March 24th, 2022 edition by The St. Louis American

The St. LouiS AmericAn

City awaits final report from medical examiner

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs

The St. Louis American

A St. Louis Police Department inquiry into the sudden death of former State Representative Cora Faith Walker has uncovered no “suspicious” activity and is now paused, awaiting a final report from the medical examiner.

St. Louis Public Safety Director Dr. Dan Isom Monday gave a detailed review of the facts uncovered thus far in the death of Walker, who passed Friday, March 11, after she collapsed outside her room at the Loews Hotel.

The death of Walker, 37, who was a good friend of Mayor Tishaura Jones and had attended a party for Jones the day before her death, sparked what Isom called rumors and media reports not supported by facts.

“Unfortunately, many have jumped to conclusions based on rumors, innuendo and allegations with no facts to support the reporting,” Isom said during his weekly report on crime in the downtown area. “It is

Dr. Dan Isom

a sad commentary for individuals who manufacture controversy out of tragedy. Specifically, the reckless writing from the St. Louis Post Dispatch editorial over the weekend contains errors that the board has since refused to address and could have [been] answered through reaching out to the St. Louis Police Department.”

It will be weeks before the medical examiner releases a final toxicology report and issues a statement on the cause of death for Walker, who stepped down from the state legislature in 2019 to become policy chief for St. Louis County Executive Sam Page.

A final report from the St. Louis Office of the Medical Examiner, including a toxicology report and statement of the cause of death, could be more than two months off, according to Tara

Sat. March

RodgersGarvin Mental Health Care awardee

Has passion for helping others

By Alvin A. Reid The St. Louis American

Yolanda Rodgers-Garvin has more than 25

years of experience serving children and families in the St. Louis area, and she instills a thought in the minds of students and parents.

“Where you are today does not determine your tomorrow,” she said.

Rodgers-Garvin, who holds a master’s degree in social work from St. Louis University, and a master’s degree in media communications from Webster University, has been the Homeless and Foster Care Coordinator for the FergusonFlorissant School District since 2014. She will be honored as the St. Louis County-Children’s Service Fund Dr. John Anderson Excellence in Mental Health Care Award recipient during the 22nd Annual Salute to Excellence in Healthcare on April 14 at the Frontenac Hilton.

“I’m really overwhelmed and really flattered,” Rodgers-Garvin said of the recognition.

“I looked up the past recipients and said ‘wow.’ It really is a true honor.”

Before moving to her role with FergusonFlorissant, she worked at Lutheran Family and Children’s Services of Missouri as a social worker, where she provided client-center services, and then as a public relations marketing coordinator

Ketanji Brown Jackson skillfully handles Hawley

Sen. Josh Hawley

By Stacy M. Brown, NNPA and Alvin A. Reid

30-minute verbal assault, which included unfounded criticism that she was lenient in sentencing child porn offenders, was met with calm and professionalism by Jackson.

“As a mother and a judge who has had to deal with these cases, I was thinking that nothing could be further from the truth,” Judge Jackson told Hawley and members of the Senate Judicial Committee.

“These are some of the most difficult cases that a judge has to deal with because we’re talking about pictures of sex abuse of children. “We’re talking about graphic descriptions

The St. Louis American Supreme Court nominee Ketanji Brown Jackson respectfully and forcefully warded off scurrilous partisan attacks by Missouri

Vashon head coach Tony Irons celebrates in the final seconds of the Class

State Basketball Championships

19, 2022 at JQH Arena. The Wolverines of Vashon would repeat as the Mo. Boys Class

Basketball Champions beating Tolton 57-49 for their fifth state championship since 2016, when Irons took over. It’s the 13th state title for the Wolverines.

Yolanda RodgersGarvin

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

SaluTe To healTh

TDE signs its first woman rapper: Doechii

Tampa-bred rapper-singer Doechii has signed to Top Dawg Entertainment, becoming the label’s first woman rapper.

“I’m excited to run with Top Dawg – to work, to have a home for my over flowing ideas,” Doechii said in a statement. “I want to create a new vision, a new lane, and so much music. Everyone is invited to the Doechii dominance.”

“Top Dawg Entertainment is all about growth and expansion and providing a platform for talented artists to express their art. With that being said I’d like to welcome Doechii to the

TDE team,” TDE founder Anthony

“Top Dawg” Tiffith said about the new signee.

The 22-year-old artist, who was born Jaylah Hickmon, went viral in 2021 with “Yucky Blucky Fruit-

Others on the roster

SZA, Kendrick ScHoolboy Q,

Lakevia Jackson, mother to Young Thug’s son shot and killed

Lakevia Jackson, Atlanta rapper Young Thug’s ex and mother to his 14-year-old son, was murdered last week over a bowling ball dispute.

“She was celebrating a birthday at the bowling alley with a very close family friend,” and others Lakevia’s mother Sherina Jackson said, according to media reports.

Sherina said Lakevia and the crew were bowling at Metro Fun Center when another

group came in and started attempting to control their space. The encounter led to an argument over a bowling ball. Then a shooting erupted in the parking lot.

The suspect reportedly left the bowling alley, came back and waited in the parking lot for Lakevia to come out. Atlanta Police Department said a person was taken into custody but wasn’t named a suspect. The case is pending investigation.

Latto accuses an unnamed rapper of sexual harrassment

So, I don’t care, baby I’m just going to keep it 100. It’s a feature on my album—it was difficult to clear. And they, like, trying to drop they nuts on me [engage in sex] because I won’t respond to a DM.” Latto said.

She said she had to turn the song in immediately despite being mistreated by the anonymous artist.

Rapper Latto has the internet questioning who she’s talking about after she revealed in a recent interview that another artist attempted to get her to have sex in exchange for clearance of their verse in a song from her upcoming album.

Latto said the unnamed male rapper already recorded his verse for the song and has since been giving her a difficult time in clearing it for the album. Latto shared the artist thought sex would help her with clearing it.

“These men, you know what I’m saying? They don’t know how to keep it business…

“I wish more females would speak up on stuff. I know the label said don’t do that [out people] it’s bad business, whatever. Man, these folks be trying to drop nuts on female rappers. I’m not going to shut up about it,” Latto said. “We tolerate too much. We think, ‘Oh, well that just come with the game, being a female rapper.‘’ No, it shouldn’t though. It shouldn’t… You know you ain’t doing that to your fellow male rappers. Like, c’mon.”

Despite the circumstances, the rapper is still featured on Latto’s album which releases March 25.

Sources: Fox 5 Atlanta, American Songwriter, B. Scott, Okay Player, Nylon.com

Black hair is political

By Karen RobinsonJacobs and Dawn Suggs

The St. Louis American

“I know what it’s like to sit in that waiting room, to sit in that office, and know that the person on the other side of the table is judging me for the way I chose to wear my hair,” – Congresswoman Cori Bush, who voted in favor of the Crown Acts passage in The House. Black women in the U.S. have long complained about being harshly scrutinized over appearance, specifically, their hair. Whether the style is natural, in braids, cornrows or locs, short or shaved, put in a weave, adorned with extensions, hot ironed or relaxed, Black women and men still are judged by white European standards of beauty in the U.S. Congresswoman Bonnie Watson Coleman (NJ-12) has taken action to protect African Americans and the right to be culturally expressive. And her efforts have received legislative backing.

Last week, the Democraticled U.S. House voted 235189 to pass her CROWN Act – legislation that would ban race-based hair discrimination in employment and against those participating in federally assisted programs, housing programs, and public accommodations.

Watson Coleman introduced the Creating a Respectful and Open World for Natural Hair (CROWN) Act which would make it illegal to discriminate against people based on a hairstyle and texture, “commonly associated with a particular race or national origin.” The bill states: “Some Federal courts have misinterpreted Federal civil rights law by narrowly interpreting the meaning of race or national origin, and thereby permitting, for example, employers to discriminate against people of African descent who wear natural or protective hairstyles even though the employment policies involved are not related to workers’ ability to perform their jobs.”

The Crown Act would expand the lexicon of race and national origin under federal civil rights protection to include hair style and texture. It would prohibit discrimination on this basis at schools and in work places, and training environments, so that grooming policies and codes could no longer single out and prohibit African American hairstyles and hair. That includes “a hairstyle in which hair is tightly coiled or tightly curled, locs, cornrows, twists, braids, Bantu knots, and Afros.” It would deem such discrimination a violation of title 2, of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. This means one could not be legally fired or discriminated against at work because a supervisor has a dislike, disregard, or prejudice against an employee based on hair. The prohibition states: “It shall be an unlawful employment practice for an employer, employment agency, labor organization, or joint labor-management committee controlling apprenticeship or

other training or retraining (including on-the-job training programs) to fail or refuse to hire or to discharge any individual, or otherwise to discriminate against an individual, based on the individual’s hair texture or hairstyle, if that hair texture or that hairstyle is commonly associated with a particular race or national origin.”

The measure is designed to give African Americans protection from employers, or school districts that penalize an employee, trainee or student based on an intolerance of Black hair, or a style that may reflect the pride Black people have in

authentic expression.

The need to offer protection to African Americans targeted due to their hair has been highlighted in several high profile cases, including a 2018 incident in which Andrew Johnson, a 16-year-old African American wrestler, was told by a white referee before a match to cut his dreadlocks or forfeit, according to multiple news reports of the incident.

The New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association, which oversees high school sports, suspended the referee, according to the Philadelphia Inquirer.

Congresswoman Ayanna

Pressley (D-MA) commented, “For centuries, Black folks’ hair—particularly that of Black women—has been politicized and weaponized to discriminate and reject the dignity and beauty of our people … I’m so grateful to Reps. Watson-Coleman, Lee, Omar and Moore for their partnership. I’m honored to co-lead this bill and look forward to seeing this critical bill signed into law.” The measure moves to the U.S. Senate, where Sen. Cory Booker of New Jersey has sponsored the senate version.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Samiya Maclin 2, enjoyed Frizzy Fest from the arms of her mother Marquitya Martin on Aug. 28, 2021 in Tower Grove Park.

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues Guest Editorial

To women who paved way for Judge Brown Jackson

They threw rocks in the stream

By Donna Brazile

My open letter is addressed to these civil rights pioneers in heaven: Coretta Scott King, widow of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; Congresswoman Shirley Chisholm, the first Black woman elected to Congress and the first Black candidate for a major party presidential nomination; Rosa Parks, whose refusal to tolerate racism helped jump-start the civil rights movement in 1955; Judge Constance Baker Motley, the first Black female federal judge; Dr. Dorothy Height, who served for 40 years as the president of the National Council of Negro Women; Congresswoman Barbara Jordan; C. Delores Tucker, civil rights leader; Rev Willie T. Barrow, civil rights pioneer; America’s poet Dr. Maya Angelou and Althea Simmons, chief of the NAACP’s Washington bureau and the organization’s chief Washington lobbyist.

My Dear Sisters, The world has been changing for the better since you left us all too soon, as we move forward to achieve Dr. Martin Luther King’s dream of equality. Now we are on the edge of a remarkable achievement: seeing the first Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, if the Senate confirms the brilliant Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson’s nomination.

advantage of the opportunities you helped create to go to college, medical school, law school, and take other educational paths closed off to us in years past. And we can now vote thanks to your work — something my parents were barred from doing when I was a young girl in Louisiana, and something many Republicans are now trying to suppress.

I grew up in the 1960s and 1970s, hearing “no you can’t” when I dreamed big dreams for my future and the future of other Black Americans. Judge Jackson’s nomination fulfills the promise of President Barack Obama’s campaign slogan: “Yes we can.” Like President Obama and Vice President Kamala Harris, Judge Jackson is making that slogan a reality.

Donna Brazile

A Harvard Law School graduate who has served as a law clerk on the Supreme Court and two lower courts, vice-chair of the U.S. Sentencing Commission, a federal public defender, a U.S. district judge, and current federal appeals court judge, Judge Jackson stands out as one of the most qualified Supreme Court nominees in the court’s 233-year history.

All of you deserve credit for paving the road that led to Judge Jackson’s nomination, just as you paved the road that led to the election of our first Black president and vice president, the election of the 28 Black women currently serving in the U.S. House, and my own career as the first Black woman to manage a major party presidential campaign and as interim chair of the Democratic National Committee.

Each of you threw rocks in the stream and sent ripples through the Black community that turned into waves, as Black women and men took

When I was young, I never imagined a lawyer who looks like me could sit on our nation’s highest court in my lifetime — a court with a disgraceful history of racism.

For example, in 1857 the Supreme Court ruled 7-2 in the case of the enslaved Dred Scott that “a negro, whose ancestors were imported into [the U.S.] and sold as slaves” could ever become a U.S. citizen and had no right to file lawsuits seeking freedom or anything else. The same decision said the federal government could not limit slavery to certain territories, leading to the Civil War.

And in 1896 the Supreme Court’s infamous 7-1 Plessy v. Ferguson decision upheld the constitutionality of segregation under the “separate but equal” doctrine.

How times have changed!

Judge Jackson is your daughter. She is where she is because of you. Her elevation to our highest court is supported by everyone who believes that opening the doors of the American Dream to all of us is a moral imperative and that we shall overcome the slings and arrows of those who do not. Look down from heaven, dear sisters, and watch Kentanji Brown Jackson make history, just as you did.

Donna Brazile is Democratic National Committee [DNC] vice chair of voter registration and participation, and former DNC interim chair

Commentary

Black women making historic progress

By Marc Morial

From the first settlers who came to our shores, from the first American Indian families who befriended them, men and women have worked together to build this nation. Too often the women were unsung and sometimes their contributions went unnoticed.

But the achievements, leadership, courage, strength, and love of the women who built America was as vital as that of the men whose names we know so well … Understanding the true history of our country will help us to comprehend the need for full equality under the law for all our people.” – President Jimmy Carter, proclaiming the first National Women’s History Week

This goal can be achieved by ratifying the 27th Amendment to the United States Constitution, which states that ‘Equality of Rights under the Law shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any state on account of sex.’”

When labor activist Theresa Malkiel established the first official Women’s Day in 1909, only four states and four U.S. territories granted women the right to vote. The 14th Amendment, which guarantees equal protection under the law, did not apply to women. Two years later, some European countries joined the United States in the observance of International Women’s Day. The United Nations began celebrating International Women’s Day in 1975, and in 1987 Congress designated March as Women’s History Month for the first time.

Throughout much of America’s history, the advancements of women’s rights applied only to white women. The National Women’s History Alliance, which was instrumental in establishing Women’s History Month, declared: “despite our best intentions, we have not done enough to challenge racism within the sphere of women’s history. In the past we have failed to effectively speak out against racism in our collaborative spaces.” So, it is especially significant that the first Black woman nominated to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson, appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee. This Women’s History Month also has seen the confirmation of the first Black woman to head Office of Management and Budget, Shalanda Young. The confirmation of Lisa Cook, the first Black woman to serve on the Federal Reserve Board of Governors, is imminent. Beginning with his historic selection of Kamala Harris to serve as Vice President, President Biden has appointed a record number of women -- and women of color -- to key roles in his administration and nominated more Black women to the federal courts than any president in history.

The National Urban League has long shared this commitment to gender equality. From Harriet Tubman and Sojourner Truth to Rosa Parks and Fannie Lou Hamer, women have been the driving force in the fight for equal rights. The National Urban League was co-founded by philanthropist and social activist Ruth Standish Baldwin in 1910. More than half of our 91 affiliates are led by dynamic women CEOs.

Women’s History Month is not only a celebration of women’s achievements of the past, but of women who are making history today. Among the honorees at the National Urban League’s most recent Women of Power Awards were Stacy Abrams, who confronted voter suppression in Georgia and inspired an estimated 800,000-plus new voters to register through her efforts; immunologist Kizzmekia S. Corbett, whose research was central to the development of the COVID-19 vaccines and treatment; and Amanda Gorman, who inspired the nation as the youngest poet to read at a presidential inauguration and became the first National Youth Poet Laureate.

President Obama once said there is no greater form of patriotism than the belief that “it is in our power to remake this nation to more closely align with our highest ideals.” Achieving and protecting the equal rights of all women is among the most sacred of those ideals.

Marc Morial is National Urban League president and CEO

Adjusting Lady Justice’s blindfold

For Women’s History Month

By Congressman James E. Clyburn

Lady Justice is an iconic symbol of the American judicial system. In one hand, she holds scales to represent that both sides will receive a balanced hearing, and in the other, she holds a sword to represent the power of justice. She also wears a blindfold to indicate that justice is blind and, therefore, fair. However, that fairness is not reflected in the makeup of our courts. In fact, one might say Lady Justice’s blindfold prevents her from seeing the imbalance on current federal benches.

March, the month we celebrate women’s history, I believe is an appropriate time to take a good look at the status of women in our judicial system. We all know that representation matters, and the federal judiciary has been sorely lacking on this front.

