March 24th, 2016 Edition

From farming to medicine

for health-care professionals, such as cardiology fellow Nishtha Sodhi, MD (left), in how to care for patients with hypertension.

Angela L. Brown, MD, is 2016 Stellar Performer in Health Care

By Julia Evangelou Strait

For The St. Louis American

Angela L. Brown, MD, grew up on her family’s farm in southern Arkansas. At the farm’s peak, the family and its crew cultivated 1,500 acres of cotton, rice and soybeans and managed more than 120 head of cattle. Watching her grandparents persevere through the demands of farm life, and her parents balance their careers – her mother was a high school business teacher, and her father worked in construction –Brown learned the values of hard work and an “anything is possible” mindset. The farm operation began in the 1920s, when her maternal grandfather inherited 20 acres of farmland. Growing up on the farm, and because Brown and her mother were both only children, Brown’s maternal grandparents played a large role in shaping the person she has become. “My grandfather and I were very close,” Brown said. “My parents and grandparents were

See BROWN, A7

SLPS goes ‘green’

District implements pilot conservation program

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

In a plastic bin, kindergartner teacher Lori Gardner pushes around some cut-up pieces of newspaper and soil to find her class’ hardworking worms.

“There’s a baby!” said Ameyah Westbrook, kindergartner at Mann Elementary, as she leaned over the bin with a contagious smile. “We’ll put it next to the bigger one, and they can be a family.”

The students at Mann Elementary, 4047 Juniata St., are not just playing house with the worms. The critters in the class compost bin have a much bigger job.

“They eat our trash,” said kindergartner Bryan Nguyen, meaning that worms help turn the students’

n “If you can get them excited about math and science, they will be okay.”

– Lisa Williams, SLPS energy manager

food scraps into rich soil.

Gardner is now leading Mann’s schoolwide conservation efforts, after she recently became the school’s liaison for the Saint Louis Public School

Local rappers denounce violence

By Rebecca Rivas Of The St. Louis American

Local hip-hop artist Rallo, 23, never thought he would play in a basketball game of rappers versus rappers as a way to get people to end violence. When he and a handful of artists first approached Better Family Life’s James Clark with the idea of speaking out against crime, he thought maybe he’d perform at some rap events – not silently march with hundreds of community members.

“James always

Angela L. Brown, MD (center), runs the Hypertension Clinic at Washington University. Brown helps Karen Carriker (right) and other patients control high blood pressure. She also provides training

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo courtesy of Washington University School of Medicine

On Saturday, March 19, more than 600 people wore all black to silently march through North St. Louis city as a tribute to families in mourning. The march was part of the Move, a grass-roots response to crime and violence.

Kindergartners Tashawn Starks, Ameyah Westbrook and Bryan Nguyen learned about composting and the importance of worms with their teacher Lori Gardner at Mann Elementary School in the Saint Louis Public School District.

the losing end of the altercation.

Gospel singer Israel Houghton claps back at cheating rumors

Katt Williams gets man handled by teen during backyard brawl

Embattled comedian Katt Williams’ latest stint of embarrassing run-ins continued with him being physically taken down by what appears to be an adolescent named Luke

A video posted Tuesday night showed the encounter between Williams and the teen, from beginning to end. At the start of the video, the comedian is shown confronting the teen. He is heard saying “Well, then you know what to do then” to the teen, who stands directly in front of him. Seconds later, Williams unexpectedly punches the teen in the face. From there, the two can be seen tussling on the ground while onlookers request that they “chill” and “stop fighting.”

At this point, Williams is in a chokehold at the hands of the teen who ultimately submits to requests that he let go. The situation was similar to Williams’ unfortunate encounter on stage at a Beanie Sigel concert – where he landed an initial sucker punch but ended up on

Singer, actress and “The Real” co-host Adrienne Bailon raised eyebrows when pictures of her vacationing with gospel singer Israel Houghton shortly after he announced that he and his wife of 20 years were filing for divorce.

It was later confirmed that Bailon and Houghton have been secretly dating for months.

The revelation caused the celebrity news and gossip sites to question the timing of their relationship – considering it had been less than a month since he announced that cheating on his wife caused the end of his marriage. The rumor that Bailon may have actually been the catalyst for Houghton’s divorce quickly caught fire.

Houghton took to Facebook on Tuesday to set the record straight.

An excerpt from the lengthy post read:

“I understand that gossip and salacious untrue speculative stories are far more interesting and entertaining than the truth and the facts. But, it is incredibly unfair to allow someone to carry the burden, shame and blame of something they had nothing to do with.

I met Adrienne Bailon over two years ago. We worked together and became friends. Our circles connected and we remained good friends. From a friendship, as two single adults, we have very recently begun to explore a dating relationship.

As I previously wrote in a statement a while back, my marriage had been over for quite some time before going public with my divorce announcement.”

Kim Fields leaving ‘RHOA’

In an interview with The Rickey Smiley Morning show earlier this week, actress Kim confirms that she is leaving The Real Housewives of Atlanta after one season.“I’m done. I mean, and think about too, at the beginning of the season, what did my mama say? ‘Get in and Get out’… listen to your mama,” Fields said.

“It was for the experience, it was to be able to do a genre that I’d been asked to do before and finding a way to do it that makes sense for my team and my family. Overall it was a really great experience.”

Fields, most famous for her roles in “The Facts of Life” and “Living Single,” is currently competing on ABC’s “Dancing with the Stars.”

Sources: TMZ.com, HiphopDX.com, Facebook.com, The Rickey Smiley Morning Show. Kim Fields

More landlord trouble for Tyga Rapper and Kardashian/Jenner clan associate Tyga is back in court being accused of being a bad tenant. According to TMZ.com, Tyga rented space for his company Egypt Last Kings Clothing. In June 2015, the rapper’s landlord reportedly found that Tyga had abandoned the building, but left the doors painted black with Egyptian patterns, the ceiling tiles painted over and ink stains around 5,000 feet of concrete flooring. The landlord says someone also poured ink down the drain and into the public sewer. The landlord, who claims he spent more than $75,000 to repair the damage, is seeking five months of back rent. Tyga says the problems were the landlord’s doing – and the building wasn’t up to code.

Katt Williams

Isreal Houghton

Bloodied at Trump rally, Anthony Cage is doing fine

Agitator who ‘sucker punched’ him not yet identified

By Chris King Of The St. Louis American

Now that Anthony Cage is, at least momentarily, famous – his bloodied face outside the Donald Trump campaign rally in St. Louis on March 11 has gone around the world and appeared on the cover of the New York Daily News – he has the same message that he was sharing at the rally.

“Trumpism must be stopped in its tracks,” Cage, 50, told The St. Louis American. “It’s 2016, not 1916. We just elected our first black president. How can we elect Trump, a man who preaches hatred?”

Cage contacted The American, at the suggestion of his friend and mentor

Brother Anthony Shahid, because he wanted people to know that his protest at the Trump rally was non-violent.

mic that got his supporters excited,” Cage said. “I was just standing still,” Cage said. “Somebody tapped me on the shoulder, and when I turned he sucker punched me. Of course, I tried to defend myself. We were on the ground when I was tackled by law enforcement.”

“At times we got loud and boisterous, but we voiced our displeasure peacefully,” Cage said. “We were practicing our constitutional freedoms of speech and assembly.”

He said his assailant “sucker punched” him without provocation. This happened just after Trump, whose speech from inside the Peabody Opera House was being broadcast to the overflow crowd on the steps and sidewalk, said “something over the

Cage said he was handcuffed, told he was under arrest for assault and then placed in an ambulance, before the police were told by witnesses that he was the victim.

“People were telling police they had the wrong person, that I got attacked,” Cage said. “That same individual had been agitating three or four different fights.”

The St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department said the St. Louis Circuit Attorney’s Office issued warrants for Shawn Morehead, a 54-year old male of the 8400 block of N. Broadway, for Assault 3rd Degree on a Law Enforcement Officer and Resisting Arrest. However, when Cage saw Morehead’s mugshot, he said that was not his assailant. A photograph of his assailant tweeted by journalist Sarah Kendzior has been shared with police and prosecutors. Interestingly, given Cage’s claim that his assailant was “agitating” the

crowd – that he was an agitator –the apparent Trump supporter who assaulted Cage is a black man.

Cage declined ambulance service and was taken by friends to Christian Hospital, where doctors told him his nose was severely bruised but not broken. His mouth was swollen, but no teeth were chipped. He said he is still sore, though mostly from being pounced on by police officers.

“The police officers did not beat me up,” Cage said. “I have seen some people say that. That is not true. The only thing the police officers did that was unnecessary is one put his knee on my neck when I was already subdued and not resisting. That was excessive force.”

The Trump rally protest was not Cage’s first rodeo, though it was

his first experience of violence at a protest. He said he moved to Ferguson shortly after the police killing of Michael Brown Jr. (after 14 years in neighboring Dellwood) and participated regularly in Ferguson protests.

“Though never anything violent,” Cage said. “And I would never loot.” He most recently appeared in The American peacefully protesting the Ferguson City Council. He held up a “Stop the Karr-uption” sign at a February 2 meeting, punning on the name of Stephanie Karr. Karr is Ferguson’s contract attorney from the Clayton firm of Curtis, Heinz, Garrett, and O’Keefe, which has contracts with more than a dozen St. Louis County municipalities. Cage said he became aware of her role in Ferguson through

reading The American Cage said he first organized a protest in the mid-1990s. At the time he said he was working at Value City Furniture when the store manager mocked the idea of interviewing any black staff for a promotion before promoting a white colleague with less experience. Cage said he got nine workers to protest with him on weekends before the store manager resigned and an African American was hired to replace him.

Since then, Cage has been active with the United African Peoples Organization. With that group, he said, he has protested at countless job sites where they noticed a lack of minority participation in the work force. He said he participated in the 1999 shutdown of I-70 over minority inclusion issues.

“I’ve been out here awhile,” Cage said. “Just nobody ever heard of me.” That is, until now. And now he is prepared to make the most of his moment in the spotlight.

“My face is postered all over America,” Cage said. “I am the new poster child for ‘Stop Trumpism in Its Tracks.’ I have no doubt that if Trump is elected, he will throw this country back 200 years.”

Cage wanted to make it clear that he is a voice for unity. He said he wore black and white to the Trump protest to symbolize the unity of blacks and whites in America. “I preach righteousness and togetherness,” he said. His home church is Mt. Airy Missionary Baptist Church, where the pastor is Rev. Darnell Jones.

Cage already has been internetfamous long enough to see the trolls come after him and claim that he is a jobless hoodlum. In fact, he said his worst past offense is a traffic ticket, and he holds two jobs. He is a coordinator for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Save Our Sons program, and he cleans offices at night.

He is the proud, single parent of five children, ages 11 to 28. He said his four older children all graduated from high school, have jobs, are registered voters and vote regularly.

Cage himself is a registered, regular voter. He visited The American on Super Tuesday, proudly wearing not one but two “I Voted” stickers (though he only voted once). He declined to say who got his vote.

“I am a Democrat,” Cage said. “I do like Bernie Sanders, and I do like Hillary Clinton. I’d like for them to be the ticket.”

Anthony Cage’s bloodied face from the Trump rally in St. Louis made the first page of the “New York Daily News.”

Anthony Cage is a coordinator for the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Save Our Sons program and cleans offices at night. Photo by Wiley Price

Editorial /CommEntary

The leader of the campaign to pass a tax levy to fund the Saint Louis Public School District on the April 5 ballot in the city was candid about the campaign’s challenges at a rally held Wednesday, March 23 at the district’s offices. Those challenges are apathy, confusion and lack of support, said Charlene Jones, Proposition 1 campaign manager.

“Apathy,” she said, “are the people who support you but don’t quite get out to vote.”

There were many exhortations to help energize voters who support the $0.75 increase in the district’s tax levy – the first such increase in 25 years. The tax increase equates to an additional $71.25 per year for the owner of a $50,000 home or $107.25 per year for the owner of a $75,000 home. This increase would generate an estimated $27.8 million in new revenue each year for the district and charter schools.

If approved by voters, Proposition 1 funds would be used to continue offering early childhood education, expand character and alternative education options, improve safety and security equipment and personnel, and offer more competitive salaries to teachers and staff.

Lack of support, Jones said, comes from the plain fact that not everyone will support a tax increase – particularly on a ballot with five initiatives, all calling for a bond issue or tax increase. That contributes to the confusion factor.

Jones said the campaign is most concerned that Rex Sinquefield has donated a reported $2 million to a campaign calling for a “no” vote on another issue on the April 5 ballot. Sinquefield is trying to defeat Proposition E, which would reauthorize the city’s 1 percent earnings tax. “Do not confuse us with any other issue on the ballot,” Jones urged. “We are Proposition 1, and we will be listed third on the ballot.”

The event was presented as a “Labor and Business Rally,” but most of the speakers were from labor groups, and all four business speakers

Lew Moye, president emeritus of the St. Louis chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unions, spoke at a rally for Proposition 1 held Wednesday, March 23 at the Saint Louis Public School District’s offices in downtown St. Louis.

Photo by Michael Hart

represented a company that holds a district

contract. Labor groups support the tax levy because some of the revenue would fund salary increases for teachers and staff. Several speakers pointed out that the district’s average teacher salary is the lowest in the region.

The business representatives all told either personal stories about the value of teachers or professional accounts of how the district is a good steward of taxpayer monies. It was, in fact, the most progressive labor leader at the rally who stated the business case for the tax increase.

“Quality school systems invite quality businesses and quality investments,” said Lew Moye, president emeritus of the St. Louis chapter of the Coalition of Black Trade Unions (CBTU).

Moye also offered the most passionate defense of early childhood education. The funds for the district’s early childhood education program will be exhausted in two years without an infusion of funds from the tax levy. Moye presented early childhood education as an antidote to youths dropping out of school, gun violence and “the school-to-prison pipeline.” Jay Ozier, the current president of the local CBTU chapter, put that insight into slogan form. “Vote yes for our youth,” Ozier urged, “yes for our future, yes for our schools, yes for our community and yes for Proposition 1!”

We agree that this proposition faces serious obstacles, especially mobilizing voters for a municipal election sandwiched in between a presidential preference primary in March and a primary for other candidates in August. We agree wholeheartedly that the district needs funding for early childhood education, alternative education and more competitive teacher salaries. We need these resources to continue the progress of the district under the steady leadership of Superintendent Kelvin Adams. We strongly urge a vote of YES ON PROPOSITION 1 ON THE APRIL 5 BALLOT.

Earnings tax is unfair burden

By Rex Sinquefield

For The St. Louis American

For decades, I have wholeheartedly opposed the St. Louis earnings tax. This remains my conviction to this day, for reasons that are not only economic, but also civic and personal. I love my native home of St. Louis, and I believe that this earnings tax is an unfair burden that puts this great city and its working families at a competitive disadvantage. As a young boy, I saw my own mother struggle to make ends meet. Thrown into poverty by the unexpected death of my father in 1950, my mother took a low-paying job with a challenging commute. She barely made enough to provide for my brother and me and, when I was as young as seven, I remember her talking about the extra burden the earnings tax added. In 1952, she made the agonizing decision to send my brother Jerry and me to an orphanage, St. Vincent Home for Children. She could only visit us twice a month and on special occasions, and therefore needed to depend on the kindness and good guidance of others to care for her children. The impact of the earnings tax is widespread and has an especially detrimental impact on our community’s lower- and middle-class families. I find it unconscionable that averageincome workers must pay their full share of the earnings tax, while wealthy business developers and attorneys receive breaks through

incentive deals and clever accounting.

Make no mistake: This is a regressive tax. It kicks in at the first dollar you earn and applies only to wages and salaries, not to investment income. Very few wealthy individuals pay this tax on most of their earnings. But I’ll tell you who does – mothers riding the bus to work to earn money for their families, startup business owners trying to bring their entrepreneurial spirit to St. Louis, and employees of every St. Louis city company, from the corner restaurant to the mom-andpop hardware shop.

In 2011, a comprehensive study by the PFM Group outlined the key problems associated with the St. Louis city earnings tax. When it was first introduced, the earnings tax was meant to help compensate for the loss of property tax revenue from a declining population. Ironically, the earnings tax now contributes to the population decline, driving residents and businesses from the city to the suburbs.

Importantly, the study described the phase-out mechanism in place, should the majority of voters say no to keeping the e-tax: It will be phased out over 10 years, in successive one-tenth-ofone-percent increments. This

By Darlene Green Guest columnist

St. Louisans are being asked to reauthorize the earnings tax, Proposition E (Prop E), on the April 5 ballot. A “yes” vote will ensure the continuation of critical city services.

What is the earnings tax? The earnings tax is an assessment, or tax, levied on everyone who lives and/ or works in the city of St. Louis. The 1 percent tax is imposed on salaries, wages, certain commissions and other compensations. It provides one-third of the city’s general operating budget.

St. Louis first enacted the earnings tax at the 1 percent rate in 1959, but finds its origins in 1939, when Philadelphia became the first city in the nation to impose a local wage tax. Compare St. Louis’ low 1 percent rate to other major cities that impose an earnings tax: Philadelphia, 3.98 percent; New York, 2.93.65 percent; Baltimore, 3.2 percent; Pittsburgh, 3 percent; Cincinnati, 2.1 percent; and Cleveland, 2 percent.

The earnings tax is the largest source of general revenue, estimated at over $164

million, or about 33 percent of the city’s $492.6 million general revenue budget. As a perspective, the budget for the police department alone is $156.2 million. The budget pays for public safety (fire and police), streets maintenance, lighting, corrections and other city services. Who pays this tax?

Interestingly, it is not only St. Louis city residents who pay the assessment.

City residents pay 40 percent of the revenue collected; St. Louis County and Illinois wage earners together pay 60 percent. Everyone who earns wages (and other compensations) within the city limits is assessed and is a beneficiary of vital city services, such as public safety, maintained roads, bridges and other amenities.

Who approves the tax? The earnings tax must be voted on and approved by ballot every five years by St. Louis citizens. City residents know

that a “yes” vote is by far the most equitable way of funding and maintaining critical city services and is paramount to the city’s growth and vitality. Voters last approved the earnings tax in April 2011, with an 88 percent approval rate. What would happen if Prop E fails?

Failure to approve Prop E on April 5 would be devastating. Without one-third of the general operating budget, services will be cut, meaning fewer police and firefighters to fight crime and protect our resources; and roads and bridges will be severely impacted. A new revenue source will need to be found. Other tax options would be less equitable, and in some cases double tax burdens, such as higher sales, property and corporate taxes. St. Louis could become a less attractive community in which to live and to do business. St. Louis residents should vote “yes” on Prop E to ensure St. Louis has a bright future.

Darlene Green, comptroller of the City of St. Louis, is charged with protecting the credit of the city and with being a watchdog over taxpayer dollars.

moderate, gradual approach gives our city leaders –whom we elect to make good decisions on our behalf –plenty of time to determine a replacement for the revenue.

Both the voters and our leaders must take a hard look at the earnings tax. It puts our whole region at a competitive disadvantage, and now is the time to look at phasing it out. I support the Vote No on the E-Tax campaign because it is about all of us. We are all affected by this regressive tax. Working-class and middleclass families are affected disproportionately so.

Voters should think about what it would mean to give every working St. Louisan a yearly raise and how replacing the earnings tax over time through a well-planned phase-out would increase the economic appeal of our city. We’ve spent enough time at a disadvantage; we’ve spent enough time punishing every working St. Louisan from the first dollar that he or she makes.

St. Louis adopted the earnings tax in 1948. In 1950 our city’s population was 857,000. At the end of 2014 it was 317,000, down 63 percent. How many more people do we want to lose? Now is the time for us to embrace progress. Now is the time to be champions for growth. With this in mind, on April 5 St. Louisans should vote NO on keeping the earnings tax. Rex Sinquefield is retired and lives in St. Louis.

We must not condone discrimination

Like many employers, we promote diverse, inclusive and equitable workplaces. In the global competition for talent, the success of our companies is heavily based on our ability to attract and retain the best and most diverse group of highly skilled employees, regardless of religion, race, gender or sexual orientation. Our workers and potential workers must feel welcome in the state where they choose to live and work. It is equally vital for Missouri to have an open business environment that welcomes all residents and visitors.

We respect the right of all individuals to exercise their religious beliefs as enshrined in the U.S. and Missouri Constitutions. However, we are concerned that some provisions of Senate Joint Resolution 39 are directly counter to our Missouri values and will have significant negative economic effects on our state.

