June 2nd, 2022 edition

The St. LouiS AmericAn

Jayson Tatum propels Celtics to NBA Finals

By Earl Austin Jr. The St. Louis American

Jayson Tatum sent a text to the phone of the late Kobe Bryant last Sunday before he and the Boston Celtics took on the Miami Heat in Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference Finals.

“I got you today,” is what Tatum wrote.

Tatum scored a team-high 26 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out six assists to lead the Celtics to a100-96 victory and a berth in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

Game 1 of the series is at 7 p.m. tonight, June 2, 2022, and Warriors coach Steve Kerr knows stopping Tatum is paramount for his team.

“[He’s] one of the very best in the league for

Jayson Tatum scored a teamhigh 26 points, grabbed 10 rebounds, and dished out six assists to lead the Celtics to a100-96 victory and a berth in the NBA Finals against the Golden State Warriors.

By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American

Formal settings typically require guests to maintain a certain decorum. The emcee may ask everyone to hold their applause at graduation ceremonies until all the graduates cross the stage. Last Thursday, The St. Louis American

Foundation’s 11th Annual Salute to Young Leaders awards and networking program presented by Midwest BankCentre at The Four Seasons, showcased honorees in a professional, yet spontaneous, intimate and, exuberant manner in the sold out ballroom.

Rebeccah Bennett, founder and principal of Emerging Wisdom (the night’s mistress of ceremonies), strongly advised all 400 attend

ees to loudly and proudly praise the 25 Black young professionals under 40 when they stepped on stage to receive their awards..

“I am not asking you not to shout out the name of your loved one,” Bennett said. “I’m not asking you not to drum roll, not ‘SkeeWee,’ and not do any of those things. This

STEM the tide

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

There is a race on, and the St. Louis region is picking up speed. The competition involves the area beating out others for bright minds, bold concepts, and creative thinking. Keys to the effort are science, technology, engineering, and math [STEM] education, diversity, and commitment to finishing first when the day is over.

The Illinois 300 NASCAR race at World Wide Technology Raceway [WWTR] in Madison, Illinois on Sunday, June 5, 2022, is a gem in WWT Chairman and Founder David Steward’s plan to help guide the region to the checkered flag. It was a coup in landing the race, but WWT’s commitment is driven year-round. There is no low gear.

“This is Dave’s mission. He loves racing and he saw an opportunity to partner with Gateway Raceway [as naming sponsor] to invest in the region and help bring diversity and inclusion to a sport that seeks to increase both,” Juanita Logan, WWT Corporate Development Program senior director, told The St. Louis American.

“A major part of that mission is using racing to increase career readiness. There is so much untapped potential, and there is a natural connection [between] motor sports and STEM.”

STL County to boost mental health services

By Sarah Fentem St. Louis Public Radio

St. Louis County Health officials this year are seeing more patients who need mental health services than they have in any of the past five years, and County Executive Sam Page wants to use a portion of federal coronavirus relief dollars to bolster the county’s flagging mental health services. Mental health resources for uninsured patients and those on Medicaid are particularly in need of money, Page said during a briefing Wednesday morning.

“Based on the first quarter of this year, the Department of Public Health is on track to see more patients that need mental health services than in the last five years,” he said. The health department is on track to see 3,000 patients for mental health concerns, based on the first quarter of the year, he said. The St. Louis County Department of Public Health sees patients at its three clinics in Berkeley, Pine Lawn and Sunset Hills. Health workers also refer patients to health services at several other nonprofit organiza-

Photo courtesy of the AP

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Yara Shahidi earns degree from Harvard

Actress Yara Shahidi is the latest celeb to receive her college degree, graduating from Harvard University. She enrolled in 2017 and received her degree on May 26 after penning a 136-page thesis.

She told Vogue she studied in the Social Studies & African American departments, where her focus was “Black political thought under a neocolonial landscape.”

“It’s surreal to have finally hit this major milestone,” Shahidi said. “I’ve known I wanted to go to college since I was four. By 17, I knew exactly what I wanted to study, so to see that come to fruition is a goal fulfilled.”

To commemorate her celebratory day, she shared her grad photos on Instagram.

“Yara (noun): a Harvard graduate #ITSOFFICIAL #CLASSOF2022,” she wrote.

Cora Jakes Coleman’s estranged husband arrested, woman accused them of manipulation

Disturbing details surfaced on Larry Reid

For her grad attire, she donned a custom red Dior two-piece suit with her cap and gown to match her university’s colors.

“I wanted to make sure the look didn’t feel too formal but leaned into the fact that this is a joyous occasion — something that felt vibrant and bright,” she said.

Live about Cora Jakes Coleman’s estranged husband, Richard Brandon Coleman

According to the platform, Richard was arrested for child molestation charges.

Earlier this year, Cora announced on social media that she and Richard were divorcing.

A family source told outlets that Richard Coleman allegedly inappropriately touched a family member

The source also allegedly claims there’s a possibility that more than touching has happened. In early May, Richard Coleman was arrested for sexual assault.

In addition to those allegations, the biological mother of their adopted son Jason, 7, has publicly come to social media to voice her accusations.

In an online video, the woman alleges the Coleman’s “manipulated” her into letting them adopt the boy. She also said she feared

Jason might be in harm’s way following Richard Coleman’s arrest.

Laverne Cox, first transgender woman with her own Barbie doll

Actress and LGBTQ activist Laverne Cox has her own Barbie doll coming out.

On Wednesday, Mattel announced the company was releasing a Barbie doll in Cox’s likeness. This is the first time in the brand’s history a doll will be created to represent a transgender woman.

The doll’s wardrobe includes a burgundy tulle gown, high-heel boots, a shimmery metallic bodysuit, and silver earrings.

“It’s been a dream for years to work with Barbie to create my own doll,” Cox said in a statement. “I can’t wait for fans to find my doll on shelves and have the opportunity to add a Barbie doll modeled after a transgender person to their collection.”

The Tribute Series Barbie will be available starting Tuesday at Walmart, Target, Amazon, and MattelCreations.com.

“We are proud to highlight the importance of inclusion and accep tance at every age and to recognize Laverne’s significant impact on culture with a Tribute Collection Barbie,” Lisa McKnight, executive

vice president and global head of Barbie and Dolls at Mattel, said in a statement.

Isaiah Rashad comes out as sexually fluid

After months of staying relatively quiet about his leaked sex tape, rapper Isaiah Rashad has finally addressed his sexual preferences.

In an interview with Joe Budden’s podcast, he admits he’s sexually fluid.

“I’m still learning about it myself,” Rashad said. “I’m putting my head in books to find out its basics. I’m not in full control of when I walk into a room, who I’m attracted to.”

He also said he’s attracted to personality and intellect.

Last month, he briefly referenced the leaked footage at Coachella with a video montage of interviews and conversations surrounding the In February, a video publicly released online of him and another male engaging in sexual acts sparked many question about his sexuality.

Sources: The Jasmine Brand, All Hip Hop, USA Today, Pop Sugar

SLPS, Teachers Local 420 agree to landmark contract

Will enhance benefits, compensation

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Last week marked the end of the SLPS 2021-22 school year and was also the beginning of a new era between the district and American Federation of Teachers Local 420.

After re-opening contract negotiations, a year earlier, the parties have approved a deal that will enhance benefits and compensation, “across the board,” according to an SLPS release.

The agreement, which runs through 2026, will help SLPS “lead the way in tackling inflation, eliminate the pay gap that has existed compared to suburban districts, and launch a first of its kind effort to draw the best teachers to the neediest schools.”

Superintendent Dr. Kelvin Adams said, “We are sending a clear message that SLPS is ‘all in’ when it comes to a commitment to putting the best people and resources in all of our schools.”

The deal more than doubles the previously scheduled raise to offer an unprecedented 8% pay increase effective July 1, 2022, with 3% raises following in the next two years.

“These increases will apply to all district full-time employees with the exception of nurses and custodians who are still in negotiations,” Adams said.

“This action, combined with retention bonuses adding up to $10,000, will make SLPS the second highest paying starting spot for new teachers in the metropolitan area, and make it competitive on the tight job market across all job categories.”

Included in the contract is establishment of the Pilot Equity Placement and Pay Fund, which is designed to bring the district’s best teachers to schools in the most underserved communities. SLPS will commit $3 million annually from the 2023-2024 school year through the 2025-2026 year to provide extra pay to teachers who work in the district’s most impoverished schools.

“This is SLPS putting words into action where its counts in support of our long-standing commitment to equity,” Adams said.

“We want to pair our best teachers with the children who need the most help and we intend to ensure that our most underserved schools the best paying ones for our educators.

This is what equity looks like; seeing that children with the greatest needs are given the means to catch up with the rest.”

“After extensive discussion, our members voted overwhelmingly to not let the perfect be the enemy of the good,” Ray Cummings, Local 420 president said in a statement.

The “good things” according to Cummings, include a $1,000 retention stipend for all employees in August and the raises of 8%, 3% and 3% over the next 3 years.

“The package also rewarded coaches and department heads with raises many had not had a raise in years. Continued discussion of Equity issues

and clear salary schedules are included. Safety Officers were treated especially well in this offer.”

Of concern, according to Cummings, was compensation increases “less generous particularly to teacher assistants, library assistants, in-school-suspension monitors, and family specialists…and the

attendance incentive package which on face value appears to reward attendance over caution during a pandemic.”

Board of Education President Matt Davis called the agreement “one of the most important things we have had the chance to approve in quite some time.”

“I compliment the district and the union leaders for thinking outside of the normal contract schedule to make this happen for our teachers who truly deserve it.”

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Fathers & Families

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Girls &

Cummings, Local 420 president, Antionette “Toni” Cousins, SLPS board vice president, and Dr. Kelvin Adams, SLPS superintendent.

Photo courtesy of SLPS

“The

answer is in the deafening silence of white people who are afraid of white people who espouse white power and white privilege.”

The deafening silence of White Americans after Buffalo

By Robert Walker-Smith

My dream has been shattered.

I was born and raised in Rochester, New York, some 55 miles east of Buffalo. As a native “Upstater,” my family would go on trips to Buffalo to shop and then spend some time in Niagara Falls looking at the Falls. Then, we would come back to Buffalo to have dinner at Gigi’s Restaurant on East Ferry Street.

As an adult, I found myself taking the same trips to Buffalo to shop with my wife and our children. We would visit family and friends, go to the Buffalo Zoo, head over to Niagara Falls, and cross over to the Canadian side to spend money and shop. But we would always come back to Buffalo to have dinner at Gigi’s. On our way back to Rochester, we have often stopped at the Tops Supermarket on Jefferson Avenue to pick up snacks for our trip back to Rochester. I have family there. I have friends there. I have been in that Tops Supermarket. I am angry. I am frustrated.

I grieve for the lives lost on Saturday, May 14, 2022. But most of all, I’m tired.

dominantly Black neighborhood to commit these killings? What are Black people supposed to say to their children and grandchildren — that this nation is a place where you will not be judged by the color of your skin, but by the content of your character?

I’m tired. I’m tired of white people who develop these weapons of racial terrorism, such as the “great replacement theory” and “critical race theory.” I’m tired of “don’t say gay” laws and the potential rollback of Roe v. Wade.

I’m tired of what is so obvious in this nation: America is a country of “national sin” where you are judged by the color of your skin, the neighborhood you live in, the car you drive, and who you love.

As a young Black boy, I held great promise in this nation. I believed in Dr. King’s dream that I could live in this nation where I would not be judged by the color of my skin but by the content of my character.

While I have seen change in this nation over my lifetime, the “national sin” — or what Jim Wallis calls “America’s Original Sin” of being judged for the color of my skin — continues to persist and manifest in ways that I never thought would happen.

Black people in the United States have historically dealt with slavery, lynchings, false arrests, and police brutality at the hands of white people. Now, President Biden called the killing of 10 Black people in a predominantly Black neighborhood in Buffalo, New York, “terrorism.”

As a Black man, how can I not be angry, frustrated, grieving, mistrusting, suspicious, sad, and tired? How do we even try to talk about Black people going about the everyday task of going to a supermarket and being murdered — never coming home to their families, friends, and loved ones?

I can’t even begin to understand the phone calls and text messages that were made in the aftermath of the massacre. How do we wrap our heads around someone driving 300 miles from a predominantly white neighborhood to a pre-

This week, I have come to the full recognition that I have what diversity and inclusion expert Mary-Frances Winters calls “Black Fatigue.”

Winters describes black fatigue as “the day-to-day small acts of aggression, or small acts of disrespect” that a Black person endures — the endless need to prove your worth, and the constant exposure to news media reporting about injustice and violence being inflicted on people who look like you.

Winters says that Black people need to take care of themselves. How do I take care of myself? How do I trust people who don’t look like me? How do I trust white colleagues who look like the very perpetrators of this violence?

The answer is in the deafening silence of white people who say nothing. The answer is in the deafening silence of white people who are afraid of white people who espouse white power and white privilege. The answer is in the deafening silence of white people who are afraid of white people who commit these murderous acts of racial terrorism against human beings going to the supermarket on a sunny Saturday morning in Buffalo, New York.

I’ve discovered that the answer is in white people who must speak up against white people who are the perpetrators of injustice, racism, and bigotry. White people must rise up against the national sin that continues to manifest itself. The dream that Dr. King talked about in 1963 is a nightmare for the 10 Black people gunned down on Saturday, May 14, 2022.

So the question becomes: Will white people stop the deafening silence and help me dream again?

Robert Walker-Smith is digital revenue director for the Knight x LMA BloomLab at the Local Media Association.

Commentary

We should not tolerate continued inaction

By Ben Jealous

The mass killings at the elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, 10 days after the white supremacist killings in Buffalo, New York, are further evidence of how deeply our society is broken, and how urgently we need to figure out how to begin fixing it. The slaughter of so many young children and two of their teachers is shocking at a human level. It is absolutely gutting to me as a parent of school-age children. Millions of us send our kids off to school every day, trying to set aside the knowledge gnawing at our insides that our school and our kids could be next. It should be unimaginable, and in most countries it is. But it is not unimaginable in our country. It is so not unimaginable that we subject our young children to the trauma of live shooter drills. We make teachers responsible for preparing students to deal with what too many of our policymakers have decided is not worth trying to prevent.

A decade ago, after the slaughter of elementary school students and educators at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Connecticut, most Republican senators used filibuster rules to block passage of a bill to require background checks for all gun purchases. That is about the least we could do to try to limit gun violence. It is supported by most Americans, including most gun owners. We see similarly misplaced priorities at the state level. According to news

reports, the killings in Uvalde were the fifth mass shooting in the state during Gov. Greg Abbott’s tenure. After previous mass killings, Texas Republicans weakened gun regulations.

In 2015, Abbott urged Texans to buy more guns, tweeting that he was “embarrassed” that the state was falling behind California in gun purchases. Just last year, Abbott signed legislation to loosen gun restrictions, making it possible for Texans to carry handguns without any license or training.

These recent shootings come at a time when violence is increasingly being normalized and justified by irresponsible leaders. This column was written one day after the murders in Uvalde, on the two-year anniversary of the police killing of George Floyd, a reminder that Black Americans are all too familiar with the threat that “routine” interactions with police can turn deadly. In response to widespread protests against Floyd’s killing, extremists mobilized armed mobs with false fear mongering claims that “antifa” and Black Lives Matter activists were planning to ransack suburbs and small towns. Far right-wing activists also insist that the

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

The time for action is now

By Marc H. Morial

In the two years since Minneapolis police murdered George Floyd, police have killed more than 2,000 people in the United States – even more in 2021 than in 2020. Black Americans remain nearly three times as likely as whites to be killed by police.

Yet many in Congress still refuse to act.

President Biden’s executive order on policing, issued on the anniversary of Floyd’s murder, incorporates several elements of 21 Pillars for Redefining Public Safety and Restoring Community Trust, the National Urban League’s own plan for enhancing public safety and restoring trust between communities and law enforcement.

The executive order, which directly impacts about 100,000 Federal law enforcement officers, sets forth a model for state and local law enforcement agencies and uses carrots and sticks and incentives to encourage those agencies to make the same kind of reforms. It represents a measure of meaningful change and a critical acknowledgment of the pervasive systemic racism that has shattered the trust between police and communities of color.

But it is no substitute for the broad federal legislation we have sought, or for the full implementation of our 21 Pillars in every community across the nation.

On June 9, I’ll join Gwen Grant, President and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, for the latest stop in our 21 Pillars Tour, which already has included events in Louisville, Kentucky, Columbus, Ohio, and Chicago, Illinois. In each of these cities,

trust between the police and the communities they serve was broken. In Louisville, the officers who shot and killed Breonna Taylor in a botched raid escaped consequences after prosecutors misled a grand jury. In Columbus, police used physical violence, tear gas and pepper spray against peaceful protesters without provocation in what a federal judge called “the sad tale of officers, clothed with the awesome power of the state, run amok.” A recent study of Chicago police found that their misconduct is a group phenomenon, involving more than 1,000 “deviant, even criminal” officers, that inflict outsized harm in communities of color. And in Kansas City, officers are accused of excessive and deadly force against Black and brown Kansas Citians, constitutional violations, and discriminatory patterns and practices.

The 21 Pillars centers on five key themes that are fundamental to the protection and preservation of life, dignity, trust, and safer communities: collaboration, accountability, changing divisive policies, transparency, and elevated standards for hiring and training police. The Tour is aimed at familiarizing communities with the plan’s objectives, amplifying the issues and concerns relevant in each city, and advocating for policy solutions.

