March 29th, 2018 Edition

50 years after the murder of MLK

Activists look back on 1968 – and connect it to 2018

By Rebecca Rivas

Of The St. Louis American

Yolanda Renee King, the 9-year-old granddaughter of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and Coretta Scott King, told about 800,000 people at the March for Our Lives in Washington, D.C. that she had a dream – not far from where her grandfather said those same words in 1963.

“My grandfather had a dream that his four little children would not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character,” she said at the March 24 event.

“I have a dream that enough is enough. That

n “If you would have asked us, the reason Dr. King was murdered was that he was coming to the conclusion that America was bankrupt.”

– Mike Jones

this should be a gun-free world. Period.”

The march was estimated to be the largest demonstration in the capital’s history, and

hundreds of thousands of students across the country and throughout the world also mobilized in their own cities.

“I just don’t know how to express how that made me feel – his granddaughter speaking out about gun violence,” said Damen Alexander Jr., a St. Louis University High School junior and a core organizer for St. Louis’ march of about 15,000 on Saturday. “It was amazing.”

The call to action from this student-led movement was clear. This generation –which is the as-yet-unnamed generation after

A century of service

Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis honors rich history with eye

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Seconds after Centene Corporation CEO and National Urban League Board Chair Michael Neidorff’s prerecorded message of congratulatory remarks – with regrets that he would be unable to attend the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis’ Centennial Gala on Saturday, March 24 – he made his way to the podium. The audience was perplexed – until he provided a few additional remarks.

“My wife and I are celebrating our 41st wedding anniversary tonight,” Neidorff said. “But this event is so important that we have to be here.”

According to Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis President and CEO Michael McMillan, the entire region shared Neidorff’s sentiments.

n “If it hadn’t been for the Urban League, I would probably still be out here looking for jobs –and not knowing what to say in interviews.”

– Sheldon Brown

“I want to thank each and every one of you for making this the largest Urban League banquet we have ever had,” McMillan said. “More than 1,350 came out to share this special evening with us.”

The gala had star power in the form of Oscar-, Tony- and Emmy-winning actress Viola Davis as keynote speaker and

on the future

Grammy-nominated R&B singer Eric Benet as post-program entertainment.

“For 100 years this Urban League has been working to answer the call for change and to eliminate the disease of poverty,” Davis said. “You’ve been there for those who say, ‘Give me what I need and I can show you my potential.’”

But – aside from the show-stealing Urban League Head Start Choir’s performance that blended Burt Bacharach’s “What the World Needs Now” and Nas’ “I Can” – the institution itself was the main attraction.

“You’ve responded time and time and time again,” National Urban League CEO Marc Morial said of the top-rated affiliate in the nation during his prerecorded remarks. “And each time you’ve responded with force and passion.”

Linda Brown Thompson passes at 75

American staff

Linda Brown Thompson, who as a little girl was at the center of the Brown v. Board of Education case that ended segregation in American public schools, passed away Sunday, March

By Rebecca Rivas

n “Winter time can be worse for seniors. They shouldn’t be exposed to cold temperatures.”

– Dr. James Knight, Heat-Up St. Louis board vice chairman

Photo by Wiley Price

Members of the Head Start Children’s Choir Jayden Howard, Davion Thorpe, Reagan Anderson, Jayda Fayne and Neya Brook gave the sold out crowd at the 100th Urban League gala something to talk about March 24.

See MLK, A7

Linda Brown Thompson

Toxicology report allegedly links death of Prince to fentanyl

Several sources are reporting that a confidential toxicology report obtained by The Associated Press points to an overdose of painkiller fentanyl as the possible cause of death of music star Prince.

Experts who are not connected to the Prince investigation said the numbers leave no doubt that fentanyl killed him.

“The amount in his blood is exceedingly high, even for somebody who is a chronic pain patient on fentanyl patches,” Dr. Lewis Nelson, chairman of emergency medicine at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School told USA Today. He called the fentanyl concentrations “a pretty clear smoking gun.”

The report allegedly says the concentration of fentanyl in Prince’s blood was 67.8 micrograms per liter – and explains that fatalities have been documented in people with blood levels ranging from three to 58 micrograms per liter.

In addition, sources also claim the report

says the level of fentanyl in Prince’s liver was 450 micrograms per kilogram, and notes that liver concentrations greater than 69 micrograms per kilogram “seem to represent overdose or fatal toxicity cases.”

PBS and Tavis Smiley to take their fight to court

In September 2017, Tavis Smiley’s talk show was taken off PBS after multiple misconduct accusations the network said was “inconsistent with the values and standards of PBS.”

Last month, Smiley filed a lawsuit claiming that the network fabricated sexual harassment claims to get him off the air.

Last week, PBS issued a statement denying Smiley’s claims – and according to TMZ.com, they followed up by firing back with a suit of their own.

“PBS filed its suit Friday in Washington, DC claiming Smiley engaged in a pattern of sexual misconduct over years. The network hired an investigator after Smiley was initially suspended when employees made claims,” TMZ said. “In the suit, PBS says it discovered

Smiley had multiple sexual encounters with subordinates, made unwanted sexual advances and commented on subordinates’ body parts. In its suit, PBS is seeking $1.9 million in salary it says it paid Smiley for two seasons.”

More Tiffany Haddish tea on Beyoncé sets the internet ablaze

A few weeks after she shared a Beyoncé story that went viral on TV One’s “Uncensored,” actress/comedienne Tiffany Haddish once again has the world guessing about a close encounter with Queen Bey.

The actress told GQ she met Beyoncé last December, while at a party in Los Angeles also attended by the superstar singer’s rapper/ mogul husband Jay-Z.

According to Haddish, there was an actress at said party who was “doing the Haddish said she witnessed Beyoncé grab her husband and storm off.

“They went to the back of the room. I was like, ‘What just happened?’” Haddish said. “And Beyoncé’s friend walked up and was like, ‘Can you believe this [b-word expletive] just bit Beyoncé?’” Haddish said she was ready to knuckle up on

behalf of the pop diva.

“I’m going to beat somebody [expletive] at your party,” Haddish said she told Beyoncé. “I just want to let you know that.” She said Beyoncé asked her not to and told her to “have fun” instead. Later Haddish said the superstar confirmed to her that she had indeed been bitten at which point Haddish once again offered to fight her.

“[Beyoncé] was like, ‘Tiffany, no. Don’t do that. That [expletive] is on drugs. She not even drunk. The [expletive] is on drugs. She not like that all the time. Just chill,’” Haddish said.

Jesse Williams and soon-to-be ex reach joint custody deal

Last year, actor Jesse Williams filled for joint physical custody of his two children with estranged wife Aryn Drake Lee after accusing her of restricting his visitation. According to E! News, the former couple, who called it quits last April after five years of marriage, have been granted joint custody of their two kids. The 36-year-old actor will reportedly get custody of his children every other weekend, two days each week, as well as on Father’s Day. Lee had been seeking full legal and physical custody.

Sources: USA Today, TMZ.com, People. com, E! News, GQ

Racial disparity in military justice process must be addressed

By Ben Crump Guest columnist

The military is one of our nation’s most revered and essential institutions, filled with courageous men and women who willingly sacrifice so much for our nation’s greater good. It is a point of pride among African Americans that black soldiers have served in the military since the American Revolution and the War of 1812 – long before they were even recognized in law as fullfledged people.

So I was particularly touched to be selected as recipient of an award given in the name of one of the first true black military heroes, Colonel Charles Young. Born in neutral Kentucky while the Civil War was still raging, Charles Young in 1889 became only the third African American to graduate from West Point and, later, the first black U.S. national park superintendent and first African American to achieve the rank of colonel in the U.S. Army. We also share a brotherhood through the same fraternity, Omega Psi Phi.

In March, the Charles Young Buffalo Soldiers National Monument will mark his 154th birthday, where it will be my great fortune to receive the Trailblazer Award. This will be presented during festivities at the National Afro-American Museum and Cultural Center in Ohio. Every award, every honor, is something to be cherished. But it is particularly humbling to be recognized in the name of such a trailblazer. I have spent my career working to bring justice to African Americans and all people of color, just as Colonel Young spent his life dispelling common myths about what blacks were capable of — or, more accurately, what most folks figured they were not

capable of. In Colonel Young’s day, it was simply an accepted fact that blacks would not receive the same kind of opportunity as their white counterparts.

For example, Colonel Young was denied becoming the first black general of the military, even though he was more than qualified, simply because white superior officers did not want to take orders from a black general. They claimed that he

whole citizens.

In the end, Colonel Young died 26 years before President Harry Truman issued an executive order officially ending racial segregation in the military. At least, that was the idea. The reality is that racism continues to infest all branches of our military, even if more subtly.

The nonprofit advocacy group Protect Our Defenders carefully examined almost 10

n The reality is that racism continues to infest all branches of our military, even if more subtly.

was not medically fit to receive such a promotion – in true Colonel Young fashion, he rode his horse over 100 miles to prove his fitness for duty.

Just like Colonel Young, the Buffalo Soldiers heroically showed just what black soldiers were capable of contributing through hard work, dedication and service at a time when half the country did not want to even acknowledge they were

years of data to identify racial disparity in the military. Not surprisingly, they found it in abundance. Their report last year found that across every branch, black service members are as much as 2.5 times more likely to face military justice or disciplinary action than their white counterparts.

“Military leadership has been aware of significant racial disparity in its justice process

Ben Crump with portrait of Colonel Charles Young

Researching ways to help young people

Jason

Q. Purnell of

For the Sake of All – through the eyes of a young person

By Jyana Booker Of Academy Journalism

Jason Q. Purnell is a professor of psychology at Washington University in St. Louis. He was born in St. Louis, Missouri on Thanksgiving Day, November 25, 1976.

for years, and has made no apparent effort to find the cause of the disparity or remedy it,” the organization declared. The report also showed that the problem was progressively getting worse, not better.

The example of men like Charles Young show us that people of color can endure, and even thrive, within the nation’s military despite a culture of racism, whether official or otherwise. But it’s equally clear that people of color should not have to overcome such a challenge, in the military and in society in general.

I am committed to doing everything within my power to see that the oppressed find justice wherever possible. That is why it is such a tremendous honor to be recognized in Colonel Young’s name.

It is time for our nation to live up to the promise that Charles Young saw when he looked at America.

Ben Crump is a nationally known civil rights attorney and advocate, and is the founder and principal of Ben Crump Law, www.bencrump.com.

His mom, Betty Purnell, was a teacher at Pierre Laclede Elementary School, now Pierre Laclede Junior Career Academy. The principal at the time was Buella Brooks, and she was like a grandmother to him. His mom demanded excellence from her students and son when she was a teacher. He once was sitting on his mother’s lap and had an accident, right in the middle of school.

After graduating from Saint Louis University High School, he went to Harvard University to get his bachelor’s degree in government and philosophy. He earned a Master of Public Health from the University of Rochester and a PhD in counseling psychology from Ohio State University. He did not stop school until he was in what he called “the 23rd grade.”

He is married with two children, ages 6 and 8. His wife Amanda works for the St. Louis VA Medical Center as an innovation specialist.

Purnell said he went to school so he could research ways to help young people and make a difference in their lives.

“I believe that to whom much is given, much is expected,” he said. “I had a truly blessed childhood and

wonderful parents. I want every child to grow up loved, supported, and prepared for all of the opportunities that life holds for them.” He is currently working on building a health program that is called For the Sake of All, dedicated to “improving the health and well-being of African Americans in St. Louis and why it matters for everyone.” For more information, visit https:// forthesakeofall.org. Academy Journalism is a partnership between The St. Louis American and St. Louis Public Schools founded by DaMaris White, principal of Pierre Laclede Junior Career Academy, where Megan M. O’Brien runs the program with a staff of volunteers organized by The American.

Photo by Megan M. O’Brien

Jason Q. Purnell, a professor of psychology at Washington University in St. Louis and lead researcher of For the Sake of All, with Jyana Booker, a reporter in the Academy Journalism club at Pierre Laclede Junior Career Academy.

Editorial /CommEntary

MLK reminds us: the problem is poverty

It is sad, yet fitting, that Linda Brown Thompson, the namesake plaintiff in the transformative 1954 Brown vs. Board of Education U.S. Supreme Court case, passed away at age 75 as we were anticipating the epochal 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. on this coming Wednesday, April 4. Brown Thompson was a defining symbol of school desegregation in the United States, and Dr. King gave his life leading the fights, not only for racial integration, but also to end the bloody and ideologically toxic war in Vietnam and – at the very end of his 39-yearlong life— to elevate the poor and working poor, regardless of race. Let us not forget that, having helped to lead some major victories in civil rights, Dr. King had turned his indomitable will towards demilitarization and what we now might call class equity at the time he was murdered.

The legacies of Brown Thompson and Dr. King haunt us in 2018 when the United States suffers from intra-national and international dangers and humiliations that would have shocked even a child of Jim Crow America like MLK, who was beaten (while colleagues were murdered) for protesting civil injustice and whose mighty heart and fierce resolve were stopped by a white supremacist assassins’ bullet. As we reach a half-century of mourning this great man, an apologist for white supremacy is the sitting president of the United States, his new director of national security is an unhinged warmonger who would make Henry Kissinger look like the Dalai Lama, and his secretary of education is a know-nothing oligarch bent on privatizing – that is to say, removing from the protections of the U.S Constitution— the public schools that Brown Thompson and her fellow students forced to desegregate.

As we remember and mourn a woman who was, in effect, a legal activist for school reform as a small child and a man who first emerged as a civil rights leader in his mid-twenties, young people are in the streets once again, trying to challenge the status quo in this country. We believe the examples of Brown Thompson and Dr. King provide a cautionary perspective and valuable guidance for the new youth movement of 2018. Brown Thompson, the other children of Brown, and the NAACP desegregated access to public schools, but that did little to further equity in resources for education in this country. No one can prevent a black child legally from attending a public school now, but most of our black children attend our most impoverished schools, which struggle against formidable obstacles to prepare them for an economy where more and more jobs require increasingly sophisticated skills. And, whatever righteous anger mass murders at schools may instantly (and understandably) ignite, black youth die in

large numbers by gun violence every day – many by police officers who swore to protect them. If the current youth movement succeeds in its noble effort to force reform in our gun laws, that won’t do anything to address our massive economic disparities or to alleviate poverty. It would become more difficult to kill a mass of students in six minutes at one affluent school, but poor kids will still drop out of under-resourced public schools – or graduate unskilled and, in too many cases, functionally illiterate – into an economy that does not need them, and they will continue to die young by gun violence in horrific numbers.

The message – which Dr. King was proclaiming when a white supremacist from Alton, Illinois assassinated him 50 years ago – is America needs greater economic equity. The last thing we need is a new tax code that makes the super-rich more rich and leaves the poor just as poor and with even fewer social protections from the pathological effects of poverty. The new, brash student movement has challenged the older generations, saying American democracy is like a piece of technology that they need to show us how to use. Let’s see. If their movement is sustainable and these students manage to reinvigorate our threatened democracy, they must not stop at gun reform. As Aristotle taught us, guns are not the father of crime or violence – ultimately, poverty is. The problem we ultimately must fix to save our democracy is the problem of poverty.

Of course, recognizing the primacy of the problem of poverty does not absolve the nation from addressing the racial inequity and (especially from the party of Trump) the xenophobia that hinder us in an increasingly diverse and globalized world. This inexorably multiracial and multicultural nation cannot endure unless it rises to the challenges of globalism, increasing technological sophistication, and its own divided citizenry that is being torn further apart by the current administration’s policies.

The American endorses …

On Tuesday, April 3, Missouri will have a General Municipal Election, in which The St. Louis American makes the following endorsements:

• Laverne Mitchom for Ferguson City Council, Ward 2

• Doris Graham for St. Louis Community College trustee

• Patricia Washington for University City School District director

• Matthew Schindler for Parkway School District – in particular, not the self-described Confederate, Jeanie Ames.

The lack of black teachers is an equity issue

By Nate Bowling Guest columnist

I spent most of my first year of grad school sitting in the back row of class with my hood up. There were nearly 40 of us in the cohort. Two were black. My hoodie was an act of silent dissent. Today, I completely understand when my students want to do the same, even with me in front of the room. Academia and public schools are spaces where people of color often feel underrepresented, unwelcome and unheard.

From third grade through high school, I was a student in a series of neighborhood public schools. Afterward, I went to community college and then on to a public liberal arts college where I earned my bachelor’s and eventually my master’s degree. Each phase in my educational journey shared two characteristics: the further I progressed, the fewer black and brown classmates I had. As I progressed, regardless of the demographics of the student population, the faculty and administrators were uniformly nearly all white. That needs to change.

An organization I am part of, the National Network of State Teachers of the Year, recently released videos designed to provoke conversations that will lead to this kind of change. Called Courageous Conversations About Race in Schools, the videos provide an effective starting point for real discussions that should be happening in schools –particularly in colleges and universities – across this country.

Research tells us that upwards of 80 percent of U.S. teachers are white. Different research tells us that nearly 80 percent of teachers are female. Obviously, those Venn diagrams overlap in a largely white and female workforce.

At the same time, because of higher birth rates among immigrant populations and the “mysterious phenomenon” of disproportionately high numbers of white children in private schools, the majority of the population of students in public school are students of color, and those numbers are headed even higher, based on enrollment numbers in lower grades.

Schools systems need to do a better job of attracting and retaining effective teachers of color. Students of color need to see more people of color in positions of expertise and authority, and teachers need to be conversant and literate in the cultural traditions that are present in their classrooms. None of these statements should be controversial.

The lack of representation is an equity issue, and to resolve it we can look to lessons elsewhere in our society.

During the Vietnam War the

As I See It - A Forum for Community Issues

Child endangerment, Mike Jones and education pluralism

By Brian Murphy For The St. Louis American

In a recent column, Missouri State Board of Education member Mike Jones attacked the school choice movement as “unhinged libertarians who want to dismantle the public infrastructure that makes civil society possible.”

Mike Jones is my friend and is one of the first people I spoke with as I sought guidance on the question of how to better prepare our children to meet the challenges of a rapidly evolving job market and society. I understand his passion for this subject and completely agree with him that we cannot continue to see our children and others across this nation be permanently locked into failing educations systems that have not functioned well for decades.

As the board president of the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri (CEAM), Missouri’s most effective school choice advocacy organization, I believe that Jones is fundamentally wrong on the issue of school choice.

That being said, I believe that Jones is dead right on a number of other arguments he makes in his “Public education and child endangerment” column.

Mr. Jones is absolutely correct that any child should be able to go to any (not just any public) school in metropolitan districts. Jones is also correct that public education is in desperate need of deep structural reform for students of all races and demographic backgrounds. This is particularly true for children of color in Missouri and across our nation.

That is why CEAM has

spent years helping families in districts like Normandy and Riverview Gardens fight for their right to attend a quality school. Our organization even went so far as to sue the very board that Jones serves on to ensure that those rights were upheld.

As a member of the state Board of Education, Jones knows that in Missouri, only 67 percent of our school children are proficient in English language arts and less than 50 percent are proficient in math. One in 10 Missouri public school students is trapped in an underperforming school that, by the state’s own evaluation program, would receive a letter grade of C, D or F. Most of the latter are located in the urban centers of St. Louis and Kansas City. I agree with Jones that continuing to ignore these horrible statistics makes our society guilty of child endangerment.

That is why we hope he, and our state, will give serious consideration to the idea of education pluralism – the idea that a mosaic of diverse schools can be funded and regulated by the state, but not necessarily delivered by our outdated district school system.

This is not a radical idea.

In fact, it is the norm in most democratic countries and has had great success in some forward-thinking cities across our own country, including New Orleans, Washington, D.C., Denver, Indianapolis, and

Letters to the editor

Emergency visits should be covered Anthem announced that they would evaluate emergency room visits after the fact to determine whether the visit was necessary and will be covered. This means that if an Anthem customer visits the emergency room and their condition ends up being diagnosed at nonemergent, Anthem can deny coverage.

Pentagon realized that majority brown platoons of soldiers and Marines wouldn’t take life-or-death orders from a uniformly white officer corps. The Pentagon thus underwent an intentional effort to diversify the officer corps. Since then, the Pentagon has submitted amicus curiae briefs in every major affirmative action case before the U.S. Supreme Court because they understand that representation matters.

