can shop for the items, along with other donated school supplies, at KidSmart’s Free Store in Bridgeton. KidSmart serves schools where 70 percent or more of the students are on the Federal Free and Reduced Lunch program.

Promising Practices at Cold WaterElementary

Character Education Partnership recently recognized Cold Water Elementary School with two Promising Practice Awards. The awards were given to schools that implemented unique strategies to teach and reinforce character education. The practices should not have extensive costs associated with them and should be able to be easily replicated by other schools.

Principal Dr. Christa Warner said Cold Water Elementary was recognized for the Character Camp the school puts on in the fall and spring and for the Character Chess Club. Character Camp teaches students positive character traits. The Character Chess Club teaches students the importance of good character skills through the game of chess.

No time to celebrate guns

By Gloria J.Browne-Marshall For The St.Louis American

Pro-gun activists may have planned to boldly celebrate the fifth anniversary of Richard Heller’s successful gun rights case. However, a murder spree in Santa Monica and George Zimmerman’s murder trial over-shadowed those plans.

Jury selection began last week on the second-degree-murder trial of 29-year-old George Zimmerman, charged in the gun death of 17year-old Trayvon Martin. While Americans were bracing for racial fallout from Zimmerman’s trial, five lives were taken in Santa Monica, California.

After indiscriminately shooting at cars, a public bus and pedestrians, gunman John Zawahri, 23, wearing a load-bearing vest and armed with an AR-15 assault rifle, was shot and killed by police. High-powered weapons and over 1,300 rounds of ammunition were found in his car. Before leaving home, Zawahri, who allegedly suffered from mental illness, first shot his father and his own brother and then set fire to their family home.

Earlier this year, the NRAattacked Congress’ proposed background checks, restrictions on gun ownership by the mentally ill, assault weapons and limits on gun magazine rounds, as illegal encroachments on Second Amendment rights. Congress had hoped America’s shock over the massacre at Newtown’s Sandy Hook Elementary School would propel federal gun control legislation.

However, not even this massacre was enough to stop the NRA’s powerful campaign to block passage of Congress’proposed gun control. Sixteen States further loosened their gun laws, including now allowing guns on college campuses and arming public school personnel. Wyoming judges may now carry guns into their courtrooms. But New York State passed the nation’s most rigid gun control laws in March. Connecticut, Delaware, Maryland and Colorado have also made it more difficult to own a gun.

At the center of the controversy is the Heller decision. Richard Heller was a special officer with the District of Columbia who became frustrated when he could carry a gun in federal office buildings, but D.C. law prohibited possessing a gun at home.

In 2008, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Heller’s personal gun ownership. It was the first U.S. Supreme Court ruling in decades involving the Second Amendment. There also was an associated Chicago gun case. In 2010, Otis McDonald and residents from Chicago’s South Side challenged that city’s restrictive gun laws. Pro-gun groups succeeded in winning that case.

For now, Heller-related anniversary events are cautiously subdued. Although emboldened by their defeat of proposed Federal gun restrictions, with Zawahri’s Santa Monica massacre, and renewed focus on George Zimmerman’s gun trial, pro-gun activists may judge this not to be the best time to celebrate a gun victory.

Browne-Marshall is a legal correspondent covering the U.S. Supreme Court and an associate professor of Constitutional Law at John Jay College.

Gloria J. BrowneMarshall

Elvis Fantroy showed off his 1939 Chevrolet Master 85 at the car show in Forest Park organized on June 7 as part of the St.Louis City NAACP’s weekend-long celebration of its centennial.

Photo by Lois Ingrum

Continued from A1

dlelight vigil. “It needs to be a treated as crisis. It’s an emergency situation.”

Every year, the majority of murder victims in the St. Louis region are young AfricanAmerican men.

“Gun violence is a leading cause of death among some groups in our community,” French said.

James Clark, vice president of community outreach for the nonprofit Better Family Life, was not surprised to hear about 17 people being shot in one night.

“What disappoints me is our apathetic response as a community,” he said.

At Better Family Life, Clark leads a neighborhood alliance that puts resources into the hands of families living in two high-crime neighborhoods. Alliance members knock on doors and find families in need, especially those with children at risk of falling into crime. They, then, work with 65 service providers to bring these families resources, from prenatal care to aging services. In these areas, crime and homicides are down double digits, he said.

“The only way out of this is to be in our neighborhoods,” Clark said. “We have to deliver resources into the living rooms.”

The alliance’s work is crucial because many of these families live in isolation with little access to transportation, he said. Single-mother households are the majority in these neighborhoods, and many of

ELLIOTT

Continued from A1

good enough football player to be able to play football at that level and to pay for that degree.”

As a running back, Elliott was a top football recruit

these mothers have sons either in jail or who have been victimized by gun violence.

“And now they have 10year-old sons who are already developing the same patterns,” he said. “Mentoring programs often don’t reach out and get boys who need it the most.”

To address gun violence, the region needs to make the paradigm shift in “direct resource delivery,” Clark said, and Better Family Life cannot do it alone. During its annual Family Week beginning July 31, Better Family Life will call out to churches to adopt the neighborhood-alliance model in their communities.

across the nation. He led John Burroughs School to three straight football state championship appearances and was also a standout in track and basketball. Along with his athletic feats, Elliott maintained good grades at Burroughs, a strenuous academic school, which he attended since seventh grade.

“We’ve tried everything else,” he said. “The COPS program, community policing, Operation Weed and Seed, hotspot policing – all well-intended programs, but they fail to get to the core of the issue: a high unemployment rate.”

Pastor B.T. Rice of New Horizon Christian Church, retired St. Louis police chief Dan Isom and others recently launched the St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence, targeting Jennings and District 6 of the City of St. Louis, which includes the neighborhoods of Baden, CalvaryBellefontaine Cemeteries, Mark Twain, Mark Twain I-70,

“John Burroughs is very strong academically, and we wanted him to have a challenge,” Dawn Elliott said.

“That’s why he went there.”

Suzanne Hamon, Elliott’s pre-calculus teacher his senior year at Burroughs, appreciates how well Elliott reacts when there is pressure on him, on the field or in the classroom.

North Point, North Riverfront, O’Fallon Park, Penrose, Penrose Park, Riverview, Walnut Park East, Walnut Park West and portions of O’Fallon.

The initiative aims to engage communities through different task forces including those focused on reducing violence, improving behavioral health, reaching out to children and young adults in schools and engaging the faith-based community.

Current St. Louis Police Chief Sam Dotson said he would like to see more collaboration among these various community-based initiatives.

“Everybody has to start

“He responds well to his back up against the wall,” Hamon said. “He does a good job with that. When you say, ‘This is what you need to do, this is why it’s going to pay off,’he responds well.”

As an athlete, Elliott was the All-Metro Offensive Player of the Year in football his senior year, along with being

21st Ward Alderman

Antonio

French spoke at a rally against gun violence held Friday on the steps of St.Louis City Hall.

working together,” he said. “There needs to be a consistent, uniform plan to address the systemic issues. And that’s what’s missing.”

Crime down in 2013

The city saw a spike in violent crime last week, and people are concerned, Dotson said. However, he reassures the community that the police department’s hot-spot policing and other strategies are working.

Overall, crime in the city is down from last year at this time.

placed on the All-Conference First Team for the Metro League in basketball. In track, Elliott competed at the state tournament, finishing first in four different events.

As a student, Elliott particularly enjoyed his AfricanAmerican studies class, which he took during his senior year.

“It’s a history class, but from the Afrocentric point of view, and usually you get it from the Eurocentric point of view,” Elliott said. “You learn the history of black people from the black point of view.”

When not practicing or studying, Elliott gave back to others through community service. Along with the rest of the Burroughs Class of 2013, Elliott did a service project in the month of May. He worked as a math tutor at Live For Life Academy, a charter high school in St. Louis. Hamon said his work at Live For Life is a testament to his ability to relate with others.

“He is really good at connecting and explaining, and you don’t get to see it very often,” Hamon said.

Though only 15 percent of his Burroughs class was African-American, Elliott said he fit in.

“The school is very accept-

So far from January through May 2013, 38 people have been murdered in St. Louis City. Last year through May, there had been 45 murders. By the end of May 2011 there had been 51 murders.

The number of assaults with a gun are also down – 579 assaults in 2013 by the end of May, compared to 819 in 2012 and 706 in 2011.

“You can’t look at one week, or even one month,” Dotson said. “Crime is at the lowest level it’s been since 1970. Crime is in a downward trend.”

Dotson joins many police chiefs nationwide in calling for stronger gun-control legislation. Right now, 60 percent of gun-sale transactions require background checks, but 40 percent don’t, he said.

“We have to close those loopholes,” he said.

However, in Missouri, increasing background checks is vehemently opposed by the Republican leadership in the state legislature. In May, the Missouri Legislature responded to President Obama’s proposal to close the loopholes on background checks by passing a bill that would not only declare all federal gun regulations unenforceable but also expand gun rights in Missouri. Gov. Jay Nixon has until mid-July to sign, veto or allow the measures to take effect without his signature.

“We are an urban environment in a rural state, and there are different cultures as it relates to guns,” French said. “Some people in the state have not been willing to be inconvenienced in order to save lives in the community.”

ing, I think, to everyone,” Elliott said. “I think Burroughs prides itself on diversity. At no time did I ever feel like I didn’t belong.”

He is entering a university that is less diverse than his high school. The Fall 2012 freshman class at Ohio State had 17.2 percent students of color but only 4.3 percent African-American students. That is of less concern to Elliott than the distance from home – Columbus, Oh. is some 400 miles away from St. Louis. Describing himself as a “mama’s boy,” Elliott feels nervous about being farther from his family than he ever has before.

Elliott moved into his dorm room on June 8 to attend college orientation and begin summer classes in order to free up time for the football season. Elliott does have dreams of taking his football game to a professional level at the National Football League, but knows that finishing school is a priority.

“I definitely have aspirations of making it to the NFL,” Elliot said. “But, you know, you have to value education and make sure you have a backup plan.”

Photo by Wiley Price

FATHERS

Windows on Washington, 1601 Washington Ave.

“AToast to Fathers” netted at least $97,000 for Fathers’ Support Center, including $27,000 raised from the Dutch auction held that evening. Additionally, Bank of America donated a $20,000 grant to support the the center’s Employment Development & Mentoring Program.

The Fathers’Support Center’s vision is for every father to be a responsible parent committed to a cohesive family relationship.

Nelson’s accolades continued on Monday. He threw out the first pitch when the St. Louis Cardinals took on the Chicago Cubs at Busch Stadium, the team’s first home game after Father’s Day. He and his family sat in a VIPsection and had an opportunity to meet some of the players.

This was in stark contrast to where he began 18 years ago when he became a teen dad at 17. Then, he obsessed over how he would financially support his son Deaionte, now 18, and how to prevent his child from experiencing the pains of

COURT

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 trict school.”

The 2007 lawsuit focused on a St. Louis city resident parent who had two children in Clayton Public schools, and she requested that Clayton bill the then-unaccredited St. Louis Public School District for her children’s tuition. The Clayton School District refused, and the parent and three other parents – who have since dropped out of the suit – sued the district.

Normandy and Riverview Gardens school districts are the only unaccredited schools in the region. The 10,000 students that attend these schools are eligible to transfer, along with the students who live in the district area but are currently attending private or home schools.

Administrators at Normandy and Riverview Gardens school districts did not respond to TheSt. Louis American’s request for comment by press time.

“Without parameters, the ruling could have a negative effect,” said Don Senti, executive director for the Cooperating School Districts.

Setting those parameters

his own childhood. His intentions were good, yet as the children kept coming he developed into an irresponsible parent. Now the father of three – he has two daughters, Diamonn, 13, and Angell, 7 –he has struggled with substance abuse and served eight years in prison. Then, he said, an Alcoholics Anonymous counselor referred him to the Fathers’Support Center, where he enrolled in its core program, the Responsible Fatherhood Project, a rigorous

now becomes essential, according to Sharmon Wilkinson, superintendent of Clayton Schools, who said she and other administrators were disappointed in the ruling.

“We still believe, as we have asserted throughout this case, that the issues at hand have broad implications for all school districts throughout St. Louis County and across the state of Missouri,” Wilkinson said.

“These issues still need to be resolved in a way that provides manageable parameters that protect the interests of students residing in both accredited and unaccredited school districts.”

The Missouri Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) set some parameters in a guidance document released on Wednesday.

“The unaccredited/sending district must provide transportation to at least one accredited receiving school district as established by its board of education,” DESE stated.

“If the parent or guardian chooses to enroll his/her student in a different accredited/receiving school, then the parent or guardian shall be responsible for transportation.”

Senti said that unaccredited

six-week “boot camp.” He graduated from the program in December 2008.

In this program, participants learn parenting and personal skills, emotional and spiritual development, as well as how to prevent child and substance abuse.

Nelson is currently employed at the Grace Hill Settlement House as a training manager for the operations division. The Fathers’Support Center has a 62 percent employment placement rate

school districts could go bankrupt from the decision.

“Even if 10 kids in every grade leave, Normandy won’t be able reduce staffing for just 10 kids,” Senti said. “At some point, they won’t be able to pay the bill. Their expenses for transfers are going to skyrocket.”

and 75 percent job retention rate for its clients. Also, 75 percent of its client fathers are financially supportive of their children.

At the fundraising dinner, Nelson’s daughter, Angell, eloquently gave the invocation, reciting, “God is great, God is good.” Nelson said and his wife, Latoya, beamed and clapped the loudest when she had finished. It was one of his proudest moments as a parent.

He said he is thankful that

“The issues at hand have broad implications for all school districts throughout St.Louis County and Missouri.”

–

Senti said St. Louis-area schools have been accepting new students for 35 years through the desegregation program. That program initiated in 1980 from a court order, with the ultimate goal that districts achieve a 25 percent black student population. In that case, the state had to pay the transporta-

Executive Director

Halbert

Sullivan,2013 Father of the Year William Nelson at Fathers’ Support Center of St. Louis’“Toast to Fathers” held last Thursday.

his youngest child was too young to remember the type of parent he used to be, and credits Fathers’Support Center with altering his selfish mindset and destructive behaviors.

Antonio Crothers, the 2013 Youth of the Year Award recipient, can relate to being a teen dad. He was the same age as Nelson, 17, when he became a father to his now 18-month-old son, Antonio Crothers Jr. Without any parental figures –his father died before he was two and his mother passed

tion and tuition costs.

Senti said for the past three years, he and others have tried to get the Missouri Legislature to pass a bill that would set parameters for the state law. Yet all attempts have gotten tangled in politics, particularly among those pushing for school choice.

So far, Clayton has received inquiries from about three dozen students who want to transfer into the district. Senti said he does not have an exact number of how many students in total have requested transfers.

However, the school districts are working together to

away in 1999 – he enrolled in Fathers’Support Center’s Youth Male Involvement mentoring program.

“Fathers’Support Center actually is like a father to the young fathers,” Crothers said. “It keeps them on the right track – making sure they’re in school and taking care of their kids.”

This year, Fathers’Support Center of St. Louis marks its 15th anniversary. Under the leadership of Executive Director Halbert Sullivan, it has served nearly 10,000 fathers and their families, including almost 25,000 children.

Additional services offered at the center include its Youth Leadership & Development Program, a legal clinic and Fathers’Rap, which are evening classes that teach the center’s core Family Formation Curriculum.

Nelson can still be found regularly at the center, though now in a mentoring role, trying to encourage the young fathers to stick with the program. He said, “I’m just trying to make them understand that this right here is a blessing.”

Follow this reporter on Twitter: @BridjesONeil.

come up with a central location to process all transfer requests. In its guidance document, DESE stated that parents should notify districts of their transfer wishes by August 1 for this school year and by February 1 in future years. Wilkinson said, “We, along with all of the school districts in both St. Louis and St. Charles counties, are working to comply with the court’s decision in a way that is in the best interests of all students and families involved.”

The DESE guidance document for student transfers is available at http://www.dese. mo.gov/.

Clayton Superintendent Sharmon Wilkinson

Executive Director Halbert Sullivan,2013 Youth of the Year Antonio Crothers Jr.and Kirksy Williams of Wells Fargo at Fathers’Support Center of St.Louis’“Toast to Fathers”held last Thursday.

Photo by Lois Ingrum

Photo by Lois Ingrum

Extaordinary Black Missourians at the History Museum

Just because school is out does not mean it is time to stop learning. The History Museum is proud to host one of its favorite local authors, Dr. John Wright and his wife Sylvia, on Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. to talk about their new book, Extraordinary Black Missourians: Pioneers, Leaders, Performers, Athletes, and Other Notables. The program is free.

Dr. Wright is a community treasure when it comes to African-American history in the St. Louis region. He has written books about different African-American neighborhoods (many of these books are available in the museum’s gift shop) and even does tours when asked. Just a few months ago he was the guest speaker at my book club. Dr. Wright likes to share his love of African-American history with everybody who will listen.

I am especially excited about Extraordinary Black Missourians because I don’t think we have had a resource that gives us in one place such a wide range of famous African Americans from Missouri. With over 100 people featured in the book, you can be sure to find some that you have never heard of before. This book goes beyond Dred Scott and Carter G. Woodson to tell you the

stories of individuals who were less famous but but no less extraordinary in their own right. These are the stories that need to be told to people of all ages.

To find out more about the development of the book, I spoke with Sylvia Wright and posed a few questions that she was gracious enough to answer.

Why did you decide to write a book about extraordinary Black Missourians?

Actually, the idea for the book was John’s. As you know, he has written several books concerning African Americans and where they live or have lived, mostly St Louisans. My job has been to proof and edit this and other books.

How did you decide which people would go in the book?

I only suggested four or five individuals. There are over 100 individuals in the book. I must say that I learned about most of them through John’s effort.

Of all of the people in the book, whose story most inspired you?

They are all inspirational. It is hard to choose just one or even several. Just think of the obstacles they had to overcome. More than just poverty in most instances – also chicanery, slavery,

By Melanie Adams

discrimination, and lack of protection by the law, to name a few of their ordeals. But I am enthralled with James Beckwourth, a trapper and mountain man who has a pass in the Sierra Mountains named for him.

As history continues to get pushed aside in favor of math and science, how would you describe the importance of teaching history in schools?

I would say it is most important. It lets all of us know from whence we come and why certain customs prevail. It is inspirational to learn of the trials and tribulations of our forebears, to know that we too can overcome adversity, that all of us can contribute to society. What do you hope people

Dr. John Wright and Sylvia Wright will talk about their new book, Extraordinary Black Missourians: Pioneers, Leaders, Performers, Athletes, and Other Notables, at the History Museum Museum on Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. The program is free.

will get out of reading the book?

Pride, an alleviation of prejudice, or at least knowledge that we all benefit from the courage and fortitude of our fellow men and women, whatever their race. These people tell us that we all can achieve goals we set for ourselves by not accepting failure.

I hope you will come out on Tuesday, June 25 at 7 p.m. to support local African American historians, Dr. John and Sylvia Wright. Their book is one that should be required reading for all St. Louisians of all ages and races. The stories they tell may be about African Americans, but the struggles and triumphs over adversity are lessons that are universal.

The school security guard who dealt dope

When I attended East St. Louis public schools, our security guards and teachers were respected and expected to provide a safe environment in which students could learn and thrive.

You can only imagine the disgust recently when ESL parents learned that Alvin Golliday, security guard at the Lincoln Middle School, was busted with marijuana in a drug sweep at the school and charged with possession and intent to deliver.

The sweep, conducted by the St. Clair County Sheriff’s Department and Drug Tactical and Street Crimes Unit, is the latest development in a seemingly endless exposure of a drug culture that involves “responsible members” of Metro East courts, parole office, schools and law enforcement.

