June 8th, 2023 edition

The St. LouiS AmericAn

Wesley Bell is running for U.S. Senate

Calls Hawley ‘political opportunist’

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Wesley Bell, St. Louis County prosecutor, announced Wednesday that he is running for U.S. Senate in the 2024 election. The office is held by Republican Josh Hawley, who won the seat formerly held by Claire McCaskill in 2018.

Bell didn’t mention his Democratic opponents Lucas Kunce or Columbia community activist December Harmon before attacking Hawley – and his role in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol by insurrectionists.

“Missouri voters have not forgotten that on January 6, 2021, Hawley gave a power salute with his fist to an armed attempt to stop the sacred

St. Louis County prosecutor Wesley Bell announced that he is running for U.S. Senate in the 2024 election. If he wins the Democratic nomination he will seek to unseat Republican Josh Hawley.

Enjoy Illinois 300 weekend

Joins Jimmy Williams at ESL McDonald’s

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

Before

n “It was such a hit last year for the local community. It’s so cool.”

– Bubba Wallace

Louis McDonalds on 24th Street for the second consecutive year, and he called the family-friendly event “amazing.”

“It was such a hit last year for the local community,” Wallace said.

“It’s so cool.”

Despite a heat index nearing 100, Wallace spent time with youths and fans signing autographs and sharing photo opportunities. He also staffed the carryout window and handed meals to customers.

“I realize what the 23XI Team [with co-owner Michael Jordan] means and all those we represent. It’s about diversity,”

Bias in traffic stops a concern

staff

St. Louis American

While Florida’s NAACP travel advisory continues to draw reaction from throughout the nation and the world, Missouri NAACP President Nimrod Chapel Jr. says this state’s advisory remains in effect.

n “The advisory serves as a reminder that crimes against Black victims, including Justin King, Durante Martin, and Tori Sanders, remain unsolved.”

– The NAACP

“The advisory serves as a reminder that crimes against Black victims, including Justin King, Durante Martin, and Tori Sanders, remain unsolved,” the NAACP said in a release.

“In Missouri, Black people cannot sue co-workers that discriminate against them at work. Black tax dollars are funding government functions that harm and don’t

NAACP, A7

They say Canon Law violated

By Sylvester Brown, Jr.

It’s been referred to by some media outlets as “a miracle in Missouri.”

To date, thousands have made the pilgrimage to a remote Missouri abbey in Gower, MO (about 39 miles north of Kansas City) to witness the incorrupt body of an African American nun, Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster, who died in May 2019 at the age of 95.

Mother Mary Wilhelmina Lancaster was exhumed on April 28, 2023, with the intent of placing her un-embalmed body

See NUN, A6

Photo by Taylor Marrie

The Reed Family with Keith Sweat at the Runway to Raceway fashion show at Neiman Marcus St. Louis Thursday, June 1. The event was part of a fun-filled weekend that included fashion, concerts, and STEM activities centered on the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR race at World Wide Technology Raceway.

Photo courtesy of Wesley Bell

Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster on her 95th birthday in 2019.

Courtesy of Benedictines of Mary,Queen of Apostles

DC Young Fly’s longtime partner, Ms Jacky Oh reportedly dead from cosmetic procedure gone wrong

Ms Jacky Oh, former “Wild N Out” cast member and DC Young Fly’s longtime girlfriend has died. She was 32.

She reportedly died Wednesday (May 31) in Miami. She was in Miami to undergo a mommy makeover plastic surgery procedure.

Oh, born Jacklyn Smith, met DC in 2015, the same year he made his debut on MTV’s “Wild N Out.”

Jacky had already been a recurring “Wild N Out” girl at that time. She eventually left the show to launch her lip gloss line, J Nova Collection.

DC was in Atlanta filming new episodes of “Wild N Out” when he got the news about Jacky.

“Wild N Out”’s social media channels shared their condolences about Jacky.

“We are deeply saddened by the passing of Jacklyn Smith, known to the world as Jacky Oh, a talented

Wild ‘N Out family member whose impact will be forever treasured and missed. Jacky Oh was a loving friend and beloved colleague of the Wild ‘N Out cast throughout five seasons.”

The post continued, “More importantly, she was a tremendous mother to three beautiful children. The BET Media Group extends our condolences to the Smith family, DC Young Fly, B Simone, Nick Cannon and all friends who loved and cared for Jacky Oh during this difficult time.”

DC and Jacky never married, but they were a couple and had three children together, their daughters Nova and Nala, and their son Prince born last year.

Megan Thee Stallion rumored to be dating Belgian soccer star Romelu Lukaku

Megan Thee Stallion may have replaced her old boo with a new boo.

Rumors are saying she dumped

Pardison Fontaine and is now dating Belgian soccer player Romelu Lukaku

The pair both attended Lukaku’s teammate Lautaro Martinez’s wedding in Lake Como, Italy, and sat next to each other.

They were also seen having an intimate one-on-one conversation on a balcony. Lukaku plays for Inter Milan and is managed by Jay-Z’s entertainment and sports company, Roc Nation, who Megan is also managed by.

Although it hasn’t been officially confirmed if the two are dating or not, several people are wondering when Meg and Pardi broke up. Others believe them sitting next to each other at the wedding doesn’t indicate a relationship.

Meg and Pardi started dat-

Chili and Usher broke up in 2004, but remained in contact until 2019 - during Usher’s two marriages

Usher kept in contact until 2019 despite breaking up in 2004.

“I love hard,” Chili told PEOPLE

“I was like, ‘God, why can’t I get over this?’ He couldn’t either.”

Chilli said that she finally cut her ex off “to focus on myself.”

“I even stopped dating,” she added. “Because before that I thought if I met the right guy during that time that I wasn’t over [Usher] it wouldn’t work. I would never want to straddle the fence.”

She confessed that she and Usher were on and off for years and that they would reconnect when they weren’t dating other people.

The two dated from 2001 to 2004.

However, the “Confessions” singer was married to Tameka Foster from 2007 to 2009 and to Grace Harry from 2015 to 2018, which was one year before Chilli and Usher ended communication with each other.

Chilli is currently dating Matthew Lawrence. Usher is dating Jennifer Goicoechea and they share two children together: daughter Sovereign, 2, and son Sire, 1. He also fathers Usher “ Cinco” V, 15, and Naviyd Ely, 14, with Foster.

Sources: Fox26Houston.com, Essence.com, PageSix.com

Ms Jacky Oh

Megan Thee Stallion

“Neither political party wants to tell the truth.” - Cornel West on his third-party candidacy for president

Better Family Life among Children’s Service Fund recipients

$150 million to 72 organizations

American staff

St. Louis County Children’s Service Fund (CSF) will award $150 million to 72 mental health programs across St. Louis County, including a program at Better Family Life Inc (BFL). CSF, the largest children’s service fund in Missouri, has invested more than $550 million

Family Life, Inc. CEO, said this is the seventh consecutive cycle of funding approved for the organization.

“It’s a testament to our commitment to serving the St. Louis community and our dedication to supporting the mental health and well-being of children, youth, and families,” he said.

BFL said in a release the

Darryl G. Grimes, Better Family Life, Inc. CEO, says its grant from the St. Louis County Children’s Services Fund will help the organization expand its comprehensive mental health services which focus on children, youth, and young adults.

Photo courtesy of BFL

Editorial/Commentary

Guest Commentary

My two decades of ‘To Be Equal’

By Marc Morial

“Show me a person who is full of prejudice, and I will show you a sick, unhappy, fearful individual who is not going anywhere and who is not growing. People don’t shut other people out; they fence themselves in.” – Whitney M. Young, Jr.

It was 20 years ago this week that I humbly assumed the responsibilities of leadership of the National Urban League -- one of which is the honor to author this very column, To Be Equal, established by the esteemed Whitney M. Young, Jr.

The column shares its name and takes its inspiration from Young’s first fulllength book, published on New Year’s Day, 1964, in the wake of what Young called “the year of the Negro Revolution,” a year that saw thousands of children, marching through Birmingham, Alabama, attacked by police dogs and blasted with firehoses; the Woolworth’s lunch counter sit-in in Jackson, Mississippi; Gov. George W. Wallace’s Stand in the Schoolhouse Door at the University of Alabama, the assassination of Medgar Evers, the March on Washington for Jobs and Justice, and the deadly bombing of Birmingham’s 16th Street Baptist Church.

in Nigeria and consisted of excerpts of his various speeches. The last column he authored, also published after his death, and headlined “Old Story, New Beginning,” concerned his efforts as part of a special commission tasked with updating the recommendations of the National Advisory Commission on Civil Disorders, also known as the Kerner Commission.

The first To Be Equal column to be published in New York’s Amsterdam News was headlined, “How Much Are Negroes Worth?” Young recounted his conversation with “a middle-aged white housewife” who declared she harbored no prejudice against Black Americans but could not comprehend the push to desegregate schools. “Her arguments against school integration, it turned out, were directed against sending her children to slum schools,” Young wrote. “But supposedly there is nothing wrong with sending Negro children to slum schools.”

The last To Be Equal column published under Young’s byline ran three weeks after his tragic March 11, 1971 drowning

“The Kerner report’s sound recommendations have been ignored, and concerned citizens are going to have to put some muscle into their principles if this nation is to survive,” Young wrote. “The Kerner Commission recommended, among other things, greater concern by private citizens, and it’s good to note that at a time when many private groups are simply throwing up their hands and refusing to become involved, at least one national organization has devised an imaginative new program. That national organization was the National Conference of Christians and Jews, and the imaginative new program was the National Committee for Commitment to Brotherhood, formed to support the work of the National Urban League, NAACP, and Southern Christian Leadership Conference.

The first To Be Equal to be published after Young’s death was authored by Harold R. Sims, who served as the National Urban League’s acting executive director until the appointment of Vernon E. Jordan. Appropriately, it was a tribute to Young headlined “Nation Mourns A Great Leader.”

“Whitney Young was a man who transcended the boundaries of race, nationality, and ideology,” Sims wrote.

Each of Young’s successors has continued to publish To Be Equal, and it has been my honor to uphold the tradition as he intended it to be, “the voice of Black America.”

Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO

Commentary

It’s never too early to become politically engaged

By Janice Ellis

As cities, states and our nation face many political, economic, and social challenges, who we vote for in upcoming elections carries monumental importance.

Many state legislatures, including Missouri’s, are in recess. But their accomplishments, or lack thereof, are still fresh in our minds.

Furthermore, Congress choosing to be embroiled in a last-minute wrangling to avert a financial crisis here at home and worldwide may have been high drama, but it was completely unnecessary.

No doubt your city, or other local governmental entity, also has its share of challenges and problems exacerbated by those who have utter disregard for what is in the best public interest.

At every level there is much to evaluate as you decide who you will choose to fill elective offices and make decisions on your behalf.

Choosing wisely is paramount.

Most elections are still a year away. Yet there are many opportunities and ways to become engaged early in the electoral process to help us make better choices.

While President Joe Biden is the presumptive Democratic nominee, many candidates are seeking to become the Republican nominee, including former President Donald Trump.

Townhall meetings with the aspiring Republican candidates are already taking place and being broadcast broadly. The first Republican primary debate is scheduled to occur in August.

The overriding question: Who will be most qualified to lead this very divided nation — on many fronts — with all its serious, and what could be defining, challenges?

What qualifications will you look for in the candidates who will be vying for your support, and ultimately your vote?

On Further Review

When leaders have no vision

By Mike Jones

President Biden’s overly conciliatory comments regarding House Republicans’ reactionary draconian debt ceiling proposal led to one of my recent columns. I addressed the structural flaws of the American system of governance.

On further reflection, I don’t think my positions deal comprehensively with the situation. I even consider them superficial.

The scale of the sustained multiracial national protest to the murder of George Floyd was historic, as was the national resonance to the Black Lives Matter Movement after the police killing of Michael Brown. Both are evidence of a changing America. However, the vitriolic, racist, fascist white reaction is evidence that much of America hasn’t changed. So how does Black political leadership understand and deal with this paradox?

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote, “The test of a first-rate intelligence is the ability to hold two opposed ideas in the mind at the same time, and still retain the ability to function. One should, for example, be able to see that things are hopeless and yet be determined to make them otherwise.”

Democratic professional politician. He functions day to day, with no real long-term strategic vision. The inherent contradiction between the short and long political game is the reason Black and other marginalized communities regularly get shortchanged. A political party led by political mechanics, no matter how skilled, will never design and build a better future.

The Black community is in desperate need of elite political operators; the political system engineers who can consider contradictory propositions and retain the ability to function. People who can play both the long and short game simultaneously.

Each system is designed to achieve the results it seeks. Josh Gibson and Satchel Paige, unarguably two of the greatest players in baseball history, could not play in the Major Leagues before 1947. This is the system operating in an intended way.

The structural nature of the American governance system, no matter the moment in history, has dual realties. There is the tactical/operational aspect of politics, and then there’s the strategic or metaphysical aspect of politics. There’s a short game and a long game.

The short political game is the daily grind, making it work day to day. The long game is about normative policy and what the trajectory of society ought to be. Think of it as the difference between a great mechanic and a great systems engineer.

Don’t sleep on the importance of the short game. Real political skill is about governing, using the tools of government to serve the interests of the people that sent you into the arena.

When you look at President Biden, former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, and others, you’re looking at masters of the political short game - great mechanics.

That skill set is why we still speak with reverence and awe about Maynard Jackson, Coleman Young and Marion Berry, and if you’re from around here, this includes state Senator “Jet” Banks.

Biden is showing that he a great political mechanic, a master of the short game. On the debt ceiling deal, House Speaker Kevin McCarthy came into the Oval Office wearing a tuxedo and left in his underwear. Biden is a prototypical American

Letter to the editor

Thank you, STL American

The collective condition of Black Americans isn’t a result of individual character flaws; it’s a function of the way the American social governance systems operate.

As W.E.B. DuBois pointed out, a system cannot fail those it was never meant to service and protect. This is why the implied guiding principle of Black politics in America has always been about system change, the long game, while maximizing what’s possible in the short term.

We have more Black elected officials at every level of government than anytime in American history. However, as a community we’re more politically impotent today than at any time in my lifetime.

I think there’s a simple explanation. We have produced a Black political leadership class that’s collectively not particularly good or committed to long-term politics. They have shown exceptional skill at electioneering, they know how to get elected, and advance their personal political ambitions.

They are entrepreneurial politicians. They fail at protecting and advancing the collective short- and long-term political interests of Black people.

I agree with Fitzgerald’s observation that from a political perspective, we seem to be suffering from a lack of intellectual capacity. Politically, I feel we’re suffering from a character deficit.

We were once taught lessons in countless ways. That became an almost genetic part of who we were.

I found a quote by Franz Fanon that rightly captures it.

