June 23rd, 2011 Edition

Helping teachers pay their bills

Non-profit supports educators who are on extended leave

By Chantel Hughes For The St. Louis American

There is a new resource for teachers and school staff who are forced to take an extended leave from their jobs. Remem-

ber You, Remember Me, Inc. is a new non-profit organization that aids teachers temporarily out work in paying necessary bills.

Dorothy Boykins, the organization founder, said she was inspired by the hardships of co-workers.

“Hearing their stories touched my heart because teachers do much more than just educating their students,” said Boykins.

“The public does not see teachers staying after hours tutoring students that need additional help; they don’t see the teachers purchasing clothing items and shoes for the less fortunate students.”

Boykins had been employed with the public school system for 25 years when she retired in July 2010.

Boykins recently hosted her second fundraiser event for Remember You, Remember Me at North Oaks Bowling Alley.

“We had an amazing turnout, and I was blessed to have raised enough money to continue to provide assistance to teachers in need,” she said.

Cecelia Jones, an upcoming author in St. Louis and a recent retiree, attended the event.

“I’ve taught through the St. Louis Public School System

Show-Me Sound receives $10K grant

for 36 years,” said Jones. “I came to support this organization because it’s outstanding and it provides tremendous resources that help teachers.”

Since the organization has been in effect, strict guide-

“Our top priority is to make sure that anyone wishing to receive assistance from us fully understands that it’s just that, assistance,” said Boykins.

“We do not pay the entire bill. Once payment arrange-

n “I came to support this organization because it provides tremendous resources that help teachers.”

– Cecelia Jones

lines have been set in place for those that are seeking its financial assistance. To be eligible for support, an individual must be on leave of absence for more than 26 days, must present a past due bill in their name, must show proper identification and have proof of residency.

ments have been made with the company governing whichever bill they decide they would like help with, only then can further accommodations be made.”

The budget of the program only allows for any one person to receive aid twice a year in which those two terms must

by Wiley Price

be spaced at least six months apart.

“This rule was placed in motion to ensure that no individual gets the opportunity to take advantage of the program’s funding,” said Boykins.

Boykins said she is pleased with the amount of help she has received from church congregations and business owners, including Richard Connelly, owner of Goody Goody Diner. He recently donated 10 percent of his daily proceeds at the restaurant.

“It’s important to me to do my part and give back to the community,” said Connelly. “I’ve been in my business for 63 years, and the community has been very supportive of my business and making this donation is my way of returning the favor.”

Contact Boykins at yourememberme66@yahoo.com for additional information.

Show-Me Sound has received a $10,000 grant from the St. Louis Philanthropic Organization to fund its Total Percussion Program, which will provide instruction for 24 middle school youth who are St. Louis city residents. The program uses percussive arts to engage youth in activities that develop discipline, focus and musical skills that enhance their learning of science, mathematics and language arts. The mission of the Show-Me Sound, founded and directed by Terry Artis, is “to spread love with the drum through education, performance, cultural interconnection and community partnership, thereby making our world a better place.”

“Thanks to the generosity of the St. Louis Philanthropic Organization, Show-Me Sound will be able to spread a little more love and our world will a little better place,” Artis said. The St. Louis Philanthropic Organization is a Missouri nonprofit corporation formed in 1984 and funded with $6 million in proceeds from the settlement of a lawsuit against cable television companies. It is a non-governmental, not-for-profit corporation, organized for charitable, benevolent, educational, civic and cultural purposes. During the past 27 years, it has distributed over $7 million to 336 501(c)(3) organizations.

Dorthory Boykins, Valerie Holder and Kimberly Haines of Remember You, Remember Me, Inc. thanked Richard Connelly, owner of Goody Goody Diner, who recently donated 10 percent of his daily proceeds at the restaurant to their group. Not pictured from the organization are Da’Janana Madison and Micheal Montgomery.

Photo

Show-Me Sound executive director Terry Artis.

Photo by Wiley Price

EDITORIAL /COMMENTARY

Nixon, good on defense, must play offense

Praising a governor for undoing damage done by the state Legislature is faint praise for good government, but we do applaud Gov. Jay Nixon for vetoing the voter photo ID bill. The Missouri Republican Party tries to pass this legislation annually, claiming that requiring voters to show a government-issued photo ID before they can vote would cut down on voter fraud, though there is no record of voter impersonation in Missouri. The legislation’s true intent – part of a national Republican effort mirrored in other states – is to disenfranchise a bloc of voters who generally trend Democratic, including students, the elderly, the disabled and the poor.

The Washington Post, in siding with Nixon, pointed out that voter fraud in Missouri has been documented at the “miniscule” rate of 0.0003 percent, while 11 percent of citizens report not having an ID. The Missouri secretary of state estimates that at least 170,000 registered voters in Missouri lack a state ID. Moreover, voter participation in Missouri already is a disappointment and does not need new legislation to make our civic participation even weaker.

The Beacon reported that Nixon’s veto “generated a standing ovation of approval at Friday night’s Democratic Jefferson-Jackson Dinner in St. Louis.” The same staunch Democratic crowd joined us in applauding Nixon previously for his veto of Senate Bill 188, which would make it more dificult for employees to ile workplace discrimination suits and limit damages. Republicans have strategized to pass these bills for years and (with the Republican super-majority created by landslide GOP wins in the 2010 midterm elections) inally have the numbers to pass them. Whether they have the numbers to override Nixon’s veto remains to be seen. Missouri Democrats conidently claim to have Nixon protected.

The presence of this Republican super-majority in Jefferson City, coupled with Nixon’s strate-

gic use of the veto pen, is a reminder of the critical value to public policy in having a Democrat in the Governor’s Mansion. Had Kenny Hulshof been elected governor over Nixon, he would have signed these bills into law; should Peter Kinder (the presumptive Republican nominee) be elected governor over Nixon, he would sign these bills into law. These laws would make it more dificult to vote and easier to discriminate against workers in Missouri. We owe our thanks to Nixon for killing these bills – and strongly urge all Democratic legislators to stand with the governor against attempts to override his vetoes.

At the same time, we need a governor who does more than play good defense. We need proactive policies that spur positive change in the city of St. Louis that is so crucial to the entire state’s prosperity and growth. And that is why we renew our call to Nixon to risk some of his considerable political capital by calling a special session and challenging the Legislature to overcome internal Republican differences and pass the economic development bill that this city and state so desperately need. In particular, we need the “Aerotropolis” market incentives that are tied up in the omnibus economic development bill. The tax incentives in this legislation would provide a critical assist at a moment when St. Louis airport oficials are at the bargaining table with China to bring signiicant new cargo trade to St. Louis. Those lights will return to China bearing freight produced and assembled in Missouri. This has a strong likelihood of turning around a steady decline in St. Louis and making this region more competitive in attracting much more investment and jobs to the state.

We applaud the governor for playing badly needed defense. Now we need him to go on the offensive and challenge the Legislature to complete a forward-thinking, pro-growth economic development bill.

COMMENTARY

NAACP is right on charter schools

NAACP president and CEO Benjamin Todd Jealous was dismayed at the vehemence of the verbal tirades and demonstrations against his organization for joining with the United Federation of Teachers to stop a handful of charter schools around Harlem from opening or expanding in public school buildings.

“We just had no idea how much tension it would create,” Jealous said. The NAACP regarded the lawsuit it iled as a way to prevent the loss of funds and space for chronically underfunded and cramped inner-city public schools. The suit did even imply that charter schools were a bad thing. It did not say that the schools should not open. But the NAACP still took the heat. The debate over charter schools versus public schools is too volatile, contentious and frustrating not to stir passion. That’s been the case since the irst charter school opened nearly two decades ago in Minneapolis. Charter schools were hailed in the those days by educational innovators, conservatives, school-choice advocates and a coterie of millionaire and billionaire philanthropists as the panacea for miserably failing inner-city schools.

Charter schools, the boosters claimed, would bring down the astronomically high dropout rates of black and Latino students, raise test scores and

achievement levels, instill academic discipline, and motivate and inspire parents to get more involved with their children’s education. The ultimate payoff would be admission to college for tens of thousands of students who would otherwise not have a prayer of getting a higher education.

During the next decade, a handful of high-achieving charter schools were paraded before the nation as proof that they could offer a viable alternative to public education and therefore that they deserved to be bankrolled with taxpayer dollars, touted by government oficials, and given a pass from teacher unions. There were troubling realities. Charter schools drained millions from public schools already starved for funds and resources. They siphoned off quality teachers and administrators from the public system. They cherry-picked the best students to inlate their success stories while leaving the overwhelming majority of underperforming students out in the cold. They offered few if any job beneits and protections to staff. But these issues were branded as ploys by teachers unions to protect their bargaining power and inluence and keep lousy teachers on the job. As the protests against the NAACP showed, school-choice conservatives aren’t the only ones pushing for charters. Legions of poor and workingclass black and Latino parents have also demanded that their children have the same right to a quality education as middleclass whites; and if it takes

The Way I See It - A Forum for Community Issues Lies, Obama and the economy

Give conservatives credit: They have a loud echo chamber. It usually begins with a lie, then the rest of the right-wing crowd are off to the races.

The most recent example is the assertion that President Obama made the economy worse. That point was advanced in a Wall Street Journal column by Peggy Noonan, a former speechwriter for Ronald Reagan, George H.W. Bush and, briely, George W. Bush. She wrote, “Obama inherited collapse, deicits and debt. He inherited a broken political culture. These things weren’t his fault. But through his decisions, he made them all worse.”

Fox was quick to amplify what is certain to be a GOP campaign theme in 2012. Conservative columnist Charles Krauthammer said on Fox News: “And I think you can argue strongly that the Obama administration made it worse.”

On his Fox show, Bill O’Reilly argued that to “say the Obama administration has not made it worse” is “to just ignore the statistics.”

In fact, the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Ofice (in a report issued last month on the effectiveness of the American

Recovery and Reinvestment Act) noted that Obama’s economic stimulus plan had helped local and state governments by raising federal matching funds under Medicaid and increased funding for transportation projects.

The stimulus program also provided tax relief for individuals and businesses, increased business write-offs and helped people in need by extending and expanding unemployment beneits as well as increasing beneits under the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, formerly known as Food Stamps.

According to the CBO, the stimulus program had the following effects in the irst quarter of 2011:

· Raised real (inlation-adjusted) gross domestic product between 1.1 percent and 3.1 percent

· Lowered the unemployment rate between 0.6 percentage points and 1.8 percentage points

· Increased the number of people employed between 1.2 million and 3.4 million

· Increased the number of full-time equivalent jobs by 1.6 million to 4.6 million compared with what would have happened otherwise

The Center on Policy and Budget Priorities, an independent think tank in Washington, D.C., noted that economic activity as measured by inlationadjusted gross domestic product

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Cruel, clueless legislator

State Senator Jim Lembke (R- Lemay) was one of a few state legislators who opposed an extension of unemployment beneits for unemployed workers. He explained this was to teach the federal government a lesson about overspending. This was cruel and heartless.

a charter school with public money and government backing to achieve that goal, they’re willing to ight. These parents’ burning desire for quality schools is understandable and must be supported. And the charter schools that deliver on the promise –that demonstrate high levels of student achievement without cherry-picking only the best and the brightest and offer decent wages, beneits and job protections for teachers and administrators – should be applauded.

But countless numbers of charter schools that have cropped up in recent years on the public dime have been miserable failures. Several studies have shown that test scores and achievement levels of charter students aren’t much higher than those of students in public schools. Many charters are staffed by woefully unprepared and incompetent teachers and run by clueless administrators. These failed schools have dashed the hopes of tens of thousands of black and Latino parents.

The NAACP, in defending its decision to ile suit, did not point to these studies to make a case against charter schools. Jealous, in fact, insisted that charter schools do have a place in the educational arena for minority students. His point was that the elevation of charters should not come at the expense of public schools. No matter how well charters perform, the bitter reality is that public schools will always be the school of irst and only choice for the vast majority of black and Latino students.

Mr. Lembke has been an outspoken advocate of state supremacy over local control. Mr. Lembke sponsored a bill in the Missouir State Legislature that would give St. Louis city ireighters, whom I very much respect, the right to live outside of the city of St. Louis. The State Legislature passed this. It is too bad that Lembke and Governor Jay Nixon, who signed the legislation, don’t know or understand that the Missouri State Constitution bars legislative control over “powers, duties, or compensation” of employees in cities with their own charter. On June 1, a Cole County Judge struck down the St. Louis ireighter law.

State Rep. Jake Hummel (D-St. Louis) said, “We talk a lot about local control in this body, but we constantly change our minds when it comes to St. Louis. I don’t think that’s right.”

With the elected majority we have in the state Legislature and with the sitting governor, is it any suprise that Mizzery ranks in the bottom third of states in most categories?

Jim Sahaida St. Louis

Park for her parents

As a resident I was trying to buy the lot next to my home in 2001. That time it was $500; now they want $2,500. Why do the city and LRA give us such a hard time?

I want the lot to extend my property and make a park in hounor of my parents. I was reading your paper today and the children have nowhere to go. I am tired of the drug dealers selling on the lots and people having sex in cars. The police say I complain too much, to stop calling. The city won’t cut all the tall brush down around the lots. I was even ined becaused they told me to clean up something that was not mine. I don’t have the money for the lot. But I thinking about some fundraisers to help me

was contracting when the inancial stabilization bill known as the Troubled Asset Relief Program and the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act were enacted. Since then, however, the economy has grown for seven straight quarters. Media Matters, the watchdog group, observed: “Economists also agreed that the stimulus was effective. A March 2010 study in the Wall Street Journal found that 70 percent of economists surveyed said the stimulus ‘boosted growth and mitigated job losses.’ABC News reported on February 18, 2010, that most of the economists on its panel thought the economy ‘would be worse today without the big aid package.’And a February 2010 survey of 203 members of the National Association for Business Economics found that ‘eighty-three percent believe that GDP is currently higher than it would have been without the 2009 stimulus package.” Those are the statistics that Bill O’Reilly chooses to ignore. Perhaps we should send O’Reilly and the folks at Fox News the lyrics to Sunshine Anderson’s “Heard it all Before”: “Heard it all before. All of ya lies…But your lies ain’t working now.”

George E. Curry, former editor-in-chief of Emerge magazine and the NNPA News Service, can be reached through his we site, www.georgecurry. com.

out. The city wants you to lease the lots for a dollar a year.Why not let us buy?

Lucy Chesser Byrd St. Louis

Corporate income tax is vital

Governor Nixon recently signed legislation repealing the corporate franchise tax. The tax, which brought in about $80 million a year, applied only to companies with assets over $10 million. Obviously, this means that the main beneiciaries of this change will be big, multistate corporations. The elimination of the franchise tax puts pressure on the state’s only other major tax on corporations, the corporate income tax. But Missouri’s corporate income tax is riddled with loopholes. Measured as a share of the state’s economy, it’s the lowest of any state with a corporate income tax.

Because there is no public disclosure of Missouri corporate income tax payments, it’s impossible to know whether speciic proitable companies are avoiding the Missouri tax. But when companies like Missouri-based Monsanto are paying less than zero in state corporate income taxes nationwide (as was the case in 2010, when Monsanto reported $1.2 billion in pretax U.S. proits and a nationwide state income tax rebate of $1 million), it’s important to ask questions about the effectiveness of the tax. With the demise of the franchise tax, now is the time to ensure that the corporate income tax is as robust as possible.

Kelly Davis, Midwest director Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy

Our time is now

Our time is now. This world, our world, needs us as we are ... right at this very moment. I think that God never makes mistakes. I believe that we are all here for a reason and there are no mistakes, luck or accidents. So everyone that you are supposed to meet, you will meet. Whoever you happen to lock eyes with at that very moment, it’s meant to be. Whoever you say hello to, it’s meant to be as well. So what’s wrong with slowing down and smelling

the roses. Holding your baby, spouse or loved one extra tight. Writing a love letter for the love of your life. One of my favorite author’s said, “We must be the change we wish to see in the world.” I do believe with my whole heart that this statement is true because if we don’t live our lives now .... when will we?

Kemi Lucas Via email

Guest Columnist George Curry

Columnist

Earl Ofari Hutchinson

Members of the Hazelwood Central Middle School Girls on Track team gathered for a breakfast sponsored by their coaches,staff members Nicole Findley and Tonya Jackson. Girls on Track is a program for sixththrough eighth-grade girls.In it,girls train for a 5K race while they also participate in character education lessons.They recently ran a 5K race in Forest Park.

Kid Care app debuts on Android phones

If your child is stung by a bee, how do you know if her reaction is normal? You can find out on your iPhone or Android through Kid Care. Android users can download the app for free on the Android Marketplace or by linking from the hospital website at StLouisChildrens.org.

Kid Care is the first iPhone app dedicated to addressing pediatric symptoms, and last year’s launch resulted in more than 16,000 downloads to.

“The mobile application helps parents make informed decisions about care for minor injuries and illnesses they can manage independently,” said Suzi Wells, BSN, RN, manager of the St. Louis Children’s Hospital Answer Line, and content consultant for the Kid Care app.

The St. Louis Children’s Hospital Answer Line can assist with more challenging symptoms, provide additional personal guidance on whether to call the doctor, even help parents select a doctor or specialist. That number is 314-454-KIDS (5437) or 800678-KIDS. – S.J.

Cool Down St. Louis accepting donations

Cool Down St. Louis, a regional not-for-profit, all-volunteer, public advocacy and energy assistance charity now in its 11th season, is requesting that area residents and corporations help seniors and disabled people by making tax-deductible donations.

The organization also accepts gently used (less than two years old) and new air-conditioners at area Vatterott Colleges, Monday through Friday during regular business hours. Make direct tax-deductible on-line donations to www.cooldownstlouis.org, or send a check to Cool Down St. Louis, c/o UMB Bank, P.O. Box 868, St. Louis, MO, 63188.All donations will go towards servicing those in need this summer, as administrative costs are underwritten by a 52-member, all-volunteer board of directors.