As we saw in the reaction to the signing of the Indiana Religious Freedom Restoration Act last year, laws that allow those engaged in public commerce to discriminate will hurt our economy and our image as a welcoming state. Estimates of economic losses due to travel boycotts and canceled business expansions in Indiana are as high as $60 million and the negative effects are still being felt a year later.

While we understand the desire to protect clergy and religious institutions from having to perform ceremonies counter to their

beliefs, expanding protections to individuals and private businesses that voluntarily enter the stream of public commerce sends the message to the rest of the country that Missouri condones discrimination. SJR39 should be amended to remove these provisions.

Joe Reagan, president St. Louis Regional Chamber

Teach our people

Many of the people Bernie Hayes named in his black history article I didn’t learn about until I was a university student. For years, black children don’t know these names, and in most cases their parents don’t know who these people are either. I am troubled that the only names many of these young people know are Bow Wow, NeNe Leakes, and Kim Kardashian West. How can the people you name be remembered if no one is teaching their value in the first place? We all have a responsibility to teach our people about our people.

Jennifer A. Thompson Via email

Honor the unknown greats

We must go further and push these unknown greats (black folks), who had a hand in helping developing this great nation, to the forefront. Instead of honoring the usual suspects so frequently, the

Kings, Douglass, Scotts, why not honor those mentioned in Bernie Hayes’ column more often?

George Singleton Via email

Use wealth wisely

We may be created equal, but we are not born into equal opportunities. A poor child deals with poor nutrition, few educational opportunities and often misguided family advice due to lack of experience. Most damaging to his potential is the idea that he is “less than” his peers. The rich child is encouraged, well-fed, well-educated, and financed again and again until he finally achieves some degree of financial success. Unfortunately, he also absorbs family prejudices and attitudes. Money worship? Disdain for the poor?

Most wealthy feel entitled to buy favorable laws; entitled to pay low or no taxes; and entitled to eliminate liberties for the poor – the right to vote, a good public education and the right to a living wage. They feel entitled to judge because of their wealth and influence, usually due to the accident of birth or by taking unfair advantage. You are rich only because God has allowed it. Use it wisely for you will be held accountable for every cent and resulting consequence.

Jan

Lancaster Springfield

Guest Columnist

Darlene Green

Guest Columnist Rex Sinquefield

Watching Daddy vote

Ty’Ran Warren stood patiently with his father

Terron Warren while he voted at Keeven Elementary School in Black Jack on Tuesday , March 15, when Missouri held its presidential preference primary.

SLPS sets 2016-2017 school calendar

Parents in the Saint Louis Public School District can now circle Wednesday, August 17 on the calendar as the first day of school for the 2016 - 2017 school year. Students, however, will probably mark Thursday, May 25 – the last day of school for the 2016 - 2017 school year, as long as there are no snow days.

All told, SLPS students are scheduled to attend school for 175 days during the next school year, for a total of 1,128.75 hours. Teachers are contracted for 210 days during the school year, which include eight professional development days and two record-keeping days. SLPS students will enjoy a Winter Break from December 22 – January 3. All SLPS schools will be closed for Spring Break March 20 – March 24. The 2016 - 2017 calendar is available at www.slps.org/2016Calendar.

Doing it for ourselves

By Adrian Bracy Guest columnist

March is Women’s History Month. What better time to contemplate our history than March 2016, with its hotly contested presidential primary in both Missouri and Illinois just completed. The “Get Out The Vote” effort may have tried our patience with robo-calls, TV ads and junk mail. But it wasn’t always so ... at least not for women. At least not until 1920, when the 19th Amendment to the U. S. Constitution barred voter discrimination on the basis of sex and our vote became important too.

The women who fought for the right to vote, and suffered mightily in the effort, knew that the vote was a very important step in changing an unjust system. Their mission wasn’t just the vote, but what it promised: a voice in decisions impacting property rights, employment, health, safety and family. Obtaining the vote was their first, vital step in the mission for equity.

The mission is ongoing, and today the war is being waged on multiple fronts. Women comprise more than half of today’s workforce. One in four women are now the sole or primary breadwinners for their families. There is no doubt that women are central to the economic well-being of their families and play a critical role in our nation’s economic prosperity.

Despite this, workplace policies are out-of-date and do not adequately support a woman’s ability to balance work-family demands. Women and people of color are overrepresented in low-wage industries that lack basic workplace protections. All women and their families would benefit from family-friendly policies such as paid sick days, an increase in the minimum wage and fair scheduling practices.

Pay equity is still elusive. Women earn 78 cents for every dollar a man earns. Next month we will observe Equal Pay Day on April 12. This date symbolizes how far into the new year women must work to earn what men did the previous year. It’s even worse for women of color, who earn 64 cents for every dollar a man earns: our Equal Pay Day doesn’t come until July! That’s working nineteen months to earn the same as a white male earns in twelve.

Our educational system is not working for children of color. According to the U.S. Department of Education’s study of 97,000 public schools, black students were more than three times as likely to attend schools where fewer than 60 percent of teachers meet all state certification and licensure requirements. Equality means a level playing field at all ages, not just in the workplace. Our children do not have a level playing field.

Recently YWCA Metro St. Louis hosted a gathering of professional women for a series of roundtable discussions about issues impacting women in the workplace. A common theme was shared by everyone in the room: we must support each other if any one of us is to succeed. Educating, mentoring, hiring, supporting and training are all ways women can assist other women in reaching their full potential.

Of course, we have male allies and mentors who are invaluable supporters, but until the laws of our land and the policies of our institutions catch up, you might say the modern slogan is “Sisters Are Doing It For Themselves.” Inspiring, yes, but the question is: How much longer should we have to?

Eliminating Racism and Empowering Women is the mission of YWCA Metro St. Louis, and it has been since 1904 when we formed to provide housing for rural women coming for employment at the 1904 World’s Fair. Today, we encourage youth development through Head Start/Early Head Start and our YW-Teens leadership programs. We support working women with our YWCA Women’s Economic Stability Partnership.

We aid victims of violence on their journey toward recovery with our Women’s Resource Center and Woman’s Place. We work for diversity and equality with our Racial Justice programs. And yes, we still provide housing. Our Transitional Housing Program helps homeless single women attain permanent housing and our Phyllis Wheatley Apartments provide affordable housing. This would not be possible without a generous St. Louis community. My goal for this Women’s History Month and the one next year (and the next ...) is that the generosity exhibited by our supporters and volunteers is mirrored in legislation and policies that will lift all of us to our fullest potential.

For more information on our ongoing mission, go to www.ywcastlouis.org.

Adrian Bracy

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Continued from A1

District’s pilot Go Green Challenge program. More than 20 schools participate in the program, where they compete for conservation “challenge points” for things like recycling and student-driven energy and water assessments.

Ultimately it’s another opportunity to get students interested in math and science, said Lisa Williams, the district’s energy manager who is leading the effort.

“If you can get them excited about math and science, they will be okay,” said Williams, whose position is contracted through Aramark.

A mechanical engineer, Williams has been tracking and managing the district’s utilities for the past four years.

But recently when she visited her hometown of Detroit, a friend of hers told her about the local school district’s conservation initiative. This past fall, she presented the Go Green idea to district leaders and, by September, she had launched the pilot.

At first, she started off by inviting principals and teachers who she knew had an interest in conservation. “You have to have the teachers be excited about it,” she said. “You can’t make them do it.”

Once she had a handful, she designed a challenge sheet and started sending out opportunities for teacher training and resources.

Mann recently received a grant from the Monsanto Fund for $1,500 to build a pond and natural habitat, with prairie grass and native plants. The whole school chose the spot, and the children took turns helping to dig the hole, said Mann Principal Nicole Conaway.

“They didn’t get down far enough,” Conaway said, laughing, but students were the decision-makers on the project.

The third-grade class is charged with getting the area

certified as a natural habitat.

Students are currently filling out an application and sending in pictures. “Living in the city, they didn’t realize it’s something that they could do,” Conaway said. Many parents also didn’t know it was a possibility, she said.

Mann’s conservation efforts total lots of little ongoing things, from collecting plastic bags to repurposing junk as artwork, she said. At Gateway STEM High School, Williams has been helping four seniors with their final projects. The students reached out to Williams

n “This Go Green initiative is an opportunity for me to work with students more directly, because I know how important it is.”

– Lisa Williams, SLPS energy manager

because they were looking to do a utility audit on the school. Williams put them in touch with Tremco Inc., and the company’s director of energy spent a day with the students explaining how to go about the audit. On another day, another

person from the company showed the students how to do tests on air barriers, because the school has a problem with half of the building being hot while the other half is cold. Now the company reps are coming out about twice a month to work with the

students.

“They told me, ‘We want to make sure they get an A,’” Williams said. “They are really excited to work with the students.”

Aside from the challenge, Williams feels that partnering companies with schools is another important part of the program.

“I had a program that exposed me,” said Williams, recalling a program that planted the seed of an engineering career at her elementary school in Detroit.

“I saw how great it is to have people come back and work on a topic.”

The program will finish up its pilot phase this spring, she said, and then next fall all schools will receive an official invitation to join the program. After working in energy management for years, Williams said the program has a special significance for her personally.

“This Go Green initiative is an opportunity for me to work with students more directly,” she said, “because I know how important it is.”

Follow this reporter on Twitter @rebeccarivas.

Kindergartners Brian Omar, 6, and Kaleb Conner, 7, learned about composting and the importance of worms with their teacher Lori Gardner at Mann Elementary School in the Saint Louis Public School District.

Photo by Wiley Price

VIOLENCE

Continued from A1

23, who grew up as Rodney Warner in North St. Louis County.

“I would never been with these rappers like this. In St. Louis, a lot of people stay to themselves. That’s why there’s always confusion when there’s too many of us around. Now I’m cool with so many rappers, through this right here –through Better Family Life.”

On Saturday, March 19, more than 600 people wore all black and silently marched through North St. Louis city as a tribute to families in mourning. The march was part of the Move, a grassroots resident response to crime and violence in the St. Louis metropolitan area. Families walked together holding signs

BROWN

Continued from A1

always of the mindset that you can accomplish anything. But my grandfather, in particular, was a risk-taking type of person. He taught me, ‘You can be successful in anything you choose, you just have to step out there and be daring.’” Indeed, it was Brown’s grandfather who taught her how to drive trucks as soon as she could see over the steering wheel and tractors once her legs were long enough to operate the clutch and brakes.

And when Brown attended elementary school in the largest town nearby, still a 16-mile drive, her grandfather let her drive the country roads on their route. They would get to the main road into town and switch places.

But one day, Brown remembered, her grandfather said he thought she was doing pretty well and suggested she drive a little farther… and then a little farther.

“He actually let me drive all the way to my elementary school as a 10-year-old,” Brown said. “When I got home that afternoon and told my mother and grandmother, they had a fit. We didn’t do it again. But that’s just the type of person my grandfather was. He was always pushing me. Telling me, ‘You can do this.’” Clearly, these lessons stuck. Brown went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from Southern Methodist University and a medical degree from Washington University.

Today, Brown is an associate professor of medicine in the Cardiovascular Division at the School of Medicine and directs the Hypertension Clinic at Washington University School of Medicine in St. Louis and Barnes-Jewish Hospital.

And on Friday, April 29, she will be awarded as the 2016 Stellar Performer in Health Care at the St. Louis American Foundation’s 16th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon.

Practical and personal Brown’s professional interest in treating hypertension is both practical and personal. Practical in the sense that treating high blood pressure means tackling the most common cardiovascular disease worldwide – a condition that also increases the risk of a

of their loved ones.

Kariena Swingler, 14, came out with her two teenage cousins to remember her brother, Shielin “Fat Man” Poe. Before he turned 20, he was shot and killed one evening near the corner of St. Louis and Euclid avenues. She said it felt good to be around other families who grieved as well.

Last Saturday, a basketball game of rappers drew about 2,500 people to Cardinal Ritter High School, as part of the Move initiative. Clark told The American the effort involves the “most influential members” of the community – the young men and women who are part of the subculture where most of the violence occurs. Both the game and march ended peacefully. Clark said that is significant: “There is one degree of separation between these guys from

host of other cardiovascular diseases. And personal in the sense that hypertension has affected so many members of her family.

“Managing high blood pressure is a challenge that I had experienced firsthand even before becoming a hypertension specialist,” Brown said. “My parents and grandparents all had high blood pressure. My father had heart failure and kidney failure, and died from complications of peripheral artery disease. My great grandmother and all of her siblings had high blood pressure, and they all died from complications of stroke.”

Since 2001, more than 2,500 patients have been seen in Brown’s hypertension clinic. Some come just once or twice. They’re evaluated and treated and then they return to their primary care physicians, who help them continue to manage their blood pressure. But those with hypertension deemed difficult to control – even with strong medications and changes in lifestyle – continue to come to the clinic.

Beyond seeing patients, Brown provides lectures and training to medical students, residents, fellows and primary care physicians on how to manage patients with high blood pressure. She also provides educational materials for local communities, helping spread the message about the importance of healthy eating, exercise and blood pressure screening for tracking and maintaining heart health.

Brown also is involved in research through a number of clinical trials supported by the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Her research interests have included investigating ways to prevent stroke and the development of type 2 diabetes. She also is interested in the potential for new biomedical devices to help in the management of high blood pressure. A recent study evaluated a procedure intended to lower blood pressure by altering nerve signals to the kidneys.

Brown also serves as co-director of the Center for Community Engaged Research (CCER), a part of the university’s Institute of Clinical and Translational Sciences. The group is working to help form partnerships between the School of Medicine and local communities to improve community health by increasing research participation. In particular, Brown and her colleagues

someone who has shot someone or who has been killed.”

These are the only players who can address the violence – politicians, police and social workers with master’s degrees have already tried, he said.

“Their resume: drug charges and felony convictions,” Clark told The American. “Some of them came smelling like marijuana; we have to take

are interested in encouraging better communication and interaction between School of Medicine researchers and community members of diverse races, ethnicities and social and economic backgrounds.

“Investigators have their research questions,” Brown said. “But are they the most important questions to the community? How can we have the biggest impact on community health? We may think we know the answers, but they may not be answers that are important to the community. The goal for the CCER is to have communication go both ways. To have direct community input into the research process from the beginning – from the development of the questions.”

The importance of

them how they come. We have to be patient with them. We have to let them give the narrative. The homicide rates will stop when they say it stops.”

This potential “renaissance” of the community is sustainable, Clark said, because Better Family Life is also helping the young people find jobs, clear court blemishes and get an education.

community engagement to Brown (and her love of sports) also has led her to talk about cardiovascular health on local radio station KMOX-AM (1120) during broadcasts of Cardinals baseball games, a relationship fostered through her role as past president of the local American Heart Association Board of Directors.

“We not only need to educate physicians about hypertension, it’s important for the public to understand these health issues as well,” Brown said.

“As our population ages, the prevalence of hypertension increases. And high blood pressure is a major risk factor for other cardiovascular diseases such as stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure. People need to get

James Clark and Anthony Shahid are among the organizers of Move, a grass-roots response to crime and violence in the St. Louis area.

Music producer J. Howes helped to bring more rappers into the initiative, which started off with about eight and now includes more than 30. These artists, all in their 20s or younger, often get 200,000 or more views on their YouTube videos and have their community’s ear, Howes said.

“They listen to these guys’ music,” Howes said. “They are speaking out about it and

their blood pressure checked and understand what they can do to manage it – eat healthy, exercise regularly, maintain a healthy weight and, if they’re overweight, work to lose it.”

When Brown is not in the clinic or performing her teaching and research duties, she loves spending time with her family and traveling (she traveled to Cuba last year).

Her daughter is a senior at Washington University, majoring in film and media studies with a minor in philosophy.

And when Brown has the opportunity, she likes to head back to Arkansas to visit her mother, who still runs the family business. The farm is a smaller operation now – no cattle but still a respectable 700 acres. Brown views visits there

saying that it’s not acceptable. That might change a few minds.”

Rallo said that when people listen to his music, they should think of it like a “musical book.” The songs are stories, but some describe past chapters in his life.

“You may be listening to a song with a lot of ‘bang, bang,’” he said, “but you see we’re here with the Better Family Life and we need to stop killing each other.”

Mark Johns, 27, said he hopes to see more Move events so they can reach more people. He was impressed with the march’s turnout.

“It shows people that it’s not always problems with us as youth,” he said. “It lets people know that we can do something positive.”

Follow this reporter on Twitter @rebeccarivas.

as a chance to decompress — perhaps even lower the blood pressure.

“When I was a kid, I just thought it was fun growing up on a farm,” Brown said. “But as I’ve gotten older, I really appreciate the slower pace of life, one that is more connected with nature. It’s very peaceful and serene.”

Reprinted with permission from the Washington University School of Medicine. Tickets for the 16th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 29 at the Frontenac Hilton are $750 per table for VIP/Corporate seating and $50 each/$500 table for Individual seating. To order tickets, call 314-533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com.

Photo by Lawrence Bryant

Going natural

The empowered birth

By Sandra Jordan

Of The St. Louis American

A lack of birthing options in North St. Louis County, negative experiences during previous labor and deliveries, as well as the desire to bring new life into the world the natural way is making some healthy women with low-risk pregnancies choose birthing centers or opt for home births.

SSM DePaul Health Center in Bridgeton, Mo. is the nearest hospital to North St. Louis County that offers maternity care. A BJC Christian Hospital representative said its facility offers pediatric ER services but does not have pediatric or obstetric programs.

n Serving the needs of women in a manner that is safe, satisfying and respectful of their individual needs is part of the mission of the Birth and Wellness Centers.

Serving the needs of women in a manner that is safe, satisfying and respectful of their individual needs is part of the mission of the Birth and Wellness Centers, where women can receive prenatal care in a peaceful, homelike environment in its Ferguson location. At the center located in O’Fallon, women, can get prenatal care and deliver their babies in one of two birthing rooms. Moms can also choose to birth at Missouri Baptist Medical Center in West St. Louis County, where a center midwife has birthing privileges.

The nurses, nurse midwives and doulas at the center support women throughout their pregnancy, labor, delivery and postpartum. They are also trained to recognize when emergency outside medical intervention is necessary during a labor and delivery, in which case, mothers are transferred to a hospital nearest to the O’Fallon location.

Brittany Tru Campbell is the executive director of its center in Ferguson. She said

A lack of birthing options in North St. Louis County, negative experiences during previous labor and deliveries, as well as the desire to bring new life into the world the natural way is making some healthy women with low-risk pregnancies choose birthing centers or opt for home births.

the center is there for underserved women in North St. Louis County area – mothers and families who experience income, cultural and educational barriers.

“A lot of these families are three to four times more likely to experience some type of harm or some type of mortality – whether it is infant, maternal mortality due to those issues,” Campbell explained, “so the community Birth and Wellness Center provides care by having qualified birth professionals – which are midwives. And they also make sure that every woman who wants a doula – or education and emotional support has one.” Doulas provide mothers with emotional

and physical support during the pregnancy, birth and postpartum period while the midwife is the skilled professional in low-risk pregnancy and birth and who actually delivers babies.

“The primary role of the doula is to be there for the mothers, babies and their partner during pregnancy, birth and post-partum,” Campbell explained. “Usually, we are there to offer comfort measures, different positioning ideas and education throughout the course of pregnancy and postpartum.

“What I love about doulas – it’s like having your own personal assistant or person

Your Health Matters is provided in partnership with

Value based healthcare: A new direction

Buckle your seatbelts, please! The journey by US health care organizations toward Value Based Healthcare is a lot like taking a road trip to a never-before-visited destination via never-before-traveled roads. Some organizations do not know which route to take; others are not sure they even want to leave home. Many physicians, health system executives, and other stakeholders agree that the journey is unavoidable; the transition from traditional fee for service cost reimbursement toward payment models that promote value has begun.

Robert Lawrence Salter, EdD MHA

The market shift toward Value-Based Healthcare (VBH) presents unprecedented opportunities and challenges for the US health care system. Instead of rewarding volume, new value-based payment models reward better results in terms of cost, quality, and outcome measures. The current evidence-based model that we are using today is the practice of medicine based upon the highest level of scientific evidence available. However, evidence-based medicine generally focuses on one outcome and often ignores the quality-of-life parameters associated with an intervention.