During the 2020 Presidential campaign, I often heard expressions of displeasure that there had never been a Black woman on the U.S. Supreme Court, nor had one ever been seriously considered. That is why I believed it to be appropriate and timely that then-candidate Joe Biden pledge during the South Carolina primary that, if given the opportunity, he would nominate a Black woman to the highest court in the land. He made the pledge during the South Carolina presidential debate and went on to win the state’s primary by almost 30 points gaining the momentum that took him to the White House. His victory was due in large part to the support of

Black women.

President Biden has upheld his pledge and has nominated the highly qualified and well-respected Ketanji Brown Jackson. If confirmed, she will be a tremendous addition to the Supreme Court and bring a different life experience to the bench than has ever been there. It is not just the Supreme Court that is struggling to reflect the diversity of our country. Of the current 1,395 federal judges, only 8% are women of color, and just 4% are Black women.

In fact, the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals, which represents states with a combined Black population of 20%, has no women of color. This issue is not new to me. When I was elected Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus 24 years ago, I declared it my mission to integrate that Court and went toe-to-toe with North Carolina Senator and well-known segregationist, Jesse Helms. Senator Helms had blocked earlier attempts by President Clinton to integrate that Circuit and even attempted to reduce its size to get rid of the two vacancies.

The battle was public and not pretty. An editorial writer from my hometown newspaper declared that it was a dispute I could not win. But I developed a scenario that convinced Presi-

Letters to the editor

Northside has lost a great leader

Rob West, executive for the Bayer YMCA and O’Fallon Park Center, passed last week. Rob was the type of leader that lifted others up. Rob paid attention to details but the bottom (line) was the care of persons who attended the above sites. Rob was open to community leaders but no child ever went hungry that he knew about. People that worked for him were respected as fellow co-workers and employees. When Rob sat at the table his agenda was simple…how can I improve the lives of persons I serve. He was

dent Clinton to make a recess appointment and Judge Roger Gregory of Virginia became the first Black person on the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in December 2000. Today Judge Gregory serves as the Chief Judge on that court.

President Biden has made it his mission to create even greater diversity on the federal bench, especially for women. In his first year in office, women of color have represented more than 40% of President Biden’s federal judicial nominees. As of January 2022, the Senate has confirmed 22 of his minority women appointees to the federal bench, 7 minority men, 11 white women and 2 white men. That is a significant effort toward smashing a larger hole in the glass ceiling of the federal judiciary. You might ask: when will there be enough women of color on the federal bench? I will borrow my answer from a famous response offered by the late Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg to a similar question – with a slight modification. She said at Georgetown Law School in 2015, “I’m sometimes asked, ‘When will there be enough?’ and my answer is, ‘When there are nine.’ People are shocked. But there’d been nine men, and nobody’s ever raised a question about that.”

I think Justice Ginsburg made an appropriate observation.

U.S. Congressman James E. Clyburn [D, South Carolina) is House of Representatives majority whip

letters are edited for length and style

respected in circles of non-profits. His facial expression never changed, but he was always on target for the people. Oh God how we will miss him. We thank God this man with such a huge heart passed this way. Our leaders in St. Louis City could learn a lot from Rob West like prioritizing the needs of the people first, never abandon us and only show up for photo events. Rob never surrendered who he was at our expense. To know him was to love and respect him. When you drive by the Bayer YWCA or O’Fallon Center that is the legacy ROB WEST.

Respectfully submitted,

Patricia Miller, St. Louis

Guest Columnist

Columnist Marc H. Morial

Guest Columnist James E. Clyburn

Mentor St. Louis volunteer Brandon Smart returned to Jefferson Elementary School, which he attended as a youth, to help young students. Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis [BGCSTL] operates the mentor program, and the organization has received a $5.2 million gift from philanthropist MacKenzie Scott.

BGCSTL receives $5.2 million, part of national pledge

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott has gifted the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis [BGCSTL]

$5.2 million as part of $281 million she is sharing with 62 local Boys & Girls Clubs and Boys & Girls Clubs of America.

It is the largest gift given by an individual in support of Boys & Girls Clubs in the organization’s 160-year history, according to a news release.

“We are grateful for the significant investment from MacKenzie Scott and appreciate her recognizing the value of having a Boys & Girls Club in the lives of kids and teens,” Flint Fowler, BGCSTL president, said in a release.

“This will help us address the significant financial obligations we have in achieving our mission to impact the lives of more youth in our community. We provide after-school, teen, sports, and summer programs to youth across the Bi-State Region while also providing a safe place for them to learn and grow.”

BGCSTL serves youths at 12 locations: Adams Park Club, Boys & Girls Club of Bethalto, Boys & Girls Club of Lovejoy, Hazelwood Elementary School Club, Herbert Hoover Club, Mathews-Dickey Club, Normandy High School, O’Fallon Park Club, Riverview Gardens Club, Roosevelt High School, Hazelwood Southeast Middle School Club, and the Teen Center of Excellence.

“Gifts like this are rare and have incredible impact. It’s a historic moment for our organization,” Jim Clark, president and CEO of Boys & Girls Clubs of America, said in a statement.

“We know now, more than ever, that with the right support system, positive mentorship and opportunities, kids can thrive. Thanks to this generous gift, Boys & Girls Clubs can continue to reach even more youth, as we support millions of kids and teens on their journeys to great futures.”

To learn more about Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater St. Louis and to support kids and teens around the country, please visit bgcstl.org

It’s ‘herstory’ time once again

By E. Faye Williams

Once again, the calendar has cycled to March.

By now, everyone understands that the month of March has been designated as Women’s History Month. This observance shares a great deal with Black History Month, Hispanic Heritage Month, Asian and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, and other ethnic and “special” observances.

They serve as occasions when marginalized groups can honor their ancestors and predecessors and celebrate the contributions of their respective groups to the prosperity and general well-being of what has been called the greatest nation in recorded history.

Consistent with the negative consequences of other observances, Women’s History Month provides those who are party to or sympathetic with the marginalization of women an opportunity to trivialize or minimize the significance of women’s contributions. The metric they use to assess the importance of women’s participation in the life of our nation is the amount of time dedicated in their honor each year. As absurd as that attitude might be, even more absurd is how the word history is treated contextually. For far too many, the word ‘history’ is perceived to only refer to whites. In the perception of others and the context of racism, the contributions of Black women to this nation are frequently disregarded and considered as unsubstantial or nonexistent.

From the time that the first Africans set foot on what would become the United States in 1619, Black people, and Black women specifically, have played an integral role in the growth and success of this nation.

Reading this will make thousands of whites “uncomfortable” and, in the minds of many of them, disqualify the legitimacy of this information, but, for over two hundred years enslaved women were nursemaids for generations of white babies. Black women could sustain white babies with their life-giving breast milk, but neither they, nor their offspring, could enjoy the liberties of free and autonomous people.

Enslaved Black women not only gave life to white babies, but their free labor also gave life to a fledgling economy that would eventually grow to become the largest in world history. Cotton was King and the commodity which would lead the United States to the pinnacle of world economies. The Black woman was largerthan-life in her contribution to that economy.

Were it not for strong Black women, the destruction of the Black family would have been absolute and permanent. Enslavement and the forced conditioning of behaviors inconsistent with our African ancestry caused irreparable damage in many, but the quality of character that strong Black women were able to instill in most of their children prevented the extinction of humanity in a people – in OUR people.

The Black woman (Mother) was the parapsychologist of our communities. She saw how the weight of the negativity of our existence distorted our interaction with each other and the larger community, and she did all that was within her power to help us heal the physical and emotional wounds of our treatment. She told us that things would get better and convinced us to believe that we would overcome. She told us to hold on and not give up – that we could achieve ANYTHING we put our minds to.

We could attempt to name her, but her DNA runs too broadly among us. We see her in the enthusiasm of Michelle Obama. Hers is the legal brilliance of Sherrilyn Ifill. We see her expertise and mother-wit in the respected mid-wife skills of Jennie Joseph. And her endurance is seen in Allison Felix, seven-time Olympic GoldMedalist.

She is the Black Woman – the rock and foundation upon which our hopes rest.

E. Faye Williams is National Congress of Black Women Inc. president and author of “Dick Gregory: Wake up and Stay Woke,” a remembrance of the St. Louis native.

St. Louis American staff

Photo courtesy of BGCSTL

E. Faye Williams

MacKenzie Scott Flint Fowler

“We are excited to host this year’s May Day Parade festivities in person. The May Day events are crucial in helping us to raise vital funds for programs and services for our youth,” Keisha Lee, Annie Malone interim CEO said in a press release.

“The wonderful support from the community has allowed us to leave a lasting impact on so many families, even during the pandemic.”

The COVID-19 pandemic led to cancellation of the parade in 2020, and it was held as a virtual event in 2021.

New in 2022 will be the first Friends of Annie Malone Awards Dinner at 6 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2022, at VUE 17, 1034 Brentwood Boulevard in Richmond Heights. The weekend of events also includes a Greek Night of Celebration at 8 p.m., Saturday, May 14 at the Kappa House, 500 N. Vandeventer in Midtown St. Louis.

“We are very grateful to NIKE for their contribution towards helping the children and families of Annie Malone,” Lee said.

During its 134-year history, Annie Malone has provided culturally diverse, rapid response assessment, crisis intervention, parenting support, and educational ser-

Jackson

Continued from A1

Continued from A1 that judges have to read and consider when they decide how to sentence in these cases, and there’s a statute that tells judges what they’re supposed to do.”

She then reminded Hawley that federal sentencing guidelines are established by Congress.

“I’m imposing … con-

vices to youth suffering from extreme trauma. In 2021, the agency served more than 500 families during the pandemic.

According to its website, the Annie Malone Children & Family Service Center opened in 1888 as the St. Louis Colored Orphan’s Home. Its first location was 1427 North

straints because I understand how significant, how damaging, how horrible this crime is,” Jackson said.

Andrew Bates, White House deputy press secretary, released a Twitter post Tuesday evening that called Hawley’s antics an “embarrassing, QAnonsignaling smear.”

Many followers of former President Donald Trump believe a conspiracy theory that there is a secret cabal of pedophiles who worked to take him down. Several defendants

12th Street. In 1905, the Home moved to a site on Natural Bridge Avenue. In 1910, the first May Day Parade was held as a “mortgage burning party” to celebrate paying off the building.

The parade has grown to be the second largest African American parade in the coun-

charged in cases related to the Jan. 6 attack of the Capitol were proponents of the theory.

Sen. Lindsay Graham (R-South Carolina) pouted about his personal choice, Judge Michelle Childs, not being selected as the nominee.

“In your nomination, did you notice people from the left were pretty much cheering you on?” Graham asked Jackson.

“A lot of people were cheering me on,” Jackson responded.

Graham then claimed that progressive groups and oth-

try, behind the annual Bud Billiken Parade in Chicago. A financial gift from Black entrepreneur Annie M. Turnbo Pope Malone, who became one of the wealthiest women in America through her hair care products business, the Home moved to a permanent location in 1922 to 2612 Goode Avenue

ers led an effort to disqualify Judge Childs, calling her “a union-busting unreliable Republican in disguise.”

Unnerved, Judge Jackson told the senator that she wasn’t aware of that because, as a sitting judge, she remained focused on cases before her.

After an exchange with Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois over detainees and Guantanamo Bay, Graham stormed from the Judicial Committee hearing room.

Earlier, Graham challenged

Keisha Lee, Annie Malone Children and Family Services interim CEO, announced that Nike, Inc. has donated $25,000 to the Annie Malone May Day Parade on Sunday May 15, 2022, and will serve as its Platinum Title Sponsor. From

in the Ville Neighborhood.

As a tribute to Malone, the Home was renamed in 1946 to Annie Malone Children’s Home. In 1986, Goode Avenue was changed to Annie Malone Drive.

Schools, organizations and individuals interested in par-

Jackson’s religious beliefs.

“What faith are you, by the way? “Could you fairly judge a Catholic?” he asked.

“How important is your faith to you? On a scale of one to 10, how faithful would you say you are in terms of religion?”

Judge Jackson asserted that she identifies as a nondenominational Protestant Christian. She insisted that her faith counts as very important but noted that there’s no religious test to confirmation under the U.S. Constitution.

“I am reluctant to talk about my faith in this way,” Jackson said defiantly.

“I want to be mindful of the need for the public to have confidence in my ability to separate out my personal views.”

When Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) asked whether Jackson would favor expanding the court from the current nine justices, she demurred.

“Respectfully, senator, other nominees to the Supreme Court have responded as I will, which

ticipating in the Annual Annie Malone May Day Parade festivities can register online at anniemalone.com/parade or contact Annie Malone Children and Family Services office at (314) 531-0120, or email Parade@anniemalone. com

is that it is a policy question for Congress,” Jackson stated.

“I am so committed to staying in my lane of the system.” Sen. Grassley persisted, asking if the Supreme Court has been bought and paid for by “dark money.”

“Senator, I don’t have any reason to believe that that’s the case,” Jackson replied.

During the afternoon portion of the hearing, Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.) attempted to bring decorum, asking Judge Jackson about the significance of her nomination. Judge Jackson offered that her appointment and having diversity on the bench allows the opportunity for role models.

“I have received so many notes and letters and photos from little girls around the country who tell me that they are so excited for this opportunity,” Judge Jackson stated.

“Because I am a woman, a Black woman, all of those things, people have said, have been really meaningful to them.”

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

left are Meghan O, STL TV talent host, Koran Bolden, Tyrick Turner, Kylann Clayborn, Lee, Annie Malone board member Gary Hickman, and iHeart Radio’s BJ the DJ.

Walker

Continued from A1

Rick, executive director of operations for the office. She said the toxicology report and cause of death finding will be issued together and could take up to 12 weeks. She said her office has not issued a preliminary toxicology report adding “there is no preliminary toxicology report from the medical examiner’s office.”

During the waiting period, Isom said repeatedly there is “no active investigation” at the local or federal level. An earlier news report indicated information in the case had been turned over to the U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency.

Isom said there is no DEA investigation, but noted that a detective with the police department also serves on a DEA task force.The DEA declined to comment on the case.

Isom said that by reviewing hotel footage and interviewing individuals in the case, including an unnamed “good samaritan” who initially came to Walker’s aid at the hotel, the department was able to put together a picture of Walker’s final moments.

Walker entered a hotel room – which was booked in the name of an unnamed person who was with her – around midnight Thursday, Isom said. That person left the room about 7 a.m. Friday and Isom said no

Salute

Continued from A1

at the Lutheran Family and Children Services of Missouri Foundation.

Rodgers-Garvin said her passion for helping others, especially children, began when her brother passed away from encephalitis when she was 16 years old. From that experience, “I realized the importance

evidence was collected from the room.

“On the morning of Friday, March 11, a little before 9 [a.m.], she left her room and collapsed in the hallway.

“An individual at the hotel encountered her in distress, and came to her aid,” he said, declining to give information on the person other than to mention that the person had trained as a nurse. “That individual at the hotel called 911. That call occurred at 8:55 a.m.”

“EMS received the call at 8:59 a.m,” he added. “A crew was assigned at 9 a.m. [A] St. Louis Fire Department crew was on the scene four minutes later at 9:04 a.m. and began to work to stabilize Miss Walker. An ambulance arrived on the scene at 9:30.”

Walker, who was hailed for her tireless work for health care justice and against racial injustice, was pronounced dead at 9:58 a.m. at SSM Health Saint Louis University Hospital.

Walker served Ferguson, District 74, in the Missouri House of Representatives from January 2017 until July 2019, when she stepped down to begin working in Page’s administration.

Because of her age, high-profile background and connection to the mayor, Walker’s sudden death immediately sparked speculation as to the cause and circumstances.

Isom addressed that speculation Monday.

“There’s a difference between unusual and suspi-

of nurturing the social-emotional aspects of mental health in youth.”

In her current position, she supports students displaced from permanent housing and students in foster care whose placements have been disrupted. She focuses on providing services that mitigate the impact of trauma, grief, loss, and inequity stemming from the consequences of instability. Through her effort, the Ferguson-Florissant district

Reparations rally

cious. At the time of the call, [which came in as a “medical emergency” call] there was really no cause for suspicion. Of course there were a lot of rumors floating around. We felt that it was our duty to make sure that we looked into it and make sure there was no validity to the rumors. And as I’ve laid out the timeline and what we’ve done, there is nothing

became the first in Missouri to launch a relationship with Purposity, a national not-forprofit organization that provides an app to help people and organizations address the unmet needs of children.

“It connects with the school district and helps us serve students,” Rodgers-Garvin said.

The district can post its needs for students and families, and community members or organizations can supply them, she said.

that’s come up that would raise any suspicion at this point.