Second Amendment allows private ownership of even the most powerful military weapons, so that they can be turned against a “tyrannical” government.

We are also just days away from congressional hearings on the violent Jan. 6, 2021 insurrection at the U.S. Capitol. We will hear about extremists in the so-called Stop the Steal movement who threatened civil war if Trump did not stay in power. In spite of Republican efforts to sabotage the investigation, we will learn more about the crimes that led to that day’s deadly violence. And the violent rhetoric goes on: Trump himself recently used his own social media platform to amplify a self-identified MAGA activist’s prediction of – or call for – civil war. That is utterly irresponsible.

Scholars have identified the kind of polarization taking place in our country, and the kind of diminished commitment to democracy we have seen among Trump Republicans, as predictors of a country’s vulnerability to civil war.

For families who lost loved ones in Buffalo and Uvalde, and for the many communities that have been scarred by mass murder, it may feel like that war has already arrived. That suffering would be multiplied beyond measure if the extremists calling for civil war in our country get their wish.

We should not tolerate the slightest encouragement for that kind of catastrophe from political leaders, including the former commander in chief.

Ben Jealous serves as president of People For the American Way

Letter to the editor

• Bans on chokeholds and carotid restraints by federal law enforcement officers except where deadly force is authorized. (Pillar 10)

• New federal standards and training for use of force. (Pillars 4, 9, and 20)

• Restrictions on the use of no-knock entries by federal law enforcement officers. (Pillar 10)

• Creation of a national law enforcement accountability database. (Pillar 14)

• Requirement for the use and activation of body-worn cameras by federal officers, and policies that provide for expedited release of footage. (Pillar 15)

• New models and federal funding available to innovate new responses to persons in crisis, as an alternative to police intervention (Pillars 4, 9, and 21)

Restrictions on the transfer of the weapons of war to police departments (Pillar 12)

New screening and training tools to counter bias, and strengthen investigations of law enforcement agencies that violate civil rights … so that all persons can have faith and confidence in the equity and fairness of the criminal justice system (Pillars 18, 19, 20, and 21)

Social parity, economic empowerment, and civil rights cannot be achieved in a world of unjust policing, President Biden’s Executive Order, guided by the principles outlined in 21 Pillars, can be the basis for safer, more effective, and community-centered law enforcement across the nation.”

With the incorporation of several elements of the 21 Pillars into President Biden’s executive order, the plan already is having an impact. Key provisions of the order include:

All letters are edited for length and style

Setting the record straight on Cori Bush vote on the Infrastructure Bill

Like many of readers of this newspaper, I received a postcard attacking Congresswoman Cori Bush for her vote on the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill. The mailing is deceptive and misleading, implying that Cori does not support clean energy. While it is true that Cori voted against this measure, it was because she did not trust the Senators Joe Manchin and Kristen Sinema to fulfill their end of the bargain, i.e. passing Biden’s Build Back Better legislation. The two pieces of legislation were supposed move forward together. Cori turned out to be correct, as Manchin and Sinema reneged on the deal, and all the Republicans joined them in opposing Build Back Better. Note that Build Back Better was the legislation that included the bulk of clean energy investments.

Cori Bush is a big supporter of clean energy, public transit and infrastructure investments. The League of Conservation Voters gave her a 100% score for her votes in her first year in Congress. Note also that the mailing was sent by a “dark money” organization (“Progressives for Missouri, Inc.”) that does not have to reveal who paid for it. Why is the sender of this mail hiding their identity? I believe it is because the sender is not willing to publicly defend these baseless charges. While I do not know who sent this mailing, I do know how I am going to vote on August 2nd in the Democratic primary for the First Congressional District. I will be voting for Cori. John Hickey, St. Louis

visit stlamerican.com or send

Guest Columnist Robert WalkerSmith

Columnist

Marc H. Morial

Columnist Ben Jealous

City has big Summer Fun STL plans for area youths

St. Louis American staff

Summertime means fun time, but it also means many youths are out of school and could get into trouble.

In the ongoing effort to find “non-enforcement solutions” to help keep youth safe this summer, St. Louis is using $1 million in Community Development Block Grant funding to create summer-long programs.

The city has partnered with St. Louis Public Schools, and other community leaders to create Summer Fun STL summer camps, programs, and pop-up events to keep youth safe in fun and educational environments in the summer months.

The seven locations, located in SLPS schools, will open June 6, 2022, and run through July 29.

Recreational and educational activities and three full meals a day will be provided to 700 youth ages five to 17. The city’s free summer camps are also running at seven recreation centers and are still accepting registrants at the City of St. Louis Recreation Department webpage on the city’s website, www.stlouis-mo.gov

The Gateway Region YMCA will also hold youth popups and other events with funding granted through the Prop S Youth at Risk Program.

“From these new youth programming locations to the city’s summer camps at our recreation centers, we’re looking to make sure youth have a safe place to go to have fun this summer,” said Wilford Pinkney, the Mayor’s Office Director of Children, Youth and Families.

“We’re appreciative of St. Louis Public Schools for working alongside us to provide locations across the city and to all of our partners in the St. Louis Youth Development Collaborative to make Summer Fun STL an

option for more than a thousand youth and their families.”

The Summer Fun STL locations are:

Nance Elementary - 8959 Riverview Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63147

Contact Girls Inc. for registration: (314) 385 - 8088

Oak Hill Elementary - 4300 Morgan Ford Rd, St. Louis, MO 63116

Contact Girls Inc. for registration: (314) 385 - 8088

Ashland Elementary - 3921 N Newstead Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115

Contact Girls Inc. for registration: (314) 385 - 8088

Walbridge Elementary - 5000 Davison Ave, St. Louis, MO 63120

Contact Girls Inc. for registration (314) 385 - 8088

Patrick Henry Downtown - 1220 N 10th St, St. Louis, MO 63106

Contact Girls Inc. for registration (314) 385 - 8088

Yeatman Middle School - 4265 Athlone Ave, St. Louis, MO 63115

Contact the Sophia Project for registration: (314) 807-8333

Peabody Elementary School - 1224 S 14th St, St. Louis, MO 63104

Contact for registration: (314) 723- 3069

Women can change nation with their vote

By Wendy Gladney

According to the 2020 U.S. Census, Black women represent 7.8% of the population. Yet a Center for American Women in Politics study shows less than 5% of officeholders elected to statewide executive offices, Congress, and state legislatures are Black women,

While Kamala Harris became the first Black woman vice president, the fact is just 17 Black women have ever held statewide elected executive offices, and no Black woman has ever been elected governor. For years, Black women have had a powerful impact on the American political system, especially in the Democratic party. There is no question that President Biden sits in the oval office today because of what Black women voters did for him in the South Carolina Democratic Primary and what Black women voters did for him on November 3, 2020.

To President Biden’s credit, he has been showing his appreciation to Black women by selecting three Black women to serve in his Cabinet. Former U.S. Representative Marcia Fudge serves as secretary of Housing and Urban Development, Cecilia Rouse serves as the chair of the Council of Economic Advisors, and Linda Thomas-Greenfield serves as U.N. Ambassador.

Shalanda Young, who was confirmed as deputy director of the Office of Management and Budget, is serving concurrently as the acting director of the Office of Management and Budget.

Last week, Sandra L. Thompson was confirmed as director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).

This represents the largest number of Black women serving concurrently in any presidential cabinet.

The faces in the hallowed halls of Congress are slowly changing and many of them are Black women.

Black women are 4.5% of all members of Congress, 9% of all Democrats in Congress, 16.8% of all women in Congress, and 39.3% of Black members of Congress.

They are 5.5% of all members of the House, 20.2% of all women in the House, 41.4% of Black members of the House, and 10.9% of Democrats in the House. No Black women currently serve in the U.S. Senate.

To continue the effort of changing the face of politics, now is the time when we must encourage more Black women to run for political offices, both locally and nationally.

When Black women run for these offices, it is imperative that we support them with our time, money, and votes. We no longer can just sit on the sidelines and complain what is wrong with our neighborhood, city, state, and country. The upcoming crucial 2022 elections present the perfect opportunity for us to get into the game and make a difference.

The city of Los Angeles has a Black woman, Karen Bass, running for mayor and if she wins, she will be the city’s first female mayor and the second Black mayor. St. Louis elected its first Black woman mayor in April 2021.

If Bass is victorious, she would join eight other Black women as mayors of major American cities. I am excited that this is truly the time in history for Black women to take their well-earned and deserved place in American politics.

For generations, Black women have been at the heart of the family and community and are reaching heights that previous generations could not have imagined. Let’s never forget the suffering and sacrifices of those who came before us that through their blood and tears we have the right to vote.

Wendy Gladney is an author and columnist for the L.A. Sentinel

The Gateway Region YMCA will hold youth pop-ups and other events with funding granted through the Prop S Youth at Risk Program and is part of the Summer Fun STL initiative.

Photo courtesy of Gateway YMCA

Wendy Gladney

Continued from A1

Logan said WWT is committed to creating a healthy STEM workforce with investment in STEMfocused education, internships, work-based learning opportunities and activities.

WWT, the largest Black owned business in America, works with organizations including the STEM Student Forum, United Way of Greater St. Louis, Boys Hope Girls Hope, Launchcode, NPower, National Academy Foundation’s Future Ready Lab, Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls, and Jackie Joyner Kersee Foundation.

The Raceway, in partnership with the Steward Family Foundation and WWT, is also taking motorsports to the classroom.

Among its newest assets is a cutaway NASCAR Gander RV and Outdoors Truck Series racer being used at various STEM events hosted by the racetrack throughout the St. Louis region.

The STEM vehicle features exposed and cutaway components to show the inner workings of a NASCAR race truck. The vehicle has cutaway cylinder heads and engine block to expose the inner workings of a racing engine.

With the removal of the right side of the body and half of the hood and deck lid, the truck provides a perspective of the strong build and safety components used in racing. In addition, the vehicle is equipped with a tire-changing component so that the truck can be used for pit stop simulations.

The track’s charity, Raceway Gives, has also sponsored robotics competitions, drone racing and the Jr. 500 karting program. In conjunction with area school districts, a STEM zone – called STEM Lane – will be included in each of the track’s INDYCAR, NASCAR and

Mental

Continued from A1 tions and clinics in the region.

“Given the overwhelming community needs, there must

NHRA events in conjunction with area school districts.

Curtis Francois, WWTR owner and CEO, is proud of the alliance built with Jackie Joyner Kersee and the JJK Community Center. As part of its STEM program, WWTR donated sim-racing computers and rigs to the Center.

“World Wide Technology and the Steward Family are grateful and privileged to play a role in bringing a NASCAR Cup Series race to St. Louis fans,” he said.

“We are thrilled to welcome a new generation of fans to this exciting sport and to emphasize the importance of STEM education through racing.”

The racing campus received the Track Award during the 2020 NASCAR Drive for Diversity awards last year after partnering on a youth outreach program with the JJK Center, NASCAR Diversity & Inclusion and NASCAR Acceleration Nation.

“We’ve worked closely with Jackie Joyner-Kersee and the JJK Center to bring racing to her kids via STEM educational programs,” Francois said.

“Our karting complex and related programs are designed to provide hands-on experience and the ability to compete at the grassroots level, with scholarship programs to further reduce barriers.”

WWT and the raceway provide opportunities for students to build their own karts, and then enter competitions. It’s hands-on, and as importantly, it’s brains on.

“This is exciting,” Logan said.

“This weekend is going to uplift the region and drive more diversity and inclusion. It is a way to attract and inspire.”

Raceway Gives

Schedule of Events

Friday June 3: Motorsports Academy Inaugural Event

be more done,” Page said. “And there are funding opportunities in St. Louis County that we’ve never had before.”

The first bucket of funding comes from approximately $74 million in unappropriated federal coronavirus relief funds,

• 12:30-1:30 PM in the infield

Fan Zone, featuring discussion with Bubba Wallace, Dave Steward II regarding diversity in motorsports; Presentation of the Raceway Gives Ignite series youth sponsorship; WWT Augmented Reality presentation

NASCAR Speedatrics

• 2-4:30 PM in suite VIP parking lot featuring NASCAR driver appearances, middle school youth activities; Esports Tournament

Saturday and Sunday June 4, 5

STEM Lane on WWTR

midway

• 9AM - 4 PM - Saturday competition for youth aged 13 to 18; 16 area youth organizations and high schools participate in double elimination tournament; Cash prizes to winning teams organizations

• Sunday competition open for all fans; Fan with highest score wins $500 gift card

• Area youth organizations exhibit/demonstrate their STEM related activities. Exhibitors include Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, St Louis Science Center (YES), Soap Box Derby cars, St. Louis Student Robotics Association (SLSRA), Margay karts, Greater St Louis YMCA

WWT Augmented Reality 5G technology and the advancement of mixed reality provide new ways to deliver interactive user experiences.

Saturday and Sunday June 4, 5

• 9 AM - 4 PM Saturday and 9 AM - 2 PM Sunday

• AR demonstration; Launch of inaugural program

he said. In a recent community needs survey of county residents on how to best use the money, 75% of respondents said they would like to see it go to mental health services. Page’s office would work with the county council on how

In memory

First grader Matthew Hottle-Sippy, 7, with Pathfinder Troup 362 of the Maplewood-Richmond Heights Early Childhood Center, carries American flags to place on headstones in Jefferson Barracks National Cemetary Sunday, May 29. A tradition entering it’s 65th year, it is one of the longest running Memorial Day events within the Boy Scouts of America.

and where to direct that money. Page also wants to use some of the money from the county’s $45 million in payouts from a joint settlement with opioid manufacturers and distributors for mental health services. The settlement money can be

appropriated for addiction treatment and prevention, one of the mental health issues most in need of attention, Page said.

A reported 300 people in St. Louis County died of opioid-related causes in 2021, which tied the record set by the

county in 2020. Page said he would like to use the opioid settlement money to expand access to the overdose-reversal drug naloxone and to connect more people to addiction medication, housing and employment.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

accepted her award, and a few of her sorors EE-YIPed in excitement.

is a night where we give people their flowers while they’re here.”

Since 2011, the foundation has recognized 225 deserving nominees in fields across all spectrums, including business, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. This year, after a two-year break since the coronavirus paused in-person gatherings, 25 (instead of the usual 20) awardees were celebrated for their achievements both in the corporate realm and throughout the community.

Awardees included a COO for a mental health agency, a community organizer, and the co-founder of a multimedia platform honoring Black fatherhood.

“As we know, our whole world changed after the COVID19 pandemic [began], and the social unrest following the death of George Floyd rocked us all, but we’re still here,” said Ashley O’Neal, Senior Vice President, Retail Banking, Midwest BankCentre, and a 2020 young leader alum. “These leaders didn’t just persevere through the last few years. They excelled. They advanced in their careers and leadership. They’re making a real tangible difference in our community in many ways.”

Several awardees were members of the National Pan-Hellenic Council, also known as the “Divine Nine,” historically Black Letter Greek Organizations, including the night’s first recipient Marquita Chapman, Program Manager, National Geospatial Intelligence Agency and also a member of Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.

When Chapman graced the stage, her husband, Darius Chapman, unapologetically hyped up his wife while she

Tatum

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 sure. He can beat you in a lot of different ways and has a combination of size, skill, and speed, it is very rare. Obviously, he’s a key guy for them.”

Tatum, who will be making his first NBA Finals appearance, forever linked his name with one of the greatest players in NBA history with his Eastern Conference Final performance Tatum was selected as the inaugural winner of Larry Bird Trophy, which went to the Most Valuable Player of the ECF. Bird was a legendary forward who led the Celtics to world championships in 1981,

Men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc. were the majority, with countless recipients representing the first Black men’s Greek Letter Organization including Christopher Randall, KSDK 5 On Your Side Community Manager, and Ono OghreIkanone, World Wide Technology Supply Quality Engineer. Each time a member approached the stage, a fellow member chanted their popular calls.

A trio of Kappa Alpha Psi members also joked they wanted to see some “Nupes” be recognized as there were so many “Alphas” there.

Greek unity was alive and well, but the familial ties to the recipients stood out the most and left the unforgettable memories.

“That’s my middle child!” Terri Williams’ parents yelled.

“That’s the fruit of my womb,” Erika Wilson’s mother screamed. “Those are my tuition dollars at work,” her father joked.

The special ceremony proved how powerful diversity, equity, and inclusion are for those that stand on the shoulders of parents and generations that preceded them, and overcame despite great odds. Bennett said she brought her 8-year-old daughter to witness the limitless options her future can possess.

“The realization of their dreams has made our city, our community, and our region more resilient, more vibrant, more prosperous, more collaborative, and overflows with the richness of the gifts of diversity,” Bennett said. “These young people have had an opportunity

1984, and 1986. It seemed fitting that the first winner of the trophy named after him would go to another talented 6’9” forward who plays for the Celtics. For the series, he averaged 25 points, 8.3 rebounds and 5.6 assists while shooting 46 percent from the field.

Tatum, who starred at Chaminade before a season at Duke, also added to his legacy as a clutch Game 7 performer. In five Game 7s in his career, Tatum has averaged 24.4 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.6 assists a game. The Celtics are 4-1 in those games. In leading Boston to its first NBA Finals appearance in 12 years, Tatum has gone through established stars including Kevin Durant of Brooklyn, Giannis Antetokounmpo of

to build from the ground up and they generated a great deal of optimism about the future of St. Louis. They are working toward a healed future for Saint Louis. These are people who are stalking [their ancestors’] heels into the future. They are stalking the healed the future and they understand their future is intricately intertwined with the healed future of this community.”