Alternatively, VBH is the delivery of healthcare based upon standardized value, i.e. the improvement in length-of-life and/or quality-of-life caused by healthcare interventions. The term value does not imply cost, but rather the total benefit produced by an intervention. Therefore, value can be calculated by a simple mathematical equation: VALUE = OUTCOMES/COSTS.

n Instead of rewarding volume, new value-based payment models reward better results in terms of cost, quality, and outcome measures. – Robert Lawrence Salter

VBH integrates the best of evidence-based medicine data with new quality-of-life utilities obtained from patients to provide a more accurate representation of the overall benefit of a drug, device, service or procedure. Through a concerted focus on supply chains, hospitals will soon use rigorous value-based purchasing protocols, market intelligence, and business analytics to examine every purchase from the standpoint of value, utility, and outcomes. Further, electronic medical records will be programmed with a “hard stop” function, to reduce unnecessary and duplicate tests. A key part of the cost solution is to educate all caregivers, including doctors, about what items cost paired against benefit.

Knowing the cost of a stitch or catheter or bone screw hasn’t been part of doctors’ medical consciousness. The same was true with administrators too, having both been born and raised in the school of “cost reimbursement,” where in effect cost really didn’t matter. But it’s a new day.

No longer will health care be about how many patients the hospital can admit or doctors can see or how many tests and procedures can be ordered or how much can be charged. Instead, VBH will be about costs and patient outcomes: quicker recoveries, fewer readmissions, lower infection rates, and fewer medical errors, to name a few. In other words, it will be about patient-centered value.

Robert Lawrence Salter, EdD MHA Professor of Strategic Management in Healthcare Washington University St. Louis

A8

ST. LOUIS AMERICAN • MARCH 24 – 30, 2016

Certified Doula, Lactation Specialist and midwife-in-training, Brittany “Tru” Campbell listens to the heartbeat of Jazmine McDonald’s daughter at the Birth and Wellness Center in Ferguson. McDonald plans to give birth in a few weeks in one of the birthing rooms at the Center’s O’Fallon, Mo. location.

Photo by Wiley Price

By Marvelyn Brown

People

HIV is my roommate

control of my virus and live every day to the fullest. I found out that I was HIVpositive in 2003. I was 19, and I was this all-American teen living this marvelous life when a sudden illness landed me in the hospital. Suddenly, the life that I’d envisioned for myself — one that included romance, health, and family — was plagued with uncertainty, loneliness, and stigma. For a long time, I pushed my dreams aside, believing that I couldn’t live a full life with HIV. But eventually I stopped

BIRTH

that’s there to assist you if you want to have a birth with low intervention,” she described.

“Sometimes, if you go into birth uneducated and you’re in a hospital, there could be a lot of intervention based on how the hospital regulates birth, which can cause issues with mother and baby.”

Issues like high rates of cesarean births.

“Mothers actually have the option to say. ‘No, I don’t want this medication that can lead to cesareans,’ so doulas have to advocate for mothers and also help to bring fathers closer to mom and baby during the labor,” Campbell said.

The center also provides educational classes to help alleviate issues that families with such barriers may face.

“We offer childbirth education classes, breastfeeding support and we’ll also host sexual education classes this coming summer,” she added. They also offer free pregnancy testing on Thursdays and free walk-in breastfeeding support.

Campbell said the Ferguson center sees seven to eight moms weekly on Thursdays (the only day they are open) and it expects to see about 30 moms over the next nine months. Jazmine McDonald will soon give birth at the birthing center and gets prenatal care there as well.

“One of my spiritual sisters gave birth at the birthing center before and she was telling me about her experience and how easy it was from a hospital birth. I always thought I wouldn’t want a hospital birth. I wanted something different,” McDonald said. “I went up there and talked to them and it seemed like it was something I always wanted.

“I just never trusted the hospitals, because of all the stories I heard … I just trust the natural way of things.”

buying the dreams the bigots were selling. I worked through my shame, and the strength I gained allowed me to create new dreams.

I think there’s power in sharing my story. I travel to high schools and colleges all over to talk with young people about HIV prevention. I want to empower young women who naively believe that

Prince Charming will protect them and keep his word. Life isn’t a fairy tale. And no guy is worth putting yourself at risk. I want to empower women to not put themselves at risk. I’ve seen too many women with HIV raise children alone, struggle to pay bills, and face life’s challenges without the skills needed to compete. I share my story because I refuse

Source: American College of

CNMs/CMs Provide Midwifery Care in All Settings

New mom Leslie Dudley adopted a natural, simpler lifestyle a few years ago. When she was expecting, Dudley created a birthing plan that included soothing music, a yoga ball for pelvic rotations during contractions and delivering her son at the O’Fallon birthing center.

“I wanted to have the most natural birth possible and I decided on a water birth, because I realized that the position in which we labor is extremely hard on us when we lay on our backs,” Dudley said.

“In the water, it really relaxes our contractions and it allows for the baby to really come out on his or her own, with us relaxing our bodies and allow-

ing our bodies to naturally release the baby.”

Campbell, a certified doula, lactation counselor and midwife-in-training, built a rewarding career out of creating positive birthing experiences for women after her own two negative birthing experiences as a teen in junior high and high school.

“My first two children were cesarean section and it was very unnecessary. I was uneducated with my first son and was totally taken advantage of,” Campbell said. “I was induced unfairly … Because I didn’t have an advocate, didn’t have a doula, I didn’t know I had the right,” of refusal.

“Later, when I found out I was able to request my records, I found out my doctor had a vacation coming up – so it was convenient for her,” Campbell said.

A few years later for the birth of second child –Campbell had a different doctor and a different hospital – and another unwanted cesarean delivery.

“I said, ‘Hey, I want to have my baby vaginally,’ and she said, ‘No, you are high risk, you have to have another cesarean,’” Campbell said. “And something within me knew this wasn’t true, but because I didn’t want a male or a white woman doctor, she

to let my diagnosis be in vain! I refuse to live with HIV.

My struggle has taught me that I am the architect of my destiny. HIV shattered my dreams, but it also helped me rebuild them. Since my diagnosis, I have learned the importance of self-love and self-acceptance.

I proudly stand before you in an open, humble, and confident way. Well, sometimes humble. I use a combination of medicines to manage my HIV.

Thanks to these, I have a T-cell count of about 1,300, which is

higher than some HIV-negative people, and the virus is undetectable in my body. I think it is safe to say that HIV is living with me!

For more information, visit http://www.womenshealth.gov/ nwghaad/.

Marvelyn Brown is an author, HIV educator and National HIV/AIDS ambassador

Reprinted with Permission/ Office of Women’s Health Blog

was my only option because of Medicaid and transportation barriers.”

Campbell said every woman without health risks (which she had none) are entitled to a trial birth – which means going through the labor process and with cesarean as a last choice.

She didn’t get that option with the first two children.

“At that moment, after they cut me with my second baby, I said you will never cut me again, and this was in 2005.”

That’s when Campbell began educating herself on the natural birthing methods.

In 2011, it took interviewing three midwives before she found one that was willing to journey with her for a gentler, natural birth for her third child.

After two cesareans, Campbell chose a home birth for her third son.

“I had him in about two pushes; my labor was about eight hours, if that and it was very beautiful,” Campbell said. Becky Pagano of St. Louis was not a client of the birthing center. A healthy woman with an uncomplicated pregnancy, Pagano decided to have her baby at home after her obstetrician blew off her questions about birthing options.

“She was so condescend-

ing,” Pagano said. “She asked me, “Now, why do you want to have a home birth? I opened my mouth to respond, and she said, ‘Never mind,’ and went on to say all of the reasons why I should not do it.

“The look in her eye – the way she dismissed me is the reason why I had a home birth.”

Pagano and her husband turned their bathtub into a warm water birthing pool. She also interviewed three midwives before choosing the one for her child’s birth. Her husband played music and sang to her during her labor. She appreciated that the midwife stayed in the background for the most part. The Paganos delivered a healthy baby boy at home – an experience she describes as “blissful.”

“The best part for me was right after birth, I went to my bed, and we just didn’t leave our little paradise for three days,” Pagano said. “It was really blissful.”

This was their first baby, and if the family decides on other children, they will be born at home.

For more information on the Birth and Wellness Center, visit https://www.mybirthandwellness.com.

n

level. As with past years, the vast majority of Marketplace customers signed up for coverage and received tax credits. More than 8 in 10 individuals (10.5

million) who selected or were automatically enrolled in a 2016 plan nationwide qualify for a tax credit. In Missouri, the average tax credit was $313 per month, or 77 percent of the gross premium, and the average premium after tax credits was $94 per month. In Missouri

71 percent of consumers had the option of selecting a 2016 Marketplace plan with a premium of $75 or less per month after tax credits. More than ever, Marketplace customers are engaged and satisfied with their coverage. About 60 percent (2.4 million) of new enrollees in HealthCare. gov states signed up for January 1 coverage compared to about 40 percent (1.9 million) of new enrollees last year. Instead of waiting until the last moment, as we saw in previous years, people signed up for coverage by the first deadline because they wanted coverage to start as soon as possible.

Finally, this year, 3.5 million people ages 18 to 34 signed up for coverage nationwide. In HealthCare. gov states, 2.7 million young people ages 18 to 34 signed up for 2016 coverage (28 percent of HealthCare.gov state plan selections). However, among new enrollees, 33 percent (1.3 million) were ages 18 to 34. That’s higher than last year when 31 percent of new customers (0.8 million) were ages 18 to 34 in HealthCare.gov states. The overall percentage of plan selections for those ages remains stable.

Marvelyn Brown

Certified Doula, Lactation Specialist and midwife-in-training, Brittany “Tru” Campbell checks Jazmine McDonald’s blood pressure.

Photo by Wiley Price

Preservation and the North Side

By Michael R. Allen Guest columnist

During the demolition of the antebellum St. Bridget of Erin Roman Catholic Church (1859) on Jefferson Avenue

near the former Pruitt-Igoe site, preservationists raised the cry of lament. Many observers decried the destruction of a beautiful red brick church where men may well have prayed before heading into

Civil War combat, and whose role in North Side IrishAmerican history is undisputed. The silver lining is that the church falls to expand LaSalle Middle School, not for another vacant lot. Still, vacant lots surround the site.

After demolition, the oftensagacious Alderman Terry Kennedy (D-18th) offered a different – but not necessarily incompatible – view. Kennedy made a good case why architectural preservation does not resonate always with black St. Louisans. He said people whose relatives may have been denied access to endangered old buildings could have a less than sanguine view of their retention.

Alderwoman Tammika Hubbard pointed out that North City’s deepest problems may not be threats to old buildings – at least as far as residents were concerned. Hubbard reminded those of us who work to conserve architectural heritage that it may not be a priority in many communities in need of hope. Kennedy and Hubbard offer stark truth, as do the preservationists who were appalled by St. Bridget’s destruction without a public hearing.

St. Bridget of Erin, like many historic buildings, slipped through the gaps in the city’s demolition review process. The city’s preservation ordinance allows alderpersons to decide whether all or part of their wards have any protection for historic resources. The Fifth Ward, where St. Bridget is located, has no protection beyond officially landmarked structures. St. Bridget had no designation.

Lack of preservation review for much of the North Side may seem freeing for communities lacking the resources or market demand to tackle large, vacant historic buildings, but it also reinforces disparity. The map of city historic districts show blanket coverage for South City and the Central West End, but little designation north of Delmar. Monthly demolition permits record the depletion of buildings across the North Side, while construction permits make clear that capital is flowing into preservation south and central. We need to reverse a city preservation ordinance that has allowed for the erasure of so much of the North Side. This is needed not because residents should be forced to abide with buildings valuable primarily to professional historians or communities that fled the neighborhoods, but because it would empower residents to defend the buildings that they identify as important.

While St. Bridget of Erin may not seem like part of living heritage in North City, Grace Baptist Church on Cass Avenue – the small church founded by Pruitt-Igoe resident Joel K. Davis in the 1960s –does. But Grace Baptist Church needs the people who admired St. Bridget’s so much to survive – just as the St. Bridget effort could have benefitted from more local support in surrounding neighborhoods. Historic preservation need not be about buildings. In fact, at its finest, it is all about people – not people who used to inhabit places, but people who do so now. Cultural heritage suffers if people don’t have access to education or employment, so preservationists need to be allies to related causes. We need a collective, inclusive practice of preservation in St. Louis that builds new geographies and empowers new dreams – and transcends old divisions through common cause. Michael R. Allen is director of the Preservation Research Office and a lecturer at Washington University. G

Guest Columnist

Michael R. Allen

St. Bridget of Erin Church on Jefferson was recently demolished. The 160 year-old church was torn down to make way for a new middle school.

Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

WEEK 29

ONE SMALL CHANGE is an ongoing series that challenges us to take very small steps toward being more environmentally-friendly. If we all participate then ONE SMALL CHANGE can make a big difference! participate, then ONE SMALL CHANGE can make a big difference!

SHOP AT THRIFT STORES!

Think of thrift stores as places where you can recycle your clothes. It’s a really cool way to find interesting and inexpensive clothes and you can even turn in your old clothes for store credit! In the US, we generate about 25 billion pounds of new clothes per year and 85 percent of that eventually goes to a landfill. The other 15 percent goes to thrift stores to be sold to another person that can continue wearing those pants that don’t fit you anymore. If we all started shopping more at thrift stores and recycle our clothes then we can easily double that percent in the next few years. This one small change will save you money and maybe even make you more fashionable!

NEWSPAPER IN

Smart Holiday Eating!

Easter Egg Treasure Hunt

Here are a few Easter holiday eating tips.

> Ask your parent (or the “cook” for your Easter dinner) if you can help, and if you can prepare a healthy dish.

> Eat a healthy snack such as an apple or granola bar while waiting for the big meal. This reduces the temptation of overeating on all of the rich holiday foods.

PRESENT:

Healthy Kids Kids

just a very small slice, taking your time to really savor the yumminess.

> Focus on fresh fruits and vegetables and baked meats, avoid the super-cheesy and starchy side dishes.

> If you want a dessert, try

Ask your parents if you can create a fun, fitnessfilled egg hunt. This is how it’s done.

1. First think of 10 different fun exercises you can ask your family/friends to do. (These could include jumping jacks, push-ups, etc.)

2. On the first clue write, “This egg hunt is different than the ones you’ve done before. First do 10 jumping jacks then look by the back door.” Hand this clue to the participants.

3. Near the back door you’ll have an egg filled with a similar kind of rhyme and fitness challenge. Continue this rhyme/challenge pattern until you have filled and hidden 10 eggs.

How much time do you spend each day looking down at a phone, laptop or video game?

Tech-Neck

Chiropractors around the country see young patients every day suffering from back, neck and head-aches resulting from the extra strain you put on your body when you look down for long periods of time.

A couple of quick tips that will reduce that strain on your neck are:

Easter Candy Temptations — As a class, discuss ways to not overeat when there is candy all around you. Can you share with guests? Perhaps allow yourself one treat per day? What else can you do?

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

Remind your participants to leave each egg in its hidden location for the next person to find. Visit http://www.rhymezone.com for help.

4. The last egg should say something like, “Congratulations! You made it to the end. Now you get to choose a prize, my egg-hunting friend!”

5. Have a basket filled with small little prizes (tattoos, fruit, balloons, stickers, etc.). The first to arrive gets to select their prize first, and so on.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 5

1. Most importantly — take breaks! Have a goal of a 3 minute break every 15-20 minutes. Move around, stretch your neck and relax, without looking down!

2. Set your tech device in a holder to keep it at eye level, reducing the need to look down.

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 1, NH 5

Turkey Pinwheels

Ingredients: 6 Slices Turkey, 3 Tbsp Low-fat onionflavored cream cheese, 1 Thinly-sliced tomato

Directions: Spread softened cream cheese onto two turkey slices, top with the sliced tomato and roll. Slice into ½ inch pinwheels. (Tomato slices can be replaced with pickle slices, if desired.)

Healthcare Careers

Aaron Murray, Health and Wellness Assistant

Where do you work? I work at Paraquad, St. Louis.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Christian Brothers High School and earned a BS in Sports Science from Avila University and an MS in Sports Science and Sports Rehabilitation from Logan University.

What does a health and wellness assistant do? I speak with gym members about new and different hobbies. I show gym members fun ways that they can work out even with their disabilities. For example, I worked with a woman with MS and she had a goal to be able to bend down to pick something up off the floor. We started with cones, then PVC pipe and then nerf balls, and she was eventually able to pick up the nerf ball from the floor.

Why did you choose this career? I really enjoy talking to people that are from all walks of life and help them reach their goals no matter what they are.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I like reading workout data over the past three months to clients, to show them how much they have improved. The clients are usually surprised because they had doubts due to a pretty low selfconfidence, and they are then encouraged to keep coming and continue to improve their strengths and abilities.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 7,000 teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Washington Elementary School

4th grade teacher

Tiffany Nard, shows Treasure Westbrook, Marlijah Payn, Mikayla Sanford, and Marquis Arch how to look for information using the newspaper as a STEM lesson. Washington Elementary is in the Normandy Schools Collaborative.

Photo by Wiley Price/St.

Louis American

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT SCIENCE STARS

African-American Biologistand Anthropologist Fatimah Jackson

Anthropology is the study of humans. It comes from the Greek words “Anthropos,” which means human, and “logia,” which means study. Anthropologists study customs in communities, such as marriage traditions, languages spoken, tools used, etc. Anthropologists also study physical changes and trends in humans, such as average height and

What Is Anthropology?

size and how that changes through generations. Often, anthropologists research by observing others, usually living among people for a long time. While living within a community, they are able to experience the culture and tradition personally. Many anthropologists return to that community many times throughout their career to observe how the culture has changed over time. Anthropology majors are hired for jobs in medicine, public health, business,

SCIENCE EXPERIMENT

environmental protection, marketing, human resources, forensics, and museums. Google hires anthropologists to understand internet search patterns, Intel employs anthropology graduates to study how culture shapes customers’ technology habits, and General Motors’ anthropologists study the company’s corporate culture.

Learning Standards: I can read nonfiction text for main idea and supporting details. I can make text to text and text to world connections.

Fingerprints

Did you know that no two fingerprints are exactly alike? Anthropologists can use fingerprints in their studies. Fingerprints have a whorl, a loop, or an arch. In this experiment, you will evaluate your fingerprint.

Materials Needed:

• Paper • Pencil • Clear Tape • Your Fingers

Procedure:

q Take a pencil and create a dark square (approximately 2 inches) on a piece of paper.

w Then rub your index finger (the pointer finger next

MATH CONNECTION

to your thumb) in the square you created.

Next get some transparent tape. Put a piece of it over your finger, press down, and pull it off.

Put the tape on a piece of paper and you can see your fingerprint. What is your pattern? Compare your pattern with those of your classmates.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete an experiment. I can analyze results.

Hieroglyphics

Directions: Did you know that anthropologists used math to decipher hieroglyphs? Egyptian hieroglyphics are solved reading right to left. A single line is used to represent each number 1-9 (1 has one line, 3 has three lines, etc.).

Look at the example.

The answer to this example is: 5+ 7=12

Can you solve the following problems? Write the number sentences on the line below each problem. Remember to read right to left.

Use the hieroglyphics to create a problem of your own. Trade problems with a friend and solve.

Learning Standards: I can use symbols to add and subtract to solve a problem.

Who she is: Fatimah Jackson is an African-American biologist and anthropologist. To learn about anthropology, read today’s Science Corner.

What she does: She studies African plants used for food and medicine, such as tea, cassava, and sorghum. She travels to Africa and studies the plants in a lab to see how they work.

Why it’s important: Jackson has learned that the cassava plant can help prevent diseases like malaria and sickle cell anemia. It can also be used to create insecticides so that other crops can grow without being eaten by insects. Sharing this knowledge can help people become healthier and keep them safe.

Her early influences: Jackson’s family was very close growing up. She spent a lot of time with her extended family, as well. Her aunt would discuss a lot of topics with her, including biology. Their family often went to the library and she read as many books as she could because she wanted to learn as much as possible. At the age of 11, she requested a chemistry set and her parents bought her one to encourage her interests.

Education: Jackson wanted to attend college at Cornell University, but could not afford it. She was told she could receive money to help pay for college if she maintained A’s in her classes. She earned three degrees from Cornell University—a B.A. earned in 1972, an M.A. earned in 1978, and a PhD earned in 1981. Her studies focused on anthropology and biology.

Career: Jackson worked at the University of Maryland teaching biological anthropology. She served as the director of UNC’s Institute of African American Research. She was also the director for benefits for the New York African Burial Ground Project. Currently, she works in the Department of Biology at Howard University.

Awards: Jackson won the Distinguished Scholar Teacher Award at the University of Maryland and the Ernest E. Just Prize in Medical and Public Health Records.