“We looked into the circumstances of Miss Walker’s death, and we have no information that raises any suspicions beyond it being a tragic death,” Isom said. “There is no active investigation going on. And we await the toxicology report.”

St. Louis County Council member Tim Fitch said via

“They can have them shipped through Amazon directly to the district,” she said.

Students have been provided with items ranging from clothing and shoes to air mattresses and child car seats. Rodgers-Garvin also recently created and heads the McKinney-Vento Summer Enrichment program to prevent summer learning loss, provide case management services that include addressing men-

Twitter he will seek a Missouri State Highway Patrol investigation into the death of Walker, arguing that the close relationship between Jones and Walker presented a conflict of interest for the city.

Isom pushed back, adding the department has “absolutely has no conflict of interest.”

“I believe in the integrity of the police chief [John W. Hayden],” Isom said. “I believe in the integrity of [Fire Chief Dennis Jenkerson] , I believe in the integrity of the EMS, the fire [department] people who responded, the Good Samaritan who helped and also the police detective who conducted this inquiry. So I’m very satisfied with the work that has been done.”

tal health needs, and provide referrals “to close the gap for students who would not receive support during the summer.”

She has also been a presenter at the National Association of the Education of Homeless Children and Youth and collaborates with colleges to create personalized tours for homeless youth who may otherwise not be able to access career and college readiness services.

“I’ve always considered myself more of a ‘worker bee’

person. That’s why I am so thrilled with this honor,” she said.

Tickets for the 22nd Annual Salute to Excellence in Healthcare Awards Luncheon on Thursday, April 14 at the Frontenac Hilton are $800 per table of 8 for VIP/Corporate seating or $100 each, and $75 each or $600 per table of 8 for general seating. To order tickets, call 314-533-8000 or visit www.stlamerican.com

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Kalambayi Andenet is the International President of the International People’s Democratic Uhuru Movement speaking on the impact reporations would have in the African American community during a rally Saturday, March 18, 2022 in Luther Ely Smith Park. At left is Uhuru member Jason Westbrook.

Post-Dispatch fabricates controversy

In the wake of beloved public servant Cora Faith Walker’s unexpected passing at age 37, some in local media have been barely able to contain themselves from rushing to judgment with a vile web of unsubstantiated rumors and lies. Walker, whose death followed a 911 call about a “medical emergency,” collapsed after leaving her hotel room on the morning of March 11 and was found unresponsive in the hallway. The cause of death has not yet been announced as autopsies generally take up to two months to complete.

In other words, one of St. Louis’ brightest young political stars quite possibly died from a relatively unexciting cause, but that’s not dramatic enough for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch which seems in search of a political scandal.

about himself. The Editorial Board claims the SLMPD’s investigation creates “uncomfortable questions.”

Churning opinion piece after opinion piece, the typically pro-police Editorial Board has targeted both Mayor Tishaura O. Jones for daring to have a birthday party and Public Safety Director Dan Isom for having the audacity to address the rumors that the Editorial Board itself started about SLMPD’s investigation of Walker’s death.

Not the group to question the police or the integrity of their investigation, the Editorial Board took its newfound stance after SLMPD announced there were no suspicious circumstances or foul play involved with Walker’s passing.

Rather, calling on their Ferguson activist-turneddutiful-corporate-tool Antonio French, the Post-Dispatch has worked overtime to spread misinformation about Walker’s sudden death. For example, where SLMPD’s stated policy is that the police investigate all deaths and that, under RSMo. § 58.720, autopsies are automatic for any persons whose death is sudden (including gunshot victims), French and the Editorial Board have sought to fabricate a controversy where there has been none. French even went so far as to make Walker’s death

Except, it doesn’t. Forsaking what remains of the Post-Dispatch’s “journalistic integrity,” the Editorial Board has published several claims that were almost immediately discredited or debunked by City officials. These same City officials - people who Post-Dispatch reporters have previously used as sources - now have “questionable” motives in the eyes of the Editorial Board. There is no explanation for this except for a seemingly obsessive vendetta against Mayor Jones. Hoaxes pushed in the last week include a “cover-up” by City officials, an alleged DEA investigation, and a perceived “conflict of interest” for SLMPD to investigate Walker’s death.

To be clear, each and every one of these statements published by the St. Louis Post-Dispatch is false and the paper - which employs many respectable journalists - does its staff a disfavor by allowing its Editorial Board to write pieces that deceive the public. Not one to be outdone in attention-seeking, however, is former police chief and County Councilman Tim Fitch who inserted himself into a situation that has absolutely nothing to do with him. While Fitch generally is not known to challenge a police investigation, for some reason he now raises “questions” about Walker’s death. Although Walker’s family and close group of friends have accepted that her sudden passing was caused by a health complication, Fitch has assumed a role that no one asked him to take and seemingly declared himself as an advocate for her loved ones and claimed that her loved oneswho already know the essential details - “deserve to know the

circumstances surrounding her tragic and untimely death.”

However, Fitch skipped Walker’s funeral services to attend a St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dublin, Ireland. Fitch was also absent on Tuesday night when the rest of the St. Louis County Council voted to pass a memorial resolution to honor Walker. Despite having no personal relationship with Walker - and likely no professional one, either - Fitch’s fake concern for the circumstances of Walker’s death fooled no one.

Also unhelpful to Fitch? The fact that the City Police Chief John Hayden, as of May 4, is considered a civil servant under City law and enjoys full protection under the civil service system. In other words, SLMPD is not beholden to the mayor. Fitch calling for Missouri Highway Patrol to investigate Walker’s death is no different than, say, if French, as an alderperson, called on Missouri Highway Patrol to investigate how St. Louis County Police and Ferguson Municipal Police Department managed the murder of Michael Brown. Or to look into allegations that former prosecuting attorney Bob McCulloch “threw” the grand jury proceedings to protect former officer Darren Wilson

Grief is an uncertain, difficult process and every person experiences the loss of a loved one in a different way. But grief is not a “free pass” for local media to publish whatever slanderous, salacious tidbits they want. Cora Faith Walker’s death should not be used as an opportunity to try to score political points. Instead, we should be focused on protecting her admirable legacy as an advocate for women, children, and veterans, and dedicate ourselves to furthering her mission of liberating and empowering all people. If something is not true, or good, or kind, or useful, or necessary - keep it to yourself. Or better yet - don’t publish it.

Antonio French

Tim Fitch

“Taking Care of You”

Donating a kidney during the pandemic

Despite the risks, a local pastor seeks to help his older brother

By Sylvester Brown Jr.

The St. Louis American

Cedric Halbert is proud to call himself “a man of God.” He has a Christian podcast called “Fight for Your Dreams” where he interviews intriguing individuals and preaches the gospel via the Internet.

Cedric said “faith” was instilled in him at childhood. He described his parents, Ernest O’Neal and Lou Lee Halbert, as “church-going folk.” Every Sunday his parents marched their seven children to Calvary Missionary Baptist Church within walking distance of their home at 1214 N. Garrison, not far from the old Pruitt-Igoe housing complex site. Church and school served as the only

n “God set it up and I know he’s going to be with us every step of the way.”

- Pastor Cedric Halbert

retreat for the children. His parents owned and operated Crown Café (later named Crown Southern Cafeteria) on Martin Luther King Dr. and Jefferson for 30 years.

As a boy, Cedric recalled lifting bags of produce that weighed more than he did. Sports and extracurricular activities at school were forbidden by Ernest, Sr.l who told his kids, “ya’ll gonna work.” Growing up, Cedric did everything at the soul food restaurant from busing tables and washing dishes,

to janitorial duties and serving customers. Today, he appreciates those hard days of labor.

“We had an excellent upbringing,” Cedric said. “It made me a man and taught me to appreciate hard work. My dad taught us how to work without going out there lying and cheating. It was a military style upbringing, but it taught us discipline.”

Cedric said he learned another valuable lesson from his parents:

“They always told us to love one another, like Christ loved us.”

It was that lesson that motivated Cedric to make a sacrifice for his eldest brother, Ernest Adams, Jr. who has suffered from kidney failure for years. Ernest, who receives weekly dialysis treatments, needs a kidney transplant. Another family member had volunteered, but due to health reasons, was unable to donate.

The impact of COVID-19 on HBCUs, Black students

Health inequities brought into sharp focus

Special to The American

While the world has been focused on the growing numbers of COVID-19 causalities, the media has somewhat ignored the long-term educational and economic impacts of the pandemic – especially for Black students.

n In March 2020, when college campuses across the country closed and sent students home, many HBCUs continued to house hundreds of students who did not have homes to return to.

Although there has been some attention given to the disparities between Black Americans and other groups contracting the virus, it is not an exaggeration to say that the Black community will be recovering from the impact of COVID-19, health wise, economically, and educationally for at least the next two decades. Throughout the pandemic, Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) have been on the front lines addressing the impact the pandemic has had

on students, faculty, staff, and surrounding communities. In March 2020, when college campuses across the country closed and sent students home, many HBCUs continued to house hundreds of students who did not have homes to return to. Groups of students were stuck on campus without the funds to pay for transportation back to their home cities. This challenge was a byproduct of several students losing the jobs they used to help fund their education, along with loss of family income. Many students became both food and housing insecure without the critical resources that HBCUs often provide. The Thurgood Marshall Fund [TMCF] worked

See COVID-19, A13

By Dr. Jewel Mullen

As a primary care doctor, I have devoted my career to encouraging people to believe that investing in prevention earns years of a healthier life.

And now, during the COVID-19 pandemic, I am adding my voice to other medical professionals who have been encouraging people to get back on track with self-care by catching up on missed screening tests and committing to better ongoing management of their chronic diseases. If you have fallen behind on your medical care during the pandemic, you are not alone.

n About one half of adults in the United States have put off medical (including behavioral health) care during the pandemic.

About one half of adults in the United States have put off medical (including behavioral health) care during the pandemic; and one in seven have delayed preventive care, such as screening tests. For those who missed regular follow up for their chronic conditions, almost a third reported that those conditions worsened. If we can better control our chronic diseases like diabetes, hypertension, and high cholesterol, we can increase our chances of preventing a heart attack, kidney disease, or stroke. Additionally, regular screenings help detect many cancers early, when the chance to cure or delay their progress is highest. And let me tell you a secret: I had fallen behind too. I called my gynecologist to schedule my annual exam. I didn’t want to be scolded, so I quickly said, “I know it’s been a year and a half since my last visit.” I was ready to blame the pandemic for my being late. But then the scheduler responded that it had actually been two and a half years since my last visit. My mind abruptly shifted to worrying about what might be happening inside my body. Although I felt healthy, I know there are

Halbert, right, with his older brother Ernest at the pastor’s Ville neighborhood home on Monday, Mar. 21. Cedric will be donating his kidney to his brother who has suffered kidney failure for years and also had to combat COVID-19.

See MULLEN, A13

Harry L Williams, Thurgood Marshall College Fund [TMCF] president and CEO, says Historically Black Colleges and Universities have been addressing the impact of COVID-19 on its students and Black communities since March 2020.

Photo courtesy of TMCF

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American Dr. Jewel Mullen

“Taking Care of You”

Kidney

Continued from A12

Cedric said his older brother shared the depressing news but didn’t want to talk much about other possible options.

That conversation motivated Cedric to ask his brother for his physician’s phone number. He called, talked to the doctor and after many, many tests and tons of paperwork, Cedric learned that he was indeed a match. The kidney transplant operation is scheduled for mid-April at Barnes/Jewish Hospital.

Both Cedric, 50, and Ernest, 62, have had COVID-19; in July 2020 and December 2021, respectively. Although Cedric, who works for the county parks department, was out of commission for two months, he was never hospitalized. Ernest

COVID-19

recovered as well. Which was a miracle of sorts, given the dire possibilities. Side effects of COVID-19 can include damage to kidney cells with septic shock, increase in blood clotting and possible infection of the kidney. And, according to the National Kidney Foundation, “People living with kidney disease at any stage and kidney transplant recipients may not have as much protection against COVID-19, even if they are fully vaccinated.”

Dr. Kendra Holmes, President and CEO of Affinia Healthcare, who knows Pastor Halbert, also spoke of the dangers of kidney illnesses related to COVID infections:

“We are seeing an increase in kidney disease after covid,” Holmes said adding, “studies indicate more than 30% of patients hospitalized with

n “I told them I have to do what God tells me. That’s doesn’t mean you don’t have fears every now and then, but I trust God will bring us through.”

– Cedric Halbert on his decision to donate his kidney to his older brother,

Ernest Adams

COVID-19 develop kidney injury, and more than 50% of patients in intensive care with kidney injury may require dialysis.”

As a COVID survivor, Cedric said he’s aware of the risks involved with donating a kidney to his brother. His wife, Gwen, and his two daughters, Shyanne and Marissa, also expressed fears that something might go wrong in the process.

“They’ve kinda calmed down now, but they were

afraid at first,” Cedric recalled.

“But I told them, ‘I have to do what God tells me.’ That doesn’t mean you don’t have fears every now and then, but I trust God will bring us through this.”

Cedric said that stepping up to give Ernest a chance at a better life is a humbling experience. Being 12 years apart in age, he idolized his older brother. They came up at a time and neighborhood where crime was at a staggering high. According

to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, the homicide rate in St. Louis in the 1970s was high, peaking at 265 in 1979. Only two years since then (1993 with 267 murders and 2020 with 265) have had such high numbers.

“It was rough, man,” Cedric confessed, “the gang violence and drug-selling…If it wasn’t for being grounded in a good family, I probably would have gotten into some stuff I had no business getting into.”

The Halbert children grew up in a neighborhood where they had to learn how to fight.

Cedric recalled how Ernest, an amateur boxer, forced his younger brothers to strap on gloves and battle each other in the basement of their home. Ernest was also a good baseball player who, against his father’s wishes, became a

Both Cedric, 50, and Ernest, 62, have had COVID-19; in July 2020 and December 2021, respectively.

Although Cedric, who works for the county parks department, was out of commission for two months, he was never hospitalized.

semi-pro player. Cedric cherishes memories of Ernest taking him and his other brother, Mark, to the old Bush stadium to watch Cardinal baseball games. Cedric said he may be retiring from his job of 22 years soon to become a fulltime preacher. Because of his growing ministry and his marriage of more than 25 years, Cedric says he’s “extremely blessed.” Sharing his blessings, he said, is rooted in his upbringing. When he received the news that he was a match and able to donate his kidney to his older brother, Cedric said he was “overjoyed” and has no time for fear.

“God set it up and I know he’s going to be with us every step of the way.”

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

with our member-schools, America’s 47 publicly supported HBCUs, and many of their corporate partners to help secure access to needed support for students. Beyond academic scholarships, TMCF stepped up to help provide grants for students, assisting them with rent, groceries, and transportation. At one HBCU, more than half of the students and faculty did not have the adequate computer hardware or broadband internet access to participate in remote classes. Corporate partners supported the purchasing of laptops and hotspots for both students and faculty to facilitate the pivot to online

Continued from A12 learning. Despite their long history and accolades, HBCUs as a collective have continued to struggle with proper funding, receiving less per-student aid from their states, along with less research funding from the federal government. These institutions are highly tuition dependent, which can cause a great challenge anytime enrollment numbers are compromised. Closing campuses and sending students home meant that many schools had to return housing funds that traditionally would have supported the university’s operations. Recognizing the great infringement that the pandemic placed on the schools, we shifted part of our focus of providing scholarships and career readiness opportunities to work with

Mullen

Continued from A12 many conditions, like cervical cancer, that can develop without many warning signs. I hoped I had not missed a chance to detect cancer or some other medical problem when it could be best treated. I plan to go to my appointment inspired by three words I associate with someone who inspires me, Aretha Franklin: “respect,” “power,” and “courage.” I will take a list of the issues I want to discuss. If my doctor wants to start our conversation with a lecture, I will ask her to respect me.

HBCUs to provide support restructuring their finances, securing added resources, and planning for the 2020-21 and 2021-22 academic years.

Part of the shift also included engaging corporate partners to help find new and creative ways to help students succeed in this environment.

McDonald’s expanded their partnership with TMCF in 2020 to provide additional scholarships beyond their original commitment for HBCU students. This commitment extended in 2021 to support students who overwhelming were high-achieving performers but came from low-income backgrounds and needed the extra support during this unprecedented time.

Asia Bradley, a freshman

nursing student at Howard University and a St. Louis native, was awarded a $15,000 Black & Positively Golden Scholarship on behalf of McDonald’s.

As a non-profit committed to the advancement of Black students, we understand that the best way to address disparities is to invest in students so they can persist in their studies, graduate, and progress to economically sustainable careers.

