June 29th, 2023 edition

LouiS AmericAn

A healthy dose of spirit

STL American Foundation honors health care stalwarts

By JoAnn Weaver St. Louis American

A spirit of celebration and community pride flowed as guests networked during the 23rd Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care, presented by The St. Louis American Foundation.

This event centered on making mental health a priority and honored outstanding health care workers from a range of careers

Rebeccah Bennett, founder and principal of Emerging Wisdom LLC, moderated a three-person panel discussion on community health that included Rev. Bethany Johnson-Javois, president and CEO of the Deaconess Foundation Challenge, Ciearra Walker, president and CEO of the St. Louis Community Health Worker Coalition, and Dr. LJ Punch, who is both a trauma surgeon and director of the Bullet Related Injury Clinic.

“As an integral part of its mission, The St. Louis American Foundation has hosted this program

See SALUTE, A6

From left, Bethany Johnson-Javois, Deaconess Foundation Challenge president and CEO, Ciearra Walker, St. Louis Community Health Worker Coalition president and CEO, Dr. LJ Punch, trauma surgeon and director of the Bullet Related Injury Clinic, and Rebeccah Bennett, Emerging Wisdom LLC founder, took part in a spirited panel discussion.

year.

STL Black Rodeo ropes in fans at Chaifetz

By Brian Munoz Tristen Rouse St. Louis Public Radio

Reggie Smith has been around animals his entire life.

The Foristell native fondly recalls growing up on a farm, often tending to livestock and riding horses. “We had horses, chicken, pigs,” he said. “I’ve always been an animal type of guy.” Smith, who coined the nickname “Sauce Boss” for his local line of hot sauces, has had a competitive itch his entire life, so eventually his work as a

n “Nobody else competed from St. Louis, so I had to compete.”

– Reggie Smith

cowboy in rural St. Charles County let him to bull riding. The 50-yearold entered his first competition at 35 and called it quits when he turned 40 — until this year, when he noticed there wasn’t someone from St. Louis on the roster.

“I got to represent for the hometown, man,” Smith said Saturday evening with a chuckle at the dirt entry to the competition ring at Chaifetz Arena. The smell of horses, leather and manure wafted through the air as he spoke to reporters before the start of the show. “Nobody else competed from St. Louis, so I had to compete.”

Smith is one of the dozens of competitors vying for the title of champion in the Southeastern Rodeo Association St. Louis Open Black Rodeo. The organization has prided itself in upkeeping the cowboy way of life and “upholding the important

‘A harsh reminder of just how short and precious life really is’

By Earl Austin Jr. St. Louis American

My thoughts and prayers are with the family and friends of former Confluence Prep Academy basketball standout Kamaren Bevel, who was shot and killed on June 16, 2023, in University City. Two men are facing murder charges in connection with the shootings that claimed Bevel’s life and left another man wounded in the 1400 block of Mount Vernon Avenue. According to University City police court statements, the shots were from a Pontiac G8 hit Bevel and one other man. Bevel died at the scene. The other man was taken to a hospital and survived.

Bevel had committed to play NAIA basketball for William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa, in the fall to begin his junior year. He previously played two seasons with North Central Missouri College

See BEVEL, A7

‘Nothing

prepared me for the journey’

By Sylvester Brown Jr. The St. Louis American

Oftentimes, when there is a state-sponsored execution, we hear from spiritual advisors who’ve shared the last moments with the accused. They speak of redemption and remorse while describing horrifying verbal images of inmates strapped to gurneys, with life-stopping chemicals coursing through their veins. We rarely hear about the impact on spiritual advisors or counselors. Those situations were addressed Saturday during Missourians to Abolish the Death Penalty’s (MADP) annual See EXECUTIONS, A7

Photo by Tristen Rouse / St. Louis Public Radio

Erica Singleton, right, reaches out toward a calf Saturday evening during the St. Louis Open Black Rodeo at Chaifetz Arena in St. Louis. The event was held by the Southeastern Rodeo Association, which is celebrating its 10th anniversary this

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Kamaren Bevel

Rev. Darryl Gray

Angela Bassett to receive honorary Oscar late this year

An Oscar for Angela Bassett is well overdue. The iconic actress will finally receive her flowers.

Bassett will receive an honorary Oscar at the 2023 Governors Awards.

She made history in 2023 when she was nominated for best supporting actress for her role as Queen Ramonda in the 2022 “Black Panther” sequel “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever.”

She became the first person of color, the first woman, and the first Marvel Studio actor to be nominated for their role in a comic book adaptation.

Bassett’s first Oscar nomination was for best actress in her portrayal of Tina Turner in the 1993 biopic “What’s Love Got to Do With It?”

“Across her decades-long career, Angela Bassett has continued to deliver transcendent performances that set new standards in acting,” Academy president Janet Yang said in Monday’s news release. The

JT throws phone at Lil Uzi Vert at BET Awards, allegedly over Ice Spice

Footage of City Girls’ JT yelling at her boyfriend Lil Uzi Vert at Sunday’s BET Awards is trending online. JT supposedly threw her phone at Lil Uzi Vert over a situation involving Ice Spice

In the clip JT can be seen throwing her phone at Uzi and heard saying “Exple tive, “What the [exple tive] wrong with you, [expletive]??

Uzi’s assigned seat was next to Spice. Earlier in the night the two took a selfie to gether and it was shared to an Uzi fan account.

Sources close to JT told TMZ Spice wasn’t the reason for her anger, she was upset about losing her seat. The sources also claim JT “loves” Spice.

Another clip shows Spice talking to Uzi and JT, which could mean a reconciliation of some sort took place to rectify the alleged fiasco.

Rihanna steps down as CEO of Savage X Fenty

Rihanna’s reign as CEO of her lingerie company, Savage X Fenty is coming to an end. After five years of serving as chief executive, Rihanna has decided to step down.

Hillary Super, former CEO of the US fashion, home and beauty company Anthropologie Group the new CEO of Savage X

Rihanna will transition into an executive chair role.

“It’s been beautiful to see our vision for Savage X Fenty impact the industry at such an incredible magnitude over the last five years,” Rihanna said in a statement. “This is just the beginning for us, and we’re going to continue to expand in ways that always connect with the consumer. I’m so grateful and excited to welcome Hillary

Super as our new CEO – she is a strong leader and is focused on taking the business to an even higher level.”

Cardi B denies Offset’s claims of her allegedly cheating on him

Cardi B is setting the record straight about her marital affairs after her husband Offset accused her of allegedly cheating.

Offset wrote in a now deleted post “My wife [expletive] a [expletive] on me gang yall [expletive] know how I come.”

Cardi responded to Offset’s allegations on Twitter Spaces denying his claims and went on to say it’s impossible for her to cheat since she’s extremely famous.

She furthered her rebuttal saying if Offset said she cheated on him to her face she would hit him upside the head with a bottle.

Offset has cheated in the past, which led to Cardi speak on it in her song “Be Careful.”

Sources: CNN.com, TheGuardian.com, TMZ.com, Complex.com

Angela Bassett

JT

“[It] shows that in a healthy democracy fair and equitable representation matters.”

- U.S. Rep. Troy Carter (D-Louisiana) on US Supreme Court decision that could lead to redrawn congressional map

Mayor challenges regional leaders to help ‘save our babies’

By Alvin A. Reid

St. Louis American

As police continue the search for several suspects in connection with the mass shooting on June 17 that left a 17-year-old man dead and 11 injured, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones reminded the region about the importance of engagement.

During the summer of 2021, the Downtown Engagement and Public Safety Initiative was launched after city leaders realized children were being dropped off downtown on the weekends as the pandemic continued.

“We didn’t want them to be overpoliced. We engaged our young people in a flurry of activities like syphers, video game trucks, and art. And we saw progress,” Jones said during a press conference with Mike McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis president and CEO, before a strategy meeting with area leaders.

“Fast forward to [June 17, 2023], where unspeakable violence has yet again plagued our city. And our response should still be the same. Who’s looking out for the children?”

Jones reiterated that the city has extended hours and programming at Wohl and Marquette recreation centers, in north and south St. Louis, saying the centers “are trusted in the com-

munity and our staff form relationships with the families who come there.

“These extensions are just a first step, and we know it will take more to get the word out in the community about these programs and opportunities.”

Knowing that young people from throughout the area can descend upon the city of St. Louis, Jones said “I’m challenging our region’s leaders to meet or beat the city’s efforts when it comes to our babies.”

“Right now, our region’s business leaders are talking about making historic investments in secondary policing, but this is a primary investment. If we make the right primary investments, we won’t need to invest as much in secondary.

“That conversation begins today and will continue for weeks and months to come.”

A key organization in the regional effort is the Urban League, and McMillan said it is already actively involved.

“We believe centralizing a response through the city’s Office of Violence Prevention is efficient and strategic and allows the St. louis to marshal resources and respond most effectively and with a unified strategy,” he said.

“This is not a one-solution issue; there are many responses that must be considered and utilized.”

McMillan said the Urban

League continues to partner with local organizations to provide career exploration and internship opportunities for youth over the summer.

There are 200 enrolled participants ages 14-24 through the Discover You job readiness program and Summer Work Experience, which provides 160 work hours at $12 per hour).

“We have a strategic partnership with the Youth and Family Center under the leadership of Dr. LaChrisa Crenshaw in which we support programming for underserved youth in the downtown area,” said McMillan, who added the center is currently exploring extended hours and additional programming.

St. Louis Mayor Tishaura O. Jones addressing the shooting at a party in a downtown St. Louis office building. 10 people were injured and one person was killed. Behind her is St. Louis Urban League President Michael P. McMillan

“We continue to offer mental health and trauma-informed counseling to families impacted by violence through our Neighborhood Healing Network initiative funded by ARCHS. Joy Camp manages the program that provides trauma-informed therapy services for crime victims and those involved in disputes that may lead to higher levels of conflict.”

Jones had opened the press conference with a quote from author and political commentator Melissa Harris Perry.

“We’ve always had a private notion of children. Your kid is yours, and your responsibility. We haven’t had a very collective notion of ‘These are our children.”

“So, part of it is we have to break through our kind of private idea that ‘kids belong to their parents’ or ‘kids belong to their families,’ and recognize that kids belong to whole communities.” Jones said, “if you’re not at today’s meeting, please don’t take it as an insult and please know that there will be more meetings.”

Happy Anniversary

Photo by Wiley Price I St. Louis American

Guest Commentary Editorial/Commentary

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Reflections on American independence

By John E. Warren

Once again, because of where America stands today on the ever-present issue of race, the following reflections are offered from the first two paragraphs of the Declaration of Independence, signed July 4, 1776. First, the preamble, which still has much bearing on where we stand today as a nation:

“When in the course of human events, it becomes necessary for one people to dissolve the political bands which have connected them with another, and to assume among the powers of the Earth, the separate and equal station to which the Laws of Nature and of Nature’s God entitle them, they should declare the causes which compels them to separate...”

The Extreme Conservative Right elements of the American people, operating under the banner of the Republican Party, have provided living proof that the political “Bands” they are connected to do not include us, as people of color.

In addition to the attacks on the books our children can read, the efforts to outlaw any teaching dealing with the ugly truths of racism such as the attack on Critical Race Theory which most don’t even understand; the U.S. Supreme Court’s Decision on abortion rights; the failure to act on gun violence and the continued murder of citizens, mostly African Americans, by law enforcement officials all provide clear proof that there is not and never was an operative “that all men are created equal and that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.”

and natural justice, embodied in that Declaration of Independence, extended to us?” In 161 years, many of his questions remain unanswered. The inequality of slavery still exists today in the minds and behavior of many Americans who cannot accept that America is a melting pot of all nations.

“Out of many, one.” That melting pot includes people of color.

While we may not technically be slaves, as is reminded by the recent declaration of Juneteenth as a federal holiday, many of us are still mentally slaves to mediocrity and the acceptance of less than what we should have. If some of us remain slaves to inequality and injustice, then the following question Douglass raised is appropriate today:

“What to the American slave, is our Fourth of July? I answer; a day that reveals to him, more than any other days in the year, the gross injustice and cruelty to which he is constant victim; To him your celebration is a sham, our shout of liberty and equality hollow mockery; your prayers and hymns, your sermons and Thanksgivings, with all your religious parade and solemnity, are to him, mere bombast, fraud, deception impiety, and hypocrisy - a thin veil to cover crimes which would disgrace a nation of savages.”

By Jesse Jackson

The federal indictment of Donald Trump — the first federal indictment of a former president in U.S. history — poses the question. Trump’s enraged reaction — calling it the “greatest witch hunt of all time” and denouncing special counsel Jack Smith, a career prosecutor, as a “deranged lunatic” — makes the question unavoidable. Obviously, Trump deserves a fair trial, his guilt or innocence determined by a jury of his peers. But every candidate for president should be asked if they would pardon Donald Trump if they were president. As Gerald Ford proved when pardoning Richard Nixon, a presidential pardon can be issued before a trial, or even before formal charges are brought, so the question needn’t wait on the trial.

Before we get too excited about the cookouts and holiday celebrations with fireworks across this great land, let us reflect on the words of Frederick Douglass, including his famous Fourth of July Speech of 1852, in Rochester, New York. Let’s look at Independence as being incomplete because of the disparity that Douglass found between Black people and whites.

Douglass asked in his speech: “Are the great principles of political freedom

In conclusion: what should we do? We should review the America to whom Frederick Douglass spoke. We should weigh his words about how far we’ve come. We should celebrate Juneteenth; the 13th, 14th, and 15th Amendments; the Emancipation Proclamation, which had not been thought of when Douglass wrote this speech.

Let us remember our schools are just as segregated now, based on economics rather than race, than when the Supreme Court handed down the Brown v. Board of Education decision.

What is the 4th of July? That which I must still fight for to make it really apply to me and those who look like me.

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

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Cleaner economy will create jobs

By Ben Jealous

I traveled recently from Baltimore, the city where my mother grew up, to Portland, Maine, where my dad did. It’s easy for many to see differences between one of the Blackest cities in America and the largest city in one of the whitest states in the country.

What always hits me is what unites the two places is the suffering they’ve felt as a consequence of the decline of American industry in the 50 years of my life.

My father’s family once operated woolen mills in New England. Those factories no longer exist, across America like 63,000 factories that have shuttered since the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) was passed three decades ago.

As a result, millions of American families of every color have been locked in a downward spiral of economic mobility for too long driven by the greed of multinational corporations and facilitated over decades by government policies like NAFTA.

grabbing billions in historic profits and the politicians they support are doing all they can to roll back the commitments made since 2021. They even tied up the recent debate over a U.S. default on its loans to advance their opposition.

That’s an odd political play. A CBS News poll last month found more than half of Americans want the climate crisis addressed right now and more than twothirds want it tackled within a few years.

In part because of the pandemic and in part because of the narrow cushion that’s left before our climate is beyond repair, we’re at a moment when we can turn that around. Over the last three years, we committed as a nation to an unprecedented private and public investment in clean energy and infrastructure in ways that promise to reverse this dream-killing trajectory.

We’re in a moment when we can finally shift from an economy defined by consumption back to one defined by working people making and using things they can be proud of again from electric school buses to solar panels.