Free children’s production at Meramec

The STLCC-Meramec Theatre will present the Summer Children’s Production of “Hyronomous A. Frog: The Frog Prince” July 12-15. Performances are slated for 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. July 12-15, with an additional performance at 7 p.m. July 13. “Hyronomous A. Frog” is a quick-paced, interactive production perfect for children 5-10 years old. It is a classic tale of a prince who has been turned into a frog and his quest for a kiss. The play is adapted by Edith Weiss and directed by Michelle Rebollo. It is produced by special arrangements with Pioneer Drama Service Inc.

Admission is free and seating is open. For groups of 10 or more, please call the box office at 314-984-7562 for reservations. The Meramec Theatre is located at 11333 Big Bend Rd. in Kirkwood.

Soundtrack of the struggle

By Linda Tarrant-Reid For The NNPA

In the late ‘60s, a group of us hopped the train from Westchester County, New York to 125th Street in Harlem. We had heard about this place called The East Wind where poets came to read their stuff.

Several young men assembled around some conga drums, microphones and other percussive instruments. Dressed in beautiful dashikis, they began their setreciting poetry accompanied by the rhythmic beats of the drums. We were witnessing one of the earliest performances of The Last Poets.

The Last Poets had a huge impact on the spoken word genre and certainly impacted Gil Scott-Heron who saw the group when they performed at his college, Lincoln University, in Pennsylvania in 1969. Their message and method resonated with Gil and exemplified the black aesthetic in poetry that emerged during the Black Arts Movement.

Gil Scott-Heron, poet, author, and bluesologist, who died recently at the age of 62, spoke truth to power in his irreverent, satirical verses about the life we live set to music. During his 40-year career, his troubled life was filled with creative periods that produced many of the songs that defined the narrative of the turbulent 70s, writing about media and its trivialized programming, alcohol abuse, apartheid in South Africa, drug addiction and isolation.

Scott-Heron’s service at Riverside Church in Harlem in early June was a quiet memorial with just 300 family members and friends in attendance. Folks spoke about Gil’s life work and his band played his music. Kanye West concluded the service with his song, “Who Will Survive in America,” from his latest album which samples Scott-Heron’s poem, “Comment #1.”

Gil has also been tagged as a major influence on hip-hop and rap artists and has been called the Godfather of Rap. Not comfortable with that anointing, in the introduction of his book Now and Then: The Poems of Gil Scott-Heron (2001), Gil shares his perspective on the title. “It was The Last Poets and their percussive-driven group deliveries, who made the recordings which serve to place my title as Godfather in question.”

An author in his early 20s, Gil’s first tome The Vulture was published in 1970 followed by a volume of poems, Small Talk at 125th and Lenox, which became the title of his first album. His second novel, The Nigger Factory, was published in 1972.

Now that Gil’s voice has been silenced and The Last Poets have receded into the fog of our memories, it is most important to recall, replay and reclaim the genius of these artists who produced those prophetic verses. Let us not forget the soundtrack of the struggle.

Linda Tarrant-Reid is an author, historian and photographer. Contact her C/O The Westchester County Press, Post Office Box 152, White Plains, New York 10602

Linda TarrantReid

Message for McCaskill

PREP

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trimester of its first year, 40 of those were empty. Two-thirds of the students did not stick it through last year. Two students were murdered last year.

“Our students live in perpetual crisis,” said Stephanie Krauss, president and CEO of the Shearwater Education Foundation, which founded and operates the school.

The school’s mission is to cater to students who have challenging personal situations, and it organizes a variety of social services to get its students on the right track – providing a sort of “college prep for dropouts,” Krauss said.

Looking around Paige’s afternoon class on June 20, two of his fellow students had been homeless. One was currently homeless. Two just had recent encounters with the law. And two were young parents.

To provide such students with support, Shearwater partners with several agencies, including the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, United Way of Metropolitan St. Louis, Teach For America, Better Family Life, Provident, Epworth Children and Family Services, St. Patrick Center and Youth in Need.

Students attend school yearround, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s like a regular 9-to-5, but their fulltime job is to get into college. That focus will be more singleminded this year, Krauss said.

“Last year we recruited students by saying we would prepare them for life, work and college,” Krauss said. “Now we are telling students we will prepare them for college.”

When Anthony Agnew, age 20 and a parent, arrived at Shearwater in January, he had very poor attendance and questionable commitment to the school, he said. His conversations with a resource specialist and instructor at Shearwater were critical.

“After awhile, I thought about the conversations I had with Stefanie Bishop and Amy Sutherland,” Agnew said. “I figured I might as well get ready for life.”

Now, he said, Sutherland is like a mother to him.

In search of diversity

Every student at Shearwater is AfricanAmerican, except for one. Yet all of the teaching and socialwork staff members are Caucasian. Krauss said the lack of diversity on Shearwater staff concerns her “deep to my heart.”

“How do we get brilliant, committed, diverse young talent to enter into the teaching profession and remain or come to the city of St. Louis?” she said. “I look forward to a day when my teaching staff is of the highest quality and representative of the students that I serve.”

R. Nelson Williams is an African-American board member at Shearwater Education Foundation and an associate at Thompson Coburn who practices human resources law. He said the students should have “someone they can identify with in more way than one.”

“That is something that we as a school are trying to solve,” Williams said. “Part of the process is, number one, bringing in more diverse board members.”

Nelson said he became involved in the school because he appreciated that it gives students a second chance at meeting their educational needs. The Shearwater team is still testing the waters, he said. But everyone at the school is committed to the mission, especially the students.

“It shows initiative on the part of the students,” Williams said. “Shearwater really reaches a specific niche that many other organizations are able not to reach.”

Internships and experience

Even with a more determined focus on preparing students for college, coursework at Shearwater includes life skills activities, as well as literacy, math and college-prep courses. Students also must complete job-readiness training, which prepares them for the internships. When students complete the job-readiness training, they work towards applying and interviewing for internships with one of the school’s partners, including Saint Louis University, McCormack Baron Salazar, Urban Strategies, SSM Healthcare, Washington University School of Medicine, St. Louis Children’s Hospital, Harris-Stowe State University and theMissouri History Museum.

Dajah “Poetry” Dale, age 20, said her internship at SSM St. Mary’s Hospital has been “spectacular.” Dale spends half of the day at her internship and the other half in the classroom.

“I’ve been around the whole hospital since I’ve been there,” Dale said. Although she would like to be an architect or fashion designer, she said she plans to major in nursing to make sure she has a fallback plan.

“I shadow the nurses,” she said. “Whichever college I go into, I already have experience at a hospital.”

In 2008, when her grandmother became ill, Dale dropped out of school to take care of her. She took GED classes at Covenant House until she started at Shearwater in August 2010.

Dale exemplifies the challenging life situations that can force a promising student to drop out. As Krauss said, “It’s not so much drop out as get pushed out.”

Until July 18, Shearwater will be enrolling students for the new school year. For more information, call 314-2891203.

About a 100 people assembled outside U.S.Sen.Claire McCaskill’s St.Louis district office in the Central West End last Friday to protest possible federal cutsin social services.

Photo by Wiley Price

WHEELER

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along with leukemia for the last two years. But for Wheeler, the show went on through sickness, fatigue and pain.

“She performed a pool party when she first moved out to Creve Coeur a few years ago,” Wheeler’s eldest daughter Mar-Yam-Yahrib Aaten said. “She was sitting there with oxygen in her nose and she sang like a bird – on a hot summer day!”

She shared her gift of song with St. Louis audiences –and scholarships to area students –through her benefit shows until the very end. She raised thousands of dollars for hundreds of students and featured dozens of performers on her bills, dating back to before the inaugural Divas showcase in 1996.

From Memphis to Gaslight Square

Wheeler was born on May 15, 1934 in Memphis, TN. A daughter of the Great Migration, she moved to Richmond Heights with her family at the age of five. When she arrived in the St. Louis area as a kindergartener, her gift for singing already had been established via church performances.

Marriage and motherhood seemed to be her path once she met her husband Jimmie Lee. The couple had five children before her husband’s tragic death in 1964.

As she took on various jobs to make ends meet for her family, Wheeler never forgot her song.

Thanks to the urging of Jeanne Trevor, another local jazz legend, Wheeler created a spark near the end of the Gaslight Square era that ignited the flame of an enduring legacy.

“I figured everyone would like her when they got to hear her,” Trevor said. “She had a down-to-earth sound.”

Trevor also loved how Wheeler embraced people of all races.

“She reached out to all races and didn’t care what anybody thought of it,” Trevor said. “She didn’t want to stick you in corners. That’s not music. You can’t have the black notes over here and the white notes over there – that’s not composition.”

Spotlight sharer

Once Wheeler made her name, she always reached out –like Trevor did for her – to provide a platform for rising performers in the area.

“I loved how she could share her stage unconditionally,” Aaten said. “And how she never had fear of bringing someone to her gigs and sharing the spotlight.”

Wendy Gordon was one of many singers Wheeler welcomed into her light.

“She was like a mother to me,” Gordon said. “She took me under wing in the mid-‘80s. She instructed me on the kinds of songs to sing for my voice and range, and allowed me to come to her sets and sit in on numerous occasions.”

Gordon said Wheeler was instrumental in securing gigs for her at local venues.

“I will truly miss her firm but gentle ways,” Gordon said. “But I know she is resting in peace.”

Her sharing nature leaves a lasting legacy.

“One of the last lessons she gave us as a family was, ‘It’s not about the taking, it’s about the giving,’” Aaten said.

The giving will continue in shows and scholarships.

“I don’t think there will ever be another Mae Wheeler, but I know Mar-Yam will keep her dreams alive,” Trevor said. “She will keep doing her Diva shows and giving her scholarships to young people.”

Aaten said that Wheeler walked her family through her death in the final month before she passed away.

“That was her knowing that we were all right and for us to know that she was all right,” Aaten said. “They will be some big shoes to walk in, but I think my mother left me all the tools to do so. Her last song was sung but the melody will just keep going on.”

In addition to Aaten, Wheeler is survived by daughter Mary Ellen Wheeler of St. Louis; three sons, Steve Wheeler of Las Vegas, Kenneth Wheeler of Creve Coeur and Khamaron-Alif Wheeler of St. Louis; a brother, Darde Smith of Richmond Heights; three sisters, Delores Laster of University City, Samella Miller of St. Louis and Ernestine Stith of St. Louis; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great-grandchildren.

The final services for Mae Wheeler are as follows: Friday, June 24, 3–9 p.m., Jazz Jam Wake, Eddie Randle & Sons Funeral Home, 4600 Natural Bridge Ave. Sunday, June 26, viewing 3–4:15 p.m., funeral 4:30–7:30 p.m., Greater Grace Church, 3690 Pershall Rd. Ferguson, MO 63135, 314-867-1233. Arepast will follow the funeral in the church and on the church lawn.

The Sheldon and the Bosman Twins will present a Tribute to Mae Wheeler, on Monday, July 11 at 7 p.m. to benefit the Mae Wheeler Scholarship Fund featuring Jeanne Trevor, the Gateway Men’s Chorus, Denise Thimes, Gene Lynn, Trio Trés Bien, The Bosman Twins, A.J., Bill Tucker and Wendy Gordon at The Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. Call 314-533-9900.

by Wiley Price

After opening ceremonies at the Soldiers Memorial in downtown St.Louis to kick off Marine Week St.Louis 2011, Marine Lt.Col.T.Shane Tomko spokewith local members of the Mumford Point Marines,African-American veterans of the Corps,who were honored at the event.Over 20,000 U.S.Marines were trained at Mumford Point,later renamed Montford Point.

MARINE

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graduation rates of Hispanic, African-American, and Native American students to the levels of white students by 2020, the potential increase in personal income would add more than

$310 billion to the U.S. economy, according to the Alliance for Excellent Education.

“My passion is about improving this nation,” Bailey said, “and helping people improve themselves.”

There are many different reasons why people join the military. But for Bailey, there’s nothing like being a Marine, he said.

“I wish I could relate the experience,” he said. “If you had the opportunity to visit the depot, we are transforming young women and men. In 63 days, they are different. I am proud to be a part of that. We train them up to be the future leaders in this nation.”

Currently, more than 2,300

active duty and reserve Marines from Missouri are serving at home and overseas, including Marines participating in combat operations in Afghanistan. Over 20,000 men and women living in the greater St. Louis area have served, or are currently serving, in the Marine Corps.

Photo

Obituaries

Leathell Horton

Leathell Horton, a native of East St. Louis, was a resident of Jennings, Missouri, slipped from mortality into Immortality, Sunday, June 12, 2011. Mr. Horton was a former bus driver for Washington University and the Bi-State Corporation. He is survived by his wife, Lelia Claxton Horton; daughter, Ramonda Fleming; siblings, Starling Horton and Evelyn Reeves; brothers-in-law, Keith Lee Donald Claxton and Ronald Claxton; sisters-inlaw, Virginia Johnson, Tracy Claxton and Doris Morris; nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Sharon Camille (Griffin) Nishinaka

April 9, 1948 – June 4, 2011

Sharon Camille (neé Griffin) Nishinaka was born in St. Louis, Mo., to her parents, Loree and Quentin Griffin. When she was still a child, Sharon and her family moved from St. Louis to California, where her mother became the first African-American ticket agent with the former Trans World Airlines. Sharon would later follow in her mother’s footsteps in the airline industry, becoming a flight attendant for American Airlines, where she was able to pursue her love of travel and diverse cultures.

As a seasoned world traveler, Sharon served her fellow man daily with exuberance and joy. She was truly a citizen of the world, visiting the continents of Africa, Asia, Europe, North and South America, often. She most recently resided in Las Vegas, Nev., where she led a rich spiritual life and enjoyed close friendships which she cherished. Sharon thrived; her love of diversity in the hearts of the people she served was unmatched. She was fun and helpful, while her eyes always found the strength to constantly speak to everyone that which was most dear to their hearts. Sharon lived life fully imbued with abounding grace, glad to be alive, loving and giving to her church family and all who had need of her. Sharon was magnetic with great faith. What an inspiration she was to know and watch. She lived in extraordinary ovation from the depths of her heart to God. She rose daily as a beautiful, radiant sun to greet each new day in divine union with tenderness and courage experiencing the intimate codes of her every challenge.

On June 4, 2011, Sharon transitioned to the City of Love, God’s eternal restful place and home for her, “where space is not rationed,” Psalm 23:6. She was preceded in death by her father, Quentin; brother, Quentin

Jr.; and daughter, Sumayah Nishinaka. She is survived by her mother, Loree (Peter) Myers of Los Angeles, Calif.; siblings Brenda Porter of Memphis, Tenn.; Martini Allen of Los Angeles; and Sherwood Griffin of California; two grandchildren; and a host of uncles, aunts, cousins and other family and friends.

In Memory of Minister Clifford William Thomas “An Extraordinary Man”

Sunrise: February 15, 1944

Sunset: June 27, 2009

So glad the Lord shared you with us. You are dearly missed. From your Loving Family and Friends

Deacon Jerry Kelly

Deacon Jerry Kelly was born in St. Louis, MO on October 29, 1914 and was the second of five children. Both parents; two sisters, Bernice and Frances; and a brother, Clarence J. Prince preceded him in death. He attended St. Louis Public Schools and the University of Manila.

Deacon Kelly confessed a hope in Christ at an early age. In 1943, he united with Prince of Peace Missionary Baptist Church before joining the military. While serving in the military, he was awarded two bronze stars and good conduct medals and was promoted to the rank of First Sergeant. In 1946, upon his return from military service, he joined the Prince of Peace Usher Board. He served as Senior President from 1971 to 1994. Under his leadership, the Young Adult Ushers were organized. He truly loved ushering.

Deacon Kelly was married to Maggie Kelly, who preceded him in death. Later, he met and married Hazel Kelly, who also preceded him in death. Jerry was ordained as a Deacon under Rev. Norman E. Owens, Jr. He was the first van driver for the Bus Ministry. He began his work history as a teamster with Consolidated Forwarding Company in 1939 with various promotions such as to Night Superintendent, retiring in 1978 with General Electric. He took pride in being a strong working man, always stating, “I worked for 40 years, never took a sick day and was always 45 minutes ahead of time.”

Deacon Kelly traveled with the ushers across the country.

He enjoyed the relationship with ushers from all of the states of the National and State Ushers Organization. He worked on several committees within the National Ushers Association and the Missouri State Ushers Association. In 1969, he became president of the Church Ushers Alliance and served until 1974. In 2000, he became a member of the Church Ushers Alliance Hall of Fame. He was president emeritus of Prince of Peace Ushers and Church Ushers Alliance. He leaves to cherish his memory: a sister, Pearlins M. Dorsey; three daughters, Alease Dailes (Shamicia, RaSheena); Sandra and Phyllis; grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, nephews and his best friends, James Mahan and Gene Davis.

In Memory of Mother Margie Lee Francis

“The Prayer Warrior”

Sunrise: April 16. 1922

Sunset: June 1, 2009

The Lord has called home his good and faithful servant. We love you much but the Lord loves you best.

Your Loving Family and Friends

Jean Wilkerson Tate

Jean Wilkerson Tate, a long time resident of the metro-east region, departed this life Monday, June 20, 2011 after an extended illness. She is survived by two daughters, Marla R. Phillips and Hope E. Money of Belleville, IL; two brothers John F. Wilkerson of Florissant, MO and The Honorable Donald G. Wilkerson and Donna Wilkerson of Glen Carbon, IL; one grandson, Matthew A. Money of Belleville, IL; other relatives and friends. The visitation was held Sunday, June 26, 2011 at Officer Funeral Home – Metro East Chapel. Friends may call from 1 – 2:30 p.m. A Memorial Service was held at 2:30 p.m. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be made to the St. Louis Public Library.

Attention St. Louis American Readers

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

Lewis Place supported by community, city, state

$1M in aid joins grassroots efforts by churches, Masons and others

american staff

Residents of Lewis Place recovering from the Dec. 31 tornado damage are receiving help from city and state government as well as the grassroots.

This week Mayor Francis G. Slay and 18th Ward Ald. Terry Kennedy announced a $1 million package for home repairs in the historic AfricanAmerican neighborhood, with Gov. Jay Nixon pledging matching disaster relief funds from the Missouri Department of Economic Development. Slay said the number of homes damaged – about 150 – was too small to qualify for federal disaster relief.