Bennett elaborated on how pivotal the young leaders’ accomplishments are considering their African American ancestry. She made the point that they could surpass and attain much more than what was available in 1619, when the first Africans were kidnapped and brought to the future United States.

“We have more. We’ve got more degrees. We’ve got more money. We’ve got more opportunities,” Bennett said. “Who are we not to transform the conditions in our community?”

The St. Louis American Foundation uses the proceeds received from the annual event to fund community grants and scholarships for exceptional minority students. Last year, the foundation and its partners offered $2.8 million in scholarships and community grants..

A reunion is in the works for the 2022 Young Leader class to gather later this year.

Additional Salute to Young Leaders sponsors this year were the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Webster University, Regional Business Council, and St. Louis City SC.

Visit The St. Louis American’s website to view all honorees: https://www.stlamerican.com/eedition/page-t01/ page_775b813b-e969-5278974b-060cda7b5bbb.html

Milwaukee, and Jimmy Butler of Miami.

“It’s an honor,” Tatum said of winning the Bird Trophy.

“It still doesn’t seem real right now. I’m just extremely happy and grateful for all of this. Regardless of how long I’ve been in the league. I’m not too far removed from when I

was in high school and when I was dreaming about moments like this.”

Celtics coach Ime Udoka called Tatum “the head of the snake.”

All the accolades Tatum is getting are “well deserved,” said Udoka adding, “and he’s only 24 and not even touched

his ceiling, not even close.”

Warriors forward Draymond Green has high praise for Tatum, and respect for the Celtics.

“Jayson Tatum is one of them guys,” Green told the San Francisco Chronicle on Tuesday.

“When you have that, you always have a chance to win it, when you have a guy like that. You couple that with all these pieces around him — the defense around him, the veteran leadership. You couple that with all the things around him and you look, and you say, ‘Wow, they actually have what it takes.’”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

During an evening filled with respect, excellence, and entertainment the 11th Salute to Young Leaders Networking and Awards reception was held before a 400-person audience at the Four Seasons Hotel in downtown St. Louis. The 25 Young Leaders were awarded crystal trophies and $100 Vincent Jewelers gift certificates.

Record number attend 11th annual Salute to Young Leaders event

400 attended The St.

American Foundation’s 11th annual Salute to Young Leaders Networking Awards Reception last Thursday at Four

BankCentre, awarded 25 outstanding African-American professionals under

Metropolitan St.

Brad

and Webster University. The

F.

of

Young Leader Karen Romero (second from left) with husband, Roger Romero, and guests

The crowd cheers on the 2022 Class of Young Leaders.

Young Leader Erika N. Wilson with guests

Young Leader alum Dr. Raegan Johnson, right, Class of 2012, with Young Leader Angela Lewis and Paula Vickers

Member of the 2022 Class of Young Leaders wait as their names are called.

Nearly

Louis

Seasons Hotel St. Louis. The event, presented by Midwest

age 40. Partner Sponsors of the event were the Regional Business Council, St. Louis City SC, the Urban League of

Louis

Class

2022 Young Leaders are: Marquita C. Chapman, Tiffany Lacy Clark, Geoffrey V. Dudley II, Shelley Edwards,

Edwards, Gabrielle

Fields, Dart Ford Jr., Dr. Aretha M. Hardrick, Kristen E. Harris, Ono OghreIkanone, Zasmine C. Johnson, Jeffrey Jones, Branyea Jones, Angela R. Lewis, LaTanya Mackey, Christina McCauley, Christopher C. Miller, Tamyka Gilliam Perine, Jonathan Plump, Christopher B. Randall Sr., Karen Renee Romero, Cornell “Niddy” Thirdkill, BMarcell Williams, Terri Williams and Erika N. Wilson.

Members of Alpha Kappa Alpha, Melita Ware, Class of 2020 Young Leader alum Aunya McElroy, Robin Britt, Young Leader Terri Williams, Amanda Jackson, and Lynette Mack

Young Leader Jonathan Plump and a guest

Shar Smith won a $500 pair of diamond earrings courtesy of Vincent’s Jewelers.

All photos by Wiley Price and Taylor McIntosh

The men of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., helped celebrate the 2022 Class of Young Leaders, which included four members of the organization.

Regional Business Council’s Kathy Osborn and Midwest BankCentre Chairman and CEO Orvin Kimbrough

Mike Claiborne, Vanessa Edwards, Young Leader Brad N. Edwards, and the Urban League’s Michael McMillan

Guests enjoying the sold out reception Veronica D. Stacker with Young Leader Dr. Aretha Hardrick and Midwest BankCentre’s Ashley O’Neal

Guests listen to opening remarks by Ashley O’Neal.

Shar Smith, Young Leader Tamyka Gilliam Perine and Candice Nance

Young Leader Gabrielle Fields, Webster University’s Vincent Flewellen, and Ashley June Moore

Young Leader La Tanya Mackey with sister, La Shonda Mackey.

Emcee Rebeccah Bennett Kenyatta and daughter Sage Kenyatta

St. Louis American team members Isaiah Peters, Karen Robinson-Jacobs, Dawn M. Suggs, JoAnn Weaver and Danielle Brown

Young Leader awardees Kristen E. Harris and Marquita Chapman pose for a selfie.

Mary Elizabeth Grimes, St. Louis City SC’s Khalia Collier, awardee B.Marcell Williams and mother, Dr. Elinor Hancock

Audience members cheer and honor one of the Young Leader recipients.

The St. Louis American’s Jessica Jones

Young Leader Niddy Thirdkill and family

Kapris Clark, Bennie

Gilliam-Williams and Alandrea Stewart

Raven Whitener, director of the St. Louis American Foundation and special events

Hartzler mailer touts pro-gun record after mass shootings; Steve Robert Jr.’s campaign fundraisers keep getting crashed

Last week, the congressional office for U.S. Representative Vicky Hartzler (R, MO-04) mailed a poorly-timed postcard, touting Hartzler’s pro-gun “credentials” only days after the mass shootings in Buffalo, New York, and Uvalde, Texas. The taxpayer-funded mailer included photos of Hartzler holding an AR-15, the semi-automatic weapon of war like the one used in the Uvalde massacre, calling herself “Missouri’s 2nd Amendment Defender.”

The Second Amendment has been used since the 18th century to provide the constitutional framework for gun laws in the 21st century. It is a historic fact that part of the original motivation for this amendment was to guarantee the individual states the right to use their armed militia to maintain control over Black slaves. This fear was heightened after the successful Haitian slave revolt. Militia were felt to be necessary because they could easily be morphed into “slave patrols” to block any possible slave revolts.

As for current Republican orthodoxy about the 18th century thinking that was reflected

in the U.S. Constitution, it conveniently ignores the fact that the same regulations in the 18th century that required citizens to participate in the militia also forbade Blacks and Native Americans from having weapons. Moreover in slave states, militia were used to inspect slave quarters and members confiscate weapons when they found them.

Hartzler’s office said that the congresswoman was “praying for all those lost and their loved ones,” although her campaign mailer celebrated Hartzler’s “A” ratings with the NRA and other pro-gun special interest groups. But what could, at best, be described as Hartzler’s lapse in judgment didn’t happen in isolation: she joins the nearly 20% of Missouri Republican lawmakers identified by the Institute for Research and Education on Human Rights as members of right-wing extremist groups on social media. Such groups promote factuallybaseless conspiracy theories involving critical race theory, the lie that Donald Trump won the 2020 presidential election, and the widespread denial of COVID-19. As members of

Facebook groups, in particular, Republican legislators were found to be constantly barraged by misinformation that had deeply “penetrated state politics.”

According to comments from St. Louis Post-Dispatch columnist Kevin McDermott “U.S. firearm deaths have edged upward nationally in recent years, but in Missouri it has been more like an explosion. Between 2005 and 2020, as Missouri lawmakers methodically scrapped one longstanding gun restriction after another, the total number of annual deaths here, as well as the annual gun deaths (that is, the number of deaths per 100,000 residents), both have roughly doubled.”

Lawmakers’ participation in Facebook groups and other social media platforms may seem harmless on the surface, but a deeper look reveals that their membership is an implicit “legislative stamp of approval” that legitimizes and normalizes extremist groups. In other words, a significant number of Missouri lawmakers

are frequently exposed to misinformation and conspiracy theories, and these same lawmakers vote to pass laws that promote their “causes,” regardless of the cost.

Hartzler’s mailer last week, as inopportune and hypocritical as it was, further underscores the disconnect between Hartzler and the real needs of her constituents in Missouri’s Fourth Congressional District, Hartzler was one of only a handful of Missouri lawmakers who chose not to seek federal spending earmarks for community projects within her district. Congresswoman Cori Bush (D, MO-01), on the other hand, secured $9.2 million for St. Louis-area community projects. As for retiring Sen. Roy Blunt (R), he grabbed the sixth-highest earmark package in the country, including $313.3 million for Missouri projects.

Waiter, check please

State Senator Steve Roberts,

Jr., the embattled challenger to Congresswoman Cori Bush’s First District seat, couldn’t seem to catch a break during his two most recent fundraisers.

Both fundraiser events were held in Clayton and were attended by 8-10 protesters, who again called public attention to Roberts’ history of sexual assault allegations. One of Roberts’ victims, attorney Amy E. Harms, attended the protest last Thursday outside of Cafe Napoli in Clayton, and spoke to supporters about the assault she said she suffered and the response by the police and prosecutors involved in her case.

The protesters were widely cheered on by drivers honking their horns as they passed by the demonstration.

Roberts’ campaign distributed flyers inside the restaurant, claiming that the event had been rescheduled to this evening due to staffing shortages. No staffing shortages were observed by protesters during their demonstration, which overlapped with several hours of the restaurant’s evening’s dinner service.

Just when Roberts expected to breathe easy at a “meet and greet” with potential voters at the home of a wealthy Clayton resident on Saturday, another group of around half a dozen protesters assembled, once again calling attention to Roberts’ history of sexual assault allegations. Inside the private event, Roberts reportedly referred to himself as a “victim” and complained that his situation - the credible allegations against him - was comparable to the plight experienced by the protagonist in the play, “The Crucible.” The comparison to Arthur Miller’s 1953 fictionalization of the Salem witch

trials was quite the stretch for the freshman state senator, but when a hyper-inflated ego prevents even the most basic level of self-awareness, we suppose that the constant demand by voters for greater accountability from Roberts could feel like a bit of a witch hunt. Given the gravity and credibility of the allegations against Roberts from the women he allegedly assaulted, his campaign against the popular, heavilyfavored Rep. Bush should expect no peace through August 2. In sharp contrast, Rep. Bush launched a national movement to demand the extension of the life-saving eviction moratorium, ultimately resulting in President Joe Biden agreeing to do so. Roberts, on the other hand, voted to ban the unhoused from sleeping on state-owned property and supported harsh sanctions against St. Louis City if it refused to endorse the state’s harsh, possibly unconstitutional laws. Roberts’ weak attempts to deflect the unfavorable media attention from his two public sexual assault allegations and consequent settlements backfired, drawing even more attention to the stories of the women who accuse him. In the meantime, Roberts’ campaign naively believes that challenging Rep. Bush to a series of 10 debates - yes, once per week until Election Day - would bode well for his lagging ill-advised bid. While Rep. Bush has been focused on representing St. Louis in Congress and legislating for the best interests for all of us, Roberts is still stumbling, failing to overcome the much talked about allegations of sexual violence and abuse.

Vicky Hartzler

Cori Bush

Pardoned

Biden clears name of first Black presidential secret service agent

By James T. Ingram

For the St. Louis American

According to Proverbs 22:1

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches.”

Back in February, I wrote about Abraham Bolden, an East St. Louis native and Chicago resident who was chosen by JFK to become the first African American Secret Service agent to serve on a presidential detail.

Now 87, Bolden described in his book “The Echo from Dealey Plaza” how, after reporting slackness among others in Kennedy’s detail, that he was, by his description, framed on trumped-up charges and eventually served three years of a six-year federal sentence for allegedly accepting a bribe in exchange for attempting to sell a Secret Service file.

by President Joe Biden with sincere gratitude.”

However appropriate, the pardon won’t restore the 60plus years that Bolden lost in terms of his dignity and peace of mind. During that time, he lost infinite opportunities to profit from a career of service. His wife, who stood by him and encouraged him to author his book, passed away as well as a supportive daughter. They never got to see his good name restored.

Yet, despite all these things, Bolden has remained remarkably optimistic, without devolving to or imploding in bitterness. He remained keenly focused on a goal that would take six decades to finally come to fruition.

KWAME named construction manager of STLCC Wildwood expansion

cent property tax levy increase approved by voters in August 2021.

STLCC Wildwood campus beginning $88-million expansion under management of KWAME

courtesy of STLCC

And for the past 60 years, Bolden has maintained his innocence and fought to clear his name with every president from LBJ to President Joe Biden.

On April 26, 2022, Biden pardoned Bolden. The White House issued a statement which read, in part, that “He has steadfastly maintained his innocence, arguing that he was targeted for prosecution in retaliation for exposing unprofessional and racist behavior within the U.S. Secret Service.” Bolden’s reaction was one of appreciation. On his Facebook page he wrote, “Thank you everyone for your support. You and your prayers made this happen.”

He also had words of gratitude for President Biden, saying that “I accept this pardon and justifiable action

Bolden also expressed that, “It is my hope that my pardon will inspire others to continue to fight for justice and to stand on the truth.”

This elder, with the patience of Job, should serve as an inspiration to all who lack tenacity, resilience, and singlemindedness in the pursuit of justice and positive change. At 87, he knows he never gave out or gave up. Who are we who, by and large, are far younger than Mr. Bolden but less determined in our pursuits? Galatians 6:9 admonishes us “Let us never grow tired of doing right, for if we do not faint, we’ll reap a harvest at the right time.”

I’m so thankful that Abraham Bolden lived to finally reap his harvest in his lifetime.

Email: jtingram_1960@ yahoo.com Twitter@JamesTIngram

KWAME Building Group (KWAME) has been selected as the Construction Manager for a $88 million expansion of St. Louis Community College’s (STLCC) Wildwood campus. The project includes construction of a new Center for Health Sciences, Center for Technology and other building renovations. The Wildwood campus project is part of $400 million in construction initiatives across STLCC’s campuses to modernize learning environments and support the metropolitan region’s workforce needs and economy. The projects are funded by an eight-

KWAME will oversee the construction process, including the pre-construction phase, project planning and phasing, programming and design, construction oversight and ongoing project management. Other responsibilities include management of the budget, schedule, quality, safety, communications and procurement. A critical component of KWAME’s role is building the construction team and coordinating with STLCC staff and leadership. The architect is Christner Architects. “We are excited to continue

our long-standing relationship with the community college particularly Wildwood. We look forward to involving interns on the job to assist in career development along with our continued support through our foundation”, added Tony Thompson, president of Kwame Building Group.

KWAME has completed several projects for St. Louis Community College, including serving as construction manager for construction of the Wildwood Campus in 2007. The campus includes “healthy building” elements including low emissive building materials.

KWAME also led the renovation of science laboratories at

the Forest Park, Meramec and Florissant Valley campuses in 2016.

“The new Center for Health Sciences will bring in a wide variety of programming in healthcare, and we’re also planning a second building for Technology Studies,” said Chancellor Jeff Pittman. “Just given the rapid advancements in technology, a lot of the emerging companies coming into the St. Louis region and the expansion of the new National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency. This is going to be critical for the future of this region.”

Columnist James T. Ingram

St. Louis American staff

Photo

“Taking Care of You”

‘It takes a village.’

How one grassroots organization is addressing the impact of

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

“Imagine a kid living in 63107 living in a drug-infested neighborhood, who hears gunshots and ambulance and police sirens outside their windows every day. They’re at home eating a tuna fish, peanut butter, or an air sandwich because the mother doesn’t have food stamps. Now, what do you think happens to this child who has a pack of homework that they can’t figure out on an empty stomach while being traumatized?”

Alecia Deal, one of the founding members of Village of Moms StL, painted a depressing

n “Anybody who is an educator or does educational enrichment work knows that there’s no way a kid should pass third grade without being able to read.”

–Alecia Deal, co-founder of Village of Moms StL

but common scenario to underscore the reasons her organization is dedicated to “literacy empowerment” and educational success for low-income St. Louis children. It is a cause that has been exacerbated by a worldwide pandemic.

Street will bear their name

By Drs. David H. Perlmutter and Gary A. Silverman

For The St. Louis American

At the heart of the Central West End there is a street called Children’s Place, but part of that street at the center of the medical campus will soon be named Nash Way. The change will honor a family whose legacy continues to define pediatric care in St. Louis. As two St. Louis pediatricians, we celebrate this well-deserved tribute as we mourn the loss of Dr. Homer Nash Jr., a consummate educator and renowned clinician whose name is synonymous with compassionate care. By the time we arrived in St. Louis as pediatric specialists, the Nash family was already legendary here for its dedication to improving the health and well-being of children, particularly the underserved. We soon learned the family’s extraordinary story, starting with Dr. Homer E. Nash Sr., one of the first African American

The literacy crisis in struggling neighborhoods throughout America was already in full bloom before the COVID-19 pandemic. But now, in its more than two-year wake, Black, Hispanic, and Indigenous communities are facing even greater challenges meeting reading and educational benchmarks. For example, last year, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch reported that in some St. Louis public schools, fewer than 10% of third graders test proficient in reading. Similar findings about four years ago, Deal explained, inspired her group to take a proactive approach to improving literacy outcomes in some of the city’s most disadvantaged neighborhoods.