“As a man of color…. I have one duty alone: that of not renouncing my freedom through my choices.”

All letters are edited for length and style

My daughter Zara Daugherty and I were featured on the cover of, The St. Louis American, May 11th-17th edition. I just want to say that Wiley Price did an amazing job of taking our photos. He really captured some of the most natural and memorable pictures of us. His kind, professional demeanor made us feel comfortable and relaxed. Danielle Brown did an amazing job as well with the interview. She really captured the most important parts of our conversation. I want to thank The St. Louis American for the amazing opportunity that you all made for my daughter. I have so much love and respect for all you do; you are the culture of St. Louis. Words are not enough to express my gratitude.

Mia Daugherty, St. Louis

But many of us want to get engaged only when we have to, perhaps a few weeks or days before we have to go to the polls and cast a vote.

Many candidates are very good at hiding their true colors, or being evasive on how they truly feel about issues until after they are elected.

But if we pay close enough attention — and become more engaged — we can figure it out.

If they have held elective office before, then they have a record — good, bad, or ineffective. They have shown you who they are and what their agenda is. Believe them.

All elections are important at every level of our governmental system.

But the one that will consume most Americans, and which is already dominating the political conversation and media attention is the 2024 presidential election.

First and foremost, the president should know this country’s history, the role, structure, and function of our form of government. The president should be the role model when it comes to respecting and upholding the Constitution and the rule of law.

The president must be both inclusive and compassionate to balance the needs of the rich and the poor, the young and the elderly, the needs of minorities with those of the majority.

The president must perform the ultimate balancing act, making decisions based upon what is good for America and its citizens.

These are the minimum qualifications to be president of United States.

But electing a president is only the beginning.

There will be many elections for various offices occurring in 2023. There will be even more occurring in 2024, including all 435 U.S. Congressional seats and some of the Senatorial seats. Who will you choose to lead?

Janice Ellis has lived and worked in Missouri for more than three decades, analyzing educational, political, social, and economic issues across race, ethnicity, age and socio-economic status.

Columnist

Marc H. Morial

Columnist Mike Jones

Columnist Janice Ellis

An eager dinosaur enthusiast jumps to touch the mouth of the mechanical Tyrannosaurus Rex on National Dinosaur Day at the St. Louis Science Center in St. Louis on Thursday, June 1, 2023. The Science Center is also currently presenting Mandela: The Official Exhibition, which includes unseen film, photos, and over 150 historical artifacts.

Mandela’s life being celebrated at STL Science Center

St. Louis American staff

Nelson Mandela’s historic life and his pursuit of knowledge –even while held in prison – are brilliantly on display at the St. Louis Science Center.

Mandela: The Official Exhibition explores the personal journey through the life of the world’s most iconic freedom fighter and political leader.

“Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world,” Mandela told students at Madison Park High School in Boston on June 23, 1990.

and archives worldwide. Through a series of zones – each one a different experience – guests will be taken on a trek through his remarkable life.

Mandela’s epic story is told in a series of experiential galleries from his rural childhood home through years of turbulent struggle against the apartheid regime, to his eventual vindication and final years as South Africa’s first democratically elected president.

The interactive experience features unseen film, photos, and the display of over 150 historical artifacts and personal effects on loan from the Mandela family, museums,

The exhibit also asks, ‘What does Nelson Mandela mean today?’ in a world where inequality and injustice are still rife? Reservations for this exhibition are not required but can be made online (https:// www.slsc.org) or by calling (314) 2894424.

‘The Books Give Me Hope’

By Marian Wright Edelman

Amanda Gorman, the eloquent 25-year-old Harvard graduate who was our nation’s first-ever National Youth Poet Laureate, recently became one of the latest authors to have her work banned after a Florida parent petitioned to have “The Hill We Climb,” the book version of the poem Gorman read at President Biden’s inauguration, removed from the elementary school section of a Miami-Dade County public school library. The parent, who incorrectly attributed the book to Oprah Winfrey, said in her complaint the poem “is not educational and have indirectly [sic] hate messages.” The parent also wrote she believed its function was to “cause confusion and indoctrinate students.”

In response, Gorman posted a statement saying she was “gutted” by the book’s removal: “Book bans aren’t new. But they have been on the rise — according to the [American Library Association], 40% more books were challenged in 2022 compared to 2021. What’s more, often all it takes to remove these works from our libraries and schools is a single objection. And let’s be clear: most of the forbidden works are by authors who have struggled for generations to get on bookshelves. The majority of these censored works are by queer and non-white voices.”

She continued: “I wrote ‘The Hill We Climb’ so that all young people could see themselves in a historical moment. Ever since, I’ve received countless letters and videos from children inspired by ‘The Hill We Climb’ to write their own poems. Robbing children of the chance to find their voices in literature is a violation of their right to free thought and free speech.”

Gorman noted that her own publisher, Penguin Random House, has already joined PEN America and others in a lawsuit in Escambia County, Florida, challenging book restrictions like these, and urged her readers to visit PEN America to learn more and support their challenge.

None of us can be complacent about the growing numbers of book restrictions in school districts and states across the country, including those proposed by uninformed parents who suspect any book written by a Black author or portraying Black history or culture is likely a “hate”filled threat to their own children’s worldview.

The Children’s Defense Fund has long championed the opposite belief. Hundreds of college-aged servant leaders are preparing right now for training to teach at CDF Freedom Schools summer programs for children in grades K-12 at sites across the country.

These programs are centered around the CDF Freedom Schools’ research-based Integrated Reading Curriculum featuring high-quality books reflecting a wide variety of cultures, races, and experiences. For some children, it’s the first time they’ve seen books with characters who look like them and share some of the struggles in their lives.

It’s hard to be what you can’t see, and just as children of color need to be able to see themselves in the books they read, all children need to be exposed to a wide range of books that reflect the true diversity of our nation and world as they really are. As one CDF Freedom Schools scholar said, “I see myself and the books give me hope.”

We believe experiences like these should be encouraged for all children. During National Reading Month the CDF Freedom Schools program created a list of “Banned Books We Love,” a five-week curriculum of excellent diverse books for every reading level from K through 12th.

Now is the time to add some of them to the summer reading list in your home this year! Children everywhere deserve the chance to find and choose books that will allow them to see themselves, understand what they have in common with others, and give them hope. As Amanda Gorman also wrote, “Together, this is a hill we won’t just climb, but a hill we will conquer.”

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

Photo by Bill Greenblatt / St. Louis American

Marian Wright Edelman

Nelson Mandela

in the newly completed St. Joseph’s Shrine at Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus. The news of the discovery of her astonishingly well-preserved body has attracted thousands to Gower devoted to paying their respects to the miracle nun.

Unfortunately, according to surviving relatives of Sr. Wilhelmina, that respect has not been extended to them by Catholic Church officials.

In the “Lancaster Family Statement on Sr. Wilhelmina,” released Wednesday, family members noted the significance “of the epic continuation” of the nun’s story but also voiced several matters of discontent.

“We her surviving relatives will not be silent as we comment on what we collectively perceive as some disconcerting interactions we have had with the current curators of the Benedictine Sisters of Mary Queen of the Apostles, the Chaplain of the Abbey of Our Lady of Ephesus and the Bishop of the Diocese of Kansas City, MO–St. Joseph, MO,” the statement read.

Before issuing the public statement, Johnson Lancaster, one of the founders of Progressive Emporium & Education Center and a direct nephew of Sr. Wilhelmina, contacted the St. Louis American to express dissatisfaction with church officials.

The major grievance listed by the family (niec-

Bell

Continued from A1

peaceful transition of power - and then fled in terror when he feared that the rabble he had inspired would come after him,” Bell said.

“I hold our democratic values as sacred. I honor

es and nephews) was the untimely way they were notified that Sr. Wilhelmina’s body was disinterred. Claiming that the church violated Missouri and Catholic Canon Law, the Johnson Lancaster said they weren’t contacted by church officials until May 22, almost three weeks after the body was exhumed.

“There are a host of family members who are in good standing with the Catholic Church,” the statement read, adding: “These family members serve in their own way. They are not to be pushed aside, ignored, and considered less than.”

Families from Kansas City and St. Louis scrambled to converge on Gower on Memorial Day only to be denied, they wrote in

the will of the people and am eager to serve Missouri as a United States senator.”

Bell called Hawley, “a political opportunist, not a public servant.”

“Josh Hawley has aligned himself with politics and policies that do not represent the best interests of Missourians. I vow to return this

the statement, “a private moment with our aunt.”

Instead, they added, they were only invited to place flowers around her body before the procession and re-interment. After additional debate, the family said they were granted 45 minutes alone with their aunt.

However, the insults and disrespect did not stop there, the family insists.

They note how Sr. Wilhelmina traveled to Africa and was aware of how “drums are part of the culture and a symbol/ sign to show reverence and a gift to the person.” Yet when one of the (unnamed) nephews, a noted St. Louis musician, offered his “gift of drums,” he was interrupted by a priest who labeled his playing “nonsense.”

The priest, the family

powerful public office to public service, not the selfserving politics that have defined Hawley’s brief career in public office.”

The Hawley campaign said in a statement, ““We expect whoever emerges from the messy (Democratic) primary to be the darling of the woke left and raise tens of millions of dollars to

statement asserted, surrounded himself and the drummer with Clinton County, MO sheriff’s deputies” who did not allow the nephew “to commune with his aunt…and was not allowed to enter the church where she was being laid to rest.

“For an order that is supposed to be welcoming and open to prayer their actions were rude, unwarranted and un-Christian,” the statement read.

The family acknowledged Sr. Wilhelmina’s St. Louis roots. Born to Oscar Lee and Ella Madden Lancaster in 1924, she was the oldest girl in a family of five children. Wilhelmina, the statement continued, “spent her early formative years” growing up in the historic Ville Neighborhood” at 4315 Garfield Avenue at

try and buy this seat from Missourians.

“[The Democratic primary] will be about ending girls’ sports and being soft on crime.”

A North County native, Bell was reelected as St. Louis County prosecutor in November 2022 with 71% of the vote after running unopposed in the Democratic primary

People pray over the body of Sister Wilhelmina Lancaster at the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles abbey Sunday, May 28, 2023, near Gower, Mo. Hundreds of people visited the small town in Missouri this week to see the nun’s body that has barely decomposed since 2019 — some are saying it’s a sign of holiness in Catholicism, while others are saying the lack of decomposition may not be as rare as people think.

Pendleton. The Family, Lancaster said, still owns the house.

According to the family, their aunt chose to become “a Bride of Christ” and entered the convent in 1941 at the age of 16, becoming an Oblate nun in 1944. This was during the Jim Crow era, when African Americans attended segregated Catholic Churches. Sr. Wilhelmina was encouraged to join the Oblates, one of several allBlack convents active at the time. She was called to start a new order that was approved by the Church and began the Order Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Our Lady of Ephesus.

Sister Wilhelmina founded the Benedictines of Mary, Queen of the Apostles, Our Lady of Ephesus in 1995 when

election. He received the most votes of any candidate on the ballot in St. Louis County, Missouri’s most populous county.

Bell’s mother is a county civil servant, and his father is a retired police officer. After attending Hazelwood Public Schools, Bell graduated from Lindenwood University and then University of Missouri Law School.

After serving as a judge, a law professor, and a public defender, Bell won his first political office on the Ferguson City Council. He helped to negotiate and implement the City of Ferguson’s consent decree with the U.S. Department of Justice.

In 2018, Bell topped former St. Louis County prosecutor Bob McCulloch, a 28-year incumbent by a 14-point margin.

Bell touted his record as county prosecutor in his Senate campaign announcement.

“St. Louis County and Missouri are safer because we bring violent criminals to justice by aggressively seeking–and typically winning–prison time,” Bell said.

she was 70 years old.

Originally founded in Scranton, Pennsylvania, the convent was moved to Gower where it is now located. The sisters of the convent have found fame in the recordings of a dozen albums-four of which topped the Billboard Classical charts. A new $20 million convent, the Monastery of Saint Joseph, is being constructed four hours south of Gower, in Ava, Missouri. Some members of the original community will move to the new location.

The Lancaster Family expressed surprise at the “evident/indiscreet and exploitative monetizing” of Sister Wilhelmina’s legacy. When visiting Gower on Memorial Day, they noted how the nun’s biography, musical CDs, devotion cards and other merchandise were sold just “20 feet” from their aunt’s original gravesite.

“That is unacceptable,” the family wrote, adding: “Our Aunt Mary was a person, not a thing to be objectified…”

Ending their statement on a note of reconciliation, the family stated:

“As monumental, glorious, and spiritually mystical the experience is and has been for many as it continues to develop and unfold; we the family, nieces, nephews, and blood relatives are left to experience the moment under the haze and clouds of the previous treatment, lack of regard, and minimization of respect.

“We pray that harmony will be restored, and justice will prevail.”

“We also use a highly successful Diversion Program to help people with non-violent offenses become productive citizens rather than being incarcerated in a Missouri prison at taxpayer expense.”

Bell’s office also is a member of the Jail Population Review Team that identifies defendants in pre-trial detention who can be released without endangering public safety.

Bell created the office’s first Conviction and Incident Review Unit that investigates and prosecutes police officers and other public officials who commit crimes. This unit also reviews past convictions brought by the office to ensure that all past convictions have integrity.

Bell expanded the office’s community outreach efforts, including the Community Case Review, where area residents can come into the Buzz Westfall Justice Center to learn about an aspect of criminal prosecution from the prosecutors and investigators who work these cases.

Photo courtesy of the AP

Wallace said.

“It’s good to celebrate in my hometown,” said Williams, who now owns and operates 27 McDonald’s franchises in the St. Louis area. The McDonald’s location where Wallace made his appearance is the same location where Williams first worked his first job as a 16-year-old.

“Bubba is just fantastic to come over and spend some time with this community. I love the fact he’s here talking about opportunities. Very rarely do you see an African American who’s racing cars. Very rarely do you see someone who can come into our community and talk about racing, but also talk about STEM.”

Wallace called the rally “an important initiative.”

“Jimmy and myself and McDonald’s, so it’s a perfect fit for us to be here,” Wallace said. “I think if we both think about it, it’s incredible we’re here representing a big brand.”

Wallace was joined by NASCAR driver Tyler Reddick and the rally included giveaways, bounce houses, yard games, a mobile video game truck, and DJS. Wallace also met with

NAACP

Continued from A1 help Black in an equitable manner. For the 23rd straight year, the state Attorney General report on motorists stops shows that Black motorists in Missouri are disproportionately targeted, with Black drivers being stopped at higher rates than their white counterparts. The disparity index for Black drivers was 1.59, indicating that they are being stopped at rates about a 60% higher rate than their share of the population would indicate.