For a free 16 page guide about Fatimah Jackson created for students, visit: http://wonderwise.unl. edu/02teach/afrplbio.pdf.

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about a person who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I can make text to world and text to text connections.

MAP CORNER

Enjoy these activities that help you get to know your St. Louis American newspaper.

Activity One — 3,2,1 Summary: a news article to read and write a 3,2,1 summary. You will list 3 things you learned, 2 things you disagree with, and 1 question you have.

Activity Two — Climate Control: Find news stories in today’s paper that are related to the climate in various regions of the Earth (for example, crop failure due to drought).

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can summarize information and make deductions.

Community questions handling of black police commander

St. Louis Alderwoman Dionne Flowers of Ward

2 said she has more than 450 letters from community residents in support of Captain Ryan Cousins, the former commander of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department’s Sixth District. Cousins has been on unpaid suspension for alleged employee misconduct since the beginning of February.

“I think we’ll have 1,000 of them by the end of the month,” Flowers said in a press conference held at Cousins’ lawyers’ office on Monday, March 21. The letters almost entirely come from residents in the Sixth Police District, she said, which is the city’s highest-crime area and largely comprises North St. Louis city.

Police Commissioner Sam Dotson told The American that he could not discuss Cousins’ case because it’s a personnel matter.

The community is also furious about the damning stories that the PostDispatch has printed about Cousins’ case, based on unofficial, unsourced information. It’s a violation of department policy to leak information to the media during an investigation.

This incident is the only point of misconduct that Cousins has been told he is being investigated for, according to sources.

“The criteria that the city uses on putting someone on unpaid leave is whether they are a danger to themselves, other officers or the department,” said Lynette Petruska, who is Cousins’ attorney at Pleban and Petruska law firm. “Going into a home and telling people that the victim of a crime should be treated like a victim and not like a criminal is not something that warrants forced leave.”

Many residents feel that the Post’s story (by Christine Byers) attempted to decimate his reputation in print before he received due process.

“There are always two sides to the story,” Flowers said, “and don’t always just believe what you read.” Cousins is being investigated for an incident when he arrived at a scene where a man’s home had been broken into, according to several sources close to Cousins. The owner used a gun to protect himself from the intruders, which is not illegal. But the man was not supposed to be in possession of a gun because he was a convicted felon. When Cousins arrived, the homeowner was in handcuffs. Cousins told other officers to release him because he wanted to talk to him, sources said.

“Closer examination will show that he was policing in a responsible attentive way to the community,” one resident wrote in a letter. “He knows us and we know him and his officers. These allegations are troubling to our community and seem to be a smear campaign to ruin the reputation and career of a stellar African American officer working to better the community.”

The resident’s letter is now being used as the body of the petition letter that residents are signing in an effort to get Cousins reinstated. Cousins was promoted by Dotson to the command position four months prior to the investigation.

“We are tired of our community receiving the scraps from City Hall and the chief of police,” the letter reads. “Now that we have a captain willing to meet with and serve this community, we will not give him up to the politics of race and prejudice.”

Disparate discipline

Cousins has been on unpaid

leave for almost two months now – which seems unfair based on his offense, his lawyer said. Petruska said she has been trying to ask the same questions that Alderwoman Flowers has been trying to ask.

“How have other officers accused of misconduct been treated compared to Captain Cousins?” Petruska said. “How many of them have put on unpaid suspensions as Captain Cousins has been placed?”

Petruska said the city counselor told her the city will refuse to provide information about discipline at the department. A spokesperson for the city told The American that Cousins’ attorney was requesting overly broad, confidential personnel records, which invaded the privacy of other officers. In an upcoming hearing, city counselors will ask that the scope of the request be narrowed so that it can be fulfilled.

Meanwhile, the Aldermanic Black Caucus may step in. Aldermen have subpoena power to request information. Flowers said the Public Safety Committee plans to hold hearings soon regarding disparate treatment and discipline for African-American officers.

“We’re definitely looking into how officers are being

St. Louis Alderwoman

Dionne Flowers of Ward 2 voiced community anger over the handling of Captain Ryan Cousins by St. Louis police leadership and the PostDispatch at a press conference held at Cousins’ lawyers’ office on Monday, March 21.

Photo by Wiley Price

disciplined across the board, whether north or south or the color of their skin,” Flowers said. “We do want to see if this is something that the chief picks and chooses, or is this something that is being done across the board because this is the procedure and this is the policy.”

If the aldermen find that there is discrimination in discipline, the board will look into what needs to be done to make sure the chief is being fair, she said.

“Or maybe it’s time for us to look nationally for a new chief of police,” Flowers said.

Alderman Chris Carter of the 27th Ward said he supported Cousins’ promotion and that Cousins already has had a huge impact on crime. Cousins organized foot patrol officers in high-crime areas where lots of drug sales go down, Carter said. He started an officer bike crew, which had lots of residents taking pictures because the concept was so foreign, Carter said.

“Residents are in an uproar because Ryan brought things that folks have never seen before,” Carter said. “He brought things that other areas have and things we’ve been begging for. And residents want more.”

Carter believes one of the

reasons why Cousins was punished more severely was because Cousins was honest with the aldermen about his resources. When the Sixth District has an incident with multiple murders, they don’t get any extra reinforcements – not like downtown or more affluent areas do, he said.

“Where African Americans are normally killing each other, nothing happens,” Carter said. “He was vocal because we need extra resources. And he was actually making people work. You had Caucasians who didn’t want to take orders from someone like Ryan. That made them feel a certain way about him.”

Carter said Cousins’ case is “the straw that broke the camel’s back” as far as the aldermen’s pursuit to investigate disparate treatment at the department. He remembers when in September two high-ranking white commanders – Dan Howard and Jerry Leyshock – were disciplined for accepting money from community organizations for overtime work – a violation of department policy. Howard, who had allegedly accepted $10,000, was suspended for only four days.

“Nothing happened to them,” he said. “They knew that they weren’t supposed to do it. They had a couple days off – and then they got a promotion.”

Carter believes the only way to fix the problem is to call the Department of Justice to review the city’s practices.

“Sam Dotson cannot fix this problem, especially when he his helping the continuation of it,” Carter said.

Disparate leaks

In Byers’ first story on February 10, she detailed an incident – also from anonymous sources – about an evening in November when Cousins let a man go who had a warrant for his arrest.

But Carter said that the Post got it wrong. Cousins’ unit was waiting until after a rap concert at a downtown club to arrest the individual who was going to perform that night. But another unit came in and tried to arrest the rapper before the event. Cousins told the other unit that if they arrested him before, they would face unsafe disturbance from the individuals at the concert.

Cousins’ higher-ranking officer backed him up, Carter said. A police source confirmed that he was not being investigated for this incident.

“They never came back and say they were wrong,” Carter said of the Post. “They made Cousins seem like a criminal.” Petruska said that she can’t say for certain if the media leaks are related to race.

“But I do know two cases where I’ve been involved in” where there were media leaks, she said, “they were African American officers.”

Our unnamed source says

According to a source close to the investigation, the Department of Justice is reviewing Cousins’ case and Cousins will face federal criminal charges for his conduct at the burglary scene on January 29. This source said the Post’s reporting on the burglary scene was based on police reports that have not been made public and include charges not discussed by Flowers or by Cousins’ community supporters. If this source is accurate, then Cousins would face a federal indictment – and the community would have a new set of questions to ask about disparate treatment, in this case, in federal indictments for police conduct. This source said the department also is investigating a pattern in staff accessing of police records that should lead to the source of media leaks in this case.

Urban League expands plans for Ferguson center

St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger; Sheila Sweeney, St. Louis Economic Development Partnership; Ellen Steinfeld, Managing Director TIAA-Direct; Ferguson Councilman Wesley Bell; Ferguson Councilwoman Ella Jones; Lt. Col. Patty Richardson, Salvation Army; Michael P. McMillan, Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis; Lt. Col. Lonneal Richardson, Salvation Army; and Leisha Gordon, TIAA-Direct.

Community center at torched QuikTrip triples in size after new investments

Cheryl D.S. Walker was chosen to co-chair the Presidential Search Committee of the University of Missouri System. She chairs the Deaconess Foundation’s board and is counsel in the St. Louis office of Bryan Cave LLP. Fellow UM System alumnus James H. Whitaker is co-chairing the search committee.

Larry Deskins was recognized by the Mound City Bar Association with the Legal Legend Award, the highest honor bestowed to attorneys with at least 30 years of experience. He practices transactional law at Lewis Rice in St. Louis where he serves individuals, corporations and partnerships across a variety of industries. He earned his Juris Doctorate from Washington University.

Venessa A. Brown was elected to the National Association of Diversity Officers in Higher Education Board of Directors. She is associate chancellor for the Office of Institutional Diversity and Inclusion at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The association’s vision is “to lead higher education toward inclusive excellence through institutional transformation.”

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis will triple the size of its planned Community Empowerment Center of Ferguson, which the agency will build on the site of the burneddown QuikTrip convenience store in Ferguson, it announced on Monday, March 14. The Urban League has received three new donations, totaling $2.15 million, which now bring the project’s overall funding to more than $3 million.

The QuikTrip Corporation donated the property, at 9420 W. Florissant Avenue, after it was destroyed during the unrest following

n “It is difficult to move forward building a project with a mission of helping African-American men find jobs and not give the opportunity to African Americans to build it.”

– Joshua Randall

Michael Brown Jr.’s shooting death by thenFerguson police officer Darren Wilson on Aug. 9, 20145. The center is scheduled to be finished

by the end of this year.

At a press conference, Urban League officials praised the new donors: St. Louis County government ($1 million in direct funding for the building from tax credits), the Salvation Army, and TIAA-CREF, a St. Louis financial services firm ($300,000). With the additional funds, the Urban League has now updated the building design to make it a two-story facility, growing from its original 4,000-square-foot, one-story plan to 13,000 square feet. Drawings of the expanded building were unveiled. “We are extremely grateful for the

See CENTER, B6

New program pays people to train as early childhood teachers

Orientations start on April 4

n Apprenticeship begins with 135 hours (five weeks) of early childhood teacher training, with participants hired at a rate of $9.50 per hour.

with participants hired as an early childhood worker at a rate of $9.50 per hour. This is followed by 480 hours of on-the-job training, after which participants will receive a Child Development Associate credential.

Dwayne T. James is St. Louis County program director for the University of Missouri Extension, a landgrant university, with a mission to carry the benefits of university research throughout the state. He is president of the Ferguson Youth Initiative, director and founding member of the Live Well Events, Inc., and a councilman in Ferguson.

Sheila Carves was named 2016 Teacher of the Year in the Ferguson-Florissant School District. Carves, a sixth-grade teacher at JohnsonWabash Elementary School, serves as the school’s Teacher in Charge and has consistently facilitated professional development workshops for colleagues. Thomas Miller, the district’s lone phone maintenance technician. was named the Support Employee of the Year.

Joshua Peters was named as an advisory member for Logan University’s Board of Trustees. He serves as a Missouri state representative in the 76th District. Logan is grounded in chiropractic education – with the flagship Doctor of Chiropractic Degree – and also offers doctorate, masters and bachelor degree completion programs

and on-campus.

Cheryl D.S. Walker

Venessa A. Brown

Dwayne T. James

Sheila Carves

Larry Deskins

Joshua Peters

Photo by Wiley Price

Redding Njoki, lead pre-Kindergarten teacher at Gilkey Pamoja Preparatory Academy, worked with students on February 16.

Photo by Wiley Price

Putting together a great wedding on a budget

By Nathaniel Sillin

Will a modern wedding endanger your finances? It doesn’t have to. With the average price of an American wedding over $31,000, the big day can impose financial stress for those who don’t have savings in place. It’s important to remember that these numbers indicate greater trends – not suggested spending patterns. Before discussion about a ceremony or reception even begins, it’s smart for couples to have a frank talk about money issues in general. Share financial information such as current spending, savings, investment and credit status (https://www. annualcreditreport.com/ index.action). While this conversation may not seem terribly romantic, honesty about respective finances is the first step to responsible financial planning and compatibility.

Once you’ve chosen a desired wedding date, set a savings target with a realistic budget. If you want to get married fairly soon, realize you’ll have less time to build a wedding fund. Start by making a general list (https://www. theknot.com/wedding-budget/ start) of everything you might want in a wedding, and then adjust your vision to what will be in the bank by your desired date. As the numbers start looking real to you, determine what can be purchased or done inexpensively and others that will require professional help. Take a

PROGRAM

continued from page B1

They can then be promoted to an assistant teacher position earning at least $10.50 per

wedding season is more yearround than it’s ever been, wedding prices still tend to be highest throughout the warm months. Explore winter dates and more obscure venues.

hour. After another year and a half of continuous work/ training experience, participants will receive the Department of Labor certification as a Childhood Development Associate, resulting in wages of

$13 per hour. Additionally, nine hours in college credits are earned and could be applied towards obtaining a bachelor’s degree. SLATE will provide financial support for apprenticeship training.

Participants will be trained by LUME Institute, a recognized leader in providing training and support services to early childhood educators, early childhood centers, and their families. For more info, visit www.lumeinstitute.org.

need for expensive wardrobe or other trappings. What about having the wedding at home? It’s free space and, depending on the talents of friends and family, homemade food and decorations can also keep expenses to a minimum. But remember that the home or property owner may need a special insurance rider to cover any potential damage or liability, particularly if liquor is being served. And finally, consider a “surprise” wedding. Planning a party or gathering where a wedding breaks out can provide money-saving advantages to guests and bridal party alike. Having a wedding at a party – especially a regular holiday party you host where family and friends already know to gather –requires little more than a legal officiant and whatever food, beverage, entertainment and insurance costs you need to consider. An unannounced wedding eliminates all prewedding costs related to invitations, showers and parties, and you can give your guests a break on gifts.

Bottom line: Flashy weddings aren’t worth jeopardizing your finances for years to come. Make creative, affordable wedding planning part of your love story.

Nathaniel Sillin directs Visa’s financial education programs. To follow Practical Money Skills on Twitter: www. twitter.com/PracticalMoney.

with local license and ceremonial fees as the only costs involved. There’s no

This model was developed as part of a Compete Midwest initiative put forth by a coalition of three urban, Midwest, workforce development partners (SLATE and its counterparts in Milwaukee and Detroit) to jumpstart and spur the expansion and/or initiation of new registered apprenticeships in fields such as IT, healthcare, manufacturing and construction. Apprenticeships will be designed for women, minorities, veterans, young adults and other underserved populations. Orientations will start on April 4 and will be scheduled throughout 2016. Participants must register at SLATE, 1520 Market St. in St. Louis. Hours of operation: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday, with the exception of Wednesdays, when it opens at 9 a.m. To register, individuals must bring their photo I.D. For information about SLATE, visit www. stlworks.com.

Business BrieF

The University of Missouri Extension is offering a free class for the “overworked entrepreneur.” Participants will learn key strategies – dealing with time, productivity and cost effectiveness – on how to maximize their time to develop a solid business. The class will be held 6:30-8 p.m. April 27 at Spencer Road Library, 427 Spencer Road in St. Peters. There is no cost to attend but registration is required. Call 636-970-3000 to register. Free class for the ‘overworked entrepreneur’

By Melanie Adams

Little black dress

History Museum opens exhibition on fashion icon

My first memory of a little black dress was Audrey Hepburn in Breakfast at Tiffany’s. I admit I don’t remember much about the movie, but I do remember the black dress. I remember the cut, the style, and its air of sophistication. I never saw myself in such a dress, but even at a young age, I recognized the power of fashion and, especially, the power of the little black dress.

More than 50 years later, the little black dress remains a fashion staple in a women’s wardrobe. If I were to be honest, I would say I have at least seven of them, maybe even 10. But black wasn’t always the color of fashionistas. Originally, black was worn by women to signify mourning.

The Missouri History Museum’s new exhibition, Little Black Dress: From Mourning to Night, looks at the transition of black dresses from an item signifying grief to a fashion icon. I had the opportunity to speak with senior curator Shannon Meyers at the Missouri History Museum about this exhibition.

Why an exhibition on the Little Black Dress?

Shannon Meyers: The little black dress is iconic. It never goes out of style. Women love them, and some of us search for years to find the perfect one. We have so many black dresses in the collection (which just proves that women have loved them for more than 100 years), and I thought this would be a really fun way for the public to get to see them. But I also wanted to look at black from an historical perspective, and explore the evolution from a traditional color of mourning during the Victorian era to a fashion color in the 20th century.

Many people would think you have a dream job of working with the beautiful textiles in the MHM collection. Talk a little about the challenges associated with preserving textiles.

Shannon Meyers: Textiles can be very challenging, as they are extremely sensitive. Controlling the way they are cared for will help to prolong and preserve the life of the artifact. For example, we store our textiles using things like acid free materials and padded hangers to support them and prevent damage. We also keep the temperature and humidity in the storerooms at a constant rate, because natural fibers expand and contract based on the temperature and moisture condition in which they are stored. Extreme swings of heat and cold (like those found in a household attic for example) can cause damage to the fibers as they swell and shrink. High humidity and moisture can also cause mold growth which can be very damaging.

Stop betting on Trump to lose

By Eugene Robinson Washington Post

We can no longer pretend this isn’t happening. Donald Trump will very likely be the Republican nominee for president, and there is a nonzero chance he could win in November.

Trump won at least four of the primary contests on March 15, including winner-take-all Florida. If you count Missouri, where he seems to have beaten Ted Cruz by a scant 1,726 votes, he won five out of six, losing only in John Kasich’s home state of Ohio. Cruz and Kasich are his only remaining rivals, and Trump has won more primaries and convention delegates than the two of them put together.

If we were talking about a normal candidate, rather than a dangerous demagogue, we’d say he had pretty much sealed the deal for the nomination. But otherwise sensible people seem to be gambling on some kind of miracle – rather than focusing on what needs to be done to keep Trump out of the White House.

have our own style, so the perfect LBD for me might not be the perfect LBD for you. There is one dress that has had a unique journey to make it into the exhibition though. It is a two-piece beaded dress from the 1880s, and we spent over a year cleaning each individual black glass bead to remove the white crusty efflorescence that has developed as part of the glass degradation that is occurring. Commonly referred to as “bead disease,” it is the result of an imbalance of the chemical composition of the glass. We spent hundreds of hours on this one dress, and the end result is really beautiful!

Little Black Dress: From Mourning to Night

Opens April 2, FREE

Please check out mohistory.org for programs associated with the exhibition.

Bugs also pose a threat. Carpet beetles and clothes moths are attracted to certain fibers, so it is important for us to prevent any kind of infestations.

Textiles are also very light sensitive. We keep light levels low when items are on display to try to prevent fading, which is irreversible. What is one of the more unique pieces in the exhibition and why?

Shannon Meyers: I don’t think that there is one piece that is more unique than the others, they are all interesting and different. People will pick their favorites for sure, which is kind of the point of the little black dress – we each

The stop-Trump “movement” in the Republican Party has been, thus far, a pathetic joke. The fecklessness of the whole endeavor was encapsulated by Mitt Romney’s performance earlier this month: He told voters why they should not vote for Trump, but stopped short of endorsing an alternative.

The party establishment has no hope of defeating Trump if it is not willing to coalesce around one of his opponents.

What did you learn about Black Dresses that you didn’t know before you started curating this exhibition?

Shannon Meyers: The first thing I learned is that we have A LOT of black dresses in the collection! So many that I had to narrow down my selections in order to tell the best story possible. Once I started doing research though, I learned about the complicated history of the color black and all of the “rules” that women were supposed to follow when observing the different stages of mourning during the Victorian era. It is pretty fascinating.

What is the one thing you hope people will take away from the exhibition?

Shannon Meyers: Throughout history wearing black has often come with rules and guidelines. What is considered appropriate has changed over time. What once was reserved primarily for mourning has now evolved into something people feel is appropriate to wear for weddings.

And as always, fashion recycles. I don’t think you can do an exhibit about clothing that spans a large period of time without seeing the recycling of styles and ideas over time.

I understand that Cruz – the logical choice, since he has actually beaten Trump multiple times in primaries and caucuses – is widely disliked and almost certainly too conservative to win the general election.

Kasich is seen as too moderate and has not demonstrated much appeal to the base. But if party leaders can’t bring themselves to choose one or the other, Trump will continue to roll.