You’d think that opportunity would be welcomed by all. But the self-interested, like Big Oil and Gas companies that are

That includes 44% of Republicans. Given every congressional Republican voted against the clean energy package last year, that large plurality is significant. It’s also a sign that many GOP leaders in Washington are increasingly out of step with their own constituents and districts. When the group Climate Power looked at the nearly 200 clean energy projects launched since Congress and the President approved the federal spending package last summer, nearly six in 10 of them are in districts represented by Republicans who voted against the package. Those projects mean at least 77,000 new jobs for electricians, mechanics, technicians, support staff, and others.

Not since the days of FDR have we seen this kind of national investment. Back then, building American industry was vital to winning a war against genocide across Europe. Today, our investment to turn our economy away from destruction and toward good jobs in a cleaner economy that sustains our planet is a fight to protect all of humanity.

Ben Jealous is executive director of the Sierra Club, the oldest and most influential grassroots environmental organization in the country. He is also a professor author.

Whether Donald Trump is found guilty or not (it will only take one juror in his upcoming Miami trial to produce a hung jury), the charges in the indictment are serious, and the facts alleged describe clear violations of the law. The president took classified documents that did not belong to him. These included truly consequential secrets — “information regarding defense and weapons capabilities of both the United States and foreign countries, U.S. nuclear programs … and plans for possible retaliation in response to a foreign attack.”

Trump shared classified information with guests who did not have security clearances, essentially crowing about his possession of them. When the National Archives and the Department of Justice sought return of the documents, Trump hatched efforts to hide some of them, even after he was issued a federal subpoena — a legal demand — that he return them. He lied to federal officials, and even deceived his own attorney. As Bill Barr, Trump’s former attorney general, stated, “there is no excuse for what [Trump] did here.”

Anyone running for office must decide whether to stand with Trump and accuse the Justice Department of being “weaponized” or stand for the principle that no man is above the law, and the law should be applied to the powerful and the powerless alike.

The leading Trump challenger in the Republican Party, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, reacted to the indictment by charging that the “weaponization of federal law enforcement represents a mortal threat to a free society.” Former Vice President Mike Pence tried to have it both ways, comparing the indictment to the way a “third-world nation” would use criminal charges to attack their opponents, while saying that it is imperative that the law be enforced even-handedly and demonstrate that no man is above the law. Similarly, Sen. Tim Scott tried

to straddle, saying the charges were a “serious, serious challenge” to Trump, but denouncing the DOJ as “weaponized” against Trump. Sadly, the only Republican contenders to criticize Trump are those that run lowest in the early polls. Former Arkansas Gov. Asa Hutchinson called on Trump to withdraw from the race, and urged the Republican National Committee to revise the requirement that any Republican participating in the debates pledge to support the party’s eventual nominee by excluding anyone found guilty of espionage or a felony. Former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie called Trump’s perils “self-inflicted,” dismissing the attack on the independent special counsel. Trump, of course, is free to run for president while under indictment or even from prison if he is found guilty. In 1920, Eugene Victor Debs ran for president while jailed for opposing World War I, garnering 900,000 votes as the Socialist Party candidate. Trump and his supporters now are promising violent “retribution.” Kari Lake, the failed Arizona gubernatorial candidate, addressed the Georgia Republican Party convention, warning the prosecutor, the attorney general and President Biden that “if you want to get to President Trump (sic), you are going to have to go through me and … through 75 million Americans just like me. And “…Most of us are card-carrying members of the NRA.” That’s not a threat, she said, “That’s a public service announcement.” That rhetoric will grow ever more heated as the prosecution proceeds — and as seems likely, if Trump is indicted in Georgia for trying to overturn an election and in Washington for his complicity in the sacking of the Capitol on January 6. So, it is incumbent on those who seek the presidency to be clear about where they stand. Do they stand with the proposition that no man is above the law, or would they give Donald Trump a pass? Will they support the criminal justice system — whatever the verdict — or will they offer Trump a pardon? Trump, of course, has made it clear he would pardon himself. Where do the other contenders for the presidency stand on that?

Many issues will be debated in the presidential race — the economy, abortion, guns, the “war on woke,” Ukraine, catastrophic climate change, the right to vote and more. One central issue is posed by Trump’s vicious attack on the Justice Department, and the independent special counsel. Americans have the right to know: Would contenders for the presidency allow the criminal justice process to proceed or would they issue Trump a get-out-of-jail-free card?

Jesse Jackson is founder and president of the Rainbow/Push Coalition

Columnist Ben Jealous

Guest Columnist John E. Warren

Columnist Jesse Jackson

Jessie Cannamore and Angel Clower were honored in Jefferson City on May 11, 2023, as Missouri Head Start Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year, respectively, by the Missouri Head Start Association. From left are Stacy Johnson, Head Start director and chief program officer, Cannamore and Clower.

YWCA Metro staffers honored in Jeff City

St. Louis American staff

Jessie Cannamore and Angel Clower of YWCA Metro St. Louis have been honored as 2023 Missouri Head Start Teacher of the Year and Support Staff of the Year, respectively, by the Missouri Head Start Association (MHSA).

“We are immensely proud of Jessie and Angel for their well-deserved recognitions,” said Stacy Johnson, Head Start director and chief program officer.

“Their passion, dedication, and commitment to the children and families in our community have made a lasting impact, and we are grateful for their invaluable contributions.”

Cannamore, a YWCA teacher since 2007, was honored for creating “an engaging and nurturing environment for her students, fostering their growth and development.

“Her innovative teaching methods, coupled with her ability to connect with each child individually, have left an indelible impact on the children under her care,” according to Johnson. Clower has been a member of the YWCA support staff since 2001.

“The unwavering dedication to the well-being of the children and families she serves has made her an indispensable asset to the organization. Her exceptional organizational skills and compassionate nature have greatly contributed to the success of YWCA Metro St. Louis,” said Johnson.

YWCA Metro St. Louis is the largest provider of direct Head Start services in the state of Missouri and the largest grantee of Head Start services in St. Louis City and County, currently serving more than 1,200 children and their families.

Remembering Robert F. Kennedy

By Marian Wright Edelman

The day after Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated, Sen. Robert F. Kennedy, who had announced his decision to run for president, gave a speech at the Cleveland City Club. He said that it was not a time for politics, but a time of “shame and sorrow,” and he spoke on the “mindless menace of violence in America which again stains our land and every one of our lives”:

“No one — no matter where he lives or what he does — can be certain who will suffer from some senseless act of bloodshed. And yet it goes on and on. … We seemingly tolerate a rising level of violence that ignores our common humanity and our claims to civilization alike. We calmly accept newspaper reports of civilian slaughter in far off lands. We glorify killing on movie and television screens and call it entertainment. We make it easy for men of all shades of sanity to acquire weapons and ammunition they desire.”

Robert Kennedy continued: “When you teach a man to hate and fear his brother, when you teach that he is a lesser man because of his color or his beliefs or the policies he pursues, when you teach that those who differ from you threaten your freedom or your job or your family, then you also learn to confront others not as fellow citizens but as enemies — to be met not with cooperation but with conquest, to be subjugated and mastered.”

These words speak clearly to the moment in our nation today. At the time our dark, deep despair at Dr. King’s death was leavened only by the fact that we still had Robert Kennedy. But two months after giving this speech, Robert Kennedy was shot by an assassin at the Ambassador Hotel in Los Angeles. He died the next day, 55 years ago on my birthday, June 6, 1968. I never wore the beautiful bracelet my fiancé Peter Edelman, Robert Kennedy’s legislative assistant, had bought at the Ambassador Hotel as a birthday present.

As I walked into St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City where Robert Kennedy’s body lay in state, a weeping Charles Evers, the brother of slain civil rights leader Medgar Evers, clung to me asking over and over, “What are we going to do now?” Riding the train from New York City to Washington, D.C., bearing Robert Kennedy’s body, I was deeply moved by the stricken faces of young and old, Black and white mourners who lined the train route and mirrored my stricken heart. The single most poignant moment for me was when the hearse carrying Robert Kennedy’s body to rest near his brother John Kennedy at Arlington National Cemetery crossed Memorial Bridge and paused for a brief time at the Lincoln Memorial, allowing the poor people still in Resurrection City from the Poor People’s Campaign to bid farewell while singing the Battle Hymn of the Republic.

In his speech in Cleveland, Robert Kennedy also said: “There is another kind of violence, slower but just as deadly, destructive as the shot or the bomb in the night. This is the violence of institutions; indifference and inaction and slow decay. This is the violence that afflicts the poor, that poisons relations between men because their skin has different colors. This is a slow destruction of a child by hunger, and schools without books and homes without heat in the winter … ” He said for all of this there were no final answers, but we knew what we must do:

“We must admit the vanity of our false distinctions among men and learn to find our own advancement in the search for the advancement of all. We must admit in ourselves that our own children’s future cannot be built on the misfortunes of others. We must recognize that this short life can neither be ennobled or enriched by hatred or revenge. Our lives on this planet are too short and the work to be done too great to let this spirit flourish any longer in our land.”

His work became our work, and 55 years later, the work goes on.

Marian Wright Edelman is founder and president emerita of the Children’s Defense Fund.

Photo courtesy of YWCA Metro St. Louis

Marian Wright Edelman

Continued from A1

to honor outstanding healthcare in St. Louis and encourage careers in healthcare…it is needed now more than ever,” Bennett said.

Panelists shared their respective thoughts on “the path of healing,” listing what they needed to be effective healers in the medical profession.

“What we’ve learned in social work, nursing, as doctors, [and] all of the helping professions, is [that] the separation of the soul from the body, from the mind, from the spirit has harmed us,” JohnsonJavois said.

Walker said “imagination” is missing when some health professionals search for solutions to community health problems such as access to equitable health care.

“As we grow older, we lose the value of dreaming. [While in] strategic planning meetings and when we’re setting a vision, we haven’t taken the proper time to be introspective, to reflect, and give ourselves permission to reimagine,” Walker said.

Punch said the biggest thing he had to “unlearn” as a health professional is that his well being is not connected to the care he provides.

The discussion included opinions on intergenerational healing, how health is discussed and handled in the Black community, and advice to young adults on pursuing their dreams and

goals. At the discussion’s close, guests chanted, “take care of the people.”

Tommye Austin, senior vice president for patient care systems and chief nurse executive at BJC HealthCare, hosted the award ceremony. “I’m new to St. Louis. I’ve been here almost a year, and what a year it has been,” Austin said.

“In that short time, I’ve already seen so many examples of incredible work and dedication; not just in the hospital setting, but in inspiring demonstrations of individuals bringing their commitment to health into our community.”

Dr. Angelleen PetersLewis, chief operating officer and chief nursing executive at Barnes-Jewish Hospital and BJC Health Care, received the Stellar Performer in Health Care award.

“My experience is that [of a] young teen parent and that’s really what fueled my desire to go into healthcare,” she shared.

“There’s a song that I always sing. ‘I am who I am today because God used my mistakes, he worked them for my good like no one else ever could.’

“I want you to know today that your pain can become your purpose. It can be your guide and inspiration to have a positive impact that is broad, far reaching, and most importantly, uplifts the lives of others.”

Dr. Michael Ward, retired vice dean for student affairs and diversity

and professor at BarnesJewish College, Goldfarb School of Nursing, received the Lifetime Achiever in Health Care award. Ward retired after 48 years of service and dedication in health care.

“The obstacle I faced growing up, and then really more specifically in the medical field, was the fact that there weren’t that many people in the field that looked like me,” Ward said.

“I was concerned about that, but decided that I was not going to let that stand in my way, and why not try to do the best that I could and perhaps break some ground for others?”

In a video, Ward said the legacy he hopes to leave behind is that “he mattered.”

“I want to make sure

that I’m not just a blip in the map in terms of I was here and now I’m gone. I want to make sure I impacted others in such a way that their lives were better. I have so many success stories of students that I’ve interacted with, colleagues that I’ve supported.”

The evening also saw five health care professionals receive Excellence in Health Care Awards: Dr. Anna Bailey, Internal Medicine, Mercy Clinic Primary; Care Roslyn Lockett Harvey, Vice President Operations, Affinia Health Care; Marcus Howard, PhD, Founder and CEO, GreaterHealth Pharmacy & Wellness; Dr. Melvin Maclin, Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery, SSM SLUCare Physician

Group; Constance “Connie” M. Payne, RN, Clinical Nurse Consultant, Oracle Health

Two health care providers received Excellence in Mental Health awards, as well.

“On behalf of our board and staff, we are so proud to continue our partnership with the St. Louis American Foundation to present the Dr. John Anderson Excellence and Mental Health Awards,” Emily Koenig, executive director of the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund, said.

Dr. Lizette Smith, a clinical psychologist and director of clinical programs at Our Little Haven, received the Excellence in the Field of Mental Health award.

According to Koenig,

Black Rodeo

Continued from A1

contributions African American cowboys played in helping tame the Old West.”

“This is something that you do 24/7,” said Tim Walker, a 62-yearold rodeo vendor from Ridgeland, Mississippi, and brother of former Mississippi Democratic U.S. Rep. Kenneth Walker. “You don’t be a cowboy 8 to 5, because you forever have to take care of your livestock, your tractors, your trailers ... so it’s a lifestyle.”

The contributions of Black cowboys have historically been minimized in pop culture writes Katie Jodjimbadem for Smithsonian Magazine. Historians estimate that one in four cowboys were Black. Organizations like the Southeastern Rodeo Association aim to preserve Black cowboy history throughout the Midwest and Southeast.

A sold-out crowd of 8,000 packed the stands

Smith knew from a young age that her calling was to pursue a career in mental health care, seeing a need for mental health care in her community, but limited access to services.

Latosha Fowlkes, president and CEO of The Core Collective at Saint Vincent, was the inaugural recipient of the Excellence in Mental Health Community Mental Health Provider Award.

“Since introducing the award in 2014, we at CSF have been blown away by the number of people with varied backgrounds making an impact on local families, communities, and the field of mental health,” Koenig said.

“To honor the depth of talent and very professions within the field of mental health, we’ve developed a second award in Dr. Anderson’s name, the Dr. Jen John M. Anderson, excellence in Mental Health, community Mental Health Provider Award.” Fowlkes is a licensed clinical social worker with more than 15 years of experience working in the area of nonprofits and helping at-risk youth and families in crisis.

According to Koenig, she has recently transformed the 170-year legacy organization, St. Vincent Home for Children, into what is now known as the Core Collective at St. Vincent. This new name aligns with the implementation of an inspiring new vision, mission, strategic plan, and brand that stands on the foundation of the organization.

to watch events including bronc riding, steer wrestling, calf roping and bull riding. This weekend marked the organization’s first time back to St. Louis since 2018. As the first bronc riding contestant went up to the chute, Chairman Barnett of Macomb, Illinois, screamed in excitement. “Ride it baby!” she exclaimed repeatedly as the arena burst into cheering. “I have never felt this energy before in my life. It’s way beyond what I expected.” As Chris Stapleton’s “Tennessee Whiskey” and Lil Nas X’s “Rodeo” boomed into the arena between acts, fans got up to dance in droves. Damita Williams, of O’Fallon, Missouri, who was attending her first rodeo, was heartened to see Black people participating in the “beauty” of rodeo. “St. Louis is on the map today,” said Williams, 52. “If they can come back to St. Louis again, I’ll definitely be here again as well.”