“These disparities raise significant questions about the fairness and equity of traffic enforcement practices in Missouri – the same concerns raised in the NAACP

students Friday from East St. Louis schools and the Jackie Joyner Kersee summer camp. Kersee was grand marshal of the Enjoy Illinois 300 and had the honor of triumphantly saying “Gentlemen, start your engines.”

The Raceway also hosted its inaugural JJK 5K on Saturday June 3, with hundreds of participants joining in the walk/run event. STEM Lane was also open during race weekend, which offered families fun, firsthand STEM related

Missouri Travel Advisory. Black motorists now feel compelled to records traffic stops for their own safety on the road and evidence in court. It should not be that way,” said Chapel.

Furthermore, the report highlights that Black drivers, especially when away from their home communities, are stopped at higher numbers compared to white drivers in similar circumstances.

This finding reinforces the urgent need to address biased practices and ensure equal treatment for all individuals, regardless of their race or ethnicity.

“The statistics presented in the vehicle stops report are deeply troubling and demand immediate attention. We cannot ignore the systemic racial disparities that persist within our state.

The Missouri NAACP is committed to advocating

activities and exhibits.

Xavier Jones, who walked more than two miles to attend his Yeatman Middle School graduation at HarrisStowe State University, was treated to a behindthe-scenes tour of the track with his brother Devin before taking in the race on Sunday. Jones told the St. Louis American last week that he aspired to be a NASCAR driver and study mechanical engineering.

for meaningful reforms that will address these disparities and promote equal justice for all,” Chapel said.

“The Missouri NAACP calls on lawmakers, law enforcement agencies, and community leaders to take decisive action to address these issues. It is imperative that we work together to ensure the fair and just treatment of all individuals within our society.”

Published Thursday by the Missouri Attorney

The 23XI team heard his inspirational story and set up the tour.

“For a young kid to be interested in that, we just thought that was super cool. When we heard his story of walking to his graduation, we were like, this is amazing,” Kreig Robinson, director of equity, inclusion, and belonging for 23XI Racing told FOX2

“He has what it takes to be an engineer or a data scientist, or even a driver in the sport.”

General’s Office, the report compiles data on stops for 2022 from 581 of the state’s 613 police agencies. Most are municipal police or county sheriff’s departments, but the report also gathers data from specialized forces like the University of Missouri Police Department and the only statewide agency, the Missouri State Highway Patrol.

The report is the 23rd consecutive compilation

Jones’ favorite driver is Kyle Busch, and he was able to meet the driver who would go on to win Sunday’s race. He met Wallace and shared the news that Busch is the racer he cheers on.

“It shows the work ethic, first and foremost, to be a good race car driver these days, and being able to set aside the time to study, look at film, and review data, all that sort of stuff,” Busch said.

“For (Xavier) it shows a little bit of that first

of police statistics that show Black drivers are stopped at higher rates than their share of Missouri’s population.

Four of the other ethnicities listed — white, Native American, Asian, and other — have been stopped every year at lower rates than their share of the population. A fifth ethnicity, Hispanic, has not had a stop rate above its share of the population since 2007.

During 2022, police made more than 1.25

Tyler Reddick and Bubba

installment. From there, the sky’s the limit.” As for the race, it was a rough day for Wallace and the 23XI team. It was a rough afternoon for the 23XI Racing as Wallace was five laps away from scoring another top-ten finish before a brake rotor failed on his No. 23 McDonald’s Toyota. He would finish 30th because of the breakdown. Reddick spun in the opening laps of the race, and again towards the end to finish 35th.

million traffic stops, issued almost 550,000 citations, and made 49,122 arrests. More than three-quarters of the stops were white motorists and roughly 17% were Black. White motorists were released with a warning or no action after more than half of those stops, with just under 40% receiving a citation and arrests in 3.65% of cases. Black drivers received a citation after almost 58% of stops, with 5.26% arrested.

Wallace, drivers for the 23XI NASCAR team, spent the afternoon at a fan rally at the East St. Louis McDonald’s on 24th Street. The restaurant is one of 27 owned and operated by Jimmy Williams, whose first job was at the same McDonald’s location.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

American Staff

Regions Bank backs Harris-Stowe Backpack to Briefcase program

Regions Bank recently helped Backpack to Briefcase Program solidify its program at HarrisStowe State University with a $10,000 donation. Deemed an essential catalyst, the Backpack to Briefcase Mentoring and Scholarship Program, is a proven learning model that provides participants with the professional exposure and development that is a critical component associated with the classroom to corporate mind-shift. The program includes:

Building Strong Networks

Navigating the Career Search Process

Surviving the New Hire Phase

Shortening Learning Curves

Sustaining Career Pathways

BPBC participants are afford-

ed the comprehensive support and guidance of diverse mentoring team comprised of experienced Professional Development Coaches, to include:

Executive Level Sales Professionals

District Sales Managers

Regional/Area Level Sales Directors

Corporate Vice Presidents Successful Entrepreneurs

Professional Development Coaches (PDC) assure successful completion of the rigorous program that encompass: Workshops/ Seminars Networking Experiences

One on One Mentoring Sessions Resume / Interviewing Boot Camps

The Five Part Workshop Series includes: Networking – How to

Effectively Network

Dress for Success & Corporate Etiquette Workshop Resume Writing/Corporate Communication Interviewing Skills 101 – STAR Model Corporate Simulation

These initiatives collectively contribute to the jumpstarting of careers, while narrowing the gaps associated with diversity, inclusion and Talent Acquisition efforts of major corporations. Since 2009 the Backpack

Harris-Stowe State University President LaTonia Collins Smith and members of the Backpack to Briefcase program recently celebrated a $10,00 donation from Regions Bank.

to Briefcase Program has been instrumental in the professional development and enhanced business acumen of students across the St. Louis Metropolitan Area with the following results: $100,000 in Scholarship & Services

30 National Sales Network Conference Sponsorships 5 National Sales Network Student Conference Packages

For more information, please visit http://bpbcstlouis.com

Photo courtesy of Harris-Stowe

Haven of Grace MOMentous

Luncheon gives new moms a “lift”

American staff

Haven of Grace recently celebrated A MOMentous Luncheon at the Downtown Missouri Athletic Club with more than 400 guests in attendance.

Featuring spring fashion and fun, KMOV-TV weeknight anchor Samantha Jones hosted the fundraiser. The program kicked off with a greeting from Haven of Grace Executive Director Patricia Bosman.

Honorary chairs Dana and Ron Redwing encouraged attendees to embrace the Haven of Grace mission to help young mothers transition to a life of success, sustainability and a healthful life for themselves and their children.

The afternoon featured entertainment by the Bosman Twins, followed by a fund-an-opportu-

nity for “Project Lift,” to help Haven of Grace purchase a much-needed campus van.

Serving as chairs for the event were Bonnie Gipson, Sabrina Cockerham, and Caren Vredenburgh.

“The committee’s talent and determination produced an outstanding event that people are still abuzz about that was attended by the who’s who of local and national philanthropists,” said Patricia Bosman.

“Proceeds from A MOMentous Luncheon more than tripled that of the previous year.”

The Haven of Grace fills a need in the community to help women who are pregnant and homeless. We provide a place to live, educational programs, and long-term support to break the chain of generational poverty.

Families begin a new path –one that leads to independence, stability, and self-sufficiency.

Each woman helped by The Haven of Grace becomes a stronger member of our community and eventually can begin giving back to those who helped her move forward.

The Haven of Grace was opened in 1988 in North St. Louis City by parishioners from St. Peter’s Episcopal Church who saw a growing need for these services.

The Haven’s Maternity Shelter can accommodate 10 women, ages 18+ and their children. Services in the first year include, Life skills curriculum covering seven core areas; Safe space to navigate a healthy pregnancy and delivery; GED coaching and continuing educational support; Case management and on-site therapy. The Quad – Transitional Housing consists of furnished apartments on the same grounds as the Maternity Shelter for seven families. Services in the second and third year include Independent living with continued support; Space to meet goals while working or attending school; Begin financial responsibility with small rent and savings plan; Case management and on-site therapy. The Haven of Grace recog-

nizes that each young mom is an individual on a distinct journey. Its program team, including a family advocate and on-site therapist, works with each mom to create an individual goal plan for their family. The plan creates short-term and long-term goals that carry across our programs.

The Haven of Grace moms create these goals in seven core areas:

• Parenting

• Housing

• Independent Living

• Physical & Emotional Health

• Education

• Employment

• Spiritual & Character Development

To support the Have of Grace or volunteer, please visit www. havenofgracestl.org

‘Taking Care of You’

SLU speech clinic can help kids who stutter

More Black parents should be aware

By Bridjes O’Neil

St. Louis University

Healthy eating habits can slump in summer

By Graham A. Colditz

It’s that time of year where the calendar still says “spring,” but the weather and the school and vacation schedules are quickly moving toward summertime. As welcome as the long, warm days and summer holidays can be, especially for the kids in our lives, they can also upend some of the daily routines we’ve had in place since the fall.

And nothing may shift as much during the summer as when – and how – we eat. We may be up later than usual, eating and snacking at different times and in different ways than we might other parts of the year. With the routine of school days on pause, kids’ patterns of eating may be particularly changed – rippling out to parents and other family members, too.

While such shifts in how we eat may hardly seem worth noting, there’s actually growing evidence that when we eat it can have an important impact on our health. How it does may sound surprising. The timing of eating can work with or against our circadian rhythm, the natural “body clock” that controls all our biological functions in a 24-hour period.

A mother who discovered a team to help her daughter, who has a communication disorder, communicate more confidently at school and home, says other Black parents in her situation should take note.

Jaimie Saunders, the mother of a child who stutters, wants others to learn the resources available through Saint Louis University’s SpeechLanguage and Hearing Clinic

“I don’t think the African American community, in particular, is aware of the services out there for parents and caregivers of children who stutter,” Saunders said.

Last year, Saunders met Christine Rose, a clinical instructor specializing in stuttering at the SLU clinic. The clinic charges no fee and serves those who may otherwise not have the resources to afford assessment or treatment.

Rose serves as a school-based speech-language pathologist and supervises SLU graduate students three days a week at City Garden Montessori, where Saunders’s 13-year-

old daughter, Octavia, attends school.

Saunders says her daughter’s stutter does not define her nor cap her potential. With that in mind, she also knows that learning skills to communicate more effectively will help Octavia as she moves through life.

Rose worked with Saunders to customize speech therapy services to meet Octavia’s needs.

“The sole purpose of speech therapy isn’t to make the person fluent because that sets an unrealistic expectation for some people,” said Rose, who was recently awarded Spero

Behaviors that regularly disrupt the circadian rhythm can lead to many different reactions in the body, which can increase the risk of certain diseases and conditions.

“Circadian rhythms have to be in sync with our cycles of sleeping and waking, being active and being inactive and eating and fasting,” said Yikyung Park, associate professor in the Division of Public Health Sciences at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis.

“Eating late at night, for example, when the body is ready for sleep and rest, disrupts circadian rhythms. If the habit of late-night eating continues, it increases risk of weight gain, diabetes,

Deaconess Foundation launches Institute for Black Liberation

Designed for ‘Black leaders’

St. Louis American staff

The Deaconess Foundation has established its Institute for Black Liberation, an effort to “healing the hurts of internalized racism.”

According to a release, the Institute will “give Black leaders in the Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois region the opportunity to name, reckon with and heal from racial trauma and the pervasive effects of internalized and structural racism.”

“The well-being of the Black community and its people is determined not just by external progress but internal liberation from the profound impacts of white supremacy,” said Bethany JohnsonJavois, Deaconess Foundation president

and CEO. “With the Institute, we cultivate a much-needed environment of self-discovery, reflection, listening, and learning for leaders that will enable them to drive and sustain the societal change we want to see within the next seven generations.”

Johnson-Javois said the initiative will “prime participants to accelerate the creation of conditions that promote a just, whole society and future with impact felt most profoundly within the Deaconess footprint.”

The Institute “centers Black lives, Black thoughts, and Black liberation,” says Rudy Nickens, Institute for Black Liberation program director.

See DEACONESS, A13

Justice and equity are pillars of the Deaconess Foundation, which has launched its Institute for Black Liberation. Designed for “Black leaders,” the year-long program seeks to help people recover from the effects of internalized and systemic racism. Applications are being accepted through Monday, June 26, 2023.

Speech-Language Pathologist Christine Rose, left, with Jaime Saunders and her daughter Octavia Saunders at City Garden Montessori on November 2, 2022. Saunders says Black parents should contact the SLU Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic if they have a child who stutters.

Photo courtesy of SLU

See SPEECH, A13

See COLDITZ, A13

Dr. Graham A. Colditz

Photo courtesy of Deaconess Foundation

By Judith Graham KFF Health News

Cardiovascular disease

— the No. 1 cause of death among people 65 and older — is poised to become more prevalent in the years ahead, disproportionately affecting Black and Hispanic communities and exacting an enormous toll on the health and quality of life of older Americans.

The estimates are sobering: By 2060, the prevalence of ischemic heart disease (a condition caused by blocked arteries and also known as coronary artery disease) is projected to rise 31% compared with 2025; heart failure will increase 33%; heart attacks will grow by 30%; and strokes will increase by 34%, according to a team of researchers from Harvard

‘Taking

Care of You’

Heart disease destined to claim more minorities

and other institutions. The greatest increase will come between 2025 and 2030, they predicted. The dramatic expansion of the U.S. aging population (cardiovascular disease is far more common in older adults than in younger people) and rising numbers of people with conditions that put them at risk of heart disease and stroke — high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity foremost among them — are expected to contribute to this alarming scenario.

Because the risk factors are more common among Black and Hispanic populations, cardiovascular illness and death will become even more common for these groups, the researchers predicted. (Hispanic people can be of any race or combination of

Deaconess

Continued from A12

“We firmly believe that we have the ability to free ourselves from the behaviors that resulted from the oppression we’ve endured and to build a community that reflects our truth,” said Nickens.

“The Institute is a space for us to acknowledge and define the effects of generations of dominant culture on our individual souls,

Colditz

Continued from A12

metabolic syndrome and heart disease.” Related to this, how we space out what we eat during the day can also be important. We should always try to keep how much we eat generally in line with how many calories we burn throughout the day. That alone has large health benefits, but having your bigger meals at breakfast and lunch, rather than dinner, may add extra benefits.

races.)

“Whatever focus we’ve had before on managing [cardiovascular] disease risk in Black and Hispanic Americans, we need to redouble our efforts,” said Clyde Yancy, chief of cardiology and vice dean for diversity and inclusion at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago, who was not involved with the research.

Of course, medical advances, public health policies, and other developments could alter the outlook for cardiovascular disease over the next several decades.

Speech

Continued from A12

Stuttering, Inc.’s Ally of Stuttering SpeechLanguage Pathologist designation.