In my last column, I wrote of the St. Clair County judge who dropped dead from cocaine intoxication; his buddy (also a judge) who was busted, months later, in an alleged heroin purchase; and a parole officer who, later, admitting to selling and using drugs with both men.

And, taking a page from Denzel Washington’s Oscarwinning performance as a crooked cop in the movie Training Day, ESL detective Orlando Ward now sits in federal custody for his role in an alleged conspiracy to distribute five kilos of cocaine, along with six others.

Ward’s role in the alleged drug ring was to provide protection, information and resources in exchange for

$5,000 per month. At the time of his arrest, the 13-year ESL police veteran was earning $57,000 per year as a cop and served on the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad. Talk about greed. Then, on the heels of Ward’s arrest, the city of ESL conducted a surprise drug test for city employees, resulting in six workers (four of them ESL jailers) testing positive for either marijuana or cocaine. Words can’t describe the level of reckless arrogance and disregard for themselves, public safety and accountability that comes with violating a position of trust, as was exposed in these latest revelations. What makes otherwise respectable individuals casually cast aside their self-respect, credibility and reputations for a few illegal dollars escapes me. However, the same ingenuity that they display in plotting to do illicit things can easily be used toward legitimate enterprises and activities, but somehow those sorts of endeavors aren’t as sexy as drug use, drug dealing or drug trafficking. What I do know is that until this drug culture is rooted out and cleaned up, the public will remain skeptical of politicians, public figures and leadership, as should be the case when public servants become public serpents and hypocrisy remains the order of the day. If you like my column, then you will love my radio show on WGNU-920am every Sunday from 4-5 pm. Email: jtingram_1960@yahoo.com; Twitter@JamesTIngram.

James Ingram

Word heard at the JeffersonJackson Dinner

The St. Louis American championed the actions of Attorney General Chris Koster last week on our editorial page for, in essence, kicking off his 2016 gubernatorial campaign at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner by pledging to help Democratic candidates win seats in the state legislature. However, elected officials and progressive activists were quick to remind the EYE that – as always –there is more to it.

Koster was not alone in speaking up for the looming down-ballot races. Other than (and this was the point of last week’s editorial) term-limited Governor Jay Nixon, all of the statewide officials spoke of the need to elect more Democrats to the Missouri Legislature. It was the party theme, and other than the one-man party of Jay Nixon, everyone sounded the theme. Koster was unique in pledging his own campaign money for the cause – $400,000 of it – and he and U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill are the Dems who have been most active in helping downballot candidates thus far.

The confidence expressed in Koster’s comments also made it clear that he will not have a primary fight for governor. He and state Treasurer Clint Zweifel have both been sending out dueling press releases throughout their statewide terms. But Zweifel must have done some polling against Koster. He clearly has stood down, perhaps to run for U.S. Senate or Lieutenant Governor.

Zweifel name-checked a couple of the little people on the bottom of the ballot: state Rep. Michael Butler and state Rep. Gina Walsh, both of whom he hailed as part of the state’s “new young leadership.”

Speaking of Butler, he kept hearing that Martin Casas whom he trounced in his 2012 primary, was working the room at the Jefferson-Jackson Dinner, as if plotting another bid. Butler can only hope for another round with that punching bag, since he beat Casas 2,957 votes (62 percent) to 1,816 votes (38 percent).

Even if a black stalking horse is added to that mix to split the black vote, which Butler would have to anticipate, he has to like his odds.

The EYE might add two more names to that list of “new young leaders” in the

Legislature. State Rep. Karla May got the most progressive amendment passed through the Republican-dominated legislature this session. She introduced HA 3 to SB 73, which would allow an individual who made complete restitution for the felony of not paying child support to expunge their felony conviction for the purpose of job application after eight years. Without question, there are many men and families that will be benefitted by this legislation.

And state Rep. Kim Gardner deserves props for securing a seat on the powerful Rules Committee in the House and for being among the most eloquent and factbased advocates for Medicaid expansion in the legislature.

Job opening: power player

The EYE also was warned by several Democrats not to get too excited over Koster, however good a game he might be talking at this early date. Koster is a former Republican who still has remnants of a Republican base and could be in danger of wandering off the Democrat reservation once he has all his votes counted.

To prove that point, Steve Tilley – the Republican Speaker of the House who sucked up to Rush Limbaugh and then left office to become a lobbyist with a $1 million campaign chest – donated $7,500 to Koster’s campaign last week.

Politicians act in their selfinterest, always calculating the impact on them and their careers. Black Democrats need an old-school power player like Virvus Jones or Jet Banks to keep a cunning politician like Koster honest. The EYE does not see that power player on our current team and begs someone out there to prove us wrong.

Nixon: the Un-Sinquefield

Public school advocate and firebrand Susan Turk also wrote a stinging rebuttal to The American’s editorial about Koster being an “un-Nixon.”

St. Louis Mayor Francis G. Slay and St. Louis County Executive Charlie A. Dooley have been in the news for trying to merge the city and county economic development agencies. Recently they got together with Airport Director Rhonda Hamm-Niebruegge, Laclede CEO Suzanne Sitherwood, Siemens Director Clark Wiedetz, Bridgeton Mayor Conrad Bowers, Laclede Senior Vice President Mike Spotanski to break ground for the new Spire CNG fueling station at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport.

She pointed out that Koster is an “un-Nixon” in a negative sense because he has accepted “more than $400,000 in campaign contributions from Rex Sinquefield, his PACs and his agents” while Nixon’s hands are clean when it comes to donations from the billionaire financier who works to privatize public education and eliminate state income tax.

“If the $400K Koster plans to use to help elect Democrats to the legislature is Rex’s money, will that bring more Jamilah Nasheeds to the legislature?” Turk asked rhetorically. “To that I say, ‘No thank you!’”

Merger haters

Jo Mannies of The Beacon made a relevant point in her report that the St. Louis County Republican Central Committee unanimously passed a resolution opposing any sort of city-county merger, including

the merger of the economic development agencies now underway.

What she did not say is that St. Louis County Republican leaders are a bunch of racists who are not about to let black city dwellers encroach upon their hard-earned white flight to the county. What she did say is this:

“The perception long has been that St. Louis’ AfricanAmerican Democrats are on the same side as the county’s tea-party Republicans when it comes to any merger talks because, aside from any philosophical objections, there is fear their political influence might be diluted in the city and county joined.”

And that, certainly, is true. The white city progressive vision of “one St. Louis” and the macroeconomic Chamber of Commerce vision of regional cooperation to be more competitive globally is just as lost on many black Democrats in the city as it is on

those white Republicans in the county.

Lyda: with Lewis

The EYE forgot to note that 28th Ward Alderman Lyda Krewson was named on the host committee for a recent Lewis Reed fundraiser for his upcoming reelection campaign for president of the Board of Aldermen. That appears to take out of the hat of Reed’s potential challengers one of the most formidable potential candidates.

So Krewson will keep her seniority on the board and her seat as alderperson of one of the city’s most vibrant wards.

The EYE thinks Krewson may have been spooked about running citywide when she saw what a liability her husband, former network news hatchet man Mike Owens, might be. Owens lost a three-way primary for state rep in 2012 against two black candidates,

Karla May (who won with 2,462 votes, or 44.1 percent) and Hope Whitehead (who came in last with 1,284 votes, or 23 percent). Owens tallied 1,834 votes, or 32.9 percent. The good news for Owens, with a vote total that low, is that his news work did not leave behind the image of simply being a racist, since white people didn’t vote for him either. The bad news is, he came across to the voters as a misanthrope, an equal opportunity hater.

Not a black fire chief

The Northeast Ambulance and Fire Protection District has been the subject of endless critical scrutiny from the PostDispatch and other mainstream media, but we have not seen its former attorney Elbert Walton or anyone else at the district marched down the courthouse steps. The same can not be said for the good old boy fire chief of a very white fire district – Eric Hinson, former chief of both the St. Clair Fire Protection District and the Ladue Fire

Obituaries

Gwendolyn Stephenson

Gwendolyn Stephenson, former chancellor of St. Louis Community College, has died at age 69. She died June 13, 2013 at a hospice in Temple Terrace, a suburb of Tampa, Fla., where she lived. She was diagnosed with blood cancer in October 2011, her family said Monday. Ms. Stephenson took over St. Louis Community College in 1992 after her predecessor was fired for free spending. In five years at the helm, she helped restore credibility and financial stability to the institution. She left to become president of another financially troubled institution, Hillsborough Community College in Tampa. She retired from there in 2010 after 13 years as president. Gwen Woods grew up in the Ville neighborhood of St. Louis. She was a preschooler when polio struck her mother. Her father worked on the assembly line at Wagner Electric Co. and moonlighted as a painter to support a family of six. After graduating near the top of her class at Soldan High School in 1961, she attended the only college she could afford, Harris Teachers College. She met Herman Stephenson, a student from Virginia who was in St. Louis for graduate work at the community college’s Forest Park campus. Neither had a good time on their first date. But he kept calling, and they married in 1971. She taught in the St. Louis Public Schools but didn’t find it satisfying. She earned her doctorate in 1975 at St. Louis University. She wrote

her thesis on financial aid for minority students. She took a job at Washington University helping minority students, until St. Louis Community College hired her in 1980 as dean of student services. Ms. Stephenson was named president of Meramec Community College in 1988. Four years later, she worked her way up the ladder to become chancellor of the entire St. Louis Community College system and into the chancellor’s residence in Clayton. A memorial service will be held in St. Louis at 11 a.m. July 20, in the theater at St. Louis Community College’s Forest Park campus. The body will be cremated.

Survivors, in addition to her husband, include a daughter, Marian Smith of Greensboro, N.C.; a son, Dr. Jason Stephenson of Madison, Wis.; two brothers, Alvah Woods and Jerome Walker, both of St. Louis; a sister, Eleanor Taborn of St. Louis; her stepmother, Minnie Woods of St. Louis; and three grandchildren.

Source: St. Louis PostDispatch

Ava Rochelle

Elizabeth Reddick

January 2, 1958 - June 7, 2013

Our dear sister, Ava Rochelle Elizabeth Reddick, passed away on Friday, June 7, 2013. Ava was the oldest daughter of Tyler and Olive Reddick, the sister of Donna L. Reddick and Gigi Bordeaux Reddick, and first cousin of Benjamin Farley Monroe. A memorial service will be held in her honor Saturday, June 22, 2013 at 12pm. The

location will be Little Flower Church, 1264 Arch Terrace, Richmond Heights, Missouri 63117. Prayers for strength, wisdom and healing are deeply appreciated by the family.

Raymond H. Parks

Raymond H. Parks passed away at home on June 14, 2013 at the age of 66. He was born in Wardell, Mo on July 20, 1946 to the late Raymond Odell Parks and Julie Bernice Parks. His family moved to Neelyville, Mo when he was very young. He graduated from Neelyville High School and enlisted in the US Army.

Upon completing his military term, he made St. Louis, Mo is home. He worked for McDonnell Douglas for 32 years before retiring. After retirement, he worked parttime for BiState and Veolia Transportation as a driver.

Raymond is survived by his loving wife of 42 years, Mae Alice. They were married on April 17, 1971.

Raymond’s hobbies included bowling, shooting pool, playing cards, ishing and hanging out with family and friends.

Raymond leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Mae A. Parks; one son, Richard A. Parks, Sr.; one daughter, Molisa A. Parks; one brother, Orris Dean Mobley; three grandchildren, Lavonda Logan, Lakia Parks and Richard Parks, Jr.; one great-granddaughter, Arielle Weber; father-in-law, Emanuel Bateman (Leona); mother-in-law, Willie Mae James; four sisters-in-law, Deborah Atkins, Janie James, Deloris Yates (Charles) and Barbara Gilkey; four brothersin-law, Frank Boyd, Jay James, Emanuel Bateman Jr. and Michael Bateman; a loving niece Laurentine Owens (Demetrius); and a host of uncles, aunts, nephews, nieces,

cousins and friends.

Services: Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 20, 4-7 pm at Layne Normandy Chapel, 7733 Natural Bridge, Normandy, Mo 63121. Funeral will be held at 10 am on Friday, June 21, also at Layne Normandy Chapel.

Kevin Alan Jones

October 3, 1980 – June 1, 2013

On Friday, June 7, 2013 family members and friends gathered to celebrate the life of Kevin Alan Jones at Blessed Hope Bible Church located at 825 Dunn Road. Senior Pastor Jeffrey Forrest was the eulogist who gave a spiritilled message and testament to Kevin’s life of courage.

Kevin was a gifted musician, mortgage broker and a true renaissance man. Kevin was the heart of those who came to know him and love him.

Kevin’s early education was at West Side Christian Academy.

He began his spiritual development with the children and youth at First Free Will Baptist Church. He was introduced to jazz music under the tutelage of the late Robert Schmiehausen, Band Director at Chaminade College Preparatory School. He said, “Kevin was the greatest drummer Chaminade ever had.” Kevin’s chops and gifts as a drummer were cultivated through mentors, teachers and friends like Gwendolyn Warield Thompson, Johnny Barker, Jr., Glenn “Papa” Wright, Tony Simmons, Thomas Moore, Robert Edwards and The Jazz Edge Big Band.

An innovator, he helped to form the irst drum line at Mathews-Dickey Boys’ and Girls’ Club and began playing at community events. As a

percussionist, he was heard in the Caribbean playing for Norwegian Cruise Lines, Bobby Jones Gospel and other national and local venues, touring plays and churches. Kevin was community minded and often volunteered at the New Life Evangelistic Center. For years he was the Sunday Morning drummer at St. Paul A.M.E., Wayman Temple A.M.E., King of Kings and Blessed Hope Bible Church. He leaves to cherish his memory: his wife, Cassaundra Chisley-Jones; his mother, Linda Jones Hawkins (Charles); mother-in-law, Sharon Chisley; grandmother, Dorothy Jones; great-grandfather Charles Fluence (Stene); brothers-in-law, Jason Barge, Darius Chisley, and Michael Barge; aunts Karen (Donald) and Janice Jones; uncle, Kevin Jones (Debra); cousins Jazmine King (Randall) and Kal-El Waters-Jones; and a host of relatives and special and dear friends.

Mrs. Doretha Williams

June 26, 1926 - Mar 22, 1993

Mom it has been 20 years since you went to heaven. We love and miss you so much! Iris, Patricia, Christopher, Karla, Norman, Kevin, Doretha, Ciara, Chris Jr. and all of your greatgrandchildren.

Love Leaves a Memory Those we love don’t go away, They walk beside us everyday, Unseen, unheard, but always near, Still loved, still missed and very dear. For death leaves a heartache No one can heal, And love leaves a memory, No one can steal.

In Memoriam Superintendent

Robert C. Williams

June 23, 1928 - Jan 7, 2013

As we face what would’ve been his 85th birthday, we celebrate his life.

Superintendent Robert C. Williams was the pastor of the National Memorial St. Louis Holy Temple Church of God in Christ. He was known for his beautiful and ready smile, for his generous nature, and for his mission work in the community. He joined his beloved wife, Mother Catherine Williams in paradise on January 7, 2013. He is missed every day by his children; Sandra, Robert Jr., Elizabeth, Anita, and Angela; by his grandchildren, by his church family, and by his friends.

Attention St. Louis American Readers

As a service to the community, we list obituaries in the St. Louis American Newspaper, on a space-available basis and online at stlamerican com. AT NO CHARGE. Please send all obituary notices to kdaniel @stlamerican.com.

Gwendolyn Stephenson

Ava Reddick

Raymond H. Parks

Robert C. Williams

Kevin A. Jones

Doretha Williams

50 years after Medgar Evers

I reflected on character and conviction as the nation commemorated the 50th anniversary of Medgar Ever’s assassination.

We live in a time where many people are selfabsorbed in meaningless frivolities that have little to do with advancing humanity. We also live in a time when people are killed for reasons that have more to do with infringing on these frivolities than standing up on principle.

It’s almost unthinkable that people in this country had to make the ultimate sacrifice in the struggle for the civil rights of African Americans. People have died to make sure that black folks were first-class citizens with the right to vote, the right to ride public transportation, the right to affordable housing of your choice. In the ugly, not-so-distant past, the bodies of black folks – and white allies – littered the road to full citizenship for black citizens in this country.

The body of Medgar Evers was one of those bodies.

Medgar Evers seemed to be fearless in the face of unrelenting white supremacy and racism in Mississippi. As a teen, Evers began organizing NAACP chapters throughout the state. He was drafted into the U.S. Army, where his experience of segregation only heightened his commitment to the struggle for human rights, as did his rejection by the University of Mississippi

Top

Law School in 1954. Acts of segregation and hate only made Evers more determined. As the first NAACP field secretary in Mississippi, Evers took his new role seriously. He organized and led voter-registration efforts and economic boycotts of white-owned companies that practiced discrimination. When young Emmitt Till was lynched in Money, MS, it was Evers who took up the mantle, calling for an independent investigation and actively seeking witnesses himself. He built the NAACP chapter

n We can all draw strength today from these unsung heroes and

into a formidable group that challenged racism whenever it raised its ugly head. It was no surprise that the popular and respected organizer became the target of white Mississippians who feared their way of life was changing.

Medgar Evers was cowardly murdered in the driveway of his home, shot in the back by Byron De La Beckwith. With supporters like Governor Ross Barnett, two white juries refused to convict him. It wasn’t until 1994 that De La Beckwith was finally convicted of the murder. Slow justice allowed him to spew the hatred of the White Citizens Council for another 30 years.

It’s true that people like

Evers, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Malcolm X knew the dangers they faced when they stood up for all of us. The threats were real, and attempts on their lives were made many times before the final bullets pierced their bodies with finality. None of them were seeking martyrdom, but they understood the possible consequences for putting their beliefs in action. No one should have to die because they advocate for the rights of human beings who happen to be black.

There’s a special place in my heart for people like Evers –for freedom fighters, especially in the South, both known and unknown, whose heads were bloodied and whose lives were snuffed out because they stood up and spoke out. And what about the black parents who sent their children to integrate schools – watching spit, rocks and cans being hurled at them every day as they passed through jeering white mobs? What incredible resolve and courage! In the words of Evers, they sought “to bring first-class citizenship to the South as hurriedly as possible.” It was a painful path to that citizenship, and it often came at a high price. We can all draw strength today from these unsung heroes and sheroes of the past. They were not only committed and disciplined, but they also understood the bigger picture. It was never supposed to be about the progress of an individual or family, but how an entire democratic society can be propelled forward because all of its citizens are recognized and treated as human beings.

Community Brief

Jamala Rogers

The Top Ladies of Distinction, Inc., St. Louis Chapter recently celebrated in grand style at its Annual Status of Women Luncheon honoring “Unsung Heroines” of the St. Louis metropolitan area. The Top Ladies of Distinction’s programmatic thrusts include service to Top Teens of America, Senior Citizens, Community Beautification, Community Partnership and the promotion of the Status of Women. Bonita Cornute of Fox 2 News, served as the Master of Ceremonies and was surprised when she was presented with the Lifetime Achievement Award. Lady Linda Logan served as the luncheon chairman. Teen Sara Franklin, president of Top Teens of America, St. Louis Chapter; Lady Peggy Lewis LeCompte, 10th national president; Lady Dorothy Fisher, national Area III director; and Lady Ruby Walker-Carey, St. Louis Chapter president, presented greetings.

Ladies honor ‘Unsung Heroines’

Medgar Ever’s widow Myrlie Evers-Williams with President Barack Obama

sheroes of the past.

Saving people money so they can live better.

We are hiring Drivers for our Transportation Office! Olney, IL

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Transportation

‘Ambassador’ of chess and violin

Justin Harris, an eighth grader at Most Holy Trinity School, received an academic scholarship to attend St. Louis University High School next fall.

“It will be a change, but I am ready,” he said.

“I want to be a success.”