Salute to Health awardee Dr. Melvin Maclin II, having a laugh with Dr. Gabriella Espinoza and Dr. Will and Arlene Ross.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Continued from A1

meeting which included “Prayer in the Chamber: A panel with Spiritual Advisors to Those on Missouri’s Death Row.”

Michelle Smith, MADP co-director, said it important to hear from people who “played vital roles in affirming the humanity of individuals facing execution, providing support, comfort, and spiritual guidance.”

Rev. Darryl Gray, 68, is a pastor at Greater Fairfax Missionary Baptist Church in St. Louis and a racial justice activist.

Gray spent one-on-one time with condemned Kevin Johnson, who at the age of 19 fatally shot Kirkwood Police Sgt. William McEntee, a father of three, in 2005. Johnson was executed Nov. 29, 2022. Gray, who said he’s been involved in prison ministry for more than 30 years, first met Johnson three months before his execution.

“Absolutely nothing prepared me for the journey I took with Kevin,” Gray said.

Before agreeing to be Johnson’s spiritual advisor, Gray he had to be satisfied it was the inmate’s sincere desire and not just a “check-the-box moment while he was still going through the legal process and hoping for intervention from the governor.”

“It took me five minutes in the presence of Kevin to realize he was genuine,” Gray said.

“Then it became even more enormous to me to realize that my job as a spiritual advisor was just to be there for whatever Kevin needed.”

Describing Johnson as “inquisitive, extremely smart and extremely gentle,” Grey said Johnson was “totally unlike” anything he’d assumed.

“I expected him to be

Bevel

Continued from A1

community college.

Bevel graduated in 2021 from Confluence Preparatory Academy in St. Louis.

Kam was set to resume his collegiate career at William Penn University in Oskaloosa, Iowa after playing for North Central Missouri College the previous two years. He announced his commitment to William Penn on his social media account on June 9 – just one week before his death.

“Kam Bevel was tragically taken from us this past week in his hometown. Kam was committed to us and had a bright future ahead of himself at WPU. We would like to send our condolences to Kam Bevel’s family and loved ones,” WPU said in a statement.

Bevel was an incredibly talented 6’2” shooting guard who could really put the ball in the basket. As a senior at Confluence in 2021, he averaged 21 points a game while shooting 39% from 3-point range and 81% from the free throw line.

The kid could really score, and he was very entertaining to watch. While at North Central Missouri College, a twoyear institution in Trenton, Mo., he was also a standout. He was an NJCAA

Rainbows and sunshine

The importance of St. Louis PrideFest and a spectacular summer day brought thousands of celebrants to the Pride Parade down Market Street on Saturday, June 24. The parade included many politicians and civic leaders, and rainbow banners, flags, and umbrellas added bright color to the celebration.

hard…I did not expect the compassion or humanness.”

Gray emotionally recalled the impact Johnson’s death had on him.

“I’m still not over it… for all of us (spiritual advisors) you don’t forget it, you don’t get over it…it’s not something that’s left in that death chamber… it’s not.”

Rev. Lauren Bennett was the spiritual adviser for 49-year-old Missouri inmate Amber McLaughlin, an openly transgender woman who stabbed, strangled, and sexually assaulted an ex-girlfriend 19 years ago.

Bennett said it was a “huge honor” getting

First Team All-Region 16 selection following the 2022-23 season after averaging 14 points and three rebounds a game.

Not only was Kam an exceptionally good basketball player, but he was a very engaging young man.

Whenever I attended a summer grassroots tournament where his Zoski Elite team was competing, Kam would always find me and ask: “Mr. Austin, are you coming to my game?”

He did it at every tournament. He was the only player that did that in my close to 40 years of covering high school basketball in St. Louis.

My answer was always, “Of course Kam, you know I’ll be over to see you.”

It got to be a running joke between us for two consecutive summers. And when I made it over to see his game, he always put on a good show.

“Kam loved the game and played as hard as anyone I’ve coached in 23 years,” said Brian Karvinen, Bevel’s coach at Confluence.

“As cliche as it might sound, Kam had a huge heart and was loyal to his [heart], almost to a fault. I will miss him and his phone calls from school. It’s a harsh reminder of just how short and precious life really is.”

As a Zoski Elite player, Kam was coached by former collegiate and NBA star LaPhonso Ellis Jr.,

to know McLaughlin personally before she was executed on Jan. 4, 2023, by lethal injection.

n “Absolutely nothing prepared me for the journey I took with Kevin.”

“She was really hesitant about having a spiritual advisor for a long time,” Bennett recalled. “She was dealing with the prejudice of having killed someone and of being a trans woman.”

– Rev. Darryl Gray, on his experience of being convicted murderer Kevin Johnson’s spiritual advisor

Bennett said McLaughlin, who read on an elementary school level, mostly wanted her

who referred to him as his “nephew.” That’s how close their relationship was over the years.

“My nephew was dynamic, charismatic and special,” said Ellis.

“Kam Bevel had this personality that was elec-

interpretations of scriptures.

“She wanted to know if, when she died, if God would love her as a trans woman,” Bennett explained, adding that McLaughlin’s last statement was about “God not judging people by their worst acts, especially if they tried to turn their lives around.”

The Rev. Jeffrey K. Hood, II, bald with a long red beard, spoke with a Southern accent when describing the unusual

tric off and on the court. He had a pro game in high school, and he was only getting better.”

It’s just so heartbreaking to see a young life cut so short. But Kam Bevel is not alone. There had been at least 160 murders

trajectory of becoming a spiritual advisor.

“When you go to seminary you don’t think “I want to be a death row chaplain’ or ‘I want to be a spiritual advisor’…you don’t look at the seminary website and think you can get on this track.” Hood elaborated, saying “the work” can be intensely frustrating.

“I reflect on the work of Martin and Malcolm, but I think this moment calls for us to be a bit more like Malcolm. It calls for great rage and anger that the state is killing marginalized and oppressed people.

“As a person of faith who believes in the message of Jesus, a message

in the St. Louis metropolitan region this year as of June 20, 2023. This includes a 17-year-old killed in a mass shooting on June 17.

While the homicides stretch from the Metro East to St. Charles County,

of ‘the ‘least of us,’ it’s an affront to human rights, our sensibilities and an affront to what I think faith and spirituality is supposed to represent.”

Rev. Gray shared a question he’s been asked about his role as a death row spiritual advisor present during executions.

“People ask me if I would ever do it again and a whole lot of me says ‘no,’” Gray said earnestly. “Knowing what I know, I’m not sure if I would…knowing you’ll be sitting this close, holding them, touching them…as an advocate who struggles with why I’m even there…I ask, am I complicit?”

most of those killed were victims of gun violence and most were Black men or boys who had not reached their 17th birthday. It’s a shame. It’s also a reality.

Photo by Taylor Marrie / St. Louis American

2023 Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Reception

Hundreds attended The St. Louis American Foundation’s 23rd annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Reception last week at the Frontenac Hilton. The reception, presented by BJC Health Care also included a panel discussion around the topic of taking care of the people who take care of us –restorative practices for those that steward community level well-being. Michael Ward, Ph.D received the 2023 Lifetime Achiever in Health Care Award, and Angelleen Peters-Lewis, Ph.D. received the 2023 Stellar Performer in Health Care. Five outstanding, dedicated healthcare professionals received 2023 Excellence in Health Care Awards: Dr. Anna Bailey, Roslyn Lockett Harvey, Marcus Howard, Dr. Melvin Maclin, and Constance Payne. This year’s recipients of the Dr. John Anderson St. Louis County Children’s Fund Mental Health Awards were Latosha Fowlkes and Lizette Smith, Ph.D.

All photos by Wiley Price

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Michael McMillan with Portland Oregon Urban League President Nikenge Harmon Johnson.

The evening’s panel discussion included Deaconess Foundation President & CEO Bethany Johnson-Javois, St. Louis Community Health Care Workers President & CEO Ciearra Walker, and BRIC Director and trauma surgeon Dr. LJ Punch, and was moderated by Emerging Wisdom’s founder and principal Rebeccah Bennett.

Emcee Rebeccah Bennett and St. Louis Children’s Hospital’s Kel Ward

Jill and David Nowak, Mark Seebeck, and Damon Green

Attendees enjoyed the informative panel discussion at the reception.

2023 Stellar Performer in Health Care awardee Angelleen PetersLewis, Ph.D.

Susie and Dale Anderson chat with Excellence in Health Care Awardee Marcus Howard, Ph.D.

The St. Louis American’s Alvin A. Reid and Fred Sweets

2023 Lifetime Achiever Michael Ward, Ph.D. and Bob Fox

The crowd applauds the health care panelists at reception.

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund’s Emily Koenig presents the Community Health Provider Award to Latosha Fowlkes.

2023 Lifetime Achiever in Health Care Michael Ward, Ph.D.

Emily Koenig presents the Excellence in the Mental Health Field Award to Lizette Smith.

Dr. LJ Punch answers a question from moderator Rebeccah Bennett.

Deaconess Foundation’s Keisna Hammock, Brittany Ferrell Young, Bethany Johnson-Javois and Constance Harper

Tommye Austin, BJC’s Chief Nurse Executive and Senior Vice President of Patient Care Systems gave opening remarks on behalf of presenting sponsor BJC Health Care.

St. Louis American Foundation Director Raven Whitener and the 2023 Excellence in Health Care Award recipients: Constance Payne, Dr. Melvin M. Maclin, Marcus Howard, Roslyn Lockett Harvey, and Dr. Anna Bailey

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

Summer vibes in St. Louis

By Barry Draper

This time of year, the region’s pools, lakes and rivers beckon, but when you’re not in the water, you’re going to need something fun to fill your time. Luckily, art, culture, entertainment, food and drink events abound around here.

As summer progresses, the excitement continues. If you want to plan ahead, visit explorestlouis.com/events.

Mandela: The Official Exhibition Until August 3

The Saint Louis Science Center is currently showing Mandela: The Official Exhibition, taking guests on a journey through the life of the iconic freedom fighter and political leader. An immersive and interactive experience, the exhibition features previously unseen films and photos alongside more than 150 historical artifacts and personal effects on loan from the Mandela family as well as museums and archives worldwide.

African Modernism in America Until August 6

On view at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum, African Modernism in America is the first major traveling exhibition to examine the complex connection between modern African artists and U.S. patrons, artists and cultural organizations amid the interlocking histories of civil rights, decolonialization and the Cold War. During these years, institutions such as the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA) and Historically Black Colleges and Universities collected and exhibited works by many of the most important African artists of the mid-20th century. The inventive and irrefutably contemporary nature of these artists’ paintings, sculptures and works on paper defy typical Western narratives about African art being isolated to a “primitive past,” and their presentation in the U.S. firmly rooted these vital works in the present for American audiences.

choreographed dances and live performances by marching bands. The signature summer event is a celebration of our people, our community, our city and our country – from sea to shining sea. Dressed in your best red, white and blue, join the festivities surrounding the 140th America’s Birthday Parade, which will proceed west along Market Street beginning at 10 a.m.

Xtreme Xperience • July 7 to 10

This is your chance to drive a supercar at World Wide Technology Raceway! Xtreme Xperience allows you to drive or ride on the world-class racetrack in a Ferrari, Lamborghini, Porsche and more. You don’t need any experience – professional instructors will teach you how to drive the racing line as you cross an item off your bucket list.

Clue • July 21 to August 20

Based on the iconic 1985 Paramount Pictures film, which was inspired by the classic Hasbro board game, Clue is a hilarious farce-meets-murder mystery. The play begins on a dark and stormy night at a remote mansion, where six mysterious guests assemble for an unusual dinner party. When their host turns up dead, they all become suspects. Sip soup with Miss Scarlett, Professor Plum, Mrs. Peacock, Colonel Mustard and a host of other classic oddballs as you unravel this whodunnit. Performed by STAGES St. Louis at the Kirkwood Performing Arts Center, Clue is laugh-a-minute, high-octane fun for the entire family.

MO History Riverfront Takeover Cruise • July 27

Art Hill Film Series • Throughout July

This July, the Saint Louis Art Museum’s front yard will be transformed into the city’s biggest cinema. The Art Hill Film Series features films, food, drinks and music. The best part? It’s free for all, and you don’t need tickets. This year’s theme, Teacher Feature, celebrates the 100th anniversary of education programs at the museum while nodding to the new exhibition Action/ Abstraction Redefined: Modern Native Art, 1940s–1970s, which will run until Sept. 3. The 2023 Art Hill Film Series lineup includes Top Gun: Maverick (July 14), Akeelah and the Bee (July 21) and School of Rock (July 28).

America’s Birthday Parade • July 4 Marching through the streets of downtown St. Louis in the shadow of the nation’s tallest monument, America’s Birthday Parade features elaborate floats,

Brush up on the history of the Mighty Mississippi while cruising the river. The Riverboats at the Gateway Arch have partnered with the Missouri History Museum to introduce a new cruise experience. Amanda Clark, manager of community tours and the See STL tour program, will lead the one-hour MO History Riverboat Takeover Cruise, sharing her wealth of intriguing tidbits.

Pig & Whiskey Festival • July 28 to 30

Schlafly Beer, in partnership with The Riverfront Times, brings you the ultimate summer festival. Featuring some of the area’s most beloved barbecue joints, craft cocktails, plenty of Schlafly beer and, of course, whiskey, bourbon and scotch, the Pig & Whiskey Festival will take over Maplewood from July 28 to 30. Local, regional and national bands will help set the tone for the largest block party in the neighborhood. Pig & Whiskey is a family-friendly festival, complete with interactive games for all ages, bounce houses, bull riding, a vendor village and more. Adults can also stroll down Whiskey Row or learn new recipes from local mixologists and chefs.

Columnist

Barry Draper

Meet a social worker at the library

By St. Louis American staff

Word In Black

St. Louis County Library (SCLC) is the first library system in the St. Louis region to offer social workers. SLCL launched the Community Resource Initiative in partnership with the St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund and Epworth Children & Family Services in May 2023. The program brings social workers to five SLCL branches to help remove barriers of accessing social services by providing referrals to trusted community partners, as well as case management and individualized assistance for patrons of all ages. They will provide mental health support and crisis intervention for library patrons in need.

At each of the participating libraries, office hours are held Monday through Thursday from 9:30 a.m.-7:30 p.m., with limited hours on select Saturdays. Individuals needing assistance can show up at any participating branch and appointments will also be accepted. Information on how to schedule an appointment is available at www.slcl.

org/using-the-library/ social-worker-services or by calling 314-994-3300.

These services will include referrals to organizations who can assist with accessing food, housing, employment, counseling, emergency shelter, substance use treatment programs, and child abuse and neglect prevention support. The social workers are also training library employees in crisis management, trauma-informed practice, and de-escalation techniques.

Find a participating branch near you: Florissant Valley Branch, 195 New Florissant Rd., S., Florissant, MO 63031 Lewis & Clark Branch, 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63136 Natural Bridge Branch, 7606 Natural Bridge Rd. St. Louis, MO 63121 Rock Road Branch, 10267 St. Charles Rock Road St. Ann, MO 63074 Weber Road Branch, 4444 Weber Rd. St. Louis, MO 63123

Kristen Sorth, St. Louis County Library Director & CEO said, “Many people come to the library looking for answers, information

Memorialize and celebrate your loved ones in The St. Louis American! For more info contact Angelita Houston, ahouston@stlamerican.com or call 314-533-8000

and compassion. Adding social workers, strengthens and expands our ability to support individuals and connect them with community resources.”