We also partnered with our member-schools to provide enhanced mental health resources to help students address the emotional needs that may have emerged because of the changing landscape of the world. Among other amenities, TMCF scholars were offered access

to Shine, a minority-owned mobile app which offers selfcare resources to better manage mental health challenges like stress and anxiety.

The resilience of Black students in the face of the pandemic further illustrates the importance of HBCUs for engaging the Black community.

Though the pandemic has presented extraordinary challenges in the last two years, HBCUs have emerged even stronger. While many colleges had steep drops in enrollment during the pandemic, HBCUs experienced the exact opposite. Many of the country’s largest HBCUs are seeing record numbers of applications.

The COVID-19 crisis inspired a novel approach to working together as a network and building new capabilities in

online learning, student retention and attraction, and more. This has only strengthened HBCUs’ unique position to help fill the social and economic gaps Black Americans experience, given these institutions’ assets, experience, and cultural and historical significance. Today, we call on other major corporations to do the same – address inequities by investing in diverse students, who are posed to be the next generation of changemakers. Their journey to leadership starts with a college degree, and with the proper resources that degree can come from an HBCU.

Harry L. Williams is the President and CEO of Thurgood Marshall College Fund, which represents the Black college community.

I will remember I have the power to steer the conversation, and I will tell my doctor to partner with me so that I can participate in decisions about my care. I will go to my appointment with courage. I know I can do that. The fact that I even made the appointment means that I already have dealt with fear about the outcome. I’m going to try to be like Aretha. Pick someone who inspires you and think of that person when you call up to make your follow up or annual appointment – even if you were late like me. You can command respect to get the care that you deserve. You can own your power, and while doing so, let courage guide you to being as healthy as you can be. As Aretha, herself, once said, “Every day is a gift.” Don’t lose out today on what you can gain for tomorrow. Call your doctor to catch up on managing your chronic disease, and visit yourhealthbeyondcovid.org to learn other tips that can help you take care of yourself. Dr. Jewel Mullen is a primary care physician and the associate dean for health equity at the Dell Medical School. She also is a former principal deputy assistant secretary for health in the U.S. Department of Health and

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

PRESENT:

Nutrition Challenge:

When we’re lucky enough to have a chance to go out for dinner, there are a few ways to stay healthy with our food

Dining Out.

What Is ASize?Serving

GRAINS

Think Lifestyle, Not Diet!

Keep ‘em Whole!

The Smart Way!

Warm Up & Cool Down

First Day of Spring!

Exercise Game

Do This. Not That!

Exercise Game

Tech-Neck

for several different reasons.

See if the restaurant will let you “share” a meal. Many meals are two, three or more times an actual serving size.

We each need at least 3 servings per day of whole grains. But what does that mean? How can we know what foods contain whole grains?

Look at the ingredients list of a package of food you are about to eat. If the word “whole” is used, then there is most likely a whole grain ingredient. A few items that don’t use the word whole

As soon as you’ve divided your plate into the right size servings, ask your server for a to-go box. Go ahead and box up what you don’t need to eat right away. You can enjoy

In our “Super-Size” world, we can easily lose track of what an actual serving size means. When reading labels on a food or drink product, you can determine the nutrients, sodium, fiber, sugar and calories of a serving size. But be careful; just because it looks like one small bottle

Let’s make a game out of exercise!

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice.

Healthy Kids

those leftovers for lunch the next day!

are popcorn, wheatberries, brown rice and wild rice.

Cocoa Puffers Cereal

Perhaps you’ve decided to eat healthier. Don’t think of these healthy changes as “going on a diet.” Instead, think of these smart choices as a new, healthier lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to. Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

lifestyle. You can do this by forming new habits. For example, if you decide to eliminate sugary drinks completely, it only takes a few weeks until this becomes what you’re used to.

Here are the steps to making a healthy permanent change. We‘ll use the sugary drink change as an example.

As spring approaches, warmer weather allows us all to get more outdoor exercise. Here are some ways to become a more active person.

First, locate either a deck of cards or two dice.

It’s important that before you embark on any kind of exercise to remember two things: warm up and cool down. Start with some slow stretches and movement (like walking) to increase your heart rate a little. Warm up for a good five minutes before increasing your heart rate.

> Ask the server how the different menu items are prepared. Fried, sautéed, and

Getting plenty of whole grains in your diet can improve your health and reduce your chance for some chronic illnesses such as stroke, diabetes, heart disease and high blood pressure. Visit wholegrainscouncil.com for more information.

INGREDIENTS:

March 20, 2021, is the first day of spring. With spring comes warmer weather and longer days (later sunset). Make it a habit to spend as much time playing outside as the weather allows.

Next you’ll need to make a list of different types of exercise: jumping jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc. Write each exercise item on a small piece of paper or index

> Decide you’re going to switch from soda to water.

> Start by substituting one drink per day to water.

> Avoid gravies, cheese sauces and other kinds of toppings that often just add fat and calories.

Weekly Newspaper in Education Program

Latoya Woods, DNP, APRN, FNP-C

> Every few days increase the amount of water and decrease your soda intake.

Donna Wiley, BSN, RCP, MSN, APRN, SNP-C

Melissa Douglass, MSW

> Every few days increase the amount of water and decrease your soda intake.

> After 3-4 weeks, this change will become a habit.

of soda — it may not be considered one serving size. For example, a 20-oz bottle contains 2.5 servings. So if the bottle states “110 calories per serving,” that means the entire bottle contains a total of 275 calories! Remember to watch those serving sizes and you’ll have better control over what you’re eating and drinking.

> Stick with water to drink. Not only will you save money, but you won’t be adding in extra calories from a sugarfilled drink.

> After 3-4 weeks, this change will become a habit.

Learning Standards: HPE

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 3, NH 5

When you automatically reach for water instead of soda, it has now become a lifestyle change!

even simmered can all mean, “cooked in oil.” Instead, choose baked or grilled options.

> What are other ways to stay healthy while dining out?

When you automatically reach for water instead of soda, it has now become a lifestyle change!

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

Secondly, when you are finished with any kind of strenuous (very active) exercise, take some time to cool down. You can slowly stretch your arms and

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

Where do you work? I am a family nurse practitioner for BJC Medical Group.

Where do you work? I am the founder and distance counselor for Goal Driven Counseling, LLC.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse with St. Louis Public Schools.

Where do you work? I am a school nurse at Monroe Elementary School.

Instead of playing video games — play baseball, football, badminton, or some other active game.

Some fun outdoor games to play include tag, kickball, basketball, Frisbee, and bicycling. Choose activities that increase your heart rate

Next you’ll need to make a list of different types of exercise: jumping jacks, sit-ups, lunges, etc. Write each exercise item on a small piece of paper or index

Instead of surfing the ‘Net — go for a brisk walk around the neighborhood.

card and fold into a small square. Put these squares into a bowl. Take turns rolling the dice (or drawing a card) and selecting an exercise from the bowl. The total number on the dice or card tells you how many of the exercise you must do. Face cards (king,

Instead of watching TV — ride your bike with friends.

legs again, and continue with reduced speed movements until your heart rate begins to slow down.

and breathing. You want to have fun, but it’s also a great way to help keep your heart, lungs and body healthy.

> NEVER walk on a “frozen” pond, lake, river or any other body of water. Just because it looks frozen does not mean it is safe.

Break into small groups and define what it means to be a bully. Share your ideas with the class. Did you have the same things listed (as the other groups) that you would consider as bullying behavior? Now back in your groups, create a newspaper ad that includes at least two of the following:

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

Make a list of your favorite 10 activities to do outdoors. Compare your list with your classmates and create a chart to see what are the most popular.

Can you think of other ways to be more active? Going outside and staying active not only increases your heart rate and burns calories, but it also helps you build friendships!

queen or jack) should all count as the number 10. Aces are “wild” and you can do as many as you want! To really challenge yourself, have one person roll the dice and the second can select the exercise. See who can complete the exercise challenge first!

This warm-up and recovery period is important for your heart health. It also helps to reduce the amount of muscle pulls and strains.

Learning Standards:

HPE1, HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1, NH 5

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer High School. I then earned a Bachelor of Nursing and a Master of Nursing Practice from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. And finally, I earned a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Maryville University.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Sumner High School. I then earned Associate Degree in Nursing from Forest Park College and a BS in Business Administration from Columbia College.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, 1

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 1

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

> What to do if you see someone else bullied.

A BMI (Body Mass Index) is a generic way to calculate where your weight falls into categories (thin, average, overweight, obese). However, it’s a good idea to remember that a BMI may not take into consideration many things such as athleticism (how athletic you are), your bone density and other factors. Discuss your BMI with your

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

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.

> If you are with someone that falls through the ice, first run (or call) for help. Do not try to go out onto the ice to help your friend. You can fall through the ice too.

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

> How bullying hurts others.

> What to do if you are bullied.

> What to do if YOU are the bully.

doctor if you have any questions. The formula to calculate your BMI is 703 X weight (lbs) ÷ height (in inches/squared) or search “BMI Calculator” to find an easy fill-in chart online. If your number is high, what are some ways to lower your BMI?

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!

> Also — remember to look up! Icicles injure numerous people every year. If you see large icicles forming over your front steps, ask your parents to use a broom handle to knock them off to the side before they break loose from your gutters.

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 4, HPE 5, NH 1

Cracker-wiches

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Easy Hummus Dip

Ingredients:

1 cup blueberries

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

Where did you go to school? I graduated from Whitney Young Magnet High School in Chicago, IL: same as former first lady Mrs. Michelle Obama. I then earned a Bachelor of Science in Social Work, and a Master of Social Work from the University of Missouri – St. Louis. I also completed two more years of supervision and exams to become a Licensed Clinical Social Worker in the state of Missouri.

Where did you go to school? I graduated from McCluer North High School. I earned an Associate of Applied Science in Nursing from Meramec College in Kirkwood and completing my bachelor’s degree at Webster University in Webster Groves.

What does a school nurse do? I assess the concerns of students who are ill, injured or experiencing alterations in their normal health. Nurses screen daily staff, students and visitors for safety. Monroe School is a pilot school for Covid-19 test sites in partnership with the city.

What does a family nurse practitioner do? Each day I have office visits with patients to help treat new health conditions and/or manage established health conditions. I perform physical examinations on patients, order labs, read x-rays results, and more.

What does a school nurse do? I love giving students medications, so they’re able to focus on learning. I clean and bandage wounds. I use medical equipment like a stethoscope, for example, to evaluate whether or not my asthmatics are breathing well. Moreover, I teach and promote healthy habits to my students.

What does a Licensed Clinical Social Worker do? I use technology to help teens and young adults explore their emotions, better understand their feelings, work through relationships, and address common challenges completely online through a computer, tablet, or smart phone. Similar to a Facetime call, I support and guide my clients from the comfort of their home or private location where they are comfortable

in the spring working towards a doctorate of nursing practice with an eventual goal of opening my own office in an underserved area in East St. Louis.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career to help improve the health of my community.

Why did you choose this career? I am a St. Louis native, and was an asthmatic child who experienced frequent hospitalizations. Besides having the influence of nurses in my family, the local nurses who helped take care of me were my “angels” and always managed to nurse me back to health, thus sparking my interest.

Look through the newspaper for examples of ad layouts and design. Discuss the words “compassion,” “empathy” and “sympathy.” How do they each play into your response to bullying at your school?

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

> What other ice hazards are there?

Learning Standards: HPE 1, HPE 2, NH 5

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, NH 4

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5, HPE 7, NH 5, NH 7

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

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

> When walking on icecovered roadways or sidewalks, take baby steps. Walk carefully and slowly.

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

Frozen Yogurt Blueberry Bites

Ingredients:

Ingredients: 8 Saltine crackers 4 Tbsp Peanut butter

Why did you choose this career? I love nursing because there are many opportunities in hospitals, schools, clinics and offices, insurance, legal and research. My passion is working in the schools with students, parents, staff and community partners.

Why did you choose this career? I chose this career because I enjoy being a support to teens and young adults in a very challenging phase of life that can be overwhelming. I enjoy teaching them how to best take care of themselves so they can live healthy and fulfilling lives.

What are some things a hospitalist does? I oversee the care of patients that have been admitted to the hospital through diagnosing, individualized treatment plans, and minor procedures such as an incision at the bed side for wound care, and I oversee the nursing staff. When the doctor is overwhelmed in the ER, I assist with diagnosing and treating the ER patients. Why did you choose this career? I started out in respiratory therapy and I was amazed with what I saw in the ICU and was inspired to become a nurse practitioner. It was never for the money; I genuinely care for and love treating people. I am in awe of the mysteries of medicine.

What is your favorite part of the job you have?

Ingredients:

1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

Ingredients: 1/2 Cp Vanilla Greek yogurt, 3 Tbsp Natural peanut butter, 1 Ripe banana (sliced and frozen), Splash of vanilla (optional) 6 Ice cubes

2 Large Strawberries

1 15-Oz Can Garbanzo beans

1 cup blueberries

1 Garlic clove, crushed

1 Tbsp Honey (optional)

1 cup non-fat Greek Yogurt

Directions: Drop each blueberry into the yogurt. Using a spoon, swirl around to coat and place each blueberry on a cookie sheet topped with parchment paper. Freeze for at least an hour.

2 Tsp Cumin, 1 Tsp Olive oil, ½ Tsp Salt Directions: Combine all ingredients in a blender until smooth. Enjoy with baked tortilla chips or raw vegetables.

Directions: Blend all ingredients until Smooth. Makes 2 yummy smoothies!

Directions: Spread peanut butter on four of the crackers and top with sliced strawberries. Drizzle with honey and top with the other crackers to make four cracker-wiches.

Directions: Drop each blueberry into the yogurt. Using a spoon, swirl around to coat and place each blueberry on a cookie sheet topped with parchment paper. Freeze for at least an hour.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? Many chronic health conditions (diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure) are preventable, and early detection is key. Thus my favorite part of the job is partnering with patients to establish and manage a plan to help them each live a long and healthy life.

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy when a child tells you, “I want to be a nurse.” And best of all, I love the smiles, hugs and “thank-yous”.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I enjoy seeing the patient that comes in so sick, and sometimes close to death return home with their loved ones well and hopeful for their future.

My childhood health challenges have given me sensitivity to children suffering with illness. After being given a new lease on life, I consider it an honor to be in a position to promote health to the children of my community, in whatever capacity I serve – in turn, being their “angel.”

What is your favorite part of the job you have? I love that my job makes talking about mental health not as scary and even makes it kind of cool. I love that I get to build valuable relationships with so many people that trust me to be there for them. I love that no matter where my clients are, we can simply connect with a video call and I can not only support them through hard times, but lots of good times as well.

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Learning Standards: HPE 6, NH 3

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

“Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 314-289-5422

Yonniece Rose, Registered Nurse

Banana PB Smoothie

Deborah Edwards, School Nurse

teachers and students each week throughout the school year, at no charge.

Questions or comments? Contact Cathy Sewell csewell@stlamerican.com or 618-910-9551

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

Gateway MST Elementary teacher

Ms. Rhonda Stovall demonstrates what a fair test in science means and how to analyze the data. Fourth grade students Kyree Lane and Javion Spencer are conducting an investigation to see which brand of popcorn produces the most popped kernels. Gateway MST Elementary is in the Saint Louis Public Schools District.

Did you know that bacteria are all around us? Most people think of germs and disease when they think of bacteria. Harmful bacteria are called pathogens. Examples of pathogens include leprosy, food poisoning, pneumonia, tetanus, and typhoid fever. Pathogens cause disease in people, plants, and animals.

Bacteria can also be helpful. Good bacteria live in our bodies, particularly our stomachs to help aid in digestion. Some forms of bacteria also help your immune system to stay strong and fight off disease and infection. Good bacteria can also be found in your food. Some

Background Information:

In this experiment you will evaluate the effectiveness of hand soaps and sanitizers.

Materials Needed:

• 8 Slices of Fresh Bread With No Preservatives • 16 Sealing Plastic Sandwich Bags • Latex Gloves

• Sticky Labels or Masking Tape

• Pen • Toaster • Knife • Spray Bottle

• Baking Sheet • Camera • Sanitizer

• Measuring Teaspoon • Liquid Soap Process:

q Put on the gloves and toast 4 slices of bread.

examples include yogurt, cheese, pickles, and soy sauce. Bacteria are found everywhere—in the air and soil, on our skin and in our bodies. You need a microscope to see bacteria because they are so small. Bacteria come in many shapes, including rods, spirals, and spheres. Some bacteria use a tail called a flagella to swim.

For More Information, Visit: http://www.biology4kids.com/files/micro_bacteria.html. Learning Standards: I can read a nonfiction article for main idea and supporting details.

Do Hand Soaps and Hand Sanitizer Prevent the Growth of Mold?!