This city and state assistance follows a range of grassroots efforts that got underway in an initial absence of official concern.

Centennial Christian Church, 4950 Fountain Ave., was the initial center of donations and outreach after the storm. Then Slay, Kennedy and the United Way of Greater St. Louis announced a new 2-1-1 Tornado Assistance Fund 2011 through the United Way. The Missouri Foundation of Health also has granted funds.

In May, more than 50 members of Prince Hall Masons and Order of Eastern Stars “showed physical and financial support” to cover the repairs needed for two homes in the neighborhood.

“We got the call that they needed help. We believe and live by giving charity,” said Steven Johnson, the Grand Lodge community support coordinator.

“And we hoped that through our response it would motivate other organizations and Americans to help your neighbors when in need.”

Kennedy, 18th Ward committeeman Jessie Todd, Pam Talley (president of Lewis Place Historical Preservation) and Carolyn Johnson of The Lewis Place Association also showed support. George Sims of Sims Construction directed the home repairs.

Edward Johnson, Grand Master of the Prince Hall Masons of Missouri F. & A. M., gave formal awards and presentations to the homeowners (Josephine Locket and Joann Gardner), the leaders of Lewis Place Association and Kennedy. Johnson said the Prince Hall Masons also supported the tornado victims of Ft. Leonard Wood, Berkeley and Ferguson, and is now preparing assistance for Joplin.

As The Beacon and others reported, city and state funding for Lewis Place homeowners will be available only to repairs on the 90 houses that were owner-occupied. To be eligible, homeowners must make no more than 80 percent of the median income and be up to date on their property taxes.

“Because of limits on funding and federal rules, the priority will be repairs that have yet to be made, or were only partially completed. There will be a limit of $30,000 per home, except under extraordinary circumstances,” the mayor’s

office said.

“The disaster relief fund will be administered by the City’s Community Development Administration with assistance from the Building Division and Department of Human Services.”

According to The Beacon, Slay planned to ask the city’s Board of Estimate and Apportionment, the city’s chief fiscal body, “to allocate $500,000 from the Major Initiatives Fund in the federal Community Development Block Grant. About $4 million in the fund is for projects that either are not ready to be built, or don’t need the money immediately.”

Lewis Place is on the National Register for Historic Places because of its architecture and its history. It has a place in civil rights history because African Americans fought restrictive deed covenants that previously kept blacks from buying homes in the neighborhood.

Between 1910 to 1945, Lewis Place – like many other neighborhoods in St. Louis –barred African Americans from certain streets with the use of restrictive covenants. The covenants were agreements between white homeowners to exclude the sale of their homes to black perspective buyers.

A movement started by Lewis Place residents led to the landmark Supreme Court case of Shelly vs. Kraemer, which struck down restrictive covenants across the entire U.S., thus opening the doors to a new set of fair housing regulations on the federal, state and local levels.

Jerry Kelly

Leathell Horton

Min. Clifford Thomas

Margie Lee Francis Jean Tate

ald. Terry Kennedy, edward Johnson (Grand Master of the Prince Hall Masons of Missouri) and steven Johnson (Grand Lodge community support coordinator) at the recent rebuilding of Lewis Place Homes spurred by the Masons.

Photo courtesy of Lewis Place association

No knife fights this time in ward redistricting

Ward redistricting in the city of St. Louis often leads to some of the nastiest political knife fights, but not this time around.

Aldermanic President Lewis Reed deserves the credit for showing leadership in the redistricting process. Various aldermen praised him for his transparency and fairness. He brought in aldermen from neighboring wards to discuss their mutual boundaries, so that everyone felt they were hearing the same story – which is anything but the norm in a city largely run by Jeff Rainford. Unlike a deal managed by Rainford, everyone was allowed to freely criticize the process, to vent, fuss and argue, without feeling bullied of threatened. And the task at hand for Reed was far from pleasant, in terms of dealing with 28 people trying to keep their forks stuck in their political pork chops. There is an irony to the redistricting process, in that the wards that lose population need to have their boundaries redrawn to keep the numbers equivalent from ward to ward. This means, in essence, the aldermen in relatively thriving wards suffer so that aldermen that represent wards where people are leaving in large numbers can benefit.

For North City aldermen, their new, geographically expanded wards are more diverse (that is, more white). As North City wards creep into the Central Corridor to pick up people, Central Corridor ward boundaries are pushed south, which also means more white residents districted in center city wards with black representation. The new 19th Ward, which Ald. Marlene Davis represents, will be about 68 percent black, as will Ald. Terry Kennedy’s new 18th Ward. The good news for these aldermen, under the expectation that voters tend to vote their race, is that many of their white constituents are students and other transients. These voters tend to participate in the electoral process, but mostly in national elections, which doesn’t effect the ground games of their aldermen in municipal primaries.

Some micro-battles have been won or lost. Ald. Frank Williamson lost the fight to pick up more of the Loop, but Ald. Lyda Krewson wanted to hold onto that commercial area just as badly as Williamson wanted to pick it up. Williamson ended up adding more of the DeBalivere neighborhood. But he already had a ward that was only about 70 percent black, more integrated than most “black” wards. You seldom see an elected official pop a cork when the district he or she knows how to win suddenly changes demographically. The Central Corridor aldermen have every reason to feel punished for the growth of their wards, relative to their neighbors to the north. Everyone is a little uncomfortable with their new boundaries, though no one expects a sudden, new rash of primary challengers based on the new map. But when the current set of aldermen starts to move on, some knock-down, drag-out and wildly unpredictable electoral battles will ensue.

Days

new County elections director

A statewide elected official once joked with the EYE about the curse of the power to appoint. This official said, “No matter how fair and transparent you try to be, you end up producing one ingrate and a shortlist of resentful enemies.”

That is not likely to be the end result for Gov. Jay Nixon in appointing former state Sen. Rita Days as St. Louis County’s new Democratic elections director, which The Beacon reported Monday evening before the decision had been made public. Days is widely liked and respected. As The Beacon noted, St. Louis County has the largest

state

bloc of registered voters in the state. These voters are in good hands with Days, who leaves the administration of her close friend County Executive Charlie A. Dooley to accept the post.

Young electeds hosted by Obama

Stat Sen. Maria ChappelleNadal, state Rep. Tishaura Jones and state Rep. Clem Smith were guests at the White House this weekend as members of People For the American Way Foundation’s Young Elected Officials Network. Jones was part of an even smaller group that met personally with President Barack Obama, and the EYE hears she may never again bathe the cheek that the president kissed.

The larger group met with a battery of top advisors and received a brief, spirited pep talk from Obama himself, complete with a smiling warning from

POTUS to hi guests not to grab him as he passed through the crowd, unless they wanted the Secret Service to grab them

Addressing the young electeds were David Agnew, deputy director, Office of Intergovernmental Affairs; Austan Goolsbee, soon to be the president’s former top economic advisor; Stephanie Cutter, deputy senior advisor to president; Heather Zichal, deputy assistant, Office of Energy and Climate Change; and Aneesh Chopra, the nation’s first-ever chief technology officer. The young electeds quickly learned what anyone who covers this administration knows well: these are bright, well-researched people who can just bury you in data and talking points.

From Obama’s pep talk: “The process is slow sometimes. Nobody expects all the changes that are needed. When we come together and follow our commonalities, there’s no stopping America. We blaze a trail.”

and Thelma Steward will receive Cancer Support Community’s

Stewards recognized by Cancer Support Community

David and Thelma Steward will be the individual honorees at Cancer Support Community’s fundraising gala “Celebration of Hope” to be held Saturday, October 15 at Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark. The Stewards will receive the Marsha Wolff and Tina Borchert Inspiration Award, as will corporate honoree Ron Fromm, president of Brown Shoe Company. Since 2003 this award has been given to community leaders who have made a significant difference to families affected by cancer. Joan Quicksilver and Carol

Voss are co-chairs of the gala; Donna Cohen is advisory chair; Sandy Lehrer is vicechair, and Warner Baxter is corporate sponsor chair. Donald M. Suggs, publisher of the St. Louis American, is an honorary chair. All proceeds from “Celebration of Hope” remain in St. Louis and support the free programs and services Cancer Support Community provides to patients and their families affected by cancer. For reservations and information, contact Peggy Plont at 314-238-2000, ext. 230.

Rita Days

Wisconsin

Senator Lena Taylor spoke during the annual Jefferson Jackson Democratic fundraising dinner in St. Louis last Friday. Along with the 13 other Democratic state senators, Taylor left Wisconsin to deny the State Senate a quorum on Governor Scott Walker’s legislation that repealed collective bargaining on benefits for public employees. Photo by UPI/Bill Greenblatt

David

Marsha Wolff and Tina Borchert Inspiration Award at its fundraising gala in October.

Luncheon raises $425K for Forest Park

Holly Cousins, Linda Hall co-chair successful fundraiser

American staff

The Forest Park Forever Hiram Lefingwell luncheon this year raised more than $425,000 towards park maintenance and educational programs.

“The community really embraced this year’s event with more than 1,100 guests,” said co-chair of the Lefingwell luncheon, Holly Cousins, who is the director for Special Friends Extended Mentor Program in the Jennings School District.

“It takes great effort from the sponsors and the community to make this event successful.”

Linda Hall, director of Tiffany Jewelers, was also a co-chair

of the luncheon this year. Cousins and Hall led a committee of volunteers under the leadership of Lesley Hoffarth, president of Forest Park Forever, and Lucie Springmeyer, senior vice president of the organization.

“People realize Forest Park is clearly one of the jewels of St. Louis and happens to be listed as one of the most-visited parks in the country,” Cousins said.

“We are extremely blessed here in St. Louis to have so many businesses and individuals in our community that work together and give back to make St. Louis a better place to live.”

To get involved, visit www. forestparkforever.org.

May Queen of MICDS

Taylor Osuji is second African American to receive class honor

American staff

When she was crowned the 2011 MICDS May Queen, Taylor Julianna Chinyere Osuji became the second AfricanAmerican to be so honored since the school’s tradition began in 1912. The honor is given to a senior girl at Mary Institute Country Day School who best represents the class.

The daughter of Dr. Julian I. Osuji and Raqelle D. Wallace, Taylor is a 2011 graduate of MICDS, where she studied

Advanced Placement courses in chemistry, statistics and French.

Taylor plans to major in prepharmacy at Hampton University with aspirations of earning her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree.

She served as co-lead for the MICDS African American Mentoring Program and was a member of the Black Student Union, Student Ambassadors, Chamber Choir and Varsity Dance Club.

Her awards include the

Appreciate black music

It’s been said that music is the soundtrack of life. I can’t imagine my own life without music, so I must pay respect to its ubiquitous African roots.

I am not talking about black music this week because President Jimmy Carter dubbed June as Black Music Month in 1979 and every U.S. president since then has followed suit. Okay, maybe the newsletter from the St. Louis Public Library announcing its celebratory activities gave me pause for relection.

When he became president, Obama renamed the month African American Music Appreciation Month. We all need to know the origins of American music. Further, any history or appreciation of black music must include acknowledgment of the African spirit of creativ-

Taylor plans to major in pre-pharmacy at Hampton University with aspirations of earning her Doctorate of Pharmacy degree.

Vocal Music Award, Varsity Dance Award. Taylor participated in the National Youth Leadership Forum on Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles and the Minority Youth Entrepreneurship Program. Her community involvement has included assisting at local food banks, serving as an Aim High mentor, and as a poll worker for the 2008 presidential election. Taylor is vice-president and former corresponding secretary for Jack and Jill of America, Incorporated, St. Louis Chapter and involved with the youth group at her church, St. Alphonsus Liguori “Rock” Church.

ity.

Blacks have dominated the music scene since their forced arrival to North America in 1619. Many music historians readily assert that black music is America’s only original music. Black American creative genius has been non-stop for nearly four centuries.

There’s spiritual, gospel, pop gospel, blues, jazz, be-bop, ragtime, rock and roll, freedom songs, soul, rhythm and blues, disco, rap, funk, hip-hop, reggae. There were numerous spin-off subgenres like swing, ska, bossa nova, doo wop, boogie woogie, Afro-Cuban, bluegrass, go-go, pop, Mambo, neo-soul, world fusion and on.

And there’s more where they came from – new art forms are germinating somewhere.

Black music has been copied and expanded by musicians of every hue. The musical contributions of African Americans were not always acknowledged or compensated, let alone appreciated. History is full of examples of stolen songs, co-opted genres, unpaid royalties and unfulilled contracts. The music industry has gotten rich off the souls of black folks, but the rest of us need to get the story straight. The U.S. music market worth is worth about $32 billion. If we were to apply some reparations math to it, at least 80 per cent of the proits should be going to people of African descent. Duke Ellington once said, “It’s all music.” I think what he meant was that the beauty of music is to be shared and enjoyed by all, no matter who creates it. That’s all well and good, until artists see their music copied or stolen by white musicians or by the music

industry while their families suffer inancially or they die penniless.

The industry isn’t as blatant in its exploitation as it once was, but most still have a plantation mentality. It wasn’t just an attention-getting stunt back in the 1990s when Prince performed with the word “slave” on his face. It referenced his relationship with Warner Brothers, a contract that he ultimately severed after some creative ploys. A number of young artists have since began to record under their own labels or release music on the internet on their own terms. The music industry has been scrambling for the last decade to re-adjust to the changing times and technology. Regardless of the genre, black music touches an emotional chord inside of us. It can be therapeutic, it can be motivating – it just depends on our mood and where we want to go with it. So don’t wait for a certain month to roll around in order to appreciate black music. When you take in your daily dose, think music and thank black folks.

Linda Hall, director of Tiffany Jewelers, and Holly Cousins, director for Special Friends Extended Mentor Program in the Jennings School District, were co-chairs of this year闇s Hiram Lefingwell Luncheon.

Jamala Rogers

BUSINESS

JUNE 23 – 29, 2011

Life insurance firm rewards community service

AXAFoundation awards Community Scholarships to area students

By Rebecca S.Rivas

Of The St.Louis American

Graduated Senior DeShaunya Ware decreased the chronic conflicts at Construction Careers Center Charter High School by popularizing a violence peer-mediation group. She leaves that behind with her sights on a biochemistry degree and a chance to come back and teach in the St. Louis Public Schools through Teach for America – just like her mentors.

Ware was one of eight students who received a 2011 AXAAchievements Community Scholarship of $2,000 from the AXAFoundation. Ware and Courtnie Henson of Marquette High School were the two African-American recipients. The AXAFoundation is the philanthropic

Courtnie Henson, a graduate of Marquette High School in Chesterfield,and DeShaunya Ware, a graduate of Construction Careers Center in St.Louis,were congratulated by Stanley Williams Jr., divisionalvice presidentand directorof Retirement Benefits Group for AXA Advisors,LLC, upon receiving scholarships from AXA Foundation.

Davises are donating 10 percent of the Shrimp Shack’s lunchtime proceeds to the Friends of Normandy School District Foundation.

Shrimp Shack raises funds for

Special to The American

Purchasing a catfish sandwich, chicken wing combo or shrimp dinner for lunch will support Normandy School District (NSD) students receiving scholarships – that is if you’re making your purchase from the Shrimp Shack Grill.

The Shrimp Shack Grill, located at 8624 Natural Bridge, is partnering with Normandy School District to donate 10 percent of all menu purchases made between the hours of 10:30 a.m. through 3 p.m. Monday through Friday to the Friends of Normandy School District Foundation.

“This is our way of staying connected to the community by supporting the school district and its students,” said Joanna “JoJo” Davis,

co-owner of the Shrimp Shack.JoJo co-owns the restaurant with her husband Max.

“We’ve always been givers, and when this opportunity was presented to us we figured this was a great way to give back to the community that has embraced us for the past eight years.”

The partnership is the brainstorm of Sandra Marks, wife of Normandy School District Board of Education president Cozy W. Marks III.Sandra, a business consultant, was hired by the Shrimp Shack to develop methods of increasing and promoting the business, particularly during its slow period of Monday through Wednesday.

P

EOPLEON THE MOVE

Sharon Johnson has joined First National Bank of St. Louis as a Community Development Lending Officer. She will help educate low to moderate income residents on the bank’s mortgage products and other banking services She has more than 30 years of experience in the banking industry, the last 13 in community mortgage lending. She is a board member of the Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center and a member of West Side Baptist Missionary Church

Chaz Jaquess has been promoted to project manager at E.M. Harris Construction Company.Prior to joining E.M. Harris as a project engineer in April 2010, Jaquess provided construction-related management and engineering services for more than 35 projects over 11 years for St. Louis-based Alberici Constructors Inc. Jaquess is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers and of the Board of Directors of Wesley House Association.

Hazel Donald has received the 2011 Oliver M. Langenberg Award from City Academy. The award honors St. Louisans who make the community a better place. Donald chaired City Academy’s Board of Trustees 2002-2007. She has been involved with The Magic House, United Way, Danforth Plant Science Center, Cardinal Ritter College Prep and CASA. Don Danforth, City Academy president, said, “We hope that our students and graduates will follow her example.”

Marvin Williams was awarded a Hazelwood School District 2011 Outstanding First Year Teacher. Williams is a physical education teacher at Russell Elementary School. Russell Elementary principal Patrick Lane said,“Mr. Williams seeks the very best for each child, whether it is a child that is considered ‘typical’or a child on an Individualized Educational Plan.” Sean Manion, who teaches seventh-grade communication skills at Hazelwood East Middle School, also was awarded.

BUSINESS BRIEFS

World Wide Technology still nation’s largest black business

With more than 3.3 billion in revenues, St. Louisbased World Wide Technology, Inc. (David L. Steward, founder and chairman) topped Black Enterprise’s 2011 list of the 100 most profitable black-owned business in the “Industrial/Service” sector. The firm far outpaced the leaders in the other sectors ranked by the magazine, while also ranking fifth in growth, with more than a 51 percent increase in revenues from 2009.