Big-money GOP donors seem stunned into paralysis. Many of them supported either Jeb Bush, who bowed out last month after a drubbing in South Carolina, or his fellow Floridian, Marco Rubio, who withdrew Tuesday after being routed in his home state. No

n The stop-Trump “movement” in the Republican Party has been, thus far, a pathetic joke.

politician is invulnerable; a massive, sustained, wellfinanced media campaign against Trump in the states yet to vote could hurt him. But no one seems willing to coordinate or fund such an effort.

Given Trump’s performance on March 15, it looks increasingly possible that he will arrive at the convention in Cleveland with the 1,237 delegates needed to win the nomination. But it will be close, and he may end up with just a strong plurality, not a majority. This opens the possibility of a contested convention, which could, after

several ballots, give the nod to someone else.

In typical strongman fashion, Trump ventured that “I think you’d have riots” if the party did such a thing. Given the tension that surrounds his rallies, he may be right. But I have a hard time believing the GOP establishment would even attempt such a maneuver, let alone bring it off.

Snatching the nomination from a candidate who has demonstrated such popular appeal with the party base would be an act of self-sacrifice by the establishment. It might be the right thing for the nation as a whole, but it would fracture the GOP and all but ensure defeat in November. There are signs that some leading party figures are becoming resigned to the prospect of Trump as their candidate. Uber-strategist Karl Rove, who has been a loud and steady anti-Trump voice, had a column in The Wall Street Journal in which he offered Trump “ten bits of unsolicited advice” to help “raise your game.” The first suggestion was laughable: “Change your tone.” In his primary-night appearances at Mar-a-Lago, his Florida estate, Trump has begun calling for party unity. He may get it, or at least an approximation. Some establishment Republicans will decide it’s better to let Trump suffer a crushing loss and rebuild the party afterward, rather than tear it apart at the convention. That would be an abdication of responsibility. Great political parties do not nominate for president someone who so glaringly lacks the knowledge and temperament to be the leader of the free world. But here we are.

Guest Columnist Eugene Robinson

Sleeveless wool crepe dress with fauxjewel neckline, ca. 1971. Made by Pauline Trigère. Gift of Lotsie Holton. Missouri History Museum.

Retirement reception for Monsanto’s Deborah Patterson

Hundreds of friends and co-workers recently attended a community reception to salute Deborah Patterson. Patterson, who was president of Monsanto Fund, retired after 17 years of outstanding leadership of Monsanto’s philanthropic give and community service. In a letter to the St. Louis business community, Monsanto chief of staff and community relations Jan Holloway and Monsanto Fund Board president Nicole Ringenberg stated “Over the last 17 years, Deborah has played an instrumental role in expanding and strengthening Monsanto’s commitment to the communities we serve. Among her many accomplishments are several signature programs in education, including MySci in St. Louis and Buhle Farmers Academy in the Republic of South Africa.”

Photos courtesy of Gentry Trotter, Multimedia PR News

Mayor Francis Slay presents Deborah Patterson with a proclamation from the City of St. Louis.

Above: Mathews-Dickey Boys and Girls Club’s Wendall Covington, Jr. and Bill Fronczak with Deborah Patterson

Left: RBC’s Kathy Osborn presents Deborah with a unique piece of artwork.

Barbara J. Davidson-Campbell with her longtime boss Deborah Patterson and Michelle Insco, Monsanto

St. Louis City NAACP’s Adolphus Pruitt, honoree Deborah Patterson and Pat Sly of Emerson

Deborah Patterson accepts a loral arrangement and chocolates from the Urban League’s Michael P. McMillan

Monsanto Chairman and CEO Hugh Grant with honoree Deborah Patterson, St. Louis American publisher Donald M. Suggs and Al Mitchell, incoming president of the Monsanto Fund

Lori A. Jacob, Junior Achievement of Mississippi Valley, Orvin Kimbrough, United Way of Greater St. Louis and Cheryl Cook, Monsanto

n “By far, the best moment of my life.”

– Chaminade’s Jayson Tatum, after leading his team to the Class 5 state championship

‘The V is back’

St. Joseph’s Lafayette boys basketball coach had a clear message after his team’s 69-58 loss to Vashon in last Saturday’s Missouri Class 4 state championship game in Columbia.

“The V is back,” Neff said. After a 10-year hiatus from the state tournament and the basketball conscious of Missouri, the Wolverines returned to the scene with fervor as they captured the state championship over a good St. Joe Lafayette team. Leading the Vashon program back to glory was head coach Tony Irons, the son of legendary former Vashon coach Floyd Irons, who brought to the Wolverines to Columbia in what seemed to be on a yearly basis. But, on this past weekend, Floyd Irons played the role of the proud parent as he watched his son restore the glory of a storied basketball program by bringing home another state championship back to St. Louis.

n “My bucket list is complete,” said Floyd Irons as he hugged his son on the court after the championship game.

“My bucket list is complete,” said Floyd Irons as he hugged his son on the court after the championship game. Vashon trailed Lafayette 17-13 after the first quarter, but it turned on the juice in the second quarter as they outscored the Irish 21-8 to take a 40-32 halftime lead. Vashon’s run was keyed by junior guard Daniel “Peanut” Farris and freshman guard Mario McKinney.

Top-shelf two guards

#5: Dwayne Wade, Miami Heat It somehow feels wrong to rate Dwayne Wade this low on the shooting guard charts. For years, the 6’5” Wade was the gold standard of shooting guards in the NBA. Then came a rash of knee injuries and a guy named LeBron James. By conceding his alpha dog status to James, Wade lost a little bit of his basketball soul. The 2015-16 season has been a reincarnation of sorts. His minutes and scoring numbers are down, but his number of games played are up. The 34-yearold Wade has only missed six games this season and has seen some of that old-school DWade athleticism return (in spurts, of course). More important than his athleticism though is his craftiness. Outside of James Harden, there’s not a more wily SG on the court than Wade. He can finish with both hands, has an array of pump fakes to draw fouls and a knack for knocking down big shots time and time again. This season Wade is averaging 19.1 points, 4.7 assists and 4.1 rebounds per game. His 1.1 steals per game is a career low, but he still seems to find a way to cause timely turnovers. The big knock on Wade is that he poses no threat from behind the arc. He’s just 7 for 37 (.189) from downtown this season. Fortunately for the Heat, Wade knows he’s no Steph Curry and generally avoids shooting them altogether. Wade’s Heat currently sit in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference standings.

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

NCAA prospers

By Earl Austin Jr.

Of The St. Louis American

The Belleville Althoff Crusaders won the Illinois Class 3A state championship last weekend in a dominating way.

Althoff defeated New Lennox Lincoln Way West 62-37 to win the first state title in the school’s history. The Crusaders finished the season with a 32-2 record.

Junior forward Jordan Goodwin was the force inside for Althoff, leading the way with 19 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. Senior guard Tarkus Ferguson added 11 points and seven rebounds. In the semifinals, the Crusaders defeated Westchester St .Joseph’s 68-62 to give some revenge on the team that defeated them in the state championship game last season. Goodwin led the way with 25 points and 15 rebounds.

Senior forward Brendon Gooch added 10 points and 11 rebounds, Ferguson scored 11 points while senior guard Keenan Young added 10 points.

The state championship ended a tremendous run for the Crusaders. After finishing second in the state tournament last season, many of the basketball players were mainstays on Althoff’s football team that finished second in the Class 4A state playoffs.

Girls teams win trophies

Several area girls teams brought home hardware from last weekend’s Missouri state championships in Columbia. Kirkwood High finished second in the Class 5 state tournament. The Pioneers defeated Francis Howell in the semifinals, but were defeated by Springfield Kickapoo 63-53 in the state-

VASHON, B

Earl Austin Jr.

Photo by Wiley Price

James Harden and Klay Thompson are two of the most dangerous shooting guards in the NBA.

Vashon players celebrate

SportS EyE

With Alvin Reid

NCAA prospers while black, male athletes falter academically

The disappointment of losing a major-college football bowl game or being the victim of a buzzer-beating shot in the NCAA Tournament will wear off over time.

But having nothing to show for dedicating time and talent to a college athletic program by not earning a degree could haunt young men – especially black ones – for the rest of their lives.

Shaun Harper, a University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Education professor, compiled an exhaustive 2012 report that found black male studentathletes graduate at lower rates than other student-athletes, black undergraduates and all undergraduates.

to play, you should consider sending him to Northwestern, Stanford, Notre Dame, Duke, Vanderbilt, Georgia Tech, Miami, Clemson, Nebraska, Wake Forest or Alabama –which have the highest black athlete graduation rates.

You might want to avoid schools with the lowest graduation rates – Syracuse, University of Southern California, Iowa State, Arkansas, Iowa, California-Berkeley, Michigan State, Oklahoma State, Mississippi, and Kansas State.

This remains true in 2016, even as the 65 schools that comprise the Power 5 Conferences and the NCAA reap billions of dollars from football and basketball programs that feature a majority of African-American players.

The argument “they go pro” is a falsehood.

Less than three percent of college athletes – regardless of race or sport –go on to play professionally. This includes players who leave college early and sign pro contracts.

n Black male student-athletes graduate at lower rates than other studentathletes, black undergraduates and all undergraduates.

In his 2016 report, Harper discloses that 53.6 percent of black male student-athletes graduated within six years, compared to 68.5 percent of student-athletes overall, 58.4 percent of black male undergraduates and 75.4 percent of undergraduate students overall.

Two-thirds of the universities graduated black male student-athletes at lower rates than black undergraduate men who were not members of intercollegiate sports teams.

If your son is a five-star recruit who can choose where

CLUTCH

“I bet universities would respond more aggressively to these issues if black studentathletes, like those at the University of Missouri last fall, threatened revenues by refusing to play,” Harper said. Harper said schools can begin addressing the problem by redirecting a portion of conference and athletic department profits for programming and other interventions to improve racial academic equity “within and beyond sports.”

“Coaches and athletic departments must develop strategic plans that will establish racial equity goals, outline the tasks needed to reach those goals, assign personal responsibility to coaches and staff for completing these tasks, and establish a method to assess if the plan is working,” the report concludes.

“I advise black male student-athletes and their families to resist the seductive lure of choosing a university because it appears to be a promising gateway to careers in professional sports,” Harper said.

To view the full report –including graduation rates by conference – go to http://www. gse.upenn.edu/equity/sports.

My bracket blew up quickly I’m not offering this as an excuse, but theoretically my NCAA bracket exploded before the tournament started on Thursday. Cal guard Tyrone Wallace broke his hand on Wednesday and didn’t play in the Bears’ loss. If that weren’t enough to overcome, fellow guard Jabari Bird suffered back spasms before the game and did not play. It’s not often one of your Final Two teams loses in its first game. Obviously, Middle Tennessee State shocking Michigan State hurt me, along with millions of other NCAA bracket participants. But I reserve most of my bitterness

for the Baylor and West Virginia of the Big 12. They lost to Yale and Stephen F. Austin, respectively, effectively taking out two of my Elite Eight teams. Oh well, GO KU!

Kirkwood got foul treatment

Vashon won its 15th state championship last weekend when it won the Class 4 title with a 69-58 win over Lafayette St. Joseph’s at Mizzou Arena in Columbia.

Chaminade, paced by Duke recruit Jayson Tatum’s 40 points, 14 rebounds and four assists, won the Class 5 title with a 72-59 win over

Kickapoo. Speaking of Kickapoo, I’m about to sound like one of Earl Austin’s “straight-jacket” fans.

The Kickapoo girls defeated Kirkwood 63-53 in a game that was handed to them by the referees.

The Pioneers were saddled with foul trouble from the opening whistle and had – I’m not kidding – 35 fouls called against them. Four of five starters, including standout Lauryn Miller, had two fouls in the first quarter and spent long stretches on the bench.

Kickapoo made 37 of a state-record 53 free throw attempts, meaning that far more than half of its 63 points came from the free-throw line.

The Pioneers shot just 18 free

throws.

“I’ve never blamed an official for anything,” said Kirkwood coach Monica Tritz after the officiating travesty. “I have girls right here who weren’t treated right tonight, so it’s a little hard to swallow right now.” Yes, I’m on the Kirkwood School Foundation board. Yes, I’m a longtime friend of Alvin and Ramona Miller, Lauryn’s parents. Yes, Kirkwood got ripped off.

Alvin A. Reid is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook and appears on ABC’s The Allman Report and several sports radio shows. His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

#3: Klay Thompson, Golden State Warriors

Klay Thompson has essentially become the ultimate three-and-D player in the NBA. He’s likely the only contestant in the three-point contest field that didn’t wet

Continued from B5 those numbers are either at or near career highs. His team also sits in 2nd place in the Eastern Conference. The knock on DeRozan this season is his defense. In the past, he’s shown the aptitude to be a solid defender, but this season it seems the offensive focus has taken its toll. When DeRozan is on the court, the Raptors give up nearly 108 points per 100 possessions. When he’s on the bench, they give up less than 99 points per 100 possessions. If the Raptors have any dreams of being a true contender in the East, DeRozan is going to need to become a better two-way player. If he does, he can vault himself higher on this list.

his pants at the sight of Curry, his Splash Bro. If it weren’t for Curry, Thompson would probably be considered the premier long-range threat in the NBA. The rangy, 6’7” guard is averaging 22.0 points, 2.1 assists and 3.9 rebounds per contest. The assists and rebounding numbers are underwhelming to say the least. However, Thompson’s true value lies in his ability as an excellent defender.

Thompson is often tasked with protecting Curry on the defensive end by guarding top-flight point guards. Since the Warriors rotation often features Curry and a bunch of 6’7” dudes, Thompson must be able to guard almost anybody on the court on screen switches. What he lacks in raw strength, Thompson makes up for in defensive intelligence. His steal numbers are ho-hum, but he plays good, fundamental defense, cuts off passing lanes, closes out well and has the ability to shut down his opponent.

Thompson stated earlier in the season that he considers himself to be the best shooting guard in the league. It’s nice for him to have that confidence in his game and he’s certainly among the most-dangerous threats, but he’ll need to develop more consistency and versatility to get the #1 spot. He has a tendency to go for 40 points one night and sink to just 15 the next.

#2: Jimmy Butler, Chicago Bulls

Jimmy Butler’s less-thansmooth transition to a new coach and injury woes this season threatened to knock him down lower on this list, but he ended up in this position for

one reason. I couldn’t imagine choosing any of the previously-listed players over him if selecting my own team. While Thompson has the ‘ability’ to shut down guys defensively, Butler makes it a habit.

Another 6’7” SG, Butler has the length, the strength, intelligence and tenacity to maintain his status as one of the top defenders in the league. He’s one of the few guys in the league that you can put on LeBron James straight up, and not worry about him going bananas (most of the time).

Butler has always been an elite-level defender, but last season finally took the step of becoming an elite player on the offensive end. He finally took the reins of the Bulls and became the team’s unquestioned leader. It’s no surprise, the team is just 6-10 without Butler on the court. When he’s playing, Butler is putting up 21.7 points, 4.5 assists and 5.2 rebounds per game. He’s also the leader in steals-toturnovers ratio (.88) among shooting guards who average more than 15 ppg (the ones with the ball in their hands most).

Hopefully Jimmy Buckets and coach Fred Hoiberg can get on the same page. Butler thrived under Tom Thibodeau but has seemingly bumped heads a bit with Hoiberg’s new style. That’s nothing new. There’s always a learning curve for new coaches and their star players. The two need to work it out fast, as the Bulls are in danger of missing the playoffs. If the team advances to the postseason, and Butler stays healthy, they are still talented enough

to be a problem.

#1: James Harden, Houston Rockets Like the Bulls, the Houston Rockets have been a disappointment this season and are in real danger of missing the playoffs. Don’t blame it on James Harden. The 6’5” bearded beast will never be confused for a defensive stopper, but on the offensive side, he’s Hairy Potter-Houdini. The crafty left-hander is second in the league in scoring, with 28.5 points per game. He also racks up 7.4 assists and 6.3 rebounds per game. Simply put, he does everything on the offensive side of the ball. He can hit the threeball and is virtually unstoppable going to the basket with his infinite Euro-step moves. It seems that all teams can do to contain Harden is foul him. When they do, he knocks down free throws at 87%. Harden is once again leading the league in free-throw attempts and free-throws made. In fact, he’s has more than 140 more free throws made than DeRozan, who sits in second on the list. The Rockets’ poor showing is due to the fact that management panicked and fired Kevin McHale far too early in the season. Diva Dwight Howard (aka ‘Superman Stickem’) has once again resorted to pouting about his role and destroyed the team chemistry on yet another team. Harden though, is the cream of the crop in terms of two-guards and it’s not even close.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

Alvin Reid

If your son is a ive-star recruit you may want to follow in Demetrius Jackson’s footsteps and send him to Notre Dame if you want him to graduate.

J’den Cox wins NCAA title at 197 pounds

By Umar Lee For The St.

Louis American

Three of Mizzou’s four All American wrestlers are African-American Mizzou junior J’den Cox – a Columbia, Missouri native and four-time Missouri state champion in high school –took home his second national championship in three years at 197 pounds.

The 2016 NCAA Division 1 Wrestling Championships took a break from St. Louis this year. Not to worry area, wrestling fans; the championships will be back in St. Louis in 2017 at the Scottrade Center. This year’s championships were held in the most famous arena of them all – Madison Square Garden in New York City. The 2016 championships didn’t disappoint. While the Penn State Nittany Lions, coached by Cael Sanderson, ran away with the team title, there were a number of intriguing matches along the way culminating in an exciting night of championship matches this past Saturday, televised on ESPN.

Three African-American wrestlers took home NCAA Wrestling titles. Mizzou junior J’den Cox – a Columbia, Missouri native and four-time Missouri state champion in high school – took home his second national championship in three years at 197 pounds by defeating Morgan Macintosh of Penn State.

Nashon Garrett – a fourtime All American, senior from Cornell and native of California – took home his first NCAA national championship at 133 pounds by defeating Corey Clark of Iowa.

Myles Martin, a New Jersey native wrestling for Ohio State, came in as an 11 seed and was the lowest seed to take home a national championship. Martin was also the only true freshman to win a title when he defeated Bo Nickal of Penn State at 174 pounds. Other national championships went to Nico Megaludis of Penn State (125 pounds), Dean Heil of Oklahoma State (141 pounds), Zain Retherford of Penn State (149 pounds), Isaiah Martinez of Illinois winning his second title (157 pounds), Alex

GIRLS

n Tommy Gantt, a Cahokia native and African American, earned All American honors by placing eighth for North Carolina State at 157 pounds.

Dieringer of Oklahoma State winning his third title (165 pounds), and Gabe Dean of Cornell winning his second title

n Many of the basketball players were mainstays on Althoff’s football team that finished second in the Class 4A state playoffs.

Continued from B5 breaking the Red Knights’ three-year stranglehold on the Class 4 state title. Baur enjoyed

championship game. Junior forward Lauryn Miller had 18 points and eight rebounds against Francis Howell on Friday. Sophomore guard Jayla Everett scored 24 points in the state-championship game against Kirkwood. It was the Pioneers’ first appearance in the Final Four.

MICDS took home a second-place trophy from the Class 4 tournament. The Rams dropped a 41-34 decision to undefeated St. Joe Benton in the championship game.

Senior Rachel Thompson had 10 points for the Rams while senior forward Taylor Baur had nine points, 10 rebounds and three blocks. In the semifinals, MICDS knocked off long-time nemesis Incarnate Word 60-51,

Continued from B5

The 5’11” Farris finished the game with 22 points and five assists while McKinney finished with 13 points and six rebounds. Junior center Levi Stockard added 10 points, five rebounds and three assists. Vashon shot a toasty 63 percent from the field in the championship game. As exciting as the statechampionship victory was for Vashon, the real drama came the previous night in the semifinals when the Wolverines edged Sikeston 69-66 in an overtime thriller. The game featured the No. 1 and No. 2 teams in the state and it exceeded all the hype as they battled from start to finish at peak intensity. The Wolverines held a 10-point lead in the fourth quarter before Sikeston mounted a furious rally to tie the game and force the overtime, sending the huge throng of Sikeston fans into a frenzy. Farris led the way again for Vashon with a game-high 22 points. Junior guard Koray Gilbert was another hero for the Wolverines as he scored 17 points, including a 5-for7 performance from 3-point range. Senior forward Daimon Taylor added 12 points, eight rebounds and three steals.

home medals. Lavion Mayes, a Mascoutah High School product, took third at 149 pounds. Daniel Lewis, a redshirt-freshman and fourtime Missouri state champion from Kansas City, took fourth at 165 pounds. And Willie Miklus took sixth at 184 pounds. Mayes and Lewis are African-American, so three of the four Mizzou All Americans were African-American. In other news of local interest Tommy Gantt, a Cahokia native and African American, earned All American honors by placing eighth for North Carolina State at 157 pounds.