“We focus on helping people communicate more effectively.”

Saunders says the biggest misconception about stuttering is that it’s developmental and that “it will go away.”

“When I looked up at nine or 10, and she was still stuttering, I thought, ‘this might not be going away like they told me,’” Saunders recalled.

“No one ever said to me that she may be a person who stutters for the rest of her life.”

Disruptions in Speech

Stuttering is a communication disorder involving disruptions, or “dysfluencies,” in a person’s speech. The severity of stuttering var-

lives, and our communities to ground ourselves to recover from it and build a profoundly different future.”

The inaugural cohort will meet both in-person and virtually over the course of 9 to 12 months, including facilitated allday in-person immersion sessions, ongoing monthly two-hour virtual group sessions and individual coaching.

Institute participants will take part in the process of “self-discovery,

“So far, studies suggest that people eating more calories earlier in the day are less likely to develop metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, than those eating more calories later in the day,” says Park.

If you or your family members like to snack between meals, that’s fine. But it’s best to keep it to just one or two snacks a day, focusing on healthy options, like fruit, carrot sticks, nuts, and whole grain bars and keeping overall calories in mind, adds Park. “Even healthy foods without portion

More than 80% of cardiovascular deaths occur among adults 65 or older. For about a dozen years, the total number of cardiovascular deaths in this age group has steadily ticked upward, as the ranks of older adults have expanded and previous progress in curbing fatalities from heart disease and strokes has been undermined by Americans’ expanding waistlines poor diets, and physical inactivity.

Among people 65 and older, cardiovascular deaths plunged 22% between 1999 and 2010, according to data from the National Heart, Lung,

ies widely. It’s estimated that about one percent of the adult population stutters. This would amount to almost three million people who stutter in the United States alone.

According to the National Stuttering Association (NSA), there is no dependable, research-backed “cure” that works consistently and over time for all people who stutter. Rose says stuttering has many possible contributing factors, though the exact causes are unknown. She adds that for many, there is a genetic component, and there may be differences in white matter located in the communication zones of the brain. She says stuttering is individualistic with a unique pattern and rhythm.

“We can look at stuttering as a verbal diversity because it’s part of who the person is,” Rose said. “That’s part of their genetic makeup and neurology.”

Rose says there’s still a lingering idea that

reflection, intensive training and learning focused, in part, on healing racial trauma and promoting well-being,” according to Deaconess.

They will be “identifying and dismantling internalized oppression, examining and exploring strategies for celebrating racial identity, building power through collective

development of leadership skills and kinship with others, and developing tools to sustain change through generations.”

The Institute’s framework is inspired by Dr. Barbara J. Love, who says liberatory consciousness is essential to “ensuring that Black leaders committed to changing systems and institutions

n So far, studies suggest that people eating more calories earlier in the day are less likely to develop metabolic diseases, such as diabetes and heart disease, than those eating more calories later in the day.”

– Dr. Yikyung Park

control can have high calories.”

Of course, occasionally skipping breakfast, or eating a large meal after a night out, or having some less-than-healthy snacks isn’t going to have a big impact on our health.

and Blood Institute — a testament to new medical and surgical therapies and treatments and a sharp decline in smoking, among other public health initiatives. Then between 2011 and 2019, deaths climbed 13%.

The COVID-19 pandemic has also added to the death toll, with coronavirus infections causing serious complications such as blood clots and millions of seniors avoiding seeking medical care out of fear of becoming infected. Most affected have been lowincome individuals, and older non-Hispanic Black and Hispanic people, who have died from the virus at disproportionately higher rates than non-Hispanic white people.

“The pandemic laid bare ongoing health

“We shouldn’t talk about stuttering because it will make it worse.”

Support for Parents

Before Saunders connected with Rose and SLU’s Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic, she struggled to find resources for her daughter.

“I needed a comfy couch to lay on because of the guilt I felt because I couldn’t fix it,” Saunders said. “I felt isolated and alone. I felt like there was no one I could talk to who would understand.”

Knowing others shared her experience, Saunders teamed up with Rose to provide some of the support she says was missing for parents and caregivers like her.

Saunders and Rose approached the NSA about starting a parent group. Realizing a need, the NSA launched the local family chapter and elected SLU as its sponsor and Rose as the

characterized by oppression to create greater equity and social justice,” operate effectively.

The multi-year pilot of the Institute is funded by the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation.

According to Deaconess, the grant will be used to expand its role as an institutional advocate working towards the improved health of the Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois communities. Applications for the

the year.

Looking at all this together, here are some quick tips for healthy summertime eating:

• Eat bigger meals at breakfast and lunch

• Eat lighter meals later in the day, and try to avoid late-night eating

• Don’t skip breakfast, which can lead to bigger meals later

inequities,” and that has fueled a new wave of research into disparities across various medical conditions and their causes, said Nakela Cook, a cardiologist and executive director of the Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute, an independent organization authorized by Congress. Michelle Albert, a cardiologist and the current president of the American Heart Association, said more attention needs to be paid in medical education to “social determinants of health” — including income, education, housing, neighborhood environments, and community characteristics — so the health care workforce is better prepared to address unmet health needs in vulnerable populations.

regional adult chapter coordinator.

The local family chapter is a free virtual support group for parents and caregivers to share the challenges and successes of raising a child that stutters. Saunders received the Parent of the Year Award for her advocacy at the NSA’s annual conference in California. The parent group she co-founded also won Family Chapter of the Year.

“This has opened my mind to the emotionality of raising someone who stutters and the great importance of teamwork throughout the process,” Rose said.

SLU now hosts an adult support group for people who stutter. The St. Louis Adults Chapter of the National Stuttering Association holds free monthly in-person meetings on the fourth Monday of every month in the Speech-Language and Hearing Clinic of McGannon Hall.

Institute are now being accepted. The application deadline for the inaugural cohort is Monday, June 26th, 2023.

Deaconess says applications are open to Black people, including people of African heritage, located within the Metropolitan St. Louis region, with a special emphasis on St. Louis City, St. Louis County, and East St. Louis, Illinois. Interested individuals may apply at deaconess.org/ institute

Overall, though, the change to a summer schedule can be an opportunity to rethink ways we can keep meals, and the timing of meals, healthy, for us and our family. Then we can carry those on through to the fall and the rest of

• If you snack, keep it to 1 to 2 per day and control portions

• Focus on foods like fruits, vegetables, beans and whole grains, and limit red and processed meats, fast food and sugary drinks. It’s your – and your family’s – health. Take control.

Dr. Graham A. Colditz, associate director of prevention and control at Siteman Cancer Center at BarnesJewish 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

Dr. Michelle Albert

Rudy Nickens

Spencer chooses to ignore the stark reality of our state’s gun laws

Last week’s Public Safety Committee meeting sparked a citywide conversation on gun violence and what can be done, in consideration of the onerous state laws that stand in the way of most reasonable reform. During Thursday’s committee meeting, Alderwoman Cara Spencer (Ward 8) brought up Board Bill 29 for questions from her colleagues, which would require any person who is open-carrying in St. Louis City to also hold a concealed carry permit. In Spencer’s own words, “openly carrying a firearm without a permit is an unlawful activity.”

Except, that position directly contradicts our state laws and would invite an immediate lawsuit from the state and/or private organizations. Spencer nevertheless doubled down on her position that her proposed legislation may run afoul of state law, but the situation calls for a (losing) legal fight -- a pollyannaish approach to a very serious problem.

The reality that continues to evade Spencer is that our state has arguably the most lax gun laws in the country. Since 2006, our state has been a “castle doctrine” state. A 2007 law repealed a requirement that a person purchasing a handgun obtain a per-

mit to own that firearm, creating an instant spike in gun-related deaths. In 2015, in the first legislative session following the start of the Ferguson Uprising, Missouri became a “stand your ground state.” And finally, in 2017, Missouri adopted “constitutional carry,” removing a permit requirement for both open-carrying and conceal-carrying a firearm. All of this amounts to very little space to legislate an exceptionally tremendous problem.

Concerns about the constitutionality of Spencer’s bill, along with its racial impacts and lack of activist support, were raised by freshmen Alderpersons Daniela Veláquez (Ward 6), Alisha Sonnier (Ward 7), and Rasheen Aldridge (Ward 14) during the public safety meeting. Spencer bizarrely suggested that people don’t openly carry firearms on Kansas City streets and stated that while she had the support of the St. Louis Police Officers Association, she had minimal discussion with Police Chief Robert Tracy only the day before. When asked directly if she had spoken with Chief Tracy about how SLMPD would implement her bill, Spencer dodged answering the question and instead provided a vague response that the Chief is “in

favor of changing the gun laws.” Nothing specific and nothing committal. Spencer, it seems, may not have bothered to speak to the police at all before she filed her bill.

“I want us to do something...but we can’t be so emotional that we don’t think through how this would play out. What are the real consequences?”

Sonnier asked, pointing to the controlling state gun laws. “If we can’t confiscate the gun, but we’re going to send officers into a situation where they have to approach someone who is already open-carrying... in a ‘constitutional carry’ state...and we’re going to send our officers into this situation for a fee...”

Sonnier also corrected some of Spencer’s misstatements about the City Counselor’s Office, including the suggestion that a $500 fine is permissible

under state law (it’s not) and that police can stop individuals openly carrying firearms for that very act (they can’t). When Sonnier confronted Spencer about the issue of a state law capping gun-related fines at $35, Spencer instantly backed down and said she would be willing to remove the city’s ability to fine a person, effectively leaving a “gun control” bill that has no punitive measures and that police couldn’t actually enforce.

Board Bill 29 gives “stop and frisk vibes,” said Alderman Aldridge. “If [an officer] can’t even take [a gun,] and you’ve just given somebody a fine,” what problem does the legislation solve that existing law doesn’t already address, he asked.

Alderwoman Shameem Clark-Hubbard (Ward 10) locked into uncertain terms used by Spencer and

within the bill, pointing to a lack of clarity in how certain words are defined. “We have ‘confiscated’ and we have ‘safe harbor,’” she said. “But as a mother of a child that attends Central Visual Performing Arts, where was the safe harbor with that situation?”

Following last week’s public safety committee meeting, however, Spencer began her rounds with the press in an effort to spin the narrative away from her proposed legislation’s glaring issues. That evening on KMOV, Spencer’s misinformation spree continued, where her questionable statements about the City Counselor’s support and meritless references to “safe harboring” a firearm - a policy that does not exist under current state gun laws - were repeated

In a joint press conference on Friday with Board President Megan Green, Spencer repeated her factually-devoid suggestions that Kansas City doesn’t have a gun violence problem and that “members of SLMPD” are overwhelmingly supportive – all seemingly in the quest for sound bites. “We have a shared agreement that we must address gun violence and do everything we can that’s within our authority to get guns off the street,” Green said. “But we have to do it in a way that’s smart, and in a way that’s legal and in a way that will be upheld in court because we will be sued over it.”

• • • • •

Finally, in closing this week, we want to acknowledge the state-sponsored execution of Michael Tisius, a mid-Missouri

man who was sentenced to death after his conviction for murdering two Randolph County jailers during a botched escape attempt. After his 2010 sentencing, a juror was discovered to be illiterate and court staff had completed the written paperwork for that juror. Jurors are required under Missouri law to be able to read in order to serve, and this requirement was explicitly ignored by prosecutors and judges - until a federal judge issued a stay of execution on May 31.

Last Friday, an Eighth Circuit judge reinstated the death sentence. Late Tuesday afternoon, the U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Tisius’ case. Once again, the State of Missouri has executed a person with a glaring, constitutional injustice connected to their death sentence. Raheem Taylor was executed earlier this year, maintaining his innocence and his strong alibi until his death. Readers will remember our column from December, when we discussed Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown-Jackson’s rare post-conviction dissent, rebuking the actions of a St. Louis County judge who refused to grant a mandatory hearing to Kevin Johnson prior to his November execution. Calling the Missouri Supreme Court’s judgment “fundamentally flawed” and “so at odds with basic due process principles,” Justice Jackson pulled no punches: “a State cannot provide a process for post-conviction review and then arbitrarily refuse to follow the prescribed procedures. But that appears to be what happened in this case.”

Saturday, June 10 10 AM - 2 PM

In celebration of National Children’s Day, join us for Play Day in the Park!

From fishing and bubbles, to roller skating and robotics, enjoy FREE, fun-filled play activities for kids ages 4-12 years.

More than 20 St. Louis participating organizations will feature activities highlighting the power of play in children’s lives.

Pack a picnic or purchase lunch at the Park. Free parking is available in the Park. Event will take place rain or shine.

Sponsored by

This event is made possible in partnership with Scan this QR code for more information!

Steinberg Skating Rink Forest Park • St. Louis, MO

Cara Spencer Alisha Sonnier Ketanji BrownJackson

JUNE 8 – 14, 2023

Something new in store

The Nexus will house grocery, education center

organization

By Dionne Jones

For the St. Louis American Congresswoman Cori Bush says solutions to community problems often lie within the community residents themselves.

Erica Williams is an example. Williams wanted a full-service grocery store in her North County neighborhood since 2018 when a Shop `n Save outlet closed. She contacted other grocery chains, but she was not successful in convincing them to open a store at a nearby location.

n The Nexus grocery store will feature local urban farmers’ produce, a bistro serving grab-and-go-meals made with farm fresh produce, and a shared culinary kitchen and small-scale production space for chefs.

So, Williams decided to find partners and build a grocery store herself to provide food for an area that is defined as a food desert – a place that lacks access to affordable, healthy foods. Williams, founder and executive director of A Red Circle, recently walked with Bush, residents, farmers, volunteers, and stakeholders on a tour of The North County Community

Nexus on Saturday June 4, 2023.

The 44,000 square-foot building is in Bellefontaine Neighbors at 9300 Lewis and Clark Blvd.

A Red Circle, a non-profit organization, received nearly $1.5 million in federal funding through the Economic Development Initiative/Community Project Funding program of the U.S. Congress to build the store.

The Nexus grocery store will feature local urban farmers’ produce, a bistro serving grab-and-go-meals made with farm fresh produce, and a shared culinary kitchen and small-scale production space for chefs.

The building will also house the Learning and Opportunity Center for

See NEXUS, B2

The transportation and warehousing industries, which includes FedEx, have one of the nation’s highest representations of Black male workers. This helped the African American unemployment rate hit an all-time low of 4.7% in April, although the rate rose to 5.6% in May, according to the Labor Department.

Strong job growth in May tempered by Black unemployment increase

Rises to 5.6% after record low in April

By Alvin A. Reid St. Louis American

While the May jobs report released this week by the Labor Department showed 339,000 added jobs and continued a string of impressive gains, the unemployment rate for African Americans jumped to 5.6% after falling to a record low of 4.7% in April. The 5.6% jobless rate for Black individuals was 70% higher than that for white people, which stood at 3.3%. Among Black men, the rate was 5.6% in May, compared to 4.5% in April. The unemployment rate also ticked higher for Black women, rising to 5.3% in May from April’s rate of 4.4%.