SET 3 – SOAPY WATER ADDED

Add 1 teaspoon of soap to the water in the spray bottle. Mix well. Spray each piece in the third set lightly with soapy water. Follow the directions in 3.

SET 4 – HAND SANITIZER-WATER ADDED

Dump out the soapy water in the spray bottle and wash the bottle well. Fill it again with water and add 1 teaspoon of hand sanitizer. Mix well. Spray each piece in the fourth set lightly with water. Follow the directions in 3.

SCIENCE STARS

AFRICAN-AMERICAN BACTERIOLOGIST & EDUCATOR: Welton Ivan Taylor

Welton Ivan Taylor was born on November 12, 1919, in Birmingham, Alabama. He was a descendent of President Zachary Taylor. When he was young, Taylor’s family moved to Chicago, where he attended DuSable High School. Taylor was very interested in science and nature. Louis Pasteur was his idol. He was also active in the ROTC while in school. His academic performance and strong interest in science inspired local African Americans to sponsor him and pay for his bachelor’s degree in bacteriology (the study of bacteria) from the University of Illinois. Next, Taylor was part of an African-American division that fought in World War II. While serving in the military, Taylor was promoted to First Lieutenant. His fondest memory of the war was seeing Charles Lindbergh pilot a P-61. His service in the war allowed him to earn a GI Bill, which helped pay for his master’s and doctorate degrees in bacteriology from the University of Illinois. While earning his degrees, Taylor faced racism from some of the professors who did not want to see him earn a degree.

In 1948, Taylor began working at the University of Illinois as a bacteriology instructor. It was during this assignment that he learned that antibiotics could be used to treat gangrene and tetanus to help war victims. In 1954, Taylor was asked to help solve an outbreak of salmonella poisoning in baby food. After he was successful, Taylor’s approach was used in labs worldwide. Taylor helped hospitals, health care organizations, and government agencies. From 1961 to 1962, he worked abroad with British and French scientists. After that time, he developed a method to detect bacteria that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) still uses to this day. His research was also used by the World Health Organization. The Centers for Disease Control in Atlanta named a bacterium in his honor. Taylor received numerous grants to help fund his research. He spent a lot of time lecturing about health issues, such as STDs and HIV. In 1960, he began the Chicago chapter of the Episcopal Society for Cultural and Racial Unity.

Discuss: Why is the study of bacteria important?

Learning Standards: I can read a biography about an individual who has made contributions in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and math.

w Cut all 8 pieces of bread in half. You will have 8 pieces of toasted bread, and 8 pieces of untoasted bread.

e For each of the 4 sets, you will place one piece of toasted bread, and one piece of untoasted bread in separate bags, one to be sealed, the other unsealed, for a total of 4 bags per set (16 bags total). Label each bag appropriately—”untoasted, sealed,” “untoasted, unsealed,” “toasted, sealed,” and “toasted, unsealed.” Be sure to label each set of bags with the additives you sprayed on the bread.

SET 1 – NO ADDITIVES

The first set has no additives.

SET 2 – WATER ADDED

Fill the spray bottle with water. Spray each piece in the second set lightly with water. Follow the directions in 3.

Now that you’ve been practicing your math facts, you are ready to solve equations. An equation will display a math fact with a missing number. You will use your knowledge of math facts, and your critical thinking skills, to solve the problems.

Mobile phones have 18 times more

r Lay out all of the bags on the baking sheet spray-side up. Be sure the labels are visible. Place the tray in a warm, dark place.

t After 1 week, seal all of the open bags. Be sure not to open any of the bags again once mold starts to grow. Which bread do you think will grow the most mold? Which bread do you think will grow the least? Why? Use this as an opportunity to formulate your hypothesis.

y Take notes and pictures over the next 21 days. When does mold start growing? Which grows the fastest? After you’ve completed your experiment, dispose of the bread, keeping the bags sealed, and evaluate your hypothesis.

Learning Standards: I can follow sequential directions to complete a procedure. I can form and test a hypothesis.

It’s All in the Equation!

Sweat itself is odorless. It’s

Sharpen Your Math Skills With This Fun Equation Search: http://www.learn-with-math-games.com/ elementary-math-activities.html.

Learning Standards: I can add, subtract, multiply, and divide to solve a problem.

A dollar bill has 3,000 types of bacteria.

Use the newspaper to complete the following activities.

Activity One — Point of View: Choose a news story to read. Is it written in first, second, or third person point of view? How do you know? Rewrite the story in a different point of view.

Activity Two — Healthy Living: Look through the newspaper to find examples of healthy foods, exercise options, and medical treatment or prevention. Healthy living includes mental health, as well. How many examples of healthy living can you find in the newspaper?

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to locate information. I can identify point of view. I can identify examples of healthy choices.

The St. Louis American’s award winning NIE program provides newspapers and resources to more than 8,000

Photo by Rhonda Stovall

Celebration of Alice Windom on Saturday, March 26

Workshop also planned

St. Louis American staff

St. Louis Comptroller

Darlene Green and License Collector Mavis T. Thompson will be among the international, national, and local speakers who will celebrate the life and legacy of Alice Windom at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 26 at the Better Family Life Building, 5415 Page.

Windom passed on Feb. 10, 2022, at the age of 85. She was remembered during a moving memorial service on Feb. 21. Alice Windom attended Cote Brilliante Elementary School in St. Louis. She graduated from Sumner High School in 1953. She obtained her bachelors’ degree from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and her master’s in social work from the University of Chicago in 1959. She lived in Accra, Ghana from 1962 to 1964 working as a secondary

school teacher and a secretary to the Ethiopian Ambassador to Ghana. According to her biography, Alice Windom was among the historic African American expatriates – W. E. B. DuBois, Maya Angelou, and John Henrik Clarke – who lived in Accra, Ghana.

In 1964, she helped plan the itinerary for Malcolm X’s historic visit to Ghana. Alice Windom was the link that connected W. E. B. DuBois, the Pan African movement, and Malcolm X. She worked for the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa from 1964 to 1968 organizing international conferences in seven countries.

She served as an organizer for the Department of Social Welfare in Lusaka, Zambia for three years before returning to the United States in 1972. Alice Windom not only

STLCC gets an uplift from PepsiCo Foundation

Launches Scholarship Program

St. Louis American staff

St. Louis Community College and The PepsiCo Foundation on Wednesday announced the launch of the Uplift Scholarship Program, which offers financial support for Black and Hispanic students pursuing two-year degrees and professional certificate programs.

Uplift also provides students with success coaches, access to emergency grants, and financial literacy courses.

“This is a wonderful scholarship opportunity for students at St. Louis Community College. It’s also a great example of opening more pathways to good

worked in Africa, but she also traveled extensively in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and Central America. Her favorite subject was Africa and the plight of Black people globally. She lectured extensively on the Pan African movement and the

paying, in-demand careers in the region,” said Jeff L. Pittman, St. Louis Community College chancellor.

“It’s important that the College continue to work to reduce racial and wealth gap barriers in our communities,”

Tiffany Davis, STLCC director of workforce and talent development, said community partnerships “are critical for our students, our future workforce and for our region.”

ancient Olmec civilizations in Mexico. The celebration will include drummers, dancers, and music by ST LOU.HITZ. African attire is recommended. Masks and other COVID-19 protocols will be observed.

“PepsiCo’s commitment will allow us to connect students to opportunity and employers to trained tal-

Uplift promotes access to education advancement by addressing obstacles that disproportionately impact Black and Hispanic students’ educational and professional journeys, according to Pittman. These include retention, completion, and workforce readiness.

“The Uplift program at St. Louis Community College aims to guide students to jobs in high-growth industries including information technology, advanced manufacturing and transportation,”

Additionally, the Saint Louis Chapter of The Coalition of Black Trade Unionists will host a Criminal Justice and Reparations workshop in Windom’s honor at 9 a.m. Saturday at Better Family Life, featuring Frank Chapman and

Pittman said.

“Higher education is the single most important tool we have for addressing economic and opportunity inequality. But just entering college is not enough,” C.D. Glin, global head of philanthropy, PepsiCo, and vice president, The PepsiCo Foundation said in a release.

“Through the Uplift scholarship, The PepsiCo Foundation and St. Louis Community College are working to ensure Black and Hispanic students not only have a chance to get into college but have access to critical resources to secure their diplomas and embark on meaningful careers.”

Friends and family gathered to say goodbye to

be honored on Saturday, March 26 at the

5415 Page.

look

continues, and

The Uplift Scholarship program is part of a $40 million commitment to education by the foundation, and Uplift is offered at 20 U.S. community colleges. Th foundation’s goal is to provide 4,000 scholarships over five years. New and current STLCC students can apply for the scholarship, which also includes support for programs that are not currently covered by federal student aid. Scholarship applications for summer and fall 2022 semesters will be accepted beginning May 2 and eligible students can apply directly at stlcc.academicworks.com.

Lew Moye. “Alice was a dear friend of CBTU,” said CBTU President Jay Ozier. “The struggle

forward

seeing my CBTU family and friends.”

Black trailblazer Alice Windom on Mon., Feb 21, 2022. Her life and legacy will

Better Family Life Building at

Photo by Dawn Suggs | St. Louis American

Tiffany Davis

Driving down auto interest rates

Pilot program helps car owners escape high payments

Katherine Faulkner recently purchased a 2013 Infiniti M37-X, but it came with a high loan interest rate. She is now in a pilot program that assists people in a similar situation, and her monthly car payment was reduced by more than $120.

By Alvin A. Reid

The St. Louis American

Katherine Faulkner recently found herself in need of a new car. What she and many other area residents – especially those in underserved neighborhoods – did not need was a predatory interest rate on the car loan.

Faulkner’s interest rate was higher than 20% and her car payment was holding her back financially. She learned she was eligible for a pilot program established by Justine PETERSEN and the NISA Charitable Fund for drivers with challenging personal credit scores.

The “Drive” auto loan refinancing program refinanced Faulkner’s loan, lowering her interest rate to 6% and reducing her monthly car payment by more than $120.

n The “Drive” auto loan refinancing program refinanced Katherine Faulkner’s loan, lowering her interest rate to 6% and reducing her monthly car payment by more than $120.

“They are such nice people and so patient,” Faulkner told The St. Louis American of the Drive program staffers who assisted her. Refinancing requires “all your documents, but it was pretty easy.”

NISA invested $250,000 to launch the program in February. It has closed six refinancing loans, and also provides financial credit counseling and other support, according to Galen Gondolfi, Justine PETERSON chief strategy

officer.

“We consider it a new face of poverty,” Gondolfi said of high car loan rates.

“Challenging credit scores [transitions] into high car insurance rates too. It is an anti-wealth building factor. Think of what kind of money is leaving neighborhoods that could be cycled back in for housing, education and more.”

SLDC backs ‘empowerment’ for North City entrepreneurs

$1.5 million in ARPA funds will help establish first ever SLDC technical assistance center

By Karen Robinson-Jacobs

St. Louis American

The St. Louis Development Corporation Board is moving forward with a proposal to launch an economic “empowerment center,” at the historic Sumner High School – the first such center established by the SLDC. The board voted last week to work with Saint Louis Public Schools to open a Northside Economic Empowerment Center that would provide a number of small business and entrepreneurial services including certification workshops for minority- and women-owned businesses, digital training and resources and procurement education.

Neal Richardson, SLDC executive director, said he would work with SLPS to finalize details of a cost-sharing agreement. SLDC will spend up to $100,000 over three years to use an ancillary building at Sumner, which was established in the late 1800s, according to the school website, and served as the first high school for African-American students west of the Mississippi River. The $100,000 will come from $1.5 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to establish a Technical Assistance Hub. The money will cover operations, administration,

PeoPle on the Move

Dents named to Rx Outreach board

Jemal C. Dents has joined the Board of Rx Outreach, the country’s largest non-profit, digital pharmacy. As director of strategic client executive –health and life sciences at Microsoft, he serves as the Virtual CEO leading Microsoft’s overall relationship with a large non-profit national health care provider. Dents brings extensive experience in health care and business corporations, previously serving as the director of strategic accounts at Cardinal Health and director of corporate accounts at Applied Medical.

named CIO at Resideo

Dupe Akinyede has been named chief information officer and VP of technology at Resideo. She will lead IT and advise business executives on strategy, standards, and developing models for IT best practices throughout the enterprise. She will also be responsible for ensuring the company’s IT operations and infrastructure adhere to industry recognized process, security needs, cybersecurity best practices, and disaster recovery compliance standards. She has built a record of program performance, turnarounds, governance, cost savings, process optimization, change management, and on-time delivery for global IT programs across several Fortune 500 organizations.

Ingram named CEIO at YWCA

YWCA Metro St. Louis has added Steven Ingram to its executive leadership team in the role of chief economic inclusion officer. As CEIO, he leads the strategy development and execution of YWCA Metro St. Louis programs and initiatives related to economic empowerment and racial justice. Prior to joining YWCA, Ingram worked for Better Family Life, Inc., most recently as senior director of workforce development. In this role, he oversaw the agency’s six workforce offices, programs and initiatives.

Akinyede

Jemal C. Dents

Dupe Akinyede

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Neal Richardson, St. Louis Development Corporation [SLDC] executive director, announced last week an economic “empowerment center” will be housed at Sumner High School and it will be the first established by the SLDC. See SLDC, B2

Photo by Lindy Dew

Steven Ingram

Feds address home appraisal racial bias

21-step plan seeks to improve oversight and accountability

St. Louis American staff

The White House is acting against racial discrimination in the appraisal of home values. Announced on Wednesday, the 21-step plan seeks to improve oversight and accountability in the home appraisal business. It includes a legislative proposal to modernize the governance structure of the appraisal industry.

“A home appraisal is a critical element of the home buying and lending process, intended to provide an independent, fair, and objective estimate of the market value of a property so that lenders can accurately evaluate risk,” the Biden administration stated in a release.

contributing to the already sprawling racial wealth gap.”

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development [HUD] Secretary Marcia L. Fudge and Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice are co-chairs of the Interagency Task Force on Property Appraisal and Valuation Equity (PAVE).

On June 1, 2021, the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre, President Joe Biden announced the Task Force would establish “a set of actions to root out racial and ethnic bias in home valuations

“Homeownership is the primary contributor to wealth building for Black and brown households and continues to hold promise for building multigenerational wealth and housing stability for households of color.

“But bias in home valuations limits the ability of Black and brown families to enjoy the financial returns associated with homeownership, thereby

SLDC

Continued from B1

staff and technology and any needed retrofitting of the space, he said. Other sources of funding will be tapped to provide access to capital for small businesses including grants and loans. It will be staffed by an estimated 10 SLDC employees over the next three years, including five new hires, Richardson said. Launching the center will help the city bring “resources directly to the neighborhoods that have lacked access to these tools while collaborating to use community anchors in new and innovative ways,”

Car Owners

Continued from B1

Gondolfi added that his firm’s analysis shows some area residents paying more on car related payments than housing payments.

Justine PETERSON is one of about 1,100 Community Development Financial Institutions [CDFI] in the nation, according to Gondolfi. His hope is that Drive and similar programs will gain traction nationally and attract more investment.

“Research shows that those with subprime credit in St. Louis are paying an annual interest rate of approximately 20% for their auto loan, which consumes a disproportionate share of their monthly income,” Robert Boyle, Justine PETERSEN founder and chair said in a statement. “Low- to moderate-income households can stretch their dollars if they

“It will represent the most wide-ranging set of reforms ever put forward to advance equity in the home appraisal process,” according to the administration.

Administration officials said the median white family holds eight times the wealth of the typical Black family and five times the wealth of the typical Latino family.

According to a recent

Richardson said in a release.

“We cannot succeed as a city, together, if one half is allowed to fail,” Mayor Tishaura O. Jones said in a statement. “With the American Rescue Plan Act, St. Louis is thinking outside the box to create new opportunities for families and entrepreneurs across our city to build generational wealth while priming our neighborhoods for equitable growth for decades to come.”

Alderwoman Dwinderlin Evans (4) said in a statement the proposed center will help connect entrepreneurs “with resources to start and grow their businesses, strengthening our communities. I welcome this commitment to North City and the opportunities it brings to our neighborhoods.”

work with a CDFI to rein in their high-interest auto loans and participate in a comprehensive credit counseling program.

“With NISA Charitable Fund’s vital financial and operational support, the initial results of our pilot program are encouraging,” Boyle added, “and we hope to expand our partnership base and participant pool during the second half of the year.”

David Eichhorn, NISA CEO and head of investment strategies called DRIVE “precisely the type of meaningful impact we want to achieve in our collaborations with community organizations in St. Louis,”

“Our work with Justine PETERSEN is about yielding tangible, scalable results and remaining true to NISA Charitable Fund’s mission to support organizations that are improving access to capital among traditionally underserved groups in St. Louis.”