At Most Holy Trinity Harris helped fellow students in first through fifth grades succeed by teaching them chess after school. A landmark study by Smith and Cage in 2000 showed that students who receive chess instruction scored significantly higher on all measures of academic achievement, including math, spatial analysis and non-verbal reasoning ability.

“I’ve been playing since the third grade, and enjoy helping others learn the game,” he said.

“My favorite part is watching them think through different strategies and try new moves.”

He chose Most Holy Trinity, a Catholic, K-8 school supported by ACCESS Academies and the Archdiocese of St. Louis, for its violin program.

“I’ve been taking private lessons too, and I think I play pretty well now,” he said. “I was able to join The Ambassadors, a special violin club at the school.”

Normandy school board seeks candidates

Deadline is June 27

The Normandy School District Board of Education is seeking candidates to fill the unexpired term of Herbert Clifton. Clifton, who just completed his second year of a three-year term, has resigned from the board. The board will

appoint an individual to serve the remainder of the term that ends April 2014, at which time an election will be held. In order to be a member of the Normandy School District Board of Education, Missouri law requires a person to be a United States citizen, at least 24 years of age, a resident taxpayer of the district and have resided in the state of Missouri for one year immediately preceding their appointment. Interested individuals must submit a resume and letter of interest to Board Secretary Janice Ingram-Phillips, Normandy School District Board of Education, 3855 Lucas & Hunt Rd., St. Louis, MO 63121. Information must be received by 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 27. For further information call 314-493-0403.

Metro ranked best high school in state

Metro Academic and Classical High School has been recognized as the No. 1 school in the state of Missouri for providing exceptional career and college preparation according to U.S. News and World Report’s ranking of America’s Best High Schools.

Metro is ranked No. 43 in the nation among magnet schools and has been awarded the prestigious Gold Medal. Joining Metro in the Missouri Top 25 ranking is Carnahan High School of the Future, which made the list at No. 23. Carnahan High School of the Future has earned a Silver Medal for its ranking. SLPS schools earning a Bronze Medal are Cleveland NJROTC High School, Clyde C. Miller Career Academy,

Soldan International Studies High School and Northwest Law Academy High School. The report analyzed more than 21,000 public high schools across the nation, including 560 in Missouri. According to the methodology, a best high school is one that ttains performance levels that exceed statistical expectations given the school’s relative level of student poverty, achieves proficiency rates on state tests for their least advantaged student groups that exceed state averages and prepares its students for college, as measured by student participation in and performance on Advanced Placement exams.

Justin Harris

BUSINESS

JUNE 20 – 26, 2013

Jillian Greene,Truan Le,Ed Hillhouse (executive director of East-West Gateway Council of Governments),Byron Dyer, Gwen Crimm of Construction Careers Center,Rose Lucas of MoDOT,Rhonetta Brazzill of Metro,Felicia Miller Harris of Added Dimension,Marteana Davidson,Steve Lewis (VP of AGC St.Louis),Willard Moore,Kobi Key,Kevin Triggs of EWGCG,Shirlyn Myles of MoDOT,Mary Ann Taylor Crate - owner of Added Dimension,and Elke Campbell of Metro.

COMTO mentors students

Minority Transportation Officials award scholarships

American staff

The St. Louis chapter of theConference of Minority Transportation Officials (COMTO) honoredfour high school graduates with the 2013 COMTO Scholarship Award at the Engineer’s Club of St. Louis on June 6.

The students honored were Jillian Greene of Hazelwood East High School, Kobi Key of Webster Groves High School, Truan Le of Gateway Stem High School and Willard Moore of Clyde C. Miller Career Academy.

Each student receives a $500 scholarship, a free COMTO membership for one year, as well as a designated COMTO Mentor for the 2013-2014 school year.

To qualify for the scholarship, a student must reside in the St. Louis metropolitan area, major in transportation or related fields

Diversifying ‘deal flow’

Regional Entrepreneurial Initiative seeks to raise $100M in capital

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

About a year ago, St. Louis County

Executive Charlie A. Dooley and St. Louis

Mayor Francis G. Slay invited about 40 business and civic leaders to develop a road map for strengthening the “entrepreneurial ecosystem.”

On June 13, these leaders laid out that map, called the Regional Entrepreneurial Initiative. The first part of the journey is raising money.

“Ayear ago, I asked what we needed to provide the best environment to help our best startups grow,” Dooley said.“The answer came back with a resounding, ‘Get them more money.’”

Through the initiative, St. Louis-area civic and business leaders said they will bring $100 million in venture capital funding to the region over the next five years to support high-growth startups. The initiative is part of a $1.5 million project funded by a grant from the U.S. Economic Development Administration, an agency within the U.S. Department of Commerce.

“Today, we are saying we need the

See DEALFLOW, B6

“We are trying to create homegrown professionals that will contribute to the future infrastructure of the region for decades to come.”

– Shirlyn Myles,COMTO

and be a member of the minority community. They must also have been accepted in an accredited college in Missouri or the southwestern region of Illinois or any Historically Black College or University (HBCU) in the United States.

“Our primary focus is to provide the students in the region the financial, mentoring

and emotional support they will need to become successful future St. Louis city planners, engineers and contracting business owners,” said Shirlyn Myles, COMTO St. Louis chapter president.

“We are trying to create homegrown professionals that will contribute to the future infrastructure of the region for decades to come.”

COMTO’s mission is to ensure a level playing field and maximum participation in the transportation industry for minority individuals, businesses and communities of color through advocacy, information sharing, training, education and professional development. Its vision is “to see the diverse faces of America equally reflected in all levels of the transportation industry.”

For more information, visit www.comto.org.

Cupples 7 slated fordemolition

City

looking for developer of historic building as it nears collapse

American staff

One of the last two remaining developers with interest in saving the Cupples 7 building has decided against buying it because of the high cost of stabilizing the structure and the imminent threat of collapse. Cupples 7 is slated to be torn down to protect public safety unless a developer can both purchase the building outright and immediately stabilize it, according to Treasurer Tishaura O. Jones. Given the building’s weakened condition and threat to public safety, time is running out, she said.

one. Spiritas Wrecking Company, which was awarded the $482,500 demolition contract through an open bidding process, has begun preliminary work on the site. It will take roughly three months to complete demolition.

The City and the Treasurer’s Office, along with the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), continue to work on a dual path to identify a developer with the ready cash to buy and stabilize Cupples 7, Jones said.

According to the City Building Commissioner and an independent engineering report, Cupples 7 is an imminent threat to public safety.

The city treasurer purchased the promissory note for the building on Friday, June 7 from Montgomery Bank for $850,000 in order to fulfill a contract negotiated by the previous treasurer. The Treasurer’s Office is now liable for the property.

According to the City Building Commissioner and an independent engineering report, Cupples 7 is an imminent threat to public safety. City engineers and others who have inspected the building are afraid that it will collapse and hurt some-

PEOPLEON THE MOVE

Keith Elder has been elected chair of the Board of Directors of The Empowerment Network, a St. Louis-based nonprofit, prostate cancer advocacy and educational organization. Elder is associate professor and chair of Health Management and Policy at Saint Louis University School of Public Health. He takes special interest in health disparities and minority men’s health.

Judge Laninya Cason of East St. Louis was recognized with a United Way Community Impact Volunteer Award. The award recognizes volunteers who demonstrated outstanding service in the community. Casonis an associate judge on theIllinois Twentieth Judicial Circuit Court. She has served in this position sinceFebruary 3, 2003. She currently serves on the Probate Division.

King-James was inducted into Vashon High School Hall of Fame on June 9. She is a retired educator who taught in several St. Louis Public Schools. She graduated from Vashon in 1971 and intentionally ended her education career at her alma mater in 2009. She received the Excellence in Drug Prevention Education Award from the U.S. Department of Education.

State Sen. Jamilah Nasheed, D-St. Louis, has been named one of 10 members of the newly-created Senate Interim Committee on Medicaid Transformation and Reform.Nasheed was instrumental in the creation of the interim committee when she offered an amendment to a bill to expand Medicaid and refused to withdraw the amendment unless the interim committee was formed.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

SLCC receives $200K EPAgrant forjob training

St. Louis Community College was granted $199,994 to train unemployed and underemployed residents of St. Louis in hazardous waste cleanup from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, Region 7. Through this training program, SLCC plans to graduate 81 students, place 55 graduates in environmental jobs and track graduates for one year. Since 1998, EPAhas funded 206 job training grants totaling over $45 million.As of March 2013, approximately 11,473 individuals have completed training and 8,198 have obtained employment in the environmental field with an average starting hourly wage of $14.12.

Lambert generates $3.6B in annual business revenues

Lambert-St. Louis International Airport generates approximately $3.6 billion in annual business revenues for the 16-county St. Louis, MO-IL Metropolitan Statistical Area based on a new Economic Impact Study just released.

The St. Louis MSAis the 19th largest metropolitan area in the U.S., and Lambert is the 30th busiest airport in the U.S. based on total passengers (12.7 million ) and the 48th largest airport in air cargo volume (153 million pounds).

Reed Realty Advisors, based in Little Rock, Ark., expressed serious interest and showed the ability to finance and finish the project on its own.

However, when Reed Realty Advisors twice brought its team to St. Louis to tour Cupples 7 and the nearby Westin Hotel – also a Cupples Station building – it discovered that initial estimates to stabilize the building were underestimated.

“We estimate that it would take $2 million just to stabilize the foundation, plus an additional $1 million to secure the brick walls,” said Scott L. Reed, managing

The airport’s self-funded Economic Impact Study, conducted by Unison Consulting, found that airport services are directly responsible for 4,600 on-airport jobs, earning $273 million annually. The overall impact of the airport and the businesses sustained by Lambert’s economic output equals 25,000 jobs with collective earnings of $1 billion.

Ameren Minority Employees host Happy HourforInspireSTL

InspireSTLand the Ameren Network of Minority Employees are hosting a Happy Hour 4-8 p.m. Thursday, June 27 at Mosaic, 1001 Washington Ave.

InspireSTLstands for “Investing Student Potential in Revolutionary Education, St. Louis.” The idea sprang from four 2009 Teach for AmericaSt. Louis Corp members who created an organization to support middle-school students through the high school application process. For more information, visit http://inspirestl.org/.

Dorothea

Keith Elder

Laninya Cason

Jamilah Nasheed

Dorothea KingJames

Ed Bryant

Tishaura O.Jones

Photo by Lois Ingrum

Feds issue report on overdraft fees

They ‘put consumers at greater risk of harm’

By Charlene Crowell Center for Responsible Lending

Anew report by the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) finds that overdraft fees continue to pose high risks to consumers, despite recent regulatory changes. The report focuses on the dreaded overdraft charge –the fees banks and credit unions collect for covering customer transactions that exceed checking account balances. Sounds simple, but many times the terms that accompany these fees are complex, and too often the costs are out of proportion to the overdrawn amount. Variations in how transactions are posted to checking accounts and limits

or the lack thereof on the number of fees allowed in a single day can be confusing and harmful to consumers. Even though practices vary among institutions, one thing is particularly clear: consumers lose tens of billion to overdraft fees every year.

For customers with only marginal bank balances, the costs incurred by overdraft fees can remove available funds for other household needs.

“What is marketed as overdraft protection can, in some instances put consumers at greater risk of harm,” said CFPB’s Richard Cordray. “Consumers need to be able to control their costs and expenses, and they deserve clarity on those issues.”

The CFPB found that over-

draft fees on debit card and ATM transactions in particular are associated with higher rates of involuntary account closure. As a result, the affected consumers become less able to open a checking account at another institution.

The new CFPB report follows a 2010 rule by the Federal Reserve that required financial institutions for the first time to secure customer approval before enrollment in overdraft coverage for debit and ATM transactions. Wide variations in the number of “opt-ins” by institutions indicate that some are more aggressive than others in obtaining consent forms

from their customers. Following the announcement of the 2010 rule, the Center for Responsible Lending (CRL) noted that the rule did not address clear abuses that customers experience once they are enrolled, including the exorbitant cost of debit card overdraft coverage or re-ordering transactions to maximize fees. And because the size or frequency of the fees was not addressed, financial institutions have the incentive to secure as many opt-in forms as possible.

Previous research by CRL has found that:

ï Most debit card transactions that trigger overdrafts are

far smaller than the size of the overdraft itself;

ï Most consumers surveyed would rather have their debit card transaction declined than have it covered in exchange for an overdraft fee;

ï In 2008, Americans aged 55 and over paid $6.2 billion in overdraft fees; and ï Also in 2008, Americans aged 18-24 paid nearly $1.3 billion in overdraft fees.

CRLalong with others including Pew Charitable Trusts have also called for banning institutions from processing transactions from the largest to smallest. This change would diminish the number of overdraft fees charged and

Yourfinancial life aftergraduation

thereby free-up consumer monies for other items.

“We remain concerned about financial institutions that deliberately trigger overdraft fees by re-ordering daily transactions from the highest to lowest, often resulting in more fees from customers,” CRL said.

“This deceptive practice remains far too common despite fueling widespread litigation,” CRLsaid. “We look forward to future studies by the CFPB that will shed even more light on an issue that affects millions of Americans each year.”

Charlene Crowell is a communications manager with the Center for Responsible Lending. She can be reached at: Charlene.crowell@responsiblelending.org.

By Jason Alderman

To the millions of college and high school seniors who recently graduated (and to their parents, who weathered the ups and downs of reaching that summit): congratulations on a job well done. After the celebration dies down, you’ll no doubt be eager to embark on life’s next chapter, whether it’s finding a job, preparing for college or enrolling in military or community service. Before you jump in feet first, however, let me share a few financial lessons I learned the hard way when I was just starting out. They might save you a lot of money in the long run and help you get closer to your life goals, whether it’s buying a house, starting a family or even retiring early – as

far off as that may sound. First, pretend you’re still a starving student. After landing your first full-time job, the urge to go on a spending spree for new clothes, a better apartment and a car from this decade will be irresistible after surviving on ramen noodles for four years. But unless you had generous scholarships or a rich aunt, you’re probably already saddled with thousands of dollars in student loan debt. (Note to entering freshmen: Tread carefully around student loan debt. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) has a great guide for making informed decisions about paying for college at www.consumerfinance.gov/stu dents.)

After you’ve factored in rent, car payments, renter’s and car insurance, credit card charges, student loan balances and other monthly bills (not to

mention payroll taxes such as Social Security tax, which went up 2 percent this year), your new salary probably won’t go as far as you’d like, especially if you’re trying to save for one of those life events.

That’s where a budget can help. Numerous free budgeting tools, including interactive calculators, are available at such sites as the government-spon-

sored MyMoney.gov (www.mymoney.gov), the National Foundation for Credit Counseling (www.nfcc.org), Mint.com (https://www.mint.com) and Practical Money Skills for Life (www.practicalmoneyskills.co m), a free personal financial management program run by Visa Inc. Next, know the score, credit-wise. Many people don’t realize until it’s too late that a poor credit score can trash your financial future. After you’ve missed a few loan payments, bounced some checks or exceeded your credit limits, you’ll probably be charged higher loan and credit card interest rates and offered lower credit limits (if not denied credit altogether), unless and until you can raise your credit score. You may even have to pay higher insurance rates and harm your ability to rent an apartment or get a cell phone.

To know where you stand, review your credit reports from each of the three major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian and TransUnion) to find out whether any negative actions

have been reported and to look for errors or possible fraudulent activity on your accounts. You can order one free report per year from each bureau if you order them through www.AnnualCreditReport.com ; otherwise you’ll pay a small fee.

To learn more about credit reports and scores, visit the CFPB’s “Ask CFPB.” Another good resource is What’s My Score (www.whatsmyscore.org), a financial literacy program for young adults run by Visa, which features a free, downloadable workbook called, “Money 101: ACrash Course in Better Money Management,” and other free tools. You worked hard to graduate. Just make sure you don’t sabotage your efforts by starting out on the wrong financial footing.

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

PERSONAL FINANCE

Charlene Crowell

“I went from being one of the oldest guys in the league to being a rookie all over again.”

— Jason Kidd,on being named head coach of the Brooklyn Nets just weeks after his retirement from the NBA as a player

Prep year in review

Memorable moments of 2012-2013

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of The St.Louis American

It was another marvelous year of high school athletics in the St. Louis metropolitan area. As we all begin our summer vacation and prepare for the upcoming fall season, it is time to take a look back at some of the memorable moments of the 2012-13 season.

The Wood: Kirkwood High has been playing football for well over a century (114 years to be exact), but the Pioneers tasted state championship glory for the first time in the school’s great history. Kirkwood pasted Fort Osage 31-7 to clinch a storybook season and the well-deserved state title for the community. Twin brothers Jordan and Jarrod Bishop were the Suburban South Conference Players of the Year on offense and defense, respectively. Head coach Matt Irvin had a tremendous arsenal of speed, size and experience at his disposal and it all came together this season in an historic state championship ride.

Four-Peat: The Hazelwood Central Hawks continued its dynasty in boys track and field by winning the Class 4 state championship for the

With Ishmael H.Sistrunk

Coaching blunders spur criticism going into epic Game 7

When comparing modernday coaches, only Phil Jackson’s name (with the 10 titles next to it) is revered more than San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich in the pro ranks. Pop’s four championships and 14 consecutive winning seasons is mind-bogglingly impressive. Entering the NBAFinals, the Miami Heat was largely regarded as the more talented team and the

Spurs team was considered to be a more wellcoached unit. But just like LeBron James, the de facto best player on the planet is prone to a subpar game once in a while, apparently so is Popovich, whose Game 6 blunders could cost his team a banner. Despite his $6 million salary, it seems Popovich does not have a reliable DVR. If he did, there’s absolutely no excuse for pulling Tim

Fan-favorite whipping boy Chris Bosh came up big when it counted with a key rebound and assist.

Duncan out of the game for defensive purposes twice towards the end of regulation duringTuesday night’s overtime loss. Yes, the second team All-NBAdefender had a comfy seat next to his coach while the game was on the line. I understand the logic and

Sophomore Napheesa Collier (#24) led Incarnate Word Academy to the Class 4 state title and an undefeated season.

TRACK & FIELD NOTEBOOK

Golden women

Mother and daughter win 8 Gold medals at Senior Olympics

American staff

“My mother just proved that you are never too old to try something new.”

– Myrle Mensey

Daisy Edwards age 87, who had never thrown or competed in a track and field meet, signed up for the Senior Olympics only after arriving at the University of Missouri on June 15. Daisy has traveled to many national and world championships with her daughter Myrle Mensey, but never thought she would be throwing. Daisy won three Gold medals while setting the state record in the shot put, discus, and javelin for females ages 85-89.

“I am so proud of my mother,” Mensey said. “She just proved that you are never too old to try something new.”

Mensey herself won five Gold medals –shot put, discus, javelin, hammer throw and weight throw, also setting a new state record in the shot put and hammer throw for females 60-64.

Mensey is a world champion thrower, USATF Level 2 certified coach, and director and founder of the Throwing and Growing Foundation.

She also set two U.S. records in the weight throw and the weight pentathlon on May 17 in Raleigh, NC at the USATF Southeastern Region Championship.

Gregg Popovich’s Game 6 blunders could cost his team a banner.

school’s trophy case. They were especially dominant in

The Kirkwood Pioneers celebrate their first state championship in football after defeating Fort Osage 31-7. Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Wiley Price

Myrle Mensey and her mother Daisy Edwards won eight Gold medals between them at the Missouri Senior Olympics on June 15,setting state records in their age ranges.

CLAIB’S CALL

With Mike Claiborne

Sports talk radio sinks to new low

If you have not heard by now, three veteran sports talk radio show hosts in Atlanta thought is was a good idea to do a skit on their show to mock a man who is dying of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, ALS – a disease that takes over your body where you are virtually helpless at the end.