The unemployment rate for Asians

n The 5.6% jobless rate for Black individuals was 70% higher than that for white people, which stood at 3.3%.

was 2.9%, and 4.0% for Hispanics. This was a decrease for Hispanics, whose unemployment rate stood at 4.4% last month.

This is a historic low,” Carmen Sanchez Cumming, Washington Center for Equitable Growth research assistant told CNBC.

“For both Hispanic workers and for Black workers, at least in the first half of 2023, this recovery has been

especially strong.”

Cumming said research shows Hispanic and Black workers’ employment outcomes are “much more sensitive to fluctuations in the business cycle.”

“So, when the labor market is really strong, Latino workers and Black workers benefit disproportionately, but when the labor market is weak, Black and Latino workers [are] hurt disproportionately, too.”

On May 30, two days before the jobs report was released, labor economist Michelle Holder, an associate professor at John Jay College of the City University of New York, said the warehouse and transportation sectors have helped Black employment remain steady.

“Of the 3 million more jobs that the

See JOBS, B2

PeoPle on the Move

Latasha Barnes named chief of staff

Latasha Barnes is the St. Louis Housing Authority’s new chief of staff. In this role, she serves as an advisor to the executive director and assists with daily operations management. Prior to joining the SLHA, Barnes dedicated more than a decade of service to the public-interest sector, most recently as a senior attorney for Legal Services of Eastern Missouri. In 2021, she was recipient of Community Builders’ Rising Star in Community Building Award.

Dr. Martin-Fairey chosen as TGI Fellow

Harris-Stowe’s assistant professor of Biological Sciences Dr. Carmel Martin-Fairey has been chosen as an inaugural Taylor Geospatial Institute (TGI) Fellow. The program recognizes rising stars and internationally renowned scientists who demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing TGI’s mission of advancing geospatial sciences and visionary leaders who pioneer innovative solutions to revolutionize industries and inform policy decisions to create a better future. The program allows institutions to recruit and retain distinguished researchers in geospatial science fields.

Dr. Sterling named a director at ARCHS

Dr. Eboni Sterling has joined Area Resources for Community and Human Services (ARCHS) as director of research and evaluation. She brings experience from posts at Girls Inc and the University of Missouri-St. Louis. She is a three-time graduate of UMSL with a bachelor of science degree in elementary education, a master of education degree in adult and higher education and a doctorate degree in education and policy. ARCHS funds and strategically enhances initiatives that improve the lives of children and families facing disparities and disadvantages in St. Louis’ most resource deprived communities.

Monique’ Thomas has been named as accounts receivable supervisor at Cushman &

Thomas named AR supervisor at Cushman Octavia Monique’ Thomas

Prior to this new role, Thomas was employed at Wells Fargo as a Senior Project Coordinator. Octavia is a graduate of Focus St. Louis- Women in Leadership Class 75. She is also a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc and NCBW STL where she serves as VP of Membership. Cushman & Wakefield is among the world’s largest commercial real estate services firms, with revenues of US$10.1 billion in 2022.

Congresswoman Cori Bush thanked Erica Williams (left), founder and executive director of the nonprofit

A Red Circle, for her work in creating the North County Community Nexus in Bellefontaine Neighbors. The site will house a grocery store, healthy foods bistro, and education center and is scheduled to open in spring 2025. John Bowman, St. Louis County NAACP president, also attended the building dedication on June 3, 2023.

Latasha Barnes

Dr. Carmel MartinFairey

Dr. Eboni Sterling

Octavia

Wakefield.

Photo by Dionne Jones

Photo courtesy of FedEx

AARP accepting applications for senior employment program

St. Louis American staff

The AARP Foundation’s Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP) is currently accepting applications from St. Louis City and County residents aged 55 and older who are looking for work.

The SCSEP program provides part-time, paid employment to eligible older job seekers by placing them in positions at local government agencies or nonprofit organizations where they can use or update their job skills while earning a modest income. The program also offers skills training and assistance in one’s job search.

Participation in the

program often leads to permanent employment.

The SCSEP program is the nation’s oldest and most reliable pathway to help low-income, older workers find employment, and for more than 50 years has successfully moved thousands of older job seekers back into the work force.

Carol Foreman, the SCSEP Project Director in St. Louis, says, “In this difficult economy, many older Missourians are finding it necessary to work. Unfortunately, finding a job can be especially difficult for older workers. We can provide immediate assistance and wages for those who qualify,” said Carol Foreman, the St. Louis SCSEP project director.

The SCSEP program is funded by the U.S.

Department of Labor and administered by the AARP Foundation. To qualify, one must be at least 55 years of age, currently unemployed, be a resident of St. Louis City or County and have an income of not more than 125% of that established by federal poverty guidelines. To apply, applications available at AARP Foundation St. Louis offices located at 2838 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103, and 315 Lemay Ferry Road, St. Louis, MO 63125. For additional information questions, both offices can be reached at (314) 818-0948. To contact Carol Foreman, send email to cforeman@ aarp.org

Nexus

Continued from B1 community service programming, education about nutrition and healthy foods, and a space for small businesses.

The store will employ about 20 people and is scheduled to open in spring of 2025. A manager will come on board in October, according to Williams.

Williams said The Nexus will be at the “intersection of health and wealth in North County.”

The Learning and Opportunity Center will also open in spring of 2025, and the rest of the building will open in 2026.

“The Nexus could be a model for how communities solve their own problems,” Bush said.

“People are able to see that the community is investing in the commu-

Jobs

Continued from B1

U.S. economy has now than it did in February 2020, a third of those jobs are in the transportation and warehousing industry,” Holder said.

“That industry has the best representation in terms of Black male workers. The problem is the transportation and warehousing sector is a low-wage sector.”

The 339,000 jobs added far surpassed a forecast of 190,000 additional jobs being added to the economy.

President Biden said in a release “today is a good day for the American economy and American workers.”

“We have now created over 13 million jobs since I took office. That is more jobs in 28 months than any President has created in an entire 4-year term.”

nity. We don’t have to go outside the community to find amazing people doing amazing work. We take care of our own.”

Bush said her office received 97 applications for funding through the Project Funding program, and 15 received awards.

All of them are important, Bush said, but the Red Circle’s application resonated with her because it addresses a problem that Bush’s constituents have brought to her attention – a lack of access to healthy food.

“I distinctly remember choosing this [project] and how it stood out to me,” Bush said, adding that Red Circle serves 280,000 people at or below the poverty line.

Founded in 2017, A Red Circle’s mission is to address racial disparities in North St. Louis County.

The organization’s goals include increasing inclusion in the arts, education

The Labor Department report also confirmed:

-The national unemployment rate has been under 4% for 16 months in a row. The last stretch to match that run was in the 1960s.

-The share of working age Americans in the workforce is at its highest level in 16 years.

-The annual inflation rate has fallen for 10 months in a row and is down more than 40% since last summer.

-Wages for workers have gone up, even after accounting for inflation.

The Labor Department announced it also revised its estimates for March and April, saying the economy added 91,000 more jobs than initially reported.

“In two years, we’ve created 13 million jobs and 800,000 manufacturing jobs,” Harris said in an NNPA interview.

“A lot of these issues were what we were fighting to preserve. For

justice, and healthy food access. Bush said lack of access to healthy food and the creation of food deserts is a form of “policy violence.”

“We have to call it that and The Nexus pushes against this policy violence,” Bush said. Jazz Armstrong, owner of JiggaJuiced Up, gave Bush a hug and thanked her for her work in Congress.

An attendee used her cell phone to show Bush her dream food truck and the Congresswoman offered the budding entrepreneur encouragement.

“This is truly what investing in community looks like,” Bush said. We see what the future of North County looks like and what the future holds for our residents. Today is the beginning of a great and historic chapter.”

example, if they required [new] work requirements, we would preserve many exceptions to the requirements.”

The jobless rate divide

The Economic Policy Institute says racism still plays a role in the employment divide between white and Black workers. Also, African Americans have more single-adult households with children, where a person must balance childcare and full-time employment.

According to a 24/7 Wall St. study released earlier this year, “Black residents in metro areas are much less likely to hold a high school diploma or college degree than white residents.”

“Lower levels of high school attainment can drive down wages and make it more difficult to find a job.”

An artist rendering of the future North County Community Nexus grocery store at 9300 Lewis and Clark Blvd. A Red Circle, a non-profit organization, received nearly $1.5 million in federal funding through the Economic Development Initiative/Community Project Funding program of the U.S. Congress to build the store.

Courtesy of A Red Circle

n “I was sitting there… and I got chills”

– Aaron Judge after learning he would be New York Yankees captain

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Scorching state track performances still drawing raves

The state is still abuzz after St. Louis athletes dominated the MSHSAA State Track and Field Championships in Jefferson City last week.

The St. Louis American featured the athletes from the four teams that brought home state championships, which included the girls from Cardinal Ritter and Lutheran St. Charles and the boys from Festus. We also featured the boys from East St. Louis.

This week, the deserving spotlight is on other athletes from the area who came home with state championships.

In the Class 4 boys’ competition, senior Winston Moore of MICDS won the 100meter dash in 10.69 seconds. He is a Colgate football recruit. Sophomore Melvin Sledge of Hazelwood East finished first in the 400-meter dash in 48.16 seconds and junior Brandon Johnson of McCluer won the high jump with a clearance of 6 feet 6 ¾ inches.

Area schools swept all four relay events as MICDS won the 4x100and 4x200-meter relays. The Rams won the 4x100 in 42.14 seconds and the 4x200 in 1:26.56 seconds.

Hazelwood East won the 4x400 in 3:20.72 and Hillsboro won the 4x800 in 7:49.72.

There were several girls who ended up on the podium as state champions at the Class 5 meet.

Parkway Central’s Skyye Lee on her way to the Girls’ 300-Meter Hurdle state title with a time of 43:31 on May 27. At left is Jeff City’s Cheria Galbtreath with a second-place time of 43:74.

Honor’Naceair Wilkerson of Lafayette would finish fourth at Adkins Stadium in Jefferson City.

Senior Maya Anderson of MICDS was a double winner in the 100-meterhigh hurdles and the triple jump. The Kentucky recruit won the hurdles in 13.66 seconds and the triple jump with an effort of 39 feet 10 inches. Another double winner was senior Mason Meinershagen of

Oakville who won state titles in the high jump and pole vault. She had winning efforts of 5 feet 7 inches in the high jump and 12-0 in the pole vault. Junior Josie Baker of Kirkwood won the 1,600meter run in a time of 4 minutes 52.78 seconds while Natalie Banard of

Lafayette won the 3,200meter run with a winning time of 10:35.60. Lafayette also won the state title in the 4x800-meter relay and Emiia Labruyere of Timberland won the discus with a throw of 138 feet 3 inches. In the Class 3 boys meet, junior Jason

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Williams of Orchard Farm won the long jump with an impressive effort of 23 feet. The Lutheran North Crusaders dominated the sprint relays by winning all three sprint relays. The Crusaders won the 4x100-meter relay in 42.68 seconds, the 4x200 in 1:28.7 and the 4x400 in

Kerrick Jackson tabbed to lead University of Missouri baseball

class in 2015.

Missouri has a new baseball coach with Kirkwood and HBCU connections, and the hiring is of historic proportion.

Kerrick Jackson will take over as Mizzou’s 15th baseball coach, becoming the first Black man to lead a Southeastern Conference baseball team.

He played baseball for Kirkwood High School, St. Louis Community College –Meramec, BethuneCookman University, and the University of Nebraska before becoming a scout and entering coaching. Jackson is quite familiar with Columbia, Mo. He served as an assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at Mizzou from 2011-15. The Tigers played in the Big 12 Conference Tournament Championship in 2011-12, winning the program’s first Big 12 title in 2012. Jackson also helped recruit multiple nationally ranked classes, including 24th in 2012, 12th in 2014 and a consensus Top-30

“It’s a great honor to come back to the University of Missouri and lead the baseball program,” Jackson said in a release.

“I have seen this program at its championship best and understand both what it takes to get there and the importance of baseball to the state, region and within the Southeastern Conference.”

As with football, the SEC is the dominant conference in college baseball. Jackson’s coaching and recruiting success was put in full display once he became the Southern University baseball coach in 2018.

During his three years at the HBCU, Southern went from nine wins in 2018 to 32 victories a season later. The 2019 squad won the SWAC conference championship, and reached the NCAA Tournament, earning Jackson SWAC and Louisiana Sports Writers Association Coach of the

Year awards.

He took the helm at Memphis in 2021 and the Tigers posted 29 victories this season, the team’s first winning campaign since 2017.

He has excelled as a coach at every level of college basketball. He was an assistant coach at St. Louis Community College-Meramec (2008), Nicholls State (2006-07), Jefferson (Mo.) College (2004-05), Coffeyville (Kan.) Community College (2003), Emporia State (2002) and Fairfield (2001).

“We set out to find a

Kerrick Jackson, who rejuvenated respective baseball programs at Southern and Memphis Universities, has been named head coach at Missouri.

leader of high character with success rejuvenating a program, and we certainly found that in Kerrick Jackson,” Missouri Director of Athletics Desireé Reed-Francois said.

The Tigers went 28-20 in 2023, but just 10-20 in SEC play. Former head coach Steve Bieser was fired May 28 after seven seasons.

Reed-Francois called Jackson “a tireless recruiter, fierce competitor and a coach with deep roots in the Midwest.”

“Coach Jackson knows what success looks like in

college baseball, specifically at Mizzou.”

Jackson helped Meramec finish third at the JUCO World Series in 1995. He then led HBCU Bethune-Cookman University to its first-ever conference championship and regional appearance in 1996. Jackson concluded his playing career at the University of Nebraska in 1997, graduating in 1999 with a bachelor’s degree in Sociology.

Jackson also serves on the American Baseball Coaches Association Board of Directors and chairs its Diversity in Baseball committee.

The Reid Roundup

Jordan Walker is back with the St. Louis Cardinals after returning from Triple-A Memphis on June 2. Walker went 2-for-12 in his first three games back…Call me crazy, but I still think the Cardinals will win the NL Central – if pitcher Jack Flaherty avoids injury and continues his recent success. Flaherty and the Redbirds opened a three-

3:23.51.

Class 1 State Meet Highlights

There were several talented athletes from Class 1 schools on both sides of the river who came home with all-state medals from their respective state meets.