“St. Louis County Library branches are an invaluable resource for many families in the region as children and families facing food insecurity, homelessness, unemployment, mental health issues, substance use and other crises are regular visitors to the library,” said CSF Executive Director Emily Koenig.

Library social workers are hired as contractors through Epworth.

“Bringing in social workers through the Community Resource Initiative will not only allow them to connect

directly with the public, but they will also teach the library employees invaluable skills to aid in their daily work,” said Koenig. This initiative builds upon SLCL’s previous work of connecting patrons with food, diapers, and hygiene assistance and ongoing efforts to promote mental health awareness through programming and partnerships such as the Community Wellness Hubs presented with BJC Healthcare

The program is funded in part through a grant from the Children’s Service Fund (CSF) Additional support for the program comes from the Berges Family Foundation, Incarnate Word Foundation, and the St. Louis County Library Foundation.

Photo courtesy of St. Louis County Library

Social workers are available at the following branches: Florissant Valley, Lewis & Clark, Natural Bridge, Rock Road and Weber Road.

‘Taking Care of You’

BJC backs nonprofit health groups with donations

Sickle Cell Association among recipients

By JoAnn Weaver St. Louis American

Sun safety tips for summer fun

By Dr. Graham A. Colditz Siteman Cancer Center

If all the picnics, barbeques and trips to the park didn’t give it away, summer is now officially in full swing, and for many of us that means getting outside to enjoy the long days and warm weather.

Dr. Graham A. Colditz

It should also mean remembering to protect our skin from the sun’s damaging ultraviolet (UV) rays. Being sun-safe can help avoid sunburns, slow down skin aging and lower the risk of skin cancer, including serious melanoma. And while that message can seem second nature at this point, the reality is that many of us – maybe most of us – still have steps we could take to improve our sun safety. The basics are simple: Find shade, use sunscreen and wear sun- safe clothes. But some extra tips can really help us put these into practice:

n It’s good to try to keep a hat, longsleeve shirt and small tubes or sticks of sunscreen at the ready.

BJC Gives Back, a BJC Health Care program, has donated $30,000 to be divided among nine local organizations. Each will receive a donation ranging from $2,000 to $5,000 and among them is the Sickle Cell Association.

“It’s a project that we do each year where employees nominate their favorite nonprofits in the community. They’re looking for grassroot type of organizations,” said

n “This really opens a pathway for [those] organizations. It’s an opportunity for them to receive funding from a new source and really engage in a new opportunity for collaboration.”

– Martha Buesking

Martha Buesking, manager of grants and funding for BJC HealthCare’s community health improvement pro-

gram. “Organizations that we haven’t worked with before are a big part of the program. This really opens a pathway for [those] organizations. It’s an opportunity for them to receive funding from a new source and really engage in a new opportunity for collaboration.”

More than 100 charities were nominated by BJC employees and the final nine were selected by the St. Louis Community Foundation to support local, grassroots nonprofit health and human service agencies.

1. Be ready for the sun. Most of our trips outside are planned – at least to some extent – so we have time to get ready with sunscreen and the correct clothing. But, it’s summer after all, and that can mean spur of the moment trips outside for a lunchtime walk, a concert at the park or just to get a breath of fresh air. So, it’s good to try to keep a hat, long-sleeve shirt and small tubes or sticks of sunscreen at the ready. They don’t take up too much space and can easily fit in the side pockets of a backpack, in a desk drawer, locker or somewhere in the car.

2. Use enough sunscreen (we often don’t). Using sunscreen is great. Using enough sunscreen is even better. Many of us fall short of the recommended amounts to get good

Missouri gets mediocre rating in child health

Among nation’s lowest

By Clara Bates Missouri Independent

Missouri ranks in the bottom third of all states for children’s health, according to a recent report using data from 2021. The annual Kids Count Data Book from the Annie E. Casey Foundation, released this month, evaluates states on four metrics of child well-being. Those are: health, economic well-being, education, and family and community. For overall child well-being, Missouri ranks near the middle: 28th of 50 states, with 50 being the worst.

Bringing down the state’s overall ranking was one factor in particular:

children’s health. Only 15 states in the country had a

lower rating for children’s health.

“Our health rankings are part of the problem,” said Tracy Greever-Rice, program director of Missouri KIDS COUNT.

“We have work to do here in Missouri around infant mortality. We also have work to do, like many states with large rural populations, in terms of teen and adolescent deaths.”

Only 10 other states had the same or worse rates of child and teen deaths as Missouri, one of the factors included in the health measure.

The rate of child and teen deaths was 39 per 100,000 in Missouri in 2021 — up from 32 per 100,000 just two years earlier. The state’s trend mirrored the national trend, which increased from 25

Sickle Cell Association Executive Director Rosemary Britts thanked patrons for their support during the 2022 Sickle Cell Stroll. The SCA received a $2,000 donation from BJC Gives Back, which will be used toward its mission of helping Sickle Cell patients and eradicating the disease.

Photo courtesy of SCA

‘Taking

BJC

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Rosemary Britts, executive director of the Sickle Cell Association, said the organization received a $2,000 donation.

“The funds will help us continue our mission to the sickle cell community,” Britts said.

“We provide support groups and limited financial support to our participants, and will utilize the funds to help us with our work in the community.”

With sickle cell disease seemingly spiraling out of control and the severe suffering of individuals and families affected by

the disease, the Sickle Cell Association was established to fill a need in the community, according to their website. The Sickle Cell Association bridges the gap between the medical community and the public.

Their mission is to support the sickle cell community while working to eliminate the disease through collaborations on research, education, and resources.

“I feel excited that they were willing to support Sickle Cell and support the Sickle Cell Association specifically because it shows that they have interest in our community and what it is that we’re doing to support those that are

living with Sickle Cell.

Rich Liekweg, BJC president and CEO, said “As a nonprofit organization and one of the region’s largest employers, BJC works to be a good neighbor and community member, including support of charitable organizations that share a similar mission.”

“We hope these donations to some unsung heroes among charities can help support our collective missions in the communities we serve together.”

BJC Gives Back provides another opportunity to celebrate the communities and residents the longstanding health care system serves as BJC celebrates its 30th anniversary

this year.

“For the past five years, the donation has been $25,000 in total per year, but since we’re celebrating BJC’S 30th anniversary this year, we did $30,000,” Buesking said.

“I think that this opportunity to spread awareness of the different organizations is really critical too.”

Selected charities span the BJC service region and support health, wellness, basic needs, youth and child development, education, and behavioral health. This year’s other awardees are:

• Butterfly Beginnings (St. Louis)

• Chariti Home Ministries (Belleville, IL)

• Health Protection & Education Services (University City, MO)

• Karah Academy of Dance and Performing Arts (Florissant, MO)

• New Cahokia Commons Urban Farms (Cahokia, IL)

• Signer Senior Center of Arcadia (Arcadia, MO)

• Tent Mission STL (St. Louis)

• The STEPS Alano Club (St. Louis)

Doneisha Bohannon, director of community partnerships for BJC HealthCare’s community health improvement program, said BJC does not place restrictions on how the donation can be used by each organization. Due

Black male seniors die at higher rate after surgery

to the broad range of the community-centered associations, each entity has unique needs which BJC recognized when donating funds.

“I think that’s an important point of this program. We’re not adding restrictions on designating how the funds are utilized,” Bohannon said.

“Wherever the organization sees that the funds can be utilized to fully advance their missions and align values, then that’s where we encourage them to utilize those funds. It’s providing unrestricted resources, which are oftentimes hard to come by, that makes this particular initiative truly valuable.”

By Alexa Spencer Word in Black

The purpose of surgery is to solve an otherwise daunting medical issue — but that only works if the patient survives. While most people live well past their procedures, a recent study found that older Black men have a higher chance of dying within 30 days.

The study by the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) reveals that older Black men are 50% more likely than white men to die after elective surgery — nonemergency operations scheduled in advance.

The researchers examined Medicare data from 2016 to 2018 for nearly 1.9 million Black and white beneficiaries ages 65 to 99. These people had undergone one of eight common surgeries: abdominal aortic repair, appendectomy, cholecystectomy, colectomy, coronary artery bypass, hip replacement, knee replacement, and lung resection.

Child Health

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deaths per 100,000 to 30 deaths per 100,000 from 2019 to 2021

“Particularly at risk — and a change that we’ve seen over the past few years — are adolescent boys in more rural areas,” Greever-Rice said, “and of course, Missouri, like everywhere else has been impacted by the opioid and fentanyl epidemic.

Suicide rates among

Colditz

Continued from A12 protection. When you’re at places like the park or pool, you should typically use one full ounce, which fills the palm of the hand. Note: According to the Mayo Clinic, “people who have lighter or fair skin color are at increased risk of sunburn and skin cancer, but any person can experience sun damage and develop skin cancer. Sunscreen is important for all skin types and tones — and not just on sunny days.”

3. Use a sunscreen with 50 SPF or higher

“These findings highlight the need to understand better the unique challenges Black men who require surgery face in the US,” the authors wrote.

Compared to Black men, who had a mortality rate of about 3.05% for elective and emergency surgeries, white men were dying at 2.69%, white women at 2.18%, and Black women at 0.82%.

For elective surgeries specifically, Black men had a death rate of 1.30%, versus 0.85% for white men, 0.82% for white women, and 0.79% for Black women. The disparity between Black and white men began as early as seven days after surgery and lasted up to 60 days.

The UCLA team suggested that structural racism is contributing to these outcomes.

According to the study authors “structural racism—the impact of racial discrimination across systems in society (including healthcare) that creates inequities

young people have increased nationally over the last several decades, particularly in rural areas, where mental health services can be scarcer, research has found Firearms became the leading cause of kids’ deaths in the United States in 2020, surpassing car accidents. According to Children’s Defense Fund, Missouri was one of ten states that accounted for half of all child and teen gun deaths in the nation from 2011-2020. Bills to limit access to guns failed in

if you’re outside longer. When out for short periods of time, sunscreens with 30 SPF (sun protection factor) can be good choices, but if you’re going to be out for longer, try to use sunscreens with 50 SPF or higher, which provider great protection.

4. Apply. Repeat. Unfortunately, one application of sunscreen doesn’t last all day. To get good protection, it generally needs to be re-applied around every two hours, or sooner if you’ve been in the water or sweating.

5. Remember the ears - and other easy-to-miss spots. Don’t rush putting on sunscreen. Take the

in resources and in environments—may, at least partially, explain our findings.”

For example, Black patients living in neighborhoods with predominantly Black residents tend to live close to hospitals that lack resources to provide high quality healthcare. As a result, Black patients may lack access to specialists (including surgeons) with advanced clinical training and to important clinical resources, such as advanced diagnostic imaging studies and tests.

“This could lead to delays in care resulting in more advanced disease that requires longer or more difficult operations and might explain our finding of an increased mortality

the legislature

Other indicators of children’s health — the rates of low birthweight babies, children without health insurance, and children who are overweight or obese — were all slightly worse in Missouri than on average, according to the report.

The best states for children’s health, according to the report, include Massachusetts, Vermont, and New Hampshire, while the worst are Texas,

time to cover as much exposed skin as possible. Pay attention to those places we can sometimes forget, like the tops of the ears, feet and head (if thinning hair).

6. Get kids sun-ready first. Before the adults head outside, first get kids sun-ready. Sun exposure in youth is especially important when it comes to the risk of skin cancer later in life. Focusing on kids first can help make sure they’re as protected as possible for fun in the sun.

7. Plan your shade. Being under shade is one of the simplest ways to protect ourselves from the

A UCLA study found that Black men between ages 65 and 99 are more likely to die within 30 days of an operation – and structural racism is playing a role.

with elective procedures.”

Consequently, Black male patients may be undertreated for conditions such as hypertension and diabetes prior to elective surgery, which increases the risk for poor outcomes.

The authors wrote that these differences in neighborhood, home environment, and community resources may make it more challenging for Black patients, on average, to recover at home and to make postoperative clinical visits,” the authors wrote.

In addition, Black people are more likely to live in areas with greater exposure to hazards such as air pollution, which might increase the prevalence and severity of chronic diseases.

Louisiana and Mississippi. Missouri children fared best, out of the four broad indicators of wellbeing, on the measure of economic well-being. The state ranked 18th of 50 on economic well-being.

While 3 in 10 children nationally live in households with a high housing cost burden, only around 2 in 10 Missouri children do, per the report.

The rate of kids whose parents lack secure employment is also slightly better in Missouri at 26% than nationally,

sun’s damaging rays. If there aren’t sun shelters or trees available, having your own canopy, tent or large umbrella can be a great back-up plan, and there are many good, affordable options.

8. Try UPF-rated clothes. Clothes made from fabrics with a UPF rating (ultraviolet protection factor) can be a great choice for summer, helping to block UV rays while also being lightweight and made for outdoor activities. As with sunscreen, the higher the number, the better the sun protection.

9. Don’t forget sunglasses. It’s important to

“These differences in neighborhood and home environments and in resources could make it more challenging for Black patients to recover at home and to attend postoperative clinical visits.”

The study’s findings “are consistent with the finding that Black men have shorter life expectancy at birth compared with other subgroups.

When compared to other races, Black men show a higher burden of homicide and HIV than Black women.

Other factors may interact with structural racism to worsen surgical outcomes include:

• Physician perception that Black patients are less likely to adhere to medical advice, which can contribute to differences in recommendations for surgery.

• Black patients, due to mistreatment, may have developed a distrust about healthcare providers that further contributes to poorly controlled chronic

29%. The rate of children in poverty roughly mirrors the national average — 16% in Missouri and 17% nationally. The rate of teens not in school and not working is 7% in Missouri, equal to the national average.

The Kids Count index also included data on the cost of child care nationally, though it did not factor into the overall well-being rating.

“For many, many families right now,” Greever-Rice said, “the

protect your eyes along with your skin. Keep a pair of sunglasses as part of your sun-safety gear. Look for those with “100% UV protection” and don’t let the darkness of the lenses or price tag be your marker for UV protection. Check tags and labels to be sure.

10. Work toward a sun-safe community. There are steps we can take to help make it easier for the those in our communities to be sun safe, and it doesn’t need to take a lot of time or effort. Send an email to the city council about getting more shade at playgrounds, or start a social media string about adding

disease.

• Differences in referral patterns by race. A recent study found that specialty networks (including for surgery) were smaller for Black patients. The harms of racism don’t stop there, according to Dr. Dan Ly, a study lead and assistant professor of medicine at the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA.

“Our findings point to possibilities such as poorer pre-optimization of co-morbidities prior to surgery, delays of care due to structural racism and physician bias, and worse stress and its associated physical burden on Black men in the United States,” he said in a statement.

Black men are dying prematurely, whether surgery-related or not. The group has a life expectancy of 72 years at birth, compared to white men, who are expected to live to 81-years-old, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

cost [of child care] continues to go up and availability just decreases, particularly in rural areas and underserved areas.”

In Missouri, a single parent with a toddler attending a childcare center would pay 28% of the median income on childcare, according to the Kids Count report. The average cost for a toddler’s care at a center in Missouri was nearly $9,000, according to KIDS COUNT.

sunscreen dispensers on bike paths and at ballparks. Even small changes can make an important difference.