In my neck of the woods the numbers are especially grim: There are only about 800 black teachers in all of Washington State. In my 12-year teaching career, I have never worked with another black male general education teacher. There’s no reason for me to be alone. We see talented students of color all over higher education because universities know how to recruit them. As Jeff Duncan-Andrade said, “Look at any college football or basketball team and tell me colleges don’t know how to recruit black talent. When I was a kid I thought Georgetown was an HBCU.”

But it can’t just be student athletes. We need to bring in students who can increase teacher diversity. It’s imperative – and it’s well within our power.

Nate Bowling is a high school government teacher in Tacoma, Washington, who was named the 2016 Washington State Teacher of the year and a finalist for National Teacher of the Year. His blog is called A Teacher’s Evolving Mind.

As a survivor of cardiac arrest, I am concerned that policies like this could discourage people from seeking emergency care when they experience the symptoms of a heart attack or stroke –conditions where minutes can mean the difference between life and death. In moments of emergency, a patient’s only concern should be their health, not their insurance coverage.

For decades, the American Heart Association has worked to educate people on the importance of calling 911 and seeking immediate medical attention. I worry that this policy will undermine those efforts and lead to lives lost to heart disease and stroke due to lack of treatment.

I implore the state Senate to approve Missouri Senate Bill 982, making insurance companies cover emergency treatment, even when the diagnosis proves non-emergent. I urge all Missourians to contact lawmakers to express concern on the impact the Anthem policy could have. You can also text MOHEALTH to 46839 to take action.

Mary Smith, Wentzville

Let’s get busy!

The U.S. has anointed Marvel Comic black icon of fictional superpower, Black Panther. Hopefully this fiction will stimulate the making of dramatic movies about real icons of African-American achievement.

For decades America’s white

Springfield, Massachusetts. We have even seen that it can happen right here in St. Louis and Kansas City.

When given the freedom to use innovative education models, schools like the Biome Schools, Northside Community School, University Academy, and Academie Lafayette have made lasting differences in their communities.

We believe that expanding access to schools like these is part of the structural reform our education system so badly needs. We do not want to destroy public education. We just want to make sure that every child has the ability to attend a good school that meets their needs, whether those needs be based on pedagogical instruction styles, religious beliefs, special interests, or physical needs.

We should create true equity and join the rest of the world in giving parents and students, regardless of race or income, the freedom to choose the school that works best for them and give them the means to, as Paulo Freire writes, “deal critically with reality and discover how to participate in the transformation of their world.” Jones and I have some disagreements about how to do this. However, I am certain that both of us would welcome more passionate voices from our community to demand a better educational product for our children. This effort demands a sense of urgency. Our society is moving too fast and will leave behind those children who become adults and are not prepared.

Brian A. Murphy is board president of the Children’s Education Alliance of Missouri.

letters are edited for length and style.

ruling class propagandized, professed, and proclaimed they were the authors of America. Before Hidden Figures, the film and television industries were quick to pause when presented ideas for biopics of exceptional African Americans who supplied America’s Industrial Revolution, whose accomplishments excel or comparable to the works of white visionaries like John Nash, Alan Turning, Stephen Hawking, Oliver Sacks, Alfred Kinsey, Robert Oppenheimer, Ada Lovelace and Steve Jobs.

Except for a few biographical movies like Mandela and Malcolm X , most AfricanAmerican biopics have been about entertainers and sports figures.

Every day, people regard the green, yellow, and red traffic signal; eat food delivered to their local grocer in refrigerated trucks; and in the spring they

roll out rotary lawn mowers never thinking or knowing that “colored” men invented all three, plus scores of other consumer and industrial products. Since the 1938 theatrical film on George Washington Carver (black America’s original and most revered icon of achievement), stories and books about this “wizard of Tuskegee” who “talked to flowers” seem to have been moved to children’s libraries. This brilliant botanist/scientist redeemed the U.S. Southern economy! Was hallowed around the world! Our little brown children ought to be made aware of the magnificent historical work of their visionary forefathers through dramatic television miniseries and theatrical movies. Let’s get busy!

Mr. Will, Raleigh, NC

Guest Columnist Brian Murphy

Columnist Nate Bowling

Girl Scouts and robots at the Capitol

The Robotic Agency, a Girl Scout of Eastern Missouri’s FIRST Lego League team, attended STEM Day at the Capitol to showcase their STEM-related accomplishments on March 1. The team, made up of fourth graders from the Ferguson-Florissant School District, demonstrated how to prevent pollution; showed off a robot they designed and built; met with public officials; and educated event participants about the STEM opportunities available through Girl Scouts. STEM is one of Girl Scouts of Eastern Missouri’s three programmatic focus areas, along with Money Management and Health.

Free teacher training on conservation education

The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) invites K-2 teachers to an upcoming workshop that will provide free training on improving conservation education in their classrooms, home-school classes, or youth groups. The Discover Nature Schools: Nature Unfolds workshop will take place on Friday, March 30, from 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. at the MDC St. Louis Regional Office at the August A. Busch Memorial Conservation Area, 2360 Highway D in St. Charles.

This workshop will prepare educators to teach Nature Unfolds, the hands-on, standards-based unit for grades K-2. Teacher’s guides and classroom sets of student guides and science notebooks are provided for free, and eligible schools can receive noncompetitive grants for field experiences and classroom materials that support Nature Unfolds. Space is limited and participants must register by March 27 to ensure enough supplies.

MDC’s Discover Nature Schools program provides no-cost curriculum units to teachers and schools in the state of Missouri. Curriculum units are available for preschool through 12th grade and are aligned with current Missouri Learning Standards. To register for the workshop, visit https://goo.gl/4o6sdm For more information, contact Kim Cole at Kim.Cole@mdc.mo.gov or 636-300-1953, ext. 4126 or visit https://mdc.mo.gov/ education

Hazelwood Schools hosts Community Forum

The Hazelwood School District Board of Education will hold a Community Forum 6-7:30 p.m. Thursday, April 12 at Hazelwood Central High School Library, 15875 New Halls Ferry Rd. in Florissant. The forum will be a panel style discussion, consisting of Superintendent Nettie Collins-Hart and three school board members, moderated by a member of the Hazelwood PTA Council. If you have questions, please email info@hazelwoodschools.org.

Ferguson still needs leadership on City Council

By Laverne Mitchom For The St. Louis American

Growing up in East St. Louis, my parents, teachers, and community prepared me for leadership. Throughout my life, I have exercised leadership in my professional career and in my home life. In my career, I have led as an educator, social worker, and as a career counselor with the St. Louis Desegregation Program, where I served for 30 years until retiring in 2014. At home, I led my family alongside my husband of almost 45 years, Clyde, raising two successful and productive adults who are leaders in their homes and in service to their communities.

In the summer of 2014, I was retired and happily spending my days with Clyde and my grandchildren. Then, in August, Michael Brown was killed. After months of community engagement and fact-finding after the tragedy, I became known as a reasonable voice who had the community’s best interest at heart.

In February of 2016, I was once again called to lead when the Ferguson City Council unanimously appointed me to fill the vacancy created by Councilman Brian Fletcher’s passing. Although I had never been a politician, I have always been a servant leader – the kind of leader our city needed in 2014 and the kind of leader we still need today.

In my two years on the council, I worked to pass the consent decree that the U.S. Department of Justice negotiated with Ferguson in 2015, ensuring that civil rights reforms on policing and municipal fines remain in place. I worked diligently with my colleagues to make some hard choices in order to take Ferguson from a $2 million deficit in 2016 to the surplus we have today, and I have led in the fight to protect our homes and property values from the ongoing problem of soil erosion by securing Congressman Clay’s involvement and appealing to MSD to take meaningful action.

This is my first time running a campaign. I was appointed to the City Council, but I am running for a full term to continue the progress we have made as a city over the last three years. Ferguson is not perfect, but we have made improvements to our residents’ daily lives since 2014, and we cannot afford to go backward. I’m proud to have been a strong part of that progress, and I am proud to continue doing what I’ve done my whole life –rejecting politics and always putting the people first with humble servant leadership.

On Tuesday, April 3, we have the opportunity to move our city beyond the challenges we face. We still have work to do, and I am committed to the continued progress of our community. We are greater than the challenges we face and together, we can have a city government that works for every person in Ferguson. Vote for me for Ferguson’s Ward 2 city councilmember this Tuesday, April 3 so that we can keep marching forward, together.

Laverne Mitchom, Ferguson city councilmember for Ward 2, is running for reelection on the April 3 ballot.

Laverne Mitchom

Continued from A1

being very cold. A lot of them have high blood pressure and diabetes. They shouldn’t be exposed to cold temperatures.”

Knight, who also is vice chairman of the charity’s Board of Directors, has led its health education and outreach efforts for 15 years.

“This is one board I belong on that we do things,” Knight said. “We really help people. We don’t just talk about it.”

On Friday, April 27, HeatUp St. Louis will receive the 2018 Health Advocacy Organization of the Year award at the 18th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon at the Frontenac Hilton. Net proceeds from the event support the St. Louis American Foundation, which fostered more than $750,000 in community grants and scholarships for area youth in 2017.

Heat-Up St. Louis was founded in June 2000 by public relations strategist and Emmy Award-winning producer and director Gentry W. Trotter. At the time, Trotter was responsible for community outreach and fundraising for a utility-sponsored energyassistance program, working with a natural gas company that he had served as a consultant for public relations for 24

URBAN

Continued from A1

Along with Centene, Ameren and World Wide Technology helped to assure that its transformative response to community challenges will continue with $1 million gifts each.

“Thanks a million,” Ameren Illinois CEO Richard Mark said coyly before presenting McMillan with a huge check. Guests saw the difference

years. He and several other community-minded volunteers decided to create a regional approach.

“We were looking for something more massive that could speak to the needs of the public’s interest,” Trotter said.

Since its inception, the effort has impacted more than 380,000 lives, he said. Aside from assisting residents with their utility bills, the effort also educates the community on the importance of keeping their heat and air conditioning for health reasons. It also makes sure that the community is

that the local organization has made since its inception in 1918 by way of a 10-minute video that gave an overview of the organization, with some of the area’s most influential citizens speaking on its behalf. The video also featured individuals who know the power of the Urban League’s helping hand.

“If it hadn’t been for the Urban League, I would probably still be out here looking for jobs – and not knowing what to say in interviews,” said Sheldon

aware of safety concerns.

“The tireless efforts of this organization are saving lives,” said St. Louis Fire Chief Dennis M. Jenkerson, co-chair of Public Safety and Health Committee. “Over the past 10 years, I have witnessed the number of fire deaths during the cold winter months decline every year as a result of the efforts of Heat-Up St. Louis.”

The Fire Department also help to install new and slightly used air conditioners in area homes, working with the charity.

Its 62-member board

Brown, a graduate of the Save Our Sons program. “The things that they taught me really had a big impact on my life.”

Christopher Metcalfe fought back tears as he spoke about how the Urban League’s employment services came to his aid.

“I heard a voice that said, ‘Stop at the Urban League,’” Metcalfe said. “The person there talked to me and felt my spirit. The woman said, ‘Do you know that the Urban league is known to help people like you get jobs?’ And they

includes members of utility companies, partnering community and civic organizations, and almost every CEO of local media outlets.

This consortium working together is what drives the organization’s success, Trotter said. The charity also acts as a regional safety net when funding from the government and utility-charity programs falls short.

“There are times during the year when it’s just Heat-Up St. Louis funds,” Trotter said. “That’s it.”

Getting the public involved

did.”

McMillan’s annual president’s report provided a broader illustration of the organization’s impact by way of Save Our Sons – which was born of the Ferguson unrest –and later Save Our Sisters.

“Michael was on the ground, and had been on the ground, so he could know what that community needed,” Monsanto Fund president emerita Deborah Patterson said. “He said, ‘We need a longterm solution with helping our young black men secure full-

On Friday, April 27, Heat-Up St. Louis will receive the 2018 Health Advocacy Organization of the Year award at the 18th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon at the Frontenac Hilton.

Pictured: Heat-Up St. Louis volunteers at its Hardee’s Rise ‘N Shine for Heat fundraiser in February.

is an important piece, which has hosted fundraisers like the Hardee’s Rise ‘N Shine For Heat and Rams Gift of Warmth, he said.

Michael P. McMillan, president and CEO of the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis, is a member of the charity’s executive board.

“There’s no doubt that HeatUp St. Louis and its summer efforts are at the forefront of saving lives, by helping area needy residents with new A/ Cs, utility assistance, and education,” said McMillan. “If not for Heat-Up or Cool Down

time employment.’”

McMillan announced the recent appointments of Redditt Hudson as vice president of Civil Rights and Advocacy and Michael Holmes as vice president of Workforce Development and Strategic Partnerships. He also announced a new facility coming to St. Louis city – the Home State Health Community Empowerment Center of North St. Louis. The center will be modeled after the Ferguson Empowerment Center, another direct response to the Ferguson unrest.

“The Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis has been an instrumental guiding and stabilizing force for change in our community,” Neidorff said. “Thank you for the work that you continue to do to make a positive difference – and make St. Louis a better place to live.”

When Davis approached the podium, she was met with a standing ovation. A hush came over the banquet room as they awaited to be inspired by the only African-American woman to win an Academy Award,

St. Louis, our Urban League operations in St. Louis and St. Clair counties wouldn’t have that much-needed safety net. That’s where primary resources like Heat-Up and Cool Down have become lifesavers.” Tickets for the 18th Annual Salute to Excellence in Health Care Awards Luncheon on Friday, April 27 at the Frontenac Hilton are $750 per table for VIP/Corporate seating and $50 each/$500 table for Individual seating. To order tickets, call 314-5338000 or visit www.stlamerican. com.

Emmy Award and Tony Award for her stage, film and television work.

She told them that she was thinking of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Mountaintop” speech when preparing her remarks. She looked to the speech – made on the eve of his assassination at the historic Mason Temple COGIC Church – and the current relevance of the movement that brought him to Memphis 50 years ago.

“Those sanitation workers carried signs that said, ‘I Am a Man,’” Davis said. “They were saying ‘I am human,’ because the racism and the racist systems preventing them from earning a decent living still to this day attempt to erase our humanity.”

Davis reminded the audience of the tremendous will of African Americans and their endurance in the face of insurmountable odds.

“We are wired for struggle,” Davis said. “But you are worthy of love and belonging. You were born worthy – you don’t have to hustle for it or beg for it. So let’s start trying to change the future.”

Photo courtesy Heat-Up St. Louis

Millennials – will be the largest eligible voting bloc in history in 2020. They plan to use that power, Alexander said.

“Once everyone becomes of age, the political landscape is going to shift,” Alexander said. “We want people to know that we will vote you out. We want our opinions heard.”

When Dr. King was assassinated 50 years ago on April 4, 1968, it was the height of the black-empowerment student movement and the anti-war movement, said longtime politician and St. Louis American editorial board member Mike Jones. Jones was 19 and a freshman in college at the time. The socially active members of his generation were not following Dr. King in that moment, Jones said. King, who was the co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, had been leading the Civil Rights Movement since the mid-1950s.

“1968 was off the chain,” Jones said. “We were not really talking about inclusion and civil rights. By 1968, black youth were talking about revolution and had declared the whole America project illegitimate. Dr. King was in the space of trying to morally reclaim America. Stokely

THOMPSON

Continued from A1

L. Brown et al v. Board of Education of Topeka, Shawnee County, Kansas, et al. There were reportedly nearly 300 plaintiffs on the roster in the lawsuit whose names were obscured by the legal abbreviation of et. al. (Latin for “and others”).

The Topeka case involved 12 schools. The four segregated African-American elementary schools in Topeka were Buchanan, McKinley, Monroe, and Washington schools. The Topeka case also involved eight segregated schools for white children, where African-American parents attempted to enroll their children. During the court proceedings, Thompson attended Monroe and McKinley elementary schools.

Thurgood Marshall, the NAACP’s special counsel and lead counsel for the plaintiffs, argued the case before the U.S. Supreme Court. The court ruled in May 1954

Carmichael represented that America was beyond redemption.”

Jones’ generation was more aligned with Carmichael and Malcolm X, he said.

“I would argue what you saw on Saturday was the real impact of Barack Obama being president of the United States for eight years,” Jones said. “All of those kids on stage, no one was older than 18 years old. Their imprint as social beings in society was Barack Obama. I think Trump is the perfect foil for them. He’s actively ignorant, uncool, and morally bankrupt.”

And this generation is “on the verge” of being where students were when King was killed 50 years ago, he said.

“They are about to call the status quo or the generations ahead of them as illegitimate, and they won’t accept it,” Jones said. “And that, to me, could be revolutionary. Real social change happens when the emerging youth generation rejects as illegitimate the preceding generation. There are four million kids who turn 18 every year. This is just the first wave, and all of them witnessing Barack Obama being elected president was the equivalent of a man landing on the moon.”

Which happened in 1969.

Longtime grassroots activist Jamala Rogers, executive director of the Organization for Black Struggle, said Dr. King

that “separate educational facilities are inherently unequal,” a violation of the 14th Amendment of the U.S. Constitution, which states that no citizen can be denied equal protection under the law. The ruling overturned Plessy v. Ferguson, an 1896 ruling that established the separate but equal doctrine that formed the legal basis for Jim Crow laws. The court directed schools to desegregate “with all deliberate speed,” but it failed to establish a firm timetable for doing so. The U.S. Supreme Court would outline the process of school desegregation in Brown v. Board of Education II in 1955, but it would take years for schools across the nation to fully comply.

Not long after the ruling, the Brown family moved to Springfield, Missouri, where Thompson graduated from Central High School. She received certification in early childhood education from Kansas State University.

For several years, Thompson worked as a Head

would have been troubled by this nation’s “backsliding on its alleged democratic principles.”

“Poverty levels are at an all-time high, as are wealth disparity rates,” Rogers said. “Global war-mongering is crowding out peace. We see that militarism has found its place in urban cities when we look at policing. Racism has become more sophisticated since 1968, but no less violent in its impact on the lives and futures of people of color.”

Dr. King would have been proud to see his granddaughter on stage Saturday, Rogers said. And he would have been

n “Sixty-four

years ago,

proud of all the young people over the last several years who have been speaking truth to power in Ferguson and elsewhere.

In terms of Dr. King’s legacy, Jones believes America has white-washed it.

At the time of his murder, King was losing support among the old Civil Rights Movement leadership because he was becoming more active against the war and expanding into economic equity, Jones said.

“He didn’t get murdered in Birmingham,” Jones said.

“But he did get murdered

a young girl from Topeka brought a case that ended segregation in public schools in America.”

– Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer

Start teacher and for a time taught private piano lessons. She went on to serve as program associate with The Brown Foundation, where she assisted with the establishment of four libraries for preschool children. She was an accomplished pianist and for 40-plus years provided musical accompaniment for several choirs at St. Mark’s African Methodist Episcopal Church in Topeka, a church pastored by her late father, Rev. Oliver Brown, in the early 1950s. As a longstanding member of St. Mark over the years, she chaired several project committees and on occasion spoke for church programs.

Thompson is survived by a son, Charles D. Smith of Topeka, Kansas; a daughter,

From mourning to movement

Stacy Castile, uncle of the late Philando Castile, participated in The Move, a community march and rally in support of families in mourning, organized by Better Family Life on Saturday, March 24. More than 1,000 people participated in the community event, which had the theme “turning to each other not on each other.” To get involved in the movement, visit Betterfamilylife.org or call 314-3818200.

organizing the Poor People’s Campaign and against the war on Vietnam. I would argue that he had become an adversary of American imperialism and American capitalism at the time of his death. In 1963, he was neither of those. He was an acceptable Negro protestor in 1963 vis-à-vis the white establishment.”

Those in Jones’ generation weren’t surprised that King was murdered in Memphis while supporting a sanitation workers’ strike, he said.

“If you would have asked us, the reason he was murdered was that he was coming to the

Aujanaa, Andrew Christopher; her mother, Leola Brown Montgomery and siblings, Terry Brown Tyler, Cheryl Brown Henderson; and a host of nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, William L. Thompson.

Kimberly A. Smith of Kansas City, Missouri; three grandsons, Donnell Smith, Lawrence Smith and Andrew Smith; three step-grandchildren, Raheisha Gist, Karmen Nard and Conrad Nard; three great-grandchildren, Sanaa,

On Monday, Kansas Governor Jeff Colyer acknowledged her contribution to American history.

“Sixty-four years ago, a young girl from Topeka brought a case that ended segregation in public schools in America,” Colyer said via

conclusion that America was bankrupt,” Jones said. “It was clear in the last year in his life that he was moving closer to where the emerging generation was. It would have been profound.”

Perhaps the young leaders of today’s movements understand more than most why memorializing King’s legacy can be problematic.