Justine PETERSON describes itself on its website

study by Demos, a public policy organization, and The Institute on Assets and Social Policy (IASP), eliminating racial disparities in the wealth families gain from owning a home would narrow the wealth gap by an additional 16% between Black and white households and an additional 41% between Latino and white households. The Action Plan details a set of commitments and actions, most of which can be taken using existing federal authorities, which will help every American to have a chance to build generational wealth through homeownership.

A HUD/Consumer Financial Protection Bureau complaint hotline will be expanded, and appraisal bias training in homebuyer education classes will be instituted. In addition, the plan will address whether some computer systems used to value homes perpetuate racial biases.

To view the plan, visit http://www.PAVE.HUD. gov

Partners for the proposed center, which must secure the backing of the school district, include the Small Business Empowerment Center, Missouri Business Development Agency, Mastercard Digital Doors, Maryville University, St. Louis Lambert Airport Business Diversity Development, the St. Louis Agency on Training and Employment (SLATE). ARPA funds will be used to cover the cost of bringing the partners to the site, Richardson said.

Karen Robinson-Jacobs is The St. Louis American / Type Investigations business reporter and a Report for America corps member.

as a CDFI, HUD-certified housing counseling organization, and U.S. Small Business Administration microlender that offers “financial products and services that build assets and change lives.” According to the St. Louisbased NISA Charitable Fund, its mission “is to promote equity in St. Louis among underserved populations by supporting organizations focused on creating systemic change in education, access to capital, and workforce development,” and “is 100% employee owned.

As for Faulkner, she is elated her interest rate was reduced and that she is saving money each month as a result.

“It was a great change for the better, and now I have more money in my pocket to meet my other monthly expenses,” she said.

Faulkner is African American, and the Justice Department has focused on discriminatory auto lending for over a decade.

In 2013, Ally Financial Inc. agreed to pay $98 million to settle federal allegations of discriminatory auto pricing.

In 2017, Toyota’s autoloan division agreed to pay $21.9 million in restitution to thousands of Black, Pacific Islander, and Asian customers after the government alleged they were charged higher interest rates than white borrowers. Federal agencies said from 2011 to 2016, borrowers of color regularly paid Toyota between $100 and $200 more per month due to higher interest rates than white borrowers. In 2015, Honda Motor Corporation’s American financing agreed to refund $24 million to borrowers to settle federal investigations alleging it discriminated against minorities by charging them higher interest rates on auto loans than white customers.

Marcia Fudge Susan Rice

n “[He] understands the work needed to re-establish himself on and off the field in Cleveland.”

– Browns GM Andrew Berry on his team’s controversial signing of quarterback Deshaun Watson

Sports

InSIdE SportS

By Earl Austin Jr.

Gateway greatness

STL area hoop teams shine in Springfield

St. Louis area basketball dominance was on display at last weekend’s MSHSAA Show-Me Showdown at Missouri State University’s JQH Arena in Springfield.

Six state championships were up for grabs during the Final Four in Classes 4-6, and St. Louis teams gobbled up five titles.

On the boys’ side, Vashon, CBC, and Webster Groves won state titles and girls’ teams from Incarnate Word Academy and John Burroughs took home state championships.

CBC in a breeze

The CBC Cadets defeated Metro Catholic Conference rival Chaminade 70-52 in the semifinals, then followed up with a 68-51 victory over Nixa in the Class 6 state championship game. It was the third state title for head coach Justin Tatum, who also led the Cadets to the state title in 2014. Tatum, father of Boston Celtics star Jayson Tatum, also won a state title at Soldan in 2012.

CBC was led by outstanding backcourt seniors Rob Martin and Larry Hughes, Jr.

The 5’10” Martin scored 29 points in the semifinals against Chaminade and 18 against Nixa in the state finals. The 6’5” Hughes scored a game-high 20 points in the state championship game. It was 25 years ago that his father, Larry Hughes, led the Cadets to a Class 4 state championship.

Statesmen statement

Webster Groves won its third state title in six years by dispatching Jefferson City Helias 72-53 in the championship game. The Statesmen advanced to the final with a thrilling 60-57 victory over two-time defending state champion Cardinal Ritter in the semifinals.

The Statesmen unleashed a bevy of offensive weapons against Helias in the state championship game. Sophomore forward Iziah Purvey led the way with 19 points, followed by Jalen Purvey with 12 points, Matt Enright with 11 points, CJ Lang with 10 points (and 10 rebounds) and Ethan Chartrand with nine. In the victory over Cardinal Ritter in the semifinals, Enright scored a game-high 23 points while Iziah Purvey added 15 points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Very Vashon

Vashon defeated New Madrid Central in the

When new University of Missouri men’s basketball coach Dennis Gates’ plane landed in Columbia on Monday morning, the Marching Mizzou band was not on the tarmac. Hundreds of students and fans did not greet him. A handful of Missouri staff members eagerly met him, so it wasn’t like Sheriff Bart’s hysterical introduction to the good people of Rock Ridge in “Blazing Saddles.”

Alvin A. Reid

To say an air of excitement is missing as Gates takes over is an understatement. Mizzou men’s basketball is at an ebb tide. It’s not as low as it was before Cuonzo Martin was named head coach five years ago. It’s not as high as it was a decade ago. It won’t be a quick fix, although the transfer portal can help a weak team get stronger overnight.

semifinals 48-39 and Father Tolton 57-49 in the state final to win the Class 4 state title. It was the 13th state championship for the Wolverines and the sixth in the career of head coach Tony Irons.

In the championship game, the Wolverines trailed Tolton 47-44 in the fourth quarter, but outscored the Trailblazers 13-2 down the stretch to take home the state title. Junior forward Kennard Davis led the Wolverines with 15 points and six rebounds. Junior forward Cameron Stovall added 11 points while junior guard Jaylen Nicholson had nine points.

The junior trio also led the Wolverines in the victory over New Madrid Central as Davis led with 14 points. Nicholson finished with 11 points while Stovall added 10 points. MARCH

The Incarnate Word Academy dynasty continues as the Red Knights won their fifth consecutive state championship. IWA defeated St. Joseph’s Academy 71-23 in the semifinals, then came back to defeat Springfield Kickapoo 67-50 in the championship game.

Senior point guard Saniah “Big Game” Tyler concluded a stellar career at IWA by scoring 24 points against Kickapoo in her final game as a Red Knight. Juniors Natalie Potts, Brooke Coffey and Violet McNece chipped in with 15, 13, and 11 points, respectively.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

72-53 Saturday,

Winning No. 1

John Burroughs made history last weekend by winning the Class 4 state title, which was the first championship in girls’ basketball at the school. The Bombers defeated St. Joe Benton 54-46 in the championship game. Sophomore point guard Allie Turner led the way with 19 points. Also in the mix were sophomore Monet Witherspoon with 16 points and junior Sydney Starks with 12.

More State Trophies

The Whitfield girls finished second in the Class 5 state tournament while Webster Groves finished in third place. Cardinal Ritter’s boys also took home a third-place trophy in Class 5.

Give the new guy Dennis Gates a chance Missouri fans

Gates’ 50-40 record during three seasons at the Cleveland State Vikings’ helm isn’t spectacular, although a 38-22 mark in Horizon Conference games is admirable. After posting a 10-21 record his first year, Gates led the Vikings to respective 19-8 and 20-11 records the following two seasons. His team landed an NCAA Tournament bid in 2021 and lost to Xavier in the first round of the 2022 National Invitational Tournament. He was named the Horizon Conference co-coach of the year both years. Gates worked eight seasons with Florida State University coach Leonard Hamilton, who is recognized as a college basketball icon. During Gates’ tenure there, the Seminoles played in four NCAA Tournaments, advanced to the Elite Eight in 2018 and reached the Sweet 16 in both 2012 and 2019. Then Cleveland State made

him a head coach for the first time. He did well, so Missouri fans should be hopeful. They should also give him time. As far as NCAA men’s basketball coaching salaries, Gates’ $550,000 annually is a bargain. His buyout price of $600,000 is also inexpensive. But that buyout number could work both ways. If Gates does well and wants to move on to a basketball power, the buyout price is one that a school would happily pay and could easily

afford.

The Reid Roundup

Of the Sweet 16 teams still alive in the men’s NCAA Tournament, four have Black coaches and one coach is Native American…The surprise is Shaheen Holloway of St. Peter’s University in Jersey City, New Jersey. The No. 15 seed Peacocks shocked Kentucky on St. Patrick’s Day, then toppled favored Murray

State. Holloway is in his fourth year with St. Peter’s and was 2019-’20 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference Coach of the Year. “Every guy on this team has a chip on his shoulder,” Holloway said of his players who were not recruited by major schools…Hubert Davis is in his first year as North Carolina head coach and wins over Marquette and No. 1 Seed Baylor (after blowing a 25-point second-half lead and then winning in overtime) have the Tar Heels two wins from the Final Four. “This is a group of toughness, resiliency. I’m so proud of them,” Davis told CBS following the epic game…Last week, I wrote I was pulling for Providence head coach Ed Cooley to do well in the tournament. Now I want him to lose to Kansas.

Cooley’s Friars topped South Dakota State and upstart Richmond to advance to a showdown with the No. 1 seed Jayhawks. Many pundits picked Providence to lose early in the tournament and Cooley called them out.

“We’re just a little school

that everybody says, ‘Oh, it’s Providence.’ Well, Providence is in the damn building,” he told CBS…If you’re going to play for Kelvin Sampson’s Houston Cougars, you’re going to play great defense or sit on the bench. Houston glided past UAB then smothered and blew out Big Ten co-champion Illinois to reach the Sweet 16. “The story of this game is our toughness, how hard we play and the defense,” Sampson, who is a Lumbee Indian, said in a press conference…The Big Ten got nine NCAA Tournament bids, which is a joke. Just two teams remain, Michigan and Purdue. Most fans did not want the Wolverines and embattled coach Juwan Howard to participate. Two wins later, Howard has his team in the Sweet 16. “There has never been a moment where one of our guys have been one foot in and one foot out. They bought into the culture, trusted in the culture,” said Howard, whose postgame slap of a Wisconsin assistant coach in late February led to a five-game suspension.

Speak The Word

Earl Austin Jr.

Webster Groves guard Jalen Purvey (11) passes through Helias defenders as Webster Groves handled Helias

Mar. 19, 2022 to win the Boys Class 5 state championship at JQH Arena on the campus of Missouri State University.

Photo by Wiley Price / St. Louis American

Photo courtesy of Cleveland State University

Edward Jones focusing on advancing inclusive growth

Financial-services firm Edward Jones recently released its fourth-annual Purpose, Inclusion and Citizenship Report, “Partnering for Positive Impact.” In the year of the firm’s centennial, the report showcases Edward Jones’ yearended 2021 achievements, and how it partners for positive impact to improve the lives of its clients and colleagues, and together, better its communities and society.

The report details meaningful progress Edward Jones made in three important areas: Partnering for Lasting Financial Strength, Promoting Healthier Futures and Advancing Inclusive Growth. In 2021, the firm furthered

a place of belonging for its associates and advanced its diverse representation goals, educated more than 175,000 individuals through its Financial Fitness program, and donated more than $26 million to 259 organizations through corporate, Edward Jones Foundation and philanthropic giving.

Edward Jones’ focus on inclusive growth demonstrates the firm’s belief that every person deserves an opportunity to thrive. With a deep focus on diversity, equity and inclusion, Edward Jones makes intentional investments to lift communities and foster a place of belonging for everyone.

The firm’s efforts are

underscored by commitments to diversity, equity, and inclusion, including a five-point commitment in the U.S. and a four-point commitment in Canada and diverse representation goals.

As of Dec. 31, 2021, 22% of Edward Jones financial advisors are women and 9% are people of color in the U.S. and Canada, increases for both over last year – demonstrating progress toward achieving diverse representation goals by 2025. According to the St. Louis Business Journal, Edward Jones is the third largest privately held company in St. Louis, with 2020 revenues over $10.17 billion.

Former Jennings superintendent named USA TODAY Woman of the Year

Tiffany Anderson, former superintendent for Jennings School District, has been named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year, a recognition of women across the country who have made a significant impact. The annual program is a continuation of Women of the Century, a 2020 project that commemorated the 100th anniversary of women

gaining the right to vote. Each state has its own honoree, and Anderson, who is currently the superintendent of Topeka Public Schools in Topeka, Kansas, was honored as the Kansas Woman of the Year.

According to USA TODAY, “These honorees are strong and resilient women who have been champions of change across the country, leading and inspiring as they promote and fight for equity, and give others a place to seek help and find hope.”

Some of this year’s USA TODAY National Women of the Year include gold medal gymnast Simone Biles, United States Vice President Kamala Harris and Rosalind Brewer, one of corporate America’s most prominent women.

Douglas named chair of United Way’s Regional Investment Committee

Juliette Douglas, retired deputy director for the Six Mile Regional Library District, has been named chair of United Way of Greater St. Louis’ Regional Investment Committee. The Regional Investment Committee is comprised of local volunteers that help inform and manage the distribution of donations made to the annual United Way cam-

paign as well as grants for special programs and causes, provide oversight with monitoring funded agencies’ performance, and provides recommendations regarding community investments.

“United Way provides financial support, training, collaborative forums, and various other resources for many nonprofit, for-profit, and governmental organi-

zations throughout our region,” said Douglas. “United Way is a vital part of our community that brings these organizations together with one goal – to help people live their best possible lives, and I am proud to be a part of that goal.” Douglas has over

30 years of upper management experience in a variety of public industries including transportation, education, and libraries. For more than 10 years, she was the sole proprietor of JF Douglas and Associates, a consulting firm that specialized in help-

ing small for-profit and nonprofit organizations develop strategic plans, increase management efficiencies, and conduct executive job searches.

Douglas has previously volunteered for the United Negro College Fund, various boards and committees for United Way of Greater St. Louis, the Forest Park Women’s Hat Luncheon committee, and committees of the Illinois Library Association. She has also served on the St. Louis Community Credit Union board, American Association of Industrial Management (AAIM) board, Productive Living board for St. Louis County Citizens with Developmental Disabilities, and many others.

Rep. Ashley Bland Manlove, a Democrat from Kansas City, speaks at a press conference in 2020.

Juliette Douglas

Tiffany Anderson, former superintendent for Jennings School District, has been named one of USA TODAY’s Women of the Year.

Living It

The art of Black hair

SLAM lecture details complex cultural identity through kinks, coils and curls

By Kenya Vaughn The St. Louis American

When Min Jung Kim stood before the media, staff members and other invited guests for the first press breakfast of her tenure as the Barbara B. Taylor Director of the Saint Louis Art Museum last month, it was clear that representation and inclusion are top of mind as she settles into her role.

“There were several things that attracted me to Saint Louis and the Barbara B. Taylor Director position,” Kim said in her opening remarks. “Of course the museum is held in high esteem – and of course the collection is superb. But I was also impressed by the board leadership’s commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.”

She praised a diversity study group report and the work being done to implement the actions and policies that it suggested – specifically the institution’s newly formed office of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and the expansion of the Romare Bearden fellowship to include a twoyear fellow. The new DEI office is led by Renee Franklin in the newly created role of chief diversity officer.

Two weeks after the press breakfast, Shaka Myrick – the inaugural two-year Romare Bearden fellow – facilitated a virtual lecture as part of the Women’s History Month programming that explored the dominating impact of Black hair within Black culture entitled,“ If It Wasn’t for the Women: Hair Sculpting a Culture.”

“This year’s theme “Hair Sculpting a Culture” was inspired by my personal interest,” Myrick said. “While sorting through my old undergrad work at University of Missouri- Columbia, I noticed a common thread – realizing that most of my work: ceramic, painted, drawn collage, wood block and screen prints were all centered around Black hair and its evolving history. It became pretty obvious to me that Black hair has impacted cultures all over the world.”

Myrick used examples of African art from the Saint Louis Art Museum’s permanent collection to illustrate her point before opening the discussion to the panelists. Two Black women visual artists of varying practices and a third who identifies as non-binary spoke in great detail about how European beauty standards and systemic racism are at the root of the love/hate relationship Black women often have with their hair. They displayed their own work to guide them through talking points.

“For much of my life the battles over race, sex and gender identity took place on my hair and this has had a profound on my work,” said

Black composer opens perfect SLSO program of Gershwin and Rachmaninoff

By Chris King For The St. Louis American

A group of students from Marquette High School filed up the carpeted steps at Powell Hall on Friday, March 18, guided by an instructor. They were very lucky, because this weekend the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Stéphane Denève, would be performing a program that offers a perfect introduction to symphonic music. The centerpiece of the program, which concludes the first half, is George Gershwin’s “Concerto in F” (1896). The lush interplay of the orchestra’s sections spotlit guest pianist Jean-Yves Thibaudet as he took delight in playing Gershwin’s jaunty, striding piano lines. At times the orchestra fell silent as the piano was joined in mini duets: with a wood block, a xylophone, and the cello section. The composition and performance were so uplifting that a crowded Powell Hall erupted in spontaneous applause at the end of the “Allegro” movement.