Now, let’s get out and enjoy those great summer days – safely. It’s your health. Take control.

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

Photo courtesy of Kampus Production

Tyus tries to tank unprecedented funds to North

Federal funds are finally coming to the North Side, but they would not if Alderwoman Sharon Tyus (Ward 12) could change it.

The long-serving alderwoman - once known for her bold demands for more support and resources for North City - has now sadly become an angry cranky opponent of a bill that would send $37 million to small businesses and non-profits along Natural Bridge, Dr. Martin Luther King Drive, West Florissant Avenue, Page Avenue, and other important northside corridors

Last Friday, the full Board of Aldermen voted on final passage of Board Bill 37, sponsored by Alderwoman Shameem Clark-Hubbard (Ward 10). In what should have been an easy and perfunctory vote, Tyus commandeered the microphone for more than 30 minutes to harangue her colleague with a series of questions that could have easily been answered had Tyus attended the Housing, Urban Development, and Zoning (HUDZ) committee meetings or watched footage from the meetings on her own time. Instead, she wasted everyone else’s by publicly demonstrating her failure to do her homework and displaying a lack of serious intent.

We couldn’t follow the rationale for Tyus’ dubious opposition to an unprecedented inflow of cash to North St. Louis, but what we could discern from her incoherent ramblings was that the alderwoman, 67,

seems utterly incapable of growing beyond her petty personal grudges. Perhaps Tyus recognizes that her power and influence are swiftly diminishing as she continues to fight for relevance and attention with whatever hot mic is in front of her.

Whatever her frustrations are - which remain undefined after her 30-minute rant - Tyus directed them toward Clark-Hubbard, who should not have to be subjected to the unacceptable filth that spewed from her colleague’s mouth. Changing the pitch and tone of her voice by obviously seeking to mimic Clark-Hubbard’s words and mannerisms, Tyus openly mocked her colleague on the floor of the Board and made no effort to conceal her disrespect.

Unfortunately, we have come to expect bullying, lies, and personal attacks from the most senior alderperson on the Board, but her disgusting behavior has become more of an embarrassment - and a nuissance - for the rest of the alderpersons. Where Tyus pretends that she is being a “strong advocate” for her ward, she’s actually being a clangorous tyrant who is isolating herself from her colleagues and guaranteeing that work will not be done on behalf of her constituents. To be clear, there was nothing professional or dignified in Tyus’ behavior during last week’s full Board meeting. At this point, we’ve seen immeasurable insults

hurled at both Mayor Tishaura Jones and Board President Megan Green from Tyus. On the first day of the legislative session, Tyus wasted no time insulting Alderwoman Alisha Sonnier (Ward 7), falsely accusing her of being a puppet of white southside leadership and making offensive comments about Sonnier’s blackness. But in Tyus’ most recent, pathetic display of bullying Clark-Hubbard she has once again crossed a line that warrants consequences by Board leadership.

Tyus’ tormenting of Clark-Hubbard continues a pattern of behavior, where she seemingly enjoys attacking fellow Black women on the Board as well as other women elected officials. How ironic and pathetic it is to see this behavior from the first woman who demanded to be acknowledged for her gender and called “Alderwoman.”

Clark-Hubbard addressed Tyus tearfully and

shared her distress that was caused by the elder alderwoman - someone who Clark-Hubbard once looked up to - openly mocking her on the floor in a public meeting. Tyus’ behavior was an embarrassment for the Board of Aldermen. There should be no tolerance for her vile treatment of Clark-Hubbard.

The EYE will be watching to seehow Tyus now tries to influence the HUDZ Committee deliberations related to some big projects coming to her ward, including the “48 Fields” project. Tyus has now personally insulted both the chair and vice chair of HUDZ, and we can’t anticipate how those personal attacks will soon be forgotten.

• • • Missouri Governor Mike Parson has shown St. Louis how really serious he is about curbing gun violence in our city and across the state. In Kansas City last week, Parson announced that he will not call state legislators back to Jefferson City to address gun violence in St. Louis. City officials have been unable to enact meaningful legislation at the local level to curb gun violence

because of Missouri’s incredibly lax state gun laws. In 2017, Missouri became a “constitutional carry” state, meaning that neither an open-carry nor conceal-carry permit is required in order to possess a firearm. While there is an age restriction on children under 18 purchasing or possessing handguns, Missouri law does not include a minimum age requirement on carrying long guns - which includes the assault-style rifle that we’ve all seen in recent weeks.

Mere days before Parson’s declaration of his non-action, Downtown St. Louis was reeling from a mass shooting involving dozens of teenagers and resulting in the death of a 17-year-old and serious injuries to 10 other teenagers. While police took a 17-year-old into custody and are working to identify the remaining young people involved in the tragedy, city leadership has pointed to the unrestricted access to assault-style rifles and noted that teens from Jefferson, St. Charles, and Lincoln Counties have been involved in some of the recent misconduct and gun-related crimes downtown.

Parson’s refusal to take any meaningful action, along with the Republican supermajority in the legislature, to curb the rise in gun violence in St. Louis and Kansas City merely demonstrates the state’s apparent intent to destabilize Missouri cities by blocking us from being able to make our own gun-related laws. By blocking cities from being able to control their own crime-focused laws, the state is a de facto willing participant in gun violence in St. Louis and Kansas City.

There’s no other reasonable explanation for Parson’s flaccid response to

the very serious problems in our city with trying to address gun-related crimes.

•

•

•

There’s been yet another casualty of consequences related to the St. Louis Board of Aldermen - this time, it’s former candidate for Board President, Mark Kummer. Kummer, who lost in St. Louis City circuit court in August for failing to meet the residency requirement to run for citywide office, reached a settlement agreement with the Missouri Ethics Commission related to four counts of campaign finance violations.

Charges include violating the campaign treasurer residency requirement, several instances of failure to file a 48-hour report, failure to itemize contributions and expenditures, and a failure to timely and accurately file reports.

As part of his settlement agreement, Kummer must pay $600 within 45 days and keep a clean record for two years in order to waive the remaining ethics fines of $5,400. Considering the severity of his violations and his abusive behavior toward his staff and opponents, the EYE would rather have seen some consideration being given to no fine assessed in exchange for a lifetime prohibition on running for state and municipal office. No word on the foreign payments made by Kummer’s campaign to staff, though, which are explicitly prohibited in all federal, state, and local elections. With attention seemingly focused only on Black elected officials and their white-collar crimes, what will it take for that same amount of attention be given to white political candidates when they commit financial offenses?

Sharon Tyus Mark Kummer

Partnership to give kids educational head start

More early childhood educators needed

Ronda Bowen-Walters, master teacher at the Jennings Urban League Head Start site, and her students were in attendance at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis headquarters on Tuesday to celebrate a partnership that will create apprenticeships for people seeking careers in early childhood education.

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Preparing Black preschool students for the education they will need to succeed as adults is imperative in Missouri and throughout the nation.

While parents and families seek opportunities to help their children begin learning at a young age, many times there aren’t enough teachers to fill the need – especially in underserved communities.

The “Interstate Partnership Agreement” announced on Tuesday at the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis headquarters on North Kingshighway partners the local Urban League chapter, YWCA Metro St. Louis, The Full Employment Council of Kansas City, and Missouri

n “School readiness is so important for our children so they can know what they are competing against.”

–

Gwendolyn Diggs, Urban League Head Start and Early Head Start president

Department of Higher Education and Workforce Development (MDHEWD) to address the shortage of childcare workers in the state.

Through $3.3 million in grants from the MDHEWD’s Office of Apprenticeship and Work-Based

Learning (OAWBL), hundreds of apprenticeships will be funded for people seeking a career as an early childhood educator.

“School readiness is so important for our children so they can know what they are competing against,” said Gwendolyn Diggs, Urban League Head Start and Early Head Start president.

“We want to give them the advantage. We want to give them the edge.”

The will is there but many times the early childhood education teachers are not.

According to a 2022 survey of 7,500 early childhood educators from the National Association for the Education of Young Children, four of five childcare centers in America are understaffed.

See HEAD START, B2

PeoPle on the Move

Paris Forest named a senior director at Boeing

Paris Forest is now the IT sr. director of corporate functions and systems at The Boeing Company, serving as the Business Success Leader for corporate communications, Law and Global Compliance, Corporate Audit, Global Enterprise Sustainability, Government Operations, Security & Fire Protection, Executive Flight Operations and Global Real Estate and responsible for the modernization of all associated technology platforms and software services.

Val Joyner named director of communications

Val Joyner was recently named director of communications for St. Louis Housing Authority. Her key responsibilities include the strategic development and implementation of the SLHA’s internal and external communications and community relations. She previously served as the first civilian public information officer for the St. Charles County Police Department and the Greater St. Louis Major Case Squad. Joyner holds a master of legal studies from Washington University School of Law, a master of arts in communications from the University of Missouri – St. Louis, and a bachelor of arts in mass communications from Xavier University of Louisiana.

Stayton elected to special school district board

Hundreds of laptops distributed

St. Louis American staff

The digital divide has been narrowed for hundreds of St. Louis-area families through a collaboration with AT&T, Compudopt, and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis (BGCSTL).

Hundreds of Boys & Girls Club members and the community drove through to receive refurbished laptops Monday, June 26, at BGCSTL Teen Center of Excellence, 9200 W. Florissant.

The computers, funded by an AT&T donation to Compudopt, were distributed to 200 St. Louis families with children in grades K-12 who did not have a laptop at home.

In St. Louis city and county, it is estimated that more than nearly 16,000 K-12 students do not have access to the internet, computers, or skills needed at home to learn and compete in an online format.

“At Boys and Girls Clubs, we believe that every kid has the potential to succeed,” said Flint Fowler, BGCSTL president and CEO.

Educator Carmen Stayton has been elected to the board of education for the Special School District of St. Louis County. Stayton has been an educator since starting her career in 2009. She has taught in Jennings, Kansas City, and Special School districts. She also served as dean of students at South City Prep and as a teacher at Jamaa Learning Center. She is currently a math instructional specialist at Washington University’s Institute for School Partnership. Her previous board experience includes serving on the St. Louis American Newspapers in Education Advisory Board and on the Teach for America Alumni Advisory Board.

Fantroy-Ross receives UMSL Hero Award

office at UMSL’s College of Business Administration (CoBA) recently received an UMSL Hero Award from the chancellor’s office. In her current role, FantroyRoss juggles a variety of responsibilities in order to keep the CoBA on task. That includes managing the office support assistants; coordinating the ELL program, scholarship awards, tenure and promotions; and maintaining the building itself.

“We are committed to enabling all young people, especially those who need us most, to reach their full potential as productive,

Paris Forest

Val Joyner

Carmen Stayton

Sherry FantroyRoss

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones (L) and state Rep. Raychel Proudie (3rd from left) scan the line of cars as families queued up to receive a laptop computer provided by AT&T and Compudot in coordination with the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis. AT&T employee Michelle Hamilton speaks with a laptop recipient as Shalanda Williams looks on.

Photo courtesy of BGCSTL

Laptops

Continued from B1

ipate in the digital space.”

Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones was thrilled to take part in the laptop event and called education “the key to a positive future of opportunity and possibilities.”

“In today’s connected world, technology and connectivity are just as important as textbooks and caring, professional teachers. It is exciting to think how these laptops will impact not just the students who receive them but also their families and generations to come.”

“AT&T is proud to collaborate with organizations like Compudopt to help close the digital equity gap in St. Louis,” said Craig Unruh, AT&T Missouri & Arkansas president.

“Many students in the St. Louis area lack the devices needed for online learning. Access to computers is vital in helping to bridge the digital divide, and we are glad we can provide these resources to those that need them most.”

Black and Hispanic American adults are much less likely than White adults to own a traditional computer or have highspeed internet at home, according to Pew Research Center survey respondents conducted Jan. 25 to Feb. 8, 2021.

80% of White adults report owning a desktop or laptop computer, compared with 69% of Black adults and 67% of Hispanic adults. Eight-in-ten White adults also report having a broadband connection at

home, while smaller shares of Black and Hispanic adults say the same – 71% and 65%, respectively.

While having a home computer is essential in many ways, there is another digital gap that underserved communities still must overcome.

According to Pew Research, Black adults are more likely than White adults to say a lack of high-speed internet at home leads to certain disadvantages

For example, 63% of Black adults – compared with 49% of White adults – say not having high-speed internet puts people at a major disadvantage when it comes to connecting with doctors or other medical professionals.

On Monday, President Joe Biden

and Vice President Kamala Harris detailed the administration’s Broadband Equity Access and Deployment (BEAD) program, a $42.5-billion federal-funding initiative in support of affordable high-speed internet access. It is designed to fund deployment of robust broadband infrastructure in rural areas of the country that don’t have adequate high-speed internet service. BEAD was created in 2021 under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Alongside the FCC’s Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP), BEAD will cover some of the costs of making broadband available and affordable to unserved and underserved communities.

Head Start

Continued from B1

“We have to have the adults in place so kids can come in and take a seat,” said Diggs.

The St. Louis Urban League Head Start and Early Head Start programs are receiving $826,747 through the partnership, and the YWCA St. Louis Head Start program is receiving $303,000.

“We struggle and stretch to meet the needs of our parents and of employers,” said YWCA Metro St. Louis president and CEO Cheryl Watkins.

“This is a very exciting step that will help hundreds, if not thousands, of families gain access to Head Start. This is a real solution to a pressing problem.”

Head Start is a national anti-poverty program for children from families living below the national poverty line. It focuses on providing preschool for 4-year-olds and support for their families. Its services are now being offered to children under 4 and their families. The services, which range from home visits to infant and toddler care, are known as Early Head Start.

The Urban League Head Start serves about 800 children ages 6 weeks

to 5 years and provides center-based operations at eight locations from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

YWCA is the largest provider of Head Start services in St. Louis and St. Louis County, serving more than 1,000 preschool-aged children and more than 200 infants and toddlers at nine Early Childhood Education Centers and 12 Child Care Partner Centers.

It was recently recognized by the National Head Start Association as a National Program of Excellence, and is the only program in Missouri (and one of 13 nationally) to receive the five-year accreditation.

Mike McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis president and CEO, called Head Start “one of the foundational programs of this organization, not only locally but nationwide.”

“Head Start can help families afford to put their children in childcare and get them ready for school. It is one of the most well respected and universally supported governmental programs.”

Clyde McQueen, Full Employment Council Kansas City CEO, said helping create new early childhood education teachers is an essential part of the partnership.

“This is about entrepreneurial opportunities. It is also about finding a meaningful way to instruct our children while parents are working.”

The national Head Start office is also dedicated to ensuring its teachers and support staff realize the importance of diversity and inclusion.

It has an online webinar series that promotes anti-bias and anti-racism strategy and “also complement Head Start’s history of anti-racism in action.”

Topics for the fourpart series include: Exploring terminology and engaging in challenging conversations about racism; Discussing children’s understanding of race and identity development; Developing anti-bias teaching practices; Examining principles and policies for human resource systems that honor diversity, equity, and inclusion; and Exploring intersections of health and racial equity to support the wellness of children, families, and staff.

To view the webinar, visit www.eclkc.ohs.acf. hhs.gov

For more information on the Urban League Head Start and YWCA Metro St. Louis respective programs, please visit www.ulstl.com/head start or www.ywcastl.org.