“You are taking complex people who are in complicated situations and trying to make a simple message out of it,” Jones said. “There was a lot more to it than that.”

reminds us that sometimes the most unlikely people can have an incredible impact and that by serving our community we can truly change the world.” A public visitation for Thompson will be held 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, April 4 at Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel, 401 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas. A private memorial service for family and friends will be held the next day. Condolences may be sent to Peaceful Rest Funeral Chapel, 401 SW Harrison Street, Topeka, Kansas 66603.

Twitter. “Linda Brown’s life

Photo by Lois Ingrum

Jennings Junior

Walking for water

Jennings Junior High leads 2.8-mile trek to raise money for a well in Kenya

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

“We’re walking for water!” a Jennings Junior School student shouted while waving a sign at passing cars. Many honked in solidarity. She was one of nearly 200 students who hiked nearly three miles through Jennings on Thursday, March 22 to walk in the shoes of people in rural Kenya, who must walk three miles one way daily to fetch water.

“Think about why you’re doing this,” said Sheri Wade, the Jennings Junior High School teacher who coordinated the community service event.

Lack of access to and adequate supplies of clean drinking water affects health in a number of ways. Contaminated water transmits or causes preventable infectious diseases, like diarrhea, cholera, dysentery, hepatitis A, typhoid and polio. Water supplies

n

“I

felt good carrying the water, because it was a way for me to embrace what they go through.”

– Calian Edwards

that are contaminated with waste or chemical pollution is a growing problem. Globally, the World Health Organization (WHO) reports at least 2 billion people use a drinking water source that is contaminated with feces. WHO estimates contaminated drinking water causes 502,000 diarrhea deaths each year. While diarrhea is the most widely known disease linked to contaminated food and water, there are other hazards. WHO reports nearly 240 million people are affected by schistosomiasis – an acute and chronic

disease caused by parasitic worms contracted through exposure to infested water. WHO estimates in just seven years – by 2025 – half of the world’s population will be living in water-stressed nations. With the walk, students, staff, administrators and Superintendent Art McCoy were given first-hand insight on how privileged they are to have instant access to clean drinking water.

The walk was co-sponsored by WE Schools, a program that includes educational partners in 12,300 schools and groups across North America and the United Kingdom. The group challenges young people to identify the local and global issues and act to make the world a better place.

Before the young people set off walking, they gathered in the school cafeteria for a presentation by Reggie Bates, a speaker

One is a free health clinic, the other is a state/federal health insurance program for children

By Judy Bentley

For The St. Louis American

Community Health-In-Partnerships

Judy Bentley

Health and Wellness Center

not a government program and does not receive any federal or state funding for direct care to children.

Services (CHIPS) is best known as CHIPS Health and Wellness Center, or CHIPS. It is a charitable health care organization, which has provided free medical and mental health care for adults and children since 1990. The CHIPS health clinic in St. Louis has a similar acronym to the Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP), formerly known as the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, or SCHIP (The “S” was recently eliminated). That program was signed into law in 1997, and is funded jointly by the federal and state governments. It provides federal matching funds to states for health coverage to children in families with incomes too high to qualify for Medicaid, but who can’t afford private coverage. It is the state/federal CHIP program that depends on government budget allotments each year. Funding for the CHIP program was recently renewed after months of delay. In St. Louis, the CHIPS Health and Wellness Center is not a government program and does not receive any federal or state funding for direct care to children. The mission of CHIPS is to provide health and wellness services to the uninsured and

Center for Nursing and Health Sciences coming to community college

By Sandra Jordan

See BENTLEY, A9

High School students, faculty, staff, administrators and Jennings School District Superintendent Dr. Art McCoy completing their Walk for Water through Jennings on March 22. The walk, co-sponsored by WE Schools, was organized to help raise money to provide clean water for people in Kenya.

See WATER, A9

Of The St. Louis American

St.

Left to right: Bill Hubble, dean of STLCC Health Sciences; Joshua Bludsworth, nursing student; Jeff Pittman, STLCC chancellor, Doris Graham president, chair of Board of Trustees; Erica McBride, nursing student; Karen Mayes, director of nursing education; Malik Sellers, nursing student; Kimberly Bolz, dental hygiene student and Makenzie Straatmann, dental hygiene student. n

CHIPS

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Sandra Jordan

WATER

Continued from A8

for WE’s Central Region. He shared a video that gave the students a first-hand account of the journey many Kenyans must make to get the water their family needs to survive.

A Kenyan woman named Nepa described how for 35 years she spent one-fourth of her entire day – six hours in total, back and forth – fetching water.

“I think about the walk every day,” Nepa said. “I wonder what I could have done with all of that time. Could I have provided a better life for myself and my children?”

With funds raised through WE, an irrigation system was built for her village. In the clip, the Jennings students saw Nepa take her last steps in the name of clean water just as they were preparing to walk three miles in her shoes.

“I’m so happy that y’all are doing something for a community far larger than your own,” Bates told the students. “Every step you take, I want you to think that about that: Those steps are for somebody who truly needs it.”

Each group of five students was given a five-gallon jug to fill with water halfway on their journey.

“That group you’re in, that is your community,” Wade

said. “Within your community, I want you to be responsible for bringing this water back to the school. I see some of you in the morning who walk all the way to Fairview to drop off your brothers and sisters and come back to school. Today I’m asking you to do this walk to encourage others.”

Funds pledged on behalf of the student walkers will

n The World Health Organization estimates contaminated drinking water causes 502,000 diarrhea deaths each year.

go towards building a well in Kenya. Their goal is to raise $5,000. According to their Crowdrise fundraising page, by press time they had raised $685. They had been planning the activity since December, but had to wait until the winter weather broke. The group didn’t realize until after they had selected the date that it was World Water Day.

When the group made it back to the school, 8th grader Calian Edwards plopped his jug down at the bottom of the steps leading up to the front door and let out a sigh of relief.

“As I was walking, I was like, ‘Man, millions of Africans

have to do this every day,’” Edwards said. “They have to do this with water they can’t even drink right when they get back.”

He wore the 16 pounds of water strapped on like a backpack for the last leg of the walk.

“I had to push the pain aside, but it gave me a piece of their experience,” said Edwards. “I felt good carrying the water, because it was a way for me to embrace what they go through.”

Jennings Junior High School

Principal Charmyn Andrews said the event fit the school’s theme this year of “Walking with a Purpose.”

“It was exhilarating to see our young people walking with a purpose,” Andrews said. “It’s a joy knowing what they are walking for and seeing them think of things outside of themselves.”

McCoy said that the students are setting an example for the community to follow.

“It’s awesome to see our children galvanizing and mobilizing for action and change,” said McCoy, the district superintendent. “They are leaders – and we tell them they are leaders every day. Now, they are showing it.”

To donate towards Jennings Junior High’s effort to build a well in Kenya, visit https:// www.crowdrise.com/o/en/ campaign/jennings-jr-high-wewalk-for-water.

Calian

carried two gallons of water on the last leg of a nearly threemile walk to raise funds to build a well for Kenyans who must make journeys up to six hours per day to provide water for their families. The walk was co-sponsored by WE Schools.

‘School breakfast means less hunger, better health’

More than 247K kids in Missouri participated in School Breakfast Program in 2016–2017

American staff

According to the Missouri School Breakfast Report released on March 8 by Empower Missouri and Operation Food Search, more than 247,000 lowincome children in Missouri participated in the national School Breakfast Program on an average school day in 2016–2017.

“School breakfast means less hunger, better health, and improved educational outcomes for our children,” said Jeanette Mott Oxford, executive director of Empower Missouri. “The many schools in Missouri that offer breakfast at no charge to all students and serve breakfast after the bell are ensuring that children start the school day ready to learn. We strongly encourage other schools to follow their lead so that more children may benefit.”

The report finds that 59.4

A rendering of the projected Center for Nursing and Health Sciences at St. Louis Community CollegeForest Park

percent of low-income children in Missouri ate school breakfast for every 100 that received free or reduced-price school lunch during the 2016–2017 school year. This is slightly above the national average of 56.7 percent of low-income children eating school breakfast for every 100 who received school lunch, as determined by the national anti-hunger group Food Research & Action Center (FRAC).

FRAC has set a goal of reaching 70 low-income children with school breakfast for every 100 receiving school lunch. Out of approximately 550 school districts in Missouri, 111 school districts achieved this goal. A full list of topperforming districts can be found in the report.

Mott Oxford said that Missouri’s strong school

breakfast participation can be attributed to two key strategies: community eligibility, which allows high-poverty schools to offer breakfast and lunch at no charge to all students; and “breakfast after the bell” models that move breakfast out of the cafeteria and after the first bell, such as breakfast in the classroom.

Offering breakfast after the school day starts helps schools and students overcome common barriers such as late bus arrivals, tight household budgets, and the stigma associated with school breakfast as being only for low-income children, she said. “Used together, these two approaches can continue to move the needle on school breakfast participation throughout Missouri,” she said. Read the report at http:// empowermissouri.org/ breakfastreport.

BENTLEY

Continued from A8

fundraisers. A team of volunteer doctors, nurse practitioners, nurses, and other committed healthcare providers remain the professional caregivers for those who would otherwise not receive the

care they need for the health conditions that leave many uninsured persons living with diabetes, high blood pressure, and other health issues.

CHIPS expands its services with the Health Care Beyond Walls Program by offering comprehensive health

screenings, health education, and referrals in a variety of selected sites, including libraries, beauty schools, churches, food pantries, senior citizens’ centers, and other sites, as requested.

The CLUB CHIPS Teen Leadership Program also makes

COLLEGE

“We wanted to create a space that had state-of-the-art equipment that students can use, be trained and educated on so when they leave St. Louis Community College, they go right to the workplace and are performing on the same type of equipment,” said Jeff L. Pittman, chancellor of St. Louis Community College. Pittman said the center is a strategic response to needs of students who will enter the workforce as well as St. Louis healthcare employers.

“For students, the college is a pathway from secondary education to a four-year degree

Continued from A8 or a good-paying job,” Larry Johnson, provost of STLCCForest Park, said. “For our region, our employers, the college is a responsive pipeline to an educated and a skilled workforce. It has helped address the critical needs gaps that will occur in our area amongst our health employers.” KAI Design and Build designed the facility and Tarlton Corporation is the construction manager for the project. The building will be 96,000 square feet and certified for LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design). It is expected to be up and running by the fall of 2019. The center will be the first new academic building on the Forest Park campus in 20 years.

presentations in the area.

CHIPS has partnerships and collaborative relationships with UMSL and Goldfarb Schools of Nursing, St. Louis Housing Authority, Mercy Health Center, BJC Health System, St. Louis Public Schools, St. Louis College of Pharmacy, and others. Call CHIPS at (314) 652-9231, follow CHIPS on Facebook, or visit www. chipsstl.org. Judy Bentley is the founder, president and CEO of the CHIPS Health and Wellness Center in St. Louis.

Courtesy of KAI Design & Build and Tarlton

Photo by Wiley Price

Jennings Junior High 8th grader

Edwards

NEWSPAPER IN EDUCATION

Smart Holiday Eating!

Safety In Numbers

Here are a few Easter holiday eating tips.

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

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

Healthy Kids Kids

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

> If you want a dessert, try

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Learning Standards: HPE 2, HPE 5,

Where do you work?

I am vice president and chief operating officer for Affinia Healthcare. Where did you go to school? I graduated from Metro Academic and Classical High School. I earned a Doctorate of Pharmacy from St. Louis College of Pharmacy. What are some things you do at your job? I prepare and mix different medications. I talk to people about their health and how medicine works to make them feel better. I make sure that people are receiving great health care.

Anytime you are walking to the store, school or anywhere, take a friend along! Not only can it be more fun, it is safer to be with a group of friends than walking alone. Also, avoid shortcuts that include dark, empty alleys, parking lots or buildings. Instead, choose a route that is filled with other people that are also out walking.

Why did you choose this career? I chose a career in pharmacy because I love science and math and I enjoy helping people feel better. Also, my sister is a nurse. I was inspired by my sister to pursue a career in the healthcare field. What is your favorite part of the job you have? The best part of my job is helping people to live healthy lives and be the best that they can be. I also love being able to help those who are often unable to afford medical care. Everyone deserves the right to quality health care.

Learning Standards: HPE6, NH3

Spring classes at the Saint Louis Zoo

Whether you want to learn more about turtles, penguins, apes, or big cats, the Zoo has a class for you! Our programs are designed to help individuals of all ages and abilities learn through experience, involvement and discovery. Programs include live animals, guided tours, and exciting activities and experiences for the whole family. Programs available for homeschoolers and scouts too! For program listings and registration information, visit www.stlzoo.org/education or call (314) 646-4544, option #6.

Kendra Holmes, Pharm. D., CHCEF

CLASSROOM SPOTLIGHT

use the

SCIENCE CORNER

How Many Types of Mirrors Are There?

Concave mirrors curve inward, like the shape of a spoon. Concave mirrors create images by bouncing light from their curvature to a focal point in front of it. Although this image appears upside down from a distance, it will flip and magnify when you are closer.

Did you know there are many types of mirrors? When the mirror is curved to bulge outward, it is called a convex mirror. A convex mirror creates an image that is smaller than its actual size and slightly distorted. Convex mirrors are used in vehicles for the passenger side mirrors. This design allows the driver to see more than a typical mirror design. Convex mirrors are also sometimes used in dressing rooms because they project an image that is taller and more slender.

Concave mirror designs have been used in shaving mirrors and lighting the Olympic torch.

Two-way mirrors are made by lightly coating one side of a sheet of glass with a very thin, reflective material. When the coated side faces a lighted room, some of the light reflects and some goes into a dark room behind the mirror, making it possible to see into the lighted room but not out. If you have seen a television show or movie where police interview a witness while others watch the interrogation, you have seen one of these mirrors.

Plane mirrors are simple mirrors such as a bathroom mirror. The images they reflect look like photographs.

Learning Standards: I can identify different types and purposes of mirrors.

SCIENCE INVESTIGATION

Valerie Thomas’ fascination with mirrors and reflections led her to patent the illusion transmitter, which produces optical illusion images. In this experiment, you will use mirrors to test reflections.

Materials Needed:

• Two Small Mirrors • Tape • Small Object

Procedure:

q Tape two small mirrors together on one side to form a right angle.

MATH CONNECTION

Use Mirrors to Test Reflections!

object closer to the mirror and farther from the mirror to observe the changes in the image.

INVENTOR, PHYSICIST, AND MATHEMATICIAN: Valerie Thomas

Valerie Thomas was born in May of 1943. At a young age, she was fascinated with electronics and enjoyed watching her father take things apart and fix them. When she was 8 years old, she checked out a book called “The Boy’s First Book on Electronics” in hopes her dad would help her with the projects. Her dad did not encourage this interest because, during this time, women were often discouraged from pursuing careers in math and science. Thomas received no encouragement from her private all-girl school to pursue these topics, but chose to take all of the advanced math and science courses that she could. Thomas attended Morgan State University and earned a degree in physics. At that time, she was one of only two women with that major.

After graduation, Thomas worked as a mathematician/data analyst for NASA. She was one of the first women to work in the Landsat Satellite Group. She conducted research on Halley’s comet, Voyager satellite development, and ozone hole studies. On Oct. 21, 1980, she received a patent for the illusion transmitter. This device uses a concave mirror on the transmitting and receiving end to produce optical illusion images. The illusion transmitter paved the way for our current 3D

Drawing for Thomas’ Patent # US4229761 A for her illusion transmitter.

technology.

Thomas mentors young students through the National Technical Association (NTA) and Science Mathematics Aerospace Research and Technology (SMART).

DID YOU KNOW?

w Stand the mirrors on their sides, and place a small object between them. You will be able to see many sides of the object in the mirrors. Move the

A component of mathematics is to classify types of angles. Angles can be classified in one of four ways: a right angle measures exactly 90 degrees, an acute angle measures less than 90 degrees, an obtuse angle measures more than 90 degrees, and a straight angle measures exactly 180 degrees.

e Move the mirrors closer together and farther apart and observe what happens to the images. You can also try placing the mirrors (not taped) facing each other with the object between them to see an endless reflection.

Analyze: What caused the image to change in the mirrors reflections?

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

How to Classify Angles

Look at the angles below and classify them as right, acute, obtuse, or straight.

Learning Standards: I can describe the four types of angles. I can use the definitions of the four types of angles to identify angles.

in

technology, and mathematics.

Some computer components can be reused in assembling new computer products, while others are reduced to metals that can be reused in applications as varied as construction, flatware, and jewelry.

Bangladesh Garment Workers Changes

• Wage Increases

• Better Working Conditions

• Trade Unions

• Safer Buildings

• ResponsibleManufacturing

• Increased sales prices of goods to cover increased costs

• Health Care

Look in the newspaper for examples of people or groups of people being treated unfairly. You can look at articles, photos or ads. Write down the points you see that identify unfair conditions or treatment. Once you have done that, write down some ways that this unfair treatment can be changed. Write a fully developed paragraph outlining the issues presented in the article or photo and how changes can be made to improve the situation presented. Be sure to use specific examples from your sources to support your idea. Share your information with your classmates.

Learning Standards: I can use the newspaper to find information. I can write for a specific purpose and audience. I can identify a problem, and a solution. I can use supporting details.

Mr. Williams’ 5th Grade Class Glasgow Elementary Glasgow Elementary School 5th grade teacher Mr. Gerald Williams teaching students Jayla Simpkins, Taniyah Emory-Wright, Marquis Sanders and Sariha Ross how to

STEM page in the newspaper for reseach ideas. Photo by Wiley Price Teachers, if you are using the St. Louis American’s NIE program and would like to nominate your class for a Classroom Spotlight, please email: csewell@stlamerican.com

Valerie Thomas had to overcome discrimination due to her race and her gender as she pursued her passions

science,

Judge rules that Greitens must face jury on felony charge

Oozing with arrogance, Jack Garvey, one of Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens’ attorneys and a former circuit judge, stepped up to the podium at the St. Louis Circuit Court hearing on March 21. Among the several motions the defense filed in Greitens’ invasion of privacy felony case was the motion regarding “waiver of jury,” Garvey told St. Louis Circuit Judge Rex Burlison that Wednesday, March 21. When Burlison asked when they wanted to argue that motion, Garvey responded, “I think we notified the court that he is going to waive his right to jury trial. Whatever the court’s schedule, he will be appearing to waive his right to a jury trial. We would put it on the record to waive it.”

official. Burlison lost no time in straightening the defense team out. “I’m not sure your client has the absolute right to waive it,” Burlison said. “That is correct, your honor,” Garvey said. “The court is going to have the final say in that,” Burlison said.

Greitens’ team behaved as if they thought it was a done deal. Greitens would make a time to come in and make it

Garvey continued to demonstrate his arrogance in arguing his motion to move up the trial date to April 3. Burlison previously had set the trial for May 14, which was already a half year earlier than the November date that Circuit Attorney Kim Gardner’s prosecution team had requested. Gardner objected to the defense’s request for an April trial, as did the victim’s lawyer. On February 22, Greitens was indicted on felony charges of invasion of privacy, which stemmed from an allegation that he took a photograph of

2x4 (F)

a partially nude woman he was having an extramarital affair with in 2015 without her consent.

Garvey tried to make the case that based on the evidence they had obtained from the state, the prosecution “never found any evidence of any picture.”

“They have virtually nothing, which would make this a very quick trial,” Garvey said. “We represent the governor of Missouri, and we feel strongly that this case needs to be ended.”

Garvey also said that this was an “extraordinary case” that needed a “quick resolution” so the Missouri Legislature could move on.

Again Burlison deflated Garvey, saying that he wasn’t making a scheduling decision based on “substantive evidence.” The judge added, “I will not change my trial schedule based on what’s happening west of here.”

That was the first motion Burlison denied from the defense team. On Monday, March 26, he would deny all

the others.

On February 22, Eric Greitens was indicted on felony charges of invasion of privacy, which stemmed from an allegation that he took a photograph of a partially nude woman he was having an extramarital affair with in 2015 without her consent.

He denied the motion for a bench trial, and Greitens will face a 12-member jury.

“I understand the issues in this case are complex,” Burlison said. “But we can deal with them in motions and at the end of the state presenting its case. I will not grant the waiver of a trial by jury.”

Defense attorneys had argued that the case had too much pre-trial publicity and that the law and evidence were too complicated for a jury.