It’s one of those diseases that you would not wish upon anyone. The man who was being made fun of is Steve Gleason, a former player for the New Orleans Saints who was a real thorn in the side of the Atlanta Falcons. Gleason does not have long to live.

Unbelievable, the fact that his condition is terminal was part of the joke. One of the hosts impersonated Gleason to start a knock-knock joke, and another host responded, “Now, Steve, we do knock knocks on Thursdays, we don’t do it on Mondays.” The host impersonating Gleason responded, “I may not be here on Thursday.”

The station suspended the hosts and subsequently fired them. There is no place anywhere for such antics, and they got what they deserved.

The irony here is that one of the three hosts was at one time an owner of the sports talk radio station here in St. Louis, KFNS. Steve “Steak” Shapiro and his merry band of carpetbaggers nearly destroyed the station here. Chris Dimino was also involved in this episode. I knew him to be as hard-working and honest as any talk show host I have been around. Agree or disagree with him, it would be a good discussion. In this case, he went out with the bathwater. His career may be saved, as he has a lot of people who know he knows better.

When is enough enough? People in this business get fired everyday for something they said or did. Seldom do you hear of anything so insensitive and extreme where the owners of the station had no choice but to can these three.

REVIEW

Continued from B3

Marcus Davis, Brandon Chunn and Matt Quarells finished first, second and fourth.

Incarnate Word Rules: Perhaps the most formidable team in the St. Louis metro area this season was the Incarnate Word Academy girls basketball team. The Red Knights rolled to a 31-0 record and the Class 4 state championship, but that does not begin to tell the story of how truly dominating this group was this season. The Red Knights routinely won games by 40 and 50 points, including the final two games of the state tournament. Sophomore forward Napheesa Collier cemented herself as

one f the top underclassmen in the country while junior point guard Nakiah Bell ran the show to perfection.

Ezekiel Elliott: Male Athlete of the Year – The senior star from John Burroughs enjoyed a remarkable last season of high school athletics. He was the Player of the Year in both football and boys track. He led the Bombers to a second-place finish in the Class 3 Show-Me Bowl. Elliott amassed a ShowMe Bowl record of 419 total yards against Maryville. On the track, he won four gold medals to lead the Bombers to a second-place finish. On the basketball court, he averaged 12 points a game to help the Bombers win 20 games and a conference title. Elliott is headed to The Ohio State University.

Emmonnie Henderson:

Female Athlete of the Year –

One of the top female athletes in the area in recent memory, Henderson was one of the nation’s best in basketball and track. She led the Tigers to a 30-1 record in basketball and became the school’s all-time leading scorer as a senior. On the track, Henderson won the shot put and discus for the fourth consecutive year. She holds the state record in both events. She led Edwardsville to its first state title in track in and its first appearance in the state championship game in basketball as a junior in 2012. She will compete in both sports at the University of Louisville.

New School: Madison Prep opened its doors for the first time in 2013 and the boys basketball team made history by winning the Missouri Class 3 state championship. Led by young coach Tony Irons, the Bears won the state title on the 30th anniversary of his father Floyd Irons leading Vashon to its first state title in 1983. Madison used speed, quickness and toughness to overwhelm opponents. They also had the state’s top backcourt in seniors Martavian Payne and Kevin Baker to lead the way.

618 Hoops Represent: It was an excellent season for the metro east boys basketball teams as three teams advanced to the Final Four of the Illinois State Tournament in three different classes. The Madison Trojans advanced to the championship game of the Class 1A tournament. Cahokia finished runners-up in the Class 3A state tournament while winning a state-record 33 games in the process. Edwardsville fin-

get it and do good work. There are some who don’t, and you can tag them for whatever reason you disagree. The problem is not if you agree or disagree with a host. The problem is what has happened when a host becomes hateful, meanspirited and just plain selfserving. Some people love to hate them so much they cannot stop listening. We all have done it at some point, but most move onto something more worthwhile.

Sadly, sports talk radio as we know it is gone, and I am not sure if it will ever come back. In some cases, that is good, because listeners are better informed in this digital age. What they choose to do with information is another subject entirely.

Jump shots and flops

These NBAFinals will not leave a mark on the game. Not that it has been poorly played, but aside from LeBron is there anyone you really perk up for?

Oh, you can be a fan of the “team” concept that the Spurs display and the notion that a guy who had been cut twice could have seven days of stardom and be the crowning moment. You even talk about Dwayne Wade rising from the dead for a week and helping his team, but after that we have a series where big men as we knew them are non-existent.

Dear Earl Austin Jr.: Russell, Wilt, Kareem, Shaq, Akeem or even Patrick Ewing would make this a better series. Right now it’s a jump-shooting contest with a bit of flopping. Did you here me, Manu Ginobli and Shane Battier? You too should be ashamed of yourselves if that is how you are able to survive in the NBA. It’s not like I am done with the NBA, but this Finals is not the one. Thank goodness for the NBADocumentary The Doctor. It is a documentary on one of the greatest to ever play the game, Julius Erving. It is far more exciting than the Finals. You can find it in NBA TV.

ished third in the Class 4A state tournament, thus closing out a stellar postseason run for the metro east.

Cahokia Track Dynasty: The Cahokia Comanches brought home another state championship from the Illinois Class 2Astate meet in Charleston. The Comanches overwhelmed the competition in scoring 99 points, which beat their nearest competitor by 59 points. Cahokia scored big in several different events, but they got huge production by their stellar jumping duo of senior Chris Moore and freshman Ja’Mari Ward.

Hazelwood Central Girls Rock: The Hawks won their first state championship in 25 years as they outlasted a group of talented teams at the Class 4 state meet in Jefferson City. Junior sprinter Ashley Henderson sparked the Hawks’ state title run with victories in the 100- and 200-meter dashes while the 4x200-meter relay ran away to a state title. Teammate Prenecia Ponds was also excellent in the sprints, which helped the Hawks win the title by 1.5 points.

ASmashing Debut: The St. Louis area was officially introduced to two magnificent freshman athletes who are making their mark locally and nationally. Jayson Tatum of Chaminade was tremendous in leading the Red Devils to the Metro Catholic Conference title and earning MCC Player of the Year honors. He was also a member of the USA 16U team that just won a gold medal at the FIBAAmericas Tournament in Uruguay. Ja’Mari Ward of Cahokia took the state of Illinois by storm on the track.

Mike Claiborne

He

Former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason,who now suffers from ALS,with Nicole and Tommy Lemelle.

Senior guard Martavian Payne (#20) led Madison Prep to the Class 3 state championship in boys basketball.

Photo by Wiley Price

by

Putting for the NAACP

Quarles sized up his putt on the golf course in Forest Park during a tournament organized on June 7 as part of the St.Louis City NAACP’s weekend-long celebration of its centennial.Desegregation of the municipal course in the 1940s is one legacy of civil rights organizations like the NAACP

CLUTCH

Continued from B3 reasoning. Miami needed a three-pointer desperately and had a small lineup on the court. Despite a throwback night where he scored 30 points and pulled down 17 rebounds, Duncan isn’t exactly a spring chicken and you don’t want him running around trying to cover three-point shooters very often.

Still, with a slim lead and the NBAChampionship on the line, I want my best players on the court, especially my best defender.

I bring up the DVR because we witnessed a similar strategy backfire for the Indiana Pacers during the Eastern Conference Finals when Roy Hibbert was benched late in a futile attempt to match up with Miami’s small lineup. The Heat exploited the Pacers by getting to the rack and consequently the Finals.

Tuesday night, they earned offensive rebounds that led to three-pointers in both instances and allowed for Ray Allen’s brilliant shot that forced overtime. Had Duncan been in the game on those possessions, he would’ve finished with 19 rebounds and been bathing in bubbly right about now.

Duncan wasn’t the only San Antonio superstar who got the possession game treatment either. Tony Parker also got some pine time late during Spurs free throws and defensive possessions. Yes, the fastest player on the court and primary ball-handler was taken away and it destroyed the Spurs’transition game. They were either forced to call a timeout to bring him back into the game or, as they inexplicably did, allow Kawhi Leonard and a struggling Manu Ginobili to handle the ball on the fly with the game on the line in overtime. To no surprise, that critical possession ended in a turnover, Ginobili’s 8th of the game.

One can only wonder whether Popovich’s bizarre decisions were influenced by the strange sight of James’ headbandless hairline during his impressive fourth quarter run. After a mostly passive three quarters, James revved it up in the fourth by scoring 16 points to help eliminate the Spurs 10-point fourth quarter lead. His Heat teammates deserve

credit for showing the toughness and determination to force Game 7, where anything goes. Fan-favorite whipping boy Chris Bosh came up big when it counted with a key rebound and assist on Allen’s shot and game saving blocks with their season on the line. The team also shut down Danny Green and held him to just one three-pointer. The big question going into Game 7 is how the exciting, emotionally-draining overtime thriller will affect the psyche of the two teams. Disappointing Game 6 defeats can prove catastrophic. Remember David

Freese’s epic 11th-inning walk-off home run during Game 6 of the 2011 World Series? Well, the Rangers didn’t put up much of a fight in the next game as the Redbirds breezed to a 6-2 victory. Will another Texas team roll over? Then again, this series has been as back and forth as can be imagined. No team has won consecutive games and they’ve often taken turns looking both brilliant and shrug-worthy.

Can 37-year-old Tim Duncan turn back the clock one more game, after logging a massive 44 minutes? Will James’headband watch from the stands? Will Bosh and

Wade step up big or will it be Ginobili and Green? Will Pop fix his TiVo?

Lots of questions to be answered Thursday night. But there’s one thing that’s not in

doubt. Game 7s are exciting! The lights will be bright, the American Airlines Arena will be buzzing and the world will be watching. Hopefully we’ll get a fitting end to a great

series.

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

Jabarri

Photo

Lois Ingrum

DEALFLOW

Continued from B1

money,” Dooley said, “and we are putting an aggressive plan in place to raise that capital. This guarantees the best new companies will stay in St. Louis and thrive for years to come.”

One of the key components of the initiative is minority inclusion, said Ed Bryant, vice president of economic development collaborations at the St. Louis County Economic Council.

“Given that the St. Louis regional population includes 23 percent of people who are of diverse backgrounds, there should be more happening among this population in the entrepreneurial environment,” Byrant said. “St. Louis needs to start, identify and support high-potential startups among minorities, women, immigrants and veterans.”

In the report released on June 13, initiative leaders state that St. Louis has “no organized initiatives” to ensure that minority, women, veteran and immigrant entrepreneurs have access to resources for startup businesses.

“As is the case in most

CUPPLES 7

Continued from B1 director of Reed Realty Advisors.

“We are not going to make an offer on the property because of the high cost of stabilizing it. Secondarily, the property is in an advanced state of disrepair and appears to pose an immediate risk to public safety and neighboring properties.”

That leaves one last interested party. The City still hopes the development group Vertical Realty can finance and build the project with available incentives, but without government guarantees.

regions across the U.S., the region is not effectively reaching or leveraging the entrepreneurial talent in these disconnected communities in a meaningful, consistent and sustained manner,” the report states.

Only a small percentage of St. Louis regional “deal flow” comes from these marginalized entrepreneurs, though they represent significant portions of the regional population.

The solution begins with a commitment to inclusion, leaders concluded.

“The combination of this commitment and the measurement/metrics system is a powerful first step in understanding the dynamics and impact of including a much larger and more diverse population in the high growth potential entrepreneurial economy,” the report states.

Byrant said this commitment is shared by all of the initiative’s partners, including startup support systems, such as Arch Grants, BioSTLand St. Louis Arch Angels. It remains to be seen whether this commitment also means directing some of the initiative’s $100 million fund towards this population.

“We can do this; it’s achievable,” said Joe Reagan, president and CEO of the St. Louis

“As long as the City is not included in the financial structure, which would put taxpayers at risk for this development proposal, we are very happy to negotiate a deal,” said Jones. Cupples 7, a seven-story brick building, is the only unrenovated structure remaining in the historic Cupples Station complex, which was built between 1894 and 1917. The buildings were constructed by Eames and Young for Samuel Cupples, a woodenware merchant and business partner of Harry and Robert S. Brookings. The buildings are on the National Register of Historic Places. Cupples 7 was condemned by the City in 2008 “The City will offer every

Regional Chamber. “We know we’ve got money sitting on the sidelines, and what we need to do is talk about the deal flow we have here right now. That’s how you raise the money.”

Already, as part of the initiative, the St. Louis Economic Council set up a “one-stopshop” website, AccelerateStLouis.org, to connect entrepreneurs to resources, as well as to investors who can help them in launching and growing their businesses. Entrepreneurs can set up profiles as a way to connect with funders and with other resources.

The initiative’s goal overall is to make St. Louis a top 10 region for entrepreneurs. Mark Lewis is CFO of LockerDome, a St. Louis-based tech startup that is now the fastest-growing sports media company on the web.

“The formal commitment on the part of St. Louis civic leadership to the development of high-impact businesses is a game changer,” Lewis said. “The early-stage ecosystem is already thriving. Commitments such as that announced today will go a long way toward ensuring St. Louis is a top 10 global technology community by 2015.”

incentive and available tool to make this deal happen, including tax increment financing,” said Mayor Francis G. Slay. “But, we will not put the taxpayers at risk by guaranteeing the project’s debt. I would not do that for Ballpark Village, and I will not do that for this project. I hate to see any historic building razed, but the overwhelming concern for public safety has to take precedence.”

Even though the building was privately owned, the City did due diligence to help save Cupples 7 by issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP) in November 2012 to help the private owners find a developer. No one came forward.

Financial Focus

By Aaron Ezell

Don’t

take a vacation

cles

with inflation, they could be considered “lazy” investments.

ï Look for the “multi-taskers.” In most aspects of life, “multi-taskers” are valuable — and it’s the same in the investment world. Can you find a particular type of investment that may be able to achieve multiple goals at the same time? Consider dividend-paying stocks. If you need the income to supplement your cash flow, you can cash the dividend checks. And since some companies tend

Jamming in Ivory Perry Park

Ivory

King

Free community concerts every 4th Sunday, June through August

American staff

The name of community activist Ivory Perry stays alive in a city park in North St. Louis and a summer concert series that enters its 11th year with the first concert this season on Sunday, June 23.

Opening night gets started at 5 p.m. with steel drumming by Nigel Thomas, health screenings, and more. At 6 p.m. King Omowale and the Majestic Lions will take the stage to play their fresh style of roots reggae with highlights of fusion, R&B, contemporary, gospel and rock.

“King Omowale is a reggae icon in Los

Angeles and the Caribbean and

turn into a dance floor on Sunday, August 25 with Boogie Chyld, St. Louis’ No. 1 funk and disco band.

See JAMMING, C5

‘The Liberation’ of Mary J. Blige

Queen of Hip-Hop Soul holds down Chaifetz Arena

By Jami B. Dolby For The St. Louis American

In a show that proves Mary J. Blige is ready for a Las Vegas residency, the Queen of Hip-Hop Soul was in top form with a performance that captured and maintained the attention of nearly 4,000 fans Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena.

Blige returned to St. Louis as part of the second leg of her “The Liberation Tour,” which kicked off last summer. Chrisette Michelle, Eric Benet and newcomer Bridget Kelly accompanied Blige as the opening entertainment.

A pre-recorded motivational-like speech opened her set, then segued into her rendition of Chaka Khan’s “Ain’t Nobody.”

Without wasting any time, Blige then dove right into her dance hit “Family Affair” from her 2001 No More Drama album.

The hits kept coming as she performed “Enough Cryin’” and “Real Love” while she rocked the stage showing off her toned figure in a fitted black jumpsuit and knee-high boots.

While she didn’t elaborate on the particular situation, Blige told her fans she could care less what media outlets have to say about her. It’s safe to assume she was referring to her recent tax woes that made headlines, but before the audience had an opportunity to ponder she returned to the music.

The mature crowd appreciated her when Blige covered “Outstanding,” and she made sure to shout out Charlie Wilson, lead singer for the Gap Band, who made the song popular.

Faulk hosts Golf Classic

‘Champion’

is a technical knockout

Production compensates for musical strain in Opera Theatre premiere

By

Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American Opera Theatre of Saint Louis commissioning and producing the world premiere of Champion showed the same audacity as fighters who lace up and enter the boxing ring. An opera about prizefighting would be ambitious in its own right, but Champion is much more: it’s an opera about a black gay boxer (Emile Griffith) whose music was composed by a jazz musician (Terence Blanchard) who had never written an opera before this commission.

Librettist Michael Cristofer’s storyline is compelling, but Griffith’s life had dramatic climaxes any fiction writer would envy. An orphan

The

Perry Park Concert Series features

Omowale and the Majestic Lions (June 23), Soulard Blues Band featuring Marty Abdullah (July 28) and Boogie Chyld - shown above (August 25).

Jackie Joyner Kersee catching up with old friend Maurice Foxworth at the 2nd Annual Lumiere Place Golf Classic hosted by Marshall Faulk. Photo by Synergy Productions

Dana G. Randolph

Aubrey Allicock as Young Emile Grifith in Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ 2013 World Premiere of Champion.

Photo © Ken Howard, 2013

Mary J. Blige was in top form with a performance that captured and maintained the attention of nearly 4,000 fans Saturday night at Chaifetz Arena.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Fri., June 21, 7:30 & 9:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Adaron “Pops” Jackson & Phil Dunlap. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 534-3663.

Sat., July 6, 7:30 p.m., The Whispers featuring The Coleman Hughes Project and Adrienne Felton, Khorassan Room, Chase Park Plaza. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com

Sat., July 6, 8 p.m., The Old Rock House welcomes Twista, The Old Rock House. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

July 27, 8 p.m., All White AffairConcert and Party starring Tank, Ginuwine and Tyrese, Chaifetz Arena. Tickets on sale Thursday, June 20 at 10 a.m. at TheChaifetzArena.com, the Chaifetz Arena box office and charge by phone at 314-5341111.

Oct. 8, Live Nation presents the “So You Want ATour?” tourstarring Drake with special guest Miguel. Tickets on sale Friday, June 28. For more information, visit www.livenation.com

local gigs

Fri., June 21, 8 p.m. (7 p.m. doors) Café Soul Live at The Pageant starring The Dirty Muggs and featuringTheresa Payne, Tiffany Elle, Kenny DeShields, Tish Haynes, Corey Black, Justin Hoskins, Motre, Will Robinson, Robia IggNhyte, Crisis (Kent), Ali and more. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar. For VIPcall 314.504.7405 or 314.599.0958 for more information.

June 22, 9 p.m., Smooth Jazz and Blues with ColemanHughes project featuring

Adrienne Felton, Backstreet Jazz and Blues Club,610 Westport Plaza, St. Louis, MO 63146. For more information call (314) 496-7751 or e-mail, jmspoon811@sbcglobal.net

Sat., July 12 – Sun., July 13, Jazz St. Louis presents and Jazz at The Bistro welcomes Anita Jackson, Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

special events

Fri., Jun. 21, 5 p.m., Sistahs Entertaining U Summer Session Cocktail Party, THE SOUND BAR, 11836 West Florissant (at Halls Ferry).

Fri., June 21 – Sun. June 23, RollinForBackstoppers Weekend, Fri., June 21, 8 p.m., RFB Kick Off Gala, The Coliseum 2619 Washington Ave.;

Sat., June 22, 9 p.m. “Get YourRoll On” Skate Party featuring STL’s Finest, Skate King (6100 Natural Bridge).; Sun., June 23, 9 a.m. “Roll of Remembrance” Motorcycle ride, Hosted by the Regulators Motorcycle Club and featuring several other St. Louis area motorcycle groups. Registration begins at 9 a.m. at Skate King. Sunday’s festivities will also include a Corvette show, kickball and family fun for all.For more information about the RFB schedule events and entry fees, call (314)-669-4182.