In 2018, Deal and a group of mothers

physicians, graduating medical school in 1910.

The medical careers of two of his children, Helen and Homer, brought them to St. Louis and forever changed this city for the better. Dr. Helen Nash did her residency at Homer G. Phillips Hospital and was made supervisor of pediatrics the minute she finished her training. She transformed care at that hospital and in 1949 became the first African American woman to join the attending staff at St. Louis Children’s Hospital, where she helped develop one of the first specialized wards for premature infants.

She fought to get the best care for her patients — and for basic recognition of their humanity.

Helen was also one of the first four African American physicians on the clinical faculty of Washington University School of Medicine and later served as acting dean of minority affairs for three years

By Sarafina Wright

Culturally tailored lifestyle coaching can help Black adults with hypertension improve their blood pressure control, new Kaiser Permanente research shows.

In addition, improving blood pressure control is key to reducing the risk for stroke, heart attack and other hypertension-related health problems.

“Black adults have the highest rates of high blood pressure in the United States, and, for reasons we don’t fully understand, it starts at a younger age and results in strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, chronic kidney disease…,” the study’s senior author Stephen Sidney, MD, said. “We know how to treat high blood pressure with medication but there is also a huge role that behavior change can play in prevention and treatment. This study was a tremendous opportunity to see if we had an intervention that could change behaviors and get blood pressure under control.”

n “Black adults have the highest rates of high blood pressure in the United States, and, for reasons we don’t fully understand.”

– Stephen Sidney, MD

The study, published May 18 in JAMA Network Open, included 1,761 Black adults with high blood pressure who were members of Kaiser Permanente in Northern California. The patients joined one of three groups: usual care; usual care and a 12-month enhanced medication management; or usual care and a 12-month coaching program of 16 phone sessions with a registered dietitian who counseled them on their diet choices and helped lower their salt intake. Then, the researchers analyzed the impact the programs had on blood pressure control at 12, 24 and 48 months post-enrollment, according to Kaiser Permanente.

Statistical analyses showed no significant difference in blood pressure control among the three groups after 12 months.

Dr. Homer E. Nash Jr. and his daughter, Dr. Allison C. Nash, pose in front of a wall of photos of many children whom Homer, and later Allison, served through their practices. Children’s Place will be renamed after the Nash family and be called Nash Way.

Village of Moms Alicia Deal (center) with her daughter, Mia Daugherty, and her granddaughter, Zara Daugherty, 7, in their Midtown neighborhood, Wednesday, June 1.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of the Nash Family

Sarafina Wright

“Taking

Care of You”

Village

Continued from A12 mostly from the 63107-zip code area, responded to a grant initiative offered by the Neighborhood Leadership Academy, headed by Dr. Vetta Sanders-Thompson, PhD. After interested parties participated in a 7-week course on planning and implementing community service projects, they had to submit proposals. Village of Moms won a $2,500 mini grant based on their plan to build a reading village for young children. Initially, the group placed reading boxes in disadvantaged neighborhoods. But, after reading a newspaper article about a survey of 569 public school kids where only 102 read at grade level, Deal said the group shifted focus.

“We found out that book boxes were not going to work. Anybody who is an educator or does educational enrichment work knows that there’s no way a kid should pass third grade without being able to read.” Deal said she, executive partner Mia Daugherty and other participating mothers went to St. Louis Public school officials, to ask what they could do to help. They were told about “all the great intervention programs” the school system offered. But, Deal added, school officials couldn’t explain why kids couldn’t read. After more research, she said her group landed on the fact that, what she described as “wrap-around services,” weren’t addressed sufficiently.

“Even with all their intervention programs; if a kid is hungry, afraid, traumatized, abused or not comfortable; their brains are on high-alert, they’re constantly in ‘fight or flight’ mode because of their environments. Teachers, especially white teachers, don’t understand kids from disenfranchised Black or brown communities. So they ask, ‘what’s your problem, why do you have an attitude?’ Most don’t understand that kids can’t learn how to read, can’t process, because he or she is worried about what’s at home or even if they have safe homes to go to.” Village of Moms members then partnered with social service agencies. One was Vision for Children at Risk (VCR) which uses socioeconomic and racial inequity data to promote the well-being of children, youth, and families. With their partners, Village of Moms began hosting parenting seminars, literacy caravans, digital illiteracy activities and other events aimed at tackling educational and socioeconomic

Nash

Continued from A12 after her retirement from practice. She paved the way for others to follow her, creating a scholarship for St. Louis kids looking to pursue careers in medicine.

Dr. Homer E. Nash Jr. served in the U.S. Army in Italy during World War II and received a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. When he returned, he went to medical school in Nashville and then moved to St. Louis to train under his sister at Homer G. Phillips.

Wright

Continued from A12

needs such as food insecurity, mental health services, gun violence and much more.

A Feb. 2022, report from the curriculum and assessment company, Amplify, found that in classrooms nationwide, young students are at risk of not learning to read. The data showed that COVID-related instructional loss was especially great in kindergarten, grade 1 and grade 2, and that Black and Hispanic students in those three grades have been disproportionately harmed by the pandemic.

COVID-19 also impacted Village of Moms and Deal personally, who worked as a teacher’s aide at Arch Community School, a public

Like Helen, he understood there were children in the community who wouldn’t have access to the same resources other area children did. So he dedicated himself to serving those children. He spoke to them with kindness and respect, and supported and listened to the adults who brought them in. He was a constant advocate for his patients, and they adored him. Nash also made his mark beyond his private practice. He was on staff at St. Louis Children’s and Barnes-Jewish hospitals, and served on many committees and advisory boards. He was a clinical

However, at both the 24-month and the 48-month mark, blood pressure control was significantly better among the patients who had received the lifestyle coaching than among patients in the enhanced medication management program or the usual care-only group. At 24 months post-enrollment, 72.4% of the patients who received lifestyle coaching had controlled blood pressure, compared with 67.6% of the patients in the enhanced medication management program and 61.2% of patients receiving usual care. At 48 months, the differences were sustained, with 73.1% of the patients in the lifestyle coaching group showing controlled blood pressure compared with 66.5% of the patients in the enhanced medication management program and 64.5% of the patients receiving usual

charter elementary school in the Hyde Park area.

“Everything shut down. We lost funding, I lost my job as a teacher’s aide, Mia lost her job as a social worker. We both had kids at home doing virtual learning. My head was spinning. My kids weren’t used to being at home. I had to be a teacher, a doctor, and a social worker. I had to be everything for my kids.”

n “I’m that black girl with a loud voice. I’ve never been afraid to go toe-to-toe with elected or educational officials.”

–Alecia Deal, co-founder of Village of Moms StL

Deal is confined to a wheelchair. During the pandemic she was diagnosed with lymphede-

professor of pediatrics at Washington University and worked with the Community Outpatient Practice Experience to facilitate community pediatric practicums for WashU medical residents and for physician assistants and nurse practitioners in other programs.

With his trainees, Nash took the same approach he did with patients: sustained and compassionate one-on-one attention. He practiced and taught well into his 80s, impacting the lives of countless children and students.

We are so fortunate that the Nash legacy in St. Louis continues. Dr. Alison Nash,

care.

“We had hoped that a 12-month coaching program could help people learn how to start a healthy, low-salt eating plan,” said lead author Mai N. Nguyen-Huynh, MD.

“But what was really eye-opening was learning that after the 1-year program ended these patients continued to have better blood pressure control, perhaps by sticking with the lifestyle changes they had learned — even though we had no contact with them.”

The study noted that Black

ma (build-up of fluids in soft body tissues) and neuropathy (damage to the nerves). Still, Deal said she’s perfectly suited to speak up for voiceless parents about their educational concerns. One of her biggest fights, she said, stems from the fact that mental health services for children do not cater to “Black and brown” communities.

“A lot of these programs are not accessible for Black folk

Homer’s daughter, took over his practice and now cares for the grandchildren and great-grandchildren of the patients who so loved her father. She has also been on staff at St. Louis Children’s since 1989 and, like her father, is a preceptor for the COPE program.

She helps train residents, and she mentors medical students, undergraduates and kids from the St. Louis Public Schools who are interested in medicine. As medical director of Healthy Kids Express, she sends mobile asthma and dental care, hearing and vision tests, and screenings for lead

adults have significantly higher rates of high blood pressure than white, Latino, and Asian adults and lower rates of blood pressure control.

High blood pressure can cause damage to the arteries throughout the body, increasing the risk of a heart attack, stroke, dementia, or heart failure.

The study was funded through a national effort to develop programs to reduce stroke disparities in racial/ ethnic, rural, or lower socioeconomic populations.

from North St. Louis. And, if you don’t have access to the Internet, you may know nothing about these programs.

“Decisions about what’s right for the community are made without the community’s input,” Deal added. “I live smack dab in 63106, the hot zone. I’ve been an activist for more than 20 years. I’m that Black girl with a loud voice. I’ve never been afraid to go toe-to-toe with elected or educational officials. I’m that one who’s always trying to make sure those parents and children have a voice at the table.”

Deal said one part of Village of Moms’ postCOVID mission is to con-

poisoning and anemia into the community.

The Nash family has shown us what it means to take seriously the health and specific needs of all members of our community. In our work at WashU, we strive to live up to their example every day.

Nash Way will honor this extraordinary family and serve as a permanent testimonial of their service. And it will remind all of us who work with children why we are here and how we can best show up for our patients and the future of our region.

In February, the city approved a measure renaming

The researchers said they believe their findings could lead to introducing similar programs that can help Black adults learn about dietary changes that improve blood pressure control.

“This research opens up the door for the creation of programs that could be offered on a larger scale that implement the principles of coaching for behavioral change that we have shown can be effective,”

Dr. Sidney said.

Dr. Nguyen-Huynh added:

“This is the only trial that

Alecia Deal, one of the founding members of Village of Moms StL, painted a depressing but common scenario to underscore the reasons her organization is dedicated to “literacy empowerment” and educational success for low-income St. Louis children. It is a cause that has been exacerbated by a worldwide pandemic.

vince more grass-roots organizations to collaborate with larger agencies for maximum impact.

“We cannot continue to operate in silos, we cannot. All these big-name organizations with all these big grants and money, will not partner with mom & pop organizations that operate on a grassroots level. They have no relationship with the community. If we work in partnership the resources won’t be one-sided,” she said. Because let’s be real; it’s going to take a village to serve our kids.”

Sylvester Brown Jr. is The St. Louis American’s inaugural Deaconess Fellow.

Childrens Place – between Euclid Avenue on the west to Taylor Avenue on the east -as Nash Way, to celebrate the accomplishments and cultural impact of Dr. Helen Nash on the St. Louis region. Dr. Nash, Jr., passed away April 21, at age 96 David H. Perlmutter, MD, executive vice chancellor for medical affairs and dean at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis. Gary A.Silverman, MD, PhD, is head of the Department of Pediatrics at Washington University School of Medicine and pediatrician-in-chief at St. Louis Children’s Hospital.

has shown that a lifestyle coaching intervention can bring about changes that lead to better blood pressure control long after the intervention has ended. We’ve learned from the participants’ feedback what they felt were the most helpful aspects of the program, and we can use them to guide our next steps.”

Sarafina Wright is a staff writer with the Washington Informer

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Did you catch that historic milestone?

The United States has hit a dreadful milestone in the pandemic. More than one million COVID deaths. One. Million. Lives. Those numbers are disturbing enough. Did enough people take the time to reflect on how the nation got here so we can glean some lessons from this human catastrophe?

There was a time when the virus dominated the news. COVID reports have faded from the media headlines unless it’s a celebrity. Sadly, it is because of these never-ending numbers that the public has become numb to their multi-dimensional meanings. There are real-life distractions that have our attention. The war in Ukraine that is sucking up billions of taxpayer’s dollars. There’s inflation which has already eaten into the increase in salaries we fought so hard for. A woman’s right to control her body and her life is being threatened.

There’s a baby-formula shortage and some act like there’s no natural alternative. There’s skyrocketing debt in student loans and medical bills. Public schools are struggling to recuperate from remote learning. There’s the dysfunctional Congress. Midterm elections

were scary.

The anniversary of the police murder of George Floyd served as a reminder of the state terrorism of Black and brown people. There are the random mass shootings of innocent people by gunmen motivated by hate of themselves or the-other, or both. Two rocked the nation in the past few weeks. Who will honor the one million deaths by COVID beyond the loved ones left behind?

Except for a half dozen states, COVID cases have increased across the county. In the last month, new cases have doubled and hospitalizations are on the rise. Now that people can do their own home testing for the virus, it is believed that many positives will go uncounted. The actual infection rates are probably much higher than those being reported.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 82 million people have been infected with the coronavirus. I have worked

hard not to be a statistic. The growing infection and death numbers mean that I am still on my crusade to educate people on how they can guard themselves against the virus. I am still persuading people that we all have an obligation beyond our nuclear families to aid in our communities being safe. We have what we need to bring this monster down but we don’t possess the political will. As a Black woman who knows the dangers, I wear my mask everywhere, regardless of the mask mandate yo-yos. Many times, I’m one of few people wearing a mask prompting looks like I’m the weirdo. This doesn’t bother me one bit because it’s all about not becoming a COVID casualty. Every aspect of our lives has been touched by the coronavirus. We are experiencing the financial, social and psychological fallout from the pandemic in real time, and the effects will linger for generations to come. Future generations will be asking why we were so resistant to information and treatment, why we allowed so many senseless deaths to occur. The answers will be inadequate. The national shame will be short-lived.

Columnist

Jamala Rogers

SSShoe Fetish

Lift for Life alum’s online shoe boutique attracts Steve Madden, Jeffrey Campbell

By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American

Experimenting with fashion and defining her own sense of style have drawn Asia Bateman to think outside the box for daily looks since her adolescence.

“I love everything about it [fashion],” she said. “I love putting on clothes and seeing the different outfits come together.”

Her introduction to the fashion industry started with her styling clients. While helping clients she realized how challenging it was to find just the right shoes. That sparked the idea for her own brand, SSShoe Fetish, where ssshoe fantasies and more are fulfilled.

“A lot of people used to ask me where I got my shoes from,” she said. “I’m the type of person I don’t mind sharing information and resources. A lightbulb popped on in my head because I was known for fashion and I thought it made sense to open my own store.”

At 23, she opened her brick-and-mortar storefront in the Delmar Loop in April 2018 and launched its website in October 2018.

She closed the physical doors in February 2019 and pivoted to online-only.

Her store’s target demographic is mostly women, but in April 2019 on the brand’s anniversary, she expanded to men’s shoes.

n SSShoe Fetish is an online shoe store owned by 27-year-old Asia Bateman, a Lift for Life Academy alum and graduate of Harris Stowe-State University’s business school.

“When I had my storefront the ladies would come in with their guys and the guys would always say they were there to spend money for their ladies, but there wasn’t anything they could buy for themselves,” she said. “Since launching the men’s line, I’ve learned they’re the easiest people to satisfy. They know what they want to buy once they come in, get it and go.” When COVID-19 quarantines struck the nation in 2020 it pushed many entrepreneurs to close their doors and pivot. Since Bateman already had shut down her storefront, she was ahead to the switch to online shopping.

“I think it was smart that I transitioned online before the pandemic because I’m sure people still had to take [care] of their overhead costs,” she said.

She calls the pandemic a “bandemic” because her custom shoe line was released at the height of the pandemic. She partnered with a manufacturing company to add and design her company’s own shoe brand.

Her eagerness to be innovative in everything she does and never walk a straight and narrow path motivated her to unleash another venture under her SSShoe Fetish company last year – a foot-numbing cream.

Bateman, 27, who wears multiple hats with her company and has accomplished everything

Asia Bateman, 27 is the owner of SSShoe Fetish and wears many hats in her company.

she has before age 30 has received permission from well-known brands Jeffrey Campbell and Steve Madden to distribute and sell their items in her store.

“I try to do things that have never been done before,” she said. “My motto has always been:

if it hasn’t been done I’ll do it and do it ten times better.” She approached Campbell three years ago and the brand initially turned her down. Then right

See SSSHOE, B2

Sandra L. Thompson confirmed as FHFA director

St. Louis American staff

First Black woman to lead agency

After serving in an interim role for almost a year, Sandra L. Thompson has won Senate confirmation to serve as Federal Housing Finance Agency [FHFA] director. The agency regulates most of the U.S. mortgage market. The Senate confirmed her by a 49 to 46 vote. She was appointed by President Biden as acting director in June 2021, after leading FHFA’s housing mission and goals division. She previously was the supervision chief at the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation.

“I appreciate the support I received, and I look forward to continuing to work with Congress and other stakeholders as I fulfill my new role,” Thompson said in a statement Congresswoman Maxine Waters (D-CA), House Committee on Financial Services chair, congratulated Thompson, who will be the first Black woman to serve as FHFA Director.

“Our nation continues to face a worsening housing crisis that falls disproportionately on communities of color and threatens to lock

future generations out of stable, equitable homeownership,” Waters said in a statement.

“Now more than ever, it is imperative that we have an FHFA Director who will work to find equitable and innovative solutions to expand access to homeownership and affordable housing for every community and prospective homebuyer.

“What’s more, Thompson’s experience working through several crises, including during the current pandemic, makes her well positioned to continue tackling our nation’s housing crisis

head on.”