“This case is not happening in a vacuum,” Garvey said. “Jurors are already being exposed to pre-trial publicity, including false statements. They will say it doesn’t impact them, but it does.”

Robert Dierker, the chief trial assistant for the circuit attorney’s office, also a former circuit judge, replied for the state, “Judge Garvey was a zealous advocate for a trial by jury, except here. We believe that this case warrants the participation of the public.”

Burlison denied the

defense’s motion to dismiss the felony charges completely, arguing that the state allegedly misled the grand jurors on how Greitens could be convicted of invasion of privacy.

The defense also tried to boot Harvard law professor and dean Ronald S. Sullivan off the prosecution team.

Sullivan, who joined the prosecution team earlier this month, is the faculty director of the Harvard Criminal Justice Institute and Harvard Trial Advocacy Workshop. He also serves as the faculty dean of Winthrop House, making him the first African American ever appointed faculty dean in Harvard’s history.

The defense said he should be disqualified because Sullivan is still representing clients as a defense attorney elsewhere in violation of state law. The circuit attorney’s office argued the cases are in Connecticut and elsewhere on the East Coast, and therefore presented no conflict of interest.

Burlison ruled that Sullivan could stay on as a special assistant circuit attorney.

Interestingly, on March 21, Garvey told the judge that he “wasn’t sure” they needed to hear the motion to disqualify Sullivan anymore.

“We understand that he might remove himself from the case,” Garvey had said. “If that’s the case, there will be no hearing on that.”

After the hearing, Gardner’s spokeswoman Susan Ryan said they had no idea what Garvey was talking about.

Clay vs. Commerce

On Monday, March 26, U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross posted on the department’s website that the 2020 census will include a question on citizenship. The citizenship question has not appeared on the census since 1950, but U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has reportedly pushed for inclusion of the question, arguing that it would allow his department to better enforce the Voting Rights Act.

U.S. Wm. Lacy Clay (D-Missouri) – who serves on the Federal Workforce, U.S. Postal Service, and the Census Subcommittee of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee –responded.

“The decision by Secretary of Commerce Wilber Ross to add a last-minute citizenship question to the 2020 Census is a shameful attempt to intimidate and disenfranchise minorities and new immigrants. The Trump administration’s ridiculous assertion that this question will be used to better comply with what remains of the Voting Rights Act is absurd and highly insulting. As the President well knows, this question has not been included in the decennial census since 1950. Its sole, sinister purpose in 2020 is to suppress the response rate from minorities and new immigrants to counter the growing political power of the non-white population,” Clay stated.

“The resulting Census 2020 undercount will deprive Americans of federal funding, political power and vital information that they are legally entitled to receive over the next decade. This fear-inducing question will undermine the Census’ constitutional mandate to conduct a complete enumeration of all persons residing in the United States, regardless of their immigration status, ethnicity or national origin. Anything less than that would be a failure to do what the Constitution requires. If Democrats regain the majority in the U.S. House after the 2018 general election, I will lead the charge to remove this racist and intentional attempt at intimidation from the decennial Census.”

Claire vs. the mice

On March 19, U.S. Senator Claire McCaskill wrote to Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson urging him to bring HUD resources to bear on addressing the mice infestation and unhealthy living conditions at the Clinton-Peabody Housing Complex in St. Louis and offering to work alongside the HUD director should he act. It’s unknown whether Carson, who has said poverty is a “state of mind,” also thinks rodent infestation is a state of mind. McCaskill, who faces reelection this year, scored a strong 94 percent on the NAACP legislative score card for the most recent legislation session back in February, but has not issued a press release about that.

AKA to host Central Regional Conference in STL, April 5-8

Theme: ‘New Dimensions of Service and sisterhood in

the

Gateway City’

American staff

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. will host its 84th Central Regional Conference (CRC) in St. Louis, April 5-8. The four-day gathering is expected to bring over 2,600 attendees, fill 3,974 downtown St. Louis hotel room nights, and generate close to $2 million in direct economic impact to the region.

“To host the final conference of my tenure in St. Louis, where I am among family and friends, is a memory that I will forever cherish,” said Kathy Walker Steele, a resident of Belleville, who is in the final year of a four-year term as Central Regional director. “I am looking forward to showcasing the St. Louis metropolitan area and all that it has to offer.” St. Louis is the birthplace of the sorority’s principal founder, Ethel Hedgeman Lyle, who

n “I am looking forward to showcasing the St. Louis metropolitan area and all that it has to offer.”

– Kathy Walker Steele, Central Regional director, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.

graduated from Sumner High School in 1904. At 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 5, members of the sorority will gather at Sumner, 4248 Cottage Ave., to honor the life and legacy of Lyle by dedicating a wing of the school in her memory. An Ethel Hedgeman Lyle bench will also be

placed outside of the school to recognize the sorority’s founder.

“During the program, we will also present a deserving Sumner High senior with a college scholarship,” said Steele.

St. Louis Public Schools Superintendent Kelvin Adams, Ward 4 Alderman Sam Moore and Aldermanic President Lewis Reed will join members of the sorority in the dedication program.

The sorority plans to leave its mark during a bevy of other community service activities. Those activities will include refreshing, renewing and restoring Tandy Park in the Ville neighborhood starting at 11 a.m. Thursday, April 5. Throughout the conference, backpacks and school supplies will be collected and distributed

‘We want to be a partner in the community’

Sara Lahman, licensed social worker, is new CEO at Annie Malone

By Jessica Karins For The St. Louis American

Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center, the historic North St. Louis non-profit that provides residential placement and a variety of other services for women and children in need, has a new chief executive officer.

Sara Lahman is a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s in social work and stepped into her new role as the CEO at Annie Malone on January 16. She has spent the past few years managing residential programs for the non-profit Great Circle.

“I just was at a place in my career where I didn’t know if I didn’t feel like I was making as much of a difference as I really wanted to,” Lahman said. “I’m a social worker, and this was right up my alley of what I wanted to do in my career.” Lahman said she learned important lessons about administration and non-profit work from her time at Great Circle and her transition to Annie Malone has been exciting.

“This is just the heart and soul of what I believe personally, my value set,” Lahman said. “It’s everything I’ve wanted to do in my career.”

See LAHMAN, B6

Robert Joiner

Robert Joiner was inducted into the St. Louis Media Hall of Fame. His wide journalism experience included working at St. Louis Public Radio, the Beacon, the St. Louis Post-Dispatch and The St. Louis American. He won a Dennis A. Hunt Journalism Award for the Beacon’s “Worlds Apart” series on health-care disparities.

Holly Edgell joined St. Louis Public Radio as race, identity and culture editor, leading a fourstation collaborative coverage initiative called Sharing America (https:// sharingamerica. tumblr.com/), funded by the CPB. She has worked in television, digital, and print media and taught journalism at the University of Missouri and Florida A&M University.

Maurice Dawson was awarded a Fulbright Scholar Special Grant for a visit to Prince Sultan University in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. He met with the National Cyber Security Center to discuss cyber security education. Next he will return to complete lab and curriculum design at the university. He is an assistant professor of Information Systems at the University of Missouri – St. Louis and Fulbright Scholar.

Tiffany Harvey Horton joined the Board of Directors for Habitat for Humanity Saint Louis, a not-forprofit, ecumenical housing ministry working in partnership with individuals and communities of all faiths to improve housing conditions and provide safe, decent and affordable housing in St. Louis city and county. She is Large Format Territory sales manager, Pepsi-Cola.

Steven C. Roberts was elected to the American Chiropractic Association Board of Governors. He is board member emeritus at Logan University, former long-time chairperson of the Logan Board of Trustees and was recently appointed by FCC Chairman Ajit Pai to serve on the FCC Advisory Committee on Diversity and Digital Empowerment.

Sara Lahman, a licensed clinical social worker with a master’s in social work, is the new chief executive officer at Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center.

Desiree Tyus received the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. University community humanitarian award from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. She is director of Youth Programs at the SIUE East St. Louis Center, where she provides technical assistance with programmatic efforts for five youthoriented programs and to expand stakeholder interests and community partnerships. She also is founder and CEO of Kid Friendly Network.

Maurice Dawson

Desiree Tyus

Steven C. Roberts

Holly Edgell

Tiffany Harvey Horton

Members of the steering committee for the Alpha Kappa Alpha, Sorority Inc. 84th Central Regional Conference, which will meet in St. Louis, April 5-8.

Photo by Wiley Price

The FTC

If you’ve been following the news, you’ve probably seen that the iconic Toys”R”Us is winding down its business operations in the U.S., and closing its stores across the country, including stores in Puerto Rico.

At this time, according to Toys”R”Us, you have only until April 15 to use your Toys”R”Us gifts cards. Advice from Toys”R”Us customer service representatives is to use your gift cards as soon as possible, whether in-store or online.

Something else to consider, purchases from a company that’s going out of business are usually “final sales.” That means you should choose wisely because you probably won’t be able to return the item for a refund. Even if store

Got Toys’R’Us gift cards? Spend before April 15

Plus, The Secretary of State is not emailing you

credit is an option – you’d want to use that quickly too.

If you have questions about refund and return policies, ask before you make any purchase. In addition, Toys”R”Us says its other customer programs, including Rewards dollars and Endless Earnings, are being honored for the next 30 days.

To learn more, see Gift Cards and Going out of business sales at www. consumer.ftc.gov. – Colleen Tressler, consumer education specialist, FTC

The Secretary of State is not emailing you

There are many scammers who pretend to be government officials – from the IRS, Social Security, and even the FTC. The latest twist is an

email from – supposedly – the Secretary of State. In the email, someone pretending to be thenSecretary Tillerson says you’re owed a payment – which he knows about because of an investigation by the FBI and CIA. The email goes on to say

that you’ll get an ATM card with $1.85 million on it – and it even gives you the PIN code. But, to get the ATM card, you have to send in $320 and a bunch of information about you. Except you don’t have to

n Did they say you’ve won a prize, owe money, or might go to jail? Did they say that you can get the prize – or get out of trouble – if you pay them money right away?

send either the money or the information. Because it’s not the Secretary of State emailing, nobody owes you $1.85 million dollars (just guessing), and no government agency will ever tell you to pay a fee to collect funds owed to you. Here’s what you can do the next time you get an email or call from someone claiming to be from the government. Ask yourself these two questions: Did they say you’ve won a prize, owe money, or might go to jail? Did they say that you can

Forest Park Forever raised $139M for park upgrades and maintenance

Community celebration April 11 between the Muny and the Boathouse

get the prize – or get out of trouble – if you pay them money right away? If the answer to these is “yes,” that’s going to be a scam. You don’t need to send money. You don’t need to give up your information by phone or email. You don’t need to worry. But what I hope you will do is tell people you know about the scam you spotted –and then tell the FTC at www. consumer.ftc.gov. – Kati Daffan, assistant Director, Division of Marketing Practices, FTC

American staff Forest Park Forever exceeded its $130 million goal for “Forever: The Campaign for Forest Park’s Future,” raising $139 million in gifts and pledges from the

community. The funds will be used to expand the endowment for Forest Park by $100 million so that money is available each year to keep up with maintenance needs and to fund urgently needed improvement

projects in partnership with the City of St. Louis. With the investment income of an expanded endowment, Forest Park Forever has already undertook a backlog of maintenance projects, such as fixing and maintaining

fountains, restoring the handball courts behind the Visitor Center, maintaining 19 miles of paths, and assorted infrastructural upgrades.

The campaign already has funded many major restoration projects, including a new park-wide wayfinding signage system; more sustainable, event-ready parking; rebuilt roads; and new sidewalks, bridges and path connections. Projects underway include waterway enhancements and improved Central Fields. Projects in design include a new natural playscape, river system interconnections, and improved Boeing Aviation

continued from page B1

to St. Louis metropolitan area students through identified organizations and schools.

The public is invited to the sorority’s Public Meeting at 7:30 p.m. Friday, April 6 at the Marriott Grand Hotel, where local organizations whose services are in line with the sorority’s programs of service will be honored.

Following the conference’s theme of “Confidently Launching New Dimensions of Service and Sisterhood in the Gateway City,” sorority members from across the eightstate region will conduct the business of the sorority, which concentrates on implementing programs focused on five international targets. Targets include Educational Enrichment, Health Promotion,

Fields. Of the $30 million raised for capital projects, approximately 40 percent has been spent on projects already completed, 30 percent is being spent on projects under construction, and 30 percent will be spent on projects to be completed between 2018 and 2022.

“Forest Park is for all of us,” said Lawrence E. Thomas, Forest Park Forever board chair and a partner at Edward Jones.

“Whether it’s a family enjoying a reunion at a picnic pavilion, a couple taking their wedding photos at the Grand Basin or a running group rounding the path system

Family Strengthening, Environmental Ownership and Global Impact. Distinguished women who boast excellent academic records, proven leadership skills, and involvement in local communities throughout Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wisconsin, and the cities of St. Louis and Cape Girardeau will attend the conference, along with sorority leaders from throughout the United States.

Members of the first Greek-letter organization for African-American women will be housed at the Marriott St. Louis Grand, Marriott Courtyard and Embassy Suites hotels in downtown St. Louis, with functions also planned at America’s Center.

Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. has maintained a presence in St. Louis for almost 100 years with two undergraduate

and staying healthy together, everyone expects their Forest Park experience to be great. This successful fundraising effort proves just how essential Forest Park is to our community — and secures its place for years to come.” To celebrate this milestone with the community, Forest Park Forever is hosting a free gathering around Pagoda Circle, between the Muny and the Boathouse, 5-7:30 p.m. on Wednesday, April 11 with live music and food trucks. No RSVPs are necessary. Families are welcome. Visit forestparkforever.org/party.

chapters and five graduate chapters in the bi-state region. The oldest chapter in the metropolitan area – Gamma Omega Chapter in St. Louis – was chartered in 1920 and is the third oldest graduate chapter in the sorority.

“The history of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. in the metropolitan area is expansive,” said Steele. “We are going to ‘paint’ St. Louis pink and green as we go about conducting the business of the sorority, honor our founder and add to our historical record of service in the community. Our presence will be one that many will remember.” Alpha Kappa Alpha last met in St. Louis for its74th CRC in 2008 and for their international conference in 2010. For more information on Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and its programs, visit AKA1908.com.

Restoring the handball courts behind the Visitor Center was one of many projects funded through investment income of an expanded endowment as a result of Forest Park Forever’s $139 million fundraising campaign.

Photo courtesy of Forest Park Forever

n “I can’t thank this program, this university and the state enough for all they’ve done for me and my family.”

— South Carolina women’s basketball All-American A’ja Wilson

Sports

InsIde sports

MLB black managers down to one; Cardinals were once ahead of their time

~ See ‘Sports Eye’ page B4 ~

Locals shine in NCAA Tourney

Napheesa Collier helps lead undefeated UConn into Final Four

Former Incarnate Word Academy girls’ basketball star Napheesa Collier is going back to the Final Four of the NCAA Tournament once again with her UConn Huskies.

Collier has been a major part in UConn’s dominant 36-0 season, which resumes this weekend in Columbus, Ohio when the Huskies take on Notre Dame in the national semifinals on Sunday.

Collier had 16 points, seven rebounds and three assists in the Huskies’ 94-65 victory over South Carolina in the East Regional finals in Albany, New York on Monday night. She added 16 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks in a 72-59 victory over Duke in the regional semifinals.

For the season, Collier is averaging 15.9 points and 7.5 rebounds while shooting 58 percent from the field with 120 assists, 59 steals and 63 blocked shots. Collier was a McDonald’s All-American in high school after leading Incarnate Word to three consecutive Class 4 state championships in 2013, ’14 and ’15.

St. Louisans shine in NCAAs

Former Hazelwood Central standout Xavier Sneed of Kansas State turned in a series of strong performances in leading the Wildcats to the Elite Eight of the NCAA Tournament. The 6’6” Sneed was huge in Kansas State’s victory over Kentucky in the Sweet 16 with a game-high 22 points, nine rebounds and five 3-pointers. Sneed also had 16 points, six rebounds and four 3-pointers in the Wildcats’ loss to Loyola of Chicago in the South Regional finals in Atlanta. Sneed also came up with several big plays down the stretch in the Wildcats’ victory over UMBC in the second round, including a highlight reel tip-dunk to seal the victory for Kansas State. Former Jennings standout Courtney Stockard of St. Bonaventure was outstanding in the Bonnies’ two NCAA games. The 6’6” Stockard scored 26 points and grabbed four

In the ClutCh

Joshua and Parker clash Saturday night

Wilder waits for the winner of the highly-anticipated heavyweight title fight

The term March Madness is normally reserved for the wild and wacky ride that occurs during the NCAA Tournament. When it comes to NCAA basketball, this year’s tournament has been as wild a ride as we’ve had. However, for boxing fans, the madness of March has less to do with the journey to crown a national champion. It has everything to do with coronating a true heavyweight champion. On March 3, WBC champion Deontay Wilder, the towering, trashtalking, free-swinging tussler from Tuscaloosa made his claim as the man in the heavyweight division by knocking out Luis Ortiz in a scintillating title defense. Saturday, March 31, England’s Anthony Joshua will put his WBA and IBF titles on the line against New Zealand’s Joseph Parker, the

WBO champion. The victor will nudge us one step closer to witnessing the first undisputed heavyweight champion since Lennox Lewis earned the distinction in 1999. Joshua, boxing’s biggest star now that Floyd Mayweather Jr. is retired, is a 6-to-1 favorite in the fight and with good reason. The 28-year-old Joshua (200-0, 20 KO) defeated longtime heavyweight champion Wladimir Klitschko last April. Though Klitschko was never technically the undisputed heavyweight champion, he was universally recognized as the ruler of the division for more than a decade. In his first fight with an elite opponent, Joshua not only stopped Dr. Steelhammer, he did it in front of 90,000 screaming fans. He was immediately deemed the man to beat in the newly energized heavyweight division.

With Klitschko, Joshua faced a fading 41-year-old opponent. With Parker, he’ll be standing across the ring with a strong, 26-year-old opponent.

Earl Austin Jr.

While Joshua has become accustomed to fighting in front of more than 70,000 people in recent years, this will be Parker’s first time in front of a

See PREP, B5

With Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Ishmael H. Sistrunk

Former Incarnate Word Academy girls’ basketball star Napheesa Collier has played a major part in UConn’s dominant 36-0 season.

With Earl Austin Jr.

SportS EyE

With Alvin A. Reid

MLB black managers down to one; Cardinals were once ahead of their time

There were few firings in Major League Baseball following the 2017 season, although the big-name, big-market Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees and Washington Nationals have new skippers.

None of the new gents is black. Why am I not surprised?

Boston hired former player and Houston Astros bench coach Alex Cora, a Puerto Rican, as its manager. Dave Martinez, also Puerto Rican, was hired to lead the Washington Nationals after Dusty Baker got bounced after losing in the playoffs to the Chicago Cubs. The Yankees hired first-time manager (or coach for that matter) Aaron Boone after surprisingly letting go of Joe Girardi With Baker’s termination, Dave Roberts of the defending National League Champion Los Angeles Dodgers is MLB’s lone black manager. Rick Renteria remains the manger of the Chicago White Sox, which means just four of MLB’s 30 managers are men of color.

columnist Tom Ballou wrote

Worcester Telegram-Gazette

“Counting Cora, there have been as many Red Sox managers as there have been U.S. presidents, 45, and Cora is the first minority. The country elected its first minority president eight years, before the Red Sox hired their first minority manager.”

“Cora knows Boston and Boston knows him, but as a smart, articulate complementary player on some strong (Red Sox) teams. Things won’t be the same for him as manager, and that job will never be the same in Boston now that the Red Sox have caught up with the voters and put a minority candidate in charge.”

Born in Brooklyn to Puerto Rican parents, Martinez was quick to dismiss his heritage as a reason for his hiring with the Nationals.

A reporter asked him in Spanish his feelings on joining Renteria and Cora as Latino managers and he replied, “It’s gratifying.”

When asked during his introductory press conference about being Boston’s first minority manager, Cora’s response, in my opinion, was less than inspiring.

“I never thought I was getting interviewed because I’m a minority. I’m proud to be Puerto Rican,” he said.

“But I see it that I’m a capable guy. The history I understand. There’s not too many Latino managers. There’s not too many minority managers. But there’s 30 capable managers in this league, and I’m one of them,” he said.

“There’s a lot of good Latin personnel out in baseball, coaching, in the front office, and it’s nice to be recognized. But I really believe I’m here because of my merit, not because of any race or anything like that.”

This is true of any minority manager – they aren’t hired solely because of their race or heritage. But it bothers me that too many minority hires ignore that their respective race and heritage does factor into their employment.