St. Louis-based Roberts Brothers Properties ranked 40th among Industrial/Service companies, with $89.5 million in revenues. The firm’s principals, Michael V. Roberts and Steven C. Roberts, are featured in the June 2011 edition of Black Enterprise

Mark to pen forward of Who’s Who in Black St. Louis

Richard J. Mark, senior vice president of Ameren Missouri customer operations, will write the foreword for the eighth edition of Who’s Who in Black St. Louis Mark oversees electric and gas distribution to more than 1.2 million customers across central and eastern Missouri, including the greater St. Louis area. He also oversees customer service operations, communications, community relations and corporate giving for Missouri’s largest utility company.

Keith A. Willis Sr., associate publisher for the magazine, said of Mark, “His impressive career and commitment to his community makes him a role model to the youth of the St. Louis metropolitan area.”

Foundation forhealth grants $471K to area nonprofits

By Chris King Of The St.Louis

The Missouri Foundation for Health has awarded a total of $471,430 in grants to 11 nonprofits in the St. Louis area as part of a $1.6 million round of funding recently approved by its Board of Directors Grace Hill Health Centers Inc. was by far the largest grantee, receiving $292,140 to fund a coordinated care management program for low-income patients with both chronic disease and mental health diagnoses.

Sharon Johnson

Chaz Jaquess

Hazel Donald

Photo courtesy of Normandy School District

Marvin Williams

Photo by Wiley Price

High scores for529 college savings plan

Looking for a tax-advantaged college savings plan that has no age restrictions and no income phaseout limits— and one you can use to pay for more than just tuition?

Consider the 529 college savings plan, an increasingly popular way to save for higher-education expenses, which have more than tripled over the past two decades — with annual costs (for tuition and fees, and room and board) of almost $37,000 per year for the average privatefour-year college.1 Named after the section of the tax code that authorized them, 529 plans (also known as qualified tuition plans) are now offered in almost every state.

Most people have heard about the original form of 529, the state-operated prepaid tuition plan, which allows you to purchase units of future tuition at today's rates, with the plan assuming the responsibility of investing the funds to keep pace with inflation. Many state governments guarantee that the cost of an equal number of units of education in the sponsoring state will be covered, regardless of investment performance or the rate of tuition increase. Of course, each state plan has a different mix of rules and restrictions. Prepaid tuition programs typically will pay future college

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arm of AXAEquitable, which sells life insurance, annuities and related financial services. Its assets under management totaled $559.9 billion as of December 31, 2010. At the scholarship reception on June 8, Stanley Williams, AXA’s vice president of retirements benefit group – and an inaugural 2011 St. Louis

tuition at any of the sponsoring state's eligible colleges and universities (and some will pay an equal amount to private and out-of-state institutions).

The newer variety of 529 is the savings plan. It's similar to an investment account, but the funds accumulate tax deferred. Withdrawals from state-sponsored 529 plans are free of federal income tax as long as they are used for qualified college expenses.Many states also exempt withdrawals from state income tax for qualified higher education expenses. Unlike the case with prepaid tuition plans, contributions can be used for all qualified higher-education expenses (tuition, fees, books, equipment and supplies, room and board), and the funds usually can be used at all accredited post-secondary schools in the United States. The risk with these plans is that investments may lose money or may not perform well enough to cover college costs as anticipated.

In most cases, 529 savings plans place investment dollars in a mix of funds based on the age of the beneficiary, with account allocations becoming more conservative as the time for college draws closer. But recently, more states have contracted professional money managers — many well-known investment firms — to actively

American Young Leader – presented the awards to the students.

“They do what they do out of their own kindness,” he said. “They don’t get a chance to talk about what they do. It gave them the opportunity to shine.”

Ware was the first AfricanAmerican student from the city of St. Louis to receive this scholarship, which focuses on the students’community service and less on their academic performance or financial need.

By Charles Ross PERSONAL

manage and market their plans, so a growing number of investors can customize their asset allocations. Some states enable account owners to qualify for a deduction on their state tax returns or receive a small match on the money invested.Earnings from 529 plans are not taxed when used to pay for eligible college expenses. And there are even new consumerfriendly reward programs popping up that allow people who purchase certain products and services to receive rebate dollars that go into state-sponsored college savings accounts.2

FINANCE

Charles Ross

Funds contributed to a 529 plan are considered to be gifts to the beneficiary, so anyone — even non-relatives — can contribute up to $13,000 per year (in 2011) per beneficiary without incurring gift tax consequences. Contributions can be made in one lump sum or in monthly installments. And assets contributed to a 529 plan are not considered part of the account owner's estate,

“It was amazing to see so many young adults trying and striving to make the world a better place,” Ware said. “Not only are they enabling themselves to be successful but also giving back to the community. These were amazing young people. It was an inspiration to me.”

Henson created an arts and athletics program for 100 disadvantaged youth from the streets and into a fun and safe environment on Saturday mornings.

therefore avoiding estate taxes upon the owner's death.

Major Benefits

These savings plans generally allow people of any income level to contribute, and there are no age limits for the student. The account owner can maintain control of the account until funds are withdrawn — and, if desired, can even change the beneficiary as long as he or she is within the immediate family of the original beneficiary. A529 plan is also extremely simple when it comes to tax reporting — the sponsoring state, not you, is responsible for all income tax record keeping. At the end of the year when the withdrawal is made for college, you will receive Form 1099 from the state, and there is only one figure to enter on it: the amount of income to report on the student's tax return.

Benefits for Grandparents

The 529 plancould bea

“The ceremony was perfect,” Henson said. “Simple, yet honorable. It was relaxed enough to calm our nerves when it came to speaking in front of everyone, but it was nice to be recognized for our achievements at the same time.”

Ware said conflict and instability compromised her learning environment. Being a confrontational person, she said, she used to be part of the problem.

“I figured I started this,”

great way for grandparents to shelter inheritance money from estate taxes and contribute substantial amounts to a student's college fund. At the same time, they also control the assets and can retain the power to control withdrawals from the account. By accelerating use of the annual gift tax exclusion, a grandparent — as well as anyone, for that matter — could elect to use five years' worth of annual exclusions by making a single contribution of as much as $65,000 per beneficiary in 2011 (or a couple could contribute $130,000 in 2011), as long as no other contributions are made for that beneficiary for five years.*If the account owner dies, the 529 plan balance is not considered part of his or her estate for tax purposes.

As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a Section 529 savings plan. In addition, there are no guarantees regarding the performance of the underlying investments in Section 529 plans. The tax implications of a Section 529 savings plan should be discussed with your legal and/or tax advisors because they can vary significantly from state to state. Also note that most states offer their own Section 529 plans, which may provide advantages and

Ware said, “and if I started this I need to find a way to fix the situation. I have always been an intelligent woman, but I had a bad mouth problem. Even when I had this bad mouth, the teachers and administrators always supported me. I had to figure out a way to show them my appreciation, and this was my way of doing that.”

benefits exclusively for their residents and taxpayers. Before investing in a529 savings plan, please consider the investment objectives, risks, charges, and expenses carefully. The official disclosure statements and applicable prospectuses, which contain this and other information about the investment options and underlyinginvestments, can be obtained by contacting your financial professional. You should read this material carefully before investing. By comparing different plans, you can determine which might be available for your situation. You may find that 529 programs make saving for college easier than before.

* If the donor makes the five-year election and dies during the five-year calendar period, part of the contribution could revert back to the donor's estate. Sources:

Ware has a long list of extracurricular and volunteer activities, including serving on the principal’s advisory council and working with children at the Kingdom House. Her mother is her best friend and strongest mentor, Ware said. But at school, her Teach For America teachers, Kelsey Henneboehle and Kathleen Remington, helped to shape her future goals.

“I appreciate that so much,” Ware said. “They showed me that it doesn’t matter where you came from, it’s where you are going. Because of them and my mom, I have to show the world my intelligent skills.” When beginning her scholarship search, Ware went to Remington with a big stack of papers in a manila folder. Every Sunday they would meet to go through the applications.

“For them to give me this scholarship, it’s getting me one step closer to achieving my dreams,” Ware said. “Hopefully, I will be able to give back to another student like they did for me.”

When Sandra presented the idea of supporting the school district and its students through the scholarship foundation while increasing traffic in the restaurant, both knew it was an instant match.Acampaign was started, and the partnership officially kicked off on April 4.District administrators, board members, foundation directors, staff and others gathered at the Shrimp Shack for lunch to contribute to the first day’s donation.

“This is exciting and a winwin situation for everyone involved,” said Stanton E. Lawrence, Normandy’s superintendent of schools.“This is a prime example of how this community has embraced and supported the district in its goal of academic excellence for all students.We are grateful for the Davises and their generosity.”

This is not the first time the Shrimp Shack has supported efforts of the district.For several years the, restaurant has donated food items for Normandy Middle School’s Back to School Jam.JoJo says their goal is to donate a minimum of $10,000 to the Friends of Normandy School District Foundation.

“Anything over our goal of $10,000 is just ‘icing on the cake’” she said.“We’re in this community to stay, so this partnership can go on forever.”

The Friends of Normandy School District Foundation was established in 2005 to provide scholarships to deserving Normandy High School graduates.Students can begin earning points toward scholarships as early as fourth grade, and points accrue through their senior year of high school.

“I want to show people why I was considered one of the best at 140 pounds.”

— Devon Alexander,on his upcoming fight against Lucas Matthysse on Saturday night

By Earl Austin Jr.

MU football alum joins radio team

Of The St.Louis American

The University of Missouri has tabbed former standout football player Howard Richards as their new radio color analyst for the 2011 season.

Anative of St. Louis, Richards was a former star player at Southwest High School in the

Richards to Mizzou Marshall Rogers passes away

Public High League. After a standout collegiate career at Mizzou, Richards was a first-round draft selection of the Dallas Cowboys in 1981 as an offensive tackle. He spent seven seasons in the National Football League.

Following his retirement from football,

Richards returned to Mizzou where he earned a Communications degree in 1988. He spent 13 years working for the Central Intelligence Agency in various capacities.

“This is a unique opportunity,” Richards said. “How many times has a person that attends a uni-

versity as a student-athlete, then gets an opportunity to represent the school as part of the broadcast team?”

Richards will join long-time Tigers’play-by-play voice Mike Kelly for the upcoming season. He will replace John Kadlec, a former Mizzou assistant coach who retired after 16 years in the radio booth.

this Saturday at the Family

Center.Don

will mark the return

Devon vs. bruiser

champion in track and field in the triple jump in 1971.

By Glenn McBrady

The St.Louis American

For

At the beginning of the summer in which he will celebrate his eightieth birthday, promoter Don King will once again make boxing history in Missouri with a dynamic card containing four world championships.

The “Show Me Something Great … In The ‘Show Me’ State!” event this Saturday at the Family Arena will mark the return of rising super lightweight star Devon Alexander “The Great” (21-1, 13 ko’s) as he looks to rebound from his first professional loss. He will face a stern test in the form of Argentina’s Lucas Matthysse (28-1, 26 ko’s), a top contender and owner of a gaudy 92 percent knockout percentage. There was a media conference call last Tuesday featuring Alexander, Matthysse and their crews to discuss their progress as they prepared to break camps.

Trainer Kevin Cunningham

talked about working out “The Great” in the thin air of Monument, Colorado, in the shadow of Pikes Peak. He said, “There are a bunch of ranches and farmland up here, and it’s a beautiful place to train. We didn’t run Pikes Peak, but we are at 7,500 feet so we didn’t need that.”

His young charge echoed those sentiments, saying, “It’s good to be back. On Monday, Wednesday and Friday we are sparring and on Tuesday and Thursday in the gym.

adding, “I lay the blame on Devon and me, and that’s where it should be laid. We accept full responsibility for coming up short in a great opportunity that was before us, but I’m telling you we won’t come up short on June 25.”

“If you want to claim you are the best in your division, these are the type of fights you need to take on.”

– Kevin Cunningham

I am ready to rock and roll.”

When asked about criticism regarding his loss to Timothy Bradley in January, both the trainer and his fighter did not shy away from the line of questioning. Cunningham said, “I wasn’t surprised by (the criticism),”

Alexander added, “I hate to lose. That fight taught me I had to do what I needed to do. In any circumstance and any obstacle there is in that ring, I need to get through it. I didn’t follow the game plan.” He added, “I have to stay focused. No matter how high the stakes are, you have to stay focused and follow the game plan.” When asked why they chose such a ferocious opponent in the hard-charging Matthysse, Cunningham was equally candid. Cunningham said, “I call him ‘the Beast.’I think he’s a beast, and he’s got the highest knockout

percentage in the division and that makes him the biggest puncher in the division. If you want to claim you are the best in your division, these are the type of fights you need to take on.” Matthysse was asked through a translator about his thoughts as camp winds down for him in Oxnard, California. He said, “This is a very important fight for me. It is going to be a tough fight that I’m dedicating to Argentina.” When asked if he’s worried about fighting in Alexander’s backyard and the likelihood of winning a decision, he laughed and said, “No, I’m not worried at all. I train for a knockout. I can’t worry about a decision and I can’t let it get to a decision, and that’s what I’ve been working for.” He added, “I don’t like to predict rounds. That is not my job. If it does go the distance, I have to respect the judges.”

Former Sumner hoops star only STLplayer to top NCAAin scoring

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of The St.Louis American

Former Sumner High basketball star and NCAA scoring champion Marshall Rogers passed away last Thursday.

One of the great guards in Public High League history, Rogers was a former All-City and All-District performer at Sumner. He was also a key player of the Bulldogs’powerhouse 1969 team that won the Class Lstate championship.

Rogers has the distinction of being the only player from St. Louis to win the NCAAscoring title. As a senior at Pan American University, Rogers averaged 36 points a game in 1976.

“He was an Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor and Jo Jo White all rolled up into one.” – John Algee

“Marshall was a great individual who was dedicated to the game of basketball,” said Missouri State High School Activities Association Board President Travis Brown, who was a teammate of Rogers at Sumner. “He set goals and he was determined to reach all of his goals. He was a great player and an extremely tough competitor. St. Louis lost one of the great ones.” To take one look at the thick, muscular Rogers, one would think he was one step away from being in the National Football League as a defensive back. Before becoming a collegiate scoring champion, Rogers was a three-year standout at Sumner for the late John Algee. During the 1970 season, Algee gave this assessment of Rogers.

“He was an Oscar Robertson, Elgin Baylor and Jo Jo White all rolled up into one,” Algee said, after Rogers scored 33 points against Webster Groves in the championship game of the Normandy Christmas Tournament.

Rogers was a key reserve guard for the

Howard Richards

Marshall Rogers led Sumner to consecutive Public High League titles in 1970 and ’71.In his three years at Sumner,the Bulldogs compiled a record of 71-9.Rogers was also a state

Photo by Bob Barton

St.Louis’rising super lightweight star Devon Alexander worked out Monday at Marquette Recreation

King’s “Show Me Something Great … In The ‘Show Me’State!”event

Arena

of Devon as he looks to rebound from his first professional loss

Earl Austin Jr.

CLAIB’S CALL

By Mike Claiborne

Long 4-6 weeks forBirds with Pujols out

Mike Claiborne

As the injury bug continues to bite the Cardinals, one has to wonder how they can stay in or close to first place. They lost Adam Wainwright to start the season, then third baseman David Freese, outfielder Matt Holiday, second baseman Skip Schumaker, pitcher Kyle McLellan and now superstar slugger Albert Pujols have all spent time on the disabled list. Throw in Lance Berkman’s loss of time due to a wrist injury and you have a team that has lost more manpower than any team in the division.

Yet they find a way to compete. The optimist would say, “Wow, can’t wait for everyone to get healthy.” The pessimist would say they cannot keep this up much longer. While the Cardinals have found a way to remain competitive, they have done it with Pujols in the lineup. While he is not having a Pujols-type season, he still commands respect that makes teams approach the Cardinals differently.

Berkman and Holliday can make any pitcher pay for pitching to them in key situations. But what are the Cardinals going to get from Colby Rasmus? He started off hot and now has found himself in a dreadful slump. It will be hard for the Cardinals to keep up offensively if he continues

to fail. The young players like Jon Jay, Daniel Descalso and Alan Craig have saved this team. They will be counted on even more with Pujols out. As for the pitching, they have to be better all around. The starters have to go deeper and the bullpen has to come into games throwing strikes. With the biggest bullet out for 4-6 weeks in Albert Pujols, it will be a challenge to all.

LeBron and the Canucks

Last week there were two major disappointments in the world of sports: LeBron James’inability to be more proactive in his team’s quest to win an NBAChampionship and the Vancouver Canucks.

For James it has been a week of merciless criticism by anyone who could spell the word “b-a-s-k-e-t-b-a-l-l.” If there was ever apile on, it was on LeBron.

Enter the Vancouver Canucks.

They play in the National Hockey League. Still with me?

The Canucks were playing in the Stanley Cup Finals and had two chances to clinch the cup, one on the road in Boston and one at home in game seven. The Canucks were embarrassed at home in a game they were never in, losing 4-0.

This was a team that showed no heart and no drive in the final two games, as they were collectively beaten by a score of 9-2. They rolled over as a team. No leadership, no fight. They just plain embarrassed themselves and their sport. They just flamed out.

Unlike James’disappointment, this story was simply ignored by the mainstream media. They just chalked it up to Boston being better.

Better? Vancouver was the best team in the league from start to finish this season, and they laid an egg in a game seven? Spare me.

Here is the kicker. After the game, the citizens of Vancouver decided to take to the streets and create a riot.

Property was destroyed and over 100 people were arrested with at least 150 injured. An embarrassment to the city and to Canada.

So I ask you this question: with Lebron laying an egg and being part of a loosing team, what do you think would have been said if the people had taken to the streets in Miami and conducted themselves in the same manner as they did in Vancouver?

New Mizzou voice

Congratulations to Howard Richards, who was recently named by the University of Missouri to be the radio color analyst for football. Richards was named to replace John Kadlec who is retiring.