Gwendolyn Diggs, Urban League Head Start and Early Head Start president, said an apprentice program designed to create early childhood teachers will help give more students “the advantage they need.”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

n I plan on staying with Mercedes for the rest of my life, that’s a definite.”

– F1 driver Lewis Hamilton on reports contract talks have stalled

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Lindenwood U. ‘Pops’ up with recruiting coup

ESL star

Robert Battle commits

The Lindenwood University football program had a successful debut season in the Division 1 ranks, closing with a 7-3 record in 2022.

Those positive results have paid off on the recruiting trail as the Lions received a verbal commitment from one of the top players in the St. Louis area in Robert “Pops” Battle of East St. Louis. A standout dualthreat quarterback for the Flyers, Battle made his announcement on his social media account over the weekend. The 6’1” 175-pound Battle will enter his senior year as a four-year starter. He will be at the controls of a Flyers team that powered their way to the Illinois Class 6A state championship last season.

As a junior, Battle completed 154 of his 255 passes for 2,123 yards with 23 touchdowns and five interceptions. He was also an effective runner as well and rushed for 733 yards and 11 touchdowns. In the state championship game, Battle rushed for 63 yards and a touchdown and passed for 207 yards and two touchdowns in the Flyers’ 57-7 victory over

Crystal Lake Prairie Ridge.

Battle had a big year passing the ball as a sophomore as he completed 188 of 304 passes for 2,847 yards and 30 touchdowns. He also rushed for 390 yards and eight touchdowns as the Flyers advanced to the Class 6A state championship game. As a freshman, Battle passed for 1,460 yards and 13 touchdowns while rushing for 367 yards and five touchdowns to lead the Flyers to a 5-1 record in a Covid-shortened spring season in 2021.

Lindenwood University is a member of the Ohio

Valley Conference.

St. Louis Surge open home season with a big win

The St. Louis Surge opened the home portion of its women’s professional basketball season with a 96-55 victory over the KC Crossover last Saturday night at Fontbonne University.

The Surge built a 41-30 lead at halftime, but broke open the game in the second half as they outscored the Crossover 55-25 to coast to the victory.

Leading the way for the Surge was 5’11” guard Jade Loville, who scored a game-high 33 points. The former University of Arizona standout also had nine rebounds, four assists and three steals. Also scoring in double figures were Rachel McLimore with 14 points, St. Louisan Abbey Hoff with 12 points and Kelsey McClure with 10. The Surge return to action on July 8 with an exhibition contest against the Windy City Ballers at Fontbonne. Tip off is at 6 p.m.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Brown sets sail for Clippers

Former University of Missouri basketball standout Kobe Brown was selected by the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the June 22, 2023 National Basketball Association draft. Brown was taken with the 30th and final pick of the first round. He becomes the 48th Missouri player to be taken in the NBA Draft and 16th firstround pick. He was the first Mizzou player taken since the Denver Nuggets selected Michael Porter Jr.

Quarterback

Robert “Pops” Battle has made a verbal commitment to play football at Lindenwood University in St. Charles. Battle completed 12-of-20 passes for 258 yards and five touchdowns on Sept. 3, 2022 against CBC in the Gateway Scholars Classic at Clyde C. Jordan Stadium on the campus of East St. Louis High School.

with the 14th pick in the 2018 draft. Porter was a starting forward and key player on the Nuggets world championship team this season. Brown spent the evening with friends and family in his hometown of Huntsville, AL. A versatile 6’8” 250pound forward, Brown led the Tigers to a tremendous 2023 season under first-year coach Dennis Gates. He averaged 15.8 points, 6.4 rebounds, 2.5 assists and 1.5 steals while shooting 45 percent from 3-point range.

Black stars that should be twinkling in Seattle

Balloting for starting players in the 2023 Major League Baseball All Star Game ends this week and based on the limited number of African Americans on MLB rosters, Black players should be decently represented on July 11 in Seattle.

The current tabulation for starters is down to two players at each position, and the remaining roster spots will be filled next week.

More Black players could be added to respective American and National League rosters, especially since every team must have a representative.

The AL has two Black players seemingly as locks for that league’s team.

Shortstop Marcus Semien of the Texas Rangers leads all shortstops in votes. New York Yankees’ outfielder Aaron Judge was second to Shohei Ohtani.

Ohtani and Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna were awarded All-Star Game berths as leading total vote-getters.

Judge’s injured toe will likely keep him from play-

ing in the contest. In the NL, L.A. Dodgers’ outfielder Mookie Betts was second in balloting to Acuna. Michael Harris II, Acuna’s Atlanta teammate, has a solid chance to join him on the NL roster. It’s encouraging that several Black pitchers could make respective All-Star teams.

While Chicago Cubs starter Marcus Stroman was dreadful in the St. Louis Cardinals 7-5 win in London on June 25, he had posted a 9-5 record with an outstanding 2.47 ERA. Stroman left the game with a blister, which bears watching as the AllStar game nears.

Tijuan Walker’s 4.10 ERA is high, but the Philadelphia Phillies’ starter’s 8-3 record puts him among league leaders in wins.

The Cardinals knocked around Josiah Gray of the Washington Nationals last week, dropping his record to 5-6. His sparkling 3.43 ERA – and the fact the Nationals have no other stars – will likely land him a spot on the All-Star

team. Jack Flaherty’s subpar last two starts helped reduce his record to a subpar 4-5. Add a 4.95 ERA and a sore hip to the mix and his chances of making the team for the St. Louis

Cardinals have evaporated. The St. Louis area is sure to have an All Star in closer Devin Williams of the Milwaukee Brewers. He is 4-1 with a 1.82 ERA, and 35 strikeouts in 37 innings pitched. His 13

saves rank fourth in the NL, and he reached that number for a team that is just three games above .500.

Birmingham Bound

Hall of Famer Willie Mays will be honored, and Major League Baseball will host a Negro Leagues tribute game at Rickwood Field in Birmingham, Alabama, on June 20, 2024, featuring the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals. The stadium was home to the Birmingham Black Barons from 1924-60., a Negro League team that Mays played for during the 1948 season.

“It’s an honor. Any time I get to represent my culture like that, especially on the MLB level, it’s always a joy,” said Jordan Walker.

“All I got to do is stay healthy and ready and I want to play in that game, for sure.”

MLB said the game is also centered on the Juneteenth holiday, which commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in Texas in 1865. The teams will also sport Negro

Leagues fashion uniforms during the game.

The Reid Roundup

St. Louis Cardinals outfielder Jordan Walker was on a 15-game hitting streak upon the team’s return from London. He had a key RBI base hit in Sunday’s win. Walker had started in 38 games and hit safely in 33 when the Redbirds opened a series against Houston on Tuesday…NBA

Commissioner Adam Silver recently said “it would make sense” to the expand the league by two teams. The front runners are reportedly Seattle and Las Vegas. However, St. Louis is battling Tampa for the No. 3 on the list… Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum honored former teammate Marcus Smart on social media, saying, “My dawg. Forever grateful for you and how you pushed me and helped me along this journey.”…Tatum’s newest endorsement on national television aired this week. He is the star of a new Subway commercial, which has him passing on a “Philly” sandwich.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Texas Rangers shortstop Marcus Semien is among Black MLB players destined for the 2023 All-Star Game in Seattle on July 11.

Photo courtesy of Texas Rangers

Dr. Colin Martin to lead pediatric surgery division at Wash.

U. Med School

Colin A. Martin, MD,

a specialist in intestinal rehabilitation surgery and an advocate for diversity, equity and inclusion in surgery, has been named director of the Division of Pediatric Surgery in the Department of Surgery at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. He also will serve as surgeonin-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital. He will begin in his new role Sept. 5. Martin is an associate professor of surgery at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB) Heersink School of Medicine and surgical director of the Center for Advanced Intestinal Rehabilitation at Children’s of Alabama and UAB. He also serves as the surgery department’s vice chair for diversity, equity and inclusion and co-director of the department’s Pre-College Research Internship for Students from Minority Backgrounds.

and the lab, Martin is a leader in promoting diversity, equity and inclusion in surgery. In a recent study examining gastroenterology and gastrointestinal surgery departments, he showed that hospitals with higherranked departments had a greater degree of diversity in their faculty and were more likely to emphasize diversity in their mission statements than hospitals with lower-ranked departments. Another study revealed that female and Black surgeons tended not to receive national leadership opportunities commensurate with their accomplishments.

Take time off this summer, but not from your finances

In addition to his work in the operating room

Martin earned his medical degree from Wayne State University School of Medicine in 2003. He completed his general surgery residency at the University of Cincinnati and a postdoctoral research fellowship at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital before completing his pediatric surgery fellowship at Vanderbilt University.

Local YWCA recognized with YWCA USA’s Excellence Award

The award was presented at the YWCA USA National Conference held in Washington, D.C. on Friday, June 9, after CEOs from more than 200 YWCA associations in the United States voted based on judging criteria that included: depth of direct services, recognition as a community leader and partner, commitment to the empowerment of all women, and demonstration of successful outcomes for its clients. YWCA Metro St. Louis excels in each of these areas, exemplifying unwavering dedication and

expertise in empowering women and their families in every facet of its work.

“This award reflects our agency’s relentless pursuit of women’s empowerment and excellence in services,” said Dr. Cheryl Watkins, MBA, President and Chief Executive Officer of YWCA Metro St. Louis. “We are honored to be recognized among such esteemed finalists and we are grateful for the story we have to tell, thanks to our staff, board, volunteers, partners, and supporters.”

Sponsored by J.P.

Morgan Chase & Co.

Summer is here, bringing all the fun that comes with months of warm weather and hours of daylight. As you plan your summer season itinerary, however, you might discover you’re juggling more expenses than just a trip to the beach.

For parents, there’s the cost of day camp or other child care. At home, you might be cranking up the air conditioner more often. Even that short beach trip can be costly after paying for gas, food and maybe a souvenir.

Unexpected summer expenses can impact your budget if you’re not careful. Common summer-specific costs to be aware of as you make your budget include:

1. Child care and summer activities: Many parents have to make plans for their younger children when they’re out of school. Summer day camps are a great

option, but they can be

costly. If you prefer to hire a summer babysitter or nanny to care for your children in your home, the costs can be similar depending on how many hours the caregiver works and their hourly rates.

2. Home maintenance:

More time at home means more air conditioner use, which can drive up your utility bills. Your water bill might increase in order to care for your lawn and garden, which will need to be maintained more frequently. You may find more time in the summer for those home beautification projects on your list, but they come with a price.

3. Travel: Most people will save in advance of a big trip, but it’s easy to get caught off guard by how much money you can spend at less costly local attractions as well. If you go to your county fair, prepare to shell out more than you might expect for a few rides and games. If you’re taking longer trips, the cost of

transportation, lodging and multiple meals only add to your expenses. Even with the best advance planning, many people find they spend much more than they envisioned just doing things they enjoy.

Saving for summer

Knowing your savings timeline is key. Think about when you’ll need to start saving for summer costs and put aside extra money as early as possible, if you have that option. Also consider making a special budget for summer that includes some of the expenses listed above that apply to your lifestyle. Some budget suggestions include:

1. Figure out the largest costs of your summer trip first and decide your bucket list “musthaves.” What experiences are most important when you’re making your itinerary? Budget for airfare, hotel, food and your dream excursions, and cut back on anything else that’s outside your budget.

2. Check out freebies: Museums are often free on certain days in the summer. Plan a short day trip around those dates.

3. Look for lower-priced or no-cost children’s daytime programs offered through local recreation centers, park districts, libraries and school districts.

4. Input summer-specific expenses in an online budget calculator. If you’re doing an annual budget already, make sure to add these additional, summer-specific expenses so you know what to expect when it’s time to pay.

Doing the planning ahead of time and knowing what costs you’ll face to adjust your budget accordingly can help you enjoy your summer plans without worrying about how you’ll afford them. For more saving tips, visit chase.com/personal/ financial-goals/budget

Colin A. Martin, MD

Living It

Not the ‘write’ stuff

2023 BET Awards lacks humorous quips

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

The 2023 BET Awards ceremony was noticeably different in 2023 - there were no hosts.

Self-proclaimed as “Culture’s Biggest Night” the awards were celebrated June 25, 2023, at the Microsoft Theater in Los Angeles and broadcast live on BET.

With members of the Writers Guild of America and other union members on strike, the awards ceremony missed the humorous banter from hosts. The 2023 edition of the BET Awards was not as entertaining as the celebratory evenings of past years.

Muni Long, singer and songwriter of the hit “Hrs and Hrs,” who has also written songs for Rihanna and Ariana Grande voiced her support for striking workers,

“I must take a moment to acknowledge and stand in solidarity with the artists who make us laugh, cry, and most importantly, our Writers Guild of America family,” Long said to the audience.

“Writers are, in many instances, the glue to the execution of artistry and storytelling. Our ability to extract emo-

Making

‘The Call’

Kranzberg Arts Foundation accepting 2024 artist-inresidency applications

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

Do you have a way with words and writing skills? Do you have what it takes to become a successful visual artist? Could you be music’s next superstar?

The Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s “The Call” 2024-2025 Arts Residencies, Visual Arts Exhibitions, and Performing Musicians are accepting applications through July 10, 2023.

“We are excited this year to unveil ‘The Call’ to the greater St. Louis public,” Larry Morris, director of residences, Kranzberg Arts Foundation said.

“Our goal with this artist call for submissions is to allow the local artist community to submit and have the opportunity to showcase their talents within our footprint in the Grand Arts District; our vision is for this to become a yearly event that artists get excited for and look

tion from performers helping them to articulate their voices and vision to the world is irreplaceable. The protection of the writer is crucial. We simply must protect our intellectual property.”

Busta Rhymes, among hip hop’s most eclectic writers and music video producers, received the Lifetime

n With this year being the 50th anniversary of hip hop, this year’s show catered to that audience. It was a time machine of revolving door performances with DJ Kid Capri manning the ones and twos.

Achievement honoree.

St. Louis’ own Smino said Rhymes’ video “Woo-Hah!” changed his career during a video montage segment titled “When I Fell In Love with Hip Hop.”

“The first time I fell in love with hip hop was when I heard Busta Rhymes’ [“Woo-Hah! Got You All In Check”],” Smino said.

“The hook is my favorite part of the song. It caught the attention of a kid like me that liked music and wild musicians. Watching [Busta Rhymes] played a part in me finding my identity and finding my swag.”

During his speech, Rhymes said he was nervous about launching a solo career after the Leaders of the New School broke up. He praised his six children, and proudly repped his Jamaican roots.

He also sent a shout out to Spliff Star, his longtime best friend and hype man, and DJ Scratchator. Both were on stage with Rhymes along with Swizz Beatz and Marlon Wayans, while he accepted his award.

“I’m grateful for this blessing bestowed upon me,” Rhymes said. “This gift that I’ve been given and this fire that continues to burn as the fire in my soul to advance the culture.”

Of course, no one does it like Rhymes. He busted out “Ante Up,” “Look At Me Now,” “Break Ya Neck,” Put Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” and more.

During the performance of “Put

forward to,”

Candidates interested in the 2024 Kranzberg Arts Foundation Artist in Residency (KAIR) must meet the following eligibility requirements: 18 years of age or older, a resident of the Greater St. Louis region. You must be a solo artist (No groups, collaborations, companies, or organizations.). You cannot be employed by or for the Kranzberg Arts Foundation, and cannot be in pursuit of a degree during the term of the residency.