Cardinals had Cuban manager

The St. Louis Cardinals, surprisingly, have had a minority manager. Miguel Angel “Mike”

González (Cordero) was a journeyman who played various positions, mostly catcher, throughout his 17-season career.

He played for the Cardinals 1915-18, 1924-25 and 1931-32. Cardinals player-manager Frankie Frisch hired González as a coach in 1934, calling him “a great guy, loyal and true,” according to a 1938 Sporting News article.

The team, known as the “Gas House Gang” won the NL pennant and defeated the Detroit Tigers in a seven-game World Series.

In 1938, Frisch’s squad was 63-72 when he was dismissed. González took over for the final 16 games of the year. He went 8-8 and the Cardinals finished sixth in the National League and 17 ½ games out of first place.

According to the Society for American Baseball Research (SABR), González was the first Latino manager in Major League Baseball.

A close friend of Frisch’s, González said, “I hate to see him go. He’s a real pal and a

good man. I didn’t want him to leave.”

Cardinals executive Branch Rickey and owner Sam Breadon reportedly sought González’ input on a new manager and hired his former manager at Columbus, Ray Blades Blades led the Cardinals to a second-place NL finish with a 92-61 mark, 4 ½ games out of first.

Blades was just 14-24 in 1940 when his managerial stint came to an end. González took over for six games and went 1-5. The Cardinals hired Billy Southworth to close that season and he led the Cardinals to the World Series in 1942, ’43 and ’44 with González serving as a coach.

Southworth left for Boston in 1945 and Eddie Dyer was named manager. Again, González was retained as a coach. He was coaching third base when Enos Slaughter made his “mad dash” to score the go-ahead run in Game Seven of the 1946 World Series against the Boston Red Sox. He insisted that he waved

Slaughter home because the bottom of the order was scheduled to bat and he didn’t want to strand a runner at third in the bottom of the eighth. Slaughter never credited González for his role in the famous play. It would be the last game that González coached in the Majors. So, the Cardinals had a Latino manager long before most franchises – and González remains the franchise’s only minority manager. He first held the title nine years before Jackie Robinson played for the Brooklyn Dodgers and 16 years before Tom Alston became the Cardinals’ first black player.

Alvin A. Reid was honored as the 2017 “Best Sports Columnist – Weeklies” in the Missouri Press Association’s Better Newspaper Contest. He is a panelist on the Nine Network program, Donnybrook, is a weekly contributor to “The Charlie Tuna Show” on KFNS and can also be heard on Frank Cusumano’s “The Press Box.” His Twitter handle is @aareid1.

Alvin A. Reid

The Los Angeles Dodgers’ Dave Roberts is now the only African-American manager left in the major leagues.

Signing Day at Cardinal Ritter

CLUTCH

Paths to victory

Parker is the faster, more fluid fighter. If he expects to pull off an upset, he’ll need to fight at a fast pace for 12 full rounds. Parker may boast an undefeated record and a 75% knockout ratio, but make no mistake about it; Parker can give you a headache. Joshua will give you a concussion. The Kiwi is expected to enter the ring around 238 pounds this weekend. In the past few bouts, Parker has weighed closer to 250 pounds. As a result, he saw a dip in hand speed and has been forced to rely more on his power than setting up the swift and deft combinations that helped him ascend the heavyweight ladder. If Parker tries to go blowfor-blow with “AJ,” he’ll be asleep by the fourth round. He must rely on crisp bodyto-head combinations, movement, stamina and timing. If

Parker can take Joshua into deep waters, he can tire out his more muscular opponent, force his hands to drop and land a jab/straight right combo that could change the fight (and his future). Joshua’s chin and stamina are somewhat questionable. So Parker needs to test them both to emerge victorious.

n Though Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has claimed his fighter would be “leaner and lighter” for his fight with Parker, it’s likely that Joshua will tip the scales around 250.

Though I pointed out that Joshua is known to drop his hands as a fight progresses, the same is true for Parker. Joshua should attempt an allout assault for the first three or four rounds. He must immediately pounce on his opponent to sap any confidence Parker brings to the ring.

creating excitement and enthusiasm is remarkable. We are in an era where top-ranked fighters often make business decisions to maximize pay and minimize risk. However, we are watching the #1 (Joshua) and #3 (Parker) heavyweight fighters face off the same month that the #2 (Wilder) and #4 (Ortiz) rated did battle.

The ST. LouiS AmericAn AreA coLLege AThLeTeS of The Week

Martavian Payne

Lindenwood-Belleville – Basketball

Continued from B3 scored a total of 819 points for the season. Payne scored at least 30 points in nine games during the season with a high of 39 points against FreedHardeman on Nov. 18. Payne also averaged 4.1 rebounds and two assists while shooting 45 percent from the field and 81 percent from the free throw line.

PREP

Continued from B3 rebounds in St. Bonaventure’s 65-58 victory over UCLA in the First Four game in Dayton, Ohio. He followed up with 14 points and six rebounds in the Bonnies’ loss to Florida in a second-round game. Stockard averaged more than 20 points during the last month of the season as the Bonnies’ made a strong late-season surge to make the NCAA Tournament.

Big Doings at Trinity

There were some major happenings coming out of the powerhouse prep football program at Trinity Catholic. Standout quarterback Isaiah Williams gave a verbal commitment to the University of Illinois. Williams is one of the nation’s top prospects in the Class of 2019 and one of the many talented players in the Trinity program. As a junior, Williams passed for 1,898 yards and 29 touchdowns to lead the Titans to a 10-1 record. The other big news is that Trinity has tabbed Terrence Curry as its new head coach. Curry was a former prep standout at Kirkwood in the late 1990’s who went on to have a standout collegiate career at the University of Missouri. Curry replaces Cory Patterson, who left his post at Trinity to become an assistant coach at Illinois on Lovie Smith’s staff.

JP shines at Lamar

Former Parkway North

Though Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn has claimed his fighter would be “leaner and lighter” for his fight with Parker, it’s likely that Joshua will tip the scales around 250. His best bet in the fight is to be the bully. He’s the bigger star, the bigger puncher and will receive the bigger paycheck. Joshua has a Mike Tyson-like aura surrounding him, where fans expect to see him destroy opponents as quickly and violently as possible.

girls basketball standout Jadyn Pimentel enjoyed an excellent freshman season at Lamar University. The 5’3” point guard was selected the Freshman of the Year in the Southland Conference after helping Lamar to the regular season league championship. Pimentel averaged seven points a game while leading the Southland Conference in assists, steals and assistto-turnover ratio. Pimentel was one of the most exciting players in the St. Louis metro

Tyson once said, “Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth.”

Joshua’s mindset should be to make Parker go from plan A to plan Z all within the first few stanzas. If Joshua can take his opponent’s fighting spirit in the early rounds, he can transform a dangerous opponent into a deer in the headlights.

Prediction

The idea that the once-docile heavyweight division is

area throughout her career at Parkway North.

Cameron Comes Home

As a sophomore in 201617, Cameron Coleman played a big role in Vianney’s drive to the Class 5 state championship in football. After that great sophomore year, Coleman ventured to Florida to play his junior season at IMG Academy. Coleman will be returning to St. Louis for his senior season, where he

PreP AThLeTe of The Week

Keith Randolph

Belleville West – Boys Basketball

The junior forward was an unsung hero in the Maroons run to the Illinois Class 4A state championship. The 6’5” Randolph turned in a pair of excellent performances at the Final Four in Peoria. In the semifinals, Randolph had 18 points, 12 rebounds and three assists in a 64-53 victory over Elgin Larkin. He followed up with 13 points and six assists in

the Maroons’ 60-56 victory over Chicago Whitney Young in the state championship game. For the season, Randolph averaging 10.1 points and 6.9 rebounds a game while shooting 53 percent from the field. He also played on the West football team for the first time this in the fall and has earned a number of Division I scholarship offers.

Like in the previous bout, I think the bigger star and more powerful puncher will emerge victorious. Joshua is simply too strong for Parker to keep at bay for 12 rounds. It should be an exciting clash while it lasts, but expect Joshua hit Parker’s snooze button in the fourth round.

More importantly, after the fight I expect Joshua to announce his intention to fight Wilder in his next bout for the chance to become the undefeated, undisputed heavyweight champion of the world. That’s the fight the world is waiting to see.

Follow Ishmael and In the Clutch on Twitter @ IshmaelSistrunk

will be attending Cardinal Ritter. Coleman is one of the state’s top prospects in the Class of 2019. As a sophomore at Vianney, Coleman had 68 receptions for 866 yards, rushed for 347 yards and scored 16 touchdowns. Coleman is expected to team with fellow 2019 standout Jameson Williams to form one of the top receiving tandems in the state at Cardinal Ritter.

The senior guard from Madison Prep was selected to the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) All-American Third Team.

The 6’3” Payne was also a First Team American Midwest Conference selection after averaging 26.4 points a game to lead the league in scoring. He

Sadie Wise

Saint Louis University – Women’s Softball

The freshman standout from Kirkwood High was selected the Rookie of the Week in the Atlantic 10 Conference for the third consecutive week and fourth overall. In five games last week, Wise batted .462 with two home runs, seven runs batted in with an on-base percentage of .562 and a slug-

ging percentage of 1,000. Wise has been one of the top freshman players in the country. In 29 games, she leads the Billikens in several categories including batting average (.418), hits (38), runs (27) and total bases (78). Her 10 home runs are not only a team-leader, but a freshman record at SLU.

Several members of the Cardinal Ritter College Prep football team signed national letters on intent to play college football at the recent signing day at the school. The six players signing were defensive back Daveon Walls (Southwest Baptist), offensive lineman Deonta Graham (Quincy University), linebacker Donnell Sharp (Quincy University), wide receiver Ronald Welch (McKendree University), defensive back Jared Phillips (Fort Scott College) and linebacker Imante Griffin (Mid-American Nazarene).

LAHMAN

continued from page B1

Annie Malone was opened in 1888 as the St. Louis Colored Orphan’s Home, later renamed the Annie Malone Children’s Home in honor of a key sponsor. While its original goal was to provide a home for parentless children, its mission has changed and expanded many times over the years. Annie Malone’s services now include crisis intervention for children and families; a transitional living program for foster, homeless and runaway youth; and parenting education. They also operate Emerson Academy Therapeutic School, a K-12 school that provides both education and therapy for struggling students.

Lahman replaced Joseph Anderson, who served as the interim CEO after Leslie Gill left the organization to become the executive director of Rung Ltd. Anderson returned to his position as chief financial officer at Annie Malone. Lahman said there are many Annie Malone services that the public could benefit from, but are not always aware of.

“We have an amazing

parenting program I wasn’t even aware of until I came on board and – through the interview process just in researching it, meeting with those staff – they do so much to work with the parents here where they’re struggling,” Lahman said.

“Their kids are either in the foster care system and they’re trying to reunite, they’re trying to beat an addiction, or whatever that is, and we just advocate for them and help them understand the processes that’s underutilized.”

Annie Malone is approaching its 130th anniversary as an organization, and staff members said they are excited to have Lahman on board at this notable time.

“Sara is an extremely talented human services professional with deep experience in the delivery of clinical services, strategic planning and development, human resources and quality assurance,” said Annie Malone Board President Cozy Marks III. “She clearly understands our community, the families we serve, and the rich history of Annie Malone.”

Annie Malone is currently working with the St. Louis Metropolitan Police

Department to open an eight-

bed crisis center that will provide services for young victims of human trafficking. Lahman said she hopes to expand the organization’s therapeutic services and work with more mental health providers.

“The biggest thing that I want to bring to this area and what I’m most about is just bringing hope to the community and to let people know that we’re here and we want to be their referral of choice,” Lahman said.

“We want to be a partner in the community. I see us doing daycares in the future and just see us really partnering more to be that provider that helps these kids in this community. And I’m very excited about that.”

The organization is planning a number of events for its anniversary, including an Annie Malone Kids on the Run against Child Abuse and Neglect 5k Run/Walk on April 29 and a May Day Parade celebrating 130 Years of Service on May 20.

For more information, visit https://www.anniemalone.com, email info@anniemalone.com or call 314-531-0120.

Financial Focus

By Lucien C. Blackwell

Newer investors: Don’t panic if bear market returns

If

you

Photo by Wiley Price

Natasha Leonard, director of Development at at Annie Malone Children and Family Service Center, meets with Sara Lahman, its new executive director.

Remixing ‘Godspell’

Resurrection from the millennial point of view returns to the Marcelle

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St. Louis American

Somewhere between the second and sixth time that Tre’von Griffith had seen the Broadway revival of “Godspell” in New York, he had the idea to repackage the musical in a way that would allow young people of color could relate.

“I fell in love with the show and would be watching it, thinking ‘What would it

A soulful serenade

‘Sunken Cities’ of Egypt surface in St. Louis

By Chris King Of

Lost Worlds,” which opened on March 23. It appears miraculous that ancient Egyptian archaeological treasures that were lost under the sea for some 13 centuries survived and were rescued in such remarkable condition in this century. It’s equally incredible that both colossal statues and tiny rings alike survived and were brought back into view from the bottom of the sea after more than 1,000 years of watery oblivion.

Black Rep closes season 41 with world premiere Civil War drama ‘Torn Asunder’

By Kenya Vaughn Of The St.

American

“When I read this play, I probably cried through the last 40 pages,” said Ron Himes, founder and producing director of The St. Louis Black Repertory Company.

Nikkole Salter didn’t even know Himes had his hands on her play “Torn Asunder.” It was passed to him by Kathy Perkins, who routinely comes to The Black Rep as a lighting designer. Perkins and Dr. Heather Andrea Williams commissioned Salter to write the play, which is based on the research Williams conducted for her book, “Help Me to Find My People: The African American Search for Family Lost in Slavery.”

“As soon as I finished the last page, I called

and said, ‘I want to do this play next year,’” Himes said. “From then on it’s just been me figuring out how to be able to put the resources behind it to give it the production that I feel the story deserves.”

Though they usually close the season with the bang of a big musical, Himes will stage the play’s world-premiere at Washington

n “I hope, as a visitor, you feel the adventure the team experienced.”

– Franck Goddio, European Institute for Underwater Archaeology

More parochially, it’s amazing if not miraculous that St. Louis gets the first North American look at these ancient mysteries brought back to light and land. St. Louis Art Museum Director Brent R. Benjamin described this body of work as “one of the greatest finds in the history of underwater archaeology,” and St. Louis and the museum now play roles in the history of exposing these unearthly treasures to a wider public. These relics from what was ancient Egypt’s Nile Delta were discovered and salvaged off the coast of Alexandria by Franck Goddio and his team at the European Institute for Underwater Archaeology, working in partnership with the Egyptian Ministry of Antiquities. Goddio and officials from the ministry visited the museum on March 21 to discuss the discoveries.

“I hope, as a visitor, you feel the adventure the team experienced,” Goddio said. While it’s hard to believe anything feels quite like staring at the sculpture of an ancient pharaoh for the first time from the bottom of the ocean floor, these objects have a peculiar power. The exhibition — curated by Goddio; co-curated for the museum by Lisa Cakmak, associate curator of ancient art — communicates their power and the adventure of their discovery as

See EGYPT, C4

St Louis Centennial Gala Saturday at the Grand Marriott.

Photo by Wiley Price

Photo by Chris King

How to place a calendar listing

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

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

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

concerts

Through Mar. 31, Jazz St. Louis welcomes Grammy Award nominated The Baylor Project, Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.jazzstl.org.

Sun., Apr. 1, 6 p.m., 95.5

R&B Old School presents After 7: Back by Popular Demand. The Ambassador, 9800 New Halls Ferry, 63136. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Apr. 4 – 5, 7:30 p.m., Jazz St. Louis presents Ken Page. Jazz at the Bistro, 3536 Washington Ave., 63103.

Fri., Apr. 6, 8 p.m., Old Rock House presents Anthony Gomes. 1200 S. 7th St., 63104. For more information, visit www.anthonygomes.com.

Fri., Apr. 6, 7 p.m., St. Louis Blues Festival. With Calvin Richardson, Lattimore, Bobby Rush, Willie Clayton, and more. Chaifetz Arena, 1 S. Compton Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

Sat., April 7, 8 p.m., The Cabaret Project of St. Louis presents Broadway veteran Norm Lewis. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com.

local gigs

Sat., Mar. 31, 7 p.m., Family Affair: STL to the H-Town The Show. Performance by Westend and Domino Effect. Delmar Hall, 6133 Delmar Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit ww.eventbrite.com.

Sun., Apr. 1, 6 p.m., The Easter Show feat. Wendell B with special guest Lamont Hadley. Gandel Theatre, 3610 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more

information, call (314) 4967751.

special events

Thur., Mar. 29, 6 p.m., Radio One St. Louis 2018 Phenomenal Woman Awards. Missouri Athletic Club, 405 Washington Ave., 63102. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Mar. 31, 7 p.m., Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Nu Chi Chapter of East St. Louis presents Mardi Gras 2018: All Black the Masquerade Edition. Main Street Brewing Banquet Center, 6435 West Main St., Belleville, IL 62226. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Mar. 31, 7 p.m., IDream Ent presents an Adult Easter Egg Hunt. Bring a flashlight and a basket for this adultsonly hunt for more than 3,000 eggs. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Forest Park Ave., 63108. For ticket information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Wed., Apr. 4, 8:30 a.m., Hawthorn Leadership School for Girls Tour for Prospective Families. Learn more about our STEMfocused, college prep program for girls entering middle and high school. 1901 N. Kingshighway Blvd., 63113. For more information, visit www.hawthornschool.org.

Fri., Apr. 6, 8 p.m., Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity, Inc., Epsilon Lambda Chapter invites you to A Night in ParadICE. Polish Heritage Center, 1413 N. 20th St., 63106. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Fri., Apr. 6, 9 p.m., Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc., St. Louis Alumni Chapter presents Diamonds &

The Guide

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Washington University’s Graham Chapel will host a Public Event in Recognition of the 50th Anniversary of the Death of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. For more information, see SPECIAL EVENTS.

Pearls: The Pink Party. The Marquee, 1911 Locust St., 63103. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Sat., Apr. 7, 10 a.m., Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Phi Nu Zeta Chapter presents Finer Boutique – Free Prom Dresses. Each high school student will be assigned a personal shopper to help put together their look. 6707 W. Florissant Ave., 63136. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Sat., Apr. 7, 6:30 p.m., The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery presents the Razzle Dazzle Ball: A Garden of Hope Join us to help raise funds to prevent child abuse. Westport Sheraton Lakeside Chalet, 191 W Port Plaza Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www. crisisnurserykids.org/events.

Sat., Apr. 7, 6:30 p.m., The Saint Louis Crisis Nursery presents the Razzle Dazzle Ball: A Garden of Hope Westport Sheraton Lakeside Chalet, 191 W Port Plaza Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www.crisisnurserykids. org/events.

Sat., Apr. 7, 5 p.m., Now and Then: A Concert Celebration of Music. Featuring performances by Fontbonne’s new jazz ensemble, choir

and other guest performers. Fontbonne University Fine Arts Building, 6800 Wydown Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. mustardseedtheatre.com.

Apr. 8 – 15, Missouri History Museum presents A Celebration of Civil Rights Commemorate the closing of the #1 in Civil Rights Exhibit with a weeklong celebration including special events and performances. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Fri., Apr. 13, 5 p.m., National Blues Museum Honors: Kim Massie & Jim McClaren. Performances by Marsha Evans & The Coalition. 615 Washington Ave., 63101. For more information, visit www. nationalbluesmuseum.org.

Apr. 13 – 15, Washington University presents ThurtenE Carnival. Enjoy a weekend filled with rides, games, student booths, food, and more. 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www.thurtene.org.

Sat., Apr. 14, 8 a.m., MakeA-Wish Foundation invites you to their Walk for Wishes. Help raise money to grant wishes for children with

critical illnesses, and enjoy bounce houses, music and more. Forest Park- Upper Muny Lot, 63021. For more information, visit www. walkforwishesstl.com.

Sat., Apr. 14, 8:30 a.m., A Run for Hope. A 5K race/1 mile walk to generates funds to support Annie’s Hope. Health screenings, child ID cards, and more. Route 66 State Park, 97 N. Outer Rd., 63025. For more information, visit www.register.chronotrack. com/r/37196.

Sat., Apr. 14, 9 a.m., St. Louis Alumnae, St. Louis Metropolitan, and Alpha Omega Chapters of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., present Community Forum IMPACT Day. JC Penney Building, UMSL, 1 University Blvd., 63121.