Fri., June 21, 9 p.m. doors, Ivy League Entertainment is back at it with Southern Hospitality, AMusic Tribute to the South. Lola featuring The Vaporz and DJ Stan Da Man on ONE STAGE and DJ NUNE AND Thelonius Kryptonite rocking in the back. Come celebrate an all out dedication to the south as we take

CALENDAR

The

you through multiple southern cities showing you the versatility in the music and different artist representing each city with a nostalgic feel. Lola, 500 14th St.

Sat., June 22, 4 p.m. North County Community Festival, The City of Black Jack, the St. Louis County Police Department and Cars 4 Kids have teamed up to bring the community the North County Community. Jamestown Mall. For more information, please contact Randy Gardner at 314599-4020

Sat., June 22, 8 p.m., Baden’s Finest All White Affair, Sweetie Pies Upper Crust. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Sat., June 22, 9 p.m., Nelly presents Real Husbands of Hollywood Cast Party. Ameristar Casino Night Club, 1 Ameristar Blvd., 63301. For more information, call (636) 940-4300.

Through June 23, St. Louis Symphony presents Circus Flora’s ATrip to the Moon In its 27th big top production, St. Louis’own Circus Flora goes where no circus has gone before: to the moon. Inspired by Georges Méliès’groundbreaking 1902 film, ATrip to the Moon, Circus Flora’s creative team captures the film’s imaginative spirit under the big top. Powell Symphony Hall, 718 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 289-4040.

Thurs., June 27, 11 a.m., National Black MBA, St. Louis Chapter14th Annual Scholarship Golf Tournament, USAOlympian Triple Jump Gold Medalist, Al Joyner will host the event and will kick-off a great day of golf with lunch and networking at noon. Our Honorary Chairs, Alvin Reid, ESPN Sportscaster and Tony Softli, 101 NFLInsider, St. Louis Rams Sideline Reporter, will present team awards and contest prizes at the awards reception. Forest Park at the Forest

Séance Company has announced Washington & 15th street as the setting of its next fashion event – which will feature ninefashion designers and two visual artists. Tickets can be conveniently purchased online at www.luminosityfashionproduction.Eventbrite.com

July 4 – July 7, Essence Music Festival group travel, Seats will fill fast (only 45 seats available)! All prices are per person & include: (visit site) Roundtrip bus fare, 4 days/3 night’s deluxe hotel accommodations. For more information or to book visit http://qwiktripps.com/index.ph p/component/k2/item/10essence-fest-2013

July 12 – July 14, Tee Masters Golf Club proudly presents: The Bell Will Ring No More 31st Annual Golf Tournament in memory of Black Legends of Golf Probstein Golf Course Forest Park Registration Options: Online: gatewaygolfassociation.org or contact Anthony Coleman at 314-437-1906 and/or anthony_coleman@us.aflac.co m or Charles Smith at 314.853.5091 and/or Csmithjr57@gmail.com

Park Golf Course, 63131 Lagoon Drive. Register by June 15 and save $10 per person or $40 per team. Visit www.stlblackmba.org for more information and/or to register.

June 28, K.I.S.S. QUEEN FOR THE DAYFIT-SPA RETREAT, Let go of everything and immerse yourself in a different world - one where you are nurtured, guided, and restored to your best self. Participants will receive a thirty minute spa service, a choice of fitness classes, and a light lunch cuisine sure to please picky palates. K.I.S.S. FITNESS STUDIO CAFE AND SPA, 2318 N. US Hwy 67 Florissant, MO 63033. For more information, visit http://kissqueenfortheday.event brite.com.

Sat., June 29, 12 noon, Beaumont High School Class of 1969 45th Reunion Planning Meeting, Royal Vagabond Club, 4315 Westminister Pl. St. Louis, Mo 63108. For more information, e-mail, donniecheryl70@gmail.com

Sun., June 30, 4 p.m., Blaq

Sat., July 13, 6 p.m. The Igbo Community of Nigeria in St Louis presents Igbo Cultural Day, Bridgeton Banquet Center 12259 Natural Bridge Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044. For more information, call Mrs. Otuoma Onyema314283-2974, Mrs. Stella Oparaji 314-303-9931 or Dr. Isaac Onyema314-443-3544.

Jul. 21, 3rd Annual I’m A SurvivorAll White Cancer Gala, The History Museum in Forest Park. For more information, visit www.survivorstl.com.

literary

Thurs., Aug. 1, 7 p.m., Shirley Bradford Leflore reads and discusses herbook of poetry “Brassbones and Rainbows.” LeFlore, a founding member of the Black Artist Group, has been actively involved in the St. Louis performance art community over the past 5 decades, St. Louis Public Library - Schlafly Branch,225 N. Euclid Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108. The New African Paradigm Study Group will meet every 3rd Sunday forbook study. Sabayet, 4000 Maffitt. They are starting a new book, “The first Americans Were Africans: Documented Evidence,” by David Imhotep, Ph.D.

Whispers featuring The Coleman Hughes Project and Adrienne Felton.See CONCERTS for details.

Thurs., July 11, The All Star Comedy Kick Off featuring Joe Torry, Melanie Camarcho and more, The Ambassador. Formore information, visit www.metrotix.com orcall (314) 534-1111

theatre

Thur., June 20 7 p.m., Love & Happiness. In this comedic drama, Sylvester and Linda McCoy are celebrating 40 years of marriage and have a strong family unit. That is what they thought until their three daughters experience the highs and lows of love and relationships. Harris Stowe State University, 3026 Laclede Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 717-1782.

June 20 – 23, Three Fifs presents The Fugitive Slave Act. At one point, AfricanAmericans were considered three-fifths of a person. As time has progressed, the plantation has been replaced with the penitentiary, and that other two-fifths seems to be just as elusive now as it was 150 years ago. This theatrical hiphop performance explores what it takes to become something more. Fubar Fancher, 3108 Locust Blvd., 63103. For more information, call (314) 643-7853.

Through June 27, Broadway

Treasures: Lerner& Loewe

The four blockbuster shows of Lerner & Loewe rival those of Rodgers and Hammerstein. We will focus on Brigadoon, My Fair Lady, Camelot and Gigi in this program of anecdotes sprinkled in with lots of discussion and music. Session 1 and Session 2 each cover different shows and material. Forest Park OASIS. For more information, visit www.oasisnet.org/stlouis

June 28 – July 14, Gitana presents So Yo, An Afro Latina Suite, written by Mariah Richardson and directed by Vivian Anderson Watt, Kranzberg Arts Center, 501 N. Grand. For more information, visit www.gitanainc.org or call (314) 721-6556.

Through June 29, 8 p.m. The First Ladies, Stella is young and ditzy and Vivian is holier than thou. Honey is high maintenance and Priscilla is a homebody. Riley is ghetto fabulous and Kenya is well balanced. What do they have in common? They are: The First Ladies! City of Refuge

Christian Church, 1208 N Sarah St. Louis, MO 63113. For more information, visit http://www.kdwilson.net

Through June 30, The St. Louis Black Repertory Company presents The Wiz, The Grandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Square, 63108. For more information, call (314) 534-3810 or visit www.metrotix.com

Through June 30, Opera Theatre of St. Louis presents the world premiere of Champion by Terence Blanchard & Michael Cristofer. Inspired by the true story of Emile Griffith, an immigrant from the Virgin Islands. Emile claimed the title of World Welterweight Champion in a fatal 1962 fight, which transformed him into a tragic hero and left the two-year old son of his opponent, Benny “The Kid” Paret, without a father. 210 Hazel Ave., 63119. For more information, call (314) 961-0171 or visit http://www.opera-stl.org/.

July 11 - July 14, JPEK Creative Works presents Through The Eyes, a dramatic journey of love, destruction and truth.Based on a true-life story.... This is a free event; however, a ticket is REQUIRED for entry.

Seating is limited.There are a total of 4 shows to choose from 1 Friday-8pm, 2 Saturday 3pm and 8pm, Sunday 4pm. Kranzberg Theatre (inside of Big Brother Big Sisters) 501 North Grand Boulevard St. Louis, MO 63108. Please go to www.jpek-tte.eventbrite.com to get your ticket.

lectures

Through June 20, 9 a.m., UMSLFundraising Institute 2013. The most up-to-date information on current fundraising practices with 6 sessions in 4 days including: Grant Writing, Planned Giving, Fundraising Ethics, Special Event Planning & a panel discussion with representatives from tax-funded boards including St. Louis-Jefferson Solid Waste Management District, St. Louis Developmental Disability Resources, St. Louis Mental Health Board, Regional Arts Commission, St. Louis city Affordable Housing Commission. JC Penney Conference Center, One University Blvd., 63121. For more information, call (314) 516-5655.

Thur., June 20, 6 p.m., National Black MBASt. Louis Chapter presents Professional Development

Series: Building a Diverse Pipeline in St. Louis. Valerie E. Patton, VPand Executive Director of St. Louis Business Diversity Initiative will address important professional development questions facing most business executives today. Come to the event to learn the answers to the following questions: How can a person advance his/her career in St. Louis? How does St. Louis compare to other metropolitan cities regarding diversity and inclusion? What are the benefits of remaining in St. Louis. The Griot Museum of Black History, 2505 St. Louis Ave., 63106. For more information, call (636) 230-2404 or visit www.stlblackmba.org.

Wed., June 26 4:30 p.m., StL Village Invites Community to Information Program at Brown-Kortkamp Realty, An information program and informal gathering to describe steps to bring the “Village” movement to St. Louis, StLVillage is a non-profit, member-driven organization for people 50+ who want to continue to live in their homes in a socially connected, vibrant, healthy, fun and secure way, with access to activities and support services as needed over the years. It is now in the development stage and will begin operations in June, 2014. Brown-Kortkamp Realty, 4709 Delmar Blvd.

Through June 26, 1 p.m., U.S. Foreign Policy from Washington to Obama, This survey class will focus on the United States Constitution and foreign policy. Topics to be explored include the making of foreign policy, the aims and objectives of foreign policy, policies of 16 presidents, the role of political parties. We

Thurs.,July

11,The All Star Comedy Kick Off featuring Joe Torry,Melanie Camarcho and more. See COMEDY for more information.

health

Thurs. June 20, 9:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m., Free Diabetes Screenings by Christian Hospital at Edward Jones YMCA, No fasting required; a glucose or A1C screening, body mass index and blood pressure check. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call 314747-WELL(314-747-9355) or toll-free 877-747-9355.

For more information: 314837-7878

The 11th Annual March of Dimes Metro-East Bikers for Babies is July 27th! Start your engines at Ted’s Motorcycle World in Alton and end at Hawg Pitt BBQ Barn in Grafton! Registration starts at 9:00am, kick-stands up at Noon!Take a ride down the Great River Road and support stronger, healthier babies.To pre-register, donate or learn more, please visit: www.bikersforbabiesmetroeast.org

will conclude with a look at our 44th president as he enters his second term in office.Clayton OASIS 123. For more information, visit www.oasisnet.org/stlouis

July 13, 20 and 27, 9:30 a.m., Woman’s Place will offer a free, 3-session series for adult women who want to release their fears, boost their selfesteem, befriend themselves and expand their human potential. Group will meet for 3 Saturdays - July 13, 20 & 27, from 9:30 to 11:30 am. Preregistration is required. Space is limited. Call by July 10. 314-645-4848. Visit our website at www.womansplacestl.org

Wed., Jul. 17 – Sat., July 20, 9 a.m., National Black State Troopers Coalition 28th Annual SummerTraining Conference & Membership Meeting, Providing members with personal enrichment, professional development skills, through training, networking, community service and history. This year’s theme is “Mentoring: Aclear Vision Today, For Tomorrow.” Active and retired state troopers from various states, many of america’s first black state troopers. Join us for our Public Safety Event, Saturday, July 20, 2013, Location-TBA. Follow us on FaceBook @ National Black State Troopers Coalition. The Renaissance Hotel St. Louis Airport, 9801 Natural Bridge Road St. Louis, MO. For more information, e-mail NBSTC.President@gmail.com

June 24, July 1, July 8 and July 15, 1 p.m. MU Extension’s Eat Well Be Well with Diabetes, this series of 4 classes provides practical information and skills needed to manage diabetes and promote optimal health. It also benefits spouses and other family members of those with diabetes. As a participant in the class you will learn how to manage your blood sugar, meal-planning and the importance of diabetes self-care. 10650 Gateway Boulevard, Creve Coeur, MO 63132. Cost is $30. Contact Damaris Karanja at 314-400-7298 or email karanjad@missouri.edu

Wed. June 26, 9:30 a.m. –12:30 p.m., Free Diabetes Screenings by Christian Hospital at Hidden Lake Lutheran Services, 11728 Hidden Lake Drive, St. Louis, 63138.No fasting required; a glucose or A1C screening, body mass index and blood pressure check. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call 314747-WELL(314-747-9355) or toll-free 877-747-9355.

Sat., June 29, 1 p.m., St. Jude Children Research Hospital Annual Fashion Show Gala, St. Douglas Church, 5945 W. Florissant. Models, rappers, singers and dancers may inquire (314) 537-0239.

Sat, July 27th 11-3pm, Trinity Mt Carmel Church presents: Healthy Families 2013Health & Back To School Fair. This event will offer free cancer screenings for men & women, diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol, hearing, vision, dental and healthy eating and exercising tips. Free school supplies, haircuts & safety helmets will be given out to the children along with free food, entertainment and giveaways for all.Over 40 participating vendors on site:

Sat., June 22, 8 a.m., The Word Made Alive 2013: Yes I Rise! Aone-day, GodDesigned experience empowering women with total victory over life’s daily deceptions. Embassy Suites St. Louis Airport, 11237 Lone Eagle Dr., 63044. For more information, call (314) 368-6345 or email thewordmadealive@gmail. com

June 23, 9:30 a.m., St. Matthew the Apostle church in North St. Louis is dedicating a Shrine of St. Peter Claver that the parish and the Knights and Ladies of Peter Claver have built. Peter Claver, was a Jesuit priest who was canonized and elevated to Sainthood in 1888. Father Claver was responsible for baptizing over 3,000 slaves who survived the treacherous “middle passage” from Africa. St. Matthew the Apostle Church, 2715 Sarah Street, St. Louis, MO 63113. For more information, call (314) 531-6443

Sunday, June 23, 3 p.m., Memorial M.B. Church (Rev. Joffre’Swinney, Pastor) presents its 82nd Church Anniversary, Memorial M.B. Church, 4001 Fair Ave. Sun., June 23, 8 a.m., Southern Mission Baptist Church Young Adult Annual Day, Southern Mission Baptist Church (SMBC),8171 Wesley Ave., Kinloch, MO. For more information, call (314) 5223951.

July 21, 3 p.m. doors, Grammy Award WinningThe Jackson SouthernairesLIVE in Concert with St. Louis own HIGHLY FAVOR’D and other musical guests, Prince of Peace Church. For tickets or more information, call the church office at (314) 669-2419.

MARY

Continued from C1

Blige brought fans to their knees during her own classics, too, and kept their attention just enough as she sang some of her newer hits, including “Mr. Wrong” from her latest album, My Life II…The Journey Continues (Act I). “Not Gon Cry” from the Waiting To Exhale soundtrack caused every woman to leap from their seats. She still makes great hits, but her classics are what keep fans coming to her live shows. Overall, the performance left fans longing for more of the Mary who captured the music world’s attention in the early

‘90s, thanks to hits like “Reminisce” and “What’s The 411.”

Blige’s trio of opening acts also were mostly impressive.

Kelly – first known for singing “Empire State of Mind” with Jay-Z in the absence of Alicia Keys – had just enough time to perform her debut single “Special Delivery” and a surprising cover of Lauryn Hill’s “Ex Factor.”

Michele displayed her versatile vocal skills with a scat segment during a performance of her breakout hit “If I Have My Way” from her debut album I

Am. She performed a variety of hits, including “Charades,” which features 2 Chaniz, from her newest CD Better, which was released last week (June 11).

Jay Lamont entertained the crowd

with his predictable act of singing old classics during his standup comedy routine. It was surprisingly received well from the crowd who was a bit too generous with the laughter. Capitalizing on his strong St. Louis following, Benet didn’t waste any time capturing the hearts of every woman by starting his set with “Love Don’t Love Me.” His flirtatious personality was evident through his interaction with the crowd while he performed as though he were in an intimate room of fans. He almost lost the crowd with his stale humor as he tried to offer an impression of a St. Louis accent, but redeemed himself with a performance of his urban soul cult classic “Chocolate Legs,” which he described as two of his favorite things.

CHAMP

Continued from C1

children his mother left with various relatives across the Caribbean island of St. Thomas – Griffith came to New York with dreams of making a life for himself as a hat maker. He wound up becoming a world champion boxer instead –and delivering a killing blow to an opponent at the pinnacle of his career.

All the while, Griffith contended with racism and segregation and struggled with his homosexuality as he competed in the most brutal and masculine of all professional sports.

In the world premiere staged Saturday night at the Loretto-Hilton, Arthur Woodley possessed the focus and dedication to character necessary to capture the mature Griffith’s emotional complexity and suffering. Aubrey Allicock displayed convincing charisma as the younger

Emile. Jordan Jones gave aching musical expressions to Griffith’s miserable childhood as a prepubescent Emile.

Denyce Graves was a commanding force as Griffith’s mother Emelda. She leapt from whimsical charm as an American immigrant to haunting portrayals of her impoverished upbringing in St. Thomas.

Chabrelle Williams also was a standout in her dual roles as Griffith’s wife Sadie and his cousin Blanche. She showed the potential of a rising diva in a duet with Graves.

The production was a technical knockout. Audiences at first expect an intimate, minimalistic set as they see a black box with a bright red heavy bag dangling from center stage. However, they receive a fullfledged multi-media experience thanks to the lighting design of Christopher Akerlind and the scenic design of James Schuette.

Ropes made from rays of light and an intricately choreographed rotating set catches the viewer offguard without approaching sensory

Spotlight on Bayard Rustin

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“People don’t know that Bayard Rustin was the one that taught Martin Luther King the idea of non-violence, which is what he got from Gandhi,” said Fanny Lebby, co-founder of A Call to Consciousness theatre troupe and director of “Out from the Shadows.”

As a part of the Missouri History Museum’s “Avenues of Activism” series, A Call to Consciousness will present the 10-minute play about Rustin to compliment the museum’s screening of “Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin.”

overload. Multimedia footage of fights and news reports added authenticity. For all its triumphs, Champion fell short musically. Influences borrowed from jazz, hip-hop and AfroCaribbean beats added an interesting variety, but the Americanization of the arias left little by way of rich vibrato. The voices jarred with the orchestra. Chord progressions failed to flow naturally, and keys changed in ways that strained the singers’ voices.

Some opera purists and classical vocal music lovers may leave underwhelmed at Blanchard’s artistry in this medium. But the production value – coupled with Cristofer’s compelling libretto – compensated for the musical shortcomings.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ presentation of world-premiere of Champion continues through June 30 at the Loretto-Hilton theatre, Edgar Road. For more information, visit www.opera-stl.org or call (314) 9610644.

“I had been down to the King Center in Atlanta,” said Mark Albrecht, cofounder and company member of A Call to Consciousness.

“I had heard something about Bayard in one of my classes and was just blown away by what he did. I was looking at the footprints – which have all of these civil rights leaders – I was particularly looking for Bayard’s footprints along with everyone else’s. They weren’t there.”

He thought he knew why. As a gay man, Rustin was marginalized in the Civil Rights Movement.

“That immediately angered me,” Albrecht said. “I figured out the politics of it right away – it’s because of his sexual orientation.”

Albrecht was speaking about his experience with activist and director Joan Lipkin and they came together –with the help of the History Museum – to present Rustin’s story to St. Louis audiences.