Richards attended Southwest High School, where he was a standout offensive lineman. He later attended and played for Missouri, then was drafted in the first round by the Dallas Cowboys. After a

seven-year career, he retired and went to work for the CIA. I would like to tell you more about that, but if tells me he might have to kill me, hence I will just tell you that is what he used to do. Richards also has a security firm that protects corporate executives overseas. The hire is a brilliant move. He is more than qualified to take on the position, and I predict he will do an outstanding job. Good luck, Howard.

Albert Pujols is helped off the field Sunday by assistant trainer Greg Hauck.Pujols will miss four to six weeks.

St.

Louis Eagles 15U boys win AAU Ozark Regional title

The St.Louis Eagles 15U boys recent won the Amateur Athletic Union Ozark regional championship.They will compete in the AAU 15U National Tournament in Little Rock,Ark.from July 5-9.The team members are (front row,left to right:Brandon Gilmore,asst.coach;Rashad Lindsey (MICDS),Isaiah Holman (Lutheran North),Marcellus Lewis (Chaminade),Damon Patterson (Chaminade),Darryl Lenard,head coach.(Back row,left to right:Mylin Johnson, asst.coach,Patrick Triplett (Bayless),Chaz Glotta (Fort Zumwalt North,Sean Clancy (Las Vegas),Dmitri Rucker (Whitfield),Robin Thompson (MICDS),Andrew Maddock (Chaminade), Evan Booker (Kirkwood),Bryan Turner,asst. coach.Not pictured,Mason Bendigo (Eureka).

DEVON

Continued from B3

Four champ bouts

The four championship bouts that fans in attendance can look forward to at the HBO-televised gala include light heavyweight Tavoris Cloud (21-0, 18 ko’s) facing Yusaf Mack (29-3-2, 17 ko’s).

ROGERS

Continued from B3

Bulldogs’star-studded Class L state-championship team in 1969. He scored 11 points off the bench in Sumner’s victory over Webster Groves in the state-championship game. Rogers led Sumner to consecutive Public High League titles in 1970 and ’71. As a senior, he earned All-State and All-Metro honors after averaging 26.4 points a game. In his three years at Sumner, the Bulldogs compiled a record of

Heavyweights Bermane Stiverne (20-1-1, 19 ko’s) and Ray Austin (28-5-4, 18 ko’s) will clash for the WBC Silver strap.

St. Louis’own Ryan Coyne (16-0, 6 ko’s) will defend his WBC-USNBC cruiser crown against David McNemar (13-0, 10 ko’s).

The IBF junior middle hardware will also be up for grabs when Cornelius Bundrage (30-4, 18 ko’s) steps

71-9. Rogers was also a state champion in track and field in the triple jump in 1971. After beginning his collegiate career at Kansas, Rogers transferred to Pan American, where he became an all-world scorer. In just two years at Pan-Am, Rogers scored a whopping 1,507 points, which is currently fifth on the school’s all-time list. In that magical 1976 season, Rogers scored 919 points to average 35.8 a game. He had a high game of 58 points against Texas Lutheran on Feb. 16, 1976. He still has four of the top 10 single-game scoring

in to duel Brooklyn’s top ranked challenger Sechew Powell (26-2, 15 ko’s).

Don King joined the call and said, “We have the biggest show that has ever been in Missouri, with four world title fights plus Devon Alexander ‘The Great’and Lucas Matthysse. So we need to make certain the people get what they pay for and get what we promise.”

The card’s roster sent a cur-

nights in the school’s history. Rogers displayed the ability to score from anyplace on the court. There were reports of his routinely pulling up from inside the half-court line to swish home rainbow jumpers.

Rogers was a first round draft pick of the Golden State Warriors in 1976. He spent one season with Golden State.

(Some of the information in this story was taken from Earl Austin Jr.’s book, The PHLin the STL: The Public High League, ASt. Louis Basketball Legacy).

rent through the local boxing community, and fans tell me they look forward to the return of their local hero as he continues his climb to the summit of the sport.

Tickets are priced at $25, $50, $125 and $300 and can be purchased at the Family Arena box office and all MetroTix outlets, including online at metrotix.com or charged by phone at 314-5341111.

MBE

Continued from B1 would pay off because of the commitment he has received from executives on his board, especially Cockerham and board chair Dennis W. Weisenborn, vice president of Ameren.

In briefly introducing the Billion Dollar Impact over lunch, Cockerham made very clear what a commitment from someone in his position can mean when he casually mentioned that BJC is about to spend “a little over $1 billion” in renovating its Kingshighway campus.

Knowing that Cockerham, who has transformed the process of mandating minority inclusion in subcontracting at BJC, has “a little over $1 billion” to spend on contracts made the speculative math of the Billion Dollar Impact much more concrete.

Webb offered more math in his brief remarks at the lunch. He said the council has 280plus certified member MBEs and 145 corporate members. He said if regional corporations succeed in upgrading from $3 billion to $4 billion annually in contracts with area MBEs, as pledged, this would create 2,000 new jobs.

The council’s board also includes top executives at Laclede Gas, U.S. Bank, Metropolitan Sewer District, Boeing, Monsanto, Express Scripts, World Wide Technology and Enterprise Holdings. “We are going to start with the commitment from our board and add corporations as we go,” Webb told The American. Walgreens, to name one corporation not represented on the council’s board, has made the pledge. Webb also credited Tom Voss at Ameren and David Steward at World Wide Technology for their leadership and commitment.

The initiative is a public/private partnership.

Webb listed many elected officials who have pledged their support, and Mayor Francis G.

James Webb,president and CEO of the council,told The American he is confident that the voluntary pledges would pay off because of the commitment he has received from executives on his board,especially Steve Cockerham,vice president of Planning,Design & Construction for BJC Health Care and board chair Dennis W.Weisenborn,vice president of Ameren.

“We are going to start with the commitment from our board and add corporations as we go.”

– James Webb,St.Louis Minority Supplier Development Council

Slay spoke at the announcement. Slay said the Billion Dollar Impact is a “bold, urgent, and very, very impor-

tant initiative.”

One MBE owner, Carmen Jacob of NextGen Information Services, spoke at the lunch and provided anecdotal evidence that a corporation’s willingness to try to work with MBEs can pay off.

“Our business has grown because two ladies at AT&T sat down with us and listened, and then committed to expanding with us,” Jacob said. Jacob urged other area corporations to do the same. She urged them to “give MBEs a chance and increase the value of your supply chain.”

Birthdays and soirees

St. Louisan and New York Potpourri correspondent Dr. Michelle Reed wishes a Happy Golden Birthday (June 15) to her nephew Joanathan Mevs.

STL is partying with old friends for new honors

By Dana Grace For The St. Louis American

Dana Grace

The annual NAACP Freedom Fund Dinner and first joint effort of the St. Louis City and County chapters held June 10, 2011 at the Millennium Hotel was a roaring success. Attendees really enjoyed the inspirational keynote speech given by Shirley Sherrod of U.S. Department of Agriculture fame. Best wishes for a speedy recovery to St. Louis’ own Frankie Freeman, Esq. who is slated to receive the organization’s highest honor (the prestigious Spingarn Medal) at the NAACP National Convention to be held in Los Angeles this summer. The Spingarn dinner will be held on July 28.

A grand time was had by all who attended the Old School Party (June 11) hosted by Stephen Byes (FOXY 95.5 Program Director), Marla Hudson Spriggs, Denise Baldwin

See POTPOURRI, C4

From hockey to Don Giovanni

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

You can add Elliot Madore to that ever-growing list of “only in the age of Obama.” Madore is a “half-black” (his phrase) Canadian former hockey player who now sings opera (baritone) in leading roles on the world’s major stages. He has a paid position in the Lindemann Young Artist Development Program at the Metropolitan Opera in New York, and for the Saturday matinee at Opera Theatre of St. Louis

he will close the curtain on his performance in the title role of Mozart’s Don Giovanni The Opera Theatre of St. Louis production (directed by

Meet the unlikely ‘half-black’ opera star Elliot Madore

James Robinson and Michael Shell, with choreography by Sean Curran) is so rich in physical comedy it verges on

slapstick. It makes the most of the vital athleticism of this former hockey player, who has leading man looks reminiscent of former NBA star (and fellow Canadian) Rick Fox. In addition to staging an incredibly athletic production, Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ casting is as ethnically diverse as it gets. The leading lady who has been abandoned by Don Giovanni, Donna Elvira, is played by Kishani Jayasinghe. The beautiful soprano

See OPERA, C4

Photo by Wiley Price

Stylish & Christian

Fashion adds to Pink and Purple benefit for Sisters of Hope

By Kenya Vaughn For The St. Louis American

“I want people who come to this show to know that you can still be a Christian woman and still be a beautiful woman – and still be in style,” said Elise Stone designer and founder of Adorned Clothing. “You can follow the fashion trends and still look presentable and wear them to church.”

Her collection – a polka-dot bubble skirt, paint-splash print short jumper and an olive pants jumper with the style of sewn-in suspenders – would catch the eye of any fashionista. But the conservative cuts and length wouldn’t cause clutched pearls by church sisters.

She started with a line of funky, faith-based graphic T-shirts. But now, her designs are inspired by her experience of embracing faith.

“I was that chick wearing my club clothes to church – with my back all out and my stilettos,” Stone admitted.

“At the time, I was new into Christ. I now know I can still cover up and be attractive. I don’t have look like Mother Theresa.” Stone will present her designs as part of the Sisters of Hope 2nd Annual Pink and Purple Benefit

Steve Harvey bows to Sojourner Truth &

Just saying no to the self-help of the oppressed

By MK Stallings For The St. Louis American

After finishing Steve Harvey’s Act Like a Lady, Think Like a Man, I’ve decided he should stop. Stop writing books and stop participating in the exploitation of women readers. He should tell his publisher he saw a vision of Sojourner Truth and she asked him, “Must I think like you and follow your standard of being

a lady in order to be treated right?”

He’d then say that her question was a burden on his soul prompting him to walk away from an industry that preys on the emotions of women. I can imagine that news about Harvey’s transformation would stun followers and critics alike. Media outlets would harass his publicist until Harvey granted an interview, which would likely be given to the Oprah Winfrey Network since Oprah played a major role in promoting his book. In a tearful live primetime interview, Harvey would reveal to Oprah that he didn’t fully understand what he was talking about. His only thought was that independent women must be stopped from spreading their anti-male-dependency views and that he wanted women to assume their tra-

ditional role of subservience to men.

Oprah would then ask him why he would do such a thing. In response, he’d attempt to correct her by saying “why would we do such a thing,” suggesting that she was complicit in perpetuating the self-help of the oppressed. Shocked, Oprah would cut to a commercial break only to return with an empty chair beside her.

While I enjoyed imagining this, the reality is that Harvey would not turn away from making money as a bestselling author. Besides, he’s not advocating violence against women, only perpetuating the idea that women need men to achieve happiness. What is wrong with teaching women how to think like men?

See SINGLE, C4

Fashion Show Sunday at the Missouri History Museum. Last year, she said, all she had “was T-shirts and tutu skirts.” This year she will feature two models ripping the runway in a variety of original designs.

The event serves as a benefit for Sisters of Hope, a non-profit organization that focuses on the personal and social development of women and girls through activities in artistic expression, financial literacy, dance, modeling and cultural competency.

“They’re really about empowering women,” Stone said of Sisters of Hope. “And this particular event is about empowering women through fashion – and that’s all me.”

According to Stone, programming offered through Sisters of Hope range from etiquette to nutrition. While the idea was born through Faith Church, they hope to broaden their organization to other churches across the area – and the nation.

Pink and Purple will take place this Sunday afternoon at the Missouri History Museum. Along with fashion, featured performances include Sisters of Hope Dancers, See FASHION, C4

Elliot Madore sings the lead role in Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ final performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at 1 p.m. Saturday June 25 at the at Loretto-Hilton in Webster Groves.

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

Jun., 24 – Jun. 25, Jazz at the Bistro Welcomes Denise Thimes, Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Blvd. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Jul., 2, 7 p.m., JeKade Entertainment presents Bobby Womack featuring Latimore, The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry. For more information, call (314) 5341111.

Jul. 8 – Jul. 9, Jazz St. Louis presents Legacy Jazz Quintet performing “The Music of Miles Davis: 1959-1968,” Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com.

Sun., July 17, 7p.m. (doors open 6p.m.) Lexus Len Productions presents THE BACKWITH AVENGENCE TOUR featuring George Clinton & Parliament/Funkadelic, The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd. Call The (314) 869-9090 or Metrotix (314)534-1111 (metortix.com).

July 28, Sade with special guest John Legend, Scottrade Center. Tickets on sale April 16. For more information visit www.ticketmaster.com

Jul., 29, C.R. Lee ministries present Tye Tribbett live in concert, Faith Church St. Louis 3590 Rider Trial South Earth City, MO 63045. Tickets can be purchased at Transformation Christian Bookstore, WORD Christian Bookstore or by calling 314 322-9468 or 314 398-3405.

Thurs., Aug. 4, 7 p.m., BudweiserSuperfest presents Jill Scott’s SummerBlock Party hosted by Doug E. Fresh and featuring Anthony Hamilton, Mint Condition and DJ Jazzy Jeff, Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre. For

more information, visit www.livenation.com.

Sat., Sept. 17, (Tickets on sale Mon., Jun. 6 at 10 a.m.), Yo Gabba Gabba, The Fox Theatre. For more information, call (314) 534-1111 or visit www.metrotix.com

local gigs

St. Louis’own StarCity recording artist Fred Walker performs his (one man)SAXY JAZZ music show at the all new SHRIMPSHACK GRILL , Every Friday (happy hour) 3pm – 7pm, and Saturday (brunch) 10am – 2pm. 8624 Natural Bridge Rd (at Hanley) 314-426-3333.

Funkin Right, Every 2nd Saturday, Nappy DJ Needles invites you downtown for a monthly dose of good vibes delivered in the form of raw soul, afro beat, house, hip hop and deep funk. Lola, 500 N. 14th St.

Karaoke with Ric Louis THURSDAYS, 8pm at St. Louis’Happy Hour Bar & Grill, 12948 New Halls Ferry at Parker Road (Next to Save-A-Lot Supermarket). Wednesday s, 9pm at Ace`s Lounge, in the Comfort Inn Airport Hotel, 9600 Natural Bridge Rd. at Brown Rd. (Across from Church’s Chicken). Come and enjoy Drink Specials, Food Specials, Super Music Videos, Free Prizes and Great Fun !! (314) 608-2424.

Pieces of the Family featuring Marvin (Hit Man) Rice, Fridays 8 p.m., Klub Klymaxx (inside The Ambassador), 9800 Halls Ferry Rd. Call (314)8699090.

Sensational Sundays, 6:30 p.m. (6 p.m. doors) Jazz @ Eventide, featuring Black and White Trio. Sip N Savor, 286 DeBaliviere, 1/2 block north of the Forest park Metro link. For more information, call (314)361-2116.

CALENDAR

Steppin & Boppin, 6 p.m. Wednesdays, Legacy Café, 5249 Delmar.Lessons available.

special events

Thurs., Jun. 23, 11 a.m., The Community Action Agency of St. Louis County, Inc. (CAASTLC) is preparing to host its SummerJob and Resource Fair and invites job seekers 18 and older to attend. Overland Community Center (9225 Lackland Road, 63114). Employers will be recruiting for openings in hospitality, sales, education, customer service, labor, nursing, clerical, nonprofit, and more. MO Career Center, Anthem College, St. Lukes, Harrah’s, AARP, ITTTech, Primerica, Scholar shop and BarnesJewish are among the employers participating. For more information Contact James Ingram at; (314) 446-4431.

Fri., Jun. 24, 5 p.m., Stress Free Fridays, Araka, 131 Carondelet Plaza in Clayton. For more information, visit www.araka.com.

Sat., Jun. 25, 12 noon, Comedy, Wine, Beer& Blues Day Tour, Must be at least 25 or older to attend. Call 314-

219-4188 for info or register online at www.dayatthewinery.eventbrite.com

Sat., Jun. 25 – Sun., Jun. 26, Hispanic Festival, Inc. of GreaterSt. Louis will be presenting Fiesta in Florissant, the Knights of Columbus Park located in Florissant near the corner of Lindbergh and Washington St. For more information contact Hispanic Festival, Inc. at (314) 8376100.

Sat., Jun. 25, Don King Promotions presents Show Me Something Great featuring Devon Alexandervs. Lucas Matthysse, St. Charles Family Arena. For more information, call (314) 534-1111.

Sun., Jun. 26, 11 a.m., The Gathering Barbeque in the Park, featuring games, live entertainment, fun and free barbeque (while supplies last), Forest Park (near Steinberg). For more information, visit www.robertsbbqsauce.com.

Sun., Jun. 26 – Sun., Aug. 28, 6 p.m., Ivory Perry Park concert Series featuring Trench Town Rock ( June 26th ), Charles Glenn (July 24) and Tony Simmons (August 28). For more information, visit the web site at www.ivoryperrypark.com or call Archilla Buford at 314-367-2112.

Wed., June 29, 7pm-9pm.

‘The Big Bang Talent Contest!’ Produced by AddLife! Studio, this exciting and innovative concert experience gets urban artists to perform their most spectacular work and compete for cash prizes and more! Starring hostess Coco Hype, Legacy Books and Café, 5249 Delmar Blvd., off Union Blvd. For more info, call (314) 4584282 or visit www.addlifestudio.com.

Sat., Jul. 9, 10:45 a.m., The dance and music styles of eight different cultures will be on display at a multicultural review at the Daniel Boone Branch of St. Louis County Library. The Daniel Boone Branch, 300 Clarkson Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011. The event is free and open to the public.

Jul. 15 – Jul. 17, Vashon All Class Reunion Weekend, Vashon All Class Alumni Prom (Fri., Jul. 15) Olivette Community Center; All Class Reunion Picnic (Sat., Jul. 16, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.); Official After Party (Jul. 16 ) Masonic Hall, 3820 Olive. For more information, call (314)-3696548

Thurs., Jul. 21, 6 p.m., National Sales Network-St. Louis presents NSN Connection Experience: Preconference Kick-off, Lola.

Sat., Jul. 23, 7 p.m., 1st Annual Green Grass Carpet Honolulu Ball, Visitation Hall, 1421 N. Taylor. For more information, call (314)4800311.