Sat., Apr. 14, 3 p.m., Dancing Still in the Twilight Years Senior Prom. Calling all senior citizens 65 and older for dancing, fun, and crowning the king and queen. Truelight Baptist Church, 1535 Tudor Ave., East St. Louis, IL 62207. For more information, visit www.truelight-estl.com.

Sat., Apr. 14, 6 p.m., Dignity Period Spring Gala. The mission is to keep adolescent Ethiopian girls in school by ensuring that they have access to quality menstrual hygiene products. Marriott St. Louis West, 660 Maryville Centre Dr., 63141. For more information visit www. dignityperiod.org.

Sun., Apr. 15, 2 p.m., Swap til you Drop Spring Event. Enjoy networking, swap out old fashion pieces and shop trendy items for less, win givea-ways, and more. CIC@CET, 20 S. Sarah St., 63108. For more information, visit www. thebrowncloset.com.

Sun., Apr. 15, 5 p.m., Made Moguls 4th Annual Black Tie Charity Dinner. Highlighting individuals and organizations that are helping to uplift and empower the community. Holiday Inn-Downtown, 811 N 9th St., 63101. For more information, visit www. mmblacktiedinner.com.

Tues., Apr. 17, 7 p.m., A Public Event In Recognition Of The 50th Anniversary Of The Death Of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Graham Chapel, Washington University, One Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www.rap.wustl.edu.

Fri., Apr. 20, 6:30 p.m., Rainbow Village’s 22nd Annual Somewhere Over the Rainbow Gala. Help raise funds to provide safe, quality homes for individuals with disabilities. Four Seasons Hotel, 999 North 2nd St., 63102. For more information, visit www.rbvstl.org.

literary

Fri., Apr. 6, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books host author Junot Diaz, author of Islandborn Ethical Society of St. Louis, 9001 Clayton Rd., 63117. For more information, visit www. left-bank.com.

Tues., Apr. 10, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books host author Natalie Hopkinson author of A Mouth Is Always Muzzled: Six Dissidents, Five Continents, and the Art of Resistance. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Sat., Apr. 14, 8 p.m., The Monocle presents Dani Skye. St. Louis native, spoken-word artist and author, Dani Skye will perform 11 mind-blowing pieces. 4510 Manchester Ave., 63110. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., Apr. 19, 7 p.m., Left Bank Books hosts author Jewell Parker Rhodes, author of Ghost Boys. Jerome is shot by an officer who mistakes his toy gun for a real threat. As a ghost, he observes the devastation that’s been unleashed on his family and community. 399 N. Euclid Ave., 63108.

Sat., Mar. 31, 7 p.m., Freedom of Speech Comedy Show: The Homecoming. Featuring Nathan Orton, Renee P, and Jay Lee Thomas. 1516 Old State Route 158, Belleville, IL 62221. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Apr. 5 – 8, Funny Bone presents Luenell. 614 W. Port Plaza Dr., 63146. For more information, visit www. stlouisfunnybone.com.

Fri., Apr. 13, Kevin Hart Irresponsible Tour, Scottrade Center. For more information, visit livenation.com.

Thurs., May 3, The Lit AF Tour starring Martin Lawrence and featuring Rickey Smiley, JB Smoove,

DeRay Davis and Benji Brown. Chaifetz Arena. For more information, visit www. ticketmaster.com.

theatre

Fri., Mar. 30, 7:30 p.m., Kissed by Judas. The modernday tale of seven individuals seeking soul reconciliation. The Sun Theater, 3625 Grandel Sq., 63108. For more information, visit www. kissedbyjudas.org.

Mar. 30 – 31, Association of Latin American Students presents Carnaval 2018: Unidad. Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth Blvd., 63105. For more information, visit www. tickets.vendini.com.

Through April 1, The Fox Theatre presents The Color Purple, 527 N. Grand Blvd., 63103. For more information, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Fri., Apr. 13- Apr. 29, The Black Rep closes its 41st season with the world premiere of Nikkole Salter’s Torn Asunder. Washington University’s Edison Theater. For more information, call (314) 534-3807 or visit www. theblackrep.org.

art

Sat., Mar. 31, 5:30 p.m., Creativity & Identity: An American Muslim Art Exhibition. Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.cairmo.org/art.

Through Apr. 21, Sheldon Concert Hall and Art Galleries presents School Focus: Cardinal Ritter College Prep Student Exhibit. Featuring drawings, paintings, and ceramics by the students. 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.thesheldon.org/ upcomingexhibits.

lectures and workshops

Thur., Mar. 29, 6 p.m., Superheroes and Villains. Discover how in popular culture these characters often relate to ancient narratives. Contemporary Art Museum, 3750 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www.camstl.org/calendar.

Thur., Mar. 29, 7 p.m.,

Kenya Vaughn recommends

Deconstructing the Trope of the Angry Black Woman. Professor Kim Norwood will discuss her article “Aggressive Encounters & White Fragility: Deconstructing the Trope of the Angry Black Woman.” Missouri History Museum, 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www. mohistory.org.

Fri., Mar. 30, 7 a.m., Olin Africa Business Club presents the 1st Annual African Business Forum. The theme will be “Overanalyzed and Underrepresented”. Knight Hall, Washington University, Snow Way, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com.

Thur., Apr. 5, 6 p.m., Money Smart – Wills, Beneficiary Deeds and Estate Planning. Topics include starting the estate planning process, avoiding probate, and more. Habitat for Humanity, 3763 Forest Park Ave., 63108. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Thur., Apr. 5, 7 p.m., Financial Series with Prudential: Roadmap to Retirement. Topics include longevity risks, rollover IRA’s, long term healthcare costs, and more. Kirkwood Public Library, 140 E.

Jefferson Ave., 63122. For more information, visit www. kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org.

Sun., Apr. 15, 2 p.m., What is Fake News?: Information Literacy in a World of Viral News. Kirkwood Public Library, 140 E. Jefferson Ave., 63122. For more information, visit www. kirkwoodpubliclibrary.org.

Sat., Apr. 21, 10 a.m., Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., St. Louis Alumnae Chapter presents Career Readiness Extravaganza. William J. Harrison Educational Center, 3140 Cass Ave., 63106. For more information, visit www. dst-sla.org.

Wednesdays, 7 p.m., Through Apr. 25, The Missouri Bar Association invites you to the Spring 2018 Mini Law School for the Public. Six-week series covering various legal topics. St. Louis County Council Campus, 41 S. Central, 63105. For more information, call (866) 366-0270 or visit www. missourilawyershelp.org/minilaw-school.

Sundays, Through Dec. 30, 2 p.m., Center for Divine Love Church presents Finally Understand Race in America. A portrayal

in grades 6 – 12 will discuss abstinence, STDs, sexual abuse, and more. Center of Social Empowerment, 33 S. Florissant Rd., 63135. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com.

Mon., Apr. 2, 6 p.m., BarnesJewish Hospital Listening Sessions. Share your hospital experiences specific to BJC, as well as your vision for better health care. Wayman AME Church, 5010 Cabanne Ave., 63113. For more information, call (314) 362-7705.

Thur., Apr. 5, 5 p.m., Toward Healing and Health – Advancing Equity in Healthcare. With keynote speaker Louis W. Sullivan, MD. Brown School of Social Work, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com

Thur., Apr. 12, 12 p.m., Think Well: Healthcare Out Loud. The event will focus on cutting-edge ideas in health, wellness and medicine. Sheldon Concert Hall, 3648 Washington Blvd., 63108. For more information, visit www. tedxgatewayarch.org.

of the African-American experience. Discussion will follow. 3617 Wyoming St., 63116. For more information, visit www.facebook.com.

health

Mar. 29 – April 1, TLT Productions presentation of “Something Like Godspell” is back by popular demand. Marcelle Theater in Grand Center. Tickets are available at MetroTix outlets, metrotix. com or by calling 314-5341111.

Sat., Mar. 31, 10 a.m., Rich Girls, Real Women, Inc. presents Rich Talk Session: The Sex Talk. This session for boys and girls

Sat., Apr. 21, 10 a.m., Alzheimer’s Association Caregiver Support Group, Friendly Temple Missionary Baptist Church Campus Friendly Village, 5545 Wells Ave., 63112. For more information, call 314-4395799.

spiritual

Fri., Mar. 30, 7 p.m., New Life Worship and Arts presents The Encounter 3. Come see and hear the sights and sounds of the many people Jesus encountered on His way to the cross. 689 Scott Trou Rd., O’Fallon, IL 62254. For more information, visit www. nlicic.ccbchurch.com.

Sat., Mar. 31, 2 p.m., Straight Out the Cannon presents When Singers Meet

Gospel Concert. Songs of praise and inspirational speakers. East St. Louis Sr. High School, 4901 State St., East St. Louis, IL 62205. For more information, visit www. eventbrite.com

Sat., Apr. 7, 2 p.m., Praise is What We Do Scholarship Benefit. The Men’s Chorus of Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, Phillip Graves and other guest artists will perform. Cote Brilliante Presbyterian Church, 4673 Labadie Ave., 63103. For more information, visit www.cbpcstl.org.

Thur., Mar. 29, 4 p.m., John Gardner Open House and Free Screening of “Sunlight Man”. The film chronicles Gardner’s life from the viewpoint of his son, Joel. Olin Library, Washington University, 1 Brookings Dr., 63130. For more information, visit www. library.wustl.edu/event.

Thur., Mar. 29, 7 p.m., Pipe Dreams: The School to Prison Pipeline in St. Louis Screening. A look at how implicit bias contributes to the pipeline, and a way forward. Landmark Tivoli Theatre, 6350 Delmar Blvd., 63130. For more information, visit www.eventbrite.com

Tues., Apr. 3, 9:30 a.m., Shepherd’s Center hosts The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks Film Screening and Discussion. An AfricanAmerican woman becomes an unwitting pioneer for medical breakthroughs. 355 S. Harrison Ave., 63122. For more information, visit www. facebook.com.

Fri., Apr. 6, 6:30 p.m., Missouri History Museum presents The Color of Medicine: Story of Homer G. Phillips Hospital Film Screening. The film chronicles the rise and fall of the iconic institution. 5700 Lindell Blvd., 63112. For more information, visit www.mohistory.org.

St. Louis Blues Festival. With Calvin Richardson (above), Lattimore, Bobby Rush, Willie Clayton, and more at Chaifetz Arena. See CONCERTS for details.

ably as possible without going scuba diving at the dig site in Egypt.

Cakmak knows that St. Louis audiences associate ancient Egypt with the opposite of the Delta and the ocean. Rather than objects protected for centuries by underwater isolation, St. Louis museum visitors flock to specimens preserved for centuries by the deliberate exclusion of moisture.

“There are no mummies,” Cakmak said. Mummies don’t age too well underwater.

The art of the mummy, like all ancient Egyptian funerary objects, was all about defeating death and time in pursuit of immortality. “Sunken Cities” does illuminate another Egyptian tradition of the immortal: the resurrection of the god Osiris and ancient sacred mysteries enacted around that narrative.

Goddio pointed out to The American several pieces connected to the Mysteries of Osiris that his team did not discover, but that traveled outside of Egypt for the first time to support the new discoveries and help interpret the Mysteries. The archaeologist assumed a posture and tone of sublime reverence around two such rare figures of Osiris, a large basalt sculpture of Osiris on his funeral bed and a small earthen figure of the god sprouting barley inside a falcon-headed coffin.

Simply having these two objects on loan from Egyptian museums for the first time in history for the next half-year would make the St. Louis Art Museum a pilgrimage destination for those fascinated with the ancient world.

Goddio’s reverence for the ancient Mysteries was rivaled only by the enthusiasm of the Egyptian officials who traveled to St. Louis to introduce the exhibition. Dr. Mostafa Waziry, general secretary

of the Supreme Council for Antiquities, gave a spontaneous performance of the Osiris

n “I am sending to St. Louis and the United States a message of peace and civilization from Egypt.”

– Dr. Khaled El-Enany, minister of Antiquities of Egypt

narrative of murder and rebirth, surrounded by artifacts from the ancient Mysteries, that had to be seen to be believed.

Dr. Khaled El-Enany, minister of Antiquities of

Egypt, offered simple words that had an almost magical appeal to Americans living through one of the most disrupted and least civilized eras in this country’s modern history.

“I am sending to St. Louis and the United States,” Dr. El-Enany said, “a message of peace and civilization from Egypt.”

Peace and civilization? In St. Louis and the United States in 2018? It sounded magical and miraculous.

“Sunken Cities: Egypt’s Lost Worlds” opened on March 25 and closes September 9. The exhibition is free on Fridays, when the museum is open until 9 p.m. Otherwise admission is $20 for adults, $18 for seniors/ students, $8 for children 6-12 and free for younger children. Visit slam.org.

REP

Continued from C1

University’s Edison Theatre from April 13 – 29.

“It’s going to be grand and epic – and what’s exciting about this production is that we are launching it,” Himes said. “We are putting our stamp on it and hopefully people will follow that blueprint.”

Torn Asunder will be the 17th world-premiere that of The Black Rep in its 41 years.

“What I love about being the first to take on a piece of work is the journey of the discovery that happens,” Himes said. “It comes every day in rehearsal. We will have worked a scene a certain way and said, ‘No, that’s not it. Let’s try it from this vantage point.’’ The idea of telling this story makes the process even more fulfilling for Himes.

The story is set as the Civil War is coming to an end.

Married couple Moses and Hannah have been paying towards their freedom. They have paid a sizable amount, when the master gets sick. Moses sees the writing on

GODSPELL

Continued from C1

and was created by Griffith and his TLT partner ThompsonCosby.

“I wanted this to be my ‘The Wiz’ to ‘The Wizard of Oz,’” Griffith said. “I just thought it would be really cool and people would dig it.”

He was right. His adaptation of the musical that captures the final days before the crucifixion of Jesus Christ debuted last year at Grand Center’s Marcelle Theatre was met with sold out crowds. The musical, which, like the original, is based on The Gospel According to St. Matthew, returns to the Marcelle this Easter weekend (March 29-April 1).

“I tell people all the time that this story is one of love and friendship,” Griffith said. “It’s told through the lens of

the wall and begs Hannah to escape with him, because he is sure that upon the death of Master James that the sizable down payment towards their liberation will be null and void. Hannah talks him out of it. They both live to regret the decision. The war ends, and they embark on a journey that illustrates the emotional toll of human bondage.

“You see the ravages on both sides, that’s the thing that I think Nikkole has done,” said Himes, who also directs the play. “She has shown what a horrible institution it was and how it attempted to destroy the family unit – but with these characters’ resilience, you see them fight for love. You see them fight for their families.”

“Torn Asunder” stars Erin Renee Roberts, Myke Andrews, Alan Knoll, Carl Overly, Jr., Brandi Threatt and Graham Emmons.

“What I hope is that – especially in this period that we are in – that people will see black love,” Himes said. “That they will see how strong it is, how resilient it is – and see how we have worked as a people to be free and have families. Men who are dedicated to taking

Jesus Christ, but it has a contemporary approach. We go to church and read the Bible as we grow up, but do we really understand it for ourselves? I tried to break it down in a way that people could connect with it on a personal level.”

“Something Like…

n The show’s recurring theme is “love your neighbor as you would love yourself.”

Godspell” features original music that includes gospel, R&B and hip-hop. “There’s something that everybody can connect with,” Griffith said. He believes that to be true with the music and the moral of the story. While the message of the musical is timely as people commemorate the

care of their families. In this play, I hope they will see black people looking out for community, because that’s what these people become. Within this vicious institution, and despite their circumstances, they have become a community that managed to display strength, love and humanity.”

Much like he felt when he finished reading the play, Himes wants the audience to feel emotionally wrung, but also a sense of triumph for the characters and the ancestors they represent.

“The men in this play are upright guys. They stand up against the institution of slavery in their own way,” Himes said. “I want people to feel like these characters end up where they are supposed to be – because that’s how it is. People end up where they are supposed to be, in love and in life.”

The Black Rep’s presentation of “Torn Asunder” will run from April 13-April 29 at Washington University’s Edison Theatre, 6445 Forsyth. For tickets and additional information, visit www.theblackrep.org or call (314) 5343810.

life, death and resurrection of Jesus, Griffith said that people from all faiths can connect with “Something Like…Godspell.” The show’s recurring theme is “love your neighbor as you would love yourself.”

“The essence of the show is about love and community,” said Griffith.

“We want people to really think about if they are really doing all that they can for people if you are in the position to – because at the end of the day, we just all want to be better people. In a perfect world, the play would encourage people to ask, “Are you embodying these principles that are being taught in the Bible?’” ‘Do you live a good life?””

TLT Production’s presentation of “Something Like… Godspell” returns to the Marcelle Theatre from March 29 – April 1. For tickets, visit www.metrotix.com or call (314) 534-1111.

Photo by Chris King

Celebrations

Choir Honors

Congratulations to Hazelwood East High School Girls’ Choir for being selected to perform at the National School Boards Association (NSBA) Annual Conference in San Antonio, TX on April 8, 2018. Barbara Fraser, Education Liaison to the St. Louis County Executive, recently presented a proclamation to the choir. They will perform during the general session at the NSBA Conference.

Reunions

All reunion announcements can be viewed online!

Beaumont Class of 1968 will celebrate its 50-year reunion June 8-10,2018. Yes, Class ‘68 will begin Milestone celebration 6th month on 8th day. Our 2018 meetings in preparation will be held at STL County library located 7606 Natural Bridge at 1:00 p.m.. Dates are (Saturdays) February 17, March 17, April 21, May 19 and June 2. For more information call (314) 869-8312 or email bhsco1968@att.net. Pass the

word and lets celebrate!

Beaumont Class of 1973 will celebrate its 45th reunion, Aug-10-12, 2018! Banquet is Aug. 10 at Orlando’s, 2050 Dorsett Village Plaza, picnic at January Wabash Park. $100 per person includes entire weekend. Deadline is June 15! To register, contact Dr. Liz Franklin at mychoice2succeed@yahoo. com or (636)293-9553. Also, checkout BHS Class of 73 Facebook page.

Homer G. Phillips and St. Louis Municipal School of Nursing is planning an all class reunion in June 2018. Please send your name, address and telephone number to: Homer G. Phillips Nurses Alumni, Inc., P.O. Box 8033 St. Louis, Missouri 63156. McKinley Class of 1978

will celebrate its 40-year reunion July 27-29, 2018 at the Embassy Suites-Airport. For more information please contact Barbara Lindsey, Barbara_Lindsey@icloud.com or Marvin Woods, mwoods@ projectcontrolsgroup.com , (314) 647-0707.

Northwest High Class of 1978 is planning its 40-year reunion for next year. If you have any questions please contact Sly at (314) 397-0311 or email us at northwestbluedevils@78gmail. com. Check us out on Facebook Northwest High School-Class of 1978.

Northwest Class of 1979 is planning on cruising for our 40th class reunion and would love for you to join us. Date to sail is July 20, 2019. Contact Duane Daniels at 314-568-2057 or Howard Day at 414-698-4261 for further

Birthdays

I like to wish my husband, Antonio Scaife, a happy 51st birthday on March 22nd! You’re such an amazing husband, from the incredible wife of your dreams! I thank God for you and I pray that God continues to give you health, strength and a long life. I love you!

To a very special person blessed to celebrate another special day—happy 82nd birthday to Gloria CampbellWhite on March 26th. May you continue to be blessed and thank you for always being such a blessing to others.

information. Please don’t miss the boat!

Soldan Class of 1978 is planning their 40th class reunion. The dates are June 1, 2 and 3. For more information: call (314) 413-9088.

Sumner Alumni Association hosts its 15th Annual Membership Round-Up Sunday, February 25, 2018, 1-4 pm at Sumner High School with Theme “Showcase Your Talent”. Contact B. Louis at (314) 385-9843 or email: sumneralumniassn@yahoo. com or to Showcase Your Talent (provide contact info and your talent). J. House, Chairperson (314) 420-3442.

Sumner High School Class of 1973 will have its 45th year class reunion the weekend of June 7-June 9, 2018. More info to follow

FREE OF CHARGE

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

St. Louis American Celebrations c/o Kate Daniel 2315 Pine St. St. Louis, MO 63103

outlining the details. If you did not receive a newsletter in January, please contact Marsha Joseph-Williams (314-6068701) or Dorris SimmonsMcGhaw(314-541-2462) or you can inbox Sid S. Shurn or Dorris on Facebook.