In an April interview with DS News, a publication that covers the housing and mortgage professional industries, Thompson said her agency has asked Fannie Mae, Fannie Mac, and the Federal Home Loan Banks [which she calls Enterprises] to submit Equitable Housing Finance plans.

“The purpose of these plans is to identify and address barriers to fair and sustainable housing opportunities.

“We want to focus the Enterprises on providing liquidity in areas that are harder to serve, especially targeting low- to moderate-income communities, underserved communities, and particularly communities of color. Ensuring a sustainable and equitable housing finance system is also important.

Thompson added that “It is important to note that equity is different from equality. When you are equal, everybody gets the same thing. But when you have equity, solutions can be tailored for the particular problem that needs to be

Dr. Shawn Baker chosen for MLI

Dr. Shawn Baker

Dr. Shawn Baker, Harris-Stowe State University vice president of student affairs and dean of student success, is among 22 outstanding, senior-level higher education professionals selected by the American Association of State Colleges and Universities (AASCU) to participate in its 2022 Millennium Leadership Initiative (MLI). MLI is a premier leadership development program that provides individuals traditionally underrepresented in the highest ranks of postsecondary education with the opportunity to develop skills, gain a philosophical overview, and build the network and knowledge needed to advance to the presidency.

Lorraine Tyus named director of nursing

Lorraine Tyus

Cardinal Ritter Senior Services (CRSS) recently hired Lorraine Tyus as its new director of nursing. Her responsibilities include planning, developing, organizing, and directing the overall operations of the nursing department. This includes staffing of the 24-hour nursing care facility, as well as providing evaluations for the nonprofit’s residents while focusing on quality standards and policies. Tyus has more than 15 years of nursing experience. Prior to joining CRSS, she worked at a complex care rehabilitation program.

Robinson-Hill named associate professor

Rona RobinsonHill

St. Louis native, Rona RobinsonHill, Ph.D., has been promoted to associate professor in the biology department as a science educator at Ball State University in Muncie, IN. Before joining Ball State University she served as a secondary science teacher at McKinley Classical Leadership (SLPS) and a research scientist at Washington University and St. Louis University for almost three decades. During her tenure at McKinley, Dr. Hill taught STEM topics to over 400 students from diverse backgrounds and motivated more than 70% of her students to pursue degrees and careers in STEM.

Johnson new director of athletics & activities

Corey Johnson has been named Parkway’s director of athletics and activities, effective July 1. He is currently the

Corey Johnson

he has

for three years. Prior to Parkway, he served in many coaching and leadership roles as high school activities and athletic director, assistant principal, teacher and head coach of two sports in the Hazelwood School District. He began his career as a coach and high school social studies teacher. Johnson has served on the Missouri State High School Activities Association Board of Directors for seven years including a year as board president.

Photo courtesy of Nelz Shots

Sandra L. Thompson

No time like present for Black entrepreneurs

By Donna Maria

Today, Black people are starting business in increasingly large numbers. According to a recent article in US News & World Report, there were 20% more Black-owned businesses in the third quarter of 2021 than there were before the pandemic. Here are the five reasons why now is a great time for you to launch a business or grow an existing one.

1. People want to support other people Purchasing a product from a person you can get to know a little provides a buyer with a sense of satisfaction that cannot be matched when buying a product from a big box store. The future of business is interactive and conversational. For proof of this fact, look no further than how people buy based on what they experience on social media.

Members of the Black community experience a special sense of pride and joy when they purchase from another local Black entrepreneur.

People want to do business with other people, and Black people want to do business with other Black people. Now is the time to leverage this in your business.

2. The world is in your back pocket

There was a time when

SSShoe

Continued from B1

before she released her shoe line, she contacted Akira and it too turned her down.

She said she snagged the collaboration with Campbell and Madden by selling herself as she saw best.

“I didn’t take no for an answer,” she said. “Talking to both companies they saw my growth and were impressed with me being an African American under 30 with all that I have achieved.”

Bateman came up with the name of SSShoe Fetish with help from the late Rev. Carlton Lee, senior pastor of The Flood Christian Church, who was also her Godbrother.

Thompson

Continued from B1

addressed. Equitable housing is important to me; sustainability is important to me.”

In August 2021, the FHFA entered into a fair lending data sharing agreement with the Department of Housing and Urban Development and made on-time rental payment history a part of Fannie Mae’s underwriting

you needed live access to mentors, hard copies of books, and pricey in-person entrepreneurial training classes in order to enter the world of entrepreneurship. Today, all of the information and mentoring you need is in your back pocket or purse in the phone you carry everywhere you go. Need a mentor? Follow some your favorites on social media and learn from their videos. Need step-by-step instructions on how to incorporate your business? Log onto the official website of the State of North Carolina (www. nc.gov/working/startingbusiness) and get everything you need.

Need to learn how to apply for and receive national trademark protection for your brand? Head over to the United States Patent and Trademark office www.uspto.gov/ a and learn how to get it done.

If you want to start or grow your business and you have a phone, you have no excuse for not moving forward with your dream.

3. Automated sales and marketing processes Today, you can travel with your customers anytime and anywhere by putting your brand in their purse or back pocket.

No While snail mail still has its place, there is no substitute for the speed and convenience of technology. Tools like Survey Monkey and livestreaming video make it easy to build and stay connected with your brand community. When you use these types of tools consistently, more people discover your products and services, and you are able to create an ecosystem that supports endless sales opportunities.

“Carlton had a genius creative mind,” she said. “I came up with my slogan first [where we fulfill your ssshoe fantasies and more] and I pronounced it like “shhh” putting my finger up as if I was saying shush. He said it was dope so it stuck.”

Bateman said many may not know the real meaning behind her logo, which displays three red Ss, a handcuff as the O, Black legs with red heels, and a whip under the word fetish.

“I wanted to keep the theme of fetishes and fantasies creative with my logo,” Bateman said.

She is interested in opening another storefront in the future as she misses the faceto-face customer interactions she used to have.

process. The FHFA also set new affordability goals for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, establishing target loan purchases in minority and lowincome Census tracts.

During her tenure as interim director, FHFA raised fees on high-balance and loans for second homes. Affordable housing advocates want more revenue to be used from high-balance and investor loans to subsidize more affordable Freddie Mac CEO Michael DeVito said in a statement,

4. Increased supportive and collaborative opportunities

The growing number of Black entrepreneurs means that there are increasingly more Black people available to participate in high value promotional and collaborative opportunities. It’s also easier than ever to establish your own collaborations with other local Black entrepreneurs to leverage and build on each other’s success.

5. You can lead your business from anywhere Gone are the days when you have to be in a specific location to get things done. Technology allows you to manage your business from wherever you are in your busy life, thus making an entrepreneurial lifestyle more accessible to everyone.

While you cannot do everything from a beachside hammock, you can lead meetings, delegate tasks to team members, and push your business forward from anywhere you have a phone and a good Wi-Fi connection. This increased mobility provides you with the freedom and flexibility to efficiently integrate your business and personal lives in ways that benefit your customers and your business, as well as yourself personally.

Donna Maria is the founder and CEO of the Indie Business Network, a nationwide trade organization

“I’m a people person and I miss interacting with my customers,” she said. “Anytime people came in I gave them hugs and we always had a good time mingling and fellowshipping.”

Bateman plans to continue her tradition of outdoing herself every year to push the brand’s elevation and expansion more.

“I have a heart for helping people, I don’t just do this for money,” she said. “The money will come, I don’t care about that. I believe when you walk in your purpose your gift will make room for you.”

SSShoe Fetish is on Instagram and Facebook. Visit Bateman’s website for more information about her and her company, www.ssshoefetish. net

“We applaud Thompson’s commitment to our mission and look forward to continuing our very collaborative working relationship.”

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers, a national organization that represents African American real estate professionals, also celebrated Thompson’s Senate confirmation.

“Sandra Thompson takes over at a critical time for African American families and individuals across the country who want to become homeowners,” Lydia Pope, National Association of Real Estate Brokers (NAREB) president said.

“Black homeownership has plummeted nearly 20% since 2008. Last year, the gap between Black (44.6%) and White (74.2%) homeownership was the largest spread since 1890. There is an urgent need for new policies and practices to address the legacy of housing discrimination that continues to diminish the hopes and dreams of families vying to become homeowners.”

Pope praised Thompson for negotiating the data sharing agreement with HUD but said more is needed.

“Thompson must become a strong champion for expanding homeownership and improving the lending environment so more families of color can benefit from the American Dream of homeownership.”

Donna Maria

JUNE 2 – 8, 2022

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Winning state of mind

St. Louis girls took center stage at last weekend’s Missouri State High School Activities Association Track and Field State Championships in Jefferson City.

St. Louis area teams dashed to three state championships as Cardinal Ritter won the Class 5 state title, Parkway Central won Class 4, and Westminster Christian came home with the Class 3 state crown. All three teams won their respective state titles by sizable margins.

For Cardinal Ritter, it was the second consecutive state championship under the direction of coach Tiffany Spain. The Lions scored 85.5 points, nearly 40 points more than their nearest competitor. Sophomore sensation Aniyah Brown dominated the sprints with state titles in the 100- and 200-meter dashes. She recorded state record times of 11.41 seconds in the 100 and 23.27 seconds in the 200.

The Lions also took home first place in the 4x100 and 4x400-meter relays. The 4x100 team of Alexis Taylor, Charlye Moody, Nazariah Jones, and Brown won in a meet record time of 46.14. The 4x400 team of Rayon Houston, Aniyah Brown, Neveah Bryant and Charlye Moody finished first in 3:50.84, another meet record.

The Lions also scored points in several other events as Taylor finished fourth in the 400, Moody was fourth in the 200 and second in the 400 while Spain was third in the 100-meter-high hurdles and fourth in the 300meter low hurdles. Ritter also finished second in the 4x200-meter relay.

Parkway Central won the Class 4 state championship with 78 points, 26 points clear of the field. The Colts powered their way to a state title with their talented group of sprinters and hurdlers. Kayelyn Tatle won the 200 in 24.48 seconds and finished second in the 100. Skyye Lee was a double winner for the Colts as she won the 100-meter-high hurdles in 13.84 seconds and 300-meter low hurdles in 43.76 seconds, which were both meet records.

The Colts also won the 4x200- and 4x400meter relay state titles. The team of Nnenna Okpara, Lee, Mychael Green and Tate won the 4x200 in 1:39.49 while the same quartet won the 4x400 in 3:58.42. Okpara also finished second in the 200 and 400 while Green was fifth in the 400.

Westminster Christian scored 70 points

Local girls dominate state track meet

to bring home its first state championship in girls track and field. Brooke Moore was the individual star of the Class 3 meet with state championship performances in the long jump, triple jump, and 100-meter-high hurdles. She won the long jump with a leap of 18 feet 9 inches, the triple jump with an effort of 39 feet

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

Black players making All-Star statements as season heats up

Memorial Day marks the point I think the Major League Baseball season starts to count.

Mike Claiborne at KMOX always says Flag Day, June 14, is the day. We’re in the same ballpark. At this juncture, several Black players are having All-Star team caliber seasons and in the top 20 of several offensive categories. The rankings include both American and National League players.

fielder Aaron Judge will be an MVP candidate if he keeps up his pace. Judge is hitting .305, .001 behind Mike Trout, which is good for 13th

L.A. Dodgers outfielder Mookie Betts is in a tie for 19th with a .304 average, and Washington Nationals first baseman Josh Bell is 21st with a .299 performance.

I mention L.A. Angels outfielder Mike Trout’s name a couple of times. Media members tend to call him “the best player in baseball” regardless of the fact the statistics don’t currently back it up.

Alvin A. Reid

Batting Average

This category has lost its luster, but it still means a lot to a team’s overall success.

Chicago White Sox shortstop Tim Anderson, who is nursing a groin injury, is third overall with an impressive .356 average. Too bad his Chicago White Sox have again been stung by multiple injuries and are languishing under .500. New York Yankees out-

Home Runs

Judge has jumped on a lot of pitches and sent them flying. His 18 home runs lead the Majors. Following closely in second is Betts, who has smacked 15 homers.

Judge’s Yankee teammate DH Giancarlo Stanton, and Minnesota Twins center fielder Byron Buxton are tied with seven other players for 10th on the list with 11 round trippers. Because of multiple ties, Toronto Blue Jays center fielder George Springer is tied for 27th with nine home runs.

Runs Batted In Judge’s 37 RBI put him in a tie for sixth with three other players, and Stanton is ninth in MLB with 35. Betts is not far

behind with 33 RBI, good for 12th in the Majors.

Hits Anderson is tied for seventh with 58 hits, and Betts is tied for 11th with 56. Judge, who ranks 14th, has banged out 54. Bell is 18th with 53.

Slugging Percentage

A player’s slugging percentage represents the number of

bases they earn per at bat. It is calculated by taking total bases and dividing by at bats. Judge is by far the best in baseball. His .669 easily outdistances Trout, who is second, at .652. Betts is ranked fifth at .614, and Miami Marlins second baseman Jazz Chisholm is 12th at .541. Springer comes in at 15th with a .516 mark, and

Anderson’s .503 is good for 18th.

Stolen Bases Baltimore Orioles outfielder Cedric Mullens, an outstanding overall ballplayer and former All-Star, is tied for fourth in stolen bases with Cardinals shortstop Tommy Edman with 11. Harrison Bader is tied for third with 13. Anderson is tied for 10th with eight. Texas Rangers second baseman Marcus Semien is tied for 25th with 12 players including Pittsburgh Pirates third baseman Ke’Bryan Hayes with six stolen bases. Finding Black players among the pitching elite is a big more difficult.

Cleveland Indians righthander Triston McKenzie ranks 17th with a respectable 2.65 earned run average. He is the lone Black pitcher in the game’s top 40 in ERA. Twenty-one pitchers, including St. Louis Cardinals right hander Adam Wainwright, are tied for fifth in wins with five. This includes Washington Nationals hurler Josiah Gray, who can thank his teammates. He has an ERA of 5.08. St. Louisan Devin

Williams, a Milwaukee Brewers reliever, is tied with two other players for 29th on the saves list with four.

The Reid Roundup I’m sorry, but I just can’t bring myself to want the Boston Celtics to win the NBA title, regardless of who is on the team or who they are playing…A bit of gambling talk. Steph Curry has the best odds to win NBA Finals MVP at +100. If you bet $100 on him, and he wins, you win $100. Jayson Tatum has the second-best odds at +175. They are followed by Jaylen Brown +1200, Klay Thompson +1500, Draymond Green +1500, Marcus Smart +3000, Andrew Wiggins +3000, Jordan Poole +3000, Al Horford +8000, Kevon Looney +10000.

McCluer

Earl Austin Jr.

Ritter’s Rayon Houston, Aniyah Brown, Neveah Bryant and Charlye Moody set a new state record in the Girls Class

4x400-meter relay with a winning time of 3:50.84

May 28, at Adkins Stadium on the campus of Jefferson City High School. The girls went on to win their second consecutive state team championship.

Aaron Judge is destined for the 2022 All-Star Game in Los Angeles.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of MLBPA

UMSL Accelerate’s impact continues to grow

Recently awarded $50,000 each to eleven diverse business owners

Eleven St. Louis startups recently showcased their innovative products, services and technology to attendees at Demo Day, organized by UMSL Accelerate’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Accelerator, to celebrate growth and attract new customers and investors. The 2022 Cohort members were Butter Love Skin, Pop Pop Hurray, Picky Eaterz, nebula Media Group and Valeria R Creative. 2021 Cohort members were Assembly On Demand, Flipstik, The Fattened Caf, DEMIblue Natural Nails, Heru Urban Farming, and Hire Henry.

Only in its second year, UMSL Accelerate’s Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Accelerator has already seen significant traction. Akeem Shannon of Flipstik is projected to grow revenues by as much as 1000% within one year of going through the program, and has attracted $725,000 in investment out of a $1.2 million goal. Flipstik is currently available in 328 Target stores and will launch in 136 AT&T stores and 578 Pilot/Flying J Travel Centers over the summer. Shannon is also working on three new products and moving 100% of promotional production to St. Louis. DEMIblue Natural Nails hit $1 million in revenue. Picky Eaterz and Nebula are operating on a wait list for new customers, and Pop Pop Hurray will expand to include new locations in 2022. The program is sponsored by Ameren and Edward Jones.

UMSL College of Business Administration alumnus Tony Davis founded Pop Pop Hurray!, a premium gourmet popcorn company, and is part of the second UMSL Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Accelerator cohort.

Cecilia Nadal Honored by Saint Louis University

Saint Louis University presented Cecilia Nadal with the prestigious “Pioneer Award.” This award is an annual recognition of a graduate who is innovative, driven and committed to the development of the whole person and whose actions, accomplishments and pioneering spirit have helped pave the way for others.

“I am honored to receive this award from St. Louis

University that helped me develop a passion for social development and social justice and provided me with the skills to effectively bring people together in a spirit of peace and co-creation.”

Gitana Productions is a nonprofit arts and education organization founded in 1996. Nadal has produced more than 25 major international music/ dance shows: more than 20

original plays on major theater stages; the first major cross-cultural engagement conference in St. Louis and numerous educational events within the community to promote peace and connection across cultures. She started Global Education through the Arts, the first community arts

program in Missouri bringing together African American and refugee /immigrant youth in South City, Ferguson and the Amherst Park area. The annual “Faces of Love Show” featured musicians and performers from 20 countries. Each performance included educational

events that brought African Americans and diverse cultures together in dialogue. In 2000 Nadal brought the world renowned China National Orchestra to Powell Symphony Hall. She engaged the Chinese and African-American communities by bringing the 80 member orchestra to St. Alphonsus Church; bringing City students and Chinese students together to co-create an opening for the show and inviting the Consul General of China from Chicago. Dance of the Dragon, an award winning film about the orchestra was produced by Nadal in collaboration with the St. Louis Chinese Association and Maven Films. Nadal, now semi-retired, leads Cross-Cultural Strategies as principal consultant/trainer and continues social activism as an influencer and writer.