Mizzou finished the tournament in sixth place behind champions Penn State, Oklahoma State, Virginia Tech, Ohio State and Iowa. Next year, with the tournament returning to St. Louis and home turf, Mizzou Coach Brian Smith hopes to compete for a title powered by returning champion Cox and returning All Americans Lewis, Mayes, and Miklus.

Kyle Snyder (representing Ohio State) defeated two-time defending champion from North Carolina State Nick Gwiazdowski in overtime.

Other than Cox, three other Mizzou wrestlers took

(184 pounds). In the showcase bout of the night, defending world champion for the United States

a great performance with 24 points and 13 rebounds while Thompson added 14 points and four assists. Owensville defeated Incarnate Word 55-46 in the Class 4 third place game. Senior guard Hailey Diestelkamp led the Dutch Girls with 18 points. Incarnate Word finished the season with a 25-6 record. In the girls Class 5 tournament, Liberty defeated Francis Howell for third place.

St. LouiS AmericAn PreP AthLeteS of the Week

Jayson Tatum

Chaminade – Basketball

The McDonald’s All-American concluded a spectacular high school career by leading the Red Devils to the Class 5 state championship in Columbia last weekend.

Tatum scored 40 points to lead Chaminade past Springfield Kickapoo 72-59 in the state championship game. He also added 14 rebounds and four assists. He scored 27 of his 40 points in the first half.

In the semifinals, Tatum had 28 points, six rebounds, two assists and four steals in a 75-49 victory over Metro Catholic Conference rival SLUH.

For the season, Tatum averaged 29.5 points to lead the St. Louis metro area in scoring. He also averaged 9.1 rebounds, three assists and nearly two blocks a game while shooting 52 percent from the field and 86 percent from the free throw line.

Tatum will leave Chaminade as the school’s alltime leading scorer, passing former Red Devil AllAmerican Bradley Beal in the semifinals victory over SLUH. Tatum is headed to Duke University.

The eyes of the wrestling fans in America now turn to the Olympic Trials next month in Iowa City. All NCAA champions automatically qualify to compete in the trials although outside of Snyder all are considered long shots to make the 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio.

Follow Umar Lee on Twitter @STLAbuBadu.

Photo by Shane Epping, Mizzou Athletics

CENTER

continued from page B1

tremendous generosity of these three partners who have stepped up to make this expansion possible,” said Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, Inc. “This extraordinary display of community spirit will allow us to serve even more North County residents and strengthen our ability to improve the quality of life for our neighbors.”

St. Louis County Executive Steve Stenger said, “This center is a significant part of the continued resurgence of Ferguson, and St. Louis County is proud to be a major contributor to this effort.”

When completed, the new facility will house the Urban League’s “Save Our Sons” workforce program, which will provide job training and placement services for up to 500 African Americans and other young men in Ferguson and North St. Louis County over the next two years.

In addition to The Salvation Army, it also initially will have offices for Provident, Better Family Life, Lutheran ChurchMissouri Synod and University

of Missouri-Extension.

“Out of the ashes at this location,” The Salvation Army will provide help with after school tutoring, financial assistance for rent and utilities, and emotional and spiritual care for individuals reentering society after incarceration,

n The new facility will house the Urban League’s “Save Our Sons” workforce program, which will provide job training and placement services for up to 500 African Americans.

said Lt. Colonel Lonneal Richardson, The Salvation Army Midland Divisional Commander. Its Pathway to Hope program, which helps families break free of poverty, will also be part of the center, he said.

“These are just some of the services desperately needed in North St. Louis County,” Richardson said. McMillan has said that Michael Johnson, a QuikTrip board director, called him days after the QuikTrip

burned asking what they could do. In the Urban League’s conversations with community members, particularly young men, they expressed that they want jobs, McMillan said.

In the Save Our Sons fourweek job-training program, participants learn everything from public speaking and teambuilding to emergency financial preparation and health care.

Several businesses and groups, including those from Emerson, Ameren, Civic Progress, Regional Business Council, and Gateway Rivers Greenway, have already pledged their support to the program.

Kwame Building Group, an employ-owned local company, will be the construction management group. Joshua Randall, president of Kwame, said that McMillan has set a goal that this project be built with 100 percent minority workforce and minority business enterprises (MBEs).

“It is difficult for him to move forward building a project that is set with a mission of helping AfricanAmerican men find jobs and not give the opportunity to African Americans to build the project,” Randall said. “Our role is to make sure that we accomplish that goal.”

Financial Focus

By Aaron Ezell

The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Community Empowerment Center of Ferguson gets reimagined, from one story and 4,000 square feet to two stories and 13,000 square feet, after new investments by St. Louis County government, the Salvation Army and TIAA-CREF.

Photo by Steve Engelhardt

Open House at Emerging Wisdom

Rebeccah Bennett invites the public to fellowship on Tuesday, March 29

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“There is more to us, more to our professions and more to our personal endeavors than we are currently experiencing,” said Rebeccah Bennett, founder and principal of Emerging Wisdom LLC. “And the only way to really discover that is to leave the comfort of the known

world and step into the mystery.” Bennett, who is also a life coach, made this advice she has shared with others part of her own narrative back in 2014. She left her longtime post at Vector Communications to devote her time and professional energy to the organization she began back in 2006.

The art of rap

By American Staff

When hip-hop sprouted from the streets of New York in the 1970s, the genre was labeled a musical fad.

The assumption was that cutting-edge sound and complimentary creativity expressed through dance, style, art, language and attitude would be contained within the African American experience before it ultimately faded into obscurity.

Nearly five decades later, it stands as a multi-billion dollar global industry in its own right. It has also emerged as a popular culture phenomenon that has saturated the mainstream in nearly every element.

Hip-hop has become the great influencer and a standard for trendsetters – and the local creative community has enjoyed a glimpse of hip-hop’s evolution into the culture of record with “Haute

‘Haute Hip-Hop’ at Projects +Gallery closes with party, panel

Hip-Hop.”

And after an extended run at Projects+Gallery, Barrett Barrera’s presentation of “Haute HipHop,” an exhibition that celebrates the rise of the hip-hop phenomenon and its cultural influence, will go out with a bang.

On Friday, March 25, a closing party will be held 5-8 p.m. at Projects+Gallery, 4733

Featured artists of the exhibit include Tyler Boye, St. Louis native Jermaine Clark, Joe Conzo, Dolce & Gabbana, Shepard Fairey, Fantich & Young, Gregory Ingram, Jonathan Mannion, Charlie Le Mindu, Marilyn Minter, Moschino, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Fahamu Pecou, Hank Willis Thomas, Mickalene Thomas, Valentino and Kehinde Wiley.

Images of rap gods and pioneers like ‘Pac, Biggie, Eazy-E, Salt N Pepa, The Fugees and Wu Tang Clan share space with the anonymous facilitators of the movement back in the South

See HIP HOP, C4

Faraja Lungele finds her voice through Gitana

For 14-year-old native of Kenya, ‘Living the Dream’ is everything

By Kelly Moffitt

Of St. Louis Public Radio

Cecilia Nadal, the founder and executive director of Gitana Productions, remembers the first time she met Faraja Lungele, a 14-year-old refugee who came to the United States from Kenya after fleeing Congo. Lungele would repeatedly peek into rehearsals in the basement of St. Louis Public Library’s Carpenter Branch in South St. Louis and quickly return upstairs, without saying a word. After three or four sightings, Nadal pulled Lungele aside, they talked, and she found out that

Lungele loved to sing and dance.

It was a perfect fit. Gitana Productions is a local nonprofit that advocates healing through the arts and was preparing for a show titled “Living the Dream.” In it, students, aged 7-17 from diverse backgrounds, use four one-act plays, song, dance and slam poetry to explore issues facing young people today – particularly issues facing young immigrant children.

“Living the Dream” is part of a broader program, Global Education through the Arts, that seeks to pair African-American and immigrant children who live in the same neighborhoods.

Nadal asked Lungele to join the group but she repeatedly declined.

“She wouldn’t tell me why she wouldn’t join,” Nadal said, “but

out its 49th Season. The play’s opening scene, featuring a captivating Charlie Parker-inspired saxophone solo by St. Louis native Eric Person, leads the audience to believe that Paige’s storied career in baseball will have Parker’s style of music woven into the production. No such luck.

Audiences are given just small samples of the music – and an equally minute portion of Paige’s contribution

finally I learned that she lives in an area where there is a lot of shooting

Malik Taylor),

Photo by Kelly Moffitt

“Satchel Paige and The Kansas City Swing,” written by Ricardo Khan and Trey Ellis and directed by Khan, continues at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis

April 10.

Rebeccah Bennett will host Emerging Wisdom’s Open House 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29 at its new office, located at 4125 Humphrey St.

McPherson Ave. The celebration will feature local hip-hop musical artists, including Bates and female emcees from St. Louis’ own Femcee Nation Organization. DJ Agile One will spin throughout the evening.

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Mar. 25 – 26, Jazz at the Bistro presents ATribute to Clark Terry with Byron Stripling & the Jazz St. Louis Big Band. 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5716000 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Sat., Mar. 26, The Ambassador welcomes Denise LaSalle and Theodis Easley. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

Sat., Mar. 26, 9 p.m., Voce presents An Evening of Smooth Jazz with Jazz Saxophonist Jeanette Harris 212 S. Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, visit www.janetteharrisband.com.

Sat., Mar. 26, 10 p.m., Sofrito: A Night of AfroLatin Beats with The DJ JMo. Lucha, 522 N. Grand Blvd., 63103.

Sun., Mar. 27, 8 p.m., RockHouse Entertainment & Good Fellas Ent. present Rick Ross. The Pageant, 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

Mar. 30 & Apr. 2, 7:30 p.m., Jazz at the Bistro presents SFJazz Collective: Originals & The Music of Michael Jackson. an all-star award-winning jazz ensemble comprising eight of the inest performers/composers at work in jazz today. 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 5716000 or visit www.jazzstl.org.

Fri., Apr. 1, 7 p.m., National Blues Museum presents Rock ‘N Blues Fundraiser Concert. Blues artists Big George Brock, Shemekia Copeland, and the legendary Bobby Rush will each perform at the concert. The evening will be emceed by Big Llou Johnson, the host of Sirius XM’s Bluesville channel.

Lumiere Live, 999 N. 2nd St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 925-0016.

Fri., Apr. 1, 8 p.m., Chaifetz Arena presents Wale & Hoodie Allen. 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, call (314) 977-5000 or visit www. thechaifetzarena.com.

Fri., Apr. 8, Mo Investment Ent presents Monica and Chante Moore Live, The Ambassador, 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www. metrotix.com.

Apr. 19, 8 p.m. The Pageant welcomes Lupe Fiasco. 6161 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. thepageant.com.

local gigs

Fri., Mar. 25, 9 p.m. (8 p.m. doors) , Next Up Artist Challenge, Knockouts Bar and Grill, 11208 W Florissant Ave, Florissant, MO 63033.

Sat., Mar. 26, 9 p.m., Voce presents An Evening of Smooth Jazz with Jazz Saxophonist Jeanette Harris 212 S. Tucker Blvd., 63102. For more information, visit www.janetteharrisband.com.

Sat., Mar. 26, 10 p.m., Sofrito: A Night of AfroLatin Beats with The DJ JMo. Lucha, 522 N. Grand Blvd., 63103.

Sat., Apr. 2, 8 p.m., Howard Neal Entertainment presents Aretha Franklin Tribute Show and Dance. Dance the night away with powerful and soulful vocalists, world-class musicians, and Ol’ Skool DJ’s performing a tribute to the Queen of Soul. After the concert, DJ Kev and DJ Colonel Que will keep you on the loor. Argosy Casino, 1 Piasa St., Alton, IL. 62002. For more information, call (573) 301-0105 or visit www. eventbrite.com.

Calendar

Mo Investment Ent presents Monica and Chante Moore Live. See CONCERTS for details.

Featured Event

Sat., Mar. 26, The Ambassador welcomes Denise LaSalle and Theodis Easley. 9800 Halls Ferry Rd., 63136. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

(See CONCERTS)

Wed., Mar. 30, 8 p.m., Sheldon Concert Hall presents Julia Bullock and Renate Rohling. Soprano Julia Bullock is a rising star in the opera world. A St. Louis native and graduate of Opera Theatre’s Artist-in-Training program, Bullock won the 2014 Naumburg International Vocal Competition, and is currently pursuing an Artist Diploma at The Juilliard School. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 5339900 or visit www.thesheldon. org.

special events

Through Mar. 27, Missouri Botanical Gardens hosts 2016 Orchid Show: Where the Wild Things Grow. Approximately 500 orchids are on display at any one time. This year’s Orchid Show offers visitors the chance to learn more about the habitats of orchids and how they adapt to changing environments. 4344 Shaw Blvd., 63110. For more information, visit www.mobot. org.

Sat., Apr. 2, 10 a.m., National

Blues Museum Opening Day. We will have live events going on all day inside the Lumiere Place Legends Room, and more special moments. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, call (314) 925-0016 or visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Sun., Apr. 3, The Made Moguls 2nd Annual B.L.A.C.K T.I.E. Charity Dinner. An elegant night of dinner, auctions, entertainment and more, as we help raise money and awareness for the Made Moguls Youth Program – a nonprofit organization providing mentoring and entrepreneurship education for youth in the greater St. Louis area. Crowne Plaza Saint Louis – Downtown, 200 N. 4th St., 63102. For more information, visit www.mademoguls.com.

Thur., Apr. 7, 5:30 p.m., United 4 Children’s Lighting the Way Dinner and Auction Gala. Marriott St. Louis Hotel, 800 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www.united4children. org or contact Deanna Finch at (314) 531-1412 or finchd@ united4children.org.

Fri., Apr. 8, 6:30 p.m., Rainbow Village’s 20th Annual DinnerAuction and

Gala: Somewhere Over the Rainbow. All proceeds will be used in our mission to help families and their loved ones with developmental disabilities. Four Seasons, 999 N. 2nd St., 63102. For more information, call (314) 5671522 or visit www.rbvstl.com.

Sat., Apr. 9, 10 a.m., 3rd Annual Natural Hair and Black Cultural Expo. This event will showcase models, live music, poetry, Afrikan drumming, dancers, and more. New Northside Conference Center, 5939 Goodfellow Blvd., 63147. For more information, call (618) 5145240.

Sat., Apr. 16, Imagery International’s 10th Annual Because I’m Worth It Gala. Come out for an evening of food, live music, laughter, and empowerment. This year we are taking this event to another dimension with a dinner theatrical production, Dear God. The cast stars Tish Haynes-Keys, Rochelle Gates, Pastor Miki King, and other local actors. 1Norwood Hills Country Club Dr., 63121. For more information, call (314) 707-8103 or visit www. imageryintl.com.

Apr. 29 – May 1, HarrisStowe State University presents the Inaugural Male Empowerment Summit, hosted by Dr. Dwaun J. Warmack and featuring Pastor Jamal Bryant and Dr. Steve Perry.

May 21 – 22, Compton Heights and Compton Hill Home Tour. Spend a beautiful spring day touring two of St. Louis’ finest historic neighborhoods, adjacent neighborhoods long celebrated for gorgeous turn-of-thecentury architecture. Tour 10 gracious homes built between 1896 and 1913 with original stained-glass windows, intricate woodwork and elegant features, including the famed 30-room Magic Chef Mansion. Tourgoers may walk, drive or use trams available at no charge throughout the Tour. www.2016housetour. brownpapertickets.com.

The St. Louis Senior Olympics. The regional competition for athletes aged 50 and older, is actively seeking applications for athletes to participate in more than 90 individual and team events over Memorial Day Weekend, May 26 – 31, 2016. From basketball to bocce; soccer, softball and shuffleboard; to tap dancing, tennis and track – the Senior Olympics engage more than 1,100 athletes and hundreds of volunteers at more than a dozen different venues across the St. Louis area. The events are open to everyone. Athletes must be at least 50 years old, but there is no maximum age. For more information, visit www.stlouisseniorolympics. org.

July 15- 17, Sumner High School Class of 1956 will celebrate their 60th Reunion at the Sheraton Westport Plaza Hotel. E-mail contact

information (name, address, phone number)to beangloria@ sbcglobal.net for more information.

comedy

Sat., Apr. 16, The Festival of Laughs starring Mike Epps and Rickey Smiley and featuring Earthquake, Tony Rock and Coco Brown. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

literary

Fri., Apr. 8, 7 p.m., Maryville Talks Books hosts author Krista Tippett, author of Becoming Wise: An Inquiry into the Mystery and Art of Living. Krista Tippett, National Humanities Medalist and award-winning broadcaster, will talk with Don Marsh about her new book. The book is a master class in the art of living, focused not simply on personal growth but on public life and human spiritual evolution. Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, visit www.left-bank.com.

Wed., April 13, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books and the National Blues Museum present James McBride, who will sign and discuss his new book, Kill ‘Em and Leave: Searching for James Brown and the American Soul. A product of the complicated history of the American South, James Brown was a cultural shapeshifter who arguably had the greatest influence of any artist on American popular music. When McBride received a tip that promised to uncover the man behind the myth, he set off to follow a trail that revealed the personal, musical, and societal influences that created this immensely troubled, misunderstood, and complicated soul genius. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. This event is free and open to the public, but please RSVP at www.left-bank.com/ mcbride.

Wed., Apr. 20, 7 p.m., Phyllis Lawson signs and discusses Quilt of Souls. When fouryear-old Phyllis Lawson is sent to live with her grandmother in Alabama, she has no idea what to expect. She needed a miracle, and that miracle took the form of a tattered old quilt—a family heirloom stitched together from the clothes of her grandmother’s loved ones, telling the tragic stories of their lives and deaths. Left Bank Books, 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. left-bank.com.

theatre

Sat., Mar. 26, 2 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents From Darkness Cometh the Light. Linda Kennedy stars as Lucy Delaney, an African American woman who won her freedom in a lawsuit just prior to Dred Scott’s and who lived and

worked in St. Louis for the rest of her life. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Through April 10, The Repertory Theatre of St. Louis presents Satchel Paige and the Kansas City Swing. The crack of the bat, the roar of the crowd—it’s what every baseball player dreams of. In 1947, Jackie Robinson had broken baseball’s color barrier, while Satchel Paige and his Negro League All-Stars were barnstorming against their white counterparts in the Majors. It was baseball by day and jazz by night as the impassioned and devoted players tried to find their place in a country on the verge of change. 130 Edgar Rd., 63119. For more information, call (314) 968-4925 or visit www. repstl.org.

Saturdays through Apr. 30, Teens Make History presents Where Did You Go to High School? In a series of short scenes, the TMH Players recount some of their own experiences with the famous “St. Louis question” and demonstrate how high school experiences are so much more than a stereotype. Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 7464599 or visit www.mohistory. org.

Saturdays through Mar. 26, 2 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents From Darkness Cometh the Light Linda Kennedy stars as Lucy Delaney, an African American woman who won her freedom in a lawsuit just prior to Dred Scott’s and who lived and worked in St. Louis for the rest of her life. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63108. For more information, call (314) 746-4599 or visit www.mohistory.org.

Apr. 1 – 3, The Fox presents Tyler Perry’s Madea on the Run. In trouble with the local authorities, Mabel Simmons, notoriously known as Madea, is on the run from the law. 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www. fabulousfox.com.

arts

Fri., Mar. 25, 5 p.m., projects+gallery presents HAUTE Hip-Hop Closing Party. We will be celebrating the closing of the exhibition with local hip-hop music artist. Hip-hop artist Bates and fellow female emcees from St. Louis’ own Femcee Nation Organization, as well as DJ Agile One, will perform throughout the evening. 4733 McPherson Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. projects-gallery.com.

lectures/ workshops

Fri., Mar. 25, 6:30 p.m., The Great Debate: The “N” Word. It is imperative moving forward to take care in the way we lay the foundation for the generations after us to build upon. The “n” word is one of the most impactful terms ever invented. No word in the

history of this country has its self so deeply rooted in its creation and no word to date has had the wide spread effect on everything from politics to pop culture. The “n” word has become so ingrained in our society and psyche that it begs the question of whether it truly defines our culture as a whole and if we should keep it or get rid of it. Better Family Life, 5415 Page Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Wed., Mar. 30, 9 a.m., The Basics of Writing a Business Plan. In just 3 hours, learn key elements of a business plan including: writing style tips, required content, how to use a business plan as a management tool, a greater understanding of what a business plan should look like and how to get started. Dislocated or laid off workers registered with jobs.mo.gov can attend this workshop at NO COST. 212 Turner Blvd., 63376. Please call (314) 657-3768 or visit www.missouribusiness.net for more information.