University City Class of 1978 will hold its 40th reunion May 25-27, 2018. For more information please email ucityhs1978@gmail.com

Vashon Classes of 1974, 1975 and 1976 present: Three Classes Under One Roof! Saturday, April 7, 2018, 7 p.m. until 12 a.m. at the Polish Heritage Center, 1413 North 20th St., St. Louis, MO 63106. For tickets or additional information, call: Jordan Perry ‘74 (314) 724-4563, Elvis Hopson ‘75 (314) 660-1784 or Anthony Arnold ‘76 (314) 677-5667.

Reunion notices are free of charge and based on space availability. We prefer that notices be emailed to us! However, notices may also be sent by mail to: Kate Daniel, 2315 Pine St., St. Louis, MO 63103

Deadline is 10 a.m. on Friday. If you’d like your class to be featured in a reunion profile, email or mail photos to us. Our email address is: reunions@ stlamerican.com

Antonio Scaife

Gloria Campbell-White

Day of a shattered dream

country observes,

as “A

described his birthday celebrations across the nation as “the life and legacy of a man who brought hope and healing to America. We commemorate as well the timeless values he taught us through his example, the values of courage, truth, justice, compassion, dignity, humility and service that so radiantly defined Dr. King’s character and empowered his leadership. On this holiday, we commemorate the universal, unconditional love, forgiveness and nonviolence that empowered his revolutionary spirit.”

Much has been written to memorialize his birth, many celebrations have been held, and the King holiday honors the life and contributions of America’s greatest champion of racial justice and equality. A preacher who not only dreamed of a color-blind society, but who also led a movement that achieved historic reforms. We know the dream. However, today how should we remember his death?

April 4, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee. And 50 years ago, on February 4, 1968, two months before his death, Dr. King delivered a sermon at his Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta that seemed to be prophetic. That speech contained what would become his eulogy.

He said, “Every now and then I guess we all think realistically about that day when we will be victimized with what is life’s final common denominator, that something that we call death. We all think about it. And

n We know the dream. However, today how should we remember his death?

every now and then I think about my own death and I think about my own funeral. And I don’t think of it in a morbid sense. And every now and then I ask myself, ‘What is it that I would want said?’ And I leave the word to you this morning.

“If any of you are around when I have to meet my day, I don’t want a long funeral. And if you get somebody to deliver the eulogy, tell them not to talk

too long.

“And every now and then I wonder what I want them to say. Tell them not to mention that I have a Nobel Peace Prize; that isn’t important. Tell them not to mention that I have three or four hundred other awards; that’s not important. Tell them not to mention where I went to school.”

He said, “I’d like somebody to mention that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to give his life serving others. I’d like for somebody to say that day that Martin Luther King Jr. tried to love somebody... that I tried to love and serve humanity. Yes, if you want to, say that I was a drum major for peace, and for righteousness.”

This year, there will be a yearlong commemoration of Dr. King’s murder, and the theme is “Where Do We Go from Here?’ Do you have the answer? What do you suggest?”

How do we remember the death of a man whose commitment to peace and understanding between people began as a child? Shall we have candlelight vigils or marches to remember 50 years of sadness? You tell me.

Please watch the Bernie Hayes TV program Saturday night at 10 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 5:30 p.m. on NLEC-TV Ch. 24.2. I can be reached by fax at (314) 8373369 or e-mail at: berhay@ swbell.net. Or on Twitter @ berhay.

Be a Tourist in Your Own Town

Another fun tourism season in St. Louis

Beginning March 24-25, Six Flags St. Louis offers another season of thrill rides, shows, and activities for you to enjoy with friends and family,

By Kiara Bryant For the St. Louis American

Spring has sprung St. Louis, bringing the best in outdoor attractions back to life. We hope you’ll make the most of your spring and summer in town. Here’s a brief overview of events to look forward to in the coming months. In addition to the return of baseball, spring marks the start of tourism season. With so many wonderful things to do, you’ll want to make plans ASAP.

Beginning March 24-25, everyone can head out to Eureka for weekends at Six Flags St. Louis. Also known as Missouri’s Coaster Capital, Six Flags St. Louis offers another season of thrill rides, shows, and activities for you to enjoy with friends and family. For a limited time, experience riding The Batman ride backward (March 24 - May 13) and the Mardi Gras festival (July7-22) at the theme park.

Another St. Louis treasure, Grant’s Farm, will open for the season on April 14. The 281-acre ancestral home of the Busch family named after former President Ulysses S. Grant has more than 900 animals, representing more than 100 different species.

And if you haven’t

More details for spring and summer fun

https://www.slsc.org/ exhibits-attractions/ destination-moon-theapollo-11-mission/ https://www.fabulousfox. com/events/detail/hamilton http://www.slam.org/ exhibitions/sunkencities.php https://www.sixflags.com/ stlouis

http://www.grantsfarm.com/ http://stlouis.cardinals.mlb. com/index.jsp?c_id=stl https://www.stlzoo.org/

summer.” April 5 is the big day, Opening Day that is, when St. Louis Cardinals’ fans come together once again in Busch Stadium to cheer our Redbirds on the road to victory. As a St. Louisan, you’re automatically a part of Cardinal Nation and we want to see you in your Cardinal red this baseball season. The wait is over. This weekend you can witness the North American premiere of Sunken Cities: Egypt’s Lost Worlds, an exhibition showcasing works of art from one of the greatest finds in the history of underwater archaeology when it arrives at the Saint Louis Art Museum starting Mar. 25 through Sept. 9. The exhibit will feature colossal, 16-foot-tall sculptures and other discovered artifacts from two ancient Egyptian cities that were lost to the Mediterranean Sea over 1,200 years ago. In April, you can go to the moon as the space race returns to St. Louis with the Saint Louis Science Center’s exhibit titled “Destination Moon: The Apollo 11 Mission,” beginning April 14. The SLSC was chosen as one of only four science museums in the country to display this exhibit from the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum. The exhibition will feature the intact Apollo 11 command module Columbia, as well as more than 20 other one-of-a-kind artifacts from the historic mission. Don’t miss this once-in-a-lifetime chance to see these magnificent artifacts.

Finally, a highly anticipated show will make its way to The Fabulous Fox Theatre and you’ll want to ‘be there when it happens.’ The US Bank Broadway Series season will come to a close with the anchor of all anchors – the ever-popular ‘Hamilton’ in St. Louis (Apr. 3-22). Lin-Manuel Miranda’s Broadway musical is the story of America’s Founding Father, Alexander Hamilton. It features a score that blends hip-hop, jazz, blues, rap, R&B, and Broadway sound. Tickets are scarce, but check the Fox’s website for availability. And just a heads up, The Muny will celebrate its centennial this year with events, an exhibit at the Missouri History Museum called “Muny Memories: 100 Seasons Onstage,” and what is sure to be another fantastic season to mark the 100th year. Meet us at The Muny this summer for the amazing productions of: Jerome Robbins’ Broadway (June 11-17), The Wiz (June 19-25), Singin’ in the Rain (June 27-July 3), Jersey Boys (July 9-16), Annie (July 18-25), Gypsy (July 27-Aug. 2) and Meet Me in St. Louis (Aug. 4-12). Go online to the muny. org for tickets and more information. We’re just getting warmed up. There’s more to come as the season unfolds. We invite you to check out explorestlouis. com for our events calendar and more details on all of the upcoming fun in the area.

St. Louis Convention and Visitors Commission

seen Huck and Finley - the new grizzly bears at Grizzly Ridge and eight cheetah cubs in Big Cat

Country, you’ll want to make a visit to the Saint Louis Zoo We can’t talk about what’s going on in the month of April and leave out the “boys of

The

January 20, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday

Day of Service.” His late widow, Coretta Scott King,

Bernie Hayes

April 4, 2018 marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. in Memphis, Tennessee.

FIREFIGHTER/ PARAMEDIC

Maryland Heights Fire Protection District is accepting applications for the position of Firefighter/ Paramedic. Qualification and requirement packets may be picked up from District Headquarters at 2600 Schuetz Road Maryland Heights, MO 63043 beginning March 19, 2018 through April 2, 2018 between 09:00am and 3:00pm Monday-Thursday. Completed packets must be turned in no later than 03:00pm on April 2, 2018. Maryland Heights Fire Protection District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

DRUG ANALYSIS TECHNICIAN

Drug Analysis Technicians, Eastern District of Missouri. Generous retirement/benefits package. For additional information including how to apply, see our website at www.moep.uscourts.gov. Vacancy Announcement 2018-11. Equal Opportunity Employer.

US PROBATION RECEPTIONIST

U.S. Probation Receptionist, Eastern District of Missouri. Generous retirement/benefits package. For additional information including how to apply, see our website at www.moep.uscourts.gov. Vacancy Announcement 2018-12. Equal Opportunity Employer.

STAFF ATTORNEY

PSYCHOLOGY TEACHER

St. Joseph’s Academy, a Catholic college preparatory high school for young women in St. Louis, Missouri, is seeking a part-time psychology teacher for the 2018-19 school year. Qualified applicants should have Missouri teacher certification and a Master’s degree is preferred. Interested candidates may email a cover letter and a resume to jsteinhart@sja1840.org

LIFE SKILLS MONITOR

Life Skills Monitor needed for Residential Facility to provide tenants with Household Management instruction and guidance. Valid Driver License required – must be insurable. Cover letter and resume to HR, St. Louis Transitional Hope House, Inc., 1611 Hodiamont Ave., St. Louis, MO 63112 or email to info@hopehousestl.com.

PAYROLL/ACCOUNTS

RECEIVABLES SPECIALIST

SENIOR ACCOUNTANT

Local nonprofit is in search of a senior accountant with more than 3 years of accounting experience. Some of the responsibilities are as follows:

· Financial analysis and producing reports to CFO/CEO

· Lead role in all financial audits · Own all facets of general ledger · Budgeting, A/P and A/R

Must have experience in Quickbooks. Competitive salary and benefit structure. For more info, e-mail Andy at Andy@missionstl.org with a cover letter and resume.

MUSICIAN NEEDED For Sunday Morning Worship & Weekday Worship. If interested please give a call 314-381-7691

Pattonville Fire Protection District is accepting applications for a full-time

PAYROLL/ACCOUNTS RECEIVABLES SPECIALIST position. Must meet minimum qualifications, please see our website at www.pattonvillefd. com for more details. Apply at 13900 St. Charles Rock Road, Bridgeton, MO 63044; from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., April 3rd through April 9th, 2018.

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 18 506, Roof Replacement at Social Science Building, St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley, until 2:00 p.m. local time Tuesday, April 10, 2018. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 300 South Broadway (Room 423, Fourth Floor). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015.

An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

St. Louis Community College will receive separate sealed bids for Contract No. F 18 604, Renovation of Communications North Building, St. Louis Community College at Meramec, until 2:00 p.m. local time Thursday, April 12, 2018. Bids will be publicly opened and read aloud at the office of the Manager of Engineering and Design, 300 South Broadway (Room 423, Fourth Floor). Specifications and bid forms may be obtained from the Manager’s office at the above address, or by calling (314) 539-5015.

VOLUNTARY WALK-THROUGH: April 2, 2018 (10:00 a.m.) Meet in Communications North Building An Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer

SEALED BIDS for Replace Sally Port Security Gates, Guhleman Forensic Complex, Fulton, Missouri, Project No. M1417-04 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/19/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

ADVERTISE YOUR BIDS, PUBLIC NOTICES, NAME CHANGE

PROMOTIONAL T-SHIRTS SUMMER PROMO

The Missouri Lottery is accepting bids for the purpose of establishing a contract for promotional t-shirts. The bid document with the specifications can be obtained by going to http://www.molottery.com/learnaboutus/bid_opportunities.shtm or by contacting Melissa Blankenship at melissa.blankenship@molottery. com or 573-751-4050.

SEALED BIDS

for Park Hills Residential Yard Cleanup Phase II, St. Francois County, Missouri, Project No. X1815-01 will be received by FMDC, State of MO, UNTIL 1:30 PM, 4/19/2018. For specific project information and ordering plans, go to: http://oa.mo. gov/facilities

CITY OF ST. LOUIS BOARD OF PUBLIC SERVICE

REQUEST FOR QUALIFICATIONS for DESIGN SERVICES FOR CLIMATE CONTROL PROJECTS, PACKAGES 2 AND 3, ST. LOUIS LAMBERT

INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. Statements of Qualifications due by 5:00 P.M., CT, January 11, 2018 at Board of Public Service, 1200 Market, Room 301 City Hall, St. Louis, MO 63103. RFQ may be obtained from website www.stl-bps.org, under the On Line Plan Room – Plan Room, or call the City of St. Louis, Board of Public Service, at 314-622-3535. 25% MBE and 5% WBE participation goals.

Public Housing Waiting List Opening Public Notice

Wellston Housing Authority Public Housing Waiting List is open for bedroom sizes, 0-5, April 15, 2018 – April 30, 2018, closing at 12:00 pm. Pre-applications will be accepted Monday - Friday between 9:00 am - 12:00 pm. For applicants with disabilities, assistance will be provided upon request. For questions, please call (314) 385-4089.

WELLSTON HOUSING AUTHORITY 6203 COTE BRILLIANTE AVE.

WELLSTON, MO 63133-2501

NEW OFFICE HOURS OF OPERATION

Effective Immediately

Monday, Tuesday & Friday: 8:30 am - 5:00 pm Wednesday and Thursday: 8:30 am - 12:00 pm (administrative days)

When administrative days are on the 1st of the month, the office will be open all day and close at 12:00 pm, the next business day.

St. Louis Treatment Court 22nd Judicial Circuit, City of St. Louis, Missouri

Request for Proposal

The St. Louis Treatment Court is seeking proposals to provide alcohol and drug toxicology urinalysis and breath testing for Adult Treatment Court and Veteran Treatment Court participants including the collection, analysis and result reporting to the Court. A copy of the Request for Proposal can be obtained by writing the Treatment Court Administrator, Room 526, 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101 or calling 314-589-6702 for a mail out copy. Interested providers may obtain the proposal specifications by accessing www.stlcitycircuitcourt.com on that website click on Drug Court to find the RFP. Proposals should be submitted no later than 4 p.m. Monday April 2, 2018 in Room 526, 1114 Market Street, St. Louis, Missouri 63101.

REQUEST FOR PROPOSALS

The Heartland Regional Investment Fund, LLC (“HRIF”) is a registered Community Development Entity (“CDE”) and is staffed by the St. Louis Economic Development Partnership (the “Partnership”). HRIF solicits proposals from qualified consultants to provide access to New Markets Tax Credit (“NMTC”) software, to ensure HRIF remains compliant with all NMTC regulations, and to administer HRIF’s active sub-CDEs.

To be considered, proposals must be received no later than 3:00 PM on Thursday, April 12, 2018. Proposals may be sent to 7733 Forsyth Blvd., Suite 2200, St. Louis, MO 63105, Attn: Howl Bean II, or by e-mail to hbean@stlpartnership. com. DBE, MBE, and WBE firms are encouraged to bid. The Request for Proposals may be obtained from the Partnership’s web site at www.stlpartnership.com. HRIF reserves the right to reject any or all proposals and to waive informalities therein. Questions should be directed to Howl Bean II at (314) 615-7663 or hbean@stlpartnership.com.

St. Louis Economic Development Partnership Equal Opportunity Employer

LETTING #8660

Contractors are not allowed to visit the site unless

arrangements are

with the

Manager. The bid package will be available for viewing after March 19, 2018 at the following locations: Smartbidnet https://secure.smartbidnet.com/External/PublicPlanRoom.aspx?Id=362192 The Construction Manager for this project is S. M. Wilson & Co. and the Project Manager is Mr. Brian Mee, Project Manager, 314-633-5756, brian.mee@smwilson.com

S. M. Wilson & Co. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Pattonville School District is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

PUBLIC HEARINGS & MEETINGS ABOUT NEW METRO TRANSIT PLAN

Bi-State Development and Metro Transit announce 2 public hearings, 6 informational meetings and an online survey to learn more about and to gather feedback about Metro Reimagined, a preliminary transit plan that proposes changes to MetroBus service in the St. Louis region.

Public Hearings: Wednesday, April 18, from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at St. Louis City Municipal Court Building, 1520 Market St., St. Louis, MO; Thursday, April 19, from 3-6 p.m. at The Heights Community Center, 8001 Dale Ave., Richmond Heights, MO Public Meetings: Tues., April 3, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the North Hanley Transit Center (4300 N. Hanley Rd); Wed., April 4 from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the Ballas Transit Center (790 S. New Ballas Rd); Thurs., April 5, from 2:30-5:30 p.m. at the North County Transit Center (3140 Pershall Road); Tues., April 10, from 3-6 p.m. at the Thomas Dunn Learning Center (3113 Gasconade St.); Wed., April 11, from 3-6 p.m. at the Affton White-Rodgers Community Center (9801 MacKenzie Rd); Tuesday, April 17, from 4-7 p.m. at the St. Louis Public Library Central Library (1301 Olive St.) All are welcome. To request interpretation services, call 314-231-2345, 72 hours prior to the meeting you wish to attend. To find out more information and to provide your feedback online, please go to metrostlouis.org/reimagined.

ALL ADS ARE POSTED ONLINE AS WELL Need a quote for your Bids or Public Notice?

IL 62249 PH: (618) 654-9408 Fax: (618) 654-6454 bids@plocherco.com

Seeking MBE (African American) businesses for the MSD Fenton WWTF Levee Improvements for Union Subcontracting & Supply opportunities in the following areas: Civil, Fence, Shoring, Rebar, Metals, Gates, Bypass Pumping, Electrical

ST. LOUIS COMMUNITY COLLEGE

The St. Louis Community College is requesting submittals of experience and qualifications from architectural, engineering firms and technical consultants for Architectural, Engineering and Technical Consulting Services for Fiscal Year 2019 (July 1, 2018 – June 30, 2019) with the option to renew. Submittals of the Consultant’s qualifications will be received by St. Louis Community College, in the Engineering & Design Department until 2:00 p.m. April 27, 2018 at the Joseph P. Cosand Community College Center, 300 South Broadway. The scope of architectural, engineering and technical services and consulting agreement procedures may be obtained from the Manager’s office, at the above address or by calling (314- 539-5015).

EOE/Affirmative Action Employer

All interested and qualified business should contact Chuck Wagner (crwagner@plocherco.com) or Andrew Wirz (amwirz@plocherco.com) in writing or via email to discuss the subcontracting and supply opportunities. All quotes are requested to be received one day prior to the bid opening on April 20, 2018

All proposals will be reviewed for the lowest, responsive, and responsible quote.

MSD will host a non-mandatory Pre-Bid conference, including site visit. It will be held at 9:00 AM on Tuesday, April 3, 2018 at the Fenton WWTF located at 75 Opps Lane, Fenton, MO 63026

Plocher Construction will hold its own Prebid meeting on April 4th 2018 at 9:00am at Plocher’s office: 2808 Thole-Plocher Rd, Highland, IL.

Plans and Specifications are available for free electronic download. Please go to MSD’s website and look for a link to “ELECTRONIC PLANROOM.”

Advertised

Swag Snap of the Week

Life at the Urban League Gala. Nothing but death could have kept me from the Urban League of Metropolitan St. Louis Centennial Gala Saturday night at The Grand Marriott. It was the biggest banquet in the top-rated affiliate’s history, so it goes without saying that I would have to devote the whole Partyline to it if I started naming names. The whole night was full of uplifting inspiration that even had KSDK’s Rene Knott in lowkey Baptist preacher mode during his master of ceremony duties. The fact that the organization’s CEO Michael McMillan is one of my favorite influential citizens made things extra special. I’m sure I’m gonna catch some side-eyes for saying so, but I wasn’t blown away with the speech by Viola Davis. Don’t get me wrong, I got some great nuggets out of it, but it felt a bit cobbled together. Eric Benet, was another matter altogether. He got it in and the folks of all ages were clamoring around that stage to soak in every minute of it. Y’all were taking selfies, getting on Facebook Live and carrying on like I’ve never seen people in evening gowns – well, except for prom. And true to his charming form, Eric just worked y’all into his show. It was a great way to close the night out! I peeped some for real style winners while I was there as well. L’Erin was looking lovely in that little winter white ditty. Daffney Moore’s cobalt blue ruffle gown had me gagging with jealousy! But if I had to pick the best-dressed of the night, Michael McMillan’s mother Ms. Rita would win, hands down. Between that precisely trimmed bob, golden gown and her glowing skin, she needs to be standing alongside that Maye Musk woman representing ageless and timeless beauty on those makeup commercials. And who is that woman with the salt and pepper shadow fade/ Gumby cut combo that slays with her sickening style at every_______________(insert new slang for grown and sexy) event in the city? Welp, she was at it again at the Gala. That fuchsia dress (and matching lip) paired with those black patent leather Louboutin stilettos were absolute life.