Joann Quiñones. “In my family a racial hierarchy existed where whiteness and near white features were praised and Black features were at best a source of shame and a problem that could be resolved through hair straightening, skin bleaching cream or staying out of the sun altogether.”

A breast cancer diagnosis as the age of 36

gave Quiñones new perspective – and a new appreciation for her curls.

“Losing my hair – all of it – conveyed to me how much hair played a role in my life, both as battleground and marker of identity,” said Quiñones. “How much of our hair rituals have only to

MO History Museum hosts

By Danielle Brown The St. Louis American

Men primarily oversee the multi-billion dollar music industry, making decisions and closing deals on the next biggest star. Outside of their power positions as executives and A&Rs, they also dominate behind-the-scenes roles in engineering, producing and more.

The noticeable gap for women in the music industry shows that change is crucial to end gender inequality. In collaboration with its Thursday Nights at the Museum weekly series, Missouri History Museum hosted a “Women In Music” panel discussion March 10, focused on the disparities between women and men in the entertainment industry and the improvements needed. An intimate crowd gathered in the museum’s

Lee Auditorium during the discussion moderated by Kayla “KVtheWriter” Thompson featuring producer Alexis “Lexxiiibeatz” Calhoun, Lydia Caesar, singer, songwriter, and co-owner of Sauce Records; and Bethany “Beef” Gratz, sound engineer. They talked about the challenges they all face in a male-dominated industry and their hopes for the future.

a ‘Women in Music’ panel moderated by Kayla “KVtheWriter” Thompson Thursday March 10, 2022

n If there is a standout section in the ensemble, it would be the strings, which vary between lush and romantic, bright and intense, and percussive and plucked.

Denève appeared almost to gloat from the conductor’s stand as he waited for the audience to hush up so the orchestra could continue playing the composition. From there, two of the orchestra’s associate principal musicians, Tom Drake on trumpet and Andrea Kaplan on flute, joined Denève and Thibaudet in the spotlight. Gershwin wrote lively melodies with idiosyncratic jazz voicings for trumpet and flute in this concerto, and Drake and Kaplan took evident joy in playing them. At the end of the performance, Thibaudet all but mobbed Denève and waved for the musicians to stand, paying special attention to Drake. Clearly, the featured pianist appreciated the precision and interplay of an orchestra in top form.

The Gershwin concerto is a brilliant pairing with the program’s opening piece, SLSO’s first performance of “Chuphshah! Harriet’s Drive to Canaan” (2010-2011) by James Lee III, a Black composer who teaches music at Morgan State University, a Baltimore-based HBCU. Both pieces have melodies to burn. In Lee’s case, he quotes from African American spirituals and popular tunes including “Battle Hymn of the Republic.” Denève introduced “Chuphshah!” (Hebrew for “freedom”) as a narrative piece about Harriet Tubman, and Lee composed music with a dramatic range equal to telling that remarkable story. The standout orchestration here was his use of marimba, with at times two percussionists playing virtuosic episodes on the instrument.

The program concluded with Sergei Rachmaninoff’s “Symphony No. 3” (1935), which provided another opportunity for intricate ensemble playing with surprising little features along the way. There were echoes from the first half of the program, with marimba accents, a creative use of unusual dual instrumentation (two harps rather than two marimbas), and a distinctive fluttering flute line (Rachmaninoff appeared to know his

Caesar, who got her start in music singing in her father’s church in their hometown of Queens, New York, said she knew she wanted a seat at the table when she saw a lack of women bosses in the business.

Photo by Todd Rosenberg

Black composer James Lee also instructs music at Morgan State University in Baltimore.

Photo courtesy of Joannquinones.com

‘Toussaint of Ward Avenue’ by Joann Quiñones. 84 x 40 x 40, Osnaburg, linen, coffee stained muslin, Dutch-wax prints, digitally printed organza, ruff, indigo, porcelain, terra cotta, gilding, pearls.

Left to Right; Alexis “Lexxiiibeatz” Calhoun, Bethany “Beef” Gratz, and Lydia Caesar were panelists on

at the Missouri History Museum.

Photo by Danielle Brown / The St. Louis American

EMPOWERING BLACK COMMUNITIES WITH MYELOMA SUPPORT

Women

Continued from C1

Nearly 10 years ago, she stepped into the offices of Atlantic Records and Universal Records with A&R [artists and repertoire] representatives, to discuss songwriting opportunities.

“I noticed there were barely any women in power positions at the labels,” Caesar said. “It was always young or old men. There were rarely any Black women. I always said I wanted to be in one of those seats because I wanted to be the person to give an artist a shot. That day I said I’m going to be the boss, and that is who I am today.”

Lexxiiibeatz, a Black woman producer, found her experience hasn’t been overly challenging, but she frequently feels snubbed or overlooked.

“I remember one time I had just finished a session, and the person after me was standing up trying to tell me what to do,” Lexxiiibeatz said. “I was trying to tell him ‘hey, you gotta do this and this,’ he was like, ‘you don’t know nothing about this Lil mama.’ I’m like, I’m the one which just closed the session before you. I got it set up for you to come.”

Women in entertainment often face workplace harassment, particularly with newer up-and-coming artists. Caesar shared her story of an incident early in her career when she accepted a meeting with a label head who invited her out for dinner without her manager.

“I was this close to signing a publishing deal, and the person who was gonna sign me asked for a second meeting directed to me,” Caesar said. “The first meeting was with my manager and me at the label. He sent me some tracks, I wrote some records, and I’m like, ‘I’m gonna do this deal.’ Then I get a message from him on social media asking me to meet him in the city. I was like, okay, this is weird, but I want this deal. We met at a cafe, and once I

got there, I realized it was just him and I. It was blatant, ‘are we gonna do this to make the deal happen.’

She said no and chose to leave because her dignity meant more than the opportunity.

“That was a learning experience for me, and it taught me you can say no. I don’t wanna take the meeting, and if we are going to meet, my manager will be there,” Caesar said. “It’s okay to be upfront, forward, assertive, and vocal. Even if they do call you the B-Word, so what? We have to put our backs up, hold our heads high and say no, thank you; I’m not interested. Let’s talk business, and let’s talk numbers.”

KVtheWriter asked whether women feel pressure to be exceptional or perfect on the job, because of their gender.

“As soon as you choose to be exceptional, they expect you to not wanna be congratulated or to be more humble than they expect any man to be about it,” Beef said. “They think it’s inappropriate for you to be proud of yourself, push yourself and your brand. If you’re going to make me do so much better than everybody else, then I’m going to toot my own horn loudly cause I think that’s acceptable.”

Have there been any changes for women in the industry over the past 15 years?

While there hasn’t been much improvement in the gender pay gap between women and men, Caesar said more discussions like the panel, women standing up for themselves, and more women aiming for senior roles can improve women’s representation in music.

What resources and programs are available to young children, especially girls interested in a music career?

Lexxiiibeatz said she knows about some programs, particularly at the library, and she’s seen local artist and entrepreneur Aloha Mi’Sho help with the music and arts programs in elementary schools.

She wishes those programs existed in her younger years because she thought producing was impossible.

“I think there should be an elective in school where there’s a creative space that teaches you how to practice music and make beats,” Lexxiiibeatz said. “Those are good traits to have in general because you never know what career path you may go down. Having those core skills can help you do anything as long as there’s always a demand for it.”

Caesar recalled recently being on an all-women’s panel for middle school-aged girls. She said the number of young ladies interested in music who contacted her afterward was overwhelming.

“Seeing somebody who looks like you is mighty [for] young girls seeing you,” Caesar said.

Is it challenging to find mentors, or is it interested in women in the field?

Lexxiiibeatz found a mentor in Caesar after being introduced to her through her husband Wayne, her mixing instructor at the now-defunct Extreme Institute by Nelly.

“Being with Lydia exposes me to a lot because I’m her videographer,” Lexxiiibeatz said. “It’s really about how you market yourself and how your vibe is. I think that helps because you don’t know who you can [run] into or meet; you can get opportunities just by being a good person and a nice person.”

The panel concluded by asking what the women hope to see for women in music in the future.

“More women producers in St. Louis because I don’t like how we’re not in the forefront like we should be,” Lexxiiibeatz said. “We’re as good if not better than our male counterparts.”

Lexxiiibeatz is on YouTube, SoundCloud, Twitch, Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook. Beef is on social media under the name Beef Gratz 110. More information about Caesar is on her website, https://www.everythinglydia. com/. Search KVtheWriter on social media.

Our healthcare workers faced unexpected challenges in the last two years – and they faced their tasks with grace and courage. We’re proud to share their contributions with the community. Moreover, we are pleased to be able to gather again in person to honor them for their service.

Thursday, April 14, 2022 • Hilton St. Louis Frontenac

Reception: 11 am - 12 pm • Program: 12 pm - 1:30 pm

LIFETIME ACHIEVER IN HEALTH CARE

Vetta Sanders Thompson, Ph.D.

E. Desmond Lee Professor of Racial and Ethnic Diversity and Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity & Inclusion

Brown School, Washington University in St. Louis Co-Director, Center for Community Health Partnership & Research

Institute for Public Health at Washington University Associate Member, Siteman Cancer Center

STELLAR PERFORMER IN HEALTH CARE

Tifani Sanford, M.D.

Director of Clinical Services

Betty Jean Kerr People’s Health Centers

ST. LOUIS COUNTY CHILDREN’S SERVICE FUND

DR. JOHN M. ANDERSON EXCELLENCE IN MENTAL HEALTH AWARD

Yolanda Rodgers-Garvin

Students In-Transition and Foster Care Liaison, Ferguson-Florissant School District

Ketra Collins RN, Gateway Regional Hospital Marilyn Peaston Case Worker, City of St. Louis Health Resource Center

Angela Klocke BS, MPH, MSN, RN, Washington University School of Medicine and BJC Christian

Wilma Schmitz, MA Regional Liaison & Trainer, Missouri Connections for HealthCLAIM

Dr. Michelle Grimes Chief Nursing Officer, CareSTL Health

Ursula Wright, FNP Vice President, Clinical Care Redesign, Mercy

Dwight E. McLeod, DDS, MS Dean, Faculty Teacher, A.T. Still University-Missouri School of Dentistry & Oral Health

Religion

Gospel great LaShun Pace

passes away at 60

Christian Hall of Fame member

St. Louis American staff and NNPA

Award-winning gospel singer LaShun Pace has passed away, her management team confirmed. She was 60 years old. A date of her death was not shared.

Pace got her start performing with Grammy-nominated gospel group The Anointed Pace Sisters along with her sisters Duranice, Phyllis, June, Melonda, Dejuaii, Leslie, Latrice, and Lydia. Larry Reid of the online broadcast Larry Reid Live revealed the news via Twitter.

We have lost one of the baddest sopranos to ever walk this earth,” he tweeted Monday. “LaShun Pace one of the lead singers of The Pace Sisters has passed. The Pace Sisters recently lost their sister songbird Duranice Pace and Mom Pastor

Spiritually Speaking

You meant it for evil; God meant it for good

By Rev. Dr. Mary S. Minor

It looks like, as a people, we are going backwards instead of forward.

Our voting rights are at risk. The Senate won’t pass the John Lewis Voting Rights Act. Our history is being silenced. Our lives don’t matter.

You meant it for evil! God can turn it around for our good.

It’s time for good moral people to stand up for justice! It’s time to mobilize and build back better communities. It’s time to invest in our children.

It’s time to make changes in our lives. It’s time to stop killing one another. It’s time to live together in peace. It’s time to forgive, but never forget. It’s time to love.

We know that all things work together for good for those who

Betty Pace. Pray for them and all of us who will mourn this loss.”

Pace had been on dialysis for several years and was awaiting a kidney. She died of organ failure, her family said in a release.

The evangelist and singersongwriter was best known for her song “I Know I’ve Been Changed.”

Born Tarrian LaShun Pace, the Atlanta native emerged on the music scene in the early ’70s as a solo act but later joined her sisters.

The Anointed Pace Sisters’ albums included “It’s the Morning Time,” “In the Hands of God,” “U-Know, My Purpose,” “It’s Already Done,” “Return,” and “Access Granted.”

Her debut album, “He Lives” – which featured her best-known song “I Know I’ve Been Changed” — reached No. 2 on Billboard’s gospel charts in 1990. In 1996, her single “Act Like You Know” became

love God, who are called according to his purpose (Romans 8:28) The book of Genesis is a book of beginnings. The word genesis, in both the Hebrew and Greek means “in the beginning.”

Genesis is a book of beginnings that introduce central theme of the Bible — creation, birth, genealogy, and history of origin.

she discussed the death of her first daughter, Xenia, who died of a heart attack. Pace also had a brief appearance as the Angel of Mercy in the 1992 Steve Martin movie “Leap of Faith.”

The nine sisters made appearances in blockbuster movies such as The Fighting Temptations with Beyoncé Knowles and Cuba Gooding, Jr., and Tyler Perry’s Madea’s Family Reunion.

her second big hit and, in fact, became a TikTok trend in February 2022. The 2007 inductee of the Christian Hall of Fame was also known for “Right to Fight: Pride War” (2004), an album

Isaac; Isaac, who has two sons, Jacob and Esau, and Jacob, who has 12 sons, and one of them is Joseph.

Genesis is a book about relationships — God’s relationship with creation, God’s relationship with humanity, and God’s relationship with individual human beings. In Genesis, we meet Abram who later becomes Abraham, who has two sons Ishmael and

The life of Joseph is the main subject of chapters 37 – 50. The character of God is reflected in Joseph’s life. In the book of Genesis, you’ll notice many stories where the younger son is favored over the firstborn son. But the sovereign God selected whomever God wanted. God divinely chose these men. Somebody said, “Favor ain’t fair.”

But I disagree, because God, the creator of the universe and all therein, can use anyone God chooses. God is in control.

compilation “Look Up Sing Out” (2005), and video song “Bakermat ft. LaShun Pace: Ain’t Nobody.” (2021). In 2003, Pace published her autobiography, For My Good But For His Glory, in which

Joseph was Jacob’s favorite son and he adorned Joseph with an ornamented robe. Joseph was an annoying 17-year-old younger brother. He tattled on his brothers to their father.

Joseph was endowed with the gift of prophecy. He was a dreamer and could see into the future.

He foretold a time when he would rule over his brothers, sisters, father, and mother. His brothers hated him and were jealous of him for his dreams (Genesis 37:5-11). But Jacob kept the matter in his mind.

Her mother, pastor Betty Ann Pace, died on July 7, 2020, after being diagnosed with stage five kidney failure in 2018. Tyler Perry, who was good friends with LaShun Pace, granted her mother’s dying wish to become a homeowner in 2018. Her sister Duranice Pace died on Jan. 14, 2021, at 62-years-old of health complications that weren’t disclosed. Pace leaves behind her daughter, Aarion Pace Rhodes.

When Joseph was 30 years old, he was put in charge of Egypt as second in command to Pharaoh, only. Joseph predicted seven years of abundance and seven years of famine. He stored grain during the years of abundance. When the years of famine spread over the whole country, Joseph, now 39 years old, sold grain from the storehouses to the Egypt and Canaan. When Jacob heard that there was grain in Egypt, he sent his 10 sons there to purchase grain. Joseph’s brothers bowed down to him. Stop crying and complaining. Receive Christ! Only believe you are favored by God and know that God is faithful. God is working it out! God is working it out for your good!

The Rev. Mary S. Minor is Brookins-Kirkland Community AME Church senior pastor in Los Angeles. This edited commentary was originally published in the L.A. Sentinel.

Photo courtesy of Pace family Facebook

LaShun Pace

Guest Columnist Rev. Dr. Mary S. Minor

CONTRACT AND COMPLIANCE SPECALIST (PROGRAMMATIC)

This is an exempt position, responsible for the management of capital project construction, service, and goods contracts. The position will also ensure that these contracts comply with local, state, and federal rules and regulations governing contracts. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to: following federal procurement regulations to solicit bids, managing capital improvements projects through contract enforcement, planning and releasing solicitations for the procurement of construction services or professional consulting evaluation and awarding of bids, proposals and contracts and the processing of pay requests. Salary $50,000 Annually. Apply via our website www.slha.org. Position will be open until filled. A Drug Free Work Place/EOE.

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

EXECUTIVE ANALYST – TREATY REINSURANCE

Provide analysis support to the Executive Management Team (EMT), focusing specifically in areas of most interest to Treaty Reinsurance Underwriting management. Projects and initiatives may require involvement of multiple other departments.