Exhibiting Visual Artists must meet

A true survivor

mentary “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive.”

Gloria Gaynor shares

her

stirring life story

By Dwight Brown NNPA Film Critic

the following eligibility requirements: 18 Years of age or older and a resident of the Greater St. Louis region.

“It’s a really robust program,” Chris Hansen, executive director, Kranzberg Arts Foundation said. “It’s an 18-month residency for creatives in any of those disciplines that have a project they wanna bring to fruition inside of the residency.”

This is Kranzberg Arts Foundation’s

n There are glimpses of Gaynor at her peaks, being feted as an international star. Her valleys, touring with no band, singing backed only by a CD.

You think I’d lay down and die? Oh no, not I, I will survive…” The lyrics to the song “I Will Survive,” which won the only Grammy for Best Disco Recording in 1980, could also be words written on the first page of Gloria Gaynor’s diary. She has also lived that song. And there she was, after the premiere of her bio/documentary “Gloria Gaynor: I Will Survive,” singing on stage at the 2023 Tribeca Film Festival. A legend, icon and soul survivor watched her life story play out on the screen. She had to feel proud of herself and the audience was happy to watch her bask in the glow. Wisely, TV producer turned firsttime documentary director Betsy Schechter doesn’t just assemble a photo collage and videography of Gaynor’s history. Instead, she also charts Gaynor’s years-long quest to make a gospel LP. So, viewers are reminded of her storied career, experience her life journey, and watch a protagonist fight an entrenched music industry that compartmentalizes artists. She’s evolving from the disco to the praise worship genre, regardless, the facts are catalogued. Abandoned by her father, raised by a single mom, molested, and sexually abused as an adolescent then married to a man who spent her into poverty. You want to root for her as she goes to college, struggles to find her place in the world of Christian music and shows everyone that at age 80 she’s lived through the good times, survived the worst and risen again.

A recent Donna Summer documentary catalogued her life story but felt trite. This doc feels rich because its central focus is a very wise, educated woman who shares what she’s learned and dispensed it in profound, philosophical streams of thoughts. E.g., “Kids don’t know they ‘re poor, if they’re loved.” She learned lessons from her upbringing and a mom who made her feel whole. She also understands the virtue of staying focused and on course as she turns her career around. That’s manifested by her determination to finish her long-gestating gospel album, without detours: “If you’re going from Florida to New York, you don’t have to go by way of California.”

There are glimpses of Gaynor at her peaks, being feted as an international star. Her valleys, touring with no band, singing backed only by a CD. Recovering from a debilitating back

Photo courtesy of @gloriagaynor/Instagram

Gloria Gaynor performed June 9 at the Tribeca Film Festival after the premiere of the new docu-

See Duet, C6

Photo courtesy of BET

Spliff Star performing with Busta Rhymes at the 2023 BET Awards.

Busta Rhymes, among hip hop’s most eclectic writers and music video producers, received the Lifetime Achievement honoree.

Photo by Caitlin Lally

Brianna “BeBe” Brown and The NeoSouls perform at The Dark Room

Religion

Lamont Sanders lands another hit on charts

Special to The American

Gospel singer Lamont Sanders has dropped several gospel hits in summer, and he stays in tune in 2023.

Sanders, who began his career in music as an R&B artist, is set to release his new single “On God.” The work features award-winning songwriter and artist Jason Clayborn and Jor’dan Armstrong. Written by Clayborn and produced by Sean Keys, Sanders says a “one-ofa-kind brotherhood” was working together.

“This joint effort represents four brothers uniting, who individually have major charting success from different styles of Gospel music,” says Sanders.

“Jason, Jor’dan, Sean, and I have created a sound that will transcend generations. We really feel that God has given us an urban anthem that will also be successful across different genres. We don’t feel like this is just a Gospel record. This song has a message that is relatable to anyone from any walk of life.”

Sanders’ career soared with his 2020 album,

HE’S A KEEPER, which boasted the #1 Billboard Gospel Airplay single “He Kept Me,” released by Fred Jerkins Music/ Darkchild Gospel/Bear Tag Entertainment. A music video directed by Lorenzo Pier and media mogul Jerry Adams, is upcoming and features a storyline based on Matthew 6:33. In the video, an individual is caught up in a lucrative but obviously questionable lifestyle he chose to live but is ready to turn to God’s better plan for his life.

“This video was filmed with the message that we’re all here on earth for a purpose,” Sanders explains.

“Our past does not define us. It’s up to us to seek Him for the plan for our life or stay stuck in our own agenda. God’s plan for us is better.”

Sanders’ Bear Tag Entertainment Group has partnered again this year with The Stellar Awards to present the annual Stellar Celebrity Basketball Game on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the Doolittle Community Center in Las Vegas.

Mitchell doing his “Work”

Seven-time Stellar Award-winning gospel singer, VaShawn Mitchell has released the second single from his upcoming album, entitled, “Work Together.” This follows the first single “See the Goodness” featuring Donnie McClurkin that is currently growing on Billboard. Inspired by Romans 8:28, the song is an up-tempo groove that reminds listeners that “all things work together work together for my good.”

“This song is an import-

ant part of this project, Chapter X, because it is meant to encourage, inspire, and uplift the listener,” Mitchell said.

“After going through seasons of turmoil and the unknown over the past few years, it’s important to remember that regardless of what it looks like, all things work together for them that love The Lord!” He continues, “…and not only does it work together, the hook of the song says, it’s working right now!”

“Work Together” is now available to be streamed on all digital streaming platforms.

Remember to “Forget”

Following the success of chart topper “Jehovah Jireh,” Zak Williams & 1/ Akord have teamed with Stellar Award-winning vocalist Lowell Pye on the hit single “Jesus I’ll Never Forget.” Recorded live in Philadelphia, “Jesus I’ll Never Forget” is a song of praise and thanksgiving that has that Philly Choir bounce.

“Jesus I’ll Never Forget” is written by Gabriel Sharpe and is the second single from ZW1A’s all new

Lamont Sanders, who began his career in music as an R&B artist, is set to release his new single “On God” and an accompanying music video.

“Revisited” album released on June 23 by Enon Music Group. The Stellar Awardnominated and Avidity Award-winning choir has also created a visually dazzling official lyric video for their hit single. It features highlights from the live recording with Lowell Pye. Donay Green of CINDG 360 (producer/editing) and Benita Bellamy Kelley of The Bellamy Group (creative director) crafted a video that represents the energy and anointing that exudes from ZW1A.

Photo courtesy of Barbados Gospel Fest

PRICING ACTUARY –REMOTE

Responsible for providing Pricing Analyses and Technical Support for Treaty Reinsurance with a focus on casualty lines including Workers’ Compensation, Commercial Umbrella, and Professional Liability.

To apply, please visit: https://www. safetynational.com/careers-page/

FAMILYFORWARD NOW HIRING FOR SEVERAL POSITIONS

Join us in advancing safer, healthier relationships for children and families. At FamilyForward we move vulnerable children in the direction of hope by delivering comprehensive therapeutic and educational services to support biological, foster, and adoptive families. We hire for a variety of positions including therapy, social work, early childhood education, administrative work, foster care, and adoption services. To see if you would be a good fit for any of the open positions at FamilyForward go to: https://familyforwardmo.org/careers/

MUNICIPAL COURT MONITOR (CONTRACTED)

Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking to enter into a professional service agreement with an individual or agency, to provide municipal court monitoring services for St. Louis County Municipal Courts. Services are funded from a cooperative agreement with St. Louis County Circuit Court and the Office of State Court Administrator and is subject to the continued availability of these funds. Work involves monitoring and reviewing of operational activities with respect to compliance with the minimum operating standards for municipal division and municipal division judges. The contractual position reports directly to the Presiding Judge of St. Louis County. This agreement is funded up to $30.00 per hour, not to exceed $60,000 annually. Note: All selected individuals will be required to submit to a background check. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume on or before July 21, 2023. Attention: Human Resources (Municipal Court Monitor), Circuit Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, MO 63105 or Email: SLCCourtjobs@courts.mo.gov

EOE. Please contact the Human Resources Department at 314-615-4471 (voice) or RelayMO 711 or 800-735-2966 if you need any accomodations in the application process, or if you would like this posting in an alternative format.

AVP - WC CLAIMS STRATEGY & OPERATIONS

The position works closely with the WC Leadership team to formulate, develop, and execute short and long-term planning to achieve Department goals. Working closely with the Vice President WC, the AVP will be responsible for structured problem solving, performance trend analysis, efficient workflow management, and project management. The position will have high visibility within the department and within the company. To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

CITY MANAGER

$120,000 - $165,000 (executive brochure attached) Job posting open from 06/22/2023 to 07/14/2023. The link to our employment opportunities is: https://www.fergusoncity. com/jobs.aspx

SPECIALIST - CLAIMSREINSURANCE AND CLAIMS MAINTENANCE

In the role of Specialist –Reinsurance and Claims Maintenance, you will be part of a team who provides claim notifications and updates to our reinsurers. You will work closely with all claims’ lines of business as well as our Ceded Reinsurance department. Your contributions of satisfying our reporting requirements with our reinsurance carriers safeguards our reputation and benefits all throughout Safety National. To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

ASSTISTANT COOK POSITION

Greenwood Restaurant & Bar 1000 Sutter Ave University City Mo 63130

Asst: Cook Position Pay $10 per hour 314-333-1222

LEGAL TECHNICAL OPERATIONS ANALYST

Responsible for the implementation, development and ongoing support of technical operations for the Legal Department. This will include working, in support of the attorneys in the Legal Department, on timely releases and enhancements relative to matter management, contract lifecycle management, vendor risk management and legal billing tools. Also responsible for supporting Legal Department data needs across all functions of the Department. To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

LEGAL COORDINATOR

In the role of Legal Coordinator you will be responsible for handling the general administrative needs of the Legal Department, which includes updating and maintaining our legal filing system, document creation, copying, printing, scanning, arranging travel, satisfying check requests, and completing expense reports. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

SENIOR CENTER COORDINATOR/ ADMIN. ASSISTANT

City Seniors, Inc., an equal opportunity employer, is accepting applications for Senior Center Coordinator/ Admin. Assistant. Strong activity and planning skills a must. Call 314.352.0141 to apply in person. www. stlouiscityseniors.com Position may be funded through CDBG ad CDA.

SENIOR CLIENT SERVICE MANAGER

In the role of Senior Client Service Manager, you will work closely with department leadership and team members internally, and with our clients and broker partners externally. Your contributions to compile user stories, facilitate client awareness and use of resources, while developing and organizing a K-12 school risk management advisory board, will be felt throughout Safety National. To apply, please visit: https:// www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

MANAGER OF INDIVIDUAL GIVING

This position will provide oversight for leadership annual giving as well as manage a portfolio of major gift prospects. This role is also responsible for securing philanthropic gifts and developing prospect strategies, cultivation, solicitation and follow-up activities with major gift prospects and donors. For full details and to apply online, please visit: https:// secure.entertimeonline.com/ ta/CBIZ20491.careers? ShowJob=335906304

Urban Strategies, Inc is seeking applicants for the Associate Project Manager and a Senior Project Manager. To view the full job description for the Associate Project Manager, visit https://www. paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ ViewJobDetails?job=105627&clientkey= B8689C441EB9B37FC4441ADD2BE61EE7

To view the full job description for the Senior Project Manager role, please visit https://www. paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ ViewJobDetails?job=105759&clientkey=DAE92608D5469EE5E807A7386F53C4B1 USI is an Equal Opportunity employer, and this position is funded in whole or in part with Choice Neighborhood Initiative grant funds from the US Department of HUD.

SLDC IS EXCITED TO ANNOUNCE EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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

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

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

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

To see the full job description of positions available and to apply online go to: http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/sldc/ and click on “Careers at SLDC.” SLDC is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity.

ST. LOUIS LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT

Solicitation For Bids (SFB)

Service: Carpet Cleaning Services

Pre-Bid Meeting Date: July 13, 2023, 11:00 AM

Question Due Date: July 14, 2023

Bid Due Date:

Point of Contact: Gigi Glasper – gxglasper@flystl.com

Robert Salarano Airport Properties Division Manager

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

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

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BID

Goodwin Brothers Construction is requesting subcontract bids and/ or material quotations from qualifying minority business enterprises for relevant portions of work for Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District, Valley View Pump Station, Contract Letting No. 12262-015.1. Interested parties should contact our office at (636) 931-6084. A pre-bid/outreach meeting for all interested MBEs will be held virtually (contact for meeting link) and at our office at 4885 Baumgartner Road, St. Louis, MO 63129 at 9:30 am on Friday, June 30th. Subcontractor/Supplier bids are due Friday, July 7th, 2023 at 3:00 p.m.

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS

COMMUNITY ACTION AGENCY OF ST. LOUIS COUNTY, INC. (CAASTLC) LOW INCOME WEATHERIZATION PROGRAM (LIWAP)

CAASTLC is accepting sealed bids to provide assumed asbestos encapsulation and enclosure services for its residential weatherization program. LIWAP (made available through CAASTLC) is federally funded and administered by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) through the Missouri Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

This weatherization grant is funded through the DOE and is subject to all of its provisions. Bid packages will be available to be picked up at CAASTLC starting Monday, 7/03/2023, at 9:00 a.m. and will be available for downloading on CAASTLC’s homepage at https://www.caastlc.org.

Bids must be sealed, marked “LIWAP – DNR Sealed Bid” and delivered to CAASTLC, Inc., 2709 Woodson Road, St. Louis, MO 63114, no later than 5:00 p.m., Tuesday, 7/18/2023.

Bids will be opened and read publicly, via online Zoom Conference, at 2:00 p.m., Wednesday, 7/19/2023 at CAASTLC’s main office. The meeting link for this Conference will be available on CAASTLC’s homepage (https://www.caastlc.org/) the day of the bid opening and the login attendee ID and password for this Conference will be in the bid packages.

INVITATION TO BID

Sealed bids will be received by the Webster Groves School District at the District Service Center Building, 3232 South Brentwood Blvd., Webster Groves, MO 63119, until TUESDAY, JULY 25, 2023, BY 2 P.M. CDT for the Kopplin Field Renovation at Webster Groves High School. Bids will be opened publicly at that time.

Drawings and specifications for this project are on file at the office of the Architect, Hoener Associates, Inc., 6707 Plainview Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63109, (314) 781-9855.

Information as to bidding instructions and requirements for procuring bidding documents may be obtained from the Architect.

Not less than the prevailing hourly wage rates, as determined by the State of Missouri, Division of Labor Standards, shall be paid all workers employed on this project.

The Board of Education reserves the right to waive technicalities, to select any contractor filing a proposal, and to reject any or all bids.

A PRE-BID SUMMARY PRESENTATION MEETING WILL BE CONDUCTED ON TUESDAY, JULY 18, 2023, FROM 9:00 A.M. UNTIL 10:00 A.M. AND WILL BE HELD AT THE WEBSTER GROVES HIGH SCHOOL LOCATED AT 100 SELMA AVENUE, WEBSTER GROVES MO. 63119.