Tues., Jul. 26, 7 p.m., World Percussion Theatre 2011 featuring the Katherine Dunham Youth, Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington. Tickets available by calling Metrotix Charge Line at 314-534-1111 or 1800-293-5949. They may also be purchased at the Fox Theatre Box Office or online at www.thesheldon.org or www.metrotix.com

Jul. 30, 9 a.m., Hopewell MB Church Back to School Rally and Health Fair Mammogram van available, free mammograms for uninsured women 40yrs+. Must make appt for mammograms. Hopewell MB Church, 915 N. Taylor. For more information, call 314-705-1190.

Through Aug. 12, Best Dance & Talent CenterDance & Activity Camp, (7 a.m. – 6 p.m. Mon.- Fri.) Best Dance and Talent Center, 105 Northwest Plaza. For more

information, call (314) 739BEST(2378).

Wednesdays through August, 5 p.m., The Downtown CID is introducing a NEW Downtown-wide Happy Hour, Wednesday Night Out, The Happy Hour will be from 5-7 pm and over 20 participating Downtown bars and restaurants will offer $4 signature cocktails, $3 wines, $2 beers and half-priced appetizers. To see if your favorite restaurant/bar is participating, visitwww.downtownstl.org/we dnesdaynightout

Lexus Len’s Jazz Happy Hour Every Wed 6-10pm @ The Loft 3112 Olive, 2 for 1 Drink Specials 6-8pm, Jazz Band 7-9:30pm, Free Food while it last, No Cover Charge, Mature Atmousphere Only...

Mon., Jun. 27, 7 p.m., The St. Louis County Library Foundation’s Reading Garden Event Series and Pudd’nHead

JeKade Entertainment presents Bobby Womack featuring Latimore.See CONCERTS for details.

more information, call (314)984-7562.

Through July 3, Craft Alliance presents Identify Yourself. In this national invitational and juried exhibition, artists will explore the concept of identity through their art. The question will be asked “Who are you?” Juror and Curator Duane Reed selected work from emerging and established artists from across the country including Sonya Clark, Gregory Gannon, Mary Josephson, Elizabeth Lo, Mark Newport and Joyce J. Scott. Craft Alliance, 6640 Delmar Blvd. For more information, call (314)535-7528 or visit www.craftalliance.org

Through July 24, The Gallery at The Regional Arts Commission presents Point o Departure featuring Cbabi, Jarvis and Lobdell. Gallery talk will take place at 5:30 p.m. on Thursday Jun. 30, Regional Arts Commission, 6128 Delmar.

Through August 1, MFA

Thesis Exhibition featuring the candidates in Washington University’s Graduate School of Art, part of the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.

Through August 1, Cosima Von Bonin Character Appreciation, Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum.

Through August 14, Cryptic: The Use of Allegory inContemporary Art with a Master Class from Goya.This exhibition will feature the work of six contemporary artists – Folkert de Jong, Hiraki Sawa, Allison Schulnik, Dana Schutz, Javier Tellez, and Erika Wanenmacher –paired with works by Spanish master Francisco José de Goya y Lucientes. Contemporary Art Museum St. Louis,3750 Washington Boulevard. For more information, visit www.camstl.org.

Through August 28 PPRC Photography Project: BarnesJewish Hospital Center for Diversity & Cultural Competence, an exhibit at two locations. LOCATION 1: Through Aug. 28 at PPRC Photography Project Gallery, 427 Social Sciences and Business Building at UMSL, 1 University Blvd., St. LouisCounty, Mo. 63121; LOCATION 2: Through July 31 at Arts + Healthcare Gallery in the Shoenberg Pavilion at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, 4921

Parkview Place, St. Louis, Mo. 63110; Opening reception: 5:30-7 p.m. May 3; For more information, call (314) 5165273 or visit www.pprc.umsl.edu.

lectures

Thurs., Jun. 23, 4 p.m., The Back Office - How to keep up with all that paperwork! Accounting, Payroll etc. The Missouri Regional Certification Committee (MRCC) partnering agencies, METRO, Lambert Airport Authority, MoDOTand several community agencies are holding a Free – Outreach Seminar for all D/M/WBEs and business owners. The guest speakers for this event include Ginni Campbell, National Association of Women Business Owners (NAWBO), Darlene Davis, Davis Associates, CPA, LLC, Marvin Johnson, BJC Healthcare Planning Design and Construction, Sandra Marks, Marks and Associates and Sharon Stone, Lambert Airport Legal Department. Harris Stowe State University in the (Telecommunity RoomLibrary) 3026 Laclede Ave. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call 314 982-1400 Ext. 1352 to sign up.

Sat., Jun. 25, 9 a.m., St. Louis Community College hosts How to be a successful landlord taught by Mary Hankins covering the basics like city and county ordinances for owning investment property, leasing documents, tips on maintenance, etc. She also discusses more critical subjects: how to avoid or detect illegal activities on the property, managing tenant personalities, and the eviction process. For more information or to register for How to be a successful landlord, contact St. Louis Community College, 314-9847777 or visit http://www.stlcc.edu/Continuin g_Education/

Sat., Jun. 25, 10 a.m., The Universal African Peoples Organization (UAPO) presents theirLast Saturday of the Month Community Forum, “Youth Claim Your Blackness: ALively Discussion of Youth Leadership,” Legacy Bookstore and Café 5249 Delmar St. Louis, MO. Mon., Jun. 27, 9 a.m., Informational Seminaron Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) “Green Building Concept.” The seminar will provide an overview of green building practices, with

The Gallery at The Regional Arts Commission presents “Point o Departure”featuring the artwork of Cbabi (above),Jarvis and Lobdell.For more information,see ART.

emphasis on site planning and development, water efficiency, conservation of materials and indoor environmental quality. The Missouri Regional Certification Committee (MRCC) partnering agencies, METRO, Lambert Airport Authority, MoDOTand several community agencies are holding a Free – Outreach Seminar for all D/M/WBEs and business owners. The guest speakers is Patricia Guttmann, Business Development Specialist for SBA. Harris Stowe State University in the (Telecommunity RoomLibrary) 3026 Laclede Ave. Pre-registration is required. For more information, call 314 982-1400 Ext. 1352 to sign up. Jun. 30 – Aug. 18, Along with the National Black MBA Association-St. Louis Chapterand Marks & Associates, ITEnterprises at the University of MissouriSt. Louis will sponsorthe Entrepreneurial Boot Camp There are two opening workshops, which will be held at ITe, on June 30 and July 14. Both are free and open to the public and start with a reception at 5:30 p.m. with workshops running from 6:15 to 8 p.m. Seating is limited. The boot camp is a comprehensive three-part program designed to help participants understand the market for starting a business, determine the type of business that best suits them and how to navigate a path to ensure success. Industry experts will facilitate the workshops. Email stlblackmba@charter.net to RSVPor for more information.

TMAPYouth Empowerment Sessions, Thursdays, 4:45 p.m., 5019 Alcott Walbridge

C.E.C. Riverview West Florissant -TMAPmeet for Youth Empowerment Sessions facilitated by Keith Minor Nuisance Coordinator in the 27th Ward and feature a vari-

ety of positive role models from the St. Louis Metropolitan area listen to and dialogue with youth in the Walnut Park neighborhood. Topics vary and are youth driven. Call the RWF-TMAP office at (314) 381-6999.

Toastmasters International St. Louis presents Primary Conversations! Want to develop in Public Speaking? Visit Toastmasters Primary Conversations Club every 2nd and 4th Tuesday at 6pm...Please call 314-2259098 for more information.

Matiff OPEN DANCE CLASSES,7 p.m. Monday and Friday, Male and Female dancers ages 14 and up specializing in modern, street, hiphop, and lyrical dance. Wohl Community Center, 1515 North Kingshighway. E-mail: matiffdance@gmail.com or call(314) 920-2499.

health

Sat., Jun. 25, 7:30 a.m., CHIPS Health and Wellness Center11th Annual 5k Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fun Walk and Community Health Festival, CHIPS Health and Wellness Center, 2431 N. Grand Blvd. St. Louis, MO 63106. For more information, call (314) 652-9231

Ext.20. Sat., Jun. 25, 8 a.m., CochlearAmericas is sponsoring a free Hearing Health Fair to help educate St. Louis area residents about hearing loss and today’s modern solutions, such as cochlear implants. The Hearing Health Fair will provide several informational seminars, one on one opportunities for people who currently no longer benefit from hearing aids and for those who want to learn about other treatment options. The Sheraton at Westport, 900 Westport Plaza. For more information on the Hearing Health Fair or to register, visit www.hearinghealthfair.com or call 877-HEAR-THIS (4327844).

Sat. June 25, 10 a.m. - 2 p.m., 12th Annual American Red Cross Charles Drew Commemorative Blood Drive for sickle cell disease patients at the Omega Center at 3900 Goodfellow in St. Louis, and the Jackie Joyner-Kersee Center and Foundation in East St. Louis, Illinois located at 101 Jackie Joyner Kersee Cir. Schedule an appointment by calling 1-800-RED CROSS extension 5884.

Wed., Jun. 29, 7 a.m., Trailnet presents Travel Green in the Central West End Breakfast forBikers, Health Literacy Missouri, 325 N. Euclid

Jun. 20 – Jun. 24, 6:30 p.m., J Coleman Wright CME (the family church) Vacation Bible School, ages two through adult, The Theme is Go Green for Jesus, Hallelujah good time!9777 Halls Ferry Rd. For more information, call (314) 8686659.

Sun., Jun. 26, 3 p.m., An Afternoon of Celebration with the historic Memorial Missionary Baptist Church Forits 80th year

Anniversary, guest speaker Rev. Linden Bouie Of Zion Travelers Church, Memorial Missionary Baptist Church, 4001 Fair Avenue, St. Louis, Missouri 63115. For more information call (314) 6520370.

Sun. June 26, 3 p.m.

“Grace,” the 18th annual concert of Celebration Choir at Christ OurRedeemer AME Church, 13820 Old Jamestown Road,

July 11-15, Bishop Larry J. Baylor, Bishop Terence E. Coleman & HigherGround International Ministries, Inc.

Continued from C1

Casey, Scott Harris, Andrea Lett, Crystal Howard and Iris Hamilton. This poolside gathering held in the trendy downtown St. Louis loft area provided an evening of fun, great food and drink, coupled with non-stop old school music! A bevy of new and old faces; this was the perfect spot to reminisce with old friends. A few of the party people enjoying the evening were Alex and Zanetta Peterson Derwin Johnson, St. Louis sports pundit Mike Claiborne, Sheila Reed (United Healthcare, but wouldn’t we love to have her back on the air…), JoAnn Adams (who promises the dish on her new book very soon), B Moore Coleman (SLPL), Rory Hennings, Dr. Mike Gerdine (West End Chiropractic), Dr. Pam Jackson, CPA Monique Williams, Judi (yes, she is everywhere) and Steve Coleman (Daedalus Capital). June 11 was a busy night, and another group of party goers enjoyed a fun-filled evening at the Eta Boulet Summer Soiree held at the Sheraton Westport Chalet Hotel. Cocktails, dinner and dancing set the tone for the evening as best-dressed members and guests enjoyed the event cochaired by Eric Rhone and Melvin Sanders. St. Louis Chapter President Atty. Larry Deskins along with Teesha Hernandez mingled with guests including; Michael and Gwen Key Gary and Karen Watkins, Dr. Nat and Sandra Murdock Dr. Les and Anita Bond John and Barbara Noble, Carl and Ann Grice Stanley and Victoria Buck, Atty. Richard Banks and Larissa Steele, Victor and Mabeline Julien

SINGLE

Continued from C1

In Talking Back, bell hooks points out that “we often are in a cultural context that defines freedom solely in terms of learning the oppressor’s language.” Not to say that all men are oppressors, but in a society that favors masculinity over femininity, men are privileged in a way that women aren’t. For Harvey, women must learn to play a dating game created by men using rules set by men. Therefore, any process of women adopting the ideas of men and living out the fan-

Beyonce (aka Bey aka Sasha Fierce) graces the covers of Essence and W magazines for July 2011. Anxiously awaiting Bey’s soon to be released cd, 4.

John and Barbara Noble, Dr. Henry and Belma Givens, Dr. Richard White, Atty. Eric Kayira, Marva and Dr. Jerome Williams Jr., Dr. Angela Brown and Judge Don McCullin.

Congratulations to Jason Ray (Jacob’s Engineering Firm), the new Polemarch of the East St. Louis Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, and his committee on another successful Black and White Ball. This year’s Black and White Ball was held at Scott Air Force Base in Belleville on June 11. It was great to see so many members of the “Devine 9” from across the Metro area in attendance. The chapter gave special recognition to more than 20 Kappa men who have served their fraternity for 30 years or longer. Representatives from the St. Louis Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi gave a special tribute to Mrs. Dolores Merritts, the widow of the late Charles Merritts Jr., who worked tirelessly for

tasies of men is “learning the oppressor’s language.” In my youth, I was acquainted with the Nation of Gods and Earths or Five Percenters through my love of hip-hop. Through them I learned a simple mathematical principle that 85 percent of the people are ignorant of how they are oppressed. The knowledgeable leaders account for 10 percent of the population, but they use what they know to exploit the ignorant. The remaining 5 percent are the poor righteous teachers whose purpose is to elevate the consciousness of the masses. Harvey’s book is marketed to 85 percent of the population that would try magic if

FASHION

Continued from C1

The Bordeaux Girls, SistaKeeper Poets, Karah School of Dance, and visual artist Rainie Howard.

“They are going to have fun,” Stone said. “The energy of it is so awesome – seeing so many gifts in one room. And it’s like a big party. They are kicking it and they are doing it with grace and style.”

The Second Annual Pink and Purple Fashion Show starts at 3 p.m. Sunday, June 26 at the Missouri History Museum in the Lee Auditorium. For more information, contact Rainie Howard at 314-368-5380 or rhoward@sistersofhope.org.

Kappa and helped to unite the brotherhood on both sides of the river! Thanks to Dr. LBR for this scoop.

Fashion Find…..Christi Griffin’s Strategic Alliance For Youth (a social-entrepreneurial company that believes in the talent, work ethic and abilities of our youth) is offering “rockin” summer earrings designed and marketed by youth partners in the St. Louis area. Check out their website to find great gifts or personal items: http://www.youthbejeweled.com.

Beyonce (aka Bey aka Sasha Fierce) graces the covers of Essence and W magazines for July 2011 Great interview in Essence. Anxiously awaiting Bey’s soon to be released cd, 4 St. Louisan and New York Potpourri correspondent Dr. Michelle Reed wishes a Happy Golden Birthday (June 15) to her nephew Joanathan Mevs. Jonathan is a bit older now but we just love this picture!

the book failed. Harvey is a Ten Percenter exploiting the masses, and hooks is the poor righteous teacher trying to elevate our consciousness. Harvey and the self-help industry make a living by exploiting the people they serve. Every dollar spent on “how to get a man” books contributes to the maintenance of these gendered prisons in which some women are incarcerated. If a book claims that it will deliver a husband to a woman by telling her how to “play the game” and she believes it, then she has already lost. To contact MK Stallings, visit his website MKStallings.com.

OPErA

Continued from C1

hails from Sri Lanka, an island nation off the southeast coast of India, though from the seats at the Loretto-Hilton in Webster Groves, she is easily mistaken for an African American.

Another critical role, that of Donna Elvira’s father, is played by a South Korean bass, Andrew Gangestad. One of the company’s Gerdine Young Artists, the African-American dancer Louis A. Williams Jr. (a St. Louis native), has a standout role in the Corps de Ballet, where his literally statuesque physique occasions a delightful surprise when the statue begins to move

Such diversity in casting, Madore said, has become commonplace in the opera business.

“It’s absolutely normal for there to be color-blind casting,” Madore told The American recently after a sold-out performance of Don Giovanni that drew standing ovations.

“Opera has become more modernized. Audiences don’t see color as much as they used to. The color barrier is changing in the right direction.”

In fact, Madore replaced another actor in the lead role just a week before rehearsals commenced, and the switch from a non-black lead to a “half-black” lead required no changes whatsoever in conceptualizing the production.

Madore plays one of the baddest bad guys in the operatic tradition. Co-director James Robinson describes Don Giovanni as “opera’s most legendary murderer and serial rapist.” Madore, costumed (by Bruno Schwengl) as something of a retro American gangster,

n “Don’t be afraid of any color barrier –especially in opera.”

– Elliot Madore

relishes playing the villain.

“Some part of everybody’s being wants to access the dark side,” he said. But the diversity in casting is so thorough that no equivalencies can be made between racial types and good or evil.

Madore insists opera is a very welcoming field for minority talent. “Don’t be afraid of any color barrier,” he said –“especially in opera.”

Opera Theatre of St. Louis has played a critical role in welcoming him into the field. He first came to St. Louis in 2007 as a Gerdine Young Artist.

“It was wonderful,” he said. “I got my feet wet really learning the professional life of an opera singer.” This time, Madore departs St. Louis for a music festival –the Salzburg Festival – in the city where Mozart himself was born. Not a bad gig for a “halfblack” former hockey player from Canada. Elliot Madore sings the lead role in Opera Theatre of St. Louis’ final performance of Mozart’s Don Giovanni at 1 p.m. Saturday June 25 at the at Loretto-Hilton. Call 314-9610644 and ExperienceOpera.org.

Sisters of hope co-

founders Rainie Howard and Christie Ruffin.

Transitions for homeless teen mothers

Almost Home offers shelter and teaches life skills

By Shante Duncan

For The St. Louis American

At Almost Home, I watch, with sadness in my heart, as tears flow down the face of a 15-year-old girl, the mother of a one-year-old son, as she tells her story of abuse, neglect and homelessness.

Nilah’s looks to the ground as she explains that she was raised by an alcoholic mother, who was abusive. Unable to get the love and attention she desired and needed from her mother, Nilah found comfort in the affection of a young schoolmate. She got pregnant. Her boyfriend, unwilling to commit, denied any responsibility and left young Nilah pregnant and alone.