Cecilia Nadal

It

A magical night at the opera

OTSL delivers wellrounded interpretation of Mozart masterpiece

By Kenya Vaughn

The St. Louis American

n The comedy, drama, emotional turmoil, spirituality, love story and even the importance of nature woven into the format of a fairy tale will keep even the most novice opera patron engaged for the entire performance.

There is a scene where the character Prince Tamino sings the praises of the tone of his magic flute in Opera Theatre of Saint Louis production of the Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart classic opera. The same can be said for the voice of Joshua Blue, the singer who embodied the role. Seeing his perfectly shaped afro emerge on stage as the magnificent voices of the three ladies signal the beginning of The Magic Flute was a joy. That feeling transcends to utter delight when one hears the richness of his voice and his impressive range – and watches the tenor handle the musical intricacy with precision with an overload of charm. The former Gerdine Young Artist and former Gadden Festival Artist displayed his potential for greatness as he carried the weight of the production on his broad shoulders – with plenty of support from an immensely talented ensemble.

Blue’s performance was on brand for Opera Theatre Saint Louis’ production of the masterpiece, which continues through June 26. From the dramatically beautiful music of the overture conducted by Rory Macdonald, it was clear that the audience should prepare themselves to be blown away by the Opera Theatre of Saint Louis presentation that opened Saturday night at The Loretto-Hilton.

The production was a milestone of sorts for OTSL, taking place nearly 40 years to the day that OTSL first performed the masterpiece. The company’s staging reinforced the notion that The Magic Flute is the perfect introduction to the art

STL African Arts Festival enters new decade

Art from the Ancestors Isaiah Peters The St. Louis American

Some of St. Louis’ most talented creatives returned or began a new tradition of sharing and selling their crafts, and cuisine to the community via this year’s St. Louis African Arts Festival. The wide array of products from Africans and the African diaspora is a heartwarming and reminds people of the creativity of the Black spirit.

“We have people from all walks of life,” said Cynthia L. Cosby, the African Arts Festival founder. “We are very proud of the diversity.”

Initially lauched in 1991, The St. Louis African Arts Festival celebrated its 31st annual gathering during a three-day free festival this Memorial Day weekend. It marked the first African Arts festival of the 2020s decade. The festival aims to spread awareness of Black peoples’ contributions and influence in all

form. More than 230 years after Mozart’s original staging, the themes of the story ring especially relevant. The comedy, drama, emotional turmoil, spirituality, love story and even the importance of nature woven into the format of a fairy tale will keep even the most novice opera patron engaged for the entire performance.

Mozart leaves little margin for error in his composition. Much is required from both the orchestra and the ensemble of singers. His chord progressions and key changes demand artists of the highest caliber, written as if he expected the

See Opera, C3

musicians and singers to be on par with his own level of genius. Opera Theatre of Saint Louis enlisted a team that was up for the challenge. Along with Blue, Jeni Houser as The Queen of the Night, Erica Petrocelli as Pamina, the ensembles of the three ladies (Meghan Kasssanders, Meridian Prall and Stephanie Sanchez), the three spirits (Hallie Schmidt, Daniela Magura, and Maria Consamus) and Angel Riley as Papagena are among the best in show among the art forms, alongside highly sought-after cuisine from all over, including traditional African cuisine, soul food and dishes from the Caribbean. Despite taking place in one of the most identifiable parts of St. Louis, the moment one comes up to the line of stands of an assortment of African

Nelly among homegrown music stars to perform at Enjoy Illinois 300

St. Louis American Staff

St. Louis own rap mega star Nelly is known for representing the region. His tradition continues this weekend as he prepares to take the stage as part of the festivities for the first-ever Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series. The event is presented by TicketSmarter and is expected to draw more than 80,000 over the course of the weekend.

n In addition to live music, several interactive STEM activities including RaceAR –featuring first-ofits-kind augmented reality race simulations – will be demonstrated on the Midway.

“We promised our fans a world-class event, and this festival will deliver on a whole new level,” said Curtis Francois, Owner and CEO of Worldwide Technology Raceway. “Collectively, with our incredible partners World Wide Technology, we have developed a phenomenal lineup of entertainment and engagement opportunities that show the world how excited the St. Louis region is about hosting this race.”

Race weekend will officially kick off on Thursday, June 2 with a NASCAR hauler parade through downtown St. Louis and the free Ballpark Village Fan Fest presented by Enterprise from 4-8 p.m. Live performances will begin at the Ballpark Village Fan Fest presented by Enterprise on Thursday, June 2, and will continue at World Wide Technology Raceway on Friday, June 3; Saturday, June 4; and Sunday, June 5, concluding with a post-race concert. Nelly won’t be the only St. Louis music favorite on the roster for the weekend. Additional performers will include The Muny, St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, Jazz St. Louis

Photo by Isaiah Peters | The St. Louis American

Photo by Eric Woolsey

Joshua Blue as Tamino in Opera Theatre of Saint Louis’ staging of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s ‘The Magic Flute.’ The production continues through June 26.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Nelly rocked the stage as a featured artist for the New Kids On The Block Main Event Tour at Enterprise Center on May 8, 2019. He will perform this weekend as part of the concert lineup for the first-ever NASCAR CUP Series at WWT Raceway in Madison, IL.

See Music, C3

Paintings by the artist and vendor Charlesetta Cook of Charlie’s Creative Designs, were on display during her celebrated first time having a table at the festival tabling with a life-long friend. She sells pieces of abstract art and clothing traditionally worn by Black women in Africa.

and The Sheldon. Among the featured artists will include “The Voice” finalist Kennedy Holmes, Keyon Harrold, Brian Owens, Jean Baylor and Shedrick Mitchell. Lamar Harris, The Red and Black Brass Band, Malena Smith and Marquise Knox are among the many names billed to perform. In addition to live music, several interactive STEM activities including RaceAR – featuring first-ofits-kind augmented reality race simulations developed by World Wide Technology –will be demonstrated on the Midway. Community youth programs will showcase

robotics, karting and STEM through hands-on activities, while an esports tournament determines the winner of a 16-team local high school double-elimination contest hosted live on the Midway prior to the NASCAR Cup Series race on Sunday.

“St. Louis is making history with the Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series race weekend – a spectacular, must-see four-day celebration for our region,” said David L. Steward, Founder and Chairman of World Wide Technology. “When not cheering for the world’s best drivers, fans will enjoy several genres of live music and activities that showcase technology and innovation, reflecting our goal of making World Wide Technology Raceway the most tech-forward track, entertainment and education venue in racing.”

All parties involved are thrilled as a new tradition starts in the region with Enjoy Illinois 300.

“We knew our fans were hungry for a NASCAR Cup Series race and the response since the announcement in September has been tremendous,” Francois said. “With world class racing, live entertainment and endless fun on the Midway, this Sunday will bring lasting memories for many people and I can’t wait to greet them alongside our sponsor and corporate partners who have helped make this all possible.”

The Enjoy Illinois 300 NASCAR Cup Series will take place from June 2- June 5 at World Wide Technology Raceway in Madison, Illinois. For additional information, visit https:// www.nascar.com/2022/enjoyillinois-300

20-plus in the solid cast.

Houser’s command of the unrelenting high notes for the famous ‘Der Holle Rache’ aria, more commonly referred to as the Queen of the Night aria, elicited a warranted applause that spilled over into the next scene. The perfect vocal blend of Blue and Petrocelli were also among the musical highlights.

The value added by the production team of The Magic Flute cannot be overstated. Christopher Akerlind illuminates – all pun intended – the power of stellar lighting design in setting the tone and ushering in dramatic effect from one scene to the next. And with the unfortunate exception of the Queen of the Night, costume designer Jessica Jahn nailed the costumes.

Set designer Ryan Howell creates an ambidextrous scenic experience that easily transitions between settings. Director

Omer Ben Seadia creates a pace that makes the two hours and forty-five minutes fly by. She also curates the chemistry to create an experience that authentically displays each range of the many emotions covered over the course of the opera.

Opera Theatre of Saint Louis continues its production of The Magic Flute through June 26 at the Loretto-Hilton on the campus of Webster University. For tickets or additional information, visit www.operastl.org.

Podcasts highlight rich histories of Black United Methodist Churches

Andrew UMC.

“Local church laity and clergy leaders detail the rich history of the Historically Black Church through stories of faithfulness and witness to injustice and invite podcast listeners to consider the gifts the Black Church brings to the church at large,” according to Lauren Miers, MACUMC senior communications specialist.

“The Faith and Race Podcast is designed to help faithful people host conversations about race, faith, and the Church. Every episode has a specific focus to help listeners intentionally think about the intersection of history, institutions, scripture, prayer, race, and justice. The audio recordings bring diverse insights and experiences into churches, homes, and hearts

Youth activities are part of the ministry of Union Memorial United Methodist Church

Photo courtesy of Union memorial

across Missouri and beyond. Five of the podcasts have been posted, and a discussion podcast will close the series with its release on June 9, 2022.

-Episode 1: Pitt’s Chapel UMC in Springfield (Released May 5, 2022)

-Episode 2: Samaritan UMC in St. Louis (Released May 12, 2022)

-Episode 3: Centennial UMC in Kansas City (Released May 19, 2022)

-Episode 4: Union Memorial UMC in St. Louis (Released May 26, 2022)

-Episode 5: St. James UMC in Kansas City (Releases June 2, 2022)

-Episode 6: Faith and Race Podcast Host Discussion and Debrief

Season three of the podcast is hosted by Rev. Russell Ewell (Terrace Lake in Kansas City), Rev. Fabian Gonzales (Good Shepherd in Kansas City), and Rev. Sharon Williams (Missouri Conference Office of Mission, Service and Justice). The Faith and Race Podcast is available on Apple Podcasts Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Spotify and via the Missouri Conference website at www.moumethodist. org/faithandracepodcast

By James A. Washington

One of the most misunderstood concepts in both the secular and the spiritual world is power. Many associate power with money, the ability to buy whatever you want whenever you want. Others believe that real power is defined by the ability to influence or affect the outcome of any given situation. The more power you have, the more you can affect the lives of those you meet. In a

spiritual sense, the answer to the question of using power for good or evil has profound consequences. When it comes to the power of prayer, or faith or the absolute power of the Lord, this power thing can become the focal point of some intense conversations. According to Christian faith, God is omnipotent. The truth is most religions of the world give power to the God or Gods that men worship. Christians simply believe El Shaddai can

do anything. He doesn’t have the answer to all things. He is the answer to all things. It has become crystal clear to me that power comes from truth. There is inherent power in the truth of who Jesus really was, who He really is and who He will always be. That truth brings peace of mind and that peace of mind releases power. I’m not talking about some ideological rhetorical power that one refers to just to make a point. I’m talking about the power of the truth to withstand the devil and stand up against evil. It gives you real power in the real world. This is very apparent in the bible as we see in those who

believe and then act upon their belief. Then as now, persecution followed these believers. Their very existence was put in jeopardy. Can you imagine the power derived from defining your very existence in eternal terms? One with God, always was, always will be? That kind of power is all powerful. That kind of power allows you to confess an unwavering belief in God even in the face of actual death. That kind of power was not available to Peter when first questioned about being Christ’s boy. His fear was so evident when in denying Christ the cock crowed, just as Jesus had predicted. Later, the power that

let that same Peter be crucified as a known child of the church is but a small example of divine power realized. Have you ever wondered what gives people the will to do right, to be right, to act right in the face of adversity, temptation and yes, even the threat of death? I guess it would be better to ask; have you ever wondered what makes the righteous persevere? What is it about righteousness that strikes fear in the unrighteous? Why is the happily married man or woman the perfect target for the sinful suitor? Again, power realized is power exercised in the name of truth, in the name of faith and regardless of how “cliché-ish” it sounds, in the name of love. History tells us that real power becomes a threat and must be destroyed. Is anybody trying

to destroy you? Is anybody or anything trying to kill your spirit and destroy your faith? Is your righteousness under attack? If not, then maybe you ain’t got no power. If not, you’re not at peace with God. If you were, then everyone around you would know because you would be under attack, a target for temptation and a glorious example of what God can and will do through His representatives here on earth. Yes, that would be us., you and me. Then whatever comes your way as a Christian is met with the righteous indignation of one who knows the truth, one who has power. “I am not ashamed of the gospel because it is the power of God for the salvation of everyone who believes….” Romans 1:16.

Columnist James Washington

CONTRACT ATTORNEY – LAW CLERK

Family Court of St. Louis County is seeking to enter into a professional service agreement with an attorney to conduct legal research and analysis for the judges of the 21st Circuit, who handle complex cases filed with the court. Primary responsibility will be to assist with performing research and drafting, including but not limited to legal analysis and the revision of legal documents. The professional service agreement is funded at $50.00/hour working up to 500 hours through December 31, 2022. Commitment to this expiration date is highly preferred. Qualification: Licensed to practice law in the State of Missouri. Requirement: Maintenance of professional liability insurance.

NOTE: All selected individuals will be required to submit to a background check. To apply (position open until filled), please send a resume, along with a cover letter to the following address: Contract Attorney – Law Clerk, Attn: Human Resources Department, Family Court of St. Louis County, 105 S. Central., 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 format.

BOOKMOBILE DRIVER

The St. Louis County Library is seeking qualified applicants to fill the position of full-time Bookmobile Driver. The position is responsible for driving the bookmobile to assigned location to provide quality Library service to customers and also performs clerical duties assigned with this position.

A High School diploma or GED required. Must be able drive a truck and trailer. Must have a valid driver’s license with a good driving record. Salary - $34,320 plus paid benefits. Apply online at https://www.slcl.org/ content/employment. Equal Opportunity Employer.

CITY OF CLAYTON HIRING FOR FULL-TIME POSITIONS

The City of Clayton is hiring for full-time positions. Apply at https://bit.ly/3pGDCgY EOE

OFFICE WORKERS

Office Workers w/experience working in an office environment. Salary above minimum wage Contact: Delores Glasby or Edward Glasby at 314-830-2800 or email at harrisbestcareinc@ yahoo.com.

ACCOUNTING CLERK

The City of Richmond Heights is accepting applications for the position of Accounting Clerk Advanced $ $65,038 - 69,779 DOQ . To apply go to https:// richmondheights.applicantpro. com/jobs/ . Applications will be accepted from May 26, 2022 until June 10, 2022.

FAMILY DEVELOPMENT SPECIALIST

Good Shepherd Children and Family Services is seeking a Family Development Specialist to recruit, train, license, and support foster parents. For more information, please visit: https://goodshepherdstl.org/ employment-opportunities.

MAINTENANCE TECHNICIAN

Apartment community currently seeking full-time, maintenance technician with HVAC certification and willing to take on-call rotation. Must have reliable transportation, tools and pay starting at $17 to $20. Also, looking for full-time housekeeper with pay of $15. Please submit resume via email at leasing@ villasatbrentwoodapartments. com or fax to 314-962-5533

PROGRAM COORDINATOR AND MULTIPLE OPPORTUNITIES

United Way of Greater St. Louis has multiple openings including a Program Coordinator. Check out www.helpingpeople.org/ careers

VOLUNTEER COORDINATOR

Great Rivers Greenway is hiring a Volunteer Coordinator. Go to www. greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids to apply.

HUMAN RESOURCES MANAGER

The 22nd Judicial Circuit Court seeks applicants for a Human Resources Manager. Candidates must have a Master’s Degree in Human Resources, Business Management, Public Administration, Psychology, or other closely related field required. At least five years’ work experience in personnel or related field at the management level. Must be at least 21 years of age. Professional certification(s) in Human Resources highly desired. Please email resumes to: stlca.resumes@courts.mo.gov See www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com for complete job description. EOE

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

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Paric Corporation is seeking proposals for the following

project: THE CHEMICAL BLDG located at 777 Olive St PARIC Corporation is soliciting bids for the Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing and Fire Sprinkler Systems ONLY for THE CHEMICAL BUILDING located on 777 Olive St. St Louis, MO. The project consists of the renovation of the historic building into 240 guestrooms (Residences Inn and SpringHill Suites) including amenity spaces, fitness room and community areas. Access to documents is available from our Smartbid link. If you do not received a bid invitation please send your company information to tlalexaner@paric.com

A PREBID meeting will be held on 6/1/22 at 10:00am at the project site on Olive Street

BIDS WILL BE DUE ON JUNE 15, 2022 @ 2:00pm

Send all questions to Kory Kostecki (kKostecki@paric. com) or Terry Turnbeaugh (tlturnbeaugh@paric.com)

Job will have prevailing wage requirements

Goals for Construction Business Enterprise

• 21%

• 11%

• .5%

•

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

PARIC CORPORATION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

LETTING NO. 8746

CONCRETE & BRICK REMOVAL/ REPLACEMENT AND COMPLETE SIDEWALK REPLACEMENT; PROJECT NO. SP-114

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 28, 2022, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A mandatory pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held June 7, 2022 at 10:00 a.m. The pre-bid conference will be held in Room 305 City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103.

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).