PROJECT SITE VISIT WILL BE HELD IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING THIS MEETING FROM 10:00 A.M. UNTIL 11:00 A.M. WE WILL WALK OVER TO KOPPLIN FIELD NEXT TO THE HIGH SCHOOL FOR EACH CONTRACTOR TO VISIT THE SITE. ATTENDANCE AT BOTH MEETINGS IS MANDATORY

By: Mr. Rob Steuber Construction Project Manager

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Buckley Road Bridges No. 528 & 528-P project, St. Louis County Project No. CR-1772 will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https://stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/Vendors/ default.aspx, until 2:00 PM on July 26, 2023

Plans and specifications will be available on June 26, 2023 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

The Saint Louis Zoo is seeks an experienced and knowledgeable grant writer of record who can assist the Zoo in securing funding for its facilities as well as the conservation, education, and animal welfare programs at the Saint Louis Zoo and Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. Bid documents are available as of 6/28/23 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

REQUEST FOR PUBLIC COMMENT/NOTICE OF PUBLIC MEETING

East-West Gateway Council of Governments (EWG) seeks comment on amendments to Connected2045, the St. Louis Region’s long-range transportation plan, including the FY 2024-2027 Transportation Improvement Program (TIP) and related Air Quality Conformity Document. The comment period will also satisfy Madison County Transit District’s and Metro’s public hearing and program of projects requirement of the Federal Transit Administration Sections 5307, 5309, 5310, 5337, and 5339 programs in the St. Louis Region.

The public comment period begins Friday, 6/30/23, and ends Wednesday, 8/2/23. The documents, comment forms, and a summary of the documents will be available on EWG’s website at www.ewgateway.org. Throughout the comment period, EWG staff will answer questions on the documents. Comments or questions must be received or postmarked by midnight, Wednesday, 8/2/23. Send comments via the comment form on the website, by email to TIP@ewgateway.org, or by mail to East-West Gateway Council of Governments, Attn: TIP, 1 S. Memorial Drive, Ste. 1600, St. Louis, MO 63102.

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

• Thursday, 7/6/23 – Wentzville City Hall, 1001 Schroeder Creek Dr., Wentzville, MO 63385.

• Tuesday, 7/11/23 – Pacific City Hall, 300 Hoven Dr., Pacific, MO 63069.

• Thursday, 7/20/23 – Arnold Rec Center, 1695 Missouri State Rd, Arnold, MO 63010.

• Tuesday, 7/25/23 – IDOT District 8 (Regional Room), 1102 Eastport Plaza Dr., Collinsville, IL 62234.

• Thursday, 7/27/23 – Creve Coeur City Hall (Multipurpose Room), 300 N. New Ballas Rd., Creve Coeur, MO 63141.

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

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS american

NOTICE OF APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM OPEN ENROLLMENT

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

- Dependable

- Someone that enjoys hands-on work

- Someone that works well in a team environment

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

- Someone that wants to help build their community

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

To apply you must be 18 years or older, attend a scheduled orientation, and submit an application including the following documents in person: Valid Driver’s License High School Diploma or Transcripts or a GED Certificate DD214 – Veteran Documentation (if applicable) Please visit www.abcksmo.org for more information and to complete an interest form in your trade of choice. Staff will contact you to schedule a time for you to attend an orientation. All minorities, including women, are encouraged to apply. The recruitment, selection, employment and training of apprentices during their apprenticeship shall be without discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, creed, disability or sexual orientation. All contractor members are Equal Opportunity Employers.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Lincoln University is accepting sealed bids for:

Lincoln University – LU23012.2 Obstacle Course Fence

Lincoln University is looking for qualified contractors to erect fencing around an obstacle course near the existing softball field, located on the Lincoln University Campus. A six (6) foot high chain link fence approximately five hundred and seventy feet (570’) long is to be installed sixty feet (60’) offset from the existing softball (outfield) fence and enclosing the ends. Work will also include the installation of two eight (8) foot wide gates (locations to be determined) for personnel and equipment access. The University will be accepting bids until 2:00 PM, July 5, 2023. The bid drop-off location is listed below. Please identify the proposal as follows: LU 23012.2 Obstacle Course Fence. Bid Documents can be accessed at: www.lincoln.edu/about-lincoln/vicepresident-of-administration-and-finance/ facilities-and-planning.html

Questions may be directed to reedr@lincolnu.edu

Lincoln University 820 Chestnut St. Facilities and Planning

309 Young Hall

BIDS REQUESTED NEW CONSTRUCTION

Section 3 / MBE /WBE Encouraged 40 Units Multi Family – CAPE GIRARDEAU, MO

For Bid Information: 636-931-4244 or nleoni@sbcglobal.net or zventura@vendev.cc

Double Diamond Construction

1000 A Truman Blvd. Crystal City, MO 63019

BID OPPORTUNITY

REQUEST FOR BIDS

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace Sewer Screening System at Chillicothe Correctional Center, Project No. C2223-02, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, July 27, 2023 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

The MO National Guard will have the following projects across the state that will be open for public bid through September 2023, subject to available funding. Bids will be received online through MissouriBUYS. T2122-01 Ike Skelton Training Site-Repairs and Wash Rack CSMS Annex; T2223-01 Ike Skelton Training Site Replace Courtyard Steps & add ADA Ramp, USPFO Bldg; T2226-01 Ike Skelton Training Site Renov. USPFO Vault, Deployment Storage Warehouse; T2228-01 Fort Leonard Wood Readiness Ctr Construct Solar Array, Army Aviation Support Facility; T223001 Fort Leonard Wood Readiness Ctr Repair Range 18A Erosion, MK19 Machine Gun Range; T2303-01 Kansas City Readiness Ctr Renov Parking Lot and Sidewalk; T2312-01 Jefferson Barracks Construct New Unheated Storage Building To view the bidding schedule and/ or the plans & specifications, go to https://oa.mo. gov/facilities/ ROOMS FOR RENT

Blackline Design & Construction would like to invite you to participate in the bidding process for the redevelopment of a 3-story (plus lower level) historic building in the Fox Park neighborhood of St. Louis. 2500 Ohio Ave. This project will convert a historic building into 65-residential units plus lower-level storage as well as community amenities and parking. The project is scheduled to start construction October 1, 2023.

Bidding will be done through our Construction Project Management Software, “Procore.” Procore helps to streamline the bidding process by allowing bid invitees to download relevant bid documents and submit their bids electronically. In this system, all electronic correspondence is tracked and archived, and bidders are provided with the most up to date information available for the project. We feel that this tool will simplify the bidding process for your project team by cutting down on the amount of filing and paperwork that typically accompanies bid management.

Please note that this project is subject to the City of St. Louis MWBE participation requirements. Non-MWBE certified bidders are encouraged to provide participation in their bids and will be taken into consideration when bids are reviewed. Residential wage rates should be utilized as applicable when bidding.

Walkthrough Dates: 7/5/23, 10:00AM & 7/11/23, 2:00PM (Enter building through door on Ohio Ave)

Pre-Bid RFI Deadline: 7/14/23, 12:00PM

Bid Deadline: 8/1/23, 12:00PM

Contact: Jenny McKie: jmckie@blacklinestl.com or 314-391-8900 ext. 1003

Plans:

https://www.dropbox.com/s/ avlgv9cvx0qyjvf/2500%20Ohio%20-%20 PERMIT%20SET%20-%206-22-23.pdf?dl=0

SEALED BIDS

Bids for HVAC System Upgrade at Transition Center of Kansas City, Project No. C1904-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, July 27, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/ WBE/DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following:

CP222321 Clark Hall – First Floor Renovation and South Entrance Creation

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com

Phone: 573-682-5505

PARIC Corporation is seeking proposals for the following project: CRUNDEN-MARTIN EAST & WEST, 700 SOUTH 2 ND STREET

PARIC Corporation is soliciting bids for the CRUNDEN-MARTIN EAST & WEST located in St Louis, MO. The project consists of the historic renovation of a 510,000 SF, 6-story multi-structure building and a 43,000 SF, 6-story building with a skywalk connecting the two buildings. Located on the 700 th Block of South 2nd Street in St. Louis, MO, the project site is approximately 3 acres. The use of the buildings is composed of commercial spaces and light-industrial spaces. Demolition/remediation work and sitework will start late September/October of 2023. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link, invitations to bid will be sent out on 11/3/23. If you do not receive a bid invitation please send your company information to tlalexaner@paric.com

Bids are being requested for the following:

• WP 02.45 SELECTIVE DEMOLITION

• WP 03.34 SITE CONCRETE

• WP 04.01 MASONRY RESTORATION & CLEANING

• WP 08.54 HISTORIC WINDOWS

•

SERVICES

• WP 31.00 EARTHWORK

• WP 33.00 SITE UTILITIES

The last day for questions is 7/18/23.

A PREBID meeting will be held on 7/11/23 at 9:00am at the project site on 700 th Block of 2nd Street.

BIDS WILL BE DUE ON JULY 27, 2023 @ 2:00pm Send all questions to Terry Turnbeaugh tlturnbeaugh@paric.com

Goals for Construction Business Enterprise

• 21% African American • 11% Women • .5% Asian American • .5%

All bids should be delivered to PARIC via e-mail (bids@paric.com) or fax (636-561-9501).

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL

The City of St. Louis Department of Health has posted a request for proposals (RFP) to provide STI testing and treatment. The RFP has been entered into the City Journal and can be found at https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/government/departments/health/documents/fiscal-documents/sexuallytransmitted-infection-sti-treatment-rfp.cfm All questions can be addressed to Suzanne Alexander, Bureau Chief for Communicable Diseases, at alexandersu@stlouis-mo.gov

injury. Star singer in several bands, working with Clive Davis, losing her contract, and remerging

Residency

Continued from C1

fourth cohort, with the first being a music-based residency. The third cohort implemented a multidisciplinary project based residency. It included film, literary, music and visual arts.

One of the most important things Hansen learned is that the residencies “give artists permission to create and hold a space for them to mentally and physically focus on their work.”

“We know how important it is for artists to have the time and the space

with a disco hit that would become her anthem. It’s all on view.

Gaynor recollects her own story. Her manager, producer, relatives, and others fill in the gaps. Photos, footage, TV interviews and a toe-tapping playlist provide a steady

to do the work and have resources around them to elevate that space,” Hansen said. “We’ve seen amazing things for artists across disciplines that have come through our residency.”

He added the residency gives creatives more visibility, space to elevate their brand, and build relationships and mentorships from professionals, curators, and music industry executives.

“We’ve had artists that have exhibited their projects in our spaces and those projects have allowed them now to go and install in multiple galleries throughout the country,” Hansen said.

“We’ve had writers be

upset with for using her name as punchline in a song.

Your Hands Where My Eyes Could See,” Rhymes brought out Coi Leray as the record transitioned to her song “Players.”

It is a DJ mix put together by DJ Saige, who went viral from the joint mix. Leray’s outfit listed the names of female rappers including Queen Latifah, Roxanne Shante, and Latto, who Leray was

With this year being the 50th anniversary of hip hop, this year’s show catered to that audience. It was a time machine of revolving door performances with DJ Kid Capri manning the ones and twos.

Lil Uzi Vert opened the evening decked out in a yellow bubble vest, yellow ski mask, and baggy jeans. He performed an unreleased track and referenced rapper Ice Spice.

verve that will keep music fans, baby boomers and fellow survivors engaged for 99 minutes. The film’s most touching scene is when Gaynor visits a school in Valencia, Spain that has struggled. Her song “I Will Survive” contributed to the students

finding hope, determination, and triumph. Gaynor arrives as the prophet, lauded, accepted, and loved. Demonstrating that a singer, person, and song can empower others.

That ministry of positivity is what she brought to the stage June 9th, at

published. We’ve had musicians because of their work inside of our residencies be seen by other musicians and now all of a sudden they’re touring the world with bigger artists. Anything is possible.”

Visual artists interested

The Sugarhill Gang, the first hip hop group to have a hit single performed “Rapper’s Delight” in front of a graffiti backdrop.

MC Lyte, who’s served as the show’s announcer over the last several years joined in on the fun with “Cha Cha Cha” while wearing a Gucci windbreaker jacket, white skinny jeans, and fresh white kicks straight out of the ‘80s.

D-Nice, member of the hip hop group Boogie Down Productions kept

June 24–September 3

Expanding the narrative of midcentury abstraction, Action/Abstraction Redefined highlights groundbreaking

challenged stereotypical expectations

the Tribeca Film Festival. Moviegoers saw her life story on screen and reveled in the combination of film and live disco and gospel music by the twotime Grammy winner.

The film was the preamble, a heartfelt, inspiring documentary about an

Hayveyah McGowan’s “Feelings of Home: A Need to Simplify” art exhibition at High Low.

Courtesy Photo

in the 2024 Artist-inResidency Program are presented the opportunity to exhibit their work at The Dark Room Gallery, High Low Gallery, The Gallery at The Kranzberg, Sophie’s Artist Lounge, and The Walls Off

us entertained during the beginning of the pandemic especially during the quarantine with his Club Quarantine DJ mix. He performed his signature hit “Call Me D-Nice.”

Big Daddy Kane looked fabulous in a blue Louis Vuitton printed shirt and matching pants while he performed “I Get Raw.” He celebrated Biz Markie, who died in 2021.

The late Tupac’s “Hail Mary” played for a quick second then Warren G appeared on stage for “Regulate” and honored

Washington.

Active performing musicians interested in the 2024 Artist-in-Residency Program are presented the opportunity to perform at The Dark Room (ongoing) and Music at the Intersection (2024 festival and beyond)– Rolling Deadline. St. Louis residency not required to

the late Nate Dogg. Yo-Yo continued the momentum for the ladies of hip hop with her catchy “Don’t Play with My Yo-Yo.”

Tyga didn’t disappoint with “Rack City,” he even had Fat Joe and Remy Ma in the crowd nodding their heads.

After a 10-year ban from performing and attending the BET Awards for posting a displeasing video in BET’s opinion, Chief Keef graced the stage. The drill rapper performed his hit “Faneto.”

iconic sole survivor. Then Gloria Gaynor took the stage and blessed everyone with her presence. It was a gift all will cherish, dearly.

“I’ve got all my life to live. And I’ve got all my love to give, and I’ll survive.”

apply. “I think the most important thing is really just giving the creatives that time, space and support that they need,” Hansen said. “You never know what’s gonna happen when they create that next great piece of work. Sometimes it’s earth shattering.”

Submissions are available until noon July 10, 2023. To apply, visit kranzbergartsfoundation.org/ the-call. Submissions to The Call do not guarantee selection or performance in any Kranzberg Arts Foundation program, event, or venue.

The evening closed out with the dances that have shifted hip hop culture including “Crank Dat,” “Lean Wit It, Rock Wit It,” “Tootsie Roll,” and “Swag Surf.”

PRESENTING CHIHULY NIGHTS

The Missouri Botanical Garden is spectacular anytime, but it really shines at night. Don’t miss Chihuly Nights — illuminated evenings featuring works of art by world-renowned artist Dale Chihuly, along with live music, cocktails, and pop-up offerings all summer long. For more information, visit MissouriBotanicalGarden.org

Thursday–Sunday, through August 27 | 6–10 PM Advance ticket purchase is recommended.

Sponsors

Latto won Best Female Hip Hop Artist. She ran to the stage wearing one heel. Teyana Taylor won the Video Director of the Year award, and Coco Jones took home the award for Best New Artist.