Nilah then suffered even more abuse at the hand of her mother, who was furious at Nilah’s carelessness. She insisted that Nilah abort the child. Young Nilah was committed to the life inside of her, even if it meant being a single, homeless teen mother.

“I was sure that when I had the baby, she was going to let me come home from the hospital, but when my son came she told me not to come back or she would beat me and my son,” said Nilah.

Nilah stayed with family and friends after she left the hospital. The father of the child began to come around and things were looking up for Nilah, until her friend’s mother told her she could no longer live there. She took shelter with her son’s father until that environment proved unsafe.

“I remember praying to God, asking for a miracle. I just needed a safe place for me and my son until I could do better for myself,” Nilah said.

One day, while Nilah was on the bus, she saw an old friend from school. Nilah explained that she was looking for a place to live with her baby, and her friend recommended Almost Home.

Making a successful transition

Almost Home is a transitional housing shelter for teenage mothers (ages 12-19) and their children who are homeless.

The young families are allowed to stay in the program for up to two years. While there they have to commit to obtaining a high school diploma or GED, attending life and job skills training four days a week, therapeutic counseling once a week and much more.

“While at Almost Home, the mothers learn everything from how to bathe their child to how to do laundry,” said Adriene Boyd, program manager at Almost Home.

“They also learn how to interview for a job and manage money. We teach them everything they will need to know in

order to make a successful transition into independent living.”

Almost Home was founded in 1993 by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary. In 1999 Almost Home opened a custom-built facility with individual bedrooms and family-style, shared living spaces for 15 families. To date, Almost Home has served more than 1,600 mothers and their children.

A 12-unit subsidized apartment building was opened in 2004, primarily for the transitional program graduates, as a “nextstep” toward full independence and self-sufficiency. The twobedroom, low-income units serve single mothers, 18 years and older, and their children.

Although retention was an issue for Almost Home, they were still able to help get 98 percent of all of the mothers who entered their doors re-enrolled in school, get their children enrolled in daycare and get them counseling. They also

offered close to 200 life and job skills classes.

“In 2010, we housed 65 mothers and 73 children. We know we have some work to do in regards to retention,” said Sandi Wright, director of Development and Public Relations at Almost Home.

“There’s an overwhelming need to provide services to pregnant and parenting teens

who are homeless, and we have a waiting list of teens who need shelter and a way out of poverty.”

Nilah has finished middle school and is now a senior at a local high school. She is showing progress in her classes at school and demonstrates wonderful parenting skills. She has not spoken to her mother since coming to Almost Home,

but she says she does pray for her at night.

“It’s hard work being a mother, a student and working towards one day living in my own apartment,” said Nilah.

“I’m just happy my prayers were answered and me and my son have a safe place to live.”

For more information about Almost Home, visit www.almosthomestl.org.

A 16-year-old teen mother and her son at Almost Home, a transitional housing shelter for teenage mothers (ages 12-19) and their children who are homeless that was founded in 1993 by the Franciscan Sisters of Mary.

Photo courtesy of Almost Home and used with permission

~ CELEBRATIONS ~

Grace Chapel Lutheran

Riana Roberts

ElderPerry and Pastor

AmberCole will celebrate 10 years of “Pure Love: A Marriage Made In Heaven at their Annual Homecoming Family and Friends Day Service. Together with their children, and in honor of their parents, they will renew theirwedding vows on Sat., June 25, 2011 at 4:30 pm at Breath of Life Christian Fellowship Church and Global Outreach Ministry.

Reunions

Beaumont High School Class of 1965 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our 45-year reunion. We are in the process of planning a dinner/dance.Your contact information is needed ASAP. Pleaseemail LaLinda Newsom Diggs at lalindadiggs@sbcglobal.net.

Graduate Washington University

Marissa B. Hardwrict

Marissa B. Hardwrict graduated with honors from Washington University in St. Louis with a Bachelor of Science in Health Sciences and Administration degree. May, 2011.

Birthdays!

James Stowers, Sr.—June 23

Betty Knox Webster—June 24

Sandra (Lynn) Garrett—June 24

Beaumont High School Class of 1966 has sent out letters announcing their 45-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-16, 2011.Friday night - Meet & Greet; Saturday night - Dinner Dance and Sunday morningBrunch.All events will be held at TheSt. Louis Airport Renaissance Hotel.Please contact Josh Beeks 314-3030791 or Evelyn Wright- 314479-7674.

Beaumont High School Class of 1971’s 40-year reunion is scheduled for Aug. 5-7, 2011. $90 per person.E-mailyour contact information to beaumont71alumni@yahoo.com for details or contact Vernon Betts at (314) 226-3127.

Beaumont High School Class

7 Year Cancer Survivor

Rosalyn McKissick—June 25

Maya Owens (9)—June 26

of 1976 will have its 35-year reunionAug. 19-21, 2011. Friday night,Aug. 19, meet & greet, hospitality suite St. Louis AirportRenaissance Hotel; Sat., Aug. 20, dinner dance,St. Louis Airport Renaissance Hotel Penthouse; Sun., Aug. 21, worship & picnic.For more detailed information pleaseemail bhs1976@swbell.net or visit our website at http://desyco.tripod.com

East St. Louis Lincoln Class of 1971, calling all classmates interested in their 40-year reunion, please send your contact info to: Lincoln Class of 1971, PO Box 1430, East St. Louis, IL62202. Email us at ESTLLincoln1971@hotmail.c om, on Facebook at

Seven marvelous years of marriage

MinisterRobert M. Hillman and Missionary Evelyn M. Hillman will celebrate seven years of marriage on Sunday, June 26, 2011. Jesus is the glue that holds us together. With Him all things are possible. “This is the Lord’s doing; it is marvelous in our eyes.” Psalms 118:23

ESLLinconPenn or call 618781-4888 or 314-249-7295.

Hadley Technical High School class of 1961 is preparing for its 50-year reunion in 2011. We are seeking contact information to complete our directory. For more information contact Ralph Johnson 314-477-2042 or William Perry 314-531-3170.

Kinloch High Class of 1976 has scheduled its 35-year reunion for Aug. 12-13, 2011. For more information, please contact Janet (Dalton) Campbell at 314-409-5441, Rosie (Moore) Odom at 314601-1331 or Sheila (Hughes) Bell at 314-680-8878.

McCluerNorth Class of 1992 is looking for all classmates interested in celebrating our

Do you have a celebration you’re

20-year reunion. We are in the process of planning a dinner/dance. Your contact information is needed ASAP. Go to the web-site at mccluernorth1992.com

Riddick School/ Neighborhood Reunion UPDATE! Dates: Sept. 2-3, 2011 Fri. Sept.2—Meet and Greet; Sat. Sept.3— Picnic (Forest Park). Costs: $30/individual, $60/couple, $75/family. Deadline for submitting money is July 15, 2011. Make money orders or cashier checks payable to: Riddick School Reunion, P.O. Box 52003, St. Louis, 63136. Please do not send cash or personal checks.

Soldan Class of 1976 is celebrating its 35-year reunion during the weekend of June 10-12.We're looking for all alumni to participate. Contact us via e-mail:soldanclass 76@yahoo.com

RELIGION

Ministry with music at Ivory Perry Park

Union Communion Ministries open concert series with free reggae

American staff

Union Communion Ministries will minister to the people this summer with good, free, local music and community service in the form of a food drive.

It’s the 9th Annual Ivory Perry Park Concert Series, and it opens this Sunday June 26 with Trench Town Rock, who perform the timeless music composer by the legendary Jamaican redemption song singer Bob Marley.

Trench Town Rock are scheduled to open the mic at 6 p.m. Sunday on the Commerce Bank stage in Ivory Perry Park, located at 800 N. Belt (down the street from Connect Care).

In conjunction with the concert and the other concerts in the series, a food drive beneiting a local food pantry will take place. Please consider bringing a non-perishable donation with you to any of the concerts.

Next in the series: Charles Glenn on Sunday July 24. This son of an opera singer travels the globe giving gospel workshops and was tabbed by Don King to sing the National Anthem before the two nationally televised Cory Spinks bouts. Then soul, funk, jazz, and R&B artist Tony Simmons will conclude the series on Sunday, August 28.

Ivory Perry Park - formerly known as Visitation Park – was named after the late community organizer and activist. The concert series emerged out of the tragic death of a 10-yearold boy, who was mauled to death in the park by a pack of

For more information, visit www.ivoryperrypark.com or call Archilla Buford at 314-3672112.

Pastoral Installation Services

New Jerusalem Missionary Baptist Church II will host Installation Services of Pastor/ Teacher-Elect Daimorrio C. Hubbard Sr. this weekend at the church, located at 8629 Halls Ferry Rd.

The guest pastors: Rev. Charles Williams, Pilgrim Baptist Church, East St. Louis, IL (Thursday, June 23, 2011 7pm); Rev. Ramone Collins, Calvary Missionary Baptist Church, Alorton, IL (Friday, June 24, 2011 7pm); Rev. T. LaMont Holder, Calvary Baptist Church, Wichita, MO (Sunday, June 26, 2011 10:30am); and Rev. Danny Hubbard, Morning Star Baptist Church, East St. Louis, IL (Sunday, June 26 at 4pm).

The theme for this joyous occasion is, “The Pastor: God’s Gift, to and for the People of God.” – Jeremiah 3:15.

Jazzercise changes

church site

wild dogs back in 2001. At the time of the child’s death, the park had been abandoned. The grass was overgrown, and the grounds were covered with litter and glass.

Because of the efforts of many concerned citizens, local congregation members, businesses, neighbors, St. Louis City public oficials, the Missouri Arts Council, and the Whitaker Foundation, the park is now the site of the an-

nual concert series. Food and beverages will be available for purchase. Bring your own lawn chair or blanket. There will be attendance prizes and a rafle, plus free children face painting, arts and crafts, and games sponsored by Old Newsboys Day. Directions to the park: Off of Delmar, turn north on Belt Avenue at Connect Care Hospital. (Belt Avenue is one stoplight east of DeBaliviere or one light west of Union.)

The Coed Jazzercise program has moved to a new location, Memorial Tabernacle Christian Life Center, 1350 S. Lafayette Street in Florissant, Mo. (behind Yacovelli’s restaurant). The $1 per session classes are held on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. For more information, call 314-921-6825. Classes are no longer held at Ferguson Heights Church of Christ in Ferguson, Mo.

“Everlasting” means concealed to a vanishing point, in where you cannot see its beginning or ending. Psalms 103:13 reads, “Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him” and Psalms 103:17 reads, “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children’s children.” No, it’s not easy, but we must forgive and love like God loves, which means loving the “unlovable.” A person becomes “unlovable” in our own eyes because they don’t seem to meet our rules of being “lovable.” Loving is not

1 John 4:20-21 reads, “If a man say I love God, and hateth his brother, he is a liar: for he that loveth not his brother whom he hath seen, how can he love God whom he hath not seen? And this commandment have we from him, that he who loveth God loveth his brother also.” God wants us to have a genuine love for all, so that we can bring more souls into the Kingdom. We have to push our pride aside, which lets us see the wrong in others, and love uncondition-

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN The

At the TIPof success

Middle school students recognized by Duke’s Talent Identification Program

Special to The American

Ten Hazelwood School

District middle school students earned state recognition in Duke University’s Talent Identification Program (TIP).

Hazelwood students who earned state recognition scored in the 95th percentile on the ACT, a test typically taken by high school students.

The students are Trenden Everett from Hazelwood East Middle School; Kamaria Buchanan, Achea Elliott, Zhane Harris, Sean Stewart from Hazelwood Southeast Middle; Matthew Craig, Grant Hartman and Julian Mitchell from Hazelwood North Middle School; and Miranda Conley and Kaitlyn Thurmon from Hazelwood Northwest Middle School.

Craig also earned Grand Recognition for his scores.

Craig’s English score is equal to or higher than 99 percent of his peers who took the ACE English exam.

Students start as talent search participants and their composite test scores determine whether they receive state and/or grand recognition. Missouri is one of 16 states with the largest talent search enrollments. The state recogni-

tion ceremony is similar to a graduation—there is a keynote speaker and honorees are called on stage to receive commemorative medals. “I was nervous,” Conley said. Students take the tests with high school students. “Reading was the easiest test for me. You didn’t have to know anything beforehand; it was just reading comprehension. Math was hard because there was math I don’t know yet,” she admitted, such as

“ I was afraid I didn’t know all of the material on the test, since there were high school juniors and seniors taking it.”

– Mathew Craig

trigonometry and calculus. “I feel proud of my score and that I got state recognition.”

Classmate Thurmon said she is also proud of her accomplishments.

“I find the math easy and

I’m really good at it and I knew most of what was on the test,” she said. “State recognition is a big deal because I took the test and I’m only 13.” She said science was a challenge. “I don’t think I’m that

good at science and I didn’t understand what that test had on it.”

“I feel good about the test,” said Everett. “They say some high schools are getting 16s and 17s and some colleges are accepting that.”

He said he found the English portion easy. He described the math section as more difficult. “Even though I take algebra above my grade level, there was geometry and other math and I couldn’t fig-

ure all of that stuff out.

Elliott admitted that taking the test with older students made her anxious.

“At first, I was nervous, but then I calmed down,” she said. “The reading and writing parts were easy. I’m proud of myself.”

“The math part was a bunch of graphs and it had words I never heard,” said Buchanan.

“I didn’t know the math work there at all,” said Hartman. “I felt really short compared to all of these high schoolers.”

“I was really nervous,” admitted Craig. “Everyone else around me either really knew what they were doing or they didn’t want to be there. I was also afraid I didn’t know all of the material on the test, since there were high school juniors and seniors taking it.”

Both boys found the English and reading sections easy but they guessed at some of the responses to the math questions. They said that taking the test now helped them become better prepared for when they take it in high school.

“I think it was a great experience. It let us middle schoolers take the ACTand see what it is like,” Craig said.

Kamaria Buchanan,left,Achea Elliott and Zhane Harris,right,from Hazelwood Southeast Middle School earned state recognition on the ACT test as part of the Duke University Talent Identification Program.Not pictured:Sean Stewart.

Photo courtesy of Hazelwood School District

Celebrity Swagger Snap of the Week

R&B veteran R. Kelly gave fans more old than new when he came to St. Louis for his Love Letter Tour Friday night at the Chaifetz arena. He was indeed mostly all about the

and Grind,” but the fans didn闇t mind for a minute. Joined by Marsha Ambrosius and Keyshia Cole, there was a healthy mix of urban music at it闇s inest.

The Return of “Rrah.” Marsha Ambrosius’s British soul, Keyshia NobodyKnows Cole, and R. Kelly’s songs of old all decorated the Chafeitz Arena last Friday night. It was clear that when the Pied Piper of R&B comes to town, St. Louis comes out in full force.Although not a sellout, it was plenty of form-ittin’ frocks and royal blue leisure suits to go around. Luckily, this time around I had a middle row seat so I was spared from my featured concert wig doing a 360 spin on my scalp as every big Frison lea market bag made its way down the steps to their seats. Just as I perched my shape, Marsha’s slimmed igure appeared on stage featuring her staggered yodeled runs that have become her signature. She opened with the title track to her solo debut, “Late Nights and Early Mornings.” Her high pitched coos continued on “Butterlies” which she originally wrote for Michael Jackson, and an old school medley that included “Sweet Thing,” “Outstanding,” and “Before I Let Go.” I feel such an inclusion could have easily been replaced with her own material – including some Floetry cuts – but I wasn’t mad. She then went into my personal favorite “I Hope She Cheats on You (with a Basketball Player).” I know the lyrics may be tired but I think every female can relate to this anthem. And after she served it up, her inale had me so confused I was manglin’ my own wig. “Soul Glow”…really girl? Yes, as in “Coming to America,”…I guess.

Key-lo-lo cabaret. While many did shimmies to the intermission music, a giant sized airbrushed painting, featuring a street block that housed a music store and theater, lowered on to the stage. I knew such could only be preface to the incoming of the musical stylings of Mary J. Blige Jr. Keyshia Cole. She emerged on a platform rockin’ a black and brown curly Mohawk tragically glued quick weave, white jacket and zebra print thigh boots. Although receiving help from a backing track, for the most part Cole’s vocals were solid (if you care for them). Even though Keyshia Cole isn’t one of my most favorite artists, there is no denying that she has had a place in R&B music. Now, whether or not that will continue to be the case, (if the lopica known as her latest album “Calling All Hearts” is any indication) remains to be seen.

Kellz: the main event. The man of the hour began his set with a 1940s themed parody ilm that seemed to go on way too long before R. Kelly actually appeared. When he inally did, the crowd found him perched at the bar, stage right, which housed a bartender with a face as hard as Cicely Tyson’s. Once he pulled a lever that shot confetti and streamers into the audience, the party was on. “Step In The Name of Love,” “Love Letter,” “Number One,” and “Happy People” were all given in front of a backdrop of staging and lighting reminiscent of “Harlem Nights.”

There were neon lights, big band jazz stands, and a ramp that went out into the audience that was heavily utilized by scantily clad backup dancers. While they were busy popping on a handstand, Kelly went into more hits like “Freaky in the Club,” “Hotel,” “Thoia Thong,” and “Strip for You” which saw Kelly enlisting an audience member for a strip tease. Although most were eatin’up the sexualized succession of songs – I was surprised that this was all that R. Kelly was offering. It’s a shame that his more reined was on a ierce vacation. Although not my favorite concert of the year, you can’t sneeze at an artist who has been churning out hits for decades.

The sweetest b-day. There was a soul food take over at the Polish Heritage Center as Sweetie Pie’s owner Robbie Montgomery celebrated her b-day with a bang – and Oprah ‘nem were there ilming for the reality show too! It was all purple everything and I should have known that any party she’s even remotely afiliated with would be a diet ruiner. Now I will say this, that Ms. Montgomery must be mixin’ botox in with her batches of greens because anybody who has eaten her cookin’ on a regular basis – including herself… and Tina Turner too – have some of the tautest, most well-preserved faces of all times. The center was packed to the gills with folks of all ages and walks of life who were thrilled to wish her a happy birthday. Good luck with the business, the show and I hope you had one of the best days ever…it sure did look like it.