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 Non-Capital Bids (commodities and services) or >Visit Planroom (capital construction bids)

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

INVITATION TO BID

FERGUSONFLORISSANT SCHOOL DISTRICT CUSTODIAL CLEANING EQUIPMENT

Sealed bids for custodial cleaning equipment are being requested from the FFSD and will be received and publicly opened on Friday, June 10, 2022 @ 1:00 pm CST at the Operation and Maintenance Dept. located at 8855 Dunn Rd. (REAR) Hazelwood, MO 63042. Bid specs must be obtained at http://new.fergflor.k12.mo.us/ facilities-rfq. Contact Shawn Everett at (314) 824-2415 for further information/questions.

INVITATION TO BID FERGUSONFLORISSANT SCHOOL DISTRICT MCCLUER SOUTH BERKELEY AUDITORIUM SOUND SYSTEM REPLACEMENT

Sealed bids for the above project are being requested from the FFSD and will be received and publicly opened on Friday, June 10, 2022 @ 2:00 pm CST at the Operation and Maintenance Dept. located at 8855 Dunn Rd. (REAR) Hazelwood, MO 63042. Bid specs must be obtained at http:// new.fergflor.k12.mo.us/facilities-rfq. Contact Matt Furfaro at mfurfaro@fergflor.org for further information/questions.

WEBSTER GROVES SCHOOL DISTRICT

Is soliciting “Request for Proposal” for various project work, including; General Contractor Services, Flooring Replacement; Environmental Testing Services

The Request for Proposals will be available on the District Website on May 31, 2022 @ www.webster.k12.mo.us front page and can be accessed under RFP/RFQ icon at bottom of page. www.stlamerican.com

NOTICE REGARDING TREATMENT COURT COMMISSIONER VACANCY TO ALL ATTORNEYS RESIDING IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI

The Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, announces that it is soliciting candidates for the position of Treatment Court Commissioner of the Circuit Court of St. Louis County.

The Circuit Judges will make the appointment for a term of (4) years, at an annual salary of an associate circuit judge, payable by the State of Missouri, pursuant to RSMo §478.003.

Missouri law requires the Treatment Court Commissioner(s) to possess the same qualifications as an associate circuit judge, including those set forth in the Missouri Constitution, Article V, Section 21, to wit, they must be qualified voters of the state, residents of St. Louis County, Missouri, at least twenty-five years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri; and possess all other qualifications as required by law. (See RSMo Chapter 478).

Questionnaires and Candidate Instructions may be obtained by sending a resume and cover letter to St. Louis County Circuit Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri, 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov

Completed questionnaires must be submitted in writing to St. Louis County Circuit Court, ATTN: Human Resources, 105 S. Central Avenue, Clayton, Missouri 63105, or via email to SLCCourtJobs@courts.mo.gov on or before June 30, 2022.

The appointment is scheduled to take place upon a vote of the Circuit Judges en banc on or about July 13, 2022. 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.

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/ DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following: CP221271 Agriculture Science- Renovate 2-3&2-4 Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@reinhardtconstructionllc. com Phone: 573-682-5505

SOLICITING BID

Reinhardt Construction LLC is Soliciting Bids from MBE/WBE/ DBE/Veteran/SDVE for the following: CP220861 UMTH 1E17 CT Replacement

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@reinhardtconstructionllc. com Phone: 573-682-5505

SOLICITING BID

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

CP220691 Laboratory for Infectious Disease Research G20 Improvements

Contact: Mike Murray ; mikem@ reinhardtconstructionllc.com

Phone: 573-682-5505

NORMANDY SCHOOLS

COLLABORATIVE

IT Director Services RFP available on www.Normandysc.org Bids Due on 6/3/22 at 4:00 PM

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Franklin R

Project, Bates County, Project No. Y2202-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 6/23/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered t o b i d . F o r specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

PUBLIC NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is seeking bids for Mississippi Greenway: Arch Security Upgrades. Go to www.greatriversgreenwy. org/jobs-bids to apply by July 1, 2022.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

SEALED BIDS

Security Systems

M2125-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 30, 2022. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

America’s Center is seeking bids for multi-panel plexiglass/polycarbonate folding partitions. Please send an email to bids@explorestlouis.com to request information on the specifications. We will be accepting proposals through June 13, 2022 at 5:00 p.m. America’s Center reserves the right to reject any or all proposals. EOE.

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Replace HVAC, BAS, and Domestic Hot Water System, H

O22A2-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 23, 2022 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

n Center, Project No. M1909-01, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1 : 3 0 P M , 6/2/2022 via MissouriBUYS. Bidders must be registered t o b i d . F o r specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices St. LouiS

FEASIBILITY STUDY FOR PROPOSED ZOOLINE RAILROAD EXPANSION RFQ 2022

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Feasibility Study for Proposed Zooline Railroad Expansion RFQ 2022. Bid documents are available as of 5/18/22 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

Proposal for Ticket Paper & Envelopes

Proposals will be received by City of Saint Louis Treasurer UNTIL 5:00 pm 5/31/2022 For specific project information, go to https://www.stltreasurer.org/ Request-for-Proposals/

BID NOTICE

Hankins Construction Company is seeking to receive proposals for the following:

Project: Jennings City Hall and Community Center

Owner: City of Jennings

Architect: KAI

Bid Date: June 7th, 2022 @ 2:00 PM

This project is Tax Exempt and Prevailing Wage. The MBE Goal is 30% and the WBE Goal is 10%.

Hankins Construction is asking for all bids to be emailed to office@ hankinsmidwest.com by 11 AM the day of the bid. The estimator working on this project is Jeff Kolkmeier. If you have any questions, please call 314-426-7030.

PUBLIC NOTICE

St. Louis Oasis Wellness Recovery Action Program (WRAP) – FREE program Tuesdays, June 7–July 12, 10 a.m.–12 p.m. (6 sessions)

Location: Christ Our Redeemer, 13820 Old Jamestown Road, Black Jack, MO 63033

WRAP® for Healthy Aging is a free program that anyone can use to feel less isolated and more in control of their life. Participants meet in a small group setting that problem-solves together and creates individualized action plans for improved well-being, physical health, and quality of life! Call 314-862-4859 ext. 24 for more information.

BID OPPORTUNITY:

the MO National Guard will have several projects across the state that will be open for public bid in July, August and September. Projects marked with an (*) are subject to funding availability. Bids will be received online through MissouriBUYS. They are as follows: T2214-01 - Macon Training Site-Design & Construct New Company HQ Admin/ Supply Building, T2124-01Wappapello Training Site-Construct New, 60 Soldier Barracks, T2213-01 - Wappapello Training Site-Utility Infrastructure Improvements, T2237-01 - Dexter POV Expansion, T2045-01Whiteman AFB NGB Readiness Cntr-Parking Expansion & LED Upgrade, T2041-01 - Ike Skelton Training Site-Design & Construct New, Fitness Center, * T2139-01 - Columbia Readiness Center-Renovate Interior, Readiness Center Building, * T213701 - Fulton Readiness Center-Install Emergency Generator Connection & Renovate Interior, Readiness Center Building, * T2131-01 - Monett Readiness Center-Renovate Toilet/ Shower Room, Readiness Center Building, * T2222-01 - Chillicothe Readiness CenterExterior Repair and Painting, Readiness Center Building, * T203201 - Cape Girardeau Readiness CntrInstall Roof Mounted Solar Panel Array & LED Lighting, FMS Bldg. To view the bidding schedule and/or theplans & specifications, go to https://oa.mo.gov/facilities/

DIRECTOR OF DIVERSITY, EQUITY, ACCESSIBILITY & INCLUSION (“DEAI”)

The Saint Louis Zoo is thrilled to be hiring its first ever full-time Director of Diversity, Equity, Accessibility and Inclusion (“DEAI”), who will oversee the continued development and implementation of programs and an organizational culture that promotes diversity, equity, accessibility and inclusion throughout the Zoo. To apply, visit: https://careers.hiretrue.com/ stlzoo

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

Planning, Training & Exercise for RCPG Program

East-West Gateway is seeking submittals from consultants to assist and support a focused regional planning, training, and exercise project for the RCPG Program. Submittals are due no later than 1:00 p.m. on June 27, 2022. Submittal details and specifications can be obtained at www.ewgateway.org.

Showers, and Tuck-pointing, P

N o . T2133-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, June 2, 2022. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

LETTING NO. 8745

NORTH JEFFERSON AVE / PARNELL CORRIDOR PROJECT FEDERAL PROJECT NO. CMAQ/ STP/BUILD-5617(602)

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 14, 2022, then publicly opened and read. Proposals must be submitted electronically using “Bid Express Online Portal” at https://www.bidexpress.com/ businesses/20618/home. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS On Line Plan Room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held May 24, 2022 at 9:30 a.m. The pre-bid conference will be held in 1520 Market Street, Suite 2000, Boardroom #278, St. Louis, Missouri 63103.

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).

RFP

The City of Bellerive Acres is soliciting bids for street overlay and existing asphalt curbs. View RFP details on the City’s website www.belleriveacresmo.gov

Deadline for bid submission is Thursday, June 2, 2022.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS:

Financial Investment and Advisory Services

City of St. Louis Treasurer’s Office www.stltreasurer.org/ request-for-proposals

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

Sealed bids for the Barrett Parkway Area Pavement Improvements, St. Louis County Project No. AR/ CR-1818 will be received electronically thru the County’s Vendor Self Service portal at https:// stlouiscountymovendors. munisselfservice.com/Vendors/ default.aspx until 2:00 p.m. June 8, 2022 Plans and specifications will be available on May 9, 2022 from the St. Louis County Web Site (www.stlouiscountymo.gov) or by contacting Cross Rhodes Print & Technologies, 2731 South Jefferson Avenue, St. Louis, MO 63118 (314) 678-0087.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY

Boogie

a feeling of being in a different country can certainly take over.

Seeing much of Black St. Louis selling and supporting the local talent from fashion to crafts to candles, food, and more fosters a sense of community and unity.

Among the vendors, there were several first-timers and some who haven’t missed a year since the mid-90s. The vendors had a range of backgrounds, including many proud

St. Louis natives with a mix of some from midwest cities of Chicago and Detroit and some from Western Africa such as Senegal and Mali.

Steve Pits, a longtime vendor at Thiocary Fashion, is a St. Louis native who’s finally venturing to Africa for the first time in September. Pits said he’s looking forward to going to Liberia.

“We import from about nine countries, Gambia, Ghana, Senegal, Mali and more,” Pits said.

“It’s a wide range.”

One first-time vendor, Charlesetta Cook of Charlie’s Creative Designs, celebrated her first time having a table

with a life-long friend. She sells pieces of abstract art and clothing traditionally worn by Black women in Africa.

Cook said she and vending partner Rosalind Jones already shared plenty of great memories navigating the African Arts Festival, sharing a bitter-sweet moment.

“We’re really close friends; I just sold a piece that looked like her [table partner and close friend’s] daughter, which made me happy but made her sad.”

The annual festival occurs Memorial day weekend each year.

Gilliam / David Kordansky Gallery

Photo by Isaiah Peters | The St. Louis American

Fashion Vendors and shoppers at the STL African Arts Festival at Forest Park in St. Louis Sat., May 28. The Memorial Day festival marked the first African Arts festival of the 2020s decade, after two cancellations due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Home Guide

Why the rapid increase in mortgage rates

Your path to home ownership Protecting your home from insects

Group’s goal is to increase Black home ownership

Protect your home from invading insects

The summer season can be an especially challenging time of year to keep your home free of bugs. Taking the following steps however can help you guard your home from invading insects:

• Seal cracks: It’s a simple DIY project you can complete in just a few hours, but it can make a world of difference. Caulking cracks in doors and windows is not only an effective way to improve your home’s energy efficiency and reduce your utility bills during the hotter months, it can also seal off a common entry point for bugs.

• Fix screens: There’s nothing more pleasant than a good cross breeze on a mild day. But before throwing your windows and doors open, be sure that screens fit securely and are free of holes. Even a minor tear can lead to a major bug problem. You can choose to patch tears or replace the screen entirely if needed. Easyto-install mesh screen curtains that close with magnets are another good option, especially for renters and those unable to make major upgrades to their residence.

• Use traps strategically: “Tapping into

what is known about bug biology can help put a stop to pest problems,” says Bryan Smith, Market Leader at Zevo, a manufacturer of bug traps and sprays.

Smith recommends taking advantage of flying insects’ notorious love of lights by plugging Zevo Flying Insect Traps into outlets around your home where bugs

enter and tend to gather. Using a special blue and UV light system (instead of odors and chemical insecticides), the trap safely attracts gnats, house flies, and fruit flies to an adhesive pad. Built to eliminate the ickfactor, its sleek, compact design keeps ugly insects out of view, and is effective at both defending your home’s entry points, like garages and entryways, as well as banishing bugs that have made their way to areas such as the kitchen, around trash cans and near drain pipes. For whole home protection, pair the traps with Zevo bug sprays.

• Keep things tidy: It’s nearly impossible to keep all bugs out of your house all the time. That’s why it’s so important to ensure you’re not inadvertently creating a haven for insects to thrive. Be sure to wipe down surfaces where food is prepared and eaten, clean spills quickly, and regularly sweep and vacuum crumbs. By sealing your home’s entry points and relying on safe and effective bug elimination strategies, you can help prevent insect invasions and have a more comfortable summer season.

BUYING A HOME MAY BE MORE AFFORDABLE THAN YOU THINK!

Stifel Bank & Trust offers homebuying programs to make homeownership more affordable. Today you can purchase a home with as little as 3.5% down.

Talk with Samantha about qualifying for a mortgage, reviewing your credit, and seeing how a mortgage payment fits in your budget. Stifel Bank & Trust offers down payment assistance programs and homebuyer resources to help you get started.

Why the rapid increase in mortgage rates?

By Max Vosburgh Senior Manager, Mortgage Secondary Market Commerce Bank

Mortgage rates recently climbed to their highest levels since before the pandemic.1 What does that mean if you’re thinking about buying a home or refinancing your current one? Max Vosburgh, Senior Vice President, Secondary Market Manager, Commerce Bank Mortgage, shares insights and answers to some common questions related to rising mortgage rates and what it could mean for your finances.

Q: How are interest rates set or established?

A: There are two primary levers that impact how mortgage rates are determined: the broad economic market, which is influenced by the overall health of the economy and investor demand, and individual factors. Individual factors that can impact interest rates and cause them to fluctuate can include the characteristics of a loan application, such as property type, loan purpose or the borrower’s credit score.

Q: Why did interest rates jump so fast?

A: As a general rule of thumb, when the economic outlook is healthy, the cost of borrowing will increase, and when it’s not as favorable, it will decrease. In March of 2020, when the economy faced unprecedented coronavirus-related disruptions, the Federal Reserve lowered borrowing costs to provide an economic stimulant. In 2022, we find ourselves in the opposite situation. The economy has rebounded faster than many predicted, and increased consumer spending, growing wages, and a rising demand for goods have helped pushed inflation to its highest level in decades. The Federal Reserve is raising interest rates in an effort to pump the brakes and properly manage the rate at which the economy grows.

Q: Are mortgage interest rates impacted by inflation?

A: Inflation measures the rate at which the price of goods and services increase over a period of time. While mortgage rates aren’t tied directly to inflation, they’re influenced by it, as the cost to borrow money typically rises as the rate of inflation increases.

Q: Is now a good time to buy a house before interest rates increase even more?

A: Mortgage rates are only a single ingredient in the entire recipe that someone should consider when evaluating homeownership. First, and most importantly, create a budget and identify your

comfort level with a monthly housing payment. Be sure to factor in other expenses like property taxes, insurance, maintenance and repairs. Keep in mind that differences in the loan type, down payment amount and repayment term can provide flexibility in designing a monthly payment that fits your budget.

Prospective homebuyers should also weigh the wealth-building benefits of homeownership against their current housing costs and overall financial picture. Many people may be surprised to discover that with the right loan option, owning versus renting can result in a lower monthly payment — and there may even be tax benefits. Another silver lining? Higher rates may put pressure on sellers to lower their home price, which helps buyers.

Q: Will mortgage rates change again soon — and how will that impact my monthly payment?

A: Despite the recent spike, mortgage rates remain at historically low levels, which is good news for homebuyers.

However, it’s important to note that any number of economic and geopolitical factors could cause rates to shift, such as the instability in Europe, or a new coronavirus strain, making it difficult to predict what might happen with mortgage rates in the future. If you’re concerned about rate movements and how that might impact your budget, talk to your mortgage banker.

While rising rates may seem dramatic, it’s important to put into perspective how a 1% or 2% rate difference could impact the monthly payment on your long-term investment. The example below shows what a 1% or 2% interest rate difference looks like for a monthly principal and interest payment, based on a $250,000 home purchased with a 20% down payment for a home loan of $200,000 with a fixed-rate 30-year loan.

To see more examples of how different interest rates and loan terms can impact your monthly payment, check out Commerce Bank’s calculators <https:// www.commercebank.com/personal/borrow/mortgages/mortgage-loan-calculators>. They’re a convenient tool that lets you quickly compare payments between different loan types and loan terms to determine monthly payments.

Q: What steps can I take to get the best mortgage interest rate?

A: The following tips can help you navigate a rising rate environment to get the best mortgage for your needs and your finances.