An openly gay civil rights activist in the early 1960s, Rustin worked closely with Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and is often credited with organizing the 1963 March on Washington. As the nation approaches

the 50th anniversary of that iconic moment in American history, Rustin’s contributions are little-known.

“You see in the extortion part in the documentary about Martin being threatened with a rumor about an affair between him and Bayard,” Albrecht said.

“And that’s when you see Martin severed ways with Rustin in the movement,” Lebby chimed in.

“Out From the Shadows” stars Albrecht, Peggy Calvin, J. Samuel Davis and Dennis Lebby.

“Our format is based on the fact that we are reading from the person’s actual words,” said company co-founder Linda Smith.

Lebby said, “We figured if you entertain while you are trying to educate, then that will raise the audience’s awareness and hopefully spur them into working towards social change.”

They plan to highlight individuals, like Rustin, who have been overlooked.

“We need to get people to understand that it’s not over,” Albrecht said. “You know, you’ve heard it a thousand times – ‘if you don’t learn your history, you are doomed to repeat it.’ And young people need to understand that it wasn’t just Martin, Malcolm and Rosa. There were hundreds of thousands of people who came together to make change happen.”

Missouri History Museum’s presentation of its Avenues of Activism series will continue with the presentation of Brother Outsider: The Life of Bayard Rustin, A Call to Consciousness’ “Out of the Shadows” and post show discussion will take place on Monday, June 24 at 6 p.m. at the Missouri History Museum in Forest Park. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org

A Call to Consciousness actors Peggy Calvin, J. Samuel Davis, Dennis Lebby and director Fannie Lebby rehearse for their upcoming production of ‘Out From The Shadows.’ The ten-minute play will be performed as part of the Missouri History Museum’s Avenues to Activism event honoring the life of Bayard Rustin.

(L to R) Victor Ryan Robertson as Benny “The Kid” Paret, Robert Orth as Howie Albert, Aubrey Allicock as Young Emile Griffith, Denyce Graves as Emelda Griffith, and Arthur Woodley as Emile Griffith (above) in Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ 2013 World Premiere of Champion. Photo © Ken Howard, 2013

Continued from C1

Calloway, Esq., Scott Rosenblum, Esq., Alliance Sports CEO and Marshall’s agent Rocky Arceneaux former St. Louisans Mike and Roz Dupre (New Orleans), Honorable Tishaura Jones and proud Dad Virvus Jones, Ken Carter, Esq.(New Orleans), Mark Thierry – CEO Red Styxx/Driven (Houston), Rick Lewis –President Redd Styxx (DC) and Michael Lu (Driven/Houston).

Marshall invited a few of his celebrity friends and they came out to support the weekend that benefits the Marshall Faulk Foundation. A few of those included East St. Louis’ own Jackie Joyner Kersee, St. Louis’ own Nelly, NFL Hall of Famer Eric Dickerson, former Ram Jerome “The Bus” Bettis, Donald Penn – Tampa Bay Bucs, Richard Roundtree (SHAFT), Eugene Amano (Tennessee Titans), Michael Roos (Tennessee Titans), The Wire’s Wendell Pierce, former Dallas Cowboy Emmitt Smith, former Ram Orlando Pace, former Blue Tony Twist Fresh Prince of Bel Air’s Alphonso Ribeiro and his lovely wife Angela, Jamie Chung (One Upon A Time), Comedian/Actor Anthony Anderson (HBO’s Treme) and former Ram Tory Holt Marshall was pleased with the event’s success and is looking forward to next year. Chuck Jackson’s Fox Sports Midwest taped during the festivities and a special premier will air on that channel on June 28 at 7:30 p.m.

The St. Louis chapter of Carrousels, Inc. held their last meeting before summer break in the popular NeimanMarcus Zodiac Room. Stylish “Handbags” were the theme of the gathering. Hostesses Belma Givens PC Gwen Key, Cheryl Young and Jane Hutcherson asked members to model their favorite stylish

IVORY

Continued from C1

The Ivory Perry Park Concert Series is presented by Union Communion Ministries, compliments of the Whitaker Foundation, Commerce Bank, The Regional Arts Commission, The Missouri Arts Council, Westminster Presbyterian Church (USA), Pilgrim Congregational Church (UCC), Union Avenue Christian Church (DOC), 26th Ward Alderman, Frank

bags. Neiman staff also gave attendees an exclusive preview of the pre-fall collection that included some exciting and fashionable designer bags. Members enjoyed a delicious lunch and lots of mingling. Prizes were won by Mary A. Polk, Stacey Givens Woolfolk, Bettye Reed and Andrea JohnsonLee, St. Louis chapter president. Joyce Price was the grand prize winner for her lovely floral handbag. Gifts abounded for all members/ guests including Angela Rhone, Ruth Lewis, Peggy Proctor, Karen Watkins, Diane Nathan, Cheryl Jones, Angela Quigless, France “Cookie” Whitfield, Barbara Noble and Frances Gooden. All of these lucky ladies received special gifts from Neiman from the hostesses. Roy Jerome Williams III, son of Shelia Batey Williams and Dr. Roy Jerome Williams Jr. earned his Master’s Degree in City Planning from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) on June

Williamson; The Presbytery of Giddings-Lovejoy, the St. Louis Association of the MO. Mid South Conference of the UCC, the Jewish Fund for Human Needs and the City of St. Louis.

“This is a unique and special event that brings people from all walks of life, race and class together,” organizer promise. “Music has a way of helping people identify how more alike they are than different.”

For all shows, pre-concert activities are at 5 p.m. and the bands will take the stage at 6 p.m. Guest are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket. Food and beverages will be on

7. Mom, Dad and his Aunt Mignon were all in attendance during the ceremony. The well-wishers had to brave a torrential rain storm en route. RJ will remain in Boston this summer to manage the development of a projectbased curriculum that will allow construction workers, managers and other related employees to obtain GEDs. RJ is the grandson of Carol Nelson Williams and the late Dr. Roy Jerome Williams Sr. Congratulations, RJ! Native St. Louisan Michelle Wilson (Houston) is coming to town to host the first annual Christian Woman’s Retreat to be held at the Pallantine Renewal Center July 12-13. The theme of the conference sponsored by S.I.S. is We Walk by Faith, Not By Site (2 Corinthians 5:7). S.I.S. Prays, Inc. is a non-profit organization. For additional information, call 314-566-9662 or email sisprays@yahoo.com dgrandolph@live.com

hand for purchase, along with free activities for the children.

If you would like to support a local food pantry, bring a nonperishable food donation to any of the concerts.

The events will be held outdoors at Ivory Perry Park, located at 800 N. Belt, two blocks north of Delmar and Belt (down the street from ConnectCare). In the event of inclement weather, the concerts will be held in the gymnasium of ConnectCare, 5560 Enright. For more information, visit www.ivoryperrypark.com or call Archilla Buford at 314367-2112.

Alfonso Ribeiro and Marshall Faulk at the 2nd Annual Lumiere Place Golf Classic hosted by Faulk.

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Birthdays!

Happy 90th Birthday to Bro. James Stowers, last surviving of 15 children born to Annie and John Stowers on June 23, 1923 in Macon, Mississippi. God kept him for a reason. Love, Your family

Centenarians

Lucille Hall recently celebrated her 106th birthday at home with family and friends.She enjoys playing the piano, dancing and reading her Bible.She is and inspiration to us all! We love you very much! From, Your daughter

Beaumont High School Class of 1973 is holding its 40th reunion on Aug. 16-17. We’re seeking to contactall classmates interested in attending.Contact Randy Sanderson, at 314-393-8510, rsanderson1954@sbcglobal.n et or Shelia Owens Pargo, 314-724-0073, sheliap4@sbcglobal.net

Beaumont Classes of 1965, 1966 and 1967 join us for dinner and dancing at the Embassy Suites Hotel (St. Louis Airport) on October 12, 2013 from 7:30pm to 12:30am. Hosted by Beaumont Class of 1966. For further information contact: Jacque’Hughes-Hayes 314-971-7012 orJosh Beeks 314-303-0791.

Beaumont High School Class of 1983, Save the Date! Please prepare for our 30 year Class Reunionon October 4, 5, and 6.Please send emails with home address to bhsco1983@gmail

Bernice Berry celebrated her 102nd birthday on June 18. She still lives independently and does her own cooking. She is a member of Memorial Missionary Baptist Church. Mother Berry reminds us constantly that she has been traveling this road for a long time and she’s not tired yet.

Happy Birthday to (Mr. GQ) CooperC. Boyd on June 20. You are truly an inspiration to others with your kind heart and big smile. May God continue to bless you with many more.

Love, Your wife Tia, family & friends

Anniversary

Sharon and Tim Lewis celebrated their 24th wedding anniversary on June 17. Sharon also celebrated her birthday on June 18. Love you Sharon and Tim!

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

Banquet at Yacovelli’s. The deadline for ticket sales is June 19, 2013. No tickets sold at the door. For more information contact L. Haywood at 314831-6250 or asims4@charter.net.

Soldan High School Class of 1961 will celebrate its 52nd Anniversary High School Class Reunion, September 68, 2013. To register or obtain additional information, please contact Ellen Vernor, 314361-1535 or e-mail Lynn Steele – steelelynn@aol.com. All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

HomerG. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc. will celebrate its 90th Anniversary June 2122, 2013 at the Hilton Garden InnSt. Louis Airport,

Northwest High School Class of 1973 will celebrate its 40th Class Reunion July 19-21, 2013.If you have not received the specific details, pleasesend your contact information including email address, phone and mailing address to northwesths1973@gmail.com. Information has also been posted on Classmates.com and Facebook Group: Northwest High School 1973. If you have questions feel free to call Cornelia Clark Stephens at 314 580-1114.

Soldan is having its 9th AllClass Alumni Picnic Saturday, August 10, 2013 at Blanchette Park in St. Charles, MO, from 10 am- 6 pm. The price is $10 adults, $5 4yrs - 12yrs, free 3 and under. T-shirts with the graduation year on the sleeve are $13. This picnic is for all who attended Soldan High School. For more information call (314) 413-9088 or (314) 3226406.

Soldan Class of 1963 will host its 50 Year Reunion August 2-3 2013at the Renaissance Airport Hotel, St. Louis, MO. To register or obtain additional information, please contact: Walter McElroy at 314-725-9335 or Joe DuBose at 314-727-3951.

SumnerClass of 1974 is planning its 40th class reunion. Meetings are held each 3rd Saturday of the month at 2 pm at New Beginnings MB Church,4055 Edmundson (63134) Please contact Portia Bryant at bryantpd@swbell.net, (314)867-1131 or Jackie Irving at ji63113@yahoo.com, (314) 367-2570.

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 4242 Lindell Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63108. Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Religion

Pastor launches Initiative to Reduce Violence

B.T. Rice joined

by

retired St. Louis Police Chief Dan Isom

American staff

The St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence, led by Pastor B.T. Rice of New Horizon Christian Church, recently launched a pilot program in Jennings and District 6 of the City of St. Louis, which includes the neighborhoods of Baden, Calvary-Bellefontaine Cemeteries, Mark Twain, Mark Twain I-70, North Point, North Riverfront, O’Fallon Park, Penrose, Penrose Park, Riverview, Walnut Park East, Walnut Park West and portions of O’Fallon..

The St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence (SIRV) is a grassroots effort to increase community safety, engage youth to build trust, and increase the quality of life for families and communities. The program will initially serve Jennings and District 6, with the long-term goal to expand to other communities in the St. Louis area.

The initiative was created by Pastor Rice, who is also 1st vice president and chairman of Police Affairs for the St. Louis County branch of the NAACP. SIRV brings together an impressive group of St. Louis crime experts and community leaders – including Dan Isom, retired St. Louis police chief and professor of Policing and the Community at University of Missouri-

team in place, I am confident we can initiate the pilot program with success and eventually expand the program to other areas in the city,” said Pastor Rice.

To donate to SIRV, visit www.SIRVstl.org.

Nuns visit landfill in solidarity

The Franciscan Sisters of Mary visited the Bridgeton Sanitary Landfill and the West Lake Landfill on Friday, June 7.

“We are here because we care about the earth and about our neighbors, who depend on having a healthy environment to raise their children,” said Sr. Rose Mary Dowling, president of the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.

St. Louis – with the goal of facilitating communication and trust with the residents in the neighborhoods of Jennings and District 6.

“As a pastor in the area, I have seen first-hand how the culture of violence affects our communities and children,” said Pastor Rice. “Through SIRV, we will encourage families and members of the community to take action against violent crime in their neighborhoods. The time to act is now. I want to see the children outside riding their bikes and playing again. No one should have to live in fear.”

The initiative aims to engage communities through different task forces including those focused on reducing violence, improving behavioral health, reaching out to children and

young adults in schools and engaging the faith-based community.

“Violent crimes remain unacceptably high in both of the pilot regions,” said Isom. “Crimes in District 6 are one and a half times higher than St. Louis city overall and over three times higher in Jennings than in St. Louis County overall. It is necessary that the St. Louis community takes a unified stand to implement solutions to curb violence.”

SIRV has identified and assembled a Board of Directors to help implement the initiative in the target areas. Board members include law enforcement, local school district officials, judges, community leaders and university professors.

“With such an outstanding

“We join them in voicing concern about the risk posed by these landfills in our community.”

For the sisters, the bus trip was part of a two-day focus on the critically dangerous 8,700 tons (think of 100 train cars a mile long) of radioactive waste from the Manhattan Project situated precariously next to the Missouri River flood plain and the area’s supply of drinking water.

The sisters are advocating that the radioactive waste be removed from St. Louis County through the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers’ Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program while the program is still active.

For more information, visit www.fsmonline.org or www. moenviron.org.

InspIratIonal Message

It was April 29, 1992, a day that America will never forget, when the Rodney King verdict was delivered.

Immediately after the verdict of “not guilty,” certain parts of Los Angeles erupted into rioting and looting.

There was a news anchorman by the name of Steve Futterman who wanted to get a closer look at the situation, so he decided to go to the streets where the action was taking place.

He interviewed a man who was looting a store and asked him, “What do you have in your hands?”

you fishers’ of men as of that day you became salt of the earth.” Today Jesus is saying to us: the day we accept him as Lord as of that very moment we have become salt of the earth and light of the world.

The man replied, “Gospel tapes” and looked straight into the camera and said, “I LOVE JESUS.”

My text is about people who love Jesus, but hopefully in a more positive way than this looter.

Jesus defined his followers as the salt of the earth and the light of the world. He didn’t say to them you will become salt of the earth and light of the world in the distant future after you become bishop of a megachurch, write a bestselling book or appear in a Tyler Perry movie.

Jesus was saying to the disciples, “The day I told you to follow me and I will make

In his Sermon on the Mount, Jesus tries to explain to the disciples that the difference was already in them before the foundation of the world. He was just trying to show them how to tap into their spiritual greatness. The difference was in them, and the difference is in you. Not the flawed you or the inconsistent you. I’m talking about the you who’s about to become. On the surface the disciples appeared the same, but not all had the difference. The one (Judas) who people thought was faithful betrayed Jesus with a kiss, and the one (Peter) who people thought was unstable preached on the day of Pentecost and 3,000 souls were saved. The difference made the difference. You can’t make a difference until a difference has been made in you. We are the salt; we are the light. Now let us make a difference!

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

Anthony Jackson

Pastor B.T. Rice of New Horizon Christian Church listens to Dan Isom, retired St. Louis police chief and professor of Policing and the Community at University of MissouriSt. Louis, at the announcement of their new St. Louis Initiative to Reduce Violence. Photo by Wiley Price

American staff

Even before he opened the doors to his 8th annual Career Fair on June 10, U.S. Rep. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) and his special guest, U.S. Rep. Maxine Waters (DCalifornia), greeted a line of eager job seekers that stretched for several blocks outside of the Emerson Performance Center at HarrisStowe State University in midtown St. Louis. By the end of the event, more than 5,000 guests had come through the doors.

“The incredible community response exceeded my greatest hopes for this year’s Career Fair,” said Clay.“I was especially pleased to see the great attitudes of our job seekers who were ready to make the most of this wonderful opportunity. As the economy continues to recover, unemployment and underemployment remains a huge issue in the First Congressional District, and my Career Fair directly addresses that urgent need.”

Job seekers were able to meet with over 100 top St. Louis employers, including the Boeing Company; Ameren; BJC Healthcare Systems; Alberici Construction: World Wide Technology; Centene; Best Buy; Clear Channel Communications; CBS Radio Group; Emmis Communications; the U.S. Marshal Service; the Federal Bureau of Investigation; Edward Jones; and St. Louis Community Credit Union,. For the sixth consecutive year, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management joined the Career Fair lineup by providing a one-stop shop for interested job seekers to apply for, thousands of federal jobs, worldwide.

Job seekers flock to Clay’s CareerFair

Over 100 employers greet more than 5,000 guests

Study:no ‘community college penalty’

The Illinois Education Research Council at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville released a study recently showing that there does not appear to be a disadvantage against community college students transferring to 4-year institutions with regards to bachelor’s degree completion. The study indicated 85 percent of community college transfers earned a bachelor’s degree within five academic years of transitioning to a 4year institution.

The Illinois Education Research Council at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville released a study recently showing that there does not appear to be a disadvantage against community college students transferring to 4-year institutions.

Comparatively, rising four-year juniors completed at a rate of 86 percent during the same time period.

“Based on our findings, there is no evidence to support the notion that a significant community college penalty exists,” said Eric Lichtenberger, associate direc-

tor for research at the IERC and assistant research professor at SIUE. “Community college transfer students were just as likely to complete a bachelor’s degree as 4-year college juniors when matching on key factors.”

Lichtenberger said past studies have garnered mixed

results; some indicating a clear community college penalty exists, while others showing no support for the claim.

“We analyzed bachelor’s degree completion after transfer, while simultaneously controlling for student background characteristics, as well as high school and college contexts,” he said. “In other words, community college transfer students were matched to similar rising four-year college juniors from the same high schools who attended similarly selective four-year colleges.”

“After making sure the groups were similar on key characteristics, the difference in the rate of degree completion was non-significant.”

From a policy perspective, the study indicated policy makers should:

Continue developing baseline information about transfer performance as the state’s longitudinal data system is fully implemented

Set goals for institutional performance related to community college to 4-year transfer rates

Help community college transfer students face their financial aid future by developing information and incentives that fully span their undergraduate enrollment from a community college to a 4year institution.

The study starts with 23,676 Illinois high school graduates from the class of 2003 who went to college and nationally tracks bachelor’s degree completion until the end of 2010.

Acomplete copy of the report is available at siue.edu/ierc/publications/inde x.shtml

ex’treme Institute by Nelly adds programs

Vatterott College ex’treme Institute by Nelly (800 North

3rd Street) is increasing its educational offerings to include two new associate degree programs and two new diploma programs. Each of the new programs allows students to receive training via handson experience for many entrylevel or management positions in music and entertainment. Instructors for the new programs at ex’treme Institute by Nelly are veterans in the music and entertainment industries.

“I think it’s very groundbreaking.I think it’s very innovative” said Nelly about the new programs.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Entertainment & Media Business with Management is designed to prepare students to work in an array of positions in the music industry. In 70 weeks, students are taught the skills of persuasive communication, advertising, public relations, management, marketing, management and sales in the entertainment industry.

The Associate of Applied Science Degree in Recording Engineering & Producing with Management program prepares students with technical proficiency to produce sound recordings for film/video, broadcast, live or mixed media production. Also a 70-week program, students receive instruction in sound equipment operation and maintenance, audio editing, audio recording, audio mixing, sound engineering, beat making, record production and management skills.

“We are an unorthodox institution of learning in being we deal with creativity, we deal with expression, we deal with your inner feelings, and trying to bring that to fruition,” Nelly said.