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

CLOUD SOLUTION ARCHITECT

FULL-TIME, PART-TIME AND SEASONAL POSITIONS

Laumeier Sculpture Park is an internationally recognized, nonprofit arts organization, located in Sunset Hills, Missouri that operates in partnership with St. Louis County Parks. Laumeier has a variety of full-time, part-time and seasonal positions available. For more information www.laumeiersculpturepark. org/job-opportunities

Microsoft Corporation currently has the following openings in Saint Louis, MO (job opportunities available at all levels, e.g., Principal, Senior and Lead levels).

Cloud Solution Architect: Provide technical expertise & consumer insights to drive digital transformation. Telecommuting permitted ≥50%, but <100%/wk. https://jobs-microsoft.icims.com/jobs/27098/job

Multiple positions available. Some positions req travel and/or permit telecommuting. For details (if applicable), including job descriptions, minimum reqs, and how to apply, visit the website address listed. EOE.

SERVANT LEADER INTERN

Deaconess Foundation will sponsor a network of Children’s Defense Fund Freedom Schools® programs this summer. The seven-week program provides summer enrichment for children and families. College-age young adults and recent college graduates play a key role as facilitators in the CDF Freedom Schools program in the position of Servant Leader Intern (SLI).

The Servant Leader Intern’s primary responsibility is to supervise and maintain the safety of children. The Servant Leader Intern will facilitate daily literacy activities; manage classroom spaces; establish and maintain a supportive, structured environment; serve as Harambe leader, afternoon activities facilitator, and field trip chaperone. Starting salary range is $15.00 to $18.00 per hour.

To apply for this position, submit cover letter, resume and references, all as one document, at: https://deaconess.org/joinus

CITY OF CLAYTON HIRING FOR FULLTIME POSITIONS

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

NOW HIRING GIHC, LLC FOR HHA’S & CNA’S 833-205-CARE (2273)

EVENTS POSITION

The Gateway Arch Park Foundation is seeking t fill the following open, full-time position. Events Coordinator: Opportunity to work in public and private events! Position requires a bachelor’s degree and 2-3 years of relevant experience. View full job description and application process at www.archpark.org/ foundation/careers

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

AUCTION NOTICE

The following people are in debt to Gateway Storage Mall. The contents of their storage unit(s) will be sold at auction to compensate all or part of that debt.

Auction at the Dupo location will be held online with www.storageauctions.com on April 12th, 2022 at 10:00 AM. A cash deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids.

Gateway Storage-Dupo: 24–Kristal Higgerson, 65–James Kyle, 119–Dean Walthes, 141–Cody Bergman, 405–David Reese, 409–Christy Abernathy, 419–Justin Kruep.

Auction at the Columbia location will be held online with www.storageauctions.com on April 13th, 2022 at 10:00 AM. A cash deposit will be REQUIRED for all winning bids.

Gateway Storage-Columbia: 21– Matthew Tutor, 76–Eugene Boron, 184–Sherry Gogolek

For all rules, regulations and bidding process, please contact www.storageauctions.com . All other questions, please call 618-233-8995 or mail: 17 Royal Heights Center, Belleville, IL 62226.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Notice is hereby given that the Metropolitan St. Louis Sewer District Requests for Quotes, Bids and Proposals are posted online for public download. Please navigate to www.msdprojectclear.org

> Doing Business With Us

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

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

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for CONTRACT NO. F 22 402, Signage Replacement at St. Louis Community College at Forest Park Campus, until 2:00 p.m. local time Thursday March 31, 2022. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 5464 Highland Park, St. Louis, MO 63110-1314. Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314) 6449770.

PREBID MEETING: None

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

REQUEST FOR SEALED BID

The YWCA St. Louis Head Start Program is accepting sealed bid packages through 12:00 pm (noon), 3/31/22, for contract food services for the 2022-2023 school year. Bid packages may be received from and returned to: YWCA St. Louis Head Start Program, Business Office, 1770 Beltway Drive, St. Louis MO 63114. Any questions may be directed to Michelle TurnerWatson at (314) 427-4940 – ext. 1043. All bids will be publicly opened at same office on 4/4/22, YWCA Metro St. Louis reserves the right to reject any or all bids. An EOE.

INVITATION TO BID

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. requests bids for from qualified subcontractors for the following project:

Saint Louis University - Champions Center

For the following scopes of work:

Bid Package 02 – Earthwork, Concrete & Reinforcing, Structural Steel, Waterproofing, Glazing, Masonry, Roofing, Sheetmetal and Elevators

Bid Package 03 – Drywall & Ceilings, Flooring, Painting, Doors/Frames, Casework, Division 10 Specialties, Window Treatments, Kitchen Equipment

A Virtual Outreach Meeting will be held on Thursday, March 24 at 11:00 AM. Certified MBE/WBE/DBE subcontractors are encouraged to attend the Outreach to learn more about the project and forthcoming bid dates.

Contact: Jennifer Simpson at jsimpson@mccarthy.com or 314-919-2304 for more information and for virtual meeting access.

Prequalification is required and can be accessed at https://www.mccarthy.com/subcontractors

McCarthy Building Companies, Inc. is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer

LETTING #8743 CERVANTES CONVENTION CENTER EXPANSION AND MODERNIZATIONPROJECT 2

ST. LOUIS, MISSOURI

PROPOSALS will be received by the Board of Public Service until 1:45 pm, CT, on May 3, 2022, through the Bid Express online portal then publicly opened and read. Plans and Specifications may be examined on the Board of Public Service website http://www.stl-bps.org (BPS on line plan room) and may be purchased directly through the BPS website from INDOX Services at cost plus shipping. No refunds will be made.

A pre-bid conference for all contractors bidding on this project will be held on Wednesday, March 23, 2022 at 10:00 am at the America’s Center. Interested bidders are to enter through the security office at the southeast corner of the 9th St./Cole St. intersection and will be directed to the meeting room. All bidders are encouraged to attend.

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

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

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS (RFP)

Alberici Constructors and the Saint Louis Zoo seek bids from qualified construction firms to submit proposals for a project at the Saint Louis Zoo WildCare Park. The project consists of the construction of a 1,400 sqft utility building and approximately 2,000 lnft of associated site utilities. To request bid documents, please send an E-mail to stlzoobids@alberici.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

Great Rivers Greenway is soliciting electronic bids for construction of Brickline Greenway: Market Street: 20th-22nd (MLS: CENTENE Stadium) in the City of St. Louis, Missouri. Go to https://greatriversgreenway.org/ jobs-bids/ and submit by April 21,2022.

FERGUSONFLORISSANT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Is soliciting “Request for Quote” responses for Student Planners for the 22/23 school year and will be received until 1:00 PM (CST) on March 29, 2022. RFQ and information can be obtained from the district website at https://www. fergflor.org/domain/2531

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Parking Lot/Sidewalks/ ADA Compliance Rehabilitation, Missouri Lottery

H e a d q u a r t e r s , Jefferson City, MO Project No. N2101-01 will be received by F M D C , S t a t e of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 21, 2022. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Renovate Restrooms and Showers, Sedalia Readiness Center, S e d a l i a , M O , Project No. T214001 and Renovate R e s t r o o m s a n d S h o w e r s Whiteman Air Force Base –Readiness Center Knob Noster, MO, Project No. T213401 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 21, 2022. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

ORTHWEIN ANIMAL

NUTRITION

CENTER

PRODUCE RFP 2022

The Saint Louis Zoo seeks bids from qualified firms to submit proposals for Orthwein Animal Nutrition Center Produce RFP 2022. Bid documents are available as of 3/23/2022 on the Saint Louis Zoo website: stlzoo.org/vendor

St. Louis County Department of Human Services HOUSING URBAN DEVELOPMENTEMERGENCY SOLUTION GRANT FY2021 FUNDING

The St. Louis County Department of Human Services-Homeless Services Program is seeking proposals from suitably qualified entities to provide projects and programs that address the need for Street Outreach, Emergency Shelter, Homelessness Prevention, and Rapid Rehousing for St. Louis County individuals and families who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness. The total Housing Urban Development funding available for the Emergency Solution Grant FY2021 is $483,239.00.

Proposals are due on April 5, 2022 by 2:00 p.m. Central Time Request For Proposal details and specifications can be obtained at the St. Louis County Bids and RFPs webpage located at https://stlouiscountymo.gov/services/ request-for-bids-and-proposals/

Notice To Small (SBE), Disadvantaged (DBE), Minority (MBE), Women’s (WBE), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOB) & Veteran Owned (VOB) Businesses Advertisement River City Construction, L.L.C., 6640 American Setter Drive, Ashland, Missouri 65010, (573) 657-7380 (Phone) (573) 657-7381 (Fax) Is Seeking Qualified Small, Disadvantaged, Minority, Women’s, Service Disabled Veteran Owned & Veteran Owned Businesses For The Design Build Project For The Missouri University of Science and Technology General Services Building, Rolla, Missouri; Project No: RC000211. All interested and qualified SBE, DBE, WBE, SDVOB, AND VOB General Construction and Subcontractors businesses should contact, in writing, (certified letter, return receipt requested) Joe Seymour to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed prior to the bid opening date 4/12/2022 @ 2:00 P.M. Proposals will be evaluated in order on the basis of low responsive bid received. CERTIFICATION OF DBE/WBE/MBE/SDVOB/VOB STATUS MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH BID. BID DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED BY:

1) Email your company name, contact name and phone number, as well as the project you are interested in to bid@rccllc.com

2) You will then receive an email invitation for that project with a link to our SmartBidNet system.

Notice To Small (SBE), Disadvantaged (DBE), Minority (MBE), Women’s (WBE), Service Disabled Veteran Owned (SDVOB) & Veteran Owned (VOB) Businesses Advertisement River City Construction, L.L.C., 6640 American Setter Drive, Ashland, Missouri 65010, (573) 657-7380 (Phone) (573) 657-7381 (Fax) Is Seeking Qualified Small, Disadvantaged, Minority, Women’s, Service Disabled Veteran Owned & Veteran Owned Businesses For The University of Missouri – Vl Demolish Bldgs For Strategic Space Reduction, (CP219051) Columbia, Missouri: for subcontracting opportunities in the following areas: building and site demolition, excavation, paving, earthwork, asbestos, HVAC, electrical, utilities. All interested and qualified SBE, DBE, WBE, SDVOB, AND VOB businesses should contact, in writing, (certified letter, return receipt requested) Justin Beaty or Joe Seymour to discuss the subcontracting opportunities. All negotiations must be completed

WITH BID. BID DOCUMENTS MAY BE OBTAINED BY:

1) Email your company name, contact name and phone number, as well as the project you are interested in to bid@rccllc.com

2) You will then receive an email invitation for that project with a link to our SmartBidNet system.

NOTICE REGARDING FAMILY COURT COMMISSIONER VACANCY –JUVENILE DIVISION

TO ALL ATTORNEYS RESIDING IN ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MISSOURI

The Circuit Court of St. Louis County, Missouri, announces that it is soliciting candidates for the position of Family Court Commissioner (Juvenile Division) of the Circuit Court of St. Louis County.

The Circuit and Associate Circuit Judges en banc will make the appointment for a term of (4) years at an annual salary of an associate circuit judge, payable by the State of Missouri.

Missouri law requires the Family Court Commissioner to possess the same qualifications as a circuit judge, including those set forth in the Missouri Constitution, Article V, Section 21, to wit, they must be qualified voters of the state for the three years preceding their selection, residents of St. Louis County, Missouri for at least one year, at least thirty years old, licensed to practice law in Missouri; and possess all other qualifications as required by law. (See Chapter 487 R S Mo.)

Questionnaires and Candidate Instructions may be obtained from Ben Burkemper, Family Court Administrator, 501 S. Brentwood Boulevard, Clayton, Missouri, 63105, or on the Court’s web page at https://stlouisco.com/ LawandPublicSafety/CircuitCourt. Completed questionnaires are to be submitted in writing to Ben Burkemper, Family Court Administrator, 501 S. Brentwood Boulevard, Clayton, Missouri 63105, or via email to Ben. Burkemper@courts.mo.gov on or before 5:00 p.m. Monday, February 15, 2016. The appointment is scheduled to take place upon a vote of the Court en banc on March 9, 2016

St. LouiS american Bids & Public Notices

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Change in Scope, Rebid, Repair Building

Exterior, Project No.

will

by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 28, 2022 For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http:// oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids

Rebid - HVAC Repairs, Multiple Assets, Missouri

Project No. R211001, will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/7/2022 via M

. Bidders must be registered to bid. For specific project information, go to: http://oa.mo.gov/ facilities

SEALED BIDS

Bids for Change of Scope Rebid Replace HVAC Barracks Camp Derricotte, Project No. X2115-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, April 19, 2022. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

INVITATION FOR EQUIPMENT BIDS

East-West Gateway Council of Governments is seeking bids for ballistic helmets, confined space rescue harnesses and tactical headsets. Bids are due 04/14/2022. Funding is provided by the U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security. D/S/W/MBEs are encouraged to submit bids. Find details at www.ewgateway.org

Cahills Construction, Inc. seeks subcontract proposals from Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) and or Veteran Supplier Diversity, with Service Disabled Veteran Owned Business (SDVE) for:

Project: #RC000425

Medium Voltage Research Lab Project 500 W. 16th St. Rolla, MO 66401

• To view plans and specifications electronically at no charge from: http://www.adsplanroom.net

• To request an invite for a Link to the plans and specifications please email or call: bids@cahillsconstruction.com or 573-426-5305

Subcontractor bids are due by 1:00 p.m. on March 16, 2022

Bids can be emailed to bids@cahillsconstruction.com or faxed to 573-362-3562

If you have any questions: 573-426-5305

PUBLISHER’S NOTICE:

Advertised herein is subject to the Federal Fair Housing Act, which makes it illegal to advertise any preference, imitation, or discrimination because of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial\status, or national origin, or intention to make any such preference, limitation, or discrimination.

“We will not knowingly accept any advertising for real estate which is in violation of the law. All persons are hereby informed that all dwellings advertised are available on an equal opportunity basis.” Call Angelita Houston at 314-289-5430 or email ahouston@stlamerican.com to place your ads

Continued from C1

do with others’ expectations of what we should look like and be like. When in all of my life had I ever been happy with my hair? Watching it grow back I felt a great tenderness for it. I didn’t want to take it for granted.”

Summer Brooks provided additional context while discussing the inspiration behind her piece entitled “Crown,” a spray foam figure that uses Black hair and Black culture to represent royalty.

“There are still so many conversations about Black hair politics and whether our [natural] hair is deemed appropriate for workplace and professional settings,” Brooks said. “As Black women and Black culture, we often struggle with self-worth. We see ourselves as less-than sometimes because we are constantly being told that our skin is too dark and that we should straighten our hair. But ‘Crown’ is basking in our beauty. It represents the magical sensation of what taking down your braids or wearing your afro feels like.”

“Hair is a form of adornment I tend to focus on a lot as it has been important to me ever since I can remember,” said artist Jada Patterson. “It is something that has taken up a lot of my time and energy – whether I was sitting between someone’s

SLSO

Continued from C1

Gershwin). This symphony has no piano though it has a celesta. Rachmaninoff provides so many memorable opportunities for musicians in this symphony. If there is a standout section in the ensemble, it would be the strings, which vary between lush and romantic, bright and

legs for hours getting my hair done or dreaming up and/or researching the next style that I wanted.”

She shared the experience of getting her first silk press for her fifth-grade graduation and her friend telling her that she should get a relaxer.

“I remember going home to my Italian mother and begged her to let me relax my hair and how she let me do it before

intense, and percussive and plucked. Concertmaster David Halen enjoyed some emotive features on violin.

Throughout, the woodwinds provided a warm, soothing midrange to the strings. Rachmaninoff pairs the harp with horns and then with flutes. He also uses percussion to dramatic effect, with a snare drum, cymbals, and tambourine piercing the melodies. No composer has made better use of the humble tambourine than Rachmaninoff.

sixth grade – not knowing better,” Patterson said.

After deciding to grow her hair back to its natural state, she was teased by cousins for wearing a chemically damaged afro.

“I started flat ironing my hair to get rid of the kinks that I was trying to love,” Patterson said. “Eventually I threw all of that thinking away, thank God. I started to fall in love with my coils – tangled and all.”

I happened to see Thibaudet report for work at Powell Hall shortly before the program started. He had a light, easy step, as if looking forward to the program and his role in it. Let’s hope we see him on the streets and stages of St. Louis again soon.

Former managing editor Chris King is now The American’s classical music reporter.

Photo courtesy of Summer Brooks

‘Crown’ by Summer Brooks. Spray foam, terracotta, resin, mica powder, gold leaf, 21x21x5 inches.