On the Missouri side, Crystal City brought home a team trophy after finishing third in the Class 1 boys team standings. The Hornets got a first and second place sweep from Kaden Bolton and Camden Mayes in the long jump. Bolton won the event with a jump of 21 feet 11 ¾ inches while Mayes was second with a jump of 21-11. Mays also finished fourth in the 110-meter-high hurdles while Alex Kuchera was fourth in the pole vault. The Hornets also finished in fourth place in the 4x100-meter relay. On the Illinois side, athletes from Madison and East St. Louis (SIUE Charter) had success at the IHSA Class 1A meet in Charleston. Madison had a productive meet in the sprint relays as it finished second in the 4x200 and fourth in the 4x100. DeBryon Boyd finished eighth in the 200 while Ernest Davenport finished eighth in the high jump.

East St. Louis (SIUE Charter) had two athletes bring home all-state medals as Charles Shaw finished third in the 100 and fifth in the 200. Justin Spiller also finished fifth in the 110-meter-high hurdles.

game series with the rampaging Texas Rangers on Monday, so that prediction may have already changed …After a spring training injury sidelined him until Sunday, Cleveland Guardians pitcher Triston McKenzie made his first of the season and he was impressive. He pitched five shutout innings and struck out 10 in a 2-1 win over the Minnesota Twins… Monty Williams wasn’t unemployed long. After he was fired by the Phoenix Suns in mid-May, he was hired as the Detroit Pistons’ head coach on June 2…Williams will earn a reported $13.05 million a season, making him the highest paid NBA head coach. San Antonio’s Gregg Popovich is No. 2 at $11.5 million…According to TicketSmarter, a courtside seat to Game 1 of the NBA Finals in Denver was $24,605. The average cost of a seat was $1,500 with the lost-cost ticket at $624. For Game 3 in Miami, a courtside seat was $21,076, the average price was $10,083, and the cheapest ticket [standing room only] was $530.

Earl Austin Jr.

Alvin A. Reid

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Memphis University

St. Louis native Julian Nicks tapped as next LaunchCode CEO

The LaunchCode Board of Directors has announced Julian Nicks will serve as the organization’s next chief executive officer. “I’m honored to announce we found a distinguished private sector leader and friend of LaunchCode to serve as our next CEO,” said Jim McKelvey, LaunchCode Founder and Board President.

Nicks served on LaunchCode’s Board of Directors for more than three years, before stepping down last week in order to lead the organization. He joins LaunchCode from the global management consulting firm, Bain & Company, where he has worked in their Chicago office since 2013, with work in private, public, and nonprofit sector strategy. Along with extensive experience in business strategy, Nicks has worked in various capacities for local government across the Midwest focused on workforce development, secondary and higher education, and municipal partnerships. This includes serving as director of transformation for the Missouri Department of Higher

Lynne R. Perkins was recently appointed as St. Louis’ newest circuit judge. He will fill the vacancy created by the March retirement of Circuit Judge Michael Mullen. Perkins, 62, has served the associate circuit bench since October 2017.

Metro Transit hiring event this Saturday Metro Transit will host a hiring event at the North County Transit Center in Ferguson, MO, (3140 Pershall Road) on Saturday, June 10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Education and Workforce Development. There, he oversaw the restructuring

Perkins named circuit judge in St. Louis

Since the start of 2023, he has been one of two associate judges assigned to the St. Louis Circuit Court’s bond review divisions.

“While interacting with the citizens of St. Louis City, I am reminded daily of the awesome respon-

On-site interviews will be conducted for MetroBus Operators, MetroLink Operators, Metro Call-A-Ride Operators and Traction Power Electricians. Those important positions are all eligible for special $2,000 signing bonuses.

sibility that being a Judge brings,” Perkins wrote in his application for the appointment.

“As such, I am mindful of the symbolism that my appointment carries and welcome

the opportunity to serve. Thus, each day I have the privilege of taking the bench, I endeavor to work hard to earn the respect of the public and my peers, and to administer

WorkAtMetroSTL.com.

Interviews will also be available for dispatcher and reservation clerk positions.

Candidates are encouraged to learn more about these positions and to apply online in advance of Saturday’s hiring event by visiting

Qualified applicants may receive instant job offers at the June 10 hiring event following on-site interviews. Metro Transit has extended more than 130 job offers to qualified applicants during hiring events in April and May.

justice competently, fairly, and with patience and respect.”

Perkins grew up in St. Louis and went on to serve 20 years in the Air Force where he earned numerous medals. After his honorable discharge in 2000, he earned a law degree at

Seven St. Louis companies make Fortune 500 list

For the second year in a row, seven area companies have made the Fortune 500 list, which is based on annual revenue. The compa-

of the department, transforming the previous Missouri Department of Higher Education of 50 employees located in Jefferson City to an organization of more than 300 employees located throughout the state. “I am humbled and honored by the opportunity to lead such a great organization,” said incoming LaunchCode CEO Julian Nicks.

“Since its founding, LaunchCode has had an incredible impact on our learners, our employer partners, and the broader local economy in the regions in which we operate.” Nicks earned a bachelor’s degree from Washington University in Saint Louis and an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business. He will relocate from Chicago to his hometown of St. Louis to lead LaunchCode’s growing national team and operations.

Washington University in 2003. He practiced as a private defense attorney until his appointment to the bench. He is a member of the Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church. He graduated from McKinley High School in St. Louis.

nies are: Centene (No. 25), Emerson Electric (No. 206), Reinsurance Group of America (No. 257), Edward Jones (No. 333), Graybar Electric (No. 378), Olin Corp (No. 410), and Ameren (No. 480).

Lynne R. Perkins

Julian Nicks has been named LaunchCode’s next chief executive officer.

Living It

Rip the raceway

Reception and fashion show fused the worlds of NASCAR and fashion design

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR), Confluence Music Festival, The Wendell Scott Foundation and Neiman Marcus St. Louis partnered for Runway to Raceway, kicking off NASCAR’s return to WWTR the first weekend of June.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with the Confluence Festival and World Wide Technology Raceway to kick off the weekend of NASCAR races in St. Louis,” said Dan Kramer, General Manager, Neiman Marcus St. Louis. “During the kick-off event, guests will enjoy the finest in fashion for men and women. Neiman Marcus strives to create memorable moments for our clients and guests, and we are so pleased to be able to offer a unique experience to visitors.”

The trio hosted Runway to Raceway

Models at the Runway to Raceway fashion show at Neiman Marcus St. Louis last Thursday, June 1. The event was produced by World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR), Confluence Music Festival, The Wendell Scott Foundation and Neiman Marcus to kick off NASCAR’s return to WWTR the last weekend.

fashion show LASTThursday, June 1, at

Neiman Marcus St. Louis inside Plaza Frontenac mall featuring designers, Amiri, Burberry, Givenchy, Dolce and Gabbana, Off-White, and more.

The event included a cocktail reception on the ground floor of Neiman

Marcus with exotic cars parked in front, music and hors d’oeuvres. It featured the modeling of NASCAR sensation Rajah Caruth (who raced the Wendell Scott Foundation No. 24 Chevrolet Silverado on LASTSaturday) and Justin Sweat (actor, model, and son of R&B legend Keith Sweat).

Justin is the star of the thrillers The Stepmother 1 & 2, and the third installment was scheduled to be released June 5th. All three can be seen on the stream-

ing app Tubi. Justin’s father Keith Sweat was in attendance supporting his son.

“I have always used fashion as a connector to help us execute our mission in regard to cultural enrichment. Raceway to Runway crystallizes that in a fun fashion-forward manner,” said Warrick Scott, Sr., grandson of Wendell Scott, the first Black NASCAR driver, and CEO of its namesake foundation.

Warrick’s wife, and executive director of Wendell Scott Foundation, Chinique Scott, walked during the show wearing a denim gold buttoned dress with gold accessories designed by Black fashion designer Harwell Godfrey. Godfrey is popular for 18-karat gold jewelry designed with enamel, graphic patterns, and adorned with gems.

Justin walked in fly threads, a purple muscle t shirt, distressed jeans, and gold necklaces. He also walked in a pink Casablanca tee with ombre shad-

N.Y. state of mind

Run-DMC to headline iconic hip-hop show at Yankee Stadium

NNPA Newswire

An a historic event that will pay homage to the roots of hip-hop, the legendary Yankee Stadium in New York City will host a star-studded concert commemorating the 50th anniversary of the genre.

Live Nation, the prominent entertainment company, has announced that the much-anticipated celebration, aptly named “Hip-Hop 50 Live,” will take place on August 11, symbolizing the day that hip-hop culture was born. The concert holds even greater significance than initially anticipated. It could be the final show for hip-hop trailblazers Run-DMC, who will grace the stage as the headlining act. Titled “Bottom of the 9th… The Walk Off,” their set alludes to the possibility that this performance will be the group’s last, adding excitement and nostalgia to the event.

Unfortunately, according to organizers, an original invitation extended

“Hip-Hop 50 Live” could be the final show for the hip-hop trailblazers, Run-DMC, who will grace the stage as the headlining act.

to the National Newspaper Publishers Association (NNPA) to cover the show from backstage will no longer be honored. The NNPA, representing over 230 African American newspapers and media companies, including esteemed publications like Rolling Out, EBONY,

‘Across tha River’

East St. Louis native emphasizes pride for her hometown in WashU exhibition

By Danielle Brown St. Louis American

“My forever home and North Star, this is for East Saint Louis, Illinois,” reads the text Allena Brazier wrote next to her piece “Back Home and Across tha River’’. “My forever home and North Star, this is for East Saint Louis, Illinois. A portrait of endless possibilities and truths. I’ve seen many weather the storm with you. Traveling 89 blocks and then crossed tha river just to talk about you. I started with you long ago and now it is my deepest honor to go back home and across tha river.”

Brazier’s piece is on display at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum until July 24.

The exhibition shows the scene of a basketball court with a basketball goal from Brazier’s home, a handmade court created with asphalt bound by railroad ties and sand bags. Brazier calls her installation “a hopeful ritual that invites play and wonder despite adversity.”

“I describe it as a geographical family and self portrait,” she said. “I’m really interested in analyzing the choices my ancestors made and how that led me to East St. Louis and getting my masters. Everything is aligned with one another.”

She attached photos of her family from both of her parents’ sides to the railroad ties on the asphalt.

n “This displays fun and joy within the family scene,and the generational choices that led me to be here while also celebrating the city.”

- Artist Allena Brazier

“This displays fun and joy within the family scene,and the generational choices that led me to be here while also celebrating the city,” she said. Brazier’s father outlined their family home with railroad ties. Over the years family and friends have played on those ties. In the installation she turned the ties vertically standing up as opposed to laying them down.

“The railroad ties connect to a sense of movement because of East St. Louis depicting a geographical scene,” she said. “A lot of railroads and the system of railroads outline the city they’re just woven within. I wanted to show that as well.”

The basketball goal represents play and Brazier depicts it as a sense of safety.

“The basketball goal was used to depict play and I use it as a form of safety.

The New York Amsterdam News, Chicago Defender, and the Philadelphia Tribune, expressed uncertainty about the access organizers would afford the Black Press.

“What does it mean to play or even have the space physically to play,” she said. “Also, mentally to have this aspect of joy or play as you grow up and you have adversity, how do you implement play for yourself?”

Growing up, basketball was also a core memory for Brazier. It was a major

Photo courtesy of Allena Brazier

“Back Home and Across tha River” installation created by East St. Louis native Allena Brazier is on display at the Mildred Lane Kemper Art Museum until July 24.

See Raceway, C8

Photo by Taylor Marrie | St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of the AP

Scenes from World Wide Technology Raceway’s second annual NASCAR Cup Series Week

Caruth, NASCAR sensation, in the Runway to

fashion show

St.

The World Wide Technology Raceway hosted the season’s 15th event of the Cup Series, the 13th for the Xfinity Series and the 12th for the Truck Series the first weekend of June 2023. The competition concluded with Enjoy Illinois 300 main race on Sunday, June 4, 2023. Local festivities began with the Runway to Raceway reception and fashion show on June 1, 2023. The event was produced by World Wide Technology Raceway (WWTR), Confluence Music Festival, The Wendell Scott Foundation and Neiman Marcus to kick off Nascar’s return to WWTR.

Carol Tolliver (left), Carter Tolliver (center) and Shanequa Tolliver (right) at the 15th event of the NASCAR Cup Series, hosted by World Wide Technology Raceway, on Saturday

NASCAR Cup Series driver Bubba Wallace, spent Sat., June 3, 2023, with students at an East St. Louis McDonald’s.

Rajah

Raceway

at Neiman Marcus

Louis Thursday, June 1.

Justin Sweat and his father, R&B legend Keith Sweat at the Runway to Raceway fashion show at Neiman Marcus St. Louis Thursday, June 1.

From left to right: Kenedi Jenkins, Justin Sweat, Chinique Scott, Keith Sweat, Warrick Scott, DJ Williams, Mya Turner, and Marylyn Phan at the Runway to Raceway fashion show at Neiman Marcus St. Louis Thursday, June 1.

Brothers with style and attitude at the 15th event of the NASCAR Cup Series hosted by World Wide Technology Raceway on Saturday, June 3, 2023 (left to right): Keshon, Iben and Kenneth.

(left to right): Jared Hayden, Morris Kevin Maxwell, Berlin Baldwin, James Powell and Gerald Jones of Jack Gaston No. 18 lodge were in full effect on Sat., June 3, 2023, at the 15th event of the NASCAR Cup Series hosted by World Wide Technology Raceway

Marquita Hardmon (left) and Deonna Young brought a lot of fun to the NASCAR Cup Series, hosted by World Wide Technology Raceway, on Sat., June 3, 2023.

Above: Flo Rida pumped up the crowd on Sat., June 3, 2023, at the 15th event of the NASCAR Cup Series

Left: Omega Marcus and AKA Tam Acoff show out during Toyota 200: NASCAR Craftsman Truck Series at WWT Raceway, Saturday, June 3, 2023.

Left to Right: Warrick Scott, Dave Steward II, Thelma Steward, Dave Steward, Roger Caruth, Danya Jackson, Phil Horton, and Hasina Starks at the Runway to Raceway fashion show at Neiman Marcus St. Louis Thursday, June 1.

Photos by Taylor Marrie and Wiley Price l St. Louis American

The Reed Family with Keith Sweat at the Runway to Raceway fashion show at Neiman Marcus.

Juneteenth and Black Music Month at the Missouri History Museum

By the Missouri Historical Society

Throughout June, the Missouri History Museum welcomes audiences of all ages to critically examine our local history and celebrate Juneteenth and Black Music Month with a variety of programs. All programs are free and will take place at the Museum unless otherwise noted.

Every Wednesday evening in June (6:00–8:00pm), The Collective STL presents Just Breathe STL, an intergenerational summer wellness experience on the Museum’s North Lawn featuring yoga, journaling, mindful art, music, live performances, and food. Those who enjoy walking, hiking, and biking can also take advantage of the trails in Forest Park. Registration for this weekly program is recommended through the free The Collective STL app.