Blown away by the elements. I was ill-prepared for the delightfully playful pandemonium that ensued at the Fox theatre Saturday night when Earth, Wind and Fire founding fathers of the metrosexual movement graced the stage to serve up some classic sounds of the 1970s. The difference between the EWF heads and the Bielibers or Drake stans is that they were from all walks of life. Catdaddys and loan adjusters all got in on the groove together and refused to let it go! Especially this silver fox/ semi-retired West County librarian lookin’ lady in some saggy bottom khakis made out of that granny material. She was servin’ those pancakes like they came with sausage links on the side. Kevin C. Johnson of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch summed it up perfectly when he leaned over and whispered to me “what are these people goin’ through?”

Two words came to mind as my answer: VERDINE.WHITE. He came out it to snatch souls with a Jack Sparrow blouse, chaps, rainmaker tasseled pants and a press-n-curl it for Easter brunch. And I didn’t even mention the three o’clock kicks that he coordinated with his bass playin’. Phillip Bailey had his bedazzled tye dye tee-blouse, but the other original member was moving around like he had just escaped the rest home after a fresh enema. They served the hits…do you hear me! And Philip’s high notes were in full effect. And if I had known the show was gonna close with Verdine getting topless, I would have smuggled some of my big granny’s blood pressure medicine out of her purse. I was ready for a cigarette after that (if you get my drift)!

Shayna & Brittany get their ‘Pac on at a special 2Pac birthday party spin session Thursday @ Amnesia

Ms. Geneva, Ms. Personal and Sanya Sunday @ Bar Napoli

Majic 104.9’s Sylvester the Cat with former R&B tag team R. Kelly and Ron “Mr. Biggs” Isley Friday night @ Chaifetz Arena

Rappers Young Rome, Huey, Kidd Trell help pay tribute to 2Pac Thursday night @ Amnesia

Tiffany & Raven working two of the cutest sundresses of the season Sunday @ Bar Napoli

These ladies must have been getting their snap on as some of the hottest live talent in the STL Thursday @ The InSpot

Beverly Thacker, Tamara Shefield and Jasmine Evans attend the America I Am reception @ the Missouri History Museum

“Bump

Photo by Travis Crosby

Sweetie Pie’s owner Robbie Montgomery celebrated her b-day with her sister and a host of famly, friends and OWN Network cameras Friday night @ The Polish Heritage Center

Sheena and Sparkle keep it sexy Saturday night @ EXO

Photos by Lawrence Bryant

Derrik Hibbler & Misha do some daytime kicking it Sunday @ Bar Napoli

Mastering human resource management

An advanced degree will further Melissa Thames’career potential

Special to The American

One of the key concepts that Melissa Thames is taking away from her graduate education is arguably one of the most important things to know in life – how to effectively communicate with others.

Communication is a twoway street that can be difficult to master.

“I learned that it’s not so much what you’re saying as how others perceive it.It’s all about their perception and how they receive the message.And that’s vital to know because it affects your employees attitude and how they’ll get their job done,” she said.

was quick to ensure that she didn’t convey the wrong idea about school because she’s enjoyed the challenges.

But Thames has been focused on her education for almost eight years.

Earning her master’s will put Thames one step closer to becoming certified in Professional Human Resource Management.

Thames is nearing completion of her master of management degree with Fontbonne University OPTIONS and the last class date circled on her calendar is July 28, 2011.She

After high school, she spent one year at University of Missouri–Columbia, then returned home to earn an associates degree at St. Louis Community College.

Transferring a strong foundation of credits into the OPTIONS bachelor’s in organizational studies program allowed her to concentrate on business core courses.Graduating in May 2010 and barely taking a breath, Thames began tackling her master’s degree just

one month later.

“I was afraid if I took any more time off, that I wouldn’t get started,” she chuckled.

“I knew a master’s would help me fulfill more qualifications to seek better jobs and advance my career.” she said.

“And the organizational studies degree confirmed that I wanted to be involved with HR and management.Because of my wonderful experience with undergrad, it just made sense to continue with Fontbonne’s master’s of management.”

Throughout her graduate education, Thames has grown both academically and personally, striving for a high grade point average and valuing her personal accomplishments.She’s become more independent, noting that instructors have high expectations and students are responsible to grasp concepts faster.

Thames takes two courses every eight

weeks but added it’s not for everyone. “Good time management skills help me juggle my schedule.I created a calendar marking out my work time, class time, and study time. What’s left over is my free time.”

Earning her master’s will also put Thames one step closer to becoming certified in Professional Human Resource Management through The Society for Human Resource Management.

Currently she works for Deer Valley Home Health Services as a human resource administrator.

“My education assisted me in obtaining my current job,” she said.“I feel very fortunate because a position like this usually requires more experience in the human resource field.There’s a career path here and I want to continue learning as much as I can.”

Planning and perseverance have led to success for Thames.“Anything that’s worth having, you have to work hard for, but you’re going to value it even more once you obtain it.”

CHOICES/CAREERS

Pathways to Success

Special supplement of the St. Louis American newspaper

June 23, 2011

CHOICES/CAREERS, published three times annually, (Spring, Winter and Fall), focuses on career opportunities, career training, career enhancement and financial aid programs for African Americans.

CHOICES/CAREERS includes varied profiles and features the experiences of successful post-high school African-American students, alumni and employees in the St. Louis area.

Donald Suggs, President and Publisher

Kevin Jones, SeniorVice President, COO

Onye Ijei, Sonia Dulaney, Barb Sills, Sales

Michael Terhaar, Art/Production Manager

Angelita Jackson, CoverDesign

Forinformation on Choices/Careers please call 314-533-8000, orfax 314-533-2332

Melissa Thames

Photo courtesy of Fontbonne University

Gooch was hired by BJC HealthCare at its Siteman Cancer Center within weeks of completing the eight-week short-term patient care technician program at St.Louis Community College,part of its Workforce and Community Development division.

Pipeline to patient care jobs

Ebony Gooch went straight from eight-week course to full-time job

Special to The American

Ebony Gooch grew tired of working in banks, call centers and clothing stores. She wanted to be a nurse, and thought it might be beneficial to find a job in a hospital setting before trying to get into nursing school.

“No one would hire me because I didn’t have any experience,” she recalls. “Some hospitals said I should look into becoming a technician, but nobody again would hire me without some training.”

Acknowledging she needed help with her job search, Gooch, 29, found a way to get her foot in the door on the St. Louis Community College website. She discovered information about the college’s short-term patient care technician program, offered through STLCC’s Workforce and Community Development division. Within weeks of completing the

eight-week training, Gooch was hired by BJC HealthCare at its Siteman Cancer Center.

Patient Care Technician is an industry-specific, eight-week program that offers five weeks of classroom instruction and three weeks of on-site clinical practicum. Participants learn techniques such as checking vital signs, performing CPR and assisting in medical exams. They also learn basic lab procedures, phlebotomy and a variety of other clinical duties.

The program prepares participants for entry-level positions as patient care technicians in hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, assisted living and long-term care facilities. This program satisfies the requirements of the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services for

Ebony

Photo by Wiley Price

GOOCH

continued from page 3

Unlicensed Assistive Personnel; however, it does not lead to a state certification. Upon successful completion of the program, students have the opportunity to interview with the program’s participating employers.

Gooch had job offers from other hospitals, as well as the Red Cross, before she accepted the position at Siteman eight months ago. She was able to walk in and hit the ground running.

“What you are learning in the classroom and labs is exactly what you do in the hospital,” she said. “Once I was hired, it was more like ‘Can she do this by herself’versus ‘We need to teach her everything she needs to know to do this job.’You learn so much more in a variety of areas that this program can be a steppingstone to other areas of healthcare.”

As a single mother of two young children, Gooch needed to find employment as quickly as possible. And the biggest pluses for her were the accelerated pace of the program and that it’s free for qualified individuals.

Gooch admits that working with gravely ill individuals on a daily basis can be emotionally draining at times, but

thinks her compassionate nature helps her become many families’support system in difficult times.

“I naturally worry about other’s feelings more than my own, so it just seems second-nature to me,” Gooch said. “One of the toughest things I’ve had to do is shave the hair off one of my patients. It was emotional. You have to have a caring heart. I’ve had patients tell me it takes a special person to do what I do, but I really enjoy working with them and getting to know their families.”

Nursing school still is on the horizon, and Gooch does not anticipate any major roadblocks toward that end, other than waiting on the admissions lists.

“The patient care program really changed my life because I have a good income with benefits and a lot of opportunities I would not have had without it,” she said. “I found something I’m good at and really love what I do.”

To begin the screening and assessment for STLCC’s patient care technician program, individuals may call 314-539-5310 and leave their contact information. For information about other accelerated job training programs, visit http://www.stlcc.edu/Workforce_Develop ment and click on “Accelerated Job Training” link.

South City Prep gets $220K grant

Walton Family Foundation funds UMSL-sponsored charter

Special to The American

South City Prep, a free, college preparatory charter school open to all families in the city of St. Louis, was recently awarded a $220,000 start up grant from the Walton Family Foundation.

“We are grateful to the Walton Family Foundation for their financial assistance in helping our school open this fall,” said Mike Malone, Head of School. “This grant money will go to purchasing technology, curriculum, assessments, and other materials to help our students get to college.”

building, 2900 S. Grand Blvd. in St. Louis.

Students interested in attending South City Prep must live within St. Louis Public School District boundaries and be entering 5th or 6th grade for the 20112012 school year. Interested families can enroll at www.southcityprep.org or call Mike Malone at (314) 8003097.

Families who want to learn more about South City Prep are invited to attend an open house on Saturday, July 2from 10 a.m.- 2 p.m.

South City Prep is sponsored by the University of Missouri –St. Louis.The school will hold its first classes this fall at the former Messiah Lutheran School

For more information about South City Prep, go to their website at www.southcityprep.orgor contact Mike Malone at (314) 800-3097 or mmalone@southcityprep.org.

Upward Bound at SLUH

Hazelwood middle schoolers opt for ‘extra education’this summer

Special to The American

Shandon Boone, Dominique Gatewood and Michael Lewis of Hazelwood North Middle School have been accepted into St. Louis University High School’s (SLUH) Upward Bound program this summer.

Upward Bound is an intensive, fullday, four-week program for boys who have completed the seventh-grade and whose teachers, and test scores, suggest they could make better grades. The curriculum focuses on writing skills, mathematics and time management with an emphasis on study skills. It is not a remedial or an enrichment program, but rather a program for students who are willing to improve their study skills and who want to enroll in college.

Each day, the students will attend five 38-minute classes in math, literature, grammar, speech and study skills, blended with St. Louis history. The program is

a demanding one, allowing students to test themselves against rigorous standards and to inspire them to practice principles and skills learned in Upward

Bound.

Orientation began June 16 and graduation takes place on July 14. Classes are from 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. but students

may arrive as early as 7 a.m. and may stay until 5 p.m. Upward Bound does not provide transportation.

“It’s extra education you can do in the summer,” Lewis said. “It will probably make you feel bigger, like you’re in high school or college.”

“I am excited to actually see what the campus looks like and how big it is,” Boone said.

Gatewood said his favorite course is communication skills because “I like comedy and action stories.” Boone said he prefers math as “It comes easy to me.” Lewis said he likes social studies because “I like to know about past events.”

Students can expect to have at least five nightly homework assignments during the program, including on weekends. A90-minute study hall is available at the end of the school day to allow students to start on homework or to get tutorial assistance from Upward Bound staff members. Parents are asked to verify nightly that all work is complete. Parentteacher conferences are available at the program mid-point.

In 2010, Hazelwood Central Middle School students participated in Upward Bound.

Hazelwood North Middle School students Shandon Boone,left,Michael Lewis,center,and Dominque Gatewood will attend the Upward Bound program at St.Louis University High School this summer.

Three Cardinal Ritterjuniors win scholarships

Three high school juniors at Cardinal Ritter College Prep Catholic High School earned $1,500 in tuition scholarships. They are winners of an essay contest on stewardship, the Annual Catholic Appeal, and the Appeal’s theme this year “Come Together in Christ.”

Stephanie Shields earned $750 after her essay placed first, Tyra Jenkins’s essay was awarded second place with a $500 prize, and Taylor McGaughey’s essay ranked third with an award of $250.

The Annual Catholic Appeal is held each spring in nearly 200 parishes. Catholics make pledges to support programs that assist the homeless, the hungry, and families seeking an education for their children.

Scholarships for students in Catholic schools, tuition grants, and support for teachers’salaries are provided through the Appeal. Resources for pro-life programs, assistance for women and their babies and family counseling are made available to people of all faiths.

Tyra Jenkins,Taylor McGaughey,Archbishop Robert J.Carlson,and Stephanie Shields

Nixon signs bill to help students, nurses

Legislation provides grants to bolster science education, nurse training

Special to The American

Last Thursday Gov. Jay Nixon used the setting of a leadership program for high school students to sign legislation that provides more scholarships to Missouri students pursuing college degrees in science and math.

House Bill 223, signed by the governor in front of more than 900 students attending Missouri Boys State, also puts additional resources in Missouri’s nursing programs to meet the growing demand for nurses.

“We want to make sure that we’re preparing our students to enter careers where they can be successful in a changing economy,” Gov. Nixon said.

es. Once it is fully in place, we expect to train more than 130 additional nursing students each year.”

House Bill 223, the Advanced Placement Incentive Grant Program for STEM and Caring for Missourians Nursing Education Incentive, passed both chambers of the Missouri General Assembly with overwhelming bipartisan support.

“We want to make sure that we’re preparing our students to enter careers where they can be successful in a changing economy.”

– Gov.Nixon

“We can do that by identifying industries poised for growth, and aligning our curriculum priorities to meet those needs. Engineers, scientists, innovators and educators play a key role in our global economy. By promoting, encouraging and supporting these core subjects, we can better prepare Missouri’s college students to be competitive in our global economy.”

The section adding resources so Missouri’s colleges and universities can produce more nurses is also critical, the governor said.

“Missouri needs more nurses, and this bill will help meet that demand,” Gov. Nixon said. “It provides up to $150,000 to each of those programs so they can hire additional faculty to train more nurs-

The legislation establishes a one-time, nonrenewable $500 grant to Missouri public high schools who score a 3 or higher on APtests in math or science, and who receive an Access Missouri award or A+ scholarship.

This legislation also creates grants up to $150,000 per year, per campus, to higher education institutions to hire nursing faculty to address areas of need. These grants will be funded by dollars generated through nursing licensure fees; the State Board of Nursing and the Department of Higher Education will determine categories and criteria for these grants. Gov. Nixon first announced the proposed initiative last December at the University of Missouri – Kansas City School of Nursing.

Missouri Boys State, founded in 1938, is a citizenship and leadership training program held annually in June for high school students who have completed their junior year. Missouri Boys State is sponsored by the Missouri American Legion.

Governor Jay Nixon signed HB 223 at Boys State alongside six of the delegates to Boys State who were elected as the top officers; Dr.Julie Clawson,professor of Nursing and chair of the Nursing Department at the University of Central Missouri;and Dr.Charles Ambrose,president of the University of Central Missouri.The university in Warrensburg is the site of the annual leadership training program.The Boys State officers are Jonathan Shumaker,Neosho (State Treasurer);Tanner Bone, Jefferson City (Secretary of State);Jerad Fisher,Joplin (State Auditor); Jeremy Dorrell,Ozark (Lt.Governor);David Rogers,Warrensburg (Governor);and Claude Ruboneka,Jefferson City (Attorney General).

Black and teaching forAmerica

New high of 12 percent of new teaching corps members are African-American

Special to The American

Through Teach For America, 5,200 new teachers will enter the nation’s highest-need schools this fall – the largest incoming corps in Teach For America’s history. With the addition of these teachers, 9,300 corps members will collectively reach 600,000 students – more than 50 percent of whom are African American –attending public schools across the country.

Teach For America’s new corps members are top graduates of colleges and universities from across the country. They represent a broad range of personal and academic backgrounds and professional experiences.

One-third identify as people of color, including 12 percent who are AfricanAmerican, which is more than double the percentage of African-American graduates at the 350 colleges where Teach For America primarily recruits.

Twenty-two percent are the first in their family to graduate from college, and nearly one-third received Pell Grants. Twenty-three percent are gradu-

ate students or professionals.

“This year’s incoming corps members represent a wide variety of backgrounds and experiences, but they share extraordinary leadership ability and adeep commitment to ensuring that all children have the opportunity to reach their fullest potential,” said Wendy Kopp, founder and CEO of Teach For America.

“We are excited to be channeling the energy of such a diverse and talented corps into teaching in urban and rural public schools and into the long-term effort to achieve educational excellence and equity.”

This year, Teach For America’s talent pool was the most competitive ever: Nearly 48,000 individuals applied, and 11 percent were accepted.

Applicants included 27 percent of the Spelman senior class, 10 percent of seniors at Howard University, 1 in 5 African American seniors at Ivy League schools and 8 percent of seniors at the University of Michigan.

“As a national partner of Teach For America, we are inspired by the talent and diversity of this new class of teachers and their commitment to addressing educational inequity in communities of

color across the country,” said UNCF president and CEO Michael L. Lomax. Lomax is also a member of Teach For America’s National Board of Directors.

Agrowing body of research demonstrates the effectiveness of Teach For America corps members in the classroom. Recent studies from Louisiana, North Carolina, and Tennessee found that corps members have a positive impact on student achievement. The Tennessee study identified Teach For America as the most effective of the state’s 42 teacher-preparation programs.

Teach For America is building a strong pipeline of leaders in education. Two-thirds of Teach for America alumni are working full-time in the field, with more than 550 alumni serving as school principals or school system leaders. A 2011 study by Monica Higgins, Rick Hess, and their Harvard research team found that Teach For America is producing more founders and leaders of education organizations than any other organization or program.

For more information, visit www.teachforamerica.org.

Vincent Flewellen,managing director of programs for Teach For America, works with Blow Middle School student Kevin Dodd in this file photo.

Photo by Wiley Price