For those looking for a diploma certificate, ex’treme Institute by Nelly is offering two newly added 50-week programs are available in Entertainment & Media Business and Recording Engineering & Producing. Students in the Entertainment & Media Business diploma program receive training in advertising, public relations, management, marketing and sales within the entertainment industry. The Recording Engineering & Producing program educates students with technical expertise to produce sound recordings for film/video, broadcast, live or mixed media.

“We’re not walking around in suits and uniforms around here because it’s creativity,” Nelly said.“I encourage coming in as you feel.”

Visit www.eibynelly.com or call 314-657-4400 for more information about classes, schedules and enrollment.

Regional Arts Commission

Snap of the Week

and only

All praises to Mary’s shape. Before I say anything about the show, I feel the need to inform everyone that I have been walking the Jennings High School track every morning and chaining myself to the elliptical machine at the Emerson YMCA every night after seeing Mary J. Blige make these video vixens look like a holy hot mess with her painted-on outfit. Somebody said she’s so lean and toned because she’s been giving all of her grocery money to the IRS. Well if that’s the case they can put a lien on me ANY DAY…well, maybe not. Anyway, Mary was giving life – and their money’s worth – to all 1200 of the folks who got a title loan for a ticket for her Liberation Tour’s STL stop at the Chaifetz on Saturday. She ripped it! My only note would be to inform her that nobody is buying My Life II and when you go heavy on that album we get a little agitated because we want to hear the classics instead. But Mary did that thang (yes I said thang) as usual! She always puts on a show, gets in her feelings and shades the haters and manages to hold my attention the entire time.

Opening the Liberation. Her sip of a performance was decent enough for me not to remember anything bad, but let me just say that I really felt sorry for poor little Bridget Kelly in that Kiki Shepherd cat suit after seeing Mary J. in that sickening leather and lycra triumph. Bridget wasn’t mushy or anything, but if I were to compare their shapes I would say Bridget and Mary were giving me a Hydroxycut before and after. And while I’ve made no secret about my unhealthy obsession with Eric Benet, I almost didn’t want to hide in the bushes outside his hotel after hearing his attempts at humor. We all know we hold on to that “r” for dear life when we speak, so you could’ve just used those few “joke” seconds to hit another high note or something. You are beautiful, and you can sing your face off. You don’t have to worry about trying to be funny. Alleged comedian Jay Lamont was giving me the worst of both worlds of the other opening acts by being the opposite of funny and taking me back to “It’s Showtime At The Apollo” circa 1989 with his act. I don’t want to sing along with you – like I’ve done for twenty years. I want you to say something fresh and funny. If I want karaoke I will hit up Ric Louis! If I had to pick a favorite, it would still be Eric Benet (of course) but Chrisette Michele was a close second. That girl’s scat game is official!

What’s new with Wale. Friday evening the folks at Hot (as in Hot 104.1) gave me and a few lucky fans a special treat by allowing us to sit in as Wale came to town to offer a bite-sized sample of his new music during a special meet and greet/listening party at Shock City Studios. Everything was wonderful until the Q&A popped off. “How long have you been growing your dreds?” Girl, how thought provoking. “Are you single?” Wait, is this a listening party or the hip-hop edition of the all new dating game? But I think the lowest came with the girl who begged him to take a picture in what I’m assuming was a custom made graphic t-shirt from her clothing company. Really girl? Free promo by any means necessary….I guess. I wasn’t always this wise, but I can say that if I met one of my favorite performers back in the day that I would have thought of more compelling questions than “Do you use Care Fee Curl or Luster Silk curl activator?” But anyway, it was still worth for me to be there. And contrary to what people have said about his personality, Wale was a good sport about their underwhelming inquiries. He played a few songs bounced around and gave backstories as he gave a sample of his album “Gifted.” There was some heat on there too. Thanks to the Hot folks for hosting him in our city!

Jadakiss and the crew at the Coliseum. I didn’t know that y’all were still checking for him, but Jadakiss had the Coliseum hot and crowded on Friday night as he, a few loose Lox and his hype man/grandfather held it down with a nice set. The dudes in the building looked alright, but the girls came out wearing the same bobby-pinned side swooped roller sets and braided tank tops as when he was really in style. It was all good though, and I had forgotten how much I caught life from his selections.

Fearing for Freddie. Now y’all know I’m quick to shade, but I had to draw the line after seeing Freddie Jackson take to the stage Sunday night at the Coliseum. The seasoned folks were ready to “Jam Tonight,” but when Freddie came out, there was an echo of gasps and “have mercy, what happened.” People kept coming up to me asking me for health updates about him, but I had nothing to tell them. He made a big speech about his weight loss like it was intentional, but he is clearly not well. I can’t do anything wish him the best.

Tupac at the City. I went from submitting prayer requests for Freddie Jackson to getting turned all the way up for Tupac when I made my way to the City. Y’all were up in there acting like your Manic Monday hadn’t already began – the way the folks were pouring it up you would have thought that we were in the throes of a three-day weekend. I really started to feel sorry for some of y’all’s supervisors; because y’all had to have been unproductive and impossible to deal with by the way y’all tore the club up in ‘Pac’s honor. And when they completed Tupac’s catalogue, they headed straight for the trap music vault. Nothing made me happier than being ratchet and mouthing all the lines from “Juice” as it played on the big screens at the same time.

Ciera and April were among the lucky Hot 104.1 listeners to win an opportunity to get up close and personal with rising rap star Wale Friday evening @ Shock City Studios

Tamyka and Ruby kicked off their weekend Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

Hot 104.1’s Mz Janee with sultry songstress Chrisette Michele Saturday afternoon @ The Hot studios

St. Louis’ own Niecy Nash came home to promote her new book and was met by The Soul Man producer Eric Rhone, with his lovely wife Angela Saturday afternoon @ Goody Goody Diner

A-Plus and Boogie D with rising R&B starlet Bridgette Kelly @ Hot 104.1’s studios before she took the stage as part of The Liberation Tour

Mary fans Danielle and Meka were among the stylish crowd who came through to hear some hip-hop soul Saturday night @ The Chaifetz Arena

Cancer Survivors Pat Bowman and Sandra Johnson were greeted by Jarred Cook of the St. Louis Rams as they crossed the finish line Saturday @ The Komen Race for The Cure

The Coliseum celebrated one year with a special performance by Jadakiss and Chris, Teri, Ana and John joined him after the show Friday night

Andre, Gary and Cal came out to unwind Friday night @ The Rustic Goat

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Men and their fear of doctors

To all of the men who have provided sperm for procreation and to the men who more importantly truly lived up to the definition of the word, dad, I wish to express a hearty Happy Belated Father’s Day. For those men who spent time teaching their children how to ride a bike or drive a car, who provided the midnight feedings so their spouses could sleep, who requested that their daughters change clothes when they were too revealing, and for those awesome men who taught their sons how to be a man, we salute each of you! It is with that appreciation that I want to focus our attention this week on the health and well-being of one of God’s greatest creations. If you scan any medical room regardless of its locale or racial demographics, the majority of the people sitting there would be women. The only exception to this rule would be at a veteran’s facility. You would think that since women live longer than men by almost five years, that men would frequent the doctor more so they could improve their odds. However, as we all know that is not the case. In my practice, most of my male clients that present for the first time have done

so either because their loved-one or coworker has harassed him into making an appointment or they have a specific concern.

There have been many theories proposed as to why men do not see the doctor on a regular basis, one of which is stoicism. Men may equate seeing their provider with that of showing vulnerability. My counter offer to this belief is that preventing disease is always easier than trying to treat it. We should remind our male loved ones that independence becomes difficult once a person has multiple illnesses, hospitalizations, etc. Another reason for the lack of participation in the healthcare system by males and the reason probably most cited by my patients is the fear of getting a prostate exam. Apparently, men are not too keen about a 2 ½ to 3 inch finger being inserted into their rectum. I even try to use analogies to ease my male patient’s trepidation about that aspect of their exams. I show them the size of the speculum used in pelvic exams in women and compare that to the size of my finger. I then ask, “Which would you prefer?”

Your Health Matters

A bi-monthly special supplement of the St. Louis American

JUNE 20 - 26, 2013

Your Health Matters provides up-to-date information, from an African-American perspective, about one of the most important subjects in evryone’s life – their personal health.

Donald M. Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, Senior Vice President, COO

Dina M. Suggs, Senior Vice President

Chris King, Editorial Director

Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Medical Accuracy Editor

Sandra Jordan, Health Reporter

Debbie Chase, Director of Health Strategy & Outreach

Onye Ijei, Barb Sills, Pamela Simmons, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, Cover Design

Wiley Price, Photojournalist

I also believe that men must think that when they go to the doctor that as soon as they walk in the room, the doctor will say hello and immediately ask them to bend over and drop their pants! My dear beloved brothers, there is more to a wellness exam than that. There are many other important health topics that need to be addressed, such as heart disease. Cardiovascular disease is still the number one cause of death for both men and women. Risk factors for heart disease are hypertension, diabetes, obesity, smoking, family history, and simply being male! The goal of yearly checkups with a provider is to try and prevent some of those diseases and to try and modify those factors that are modifiable. For example, regular visits can provide needed cognitive or medicinal support for nicotine cessation. Roughly, 22 percent of men over the age of 18 smoke cigarettes. In addition, a national interview survey in 2011 showed that about 12 percent of men over the age of 18 are in fair or poor health. And in males under the age of 65, a little over 18 percent of them did not even have health insurance. In the greater than 20 year olds, approximately 31 percent of them had high blood pressure, which is blood pressure 140/90 or higher. We consider high blood pressure the silent killer. Most people have no

symptoms when their pressure is high. Therefore men, the argument that “I feel fine” is not enough to justify not seeing your doctor regularly.

Children, women, men, and the elderly all need yearly wellness exams. For men, this exam entails: vital signs (blood pressure, weight, body mass index), full physical which may or may not include a prostate exam, and some labs depending on the patient. Most patients need a lipid panel, electrolytes with kidney function, and a diabetes screen. These visits are also utilized to update immunizations such as Tdap and influenza and to ensure that preventative tests such as colonoscopies are scheduled at the appropriate age of 50 and every 10 years thereafter.

Men, our society needs you to continue to be the strong, fearless leaders you have always been but you can only achieve that by being proactive about your health. If you love us, we implore you to take care of yourself. Make an appointment to see your doctor today!

Yours in Service, Denise Hooks-Anderson, M.D. Assistant Professor SLUCare Family Medicine yourhealthmatters@stlamerican.com

Denise HooksAnderson M.D.

Seven pounds to goal

Weight loss with dispatch

By Sandra Jordan Of The St. Louis American

Sometimes the only motivation you need to change your life is a good look in the mirror.

That’s pretty much how it went for Shanette Hall of Richmond Heights, Mo.

The 25-year-old admits she was “always a pretty nice size,” but she had started a new job which made her sedentary; she was eating out a lot, and she had broken up with her boyfriend and wanted to get back on the dating scene.

You get the picture.

And she got it too.

But she wasn’t seeing “sexy and single” when she looked in the mirror.

“I felt extremely insecure; I felt uncomfortable from how I looked and I didn’t feel confident going back out there with the way that I looked,” Hall said.

This scenario may seem all too familiar these days, when young people grow up and blow up.

“It got me thinking about all the things – the different diseases that are in my family; different health problems like high blood pressure and diabetes and things of that nature,” Hall said. “It all kind of hit me one day.”

In Hall’s case, she did not have any of the health issues that can manifest with obesity, such as diabetes, cardiovascular diseases and even certain cancers. And she didn’t want any of it either.

But she was obese.

When her doctor, Denise HooksAnderson, MD (Your Health Matters medical accuracy editor) printed off a chart of her weight progression, seeing it in black-and-white prompted her stop taking chances with her health.

Literally I woke up one morning and I wanted to change it. So I did,” She said, matter-of-factly. “I am 5’7”. I started last year on May 14 and I write my weight down every day in my planner. I started off at 264 and today I weigh 165.”

How did she do it?

Cold turkey.

She leaves the Colonel’s chicken and the pizza for someone else’s hut; she

Shanette Hall of Richmond Heights, Mo. lost nearly 100 pounds in a year’s time the oldfashioned way; by backing away from junk and fast foods, monitoring sodium intake and exercising most every day.

eats only what she prepares -- baked or grilled meat, vegetables, fruits and whole grains; she eats a boiled egg or tuna for protein when she does get a naughty food craving. And other than the glass of tea in the morning, Halls drinks water, that’s it.

And you can no longer blame her weight on the alcohol. She cut alcohol

and eating out from her night life.

“I was 24. I liked to go downtown and I liked to party and I was drinking,” Hall said. “I was losing too much money; I was going out to eat. The biggest thing here is to be active and cut out all the junk and drink water – water, water, water all day, because it breaks down junk and helps move it along in

your body.”

To maintain physical activity, she goes to the YMCA for about an hour’s worth of exercise most every day.

“My workout consists of cardio for about 30 minutes and the second 30 to 45 minutes will just be weight-lifting,” Hall explained.

And how did she get so methodical about weight loss?

From researching healthy diet, weight loss and exercise success on the internet, in magazines and wherever she could in advance, and tweaking them in a manner that worked for her.

Hall started off with about two-and–ahalf weeks “smoothie detoxing.”

“It basically consisted of drinking a bunch of different kinds of smoothies all day long,” Hall said. “I kind of tweaked it a little bit to my own liking, because obviously after going from eating KFC and Taco Bell and meatloaf and stuff every day to just drinking smoothies and was a little bit hard. If I ever got hungry I would try to incorporate different things in there like boiled eggs or tuna – anything about protein because I heard it was very good. And I watched my sodium; things of that nature.”

Hall said she lost about 20 pounds in her first month.

Then she went on a very low-calorie diet. At first, she didn’t tell anyone she was trying to lose weight.

“It was something I had to do on my own to prove I could do it,” Hall said. “I was 264. My original goal was just I didn’t want to be in the ‘twos’ anymore. I didn’t want to be 2-anything,” Hall said.

Working as a dispatcher for St. Louis County Police helped Hall incorporate weight loss part of her broader, long-term career goals.

“I wasn’t sure if I wanted to become a police office or go federal or something of that nature and with me thinking about that I realized that … I had to set back and think if this is something I really wanted to do – go federal in some type of way,” she said. “I looked at some of their weight requirements for certain types of things and I made them my new goals. It’s more of a broader goal for me to assess in life what I wanted to do in my career.

Then I realized I needed to lose a little more weight.”

Hall said it’s a mental thing – the resolve to lose weight. Speak to yourself what you want to happen and what you will make happen. She still gets cravings, but she lets them pass; nibble on a little protein or goes to the gym instead.

“Ninety-nine pounds down, seven pounds to go,” Hall said. “Once you come to your goal and you look at yourself in the mirror, it’s like you don’t want to mess up and you don’t want to go back to that.”

Photo by Wiley Price

HealtH Briefs

Study shows clear benefits of a healthy diet, exercise, maintaining normal weight and not smoking

4 lifestyle changes protect the heart, reduces death risk

There is a significant link between four lifestyle factors and heart health, adding even more evidence in support of regular exercise, eating a Mediterranean-style diet, keeping a normal weight and, most importantly, not smoking.

Through a large, multi-center study, researchers said adopting those four lifestyle behaviors protected against coronary heart disease as well as the early buildup of calcium deposits in heart

arteries, and reduced the chance of death from all causes by 80 percent over an eight-year period.

Results of the study, “LowRisk Lifestyle, Coronary Calcium, Cardiovascular Events, and Mortality: Results from the Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis,” was recently reported in the American Journal of Epidemiology

“We evaluated data on more than 6,200 men and women, age 44-84, from white, African-American, Hispanic and Chinese backgrounds. All were followed for an average of 7.6 years. Those who adopted all four healthy behaviors had an 80 percent lower death rate over that time period compared to participants with none of the healthy behaviors,”

Maintain a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, whole grains and fish; keep a BMI of less than 25; exercise regularly and do not smoke. These actions reduce the risk of heart disease and mortality from all causes. Source: American Heart Association

said Haitham Ahmed, M.D., M.P.H., lead author and internal medicine resident with the Ciccarone Center for the Prevention of Heart Disease at Johns Hopkins.

Study participants all took part in the ongoing Multi-Ethnic Study of Atherosclerosis (MESA), a prospective examination of the risk factors, prevalence and prevention of cardiovascular disease. MESA participants were recruited from six academic medical centers and did not have a diagnosis of cardiovascular disease when they were enrolled. As the study progressed, the researchers also assessed whether the

participants had a heart attack, sudden cardiac arrest, chest pain, angioplasty or died due to coronary heart disease or other causes.

“Of all the lifestyle factors, we found that smoking avoidance played the largest role in reducing the risk of coronary heart disease and mortality,” saidRoger Blumenthal, M.D., a cardiologist and professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and senior author of the study. “In fact, smokers who adopted two or more of the healthy behaviors still had lower survival rates after 7.6 years than did nonsmokers who were sedentary and obese.”

CDC Study: New data shows Americans drinking less sugar-sweetened beverages

It appears that Americans are getting the message about consuming less sugary drinks. New data from CDC’s National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) shows that over a 12-year period, U.S. youth and adults lowered their intake of sugar-sweetened beverages (SSB) by 68 and 45 calories per day respectively. The study, published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition presents the most recent national data (1999 to 2010) on SSB consumption in the U.S.

Researchers analyzed energy intake from SSBs among 22,367 children and adolescents aged 2-19 years and 29,133 adults age 20 years and older. SSBs

included soda, fruit drinks, sports and energy drinks, sweetened coffee and tea, and other calorically sweetened beverages. Patterns of SSB consumption were also looked at, including location of consumption and meals associated with consumption.

Those findings report decreases in sugary beverage consumption in both genders and across a wide range of ages, races and ethnicities, and at meal time and snack times.

Some groups, such as 40-59 year olds, did not show significant declines and there were no decreases in consumption of sports and energy drinks.

HealtH Briefs continued

BMI of low income African Americans linked to living near fast food restaurants

African-American adults living closer to a fast food restaurant had a higher body mass index (BMI) than those who lived further away from fast food, according to researchers at The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, and this association was particularly strong among those with a lower income.

A new study published recently in the American Journal of Public Health indicates higher BMI associates with residential proximity to a fast food restaurant, and among lowerincome AfricanAmericans, the density, or number, of fast food restaurants within two miles of the home. The closer they lived, the higher the BMI.

The study was led by Lorraine Reitzel, Ph.D., assistant professor in the Department of Health Disparities Research at MD Anderson. Data was collected from a large sample of more than 1,400 black adult participants from the Project CHURCH research study, a collaboration between MD Anderson and Windsor Village United Methodist Church in Houston – one of the largest Methodist churches in the United States.

greatest risk for becoming obese and developing associated health problems,” said Reitzel. “Such information can help inform policies and interventions to prevent health disparities.”

On average there were 2.5 fast food restaurants within a half mile, 4.5 within a mile, 11.4 within 2 miles and 71.3 within 5 miles of participants’ homes. “We found a significant relationship between the number of fast food restaurants and BMI for within a half-mile, one-mile and two-miles of the home, but only among lowerincome study participants,” said Reitzel. The data showed the greater the density, the higher the BMI. There was no significant association for the five-mile area.

“According to prior research, AfricanAmericans, particularly women, have higher rates of obesity than other ethnic groups, and the gap is growing,” said Reitzel. “The results of this study add to the literature indicating that a person’s neighborhood environment and the foods that they’re exposed to can contribute to a higher BMI.”