As part of MHS’s Summer Family Fun Series on Wednesday, June 14 (10:00am–1:00pm), families can learn about a local connection to a formerly enslaved person and western pioneer, Clara Brown, through a musical presented by Mama Lisa and Fundisha Enterprises. Take a hip-hop workshop with the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis, enjoy a drum circle with an African djembe, and more. Visit mohistory.org/events/summer-family-fun-series for the complete series schedule.

The Juneteenth keynote, From New Orleans to Galveston to St. Louis and Beyond, will take place on Thursday, June 15 (5:30–8:00pm). Vanessa Slaughter, a native St. Louisan, will join Jim Vincent of the St. Louis African American History & Genealogy Society in a conversation tracing her family’s legacy to Galveston, Texas, in the 1860s. The evening will begin with a brief presentation about the history and meaning of Juneteenth by Dr. Geoff K. Ward of Washington University in St. Louis and end with a live performance by the Community Gospel Choir of St. Louis. For visitors who are blind or have low vision, audio description will be provided by MindsEye. Arrive early to enjoy happy hour with food and drink available for purchase, explore genealogical and family research at resource tables, learn more about the African American History Initiative, and visit the #1 in Civil Rights: The African American Freedom Struggle in St. Louis banner show. You can also add your own family’s origin and migration stories on our community map and explore the Museum’s exhibits, including

Soccer City and Coloring STL

On Friday, June 16, the Museum will offer a Juneteenth-themed Storytelling in the Museum program (10:30–11:00am) for children ages 2–5 and craft workshop for children ages 2–12 (11:00am–1:00pm).

On Saturday, June 17, celebrate St. Louis’s Black artists, musicians, and history with a Juneteenth Community Ride featuring live performances from area musicians, with historians and storytellers sharing the city’s history. This 11-mile guided group bike ride will take place on city streets at a slow pace for people of all comfort levels, followed by a block party with live music and food trucks. Riders will set off at 10:00am from the Tandy Recreation Center at 4206 Kennerly Avenue. Visit mohistory.org/ events/2023-juneteenth-community-ride for more information and to register. The Juneteenth Community Ride is presented by Trailnet, River City Outdoors, 4theVille, and MHS with support from the Regional Arts Commission. The following Saturday, June 24 (3:00–4:30pm), travel the Soul Train with the Legend Singers Reunion Concert Held on the Museum’s North Lawn, this outdoor concert will celebrate Black Music Month and 83 years of the Legend Singers’ continuous performance and preservation of Black folk music.

Juneteenth and Black Music Month programming will conclude with A Night with Bernie Hayes on Thursday, June 29 (5:30–8:00pm). Hayes, curator of the Wolff Jazz Institute at Harris-Stowe State University, founder of the National Black Radio Hall of Fame, and author of The Death of Black Radio: The Story of America’s Black Radio Personalities—A Personal Perspective, will lead an evening of storytelling and story-gathering in the style of a live radio show. Special guests will include radio and jazz greats of the past 50 years. Arrive early for a special happy-hour performance by soul singer Uvee Hayes in the Grand Hall. Food and drink will be available for pur-

The African American History Initiative and Juneteenth programming at the Missouri History Museum are sponsored by Wells Fargo.

SLSO presents 3rd annual Juneteenth IN UNISON concert

First Baptist Church of Chesterfield is host

American staff

The St. Louis Symphony Orchestra will present its third annual free community Juneteenth concert at 2 p.m. on Monday, June 19, 2023, in collaboration with IN UNISON Chorus partner First Baptist Church of Chesterfield (FBCC).

No tickets are required for this community celebration; RSVPs can be requested at slso.org.

Doors open at 1 p.m. and seating is first-come, firstserved.

SLSO musicians and vocalists from the SLSO’s IN UNISON Chorus and IN UNISON Scholars program will perform works by Black artists including John Carter, Rollo Dilworth, Robert Gibson, Florence Price, Andre Thomas, and William Grant Still.

Throughout the program, FBCC Pastor Rev. Christopher L. Rogers and IN UNISON Chorus members will discuss importance of Juneteenth, a federal holiday commemorating the emancipation of enslaved Black Americans, through spoken word and poetry.

The SLSO is also

partnering with St Louis County Parks to offer additional activities recognizing Juneteenth. Tours of African Schoolhouse No. 4—a one-room schoolhouse that educated Black children in Chesterfield that was restored in Faust Park and dedicated earlier this year – will take place from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Following the concert from 3:15 to 4:15pm, the FBCC memorial slave cemetery at the southeast corner of Wild Horse Creek Road and Chesterfield Parkway will be open to visitors. First Baptist Church of Chesterfield members and descendants of those memorialized at the cemetery will be on site to share the history of the cemetery.

“We own, and we preserve that site,” Rev. Rogers said during the church’s 175th anniversary celebration in 2021.

“It’s really a memorial garden. We maintain it, in terms of the landscaping, making sure that we preserve it for those families…who may still be here, who want to pay homage, or just pay respect to their loved ones.

“We stand on the shoul-

The IN UNISON Chorus performs at the inaugural free community Juneteenth concert in 2021. This year’s St. Louis Symphony Orchestra event is at 2 p.m. Monday June 19, 2023 at First Baptist Church of Chesterfield.

ders of those who came before us…it is our duty to honor them. The ones who fought, labored, and toiled…who had to deal with so much strife for us. We don’t want their labor to be in vain, so for us, it’s an honor to maintain their dignity. We owe it to them to ensure that we pick up that mantle and continue to move forward with it.”

First Baptist Church of Chesterfield traces its history back to the 1840s, when a group of enslaved people and their owners attended worship services together in what is now Chesterfield valley. They were granted the land, which they couldn’t even legally own at the time, by Missouri slaveholder Maria Long.

Housed in several buildings over the next 150 years, the church’s current location on Wild Horse Creek Road was completed in 1996. The SLSO’s IN UNISON Program began in 1992 as a partnership between the institution and predominantly Black churches in the St. Louis area. In the 30 years since

its founding, IN UNISON has grown to become the SLSO’s flagship community engagement, including:

-Partnerships with more than 30 churches throughout the region.

-The acclaimed IN UNISON Chorus, a resident chorus that specializes in the performance and preservation of music from African American and African expression. The chorus performs with the SLSO several times each season.

-The IN UNISON Academy, a series of academic support programs that include mentorships, scholarships, fellowships, and Young Artist opportunities with the IN UNISON Chorus.

The late Robert Ray, who passed away in December 2022, founded the St. Louis Symphony’s IN UNISON Chorus in 1994 and served as director until 2010. Ray worked with the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, as both St. Louis Symphony Chorus assistant, and later as IN UNISON director, for a total of 25 years. Previous SLSO Juneteenth concerts have taken place at partner churches Washington Metropolitan A.M.E. Zion Church and Greater Mount Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, both in St. Louis.

activities to nurture strong relationships with donors through activities that acknowledge, recognize, and meaningfully engage our supporters. Also responsible for specific general development activities, including assisting with gift processing and mailings, managing the Brick and Seat naming programs, and managing the electronic donor files.

This is a full-time position. Must be available to wor k outside of typical office hours, including some evenings and weekends. Must also be able to work outdoors during the summer season. PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

* Ability to work independently on multiple projects while meeting deadlines

* Prompt and courteous customer service skills

* Self starter, creative thinker with an ability to look at the “big picture”

* Proficient in all Microsoft Office products, with advanced knowledge of Microsoft Excel

Photo courtesy of SLSO

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/

REGULATORY REPORTING ANALYST I

The Regulatory Reporting Analyst is responsible for all aspects of quality, analysis and reporting of assigned data sets to insurance regulatory reporting bureaus and agencies. This position will partner with internal and external data providers to ensure the quality of incoming and outgoing data, as well as will work to resolve data issues and the elimination of root causes giving rise to such issues. To apply, please visit: https://www.safetynational.com/ careers-page/

CITY OF JENNINGS IS ACCEPTING APPLICATIONS

The City of Jennings is accepting applications for the following positions: City Services Director; Finance Director; Building Department Manager; Economic Development Planning Technician, Deputy Building Commissioner; Code Enforcement Inspector; Human Resource Coordinator; Human Resource Administrative Assistant; Building Department Administrative Assistant II; Fleet Maintenance/Mechanic; Correctional Officers; Court Clerk; Public Works Laborer; P/T Accounting Clerk; P/T Assistant to the City Clerk; P/T Public Works Laborers; P/T Site Monitor. Please see the full job descriptions online at www.cityofjennings.org or at Jennings City Hall (2120 Hord Avenue 63136). Applications are also available at the Jennings City Hall or on the website at www.cityofjennings.org

The City of Jennings is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Mid County Fire Protection District is seeking sealed bids for concrete removal and replacement. The RFP is available by email or at the office Monday through Friday 7:00am – 3:00pm beginning June 9th with sealed bids due back by 3:00pm Friday June 30th. Please reference RFP 202303 Concrete Removal and Replacement when requesting the RFP. Mid County Fire Protection District 1875 Pennsylvania Avenue

DOMESTIC VIOLENCE (DV) COURT SPECIALLY APPOINTED CONTEMPT ATTORNEY

The Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking a DV Court Specially Appointed Contempt Attorney. This position requires attendance at two Friday afternoon DV Court Order of Protection (OP) contempt dockets per month, and attendance at contempt trial special settings as needed; participation in OP violation contempt trials; and collaboration with court-appointed DV Court Defense Counsel or private counsel representing Respondents. The position additionally includes conducting independent research and other necessary court/trial preparation; reviewing documents and evidence submitted by Petitioners and Respondents or their attorneys; preparing memos, pleadings and other court documents as needed; and assisting with the on-boarding of new volunteer Specially Appointed Contempt Attorneys. This position also works closely and collaborates with DV Court program staff and other court personnel. This position can reimburse for up to 15 hours of work per month, at the rate of $75.00/hour.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: Graduation from an accredited law school, possession of a current license to practice law in the State of Missouri, at least three (3) years of trial experience, preferably in juvenile, family, or criminal law, and experience working with survivors of domestic or sexual violence (Note: This position is subject to continued availability of funding).

To apply, please send a current resume, along with a cover letter, to the following address (application materials must be postmarked by June 9, 2023: Attn: Human Resources Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central Ave., Clayton, MO 63105. OR Email same to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov. EOE.

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

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/

JR74605 Clinical Operations Manager – Surgery:

This position is responsible for the operational management of clinical services in the Department of Surgery This includes all operations necessary to deliver services such as electronic medical records systems, patient services / satisfaction, physician relationships, staff supervision (clinical and clerical), and quality / performance improvement; will include technical training and optimiza-

This position will also interface with person(s) responsible for scheduling / registration. Participates in the strategic planning and overall development of clinical services.

JR74267 Manager FPP Practice DevelopmentFaculty Practice Plan:

Assists FPP Executive Director, Physician Practice Development, with implementation and management of various strategic initiatives to expand and enhance the clinical practice. Manages projects related to development of new WUSM off-campus expansion opportunities including coordination of space planning, review of real estate opportunities and lease terms, facilitation of capital approvals, etc. Serves as primary point of contact for all off-campus lease coordination for WUSM. Provides consultation to Departments for evaluations of new business opportunities such as new physician alignment strategies or practice acquisitions. Assists with start-up of new WUCA primary care practices and recruitment of new primary care physicians as needed.

Medical Assistant Apprentice- JR72269

Would you like to be a Medical Assistant, but don’t have time or the funds to go to school? We have a solution! Once you pass our entrance requirements and are hired through Washington University, you can complete our Apprenticeship program in just 12 weeks. Upon completing, and passing the credentialing exam, along with being a continued employee for 1 year, you will receive recogniworking hours (4 hours a week), and there will be no tuition costs to you.

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

REQUEST FOR QUOTATIONS

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

CAASTLC is accepting sealed bids to provide labor and materials for Heating, Ventilating and Air Conditioning (HVAC) and mechanical 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, 6/12/2023, at 9:00 a.m. and will be available for downloading on CAASTLC’s homepage at https://www. caastlc.org

CAASTLC will have a Pre-bid Conference, via online Zoom Conference, on Friday, 6/23/2023, at 9:00 a.m. for questions, etc. The meeting link for this Conference will be available on CAASTLC’s homepage (https://www.caastlc.org/) the day of the Conference and the login attendee ID and password for this Conference will be in the bid packages.

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., Thursday, 6/29/2023.

Bids will be opened and read publicly, via online Zoom Conference, at 2:00 p.m., Friday, 6/30/2023 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.

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF

PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for PROFESSIONAL SERVICES FOR RELOCATION OF AIRFIELD MAINTENANCE AND SNOW REMOVAL EQUIPMENT FACILITIES AT ST. LOUIS

LAMBERT INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, July 26, 2023 through the Bid Express online portal at https:// www.bidexpress.com/businesses/20618/home?agency=true. RFQ may be obtained from BPS website https://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ government/departments/publicservice/, under BPS RFQ and RFP Announcement, or email Board of Public Service at bryanth@stlouis-mo.gov

25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace HVAC & Boiler, Project No. H2305-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 29, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The St. Louis County Port Authority requests proposals from a firm or multiple firms to provide programmatic and administrative professional services, in support of its operations to promote economic development in St. Louis County. A five percent bid preference may be available to certified MBE firms. A copy of the RFP is available at https://stlpartnership.com/ rfp-rfq/. Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, June 30, 2023. Equal Opportunity Employer

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 THURSDAY, JULY 13, 2023, BY 2 P.M. CDT for the Moss Field Athletic Complex Renovations. 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 WEDNESDAY, JUNE 21, 2023 FROM 9:00 A.M. UNTIL 10:00 A.M. AND WILL BE HELD AT THE HIXSON MIDDLE SCHOOL LOCATED AT 630 SOUTH ELM 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 TO THE EAST PARKING LOT NEXT TO MOSS FIELD FOR EACH CONTRACTOR TO VISIT THE SITE.

ATTENDANCE AT BOTH MEETINGS IS MANDATORY.

By: Mr. Rob Steuber Construction Project Manager

PUBLIC NOTICE

The Assessment Books or Records, containing the assessments of taxable property in the City of St. Louis for the year 2023, are open for inspection in the Assessor’s Office, Room 114, City Hall. The 2023 values can also be viewed at https:// www.stlouis-mo.gov/data/ address-search/.

The Board of Equalization will meet beginning in July 2023, during regular business hours, and will remain in session pursuant to State Law. Any person may appeal the assessment of their property by emailing appeal@stlouis-mo.gov or writing to the Board of Equalization, 1200 Market St., Room 120, St. Louis, MO 63103.