• Review your budget <https://www. commercebank.com/personal/ideasand-tips/2021/how-to-make-a-budget> to determine how much house you can afford and to identify a manageable monthly house payment

• Pay down debt to lower your debtto-income ratio and to create more room in your budget for housing costs

• Consider making a larger down payment so you can borrow less

• Consider lowering your monthly payment by buying points at closing <https://www.commercebank.com/ personal/ideas-and-tips/2020/a-closerlook-at-closing-costs>

• Explore different repayment terms and mortgage loan options, such as a fixed rate versus an adjustable rate <https://www.commercebank. com/personal/ideas-and-tips/2022/ five-financing-dos-and-donts-forhomebuyers>

• Check your credit report and credit score — the stronger the score, the more likely you’ll qualify for the most competitive interest rates <https:// www.commercebank.com/personal/ ideas-and-tips/2020/simple-steps-toprotect-your-credit>

Focusing on your budget, your needs and your goals can help you make the best decision for your situation in any type of interest rate environment. Learn more about Commerce Bank home loan options and resources here <https://www.commercebank.com/personal/borrow/mortgages> or contact our Mortgage Concierge Team at 816-760-3663 for answers to your questions and guidance on choosing the right home loan to fit your financial plan.

1. “Mortgage rates soar past 4%,” Gabriella Cruz-Martinez, personal finance writer, yahoo!finance, posted March 17, 2022, https://finance.yahoo. com/news/mortgage-rates-soar-past-4percent-143733545.html

Regional Transformation: What’s In it For Me?

What will it take to transform our region? Our first response, our human response is WIIFM. “What’s in it for me?” Before I even challenge us to change; rethink the status quo; to adjust our behavior, I’ll try to answer that.

What’s in it for me/us?

- Safer neighborhoods, less crime, vibrant communities.

- Rigorous economic growth that creates jobs and opportunities for us and our children and our children’s children. White, Black and Brown.

- Sustainable growth for our region to enable us to compete with other cities.

What holds the region back is not our lack of assets. We have incredible assets including eight Fortune 500 and six Fortune 1,000 companies. We have a robust small and midsize business network that provides a variety of goods and services. We have a number of generational

businesses like our own bank, Midwest BankCentre, now in our 6th generation.

What holds us back is our historic liability around economic inclusion. “People of color have been disproportionately harmed by the region’s long history of

Jobs Plan led by Bruce Katz of New Localism Associates.

What will it take to transform our region? It is directly tied to our ability to

foster inclusive growth. I call this Shared Prosperity. It is the most important factor in neighborhood transformation, better health outcomes, reduced crime, and sustainable growth for our region. We need to find ways to unleash the productive labor, the entrepreneurial spirit, and economic revitalization of all White, Black and Brown people in this region as well as where they live. It will require capital. It will require shared risk. It will require leveraging our balance sheets to invest in neighborhoods that have been left behind. I call this Impact Banking. Impact Banking creates a virtuous loop that has the power to transform our region. It begins when anchor institutions, investors and individuals deposit capital in locally owned, locally focused banks that are committed to Shared Prosperity. The banks in turn invest more in underserved areas to create opportunities for families to buy homes, start or scale businesses, and invest in education.

What’s in it for the 2.8 million residents of our bi-state metro area? Everything.

Visit www.ImpactBankingSTL.com to learn more.

systemic racism, racial segregation, and systemic disinvestment, “according to STL 2030

4 Tips for preparing your home to sell in today’s market

In the current market, houses are selling fast – meaning there’s typically no need to spend time and money on large home repairs and renovations to get an offer. Instead, homeowners should focus on quick, easy DIY projects to give their space a facelift before listing – here’s how.

1. Enhance Curb Appeal. “The exterior of your home sets the tone for what buyers can expect inside,” says Lindsey Mahoney, DIYer behind Building Bluebird and licensed realtor with Rigali Group at Danberry. “If a buyer pulls up to a house where the outside is in disrepair, it sets off red flags that the home may have hidden issues from neglect.”

The simplest way to enhance your home’s curb appeal is to maintain the yard, regardless of the season or weather. Depending on the climate, homeowners should consider cutting the grass, planting flowers and greenery, raking leaves, watering the grass and flowers, or removing snow and ice.

If the home’s exterior is in need of a little more TLC, consider adding a pop of color to the front door with a fresh coat of paint, installing unique shutters for visual interest or updating to a new mailbox. Pull it all together with a seasonal wreath or welcome mat.

2. Paint As Needed. Moving into the interior, spruce things up by refreshing walls with new paint. Rather than redoing every room, focus on painting over bright, bold colors with a neutral palette more likely to appeal to the masses.

To get started, tape off the room with FrogTape Multi-Surface Painting Tape. The tape is made with PaintBlock Technology, a super-absorbent polymer that instantly gels to form a micro-barrier that seals the edges of the tape. This will pre-

vent bleed and leave the walls with crisp, clean lines that won’t need touch-ups.

3. Make Minor Repairs. As you’re gearing up to sell, pay close attention to minor things that may need to be updated or repaired. For example, leaky faucets, loose cabinet handles or doors that stick are all minor fixes – but ignoring them could leave potential buyers assuming that there are larger problems within the home. Do a careful walkthrough before listing to look for any small fixes that need to be made.

4. Declutter and Clean. A messy house is a major turnoff for potential buyers, so prioritize decluttering and cleaning. Start by eliminating as many personal items as possible, including toiletries, kids’ items and personal décor like family photos, fan memorabilia and religious and political objects. It’s also important to spruce up the appearance of beds, couch pillows and counters in the kitchen and bathrooms.

“If you have a small closet and your clothes are jammed into it, take out half so it looks like there is room to add more,” Mahoney recommends. “You don’t want your buyer’s first thought to be that they won’t be able to fit their belongings in the bedroom closet.”

Once things are organized, each room should receive a deep clean, including wiping surfaces, floors and baseboards, as well as cleaning any appliances, sinks, toilets and showers. As the open house approaches, open doors and windows for fresh air and natural light, leaving the home looking and smelling pleasant for potential buyers.

If you prioritize the right projects, preparing to sell is painless. By taking these four simple steps, your home will be in its best shape to hit the market – and maximize your potential profit.

Path to homeownership

By Stifel

For The St. Louis American

Buying your first home can be exciting but will also come with many unknowns. Stifel Bank & Trust created a guide to help you navigate your path to homeownership.

The first, and arguably the most crucial, step is figuring out if homeownership is right for you. We’ve included a list of pros and cons to help make your decision a little easier.

Pros of Homeownership include:

• A Solid Investment - Unlike renting, homeownership builds equity. There is no guaranteed price appreciation due to changing market trends, yet home values historically have increased over time.

• Tax Benefits - In many cases, interest paid on a mortgage is deductible under the current tax code (Please consult a tax professional. Stifel Bank & Trust does not provide tax advice.).

• Community - Owning a home helps anchor families in a community. See what you and your neighbors can accomplish when you all have a financial stake in the neighborhood.

• Future Planning - With each mortgage payment, you build equity. Over time, that equity can be accessed and used toward purchasing another home, achieving a life goal, or home making improvements.

Cons of Homeownership include:

• Added Expenses - You will need to be prepared for home repair and maintenance costs.

• Market Variables - The future may look different when it is time to sell your home. The economy, time of the year, and the number of active listings on the market can play a factor in how quickly and at what price a home will sell if you ever choose to do so.

• Flexibility - Purchasing a home is a larger time commitment than renting. Not only are you responsible for maintenance and upkeep, including yard work and appliance repairs, but it also takes more planning to move from a place you own than a place you are renting.

When you are ready to move forward with purchasing a home, you’ll want to have all of your documents in order before applying for a loan. Our handy Mortgage Loan Documentation Checklist provides the typical documentation needed from borrowers:

Two years’ most recent W-2’s for all applicants on the loan

Two years’ most recent Federal Tax Returns for all applicants on the loan — all pages and schedules filed, including K1s if applicable (If clients hold 25% or more ownership in a company, business tax returns are needed)

Most recent pay stubs covering at least 30 days

Government-issued identification, such as a driver’s license

Most recent two months, or quarterly, statements of checking, savings, investment, and retirement accounts – all pages

Name and phone number of insurance agent

Understanding what goes into your mortgage payment is vital. The components include:

Principal & Interest - The portion of your payment that covers loan principal and interest each month varies. As is reflected in an amortization table, as each payment is made, a larger percentage of your payment goes toward paying down your principal balance.

Escrows - Property taxes and homeowners’ insurance are items your lender collects through your monthly mortgage payment and pays on your behalf. Each year, your escrow payment is evaluated and recalculated. Any overages are refunded to you, while shortages will be factored into your monthly payments.

Mortgage Insurance - If you have less than 20% equity in your home, monthly payments will include mortgage insurance.

Our dedicated and experienced lenders at Stifel Bank & Trust can help you decide which loan program suits you and your unique situation. Loan programs offered include:

Conventional – minimum down payment is 5% but can be as little as 3% in

some cases

FHA - if you qualify as a first-time homebuyer, you may have access to state programs, tax breaks, and a Federal Housing Administration (FHA) loan

VA - No down payment is required for active or retired Military personnel who meet Veteran Affair’s mortgage guidelines; however, loan amounts over $548,250 require some down payment

In addition to a down payment, you’ll need to consider closing costs and prepaid items.

Closing costs generally include:

Origination Fee

Appraisal

Credit Report

Flood Letter

Title Insurance

Title Transaction Fees

Courier Fees

Recording Fees

Survey

Prepaid items generally include:

First-year of home insurance premium

Interest from your closing date through the last day of the month

Escrow for real estate taxes and homeowners insurance*

Flood insurance** if applicable

There are many factors to consider in your path to homeownership. Once you decide you’re ready, you may consider getting a preapproval letter from your lender after reviewing how much you can afford in loan payments. The letter will help you and your real estate agent shop within your budget and provide confidence to sellers of your financing availability.

Samantha Dailey, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer, enjoys helping first-time homebuyers and is dedicated to ensuring clients’ seamless experiences, from answering general lending questions to navigating the loan process. Dailey states, “I think homeownership is a goal for most Americans, and I take pride in helping people in my community bring that goal to fruition. Buying a home is not only an investment for yourself but something that can be passed along to future generations. Stifel helps make this a reality through the grant programs we partner with that help make the purchase more affordable as well as the flexibility in loan options we provide for our clients.”

Ready to make a move to your first home? Contact Samantha Dailey at daileysa@stifelbank.com or (314) 624-9139, NMLS# 1748574.

*Escrows are collected to cover homeowners (hazard) insurance and all applicable real estate taxes, including a two-month cushion. Escrows may be waived for eligible borrowers with conforming loans and >20% equity.

**Flood insurance escrows are required for all properties located in a flood zone. Note, if property is located in a flood zone, borrowers who waive escrows for real estate taxes and homeowners insurance are still required to escrow for flood insurance.

Samantha Dailey, Senior Mortgage Loan Officer

Where Black homebuyers can find financial assistance

A major step in wealth building

St. Louis American staff

The 2020 U.S. Census contained horrible news concerning Black homeownership in America. 73.8% of non-Hispanic whites owned homes compared to 45.1% for Black households.

That gap is now wider than it was more than 50 years ago; dating back before the 1968 Fair Housing Act was enacted to create equal housing opportunities for minorities, according to an Urban Institute report.

Reversing the trend will also help families build wealth, according to A.J. Barkley, Bank of America Neighborhood and Community Lending executive.

Homeownership has historically helped families create a legacy and build longterm wealth,” Barkley said in a release.

“Homeownership helps people to establish savings discipline, enjoy tax benefits and protect themselves from rising rental rates. This, combined with a home that appreciates over time, often leads to increased wealth for homeowners.”

Bank of America and other lending institutions have introduced programs to boost home-buying opportunities for African Americans.

“Bank of America separately made a $1 billion, 4-year commitment focused on target investments and initiatives to help local communities advance racial equality and economic opportunity,” he said.

“We promised to deploy capital and resources to empower economic growth for communities of color, with a heightened focus on the Black community. This commitment has recently been increased to $1.25 billion over five years to further investments to address racial justice, advocacy and equality for people and communities of color.”

The lending programs are aimed at buyers who purchase a home in low-to-moderate income communities, the definition of which comes from census data.

Not all the programs designed to narrow the ownership gap are creations of lending institutions, but many are. Some recent bank programs are an increase to existing initiatives while others are entirely new. They vary from programs that offer help with closing costs and down payments to

programs that offer lower-interest loans, such as:

The Chase Homebuyer Grant – Part of a $30 billion JP Morgan Chase pledge to close the racial wealth gap. When it debuted, it offered a $2,500 grant and a mortgage rate of 3.25 percent through a Fannie Mae loan with the goal of funding 40,000 mortgages to Black and Latino home buyers.

That program grew more muscle in February 2021, when Chase Bank announced it would double its Chase Homebuyer Grant to $5,000 for qualified homebuyers in Black neighborhoods.

Wells Fargo NeighborhoodLift Program — Offers down payment and home-buyer education with forgivable interest-free loans provided the buyer occupies the home for five years. Buyers must complete a HUD home education program. The homes must be in designated NeighborhoodLift communities. The program requires customers to complete eight hours of home buyer education from an approved provider.

Bank of America’s Down Payment Grant Program — In February 2021, the bank tripled its affordable home ownership initiative to $15 billion. The down payment program allows customers to receive 3% percent of a home’s purchase price that worth up to $10,000. In more than 260 cities and counties across the nation, the program requires no repayment.

“The expansion of this initiative is the result of overwhelmingly positive responses from clients and partners,” said Barkley, who notes the increased commitment aims to help more than 60,000 individuals and families become homeowners by 2025.

America’s Home Grant Program –

Offers a lender credit of up to $7,500 that can be used towards some closing costs. The funds can be combined with Bank of America’s Down Payment Grant funds to lower homeownership costs.

The National Association of Real-Estate Brokers (NAREB) Two Million New Black Homeowner Program (2MN5) — Offers advocacy for Black homeownership and assistance with access to credit and neighborhood and community development projects that foster ownership, among other initiatives.

NAREB’s February agreement with mortgage company United Security Financial obtained a commitment from LBC Funding for $50 million in down payment assistance funds for low-to-moderateincome buyers.

Photo courtesy of Bank of America

Fewer Black Americans are experiencing the joy of home ownership. They are also missing on opportunities to build generational wealth for families.

“Pillars of Change” are part of NAREB’s foundation

Goal is to increase Black home ownership

St. Louis American staff

The National Association of Real Estate Brokers [NAREB] “REALIST Pillars of Change Week,” was celebrated in April, but its mission continues throughout the year.

Through its 90 chapters in 33 states, NAREB continues working to overcome structural barriers preventing Black families from purchasing homes.

NAREB has instituted “five pillars,” priorities in helping increase Black homeownership. Membership in the 75–year organization includes residential and commercial real estate agents and brokers, loan officers, mortgage brokers, title companies, appraisers, insurance agents and developers.

“Inequities in homeownership are a difficult chapter in America’s history, and we should never lose sight of the challenging environment in which we still work,” said NAREB President Lydia Pope.

“By helping remove the barriers that

continue to discourage millions of Black Americans from achieving their homeownership dreams, we are taking steps to ensure that our communities, our states and our nation are stronger and fairer than ever.”

The five pillars are:

Faith-Based, Civic Engagement

– Over 75% of Black Americans surveyed by Pew Research reported that they are affiliated with a religious organization in their respective community. A significant percentage of professional Black Americans belong to a civic or professional organization. Through them, NAREB can educate Black prospective buyers about homeownership, and inspire them to purchase real estate.

Women Initiatives – Women

Investing in Real Estate [WIRE]. NAREB has identified Black women as a high-potential target market group of consumers to reach and penetrate to focus their attention on spending power on investing in real estate, pursuing home ownership, and growing existing practitioners’ careers in real estate. Specifically, the goals of the initiative are to: Increase access to financial information and capital for Black women;

We’re built for

dreams.

Buying a home is a dream come true. Carrying on traditions and making memories are the things you look forward to doing in your new home. That’s why it’s nice to know someone who can guide you through the mortgage process every step of the way. At Commerce Bank, we’re built for making your dream a reality.

Increase home ownership and real estate investment for Black women as well as the development of affordable housing for and by Black women.

Diversity & Inclusion / Small Business – The majority of NAREB members are small businesses that qualify for most diversity and inclusion initiatives. A focus is on educating and informing NAREB members about the income generation possibilities available through minority certifications and minority procurement opportunities. This initiative will also focus on strengthening leadership skills, business development, and mentorship. NAREB members are also encouraged to serve on local board and commissions to add expertise as it relates to housing needs in communities.

Multi-Generational Wealth Building – NAREB understands that wealth building concepts, plans, and execution should be addressed on a multigenerational basis. NAREB has developed age and life-style specific initiatives to reach and inform audiences about wealth building and homeownership. They include the NAREB Youth Leadership Academy; the NAREB Millennial

Movement – focused on Gen Z and Millennial consumers; and educating senior citizens on key elements to prepare for and keep legacy wealth.

Government Relations / Advocacy – Some barriers to homeownership have been identified, addressed, and eliminated based on NAREB’s commitment to advocacy on behalf of equality and opportunity in our profession and for Black Americans seeking homeownership of their choice. Through the annual State of Housing in Black America (SHIBA) report, NAREB will continue to educate, inform, and share with our members, elected and appointed officials, our community and its organizations on the homeownership needs of Black Americans and its importance to build wealth as well as strengthening communities.

Miranda Morrow-Bartell, ‘REALIST Pillars of Change Week chair, said local members will be instrumental in addressing the five pillars.

“With the help of our local board members and their steadfast commitment to housing equity, our weeklong agenda promises be an important catalyst to positive action,” she said.