Reitzel said that this is an important population group for researchers to examine because of the health consequences that are associated with obesity among African-Americans including diabetes, cancer and heart disease. “We need to find the relationships and triggers that relate to this population’s BMI, as they’re at the

When examining proximity – the distance in miles from each participant’s home to the closest restaurant – the study found that closer proximity was associated with a higher BMI. In fact, although results indicate that the relationship between a higher BMI and proximity was stronger for those of lower income, it was still significant in the group with the higher incomes. The data also showed that every additional mile participants’ lived from the closest fast food restaurant was associated with a 2.4 percent lower BMI.

“There’s something about living close to a fast food restaurant that’s associated with a higher BMI,” said Reitzel. She said that there may be some behavioral economics involved in the decision to choose fast food over a healthier choice.

“Fast food is specifically designed to be affordable, appealing and convenient. People are pressed for time, and they behave in such a way that will cost them the least amount of time to get things done, and this may extend to their food choices.”

‘Healthy halo effect’ of 5 common foods

Think twice before grabbing foods labeled sugar-free, fat-free or wholewheat. Recent studies show people tend to let their guard down and eat twice as much or more of these foods because they are marketed as healthy food products.

“Consumer food marketing can be extremely persuasive and the right buzzword on a package can lure a shopper into making an unwise purchase,” said Kari Kooi, a registered dietician at The Methodist Hospital in Houston. “We need to educate consumers on how to read nutrition labels so they can avoid falling prey to the ‘health halo’ effect.”

Here are Kooi’s top five foods to avoid:

• Vegetable Chips contain vegetable powders. Once a vegetable is processed into a chip, many of the nutrients are lost and the calories increase because fat is added. Nutrients are lost as a result of processes that expose food to heat, light and oxygen. You’re better off eating vegetables.

•

Nutrient-enhanced waters are nothing more than colored sugar water loaded with empty calories that can contribute to weight gain. A better option would be taking a daily multivitamin with a glass of water.

• Muffins are made with refined white flour, oil and refined sugar; becoming nothing more than cupcakes without icing. Many coffee shop muffins are mega-sized and can easily top 500 to 600 calories.

• Premade Smoothies are mostly syrupy commercial concoctions loaded with calories and sugar, which can leave you with a subsequent energy slump following the sugar rush. Keep the calories in check by making fresh smoothies with high-quality, nourishing ingredients like low-fat Greek yogurt, skim milk and fresh or frozen fruits.

• Frozen Yogurt is not caloriefree. Most include a hefty amount of added sugar. Many of the live and active cultures added to frozen yogurt are not able to survive freezing, so don’t count on any probiotic benefits.

Obese patients trust diet advice from overweight physicians

When it comes to taking diet advice from a physician—size matters. This is according to a new study led by a team of researchers at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health and the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine who examined the impact of primary care physician BMI (body mass index) on their patients’ trust and perceptions of weight-related stigma. They found that overweight and obese patients trust weight-related counseling from overweight physicians more than normal weight physicians and patients seeing an obese primary care physician were more likely to perceive weight-related stigma. The results are published in the June 2013 issue of Preventive Medicine

“With respect to overall trust, our results suggest that overweight and obese patients trust their primary care physicians, regardless of their body weight,” said Sara Bleich, PhD, associate professor with the Bloomberg School’s Department of Health Policy and Management.

“However, with respect to trust in weight-related advice, we found that patients more strongly trusted diet advice from overweight primary care physicians as compared to normal BMI primary care physicians. In addition, we found that patient perceptions of weight-related stigma increased with physician BMI. Patients seeing obese primary care physicians, as compared to normal BMI physicians, were significantly more likely to report feeling judged because of their weight.”

Researchers used a national crosssection survey of 600 overweight and obese patients to examine overall trust and trust in weight-related counseling from their primary care physicians.

“While weight-related stigma has been documented among health professionals for decades, as well as lower physician respect towards patients with a higher BMI, our finding that weight-related stigma increases with physician BMI was quite surprising,” noted Bleich.

food outreacH recipe

Baked Coconut Shrimp BBQ Salad

4

1 pound raw jumbo shrimp (peeled, deveined, tail-on)

1/4 cup flour

1 egg, beaten

3/4 cup sweetened shredded coconut

1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs

2 small corn tortillas, sliced into thin strips

8 ounces lettuce

1 avocado, peeled, seeded and diced

1 Persian or small hothouse cucumber, chopped

1 medium tomato, cut into bite-sized pieces

1/4 cup chopped cilantro

3 T low fat ranch dressing

3 T BBQ sauce

Preparation:

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees and coat a baking sheet with cooking spray.

2. Place flour and egg into two separate shallow dishes. Stir together the coconut and breadcrumbs in a third

shallow dish.

3. Dip shrimp into flour to lightly coat, then into egg wash, and finally into the coconut coating. Place coated shrimp on the baking sheet and bake for 10 minutes. Turn over and bake for an additional 7-10 minutes until cooked through. Set aside.

4. Meanwhile, place a frying pan coated with cooking spray over medium-high heat. Place tortilla strips in the pan and toast until crisp, turning frequently.

5. Place lettuce in a large serving bowl and top with avocado, cucumber, and tomato. Arrange coconut shrimp, tortilla strips, and cilantro on top.

6. Dress salad with ranch and BBQ sauce as desired.

Nutrient Information (per serving)

Calories 366, Fat 12 g

Saturated fat 6.2 g, Cholesterol 204 mg, Carbohydrate 36 mg

Fiber 4 g, Protein 28 g

More impulsiveness, deliberation seen in weight gain

People who gain weight are more likely to give in to temptations but also are more thoughtful about their actions, according to a new study published recently in Psychological Science, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science.

To understand how fluctuations in body weight might relate to personality changes, Angelina Sutin of the Florida State University College of Medicine and colleagues at the National Institutes of Health (NIH) examined data from two large-scale longitudinal studies of Baltimore residents.

The studies, NIH’s Baltimore Longitudinal Study of Aging (BLSA) and the Baltimore Epidemiologic Catchment Area (ECA) study, included more than 1,900 people in total, of all ages and socioeconomic levels. Data

about participants’ personality traits and their body weight were collected at two time points separated by nearly a decade. In one study, a clinician measured participants’ weight at the two time points; in the other study, the participants reported their weight at baseline and had it measured by a clinician at follow-up.

Researchers found that participants who had at least a 10 percent increase in body weight showed an increase in impulsiveness — with a greater tendency to give in to temptations — compared to those whose weight was stable. The data don’t reveal whether increased impulsiveness was a cause or an effect of gaining weight, but they do suggest an intimate relationship between a person’s physiology and his or her psychology.

In a surprising twist, people who gained weight also reported an increase

in deliberation, with a greater tendency to think through their decisions. Deliberation tends to increase for everyone in adulthood, but the increase was almost double for participants who gained weight compared to those whose weight stayed the same.

“If mind and body are intertwined, then if one changes the other should change too,” Sutin said. “That’s what our findings suggest.”

They speculate that the increase in deliberation could be the result of negative feedback from family or friends — people are likely to think twice about grabbing a second slice of cake if they

feel that everyone is watching them take it.

These findings suggest that even though people who gain weight are more conscious of their decision-making, they may still have difficulty resisting temptations.

“The inability to control cravings may reinforce a vicious cycle that weakens the self-control muscle,” the researchers note. “Yielding to temptation today may reduce the ability to resist cravings tomorrow. Thus, individuals who gain weight may have increased risk for additional weight gain through changes in their personality.”

profiling people in HealtH

Nursing as a second career

Name: Tonia Taylor

Position/Where:

RN Care Manager/BJC Behavioral Health

Career Highlights:

Prior to nursing, worked in the business field for over ten in accounting, customer service and purchasing

While in nursing school worked as a ER registrar and a student nurse After graduating from nursing school, worked in several nursing specialties such as pulmonary, orthro/neuro, psych, skilled nursing, substance abuse and case management

Education:

University of Missouri-St. Louis - Bachelor of Science in Nursing St. Louis Community College - Associate in Applied Science, Nursing and Associate in Arts, Business Administration Southeast Missouri State University

Personal:

Tim(husband), Khalil(son) and Tiara(daughter). Parents - Tommie Smith(deceased) and Angela Zasaretti-Walcott. Sister - Latosha. Grew up in church mostly under the leadership of uncle and pastor Rev. C. V. Smith - Cephas Chrisitian Church.

St. Louis Connection:

Born and raised in St. Louis.

Attended Riverview Gardens High School

Journey to success:

Nursing is my second career. After working in the business field for several years I decided to go back to school. My desire was to be a teacher or a nurse. I chose nursing. Nursing school was very challenging and required a lot of dedication. Support from family, peers and instructors enabled me to complete my journey through school. Being flexible, adaptive to change and receptive to learning has contributed to my success as a nurse. My goal is to further my education and continue to grow in the field of nursing.

HealtH Q&a

Sleeping less, eating late = pounds

Reprinted with Permission Consumer Reports Health

Q. I’ve heard that not sleeping enough can cause you to put on the pounds. True?

A. Looks like it, and for a simple reason: more opportunity for latenight snacking. Researchers at the University of Colorado studied the effect of five days of inadequate sleep on the eating habits, calorie expenditure, and body weight of 16 adults. They burned slightly more calories per day when they got less sleep, but the amount they ate, especially at night, increased even more, leading to a net weight gain. The researchers concluded that your body needs a little more food during periods of insufficient sleep to fuel it through the extra hours you’re awake. But when food is easily accessible (for example, you have a plate full of cookies and nobody up to share them), you’re likely to eat much more than what’s needed to compensate.

Diversity Award for SLU Med Students

The Leadership in Institutional Diversity Award was presented recently to leaders of the Saint Louis University Chapter of the Student National Medical Association, during this year’s national conference of more than 150 chapters. Pictured (l-r) are Mallory Hubbard, vice president; Arielle Randolph, co-president; Tiffany Adams co-president). Second row: Michelle Hall, treasurer; Dr. Robert Russell, faculty advisor; and Tamala Carey, fundraising chair. Back row: Lawrence Hall, secretary; Dr. Michael Railey, associate dean and associate professor of Multicultural Affairs at SLU School of Medicine; Collette McLemore, director of diversity operations, Office of Multicultural Affairs; and Ophelia Langhorne, MAPS liaison.

HealtH

resources

Behavioral

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

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

Crime Victim Advocacy Center provides no cost support for persons who have been affected by criminal acts. Emil peggy@supportvictims.org, visit or call the 24-hour hotline 314-OK-BE-MAD (652-3673) or visit www.supportvictims. org.

Bike helmet safety

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

Breast Cancer

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

Dental

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

Diabetes

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

Health Partnerships

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

Information

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

Medical

St. Louis ConnectCare offers walk-in services Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 7 p.m., Saturdays and Sundays, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and most holidays. For more information, call 314-879-6300.

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

Nutrition

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

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

Prostate Cancer

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

Prescription Cost Help

St. Louis ConnectCare Retail Pharmacy –Offers a $4 generic prescription program. Hours are 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Mon. – Fri., no weekends or holidays. Located at 5535 Delmar Blvd. in St. Louis, Call 314-8796208.

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

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

Respiratory Health

Free lung function screening - Christian Hospital Breathing Center at Northwest HealthCare, 1225 Graham Rd. For more information, call 314-953-6040.

Sexual Health

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

St. Louis Metropolitan HIV/AIDS Program offers confidential or anonymous Testing at St. Louis ConnectCare, Suite 203 at 5535 Delmar, St. Louis, Mo. 63112. For more information, call (314) 879-6468.

Thurs. June 20, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Free Diabetes Screenings by Christian Hospital at Edward Jones YMCA, No fasting required; a glucose or A1C screening, body mass index and blood pressure check. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call 314-747-WELL (314-747-9355) or toll-free 877-747-9355.

Wed. June 26, 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m., Free Diabetes Screenings by Christian Hospital at Hidden Lake Lutheran Services, 11728 Hidden Lake Drive, St. Louis, 63138. No fasting required; a glucose or A1C screening, body mass index and blood pressure check. Pre-registration is recommended, but walk-ins are welcome. For more information, call 314-747-WELL (314-747-9355) or toll-free 877-747-9355.

Sat. June 29, 7:30 a.m. – 11:00 a.m., Wellness Screening at Mercy 1820 Zumbehl Rd. in St. Charles, Mo. Free screenings for blood pressure, cholesterol, blood sugar and body mas, conversations with physicians, cooking demonstrations and colon display. The Mammography van screening cost is billed to your insurance provider. Women between age 40 - 64 with no insurance (or a high deductible) may be eligible for a free mammogram. To schedule, call 314-251-6300 or 800-446-3742. For more information or to register, call 314-628-3443 or visit mercy.net/stlwellness.

Health Calendar

Sat. July 27, 9:00 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. –CHIPS Health and Wellness Center 13th Annual Prayer Breakfast, Clyde C. Miller Career Academy, 1000 N. Grand Blvd., St. Louis. For more information, call 314-6529231, x. 20; email mroach@chipsstl.org or visit www. chipsstl.org.

Fri. Aug 9, Sat. Aug 10, 7:30 p.m., The Bright Side of Life, annual student musical revue for JDRF, Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center, Missouri Baptist University, One College Park Drive, St. Louis, 63141. Features 39 student actors, singers and dancers from 20 area schools (grades 3 - high school); features songs from such classic Broadway musicals as Hairspray, King and I, Memphis, Little Shop of Horrors, Sound of Music and Children of Eden. For more information on this free event, visit www. archcitytheatertroupe.org.

Sundays, 10 a.m. – Alcoholics Anonymous Group 109 meets in the 11th floor conference room at Christian Hospital, 11133 Dunn Road at I-270/Hwy. 367. This is

an open meeting for alcoholics, drug addicts and their family and friends.

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

Tuesdays, 6:30 – 8:00 p.m. – Alcohol and Drug Informational meeting, Christian Hospital, Professional Office Building 2, Suite 401. For information, call 314839-3171.

Wednesdays, 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. – STEPS

Schizophrenia Support Group

This nationally recognized program provides education and support for those with schizophrenia. Group is facilitated by an experienced STEPS nurse. For more information, call 314-839-3171.

First Thursdays, 10 a.m. – Family Support Group by NAMI St. Louis, The Alliance on Mental Illness at Transfiguration Lutheran Church, 1807 Biddle Street. No registration needed; no cost. For more information, call 314-962-4670.

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

‘Thank You’ from the men of TEN

The Empowerment Network honored Donald M. Suggs, publisher and executive editor of the St. Louis American on Sat. June 8 for the newspaper’s commitment to promoting the organization’s prostate cancer outreach, in addition to men’s health and wellness in “Your Health Matters.”

“These stories have helped to raise the consciousness of men in the St. Louis community about prostate cancer, prostate health and prostate awareness,” said Mellve Shahid Sr., TEN’s founder and CEO. “Because of The St. Louis American, prostate cancer is no longer a whisper. Men are now taking that simple blood test with more ease, comfort and less fear.”

Suggs received an award and a proclamation from the City of St. Louis in recognition of his efforts.

Dr. Arnold Bullock, professor and urologist with the Center for Advanced

Medicine at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and a TEN board member, was the guest speaker for the occasion, which took place during the group’s monthly support group meeting, held at Metropolitan Village Apartments (3114 Franklin (on the corner of Delmar and Compton) in St. Louis.

Prostate Cancer disproportionally impacts African American males as they are 60 percent more likely to be diagnosed with prostate cancer than other ethnic groups - and 2.5 times more likely to die from the disease.

TEN provides support, awareness, educational and health resources to these men and their families, working through the public and private sector to provide services to men in need.

TEN, The Empowerment Network, is located at 6000 West Florissant Ave. in St. Louis (63136). For more information call 314-385-0998.

Pictured are Dr. Arnold Bullock, urologist and guest speaker; Isadore M. Wayne, Sr., TEN co-founder/COO; Louis Reed, St. Louis Aldermanic president; Marlene Davis, 19th Ward alderman; Donald M. Suggs, publisher of The American; and Mellve Shahid, TEN founder.

SLU Ophthalmology residents fill vision RX with ‘ReSpectacle’

Technology matches vision prescription needs for those who can’t afford to purchase eyeglasses

Eye glasses are expensive.

When you replace your eye wear, you can’t simply offer the old glasses to a friend who needs them; the prescription won’t match. Discarding glasses feels like a waste when we realize that approximately 269 million people in the world have low vision and that 145 million could have their sight corrected with glasses.

For the uninsured, at a cost of a few hundred dollars, glasses can be out of reach.

As a medical student, Jeffrey Lynch traveled to Peru in 2006 on a mission trip to help perform eye surgeries. He quickly realized that most of the people who came to the clinic to see the visiting doctors needed glasses, not surgery.

“It was an interesting experience to visit an impoverished community where only the wealthy had access to eyeglasses, something I believe many take for granted here in the U.S.A.,” Lynch said. “At the same time, it was frustrating to know that there is a large surplus of high quality used glasses in affluent countries that collect dust in drawers.

“The challenge was to find a way to connect this valuable resource to those who could benefit most.”

Several years later, as an ophthalmology resident at Saint Louis University, Lynch enlisted the help of fellow residents and medical students at SLU to create a program to match unused glasses with the prescriptions of those who couldn’t afford them.

Aaron Grant, M.D., another resident and now a fellow in the SLU ophthalmology program, joined Lynch to write an algorithm to find and rank the best matches between a person’s prescription and the existing stock of donated glasses. SLU medical student Ford Parsons designed and built the website.

Without the typical delay of feasibility studies or applications for start-up grants, ReSpectacle was born. ReSpectacle is designed to assist those who cannot otherwise afford glasses.

Part of ReSpectacle’s success lies in its simplicity. Visit the website and there are two buttons: Donate and Browse.

The program accepts donated glasses by mail and drop off. When the glasses arrive, volunteers read and catalog their prescription with a lensometer, an instrument used to determine the prescription strength of lenses. They clean them, photograph them, upload pictures, print out a matching ticket and store them until there is a match.

Those who need glasses enter their prescription online, and the algorithm finds the closest matches. Users can browse the style selections that are available. Once they choose a pair, users enter shipping information and submit their orders. They receive the glasses at no charge.

Individuals are welcome to use the site, as are health care providers who may want to connect their underserved patients with the resource. Anyone with an internet connection can be a donor or recipient.

“It’s efficient, it’s environmentally sound in that it’s reusing existing resources, it’s practical,” said Anusha

Vasamsetti, M.D., ophthalmology resident and ReSpectacle site director at SLU. “And it makes such a difference for people.”

Vasamsetti says that the quality of life that good vision brings can’t be over emphasized.

Low vision reduces people’s ability to function in the world, affecting their chance to work and contribute to their families. Often, a person’s vision is so poor that they require a caregiver to support them during daily activities.

One of the program’s aims is to allow people with low vision that can be corrected with glasses to get back to work.

Two years after its creation, ReSpectacle has a stock of 3000 glasses and is regularly filling requests and shipping glasses to those who need them in the U.S. and internationally. With more than 100 active volunteers and a recent grant from the American Society of Cataract and Refractive Surgery, the program has been thriving.

As SLU’s residents and fellows travel to new cities to continue their training or begin their medical practices, they’ve taken ReSpectacle with them to their new locations.

Headed to Chicago in July for a pediatric ophthalmology fellowship, Vasamsetti said she will hand over the reins of the SLU operation to two more SLU residents and plans to introduce the program to the Windy City.

“People are always so happy to receive the glasses, especially the international recipients,” Vasamsetti said. “It’s a great, easy way you can make a real difference in someone’s life.”

To donate your old glasses, you can mail them to: Associated Eye Care, LTD, C/O Jeffrey Lynch, M.D., 1719 Tower Drive, Stillwater, MN 55082.

Eyeglasses can be dropped off at designated locations in St. Louis, St. Paul, Minnesota, Iowa City, Iowa, Little Rock, Arkansas or in Omaha, Nebraska.

To find a drop-off location or more information, visit www.respectacle.org.