Any appeal to the Board of Equalization is required to be filed in the Assessor’s Office on or before July 10, 2023. Michael R. Dauphin City of St. Louis Assessor

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Construct Solar Arrays at Fort Leonard Wood Readiness Center, Project Nos. T2224-01, T2229-01, and T2231-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 29, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

B i d s f o r A u d i t o r i u m Renovation, Ike Skelton Training Site, Jefferson City, MO, Project No.T2218-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 27, 2023. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

PARIC Corporation is requesting bids to make subcontract awards from for the new St. Louis Community College Florissant Valley Campus’ New Advanced Manufacturing Building, for all scopes of work required by the documents. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link. If you do not receive a bid invitation please send your company information to tlalexaner@paric.com

SCOPES ARE REQUESTED BY FRIDAY JUNE 16th @ 10:00 AM

BIDS ARE REQUESTED MONDAY JUNE 19th before 2:00 PM, THIS IS 24 HOURS BEFORE WE ARE DUE TO THE OWNER.

This is for the construction of a new ~96,000 SF, three story, Type II-B Construction, steel framed building, including all associated site and civil work. Building will be built on an existing parking lot. Mechanical systems will tie-in to the campus Central Plant. Estimated construction value is +/- $40M.

Project is sales tax exempt and is subject to Missouri Division of Labor Standards Annual Wage Order No. 29.

The College has the proposed minority goals of MBE 15% and WBE 12%

The Owner is committed to providing minority business enterprises and women business enterprises (MBE/WBE) with an equal opportunity to do business with the Saint Louis Community College. The Owner has adopted the following to address equitable MBE/WBE involvement in the Project. The achievement by Bidders of the MBE/ WBE participation and/or the efforts to obtain MBE/WBE participation will be considered in the award of all contracts. A firm must be certified or be in the process of obtaining certification from one of the following, but not limited to: ---SLDA St. Louis Development Agency ---MDOT Missouri Department of Transportation ---IDOT Illinois Department of Transportation ---CDB Illinois Capital Development Board ---METRO ---St. Louis Airport

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 LETTERS OF INTEREST FOR DESIGN-BUILD SERVICES

The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) is soliciting Letters of Interest from companies interested in providing Design-Build services for the Safety Improvements Project: A Lifesaving Partnership in MoDOT’s St. Louis District.

The project’s primary purpose is to implement safety improvements across the St. Louis region using a data-driven approach. Design-Build teams will be provided with a list of locations and potential improvements for those locations so they can maximize the impact of the project resources.

One Design-Build team will be selected to design and construct the project. MoDOT will use a Best Value selection process to evaluate the ability of the Design-Build proposers to meet or exceed the project goals:

1. Reduce fatal and serious injury crashes within the budget of $49 million.

2. Maximize safety improvements for pedestrians and roadway users distributed equitably across the project area.

3. Provide improvements with reasonable maintenance and service life.

4. Construct improvements with an emphasis on safety for workers and the traveling public.

5. Deliver the project by June 30, 2026 using a diverse workforce.

A meeting is scheduled at 2:30 p.m. on Thursday, July 6th, 2023. The meeting will be held at 14301 South Outer Forty Road, Chesterfield, MO 63017 in Conference Room 209. In person attendance is strongly encouraged, however a virtual option will also be available. A link to the meeting will be available on the project website at https://www.modot.org/SLSafetyProject. It is anticipated the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) will be released that same day. At the meeting, a presentation will be made on the project, followed by a question and answer period.

Firms interested in receiving Safety Improvements Project information should send a one-page Letter of Interest to MoDOT via email to SLSafetyProject@modot.mo.gov no later than Friday, June 30th, 2023, to ensure that you receive all information. The Letters of Interest will allow MoDOT to compile a list of interested companies for notices and any announcements relating to this project.

Address all letters or emails to:

Stacey Smith, P.E. Project Director Safety Improvements Project: A Lifesaving Partnership SLSafetyProject@modot.mo.gov

Include in your Letter of Interest the company name and a contact person at your company including, address, phone number, and e-mail. Please indicate if your firm is a Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE).

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

LETTING NO. 8759

TURNER PARK COMFORT STATION RENOVATIONS

Electronic bids submitted through the Bid Express Online Portal will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 PM, CT, on JUNE 27, 2023, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined and downloaded online through Bid Express.

An optional pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held June 6, 2023 at 10:00 a.m. The pre-bid conference will be held at the existing Comfort Station at Turner Park located at 4101 West Belle Place, St. Louis, MO.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including MBE/WBE policies).

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order 11246, “Notice of Requirement for Affirmative Action to Ensure Equal Employment Opportunity”, the “Equal Opportunity Clause” and the “Standard Federal Equal Employment Specifications” set forth within and referenced at www.stl-bps.org (Announcements).

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

INVITATION TO BID:

Blackline Design and Construction is seeking qualified Minority Business Enterprise (MBE’s) & Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE’s) proposals for the interior and exterior alterations of the former Rock Spring School Building located at 3974 Sarpy Ave, St. Louis, MO 63110. Scope consists of, but are not limited to the following: Excavation/Grading, Concrete Foundations/Flatwork, Masonry, Aluminum Fence, Gates, & Operators, Metal Railing, Carpentry, Lumber, Casework, Millwork, Countertops, Materials, Mailbox, Building Signage, Doors/Frames/ Hardware, Windows/Film/Glazing, Appliances, Metal Stud Framing, Drywall, Insulation, Flooring, Tile, Roofing, Sheet Metal, Gutters, Downspouts, Painting, Plumbing, HVAC, Electrical, Fire Protection, Fire Extinguishers & Cabinets, Fill, Finish Grading, Landscaping, Plantings, Asphalt Parking Lot, Steel Bollards

Site walks scheduled for 6/13, 9am-11am & 6/22, 1pm-3pm. Proposals are due via email by close of business Friday, 7/14/23.

For details and more information: Bid Documents: https://www. dropbox.com/sh/1cq3wlg1fsjs22n/ AABxJrj7rLAZpuF0HZGV1Vdna ?dl=0 or contact Jenny McKie at: jmckie@blacklinestl.com or (314) 391-8900

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F23-302D, Building envelope and elevators, divisions 4, 7, 8, 9 (steel stud only) and 14 for the new 140,000 sq. ft., 4 story building at St Louis Community College, Wildwood Campus, 2645 Generations Drive, Wildwood Mo. Bids closing electronically at bids@bsistl.com until 2:00 p.m. local time June 29, 2023. Documents available through the construction manager representing St Louis Community College for this project. Construction managers Kwame Building Group Inc project manager Ernie Keller, ekeller@kwamebuildinggroup. com

The College has the proposed minority goals MBE 15% and WBE 12%

The College also proposes their subcontractors employ apprentices in each of the building trades involved in this project.

Individuals with special needs as addressed by the Americans with Disabilities Act may contact: 314-644-9039

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Playground Replacements at Meramec State Park, Project No. X2108-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, July 13, 2023, via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered to bid. Project information available at: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities The State of Missouri, OA-FMDC, hereby notifies all bidders that it will affirmatively ensure that in any contract entered into pursuant to this advertisement, businesses owned and controlled by socially and economically disadvantaged individuals will be afforded full opportunity to submit bids in response to this invitation and will not be discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, creed, sex, age, ancestry or national origin in consideration for an award. Federal Land and Water Conservation Funds are being used in this project, and all relevant federal, state and local requirements apply.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Heartland Regional Investment Fund, LLC issues this Request for Proposals to retain a firm or firms to assist with the preparation and filing of its 2023 New Market Tax Credit Application. A five percent bid preference may be available to certified MBE firms. A copy of the RFP is available at https:// stlpartnership.com/rfp-rfq/ Proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM on Friday, June 30, 2023.

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS

BSI Constructors Inc., 6767 Southwest Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63143 (314-781-7820), is the General Contractor on Citygarden 9th Street Expansion and is interested in receiving subcontract bids and/or material quotations from qualified subcontractors, qualifying Minority and Women’s Business Enterprises on any or all portions of the contractual work scopes. Scopes of work include: Site Demolition, Cast-In-Place Concrete, Masonry, Metal Fabrication, Metal Edging, Custom Wood Seating, Joint Sealants, Site Furnishings, Electrical, Earth Moving, Concrete, Paving, Stone Paving, Crushed Stone Paving, Granite Curbing, Planting Soils, Landscape, and Site Utilities. It is the intent of BSI and the Owner to encourage qualified Minority Women owned firms to participate in the execution of the work. Please contact BSI Constructors for access to bidding documents.

Project Name

Citygarden 9th St. Expansion Requested Bid Date & Time 801 Market St. Thursday, June 22nd St. Louis, MO 63101 TIME: 2:00PM

Architect: Nelson Byrd Woltz Landscape Architects

BSI IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Phone: 314-781-7820 Fax: 314-781-1354

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

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.

BIDS REQUESTED

NEW CONSTRUCTION

Section 3 / MBE /WBE Encouraged

42 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 REQUEST

The City of Wellston is accepting bids from proven contractors to repair potholes. A mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held to survey the scattered sites. Interested parties should contact the city’s City Clerk/ Administrator via email (jann.trigg@gmail.com) by 5:00 pm on Wednesday, June 21, 2023. The sites survey will take place on Friday, June 23, 2023 at 10:00 am.

SECTION 001113

ADVERTISEMENT FOR BIDS-SHORT

Electronically Sealed Bids For The Hereinafter Mentioned Project Will Be Received Online By The Board Of Public Service Through Bid Express At Https:// Www.Bidexpress.Com/Businesses/20618/Home. Proposals Must Be Submitted Before 1:45 Pm, St. Louis Time, On Tuesday, June 27, 2023. The Proposals Will Then Be Publicly Opened And Read.

The Bidder must pay $40 to submit a bid through the Bid Express Service. Monthly subscriptions are available. Project Name: Concrete & Brick Removal/Replacement and Complete Sidewalk Installation (SP-117) Letting No.: 8760

Authorizing Ordinance: 71650

Contract Time: 280 Working Days.

Schedule Related Liquidated Damages Per Day: $250.00

Project Contact Person, Email: Helen Bryant, BryantH@stlouis-mo.gov

Estimated Cost: $900,000.00

Bid Deposit: $22,725.00

Bid Opening Location: Via Zoom: https://us02web.zoom. us/j/83445052494?pwd=eHZvQIRESxmxBREhJWjZFLzVBcitSUT09

The proposed Work includes: Replacement of curbs, sidewalks and other incidental construction in the public right of way related to the City’s 50/50 Sidewalk Program.

Plans, Specifications, and the Agreement may be examined online through Bid Express at https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses20618/home and may be downloaded for free.

A MANDATORY pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held in Room 305 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, MO 63103 at 10:00 AM on June 6, 2023. All bidders who did not attend the pre-bid meeting for Contract SP-116 (Letting #8758) are required to attend the pre-bid meeting in order to be eligible to bid on the project.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State, and Federal laws (including M/WBE policies).

The right of the Board of Public Service to reject any or all bids is expressly reserved.

Raceway

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ed denim jeans while his father’s song “I Want Her” blared through the speakers. Rajah showed us what being the face of the next generation of NASCAR looks like in a black and white wax denim suit, a Balenciaga tee shirt, a green Versace crossbody bag, and chunky Prada loafers.

As Q-Tip’s 1999 feel-good track “Vivrant Thing” played on the runway one model appeared giving us a Hilary Banksesque “Clueless” ensemble in a preppy pink and white shirt and skirt set with nude heels.

All the looks thrilled the crowd and were presented in ways that showed how they can be rocked in everyday life. But the look that stole the show was a diamond encrusted white shirt with a black skirt that had a detachable hem.

“Yasss!” Some of the crowd yelled as the model detached the hem and swung it around her shoul-

ders.

The Raceway to Runway fashion show fused the worlds of American drag racing with the worlds of fashion and

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sport and one the community played outside often. Where you normally see a free throw line on the court she wrote the word red line to represent how that system is parallel to playing basketball.

“When you play basketball and a foul is called on you get free throws, but if

Hip-Hop

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Rocky Bucano, the executive director of the Universal Hip Hop Museum, revealed that Mass Appeal, the production company in charge of

you cross that free throw line those points don’t count,” she said. “I like to parallel playing basketball with life.”

The title of Brazier’s exhibition is poetic for her because her paternal grandfather was a child in the East St. Louis Race Riot in 1917.

“A lot of people from East St. Louis fled to St. Louis for safety, that’s a part of my work safety,” she said. “His [my grandfather’s] family ended up

the event, holds the reins regarding press privileges.

Messages left for officials at Mass Appeal weren’t immediately returned.

The concert’s lineup is an homage to the pioneers of hip-hop, with DJ Kool Herc, credited as the originator of the genre, and his sister Cindy Campbell, who organized the seminal party in 1973, leading the “Pillars of Hip-Hop” set.

Accompanying them are esteemed figures such as Grandmaster Caz, Kurtis Blow, Mele Mel, Roxanne Shante, Scorpio, and The Sugar Hill Gang.

Joining Run-DMC as co-headliners are iconic artists Snoop Dogg, Lil Wayne, and Ice Cube, promising electrifying collaborations and surprise guest appearances during their performances.

The lineup boasts impressive talent, featuring T.I., Fat Joe, Common, EPMD, Slick Rick, Ghostface Killah, Lupe Fiasco, A$AP Ferg, and more.

The concert will also feature a “Queens of HipHop” set, showcasing powerhouse female artists Eve, Lil Kim, Remy Ma,

luxury. It was an event that displayed that class is possible for all, even if you don’t come from wealth.

staying in St. Louis, but they moved back to East St. Louis, that’s part of generational choices.” Brazier is an alumna of East St. Louis Senior High School. She has a Bachelors of Fine Arts degree with a minor in art history from Southern Illinois UniversityEdwardsville. She just received her Masters of Fine Arts from Washington University in St. Louis.

and Trina, with the possibility of additional guests joining them on stage.

To keep the energy flowing throughout the event, renowned DJs Battle Cat, Clark Kent, Mannie Fresh, and Marley Marl promise to provide captivating sets for what’s expected to be a sold-out crowd.

Speculation regarding Run-DMC’s future has been circulating since January, when co-founder Darryl “DMC” McDaniels hinted that the group, unable to carry on without the late DJ Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell, would bid farewell with one last monumental concert this year.

Speaking with LL Cool J’s Rock The Bells Radio, McDaniels acknowledged that Run-DMC’s essence rested in the triumvirate of talent, stating, “We can’t be Run-DMC without Jay.”

Many anticipate Run DMC’s final performance will count as a poignant tribute to their legacy and a testament to the enduring impact of their music.

Pre-sale tickets for “Hip Hop 50 Live” are available through

Photo by Taylor Marrie | St. Louis American

Mya Turner and DJ Williams at the Runway to Raceway fashion show at Neiman Marcus St. Louis.