Thur., Mar. 31, 5 p.m., Kemper Art Museum hosts Panel Discussion: Technology, Ethics, and Laws. Panelists include Humberto Gonzalez, assistant professor, School of Engineering & Applied Science; Neil Richards, School of Law; and Meredith Malone, associate curator, will discuss the technological, ethical, and legal implications of drones. This program is presented in conjunction with the exhibition To See Without Being Seen: Contemporary Art and Drone Warfare Washington University, One Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. kemperartmuseum.wustl.edu.

Wed., Mar. 30, 6:30 p.m., Forum on April ballot issues for the City of St. Louis. Please join us for a panel discussion with local experts to examine 5 important issues to be decided by city residents at the April 5th Municipal Election. The following ballot propositions will be discussed, evaluating the pros and cons of each issue and how it will affect the City and its residents: Proposition E: earnings tax; Proposition F: issuing of bonds to the City; Proposition 1: operating tax levy; Proposition Y: sewer and drainage facility upgrades; and Proposition S: storm water operations and maintenance property tax. Central Library, 1301 Olive St., 63103. For more information, call (314) 299-6734 or visit www.slpl. org.

Sun., Apr. 3, 2 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents African American History Collection Highlights Learn about new additions to the Missouri Historical Society’s African American collecting initiative. Come hear Zaki Baruti, Sherman George, Addington Stewart, James Cotter, Carl Bruce, and George Cotton talk about their contributions to the initiative and their importance to African American history. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, call (314) 746-4479 or visit www. mohistory.org.

RockHouse Entertainment & Good Fellas Ent. present Rick Ross. For more information, see CONCERTS.

Tues., Apr. 5, 4 p.m., Institute of Public Health presents Gun Violence: A Public Health Crisis Symposium. Presenters will include Stephen Hargarten, Medical College of Wisconsin; Deborah Prothrow-Stith, Charles Drew University of Medicine and Science; Daniel Webster, Johns Hopkins; and several Washington University professors. Knight Hall, Washington University, Throop Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. publichealth.wustl.edu.

health

Sat., Apr. 2, 8 a.m., Saint Louis University’s Geriatric Education Center, the Alzheimer’s Association St. Louis Chapter, and Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., Omicron Eta Omega Chapter are offering a Free Geriatric Screening. This event is for anyone age 65 years or older. The screening will include frailty, nutrition, and cognitive function. Friendly Temple M.B. Church, 5515 Martin Luther King Dr., 63112. For more information, call (314) 977-8848 or visit www.alz.org/stl.

Apr. 14 – 16, 2016 Global Health & Infectious Disease Conference and Trainee Oral Symposium, and FIHTM Symposium. For more information or to register, visit www.publichealth.wustl.edu.

Sat., Apr. 16, 9 a.m., Lane Tabernacle CME Church’s Annual Women’s Day Celebration Kick Off Health Fair “Mind, Body and Soul,” Lane Tabernacle, 910 N. Newstead Ave. For more information, call (314) 5330534.

Sat., Apr. 30, St. Louis PKD Chapter is hosting a Kidney Fight Trivia Night Fundraiser, The PKD Foundation is the only organization in the U.S. solely dedicated to finding treatments and a cure for PKD. Machinists’ District 9 Building, 12365 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044. Contact Kris Conant at kidneyfighttrivianight@gmail. com or call 314-973-6597 to register.

May 1, Six Flags

Rollercoaster Race, 10K race or 5K run/walk on an exciting course at Six Flags St. Louis that goes through and around the park with scenic view of their world-famous coasters. Age group awards, cash prizes, and refreshments after the race. Registration includes a Six Flags ticket ($61.99 value), a shirt and finisher medal for each event entered, and free parking ($20 value). Registration fees start at $45. For more information, visit www.rollercoasterrace.com/ stlouis.

spiritual

Through March 25, 6 p.m., EMFJ Jurisdictional Men’s Conference featuring prayer, workshops and worship Services , Nazareth Temple COGIC, 3300 Marshall, St. Louis, MO 63114. For more information contact Elder Kenneth Williams, EMFJ Men’s Conference Coordinator via email: minkwilliams@ yahoo.com or Call (314) 5410342.

Fri., Mar. 25, 12 noon, The Cathedral @ St. Paul AME

Church presents The Women View at the Cross, St. Paul AME Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave. For more information, call (314) 385-8900.

Sat., Apr. 2, 3 p.m., Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church’s 12th Annual Praise is What We Do Scholarship Benefit, Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, 4673 Labadie.

Sun., Apr. 17, 10 a.m., Lane Tabernacle C.M.E. Church Annual Women’s Day Celebration with Guest Speaker Rev. Anita DavisWilliams, pastor of Hosley Temple C.M.E. Church of Tampa Florida, 910 N. Newstead Ave. For more information, call (314) 5330534.

Sun., Apr. 24, 4 p.m., The Annual Wilberforce Alumni Musical Feast featuring The 60 Plus Voices Community Gospel Choir Of St. Louis Missouri Under the Direction of Susanne Palmer, St. Paul AME Church, 1260 Hamilton Ave. For more information, call (314) 385-8900.

Sat., Apr. 30, Lane Tabernacle C.M.E. Church Hats, Hankie and Pearls Brunch, New Northside Conference Center, 5939 Goodfellow. For more information, call (314) 5330534.

May 20, Healing & Mending Ministry presents their 7th Annual Fresh Anointing Women’s Retreat. Guest Speakers: Pastor Jackie Allen, Minister Jeanne Vogt & Dr. Laurette Pickett. Deposit is due of $50.00 ASAP. Contact: Pastor McCoy-Email: healingm2@gmail.com http:// www.healmending.org

tax

assistance

Through Mar. 31, 9 a.m., AARP Tax Assistance Eligible Seniors may call the AARP tax help line and schedule an appointment for free tax preparation assistance. St. Louis Public Library, Buder Branch, 4401 Hampton Ave., 63109. For more information or to register, call (314) 525-1660. Through Apr. 11, University of Missouri St. Louis hosts Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. St. Louis Public Library, Schlafly Branch, 225 N. Euclid Ave., 63108. For more information, call (314) 367-4120 or visit www.slpl.org.

Through Apr. 11, 12 p.m., AARP Tax Help. St. Louis Public Library, Kingshighway Branch, 2260 S. Vandeventer Ave., 63110. For more information, call (314) 5251660.

Through Apr. 15, 10 a.m., AARP Tax Aide. We will provide free tax preparation assistance throughout this tax season by appointment only. St. Louis Public Library, Julia Davis Branch, 4415 Natural Bridge Ave., 63115. For more information or to register, call (314) 525-1660.

HIP HOP

Continued from C1

Bronx as part of the “Haute Hip-Hop” collection.

So are examples Louboutin’s signature red bottoms, gold chains, turntables and evening gowns decorated with graffiti.

“This exhibit examines the progress of hip-hop style and influence, rooted in its music, art and attitude, from its conception in the social and cultural tumult of 1970s urban America to its place at the forefront of innovation in art, fashion and culture,” Projects+Gallery said in the description of the exhibit.

“As a movement, hip-hop has inverted the traditional path of diffusion, rising from the streets to the throne of haute couture, revolutionizing what we wear, what we listen to and who we are, while always keeping it real.”

Portraits and visual art inspired by the movement make for a visual mixtape that suggests the broad influence hip-hop has had on every generation since it was introduced.

Projects+Gallery will also host a panel discussion on hip-hop and its influence on

THEATRE

Continued from C1

to the sport as a legend of the Negro Leagues.

His career culminated with him becoming the oldest rookie in Major League Baseball’s history when he was drafted by the Cleveland Indians at the age of 42 in 1948 – just one year after his former Kansas City Monarchs teammate Jackie Robinson became the first African American to play alongside whites when he suited up for the Brooklyn Dodgers. The insight of “Kansas City Swing” is primarily reserved for Paige’s palpable frustration with his station in the sport and his resentment of Robinson. Robinson was baseball’s black hope, while brighter stars within the Negro League, like Paige himself, were left in the shadows. Paige is introduced gearing up for a game in Kansas City, only to learn that most of those who would have typically attended the game opted to take a train to St. Louis to see Jackie Robinson play. It was the story

Portraits and visual art inspired by the movement make for a visual mixtape that suggests the broad influence hip-hop has had on every generation since it was introduced.

contemporary art, fashion and culture from 3 to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 26. Moderated by Adrienne Davis – art collector, professor of law, vice provost at Washington University and president of the St. Louis Art Museum Board of Directors – the discussion will include gallery owner Susan Barrett, founder and president of Barrett Barrera Projects, and John Harrington, co-founder of Paint Louis, Slumfest and Beats 4

of Paige’s life.

Robinson’s wholesome image and college education meant that better AfricanAmerican players would have to grin and bear his rise to stardom – and deal with the curse of being enormously talented athletes who reached their prime before the world was ready for integrated baseball.

Khan co-wrote the play with Trey Ellis, in addition to directing the Crossroads Theatre and Rep’s production.

The duo decided to focus on Paige’s experiences grappling with emotional turmoil over his position in the sport as a microcosm to capture the dilemma of a people who see change on the horizon, but feel too far removed to reap the rewards.

While brief references to Paige’s experiences in the Negro Leagues are peppered in, the theme of being dimmed by the social norms of segregation is repeatedly echoed through an ensemble of characters at a Kansas City boarding house that once hosted the heroes of black sports, music and culture.

The play is entertaining enough, but doesn’t cross over into compelling territory until

Eats.

The closing party for “Haute Hip-Hop” will take place 5-8 p.m. Friday, March 25 at Projects+Gallery, 4733 McPherson Ave.

Projects+Gallery’s panel discussion on hip-hop and its influence on contemporary art, fashion, and culture will take place 3-4 p.m. Saturday, March 26. For more information, visit www. http://www.projectsgallery.com/current-exhibition/.

well into the second act.

Robert Karma Robinson is especially effective in capturing both the range of emotions and the unyielding resolve required to play Paige. The half-dozen players who support him each prove to be an asset to the production. Vanessa A. Jones excels as Mrs. Hopkins, the sophisticated boarding house owner who resorts to living her aspirations of stardom vicariously through her guests – and, hopefully, her young daughter Moira.

The triumph of “Satchel Paige and The Kansas City Swing” comes from Lauren T. Roark’s costume design. Through the cut and lines of the garments, the accessories and the hairstyles on the women and men, “Kansas City Swing” recaptures the style and grace of the late 1940s. The athletes’ swagger was at its height as they reflected the pride African Americans placed on appearance while off the field.

“Satchel Paige and The Kansas City Swing” continues on stage at the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis at 130 Edgar Rd. in Webster Groves through April 10. For more information, visit www.repstl. org or call (314) 968-4925.

EMERGING

Continued from C1

Emerging Wisdom designs and facilitates personal and professional growth programs, organizational improvement efforts and social transformation initiatives.

It serves corporations, government agencies, nonprofits, networks and individuals working to bring about positive change for themselves and their communities through coaching, training, consulting, facilitation and planning, and professional speaking.

In the year-and-a-half since she began operating Emerging Wisdom full-time, Bennett has secured more than 35 institutional clients.

“I just never anticipated that I would be so well received,” Bennett said. “What I kept hearing is, ‘We support you. You are fulfilling your purpose and we want to see you succeed.’”

On Tuesday, March 29, she will invite the world into her professional space with a special open house at her new location in South City.

“This office, however, is no ordinary office,” Bennett proclaims in the newsletter announcing the event.

Yoga classes, a bi-monthly spiritual renewal fellowship and a gratitude Mandala are on the

GITANA

Continued from C1

and other things going on and her father was worried about her ability to walk to the library and get back at night.”

The group made arrangements to take her home, and Nadal said “she had the biggest smile on her face.” Lungele revealed that she could dance and sing in four languages and wanted to act.

“She had all these talents, but they would not have emerged had there not been that engagement and conversation about removing barriers for her to do what her heart wants to do,” said Nadal.

To Lungele, “Living the Dream” means “everything.”

“When I came to ‘Living the Dream,’ I find new friends, new people who did change my life like Ms. Cecilia,” Lungele said. “I wanted to achieve my goals, and now I know I can achieve it with ‘Living the

schedule at Emerging Wisdom over the course of the next month.

The new office serves as the home for InPower Institute— Emerging Wisdom’s center for inspiration, transformation and empowerment.

Bennett said the center has been designed to be warm, relaxing and supportive and is ideal for classes, workshops, fellowship and group coaching – and that it’s a space where guests are invited to be their best selves.

n “This office is not just where business is transacted; it is where change is made.”

“While it is where we support organizational development and social change, it is also where we focus on our third pillar—personal transformation,” Bennett said. “This office is not just where business is transacted; it is where change is made.”

During the open house, Bennett will reflect on “The Purpose Perspective” and how this practice and principle can be incorporated at the beginning of new endeavors.

“When you are doing what you are called to do in your heart, the entire universe conspires to help you execute

Dream.’”

Lungele shared a song in Swahili, which she dedicated to her mother. She had tears in her eyes after singing, saying that she misses her mother.

n “She had all these talents, but they would not have emerged had there not been that engagement and conversation about removing barriers for her.”

– Cecilia Nadal

“I know what Faraja is feeling,” Nadal said. “Those words take her back home, they take her back to her mother, times with her friends at her school. She’s still making the

that purpose,” Bennett said.

“You are not alone. There’s a saying: ‘at one with God is a majority.’ As far as pursuing your life’s purpose, you have more support than you can ever imagine.”

It’s something Bennett has learned from experience by giving Emerging Wisdom her undivided professional attention.

“That was humbling and awesome because it showed me that all of my fears about not enough – perhaps being not good enough, not being sure enough or not having enough business to sustain myself and my family – were just fears,” Bennett said.

Her bold leap of faith outside of the familiar and into creating her own path is one that all those who aspire to a purposedriven profession should reflect upon.

“In order for the path to be present to you, you have to be present on it,” Bennett said.

“Thinking about it alone is not sufficient presence. It’s a beginning, but the best way to see what the path will bring for you is to walk on it.” Emerging Wisdom’s Open House will take place from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, March 29. The office is located at 4125 Humphrey Street, 63116. For more information on the open house, the organization and a full schedule of events for InPower Institute, visit www. emergingwisdomllc.com.

transition. And when we go to song, we go to heart and we go to memory.”

Daniel Johnson, a graduate of the non-profit’s Global Education through the Arts Program, acts in “Living the Dream.”

“Growing up in St. Louis, you see a lot of violence in the streets and communities, so to have a play that targets those issues, it makes you feel good inside,” said Johnson. “It makes you look at your own life and make changes.”

“Living the Dream” continues through April 2. Performances are as follows: 1 p.m. Saturday, March 26, Immanuel Baptist Church, 221 Church St., Ferguson; 6:30 p.m. Wednesday, March 30, University City Public Library, 6701 Delmar Blvd.; 1 p.m. Saturday, April 2, St. Louis Public Library, Carpenter Branch, 3309 South Grand. For more information, call (314) 721-6556 or visit http:// www.gitana-inc.org/. Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Stellar Students

Congratulations to Tamia Durley an eighth grader at Hazelwood Southeast Middle School, who received an $8,000 scholarship from the St. Louis Cardinals. Tamia was awarded the Redbird Rookies Saigh scholarship from Cardinals Care, the charitable organization of the St. Louis Cardinals.

Celebrations

Congratulations to Jamal Reid, whom graduated from the UMSL Bridge Program on March 12. Jamal is the son of proud parents, Clyde and Lisa Reid. Son, we are very proud of you, and we love you!

Reunions

Beaumont Alumni Class 1968 will have its 48-year class reunion will be June 11-12, 2016. Meetings for the reunion will be at Florissant Valley Library Branch, 195 New Florissant Rd., S. Florissant, MO 63031, 4th Saturdays of the month. For more information call 314-

869-8312.

Beaumont High School Class of 1971 is planning its 45th year reunion for July 22-24, 2016. Please send your contact information (address and phone number) to Gladys Smith at beaumont1971alumni@aol. com.

Beaumont High Class of 1984 can stay updated via our Facebook page “Beaumont Class of 1984”. We meet the last Friday of every month. Contact Rochelle Williams at rochellewilliams001@yahoo. com.

Soldan High Class of 1966 has planned its 50-year

reunion for September 9-10, 2016 at Christian Hospital Atrium, 1111 Dunn Road St. Louis, Mo 63136. For more information, please contact: Meredith Wayne Farrow, 314.521-8540, Robert Collins, 908.313-5002 or Marilyn Edwards Simpson, 341.837-7746. Facebook, soldan class of 1966 or email: stlsoldan1966@yahoo. com.

Soldan Class of 1971 is planning its 45th year reunion for: June 17-19, 2016 at the Ameristar Casino Resort & Spa, One Ameristar Boulevard, St. Charles, Mo 63301.

Soldan Class of 1976

Birthdays

Rev. Joel K. Davis, Pastor Emeritus of Grace Missionary Baptist Church, will soon celebrate his 101st birthday! A celebration in his honor will be held on Saturday, April 2 from 1-4 p.m., Missouri Veterans Home, 10600 Hwy 367. Rev. Davis is the oldest living active minister in the area. Please come and wish him well!

Carolee Young turns 93 on March 28. Happy Birthday!

reunion will be held June 10-12, 2016. For more information, email soldanclassof1976@yahoo. com or Facebook: Soldan High School Class of 1976.

Sumner High School Class of 1966 is planning their 50th Class Reunion. Please contact Ella Scott at 314-436-1696, Els2188@sbcglobal.net with your name, address and email or join the Sumner Class of 1966 Facebook Group page.

University City High School Class of 1976 is planning its Fabulous 40th year class reunion for June 24-25, 2016. We need your contact information. Please email your information to: weareuc76@

gmail.com or call the UCHS Class of 76 voicemail at 314301-9597.

University City Class of 1981 35th reunion will be August 5-7, 2016. Please send your contact information to Denise Weatherford -Bell at msdenise38@yahoo.com.

Vashon January and June Classes of 1966 will celebrate our 50 year reunion October 7-9, 2016 at the Hollywood Casino. Contact Marilyn Stuckey, Chairperson, 314-438-8338, email: masystucup@att.net or Janice Holland, Co-Chairperson, 314-727-1695, email: jholland1695@att.net for more information.

Do you have a celebration you’re proud of? If so we would like to share your good news with our readers. Whether it’s a birth, graduation, wedding, engagement announcement, anniversary, retirement or birthday, send your photos and a brief announcement (50 words or less) to us and we may include it in our paper and website – AT NO COST – as space is available Photos will not be returned. Send your announcements to: kdaniel@stlamerican. com or mail to: St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103 FREE OF CHARGE

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103 Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Joel K. Davis

Carolee Young

Swag Snap of the week

Monica trotting back to The Lou. I got all of my life upon learning Mo Investment ENT’s Spring R&B Concert Series on Friday, April 8 would mean that my girl Monica is bringing her talents to town for a soulful double header with Chante Moore! The depth of my fandom for her is so real that I don’t think I could make you understand. The last time she was in town was when she came to the Fox with and sang circles around Trey Songz a few years back. This go ‘round she’s headlining at the Ambassador, so be sure to hit them up or visit metrotix.com to get your tickets. Doors open at 8 p.m. Geeks and grooves. Boone and B-Free once again paired up to provide the place to be with their Geeked Up Friday night at Mood. The folks put their inner nerd on front street with graphic superhero T-shirts and such – and DJ Nune (aka Lamar Harris) got all the way down on the turntables. Can somebody have Teddy ship me the official “Geeked Up” green t-shirt in a 2X please?

Chilling with the Curren$y crew. After kicking it with the self-proclaimed geek squad, I stepped next door to check out rapper Curren$y perform at The Marquee. The crowd was light for a celebrity appearance, but the fans that stopped through were absolutely committed, do you hear me? They hung on to every single doggone word of songs that you couldn’t have bribed the casual hip-hop head into believing existed. He put on a good little show too. I’m sad to say how impressed I’ve become by people who don’t rap to tracks. It’s so common place these days that a rapper could stomp back and forth across the stage like a mummy, but if he rapped his own words without technical assistance I will give them a pass. Luckily for me, it wasn’t the case for me Curren$y. He actually did have some stage chops, which at the end of the night made me sad that he hasn’t enjoyed the same level of mainstream success as some of these rap-a-long cats.

Dre Day. While I’m sure Dre Stith was hoping more folks popped in to see Curren$y on Friday, he couldn’t have wished for a better birthday edition of Element Saturdays. And the icing on the cake was he was the man of the hour. It was at least as packed as any of their high ranking celeb visits. I kept thinking “so there’s no poorly kept secret of a surprise visit from Diddy or nothing… these normally star struck folks are here like this for a local?” Luckily for us he’s a humble cat, because anybody else who had that type of turnout for their birthday without it being tied to a celebrity host would have been feeling themselves to a point where they’d be impossible to deal with from now on.

Bone Thugs n tardiness. Bone Thugs N Harmony took every minute of their precious time hitting the stage at The Pageant Sunday night for their “Tha Crossroads” 20th Anniversary tour. So much so that I was having flashbacks and anxiety of that time L Boogie kept us waiting until 1 a.m. for her little tattered, unrecognizable delivery of her hits five years ago. The good news was that because myself, our photographer LB and Bone were essentially the only black people in the sold-out audience I was treated like Nubian royalty. The bad news is that because I was basically the black Queen Elizabeth II up in the Pageant, the outpouring of adoration and attention got on my nerves. I was grateful for the young man who set up my makeshift throne by smuggling a chair up against the wall, but it went downhill from there. As I sat, I got begged for photos, offered drinks all night and nearly coerced into some sort of square dancing situation when “Hit The Quan” came on. And one assertive young woman clearly appointed herself general of my royal army and threatened to punch every single person (male or female) who obstructed my view dead in the face. “Excuse me, can’t you see she’s trying to enjoy the show….I swear to God if you don’t get out of the way…I mean honestly…” She went nonstop for 40 minutes with this. And when I moved towards the exit so I wouldn’t get swept up in the mass exodus at the end, she saw me at the door and volunteered to walk me just to guard my view for “Tha Crossroads.” If I had known what Bizzy and ‘nem were going to serve on stage, I would have gone harder trying to make it clear that she shouldn’t worry about my line of sight. Is it me, or does “the longer you wait, the bigger the mess,” rule almost always apply? Stan the man should be proud knowing he was at the table for two-and-a-half hours and folks didn’t commence to an uprising demand for Bone. I felt like I been held hostage for nothing. Bone Thugs are pretty consistent, but all I kept thinking as they mumbled along to those tracks was “I waited until 10:30 for this?” I know one of them is sick, but what is the rest of the group going through? Ride or die fans all up into it, but I was so unbothered. The next time I see them, it just might be at the crossroads for real after Sunday night. I’m just saying. Next Up this week. Next UP STL is back with another LIVE event for all you music lovers tomorrow night (Friday, March 25) at Knockouts Bar and Grill. This month, instead of their normal showcase, they added the twist thrill of head-to-head competition. A$1,000.00 cash prize is on the line thanks to event sponsor Remy Martin. The winner will also receive a production package from hot new producer Beau Willie, and studio time from Wrist Factor. Kyjuan will also be collaborating on a song and video with the night’s winner. You better believe that the artists are going to bring their best with those types of prizes on the line. Word has it that a major label will also have scouts in the audience checking out the talent. The doors open at 8 pm and the show starts at 9 p.m.

Nina and Tiffany got into the groove Friday night @ Geeked @ Mood

Deairra and Nicole were among the club full of folks in graphic tees and superhero gear Friday night @ Geeked @ Mood

Zahra, Sabree and Jay made sure their swag was up to par for Style Code Saturdays @ Mood

DNA Nate brought Fashion Geek Zo from Chicago to HG Friday

STL power couple Larry and Becky Blue with their friend Star as they enjoyed the soulful sounds of Will Robinson Saturday night @ Troy’s Jazz Gallery

Waka Flocka’s Momager Deb Atney with Rob Ruger

Jarnia and Staciee unwinding Saturday night @ Mood

Wayne celebrated his birthday Friday with female rapper Kash Doll @ HG

Steph Blue and Antoinette caught some live jazz and R&B Saturday @ Troy’s Jazz Gallery

Tiffany and Michelle @ Troy’s Jazz Gallery Saturday night

Rapper Curren$y backstage with Lil B before he hit the stage Friday night at The Marquee.

Photos by Lawrence Bryant & Arlis Davis

“JANITORIAL”

PROFESSIONAL

SERVICES World

VAN DRIVER

Food Pantry 30 hrs/week. Delivers food to clients. Picks up food from community locations. Requires heavy lifting. Apply online: WWW.JFCSAPPLY.COM With cover letter and resume Jewish Family & Children’s Service – St. Louis EOE M/F/D/V

COUNSELOR

De

THEOLOGY TEACHER

/ CAMPUS

De Smet Jesuit High

MINISTER

EVENT COORDINATOR

Explore St. Louis / America’s Center seeks an Event Coordinator to act as liaison between clients and facility departments for events. Duties include: conducting site visits, gathering show information,

HOUSING SPECIALIST/ CASEWORKER

SPANISH TEACHER

De

given to

a master’s degree in Spanish or education, and experience teaching in a faith context. Knowledge of exchange programs and establishing global partnerships is desirable. More information is available at https://www.desmet.org/about/careers. Send a resume, cover letter and three references to Anna Oliver, Assistant to the Principal, at aoliver@desmet.org. Application materials will be accepted through April 1

MEDICAL CAREERS

environment is necessary. Candidates will have a Bachelor’s degree and related experience. Applicants, please email resume with cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com NO PHONE CALLS. EOE.

Opportunity for applicant with 3 years e xperience in federal, state or local housing programs and/or a degree in related field.

Position is responsible for enforcing federal guidelines and determining eligibility for Section 8 Housing Assistance program.

YARDI Voyager software experience preferred.

Experience with tax credit properties helpful. Exceptional communication skills required.

Good employee benefits.

Please forward resumes to: Human Resources Attn: Housing Specialist/Caseworker PO BOX 23886 ST. LOUIS, MO 63121

EQUALOPPORTUNITYEMPLOYER SECTION 3 COMPLIANCE

Resumes/Applications must be received by 5:00 PM, April 15, 2016.

DISPATCH OFFICER

Explore St. Louis / America’s Center seeks a full time Dispatch Officer to monitor and operate the Building Automation Systems which include the CCTV, Fire and Lighting control system for monitoring building property and the HVAC BAS Systems. Must have computer knowledge in Microsoft Word and Excel, the ability to effectively communicate information to Public Safety Officers & building staff and initiate work orders and incident reports. Minimum of a High School diploma or GED, one to two years related experience. Must be able to pass a background check, drug screen and knowledgeable in Microsoft Office. This is a 24/7 operation. The potential candidate must be able to work all shifts which include days, nights, weekends and holidays. Email resume & cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com; NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.

PUBLIC SAFETY OFFICER

Explore St. Louis seeks a full-time Public Safety Officer to perform operational procedures for building activities. Duties include: traffic control, guarding & patrolling the facility against fire, theft, vandalism and illegal entry. Will guard and patrol building property during events. Must demonstrate ability to effectively communicate information to customers, clients & employees and prepare reports, correspondence & memos. High School diploma or GED, or one to three yrs’related experience/training or equivalent combination of education & experience required. Must possess or be able to obtain an Unarmed Security Officer license and successfully pass a background check / drug screen. Ability to work a flexible schedule is necessary. Email resume & cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com; NO PHONE CALLS! EOE.

ELECTRICIAN

Explore St. Louis / America’s Center seeks an experienced Electrician to maintain, operate, repair and replace all electrical wiring, appliances, & electronic equipment used in the America’s Center Building Complex. This includes lighting/power, Transformers, wiring/ fixtures, temperature controls, telephone/ communication equipment, radio equipment and sound systems, MATV, CCTV, and motor generators. Six (6) years of progressively responsible journey level electrical experience; OR, completion of a four-year IBEWapproved technical training program in electrical repair and maintenance and two (2) years electrical experience; OR, Any equivalent combination of experience and/or education from which comparable knowledge, skills and abilities have been achieved. Knowledge of electrical operations, safety and OSHAstandards is necessary. Applicants, please email resume with cover letter to jobs@explorestlouis.com. No phone calls! EOE.

City, Missouri. This person must be organized; detail oriented, self-motivated, and should have experience in the maintenance of a commercial building. This position will have responsibilities in areas such as cleaning, meeting set-up, fleet management, lawn care, print shop operations and mailroom duties.

Minimum qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent and five years of increasingly responsible work in building management.

Starting salary up to $28,538 depending on qualifications.

If interested please send resume to buildingoperations@courts.mo.gov or mail to: Supreme Court of Missouri, Building Operations, P.O. Box 150, Jefferson City, MO 65102. Applications received by March 29, 2016 will receive preference, but applications may be considered until position is filled. EOE

REQUESTFOR PROPOSALS

The City of St Louis Department of Health is seeking proposals from firms to provide services to its Animal Care and Control Program, including emergency veterinary services; spay and neuter services; equine veterinary consulting; veterinary surgical suite rental; and trap, neuter, and return services for feral cats.

Requests for Proposals may be obtained beginning March 21, 2016, from the City of St. Louis Department of Health, Jeanine Arrighi, 1520 Market Street-Suite 4051, St. Louis MO 63103, (314) 657-1507. Proposals may also be downloaded from the City of St. Louis website at http://www.stlouis-mo.gov/ The deadline for submitting proposals is May 3, 2016 by 4:00 P.M. at the address listed above. The Department of Health reserves

SEALED

BIDS for Fire Safety Improvement, Missouri Hills Youth Center, 13300 Bellefontaine Road, St. Louis MO 63138, Project No . H1503-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM , 4/14/2016. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

NOTICE OFPROPOSAL

Executive Director Facilities and Planning Lincoln University

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

METROPOLITAN ST. LOUIS

SEWER DISTRICT

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District will receive RFQ’s in the Purchasing Division, 2350 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63103-2555 until 10:00 a.m. on April 20, 2016 to contract with a company for: WELDING SUPPLIES.

Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from www.stlmsd.com, click on the “MSD AT WORK” link, (bid opportunities). The bid document will be identified as 6406 RFQ. If you do not have access to the internet, call 314-768-6254 to request a copy of this bid. Metropolitan St. Louis SewerDistrict is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

NOTICE TO CONTRACTORS

), or by contacting County Blue Reprographics, Inc., 1449 Strassner Drive, St. Louis, Missouri 63144, (314) 961-3800.

DIRECTOR OF PROCUREMENT AND ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES ST. LOUIS, COUNTY ST. LOUIS LIVING WAGE ORDINANCE LIVING WAGE ADJUSTMENTBULLETIN NOTICE OFST. LOUIS LIVING WAGE RATES EFFECTIVE APRIL1, 2016 In accordance with Ordinance No. 65597, the St. Louis Living Wage

LETTING NUMBER: 8606

RECONSTRUCTION OFTAXIWAYECHO FROM TAXIWAYJULIETTO RUNWAY30R at Lambert-St. Louis International Airport

Sealed proposals will be received by the Board of Public Service, Room 208, City Hall, 1200 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri, 63103 until 1:45 PM, CT, on April 26, 2016, then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org/planroom.aspx (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.

Bidders shall comply with all applicable City, State and Federal laws (including DBE/MBE/WBE policies). Mandatory pre-bid meeting will be held on Tuesday, April 5, 2016, at 10:00 A.M. in the Training Room (AO-4066) at the Airport Office Building, 11495 Navaid Rd., Bridgeton, MO 63044.

All bidders must regard Federal Executive Order11246, “Notice of Requirement forAffirmative 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 (Virtual Plan Room).

MWBE PREBID MEETING NOTICE

REQUESTFOR BIDS

at 9:00 A.M. on Wednesday March 30, 2016 at 315 Lemay Ferry Road, Lemay, MO, 63125 and bidders are encouraged to attend. The Lemay Streetscape Project consists of removal of existing sidewalks and curbs and replacement with new concrete sidewalks and curbs, permeable pavers, bioswales, signage, landscaping, architectural features, street lighting and property restoration. The project will be funded in whole or in part by a Community Development Block Grant under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended. All applicable federal regulations shall be in full force and effect. Attention of Bidders is particularly called to the requirement as to conditions of employment to be observed and minimum wage rates to be paid under the Contract, Section 3-DBE, Segregated Facility, Section 109, and E.O 11246. MBE and WBE Bidders are encouraged to bid. Bid packages will be available after 10:00 a.m. on March 23, 2016. The packages may be purchased from Cross Rhodes Reprographics, 1712 Macklind Ave, St Louis, MO 63110, 314-678-0087 office, 314-678-0176 fax, or may be reviewed at no cost on the internet at the electronic plan room of Cross Rhodes Reprographics: http://www.x-rhodesplanroom.com/public.php. All addenda will be posted at the Cross Rhodes site and on the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership’s website: https://www.stlpartnership.com. It is the responsibility of the bidder to check for updates and additional information. PORT reserves the right to reject any or all bids and to waive informalities therein. Questions should be directed to Joe Bannister at: Jbannister@ stlpartnership.com St. Louis Economic Development Partnership An Equal Opportunity Employer

or obtained from: City of Saint Louis Living Wage Program Office Phone: (314) 426-8106 www.mwdbe.org/livingwage

J & J Boring, Inc. Fred M. Luth & Sons P.O. Box 357 4516 McRee Avenue Winfield, MO 63389 St. Louis, MO 63110 636/566-6766 314/771-3892 Super Excavators, Inc. N59 W14601 Bobolink Ave. Menomonee Falls, WI 53051 262/252-3200

contractors to discuss working on New England Town Quarry Pump Station Improvements Contract Letting No. 10716-015.1 The prebid meeting is being held on behalf of the following SITE contractor members: The meeting will take place at 10:00 a.m. April 1, 2016 SITE Improvement Association 2071 Exchange Drive, St. Charles, MO 63303

For questions regarding this prebid meeting, Contact the SITE Improvement Association office at 314/966-2950.

Sealed bids for: GENERALSITE – CONSTRUCTSOFTBALL

STADIUM, BID PACKAGE #3B BUILD-OUTAND BUILDING

ENVELOPE, CURATORS OF THE UNIVERSITYOF MISSOURI COLUMBIA, MISSOURI

PROJECT NUMBER: CP150451

Will be received by the Tarlton Corporation, Construction Manager, at Campus Facilities, Planning, Design & Construction, Room L100 (Front Reception Desk), General Services Building, University of Missouri, Columbia, Missouri 65211. All bids will be received until 1:30 pm, C.T., Friday, April 15, 2016 and then immediately

APre-Bid meeting and tour for Contractors planning to bid the

will be held in E111General Services Building Room 194A, Columbia, MO 65211 at 1:30 PM, Monday, April 4, 2016. After the meeting there will be a site tour followed by a networking session.

Drawings, specifications, and other related contract information may be obtained at Tarlton’s Procore Site (https://app.procore.com/account/login). To request access to Procore Project Website, please

Questions regarding the scope of work should be directed to Tarlton Corporation through the project website at https://app.procore.com/119321/project/rfi/list.

ASupplier Diversity goal of 10%

Religion

The Message

‘Religious shield’ proposal endorsed by Missouri Senate Lost and found

Democrats filibustered

Senate Joint Resolution

39 for nearly 40 hours

By Marshall Griffin

Of St. Louis Public Radio

Republicans in the Missouri Senate have given first-round approval to legislation that would shield clergy and business owners from state penalties for refusing to work on same-sex weddings.

Democrats filibustered Senate Joint Resolution 39 nonstop for nearly 40 hours, but early on the morning of March 9 GOP leaders used a procedural move, known as “moving the previous question” (PQ), to cut off debate and force a vote.

President Pro-tem Ron Richard, R-Joplin, said Senate Democrats left them no choice.

“We thought that many times during the debate that we were not going to be able to move to some kind of a compromise,” he told reporters. “We’ve been going on for 40 hours, and we thought that that was fair, but we couldn’t come to a negotiated settlement that was fair to the sponsor (of the proposal) and to the (GOP) caucus.”

The sponsor, Bob Onder, R-Lake Saint Louis, unveiled an amended version of the

the House to protect the rights of all Missourians by opposing this discriminatory measure.”

PROMO Executive Director Steph Perkins said, “We agree that religion is a fundamental right, which is why it is protected in the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution and in our existing Human Rights Act. We are not arguing that clergy and churches should be denied their freedom of religion. But those same religious beliefs cannot be used as a reason to deny someone the same services that are offered to the rest of the public by private businesses. And that is exactly what SJR 39 aims to do..”

Have you ever been lost? I mean really don’t know where you are, what you’re doing, “how did I get to this place?” lost? I once wouldn’t or couldn’t admit that to anyone. But, if the truth be told, I’ve been emotionally, clinically, physically, chronically and of course, spiritually lost many times in my life.

It’s no accident that finding me by me coincides with me finding my Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Lost in the secular realm can mean a lot of things, including simply being lost in time and space. Geographically, that can mean not knowing which direction to turn in order to get to a particular place at a specific time.

resolution before Republican leaders decided to use the PQ motion. It would protect businesses that say “no” to serving a same-sex wedding or reception, or if they close early on a day that wedding or reception is held.

He told reporters that the additional language was meant to further narrow the bill to specifically apply to wedding vendors and ensure that it could not be broadly interpreted to apply elsewhere.

Democrats called the compromise language “cosmetic” and continued their filibuster.

“It (was) still a pretty offensive and discriminatory

bill,” said Senate minority floor leader Joseph Keaveny, D-St. Louis.

Reaction to the first-round approval, and to the forced vote by Republicans, drew sharp criticism from other Democrats, as well as from the LGBT community and their supporters.

“Rewriting our state’s constitution to condone discrimination would be contrary to our values and harmful to our economy,” Gov. Jay Nixon said.

“That’s why Missourians across the state, including business leaders and clergy, have spoken out strongly against SJR 39. I applaud the historic effort by the Senate minority to block this resolution and urge members of

Jeffrey Mittman, executive director of the ACLU of Missouri, said, “Laws that promote discrimination are anti-democratic, harm Missouri families, and – as we’ve learned in Indiana – are bad for our economy. That is why so many Missourians, including clergy and business leaders, strongly oppose any effort – such as SJR 39 – that would seek to enshrine inequality in our Missouri Constitution.”

On the other side of the political aisle, Senate Republicans are being praised for their actions.

“I commend those Republican state senators who stood up for all Missourians’ First Amendment rights,” said fellow Republican Catherine Hanaway, who’s running for governor. “Missourians’ religious liberties should not be sacrificed on the altar of political correctness. Today is a step in the right direction for protecting every Missourian’s freedom of religion.”

Reprinted with permission from news.stlpublicradio.org.

Spiritually being lost runs the gamut from borderline lunacy to physical depravity, from chasing your own tail to sniffing everybody else’s. Consider those times in your life when you couldn’t explain your own dumb behavior to anyone, including yourself. Think about all of those times when you were in the middle of where you weren’t supposed to be, but chose not to leave. If you engage in destructive behavior but can’t stop, live a lifestyle you despise but feel obligated to continue, stay in an abusive situation and won’t leave, love yourself so little that you lose sight of who you really are, blame the world for your predicament and won’t do anything to change it, you just ain’t lost. You “oh hell naw” lost!

If being spiritually lost is a state of mind, doesn’t it stand to reason that being spiritually found is also a state of mind? You all know how it feels after being lost and then finally getting going in the right direction. You’ve not yet reached your destination, but you experience great joy in the fact that you absolutely know where you’re going. Finding yourself spiritually brings the same feeling, only tenfold. In that moment of understanding, confusion gives way to clarity, lunacy gives way to sanity, turmoil bows to peace, purpose replaces insignificance and the angst of the spirit is replaced by faith in the Almighty. I believe once you find yourself spiritually, there is one irrefutable fact you must acknowledge. You can no longer plead ignorance to the ways of the Lord. No longer can you play victim to your own self-induced frailties.

This newfound spirituality thing bears a price tag for redemption. Salvation does indeed require a paradigm shift. But it’s okay. Just like being on the wrong highway all night and finally finding the right one, even though you’ve gone far out of your way, there’s nothing like finally getting it right. Now it’s just a matter of time. Being found is so much better than being lost, and being spiritually found is considerably better than being spiritually bankrupt. I’m glad to know the difference.

State Senator Jamilah Nasheed was among the Democratic state senators who filibustered the so-called “Religious Shield” proposal for nearly 40 hours until the Republican majority finally passed it.

Columnist James Washington