Kickin’ it with Kool Moe Dee. After getting all of my life from Eric Benet’s hypnotizing high notes, I headed over to the Ambassador for the Spring Bling Throwback Jam. The throwbacks came through and showed out. I got in just as Kool Moe Dee was getting into his set. Can somebody please identify the elderly couple Chicago or Detroit style, slow two-stepping (honestly, I can never tell one from the other) to “The Wild Wild West?” I’m going to assume they were reppin’ for Sumner class of ‘56. Kool Moe Dee brought a whole old school crew with him, y’all. I was lookin’ sideways when he said that he and the crew created “The Throne” Kanye and Jigga inherited. But when they actually started rapping to the beats of “Otis” and “[Expletives] in Paris,” I was quietly impressed. The Spring Bling was cute – especially considering that wintry mix weather that almost refused to let it be great. Y’all came through with the throwback clothes and the school colors. I don’t know who won the free party. Based on my assessment of the colors, it was either Normandy or Beaumont. Crowd on medium for Erica Mena. I was expecting a bigger crowd for reality vixen Erica Mena since her name has been in the news with that whole beef between The Breakfast Crew’s DJ Envy and Viceland hosts Desus and Mero. Envy ambushed the pair on the morning show, saying that Desus disrespected his wife with a slick comment when they were recapping the couple’s visit on “The Real” while discussing Envy’s alleged infidelity with Mena. By evening’s end, karma was real because Desus and Mero roasted Envy alive on their show and brought up Erica Mena again. Well, clearly St. Louis just isn’t that into either show, because the Marquee was barely half full to see Mena perch up in VIP on her phone unbothered by the folks who were checking for her. I don’t mess with the Breakfast Club because of how Charlamange Tha God bullied St. Louis’ own Chingy for no reason back when Charlamagne was Wendy Williams’ flunky during the last couple of years of her radio days, but I thought for sure that viral incident would have brought the folks out. Even though it wasn’t empty by any means, I’ve come to expect a packed house for a Black Ceasar set. Erica Mena was serving up “church girl gone bad” realness with her Easter spiral curl ponytail fountain hair and hot red leather pants. She was cute, but she looks way different than she does on TV.

Nice whips at Niche. I made my way to the new W Karaoke Lounge, which is in the spot that once housed that pizza place that I can’t remember the name of in the Delmar Loop. Now Niche brings out the movers and shakers – and I knew before I even stepped in the door that this was to be the case Friday night. As I was walking in, I came across not one, not two, but three Maserati whips. You know you got the sauce if you can get three folks with that kind of luxury in their lives. When did they start making a Maserati SUV? All the luxury car makes and models were lined down Delmar leading to the spot. I almost wanted to move my car around the corner – and mine is not too shabby, if I do say myself. I know you came to hear about the party, but I’m setting the scene. When I stepped up in the Karaoke spot, the people were as high-end as the automobiles outside. I ran into Naretha Hopson, Keisha Mabry, Charli Cooksey Keith Harris, City Spud and a few other power players who came through to kick it with the Boones and Teddy BFree. When they say Karaoke Lounge, they mean that. There are different rooms where you can perch on a couch and croon along to your favorite hits. I will keep to myself a certain influential who was mailing in an uninspired “Drunk In Love” cover while sipping wine. The concept is cute, but if I Karaoke, I want everybody up in the spot to see and hear the epic (and more than likely pre-rehearsed) performance that I’m coming with. Blues you can use…and win. In case you haven’t heard, the annual Bluesfest is coming back to Chaifetz next Friday (April 6). Along with the usual suspects like Bobby Rush and Sir Charles Jones, they have some new blood in the form of neo-soulturned-blues artist Calvin Richardson, which is great considering the contest we’re offering on stlamerican.com that features VIP treatment and a great date night prize package.

April, Taquan, Ms. I love Hip Hop, Jerome and Leatrice were ready to party Saturday night @ The Ambassador

MO of Riverview Gardens, Angelo of McCluer, and Gary of Beaumont were reppin’ big time for their high schools Saturday night @ The Ambassador

Jerika and Quiana kicked it in VIP with reality television starlet Erica Mena Saturday night @ The Marquee

Kaysha, Cynthia, Karin, Belinda, Shelly, Taye and Tamesha gave us the impression an album is in the works Friday @ W Karaoke

Tae and Damon were almost mistaken for headlining Hollywood celebs Friday @ W Karaoke

Tanisha and Carlton arrived @2720 early to snag a bistro table for a chill Sunday @ Poetic Justice

Lamont and Mike Flenoy played catch up when they bumped into each other @ The Marquee Saturday

Anthony came through to help Jasmine celebrate her b-day Friday night @ Blu Dine Lounge

Mariella Sheree and Gabrielle made it through as the action kicked off @ W Karaoke Friday for Niche

Lady Joc and Colonel Lee hung backstage with Kool Mo Dee and The Treacherous Three before they tore it up as the headliners for the Spring Bling Throwback Party Saturday night at The Ambassador.

Are you money smart?

We all like to think we are ‘money smart’, but knowing how to wisely spend money, save money, and borrow money isn’t always that easy. That’s why financial partners, including not-for-profits, schools, libraries, financial institutions, and others are uniting again this year to put on a month of financial education programs and fun family events geared to make each of us more ‘money smart’. Money Smart Month will run throughout April with over 200 free classes, seminars, and kids’ activities covering topics such as money management/budgeting, managing your credit, protecting yourself from identity theft, planning for retirement, estate planning and much more. All of these programs will be held locally, but are part of a national awareness campaign, that will result in thousands of

events and programs being held across the nation.

There are several special events we would like to highlight. Monopoly in the Park will take place on Saturday, April 7th from 1 pm to 6 pm at Soulard Market Park; roll the life-sized die for a chance to win and learn about money. The Money Smart Kid Zoo Safari, a fun event for kids with games and prizes, will take place on Saturday, April 21st from 9 am to noon at the St. Louis Zoo’s Living World. The Empowerment Fest, a music, art, and financial empowerment festival will take place on Saturday, April 28th from 9 am to 6 pm at Grandel Square – celebrating the Urban League’s 100th birthday. There will be fun, games, music, speakers and free classes for all ages. Please see inside for more details.

Other exciting events include:

• Money Smart Kids Storytime for young children at libraries located throughout the region

• Partnership for Success Career Fair (for Ex-Offenders) on April 10th at Chaifetz Arena

• Meet the Author: Beth Kobliner, “Make Your Kid a Money Genius” on Monday, April 9th at the St. Louis County Library Headquarters and Tuesday, April 10th at the St. Charles City-County Library Spencer Road Branch

• 22nd Annual SLACO Regional Neighborhood Conference – Saturday, April 14th at St. Louis Community

Monitoring your credit report

College – Forest Park.

For information about this year’s classes, and much, much more, visit www.MoneySmartStLouis.org.

Debbie Irwin, United Way of Greater St. Louis, 2018 Money Smart Week Co-chair

Lisa Potts, People’s Community Action Agency, 2018 Money Smart Week Co-chair

Suzanne Gellman, University of Missouri Extension, 2018 Money Smart Week Co-chair

Elias Corpas, Mutual of Omaha, 2018 Money Smart Week Co-chair

communications@fdic.gov

What are some simple precautions you can take to build your credit history and preserve good credit scores? In particular, review your credit reports at least once a year to look for discrepancies and errors. “Make sure you’re familiar with the information in your credit reports before you apply for a new job or a loan,” said Kristin Strong, chief of the FDIC’s Consumer Response Center. “Correcting any errors in advance could help you qualify for a better interest rate on a loan and save you from being denied access to credit, employment, housing or even insurance.”

The Fair Credit Reporting Act requires each of the three nationwide credit reporting companies to provide you with a free copy of your credit report once every 12 months, only upon request. To obtain your free credit reports, go to www.annualcreditreport.com or call toll-free 1-877322-8228. Note, that unlike credit reports, you may be charged a fee to obtain your credit scores.

How to take control of your debt to achieve your goals

By Sean Bond, Commerce Bank Branch Manager, Natural Bridge

If you’ve got debt, you’re not alone. But you alone have certain things you’re trying to achieve. Debt is just one part of your financial picture, yet it can affect your other goals. Whether you’re thinking of going back to school, buying a house or saving for a trip, you may be wrestling with how debt fits into your plans. To help you figure that out, here are some steps for balancing paying off your debt with other goals:

Start by knowing what you owe.

Pull together all of your debt, including student loans, car loans, bank credit cards and store credit cards. Write down the balance, interest rate and monthly payment for each. This gives you a solid grasp of what you owe, which account has the highest interest rate and the monthly payments you need to be paying on time to avoid added charges.

Identify your goals. What are you hoping to do, and by when?

List your short- and long-term financial

goals, from paying off your debt to buying a house or going to graduate school. Estimate the cost for each, and assign dates for when you’d like to hit each goal. Depending on your timeline, calculate how much you’d need to put toward each one monthly. Be sure to make saving for an emergency fund a goal, which can prevent you from going further into debt if a large unplanned expense comes up.

Set some priorities.

Depending on your situation and timeline, you may need to focus on one goal more than the others. In general, it’s a good idea to pay off high-interest debt first. Paying interest ties up your money and keeps you from applying it to savings or other goals. We recommend making your emergency savings account your next priority, followed by saving for the long-term goals you listed. You may need to adjust your timeline depending on your priorities and what you can realistically afford. Commit to paying a certain amount toward your goals each month – whether that’s credit card payments or deposits to your savings account.

Reduce your interest rates.

Look into options for lowering your interest rates to free up more cash flow. You can consolidate debt into a personal loan, which allows you to focus on a single monthly payment and may save interest fees in the long run. You may be able to lower your interest rate even more by setting up automatic loan payments from your checking or savings account. With a balance transfer, you can move your balance to a credit card that offers a lower interest rate for a certain number of months. Use that time in the promotional period to get the balance paid off, and start focusing on other debts.

Use the “snowball approach” to pay down debt faster.

Select your debt with the highest interest rate as your first target for elimination and follow these steps:

• Make at least the minimum monthly payments on all of your accounts, but pay as much as you can afford each month on your target debt. By making a larger monthly payment, you’ll pay off the balance faster.

• Once that’s paid off, identify the next

target debt.

• Combine the money you were paying on the first debt with the amount you’ve been paying on the second target debt, and apply that toward the balance.

• Repeat the process for each debt.

Be intentional about your spending.

The key to meeting your goals is making the payments and savings deposits you’ve committed to each month. To do that, you’ll need to be disciplined and make sure you’re not spending too much. Review your monthly expenses and look for areas you can trim — like the gym membership you rarely use, eating out one time less per week, or switching to a lower cost cable or mobile phone provider. Also consider putting any extra income, like bonuses or tax refunds, toward your target debt and goals.

It can be hard to know where to start, but clarifying your situation, goals and priorities provides valuable perspective for tackling your debt. If you’ve got debt, you’re not alone. Your banker can help by discussing your situation and figuring out a plan for achieving your goals.

Missouri Events

MONDAY, APRIL 2

4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

MONEY MONDAY

Thomas Dunn Learning Center

3113 Gasconade, St. Louis, MO 63118

6:30 PM - 8:30 PM

BILLS OR BENEFITS? WHAT WILLYOU LEAVE YOUR LOVED ONES? SLACO

5888 Plymouth, St Louis, MO 63112

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

WHAT TO ASK YOUR RELATOR WHEN SHOPPING FOR A HOME

Justine PETERSEN

1023 North Grand Ave, St. Louis, MO 63106

RSVP: 314-533-2411

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

BUDGETING, LIFE EVENTS & RELATIONSHIPS

St. Louis County Library, Indian Trails Branch

8400 Delport Dr., St. Louis, MO 63114

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300

TUESDAY, APRIL 3

9:00 AM - 10:30 AM

BUDGETING MATTERS

Grace Hill Water Tower Hub 2125 Bissell St., St. Louis, MO 63107

RSVP Required: wbcinfo@gracehillsettlement.org 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM

MINI PLANNING CLUB

Billionaire Thoughts 17295 Chesterfield Airport Rd., Chesterfield, MO 63005

RSVP Required: events.stlouisbusinesscoach.com or 636-203-5420 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

BUDGETING & SAVINGS STRATEGIES - YOUR PERSONAL BALANCE SHEET

Office of Financial Empowerment

1200 Market St., City Hall Room 220, St. Louis, MO 63103

RSVP Required: 314-622-4700 or www.stlofe.org 1:00 PM - 3:00 PM

BUDGETING, SAVING & CREDIT

Al Chappelle Community Center

1401 LaSalle Lane, St. Louis, MO 63104

RSVP Required: 314-588-7854

2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

MITIGATING THE COST OF LONG TERM CARE

St. Charles City-County - Spencer Road Branch

427 Spencer Rd, St Peters, MO 63376

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

HISPANIC CHAMBER OF COMMERCE: FINANCIALWORKSHOP

Hispanic Chamber of Commerce

Facebook.com/HCCSTL 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

WHEN CREDITORS ARE PREDATORS

De Soto Public Library

712 South Main St., De Soto, MO 63020

RSVP Required: 636-586-3858

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

MONEY MANAGEMENT FOR WOMEN

St. Louis County Library, Daniel Boone Branch

300 Clarkson Rd., Ellisville, MO 63011

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

CUTTING COSTS THROUGH GREEN CLEANING

St. Charles City-County - Spencer Road Branch

427 Spencer Rd, St Peters, MO 63376

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org 6:30 PM - 7:30 PM

FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS

St. Charles City-County

Kathryn Linnemann Branch 2323 Elm St, St Charles, MO 63301

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

WEDNESDAY, APRIL 4 11:00 AM - 12:00 PM

ESTATES WILLS & TRUSTS

Monsanto YMCA 5555 Page Avenue, St Louis, MO 63112 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

BILLS OR BENEFITS? WHAT WILLYOU LEAVE YOUR LOVED ONES?

Monsanto YMCA

5555 Page Avenue, St Louis, MO 63112 12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

WELCOME HOME ST. LOUIS DOWN PAYMENTASSISTANCE PROGRAM

St. Louis City

Abrams Building; 1520 Market St., 1st Fl., Classroom #1 St. Louis, MO 63103

RSVP Required: www.stlofe.org/events 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

OFFICE HOURS WITH A BANKER

Grace Hill Water Tower Hub 2125 Bissell St., St. Louis, MO 63107

RSVP Required: wbcinfo@gracehillsettlement.org 1:00 PM - 7:00 PM

TAX ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

Thomas Dunn Learning Center 3113 Gasconade St., St. Louis, MO 63118

RSVP Required: ThomasDunn@stlouistap.org 7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

IDENTITY THEFT

St. Louis County Library - Weber Road Branch 4444 Weber Rd., St. Louis, MO 63123

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300

THURSDAY, APRIL 5 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

ESTATE PLANNING: INTRODUCTION TO THE ESSENTIALS

St. Louis County Library - Oak Bend Branch 842 S. Holmes Ave., St. Louis, MO 63122

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

NEED HELPWITH BILLS, BILLS, BILLS?

Peoples Community Action Corporation 6827 South Broadway, St Louis, MO 63111 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

ESTATE PLANNING

St. Charles City-County - Kisker Road Branch

MONEY SMART WEEK

1000 Kisker Rd, St Charles, MO 63304

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

2:00 PM - 4:00 PM

MAKING MONEY COUNT - CREDIT

Northwest Library

5680 State Road PP, High Ridge, MO 63049

RSVP Required: 636-677-8243

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

IS SMALL BUSINESS FOR YOU?

Midwest BankCentre - Grand

5515 S Grand, St. Louis, MO 63111

3:00 PM - 4:00 PM

SMALL BUSINESS FINANCING

Midwest BankCentre - Pagedale

6810 Page, St Louis , MO 63133

5:00 PM - 6:00 PM

BANK ON IT

Midwest BankCentre - Friendly Temple

5501 Dr. Martin Luther King, Dr., St. Louis, MO 63112

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

WILLS, ESTATE PLANNING AND BENEFICIARY DEEDS

Habitat for Humanity

3763 Forest Park Ave. St. Louis, MO 63108

6:00 PM - 7:00 PM

WILLS, BENEFICIARY DEEDS AND ESTATE PLANNING

Thomas Dunn Learning Center

3113 Gasconade St., St. Louis, MO 63118

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

CREATING AND COMMUNICATING YOUR FINANCIAL PLAN

24:1 Excel Center

6724 Page Ave, Pagedale, MO 63133

6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

GETTING FISCALLY FIT

St. Charles City-County

Middendorf-Kredell Branch

2750 Hwy K, O’Fallon, MO 63368

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

7:00 PM - 8:00 PM

FINANCIALTRANSITIONS

St. Louis County LibraryBridgeton Trails Branch

3455 McKelvey Rd, Bridgeton, MO 63044

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

ADAPTING YOUR HOME TO AGE IN PLACE

St. Charles City-County - Kisker Road Branch 1000 Kisker Rd, St Charles, MO 63304

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

ESTATE PLANNING: ELDER LAW & PROTECTING YOUR ASSETS

St. Charles City-County

Corporate Parkway Branch

1200 Corporate Pkwy, Wentzville, MO 63385

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org

FRIDAY, APRIL 6

12:30 PM - 1:30 PM

WORK & LIVE ST. LOUIS AFFORDABLE HOME PURCHASE & REFINANCE

PROGRAM FOR CITY MUNICIPAL EMPLOYEES

Office of Financial Empowerment

1200 Market St., City Hall Room 220, St. Louis, MO 63103

RSVP Required: www.stlofe.org

1:00 PM - 2:30 PM

BASIC FOUNDATIONS OF INVESTING

St. Charles City-County Corporate Parkway Branch 1200 Corporate Pkwy, Wentzville, MO 63385

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

IDENTITY THEFT

St. Louis County Library - Cliff Cave Branch 5430 Telegraph Rd., St. Louis, MO 63129

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300

SATURDAY, APRIL 7

9:00 AM - 11:00 AM

IDEA SPOT - THINK LIKE A BUSINESS OWNER

24:1 Community Excel Center 6724 Page Ave, Pagedale, MO 63133

RSVP Required: wbcinfo@gracehillsettlement.org 9:00 AM - 11:30 AM

HOME BUYING SEMINAR

Anheuser-Busch Employees’ Credit Union 1001 Lynch St. , St. Louis , MO 63118

RSVP Required: www.events.ameaglecu.org 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM

FINANCIALTRANSITIONS

St. Louis County Library - Lewis & Clark Branch 9909 Lewis-Clark Blvd., St. Louis, MO 63136

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

MONEY SMART KIDS READ

Crystal City Public Library 736 Mississippi Ave., Crystal City, MO 63019

RSVP Required: 636-937-4614 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM

TAKING CONTROL OFYOUR CASH FLOW - ELIMINATING DEBT

St. Charles City-County - Deer Run Branch 1300 N Main St, O’Fallon, MO 63366

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM

NOW & LATER - KEYS TO BUDGETING & SAVING

Monsanto YMCA 5555 Page Avenue, St Louis, MO 63112 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM

MANAGE YOUR CREDIT & DEBT - DON’T LET IT MANAGE YOU! Monsanto YMCA 5555 Page , St Louis, MO 63112 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM

MONEY SMART MONOPOLY

Soulard Park Soulard Place/Layfayette & 7th -9th Streets, St Louis, MO 63104 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM

MAXIMIZING YOUR SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS

St. Louis County LibraryJamestown Bluffs Branch 4153 N. Highway 67, Florissant, MO 63034

RSVP Required: www.slcl.org/events or 314-994-3300 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM

HOME BUYING SERVICES

St. Charles City-County - Spencer Road Branch 427 Spencer Rd, St Peters, MO 63376

RSVP Required: www.mylibrary.org 5:30 PM - 8:00 PM

CREDITAND MONEY MANAGEMENT

City Garden Montessori St. Louis, MO 63110

RSVP Required: www.stlofe.org/events

Provided by Busey Bank

Diploma means debt for many college grads

With the rising costs of education, a diploma means debt for many college graduates. According to the Pew Research Center, Americans owed more than $1.3 trillion dollars in student loans last year.

“The average cost of tuition and fees for in-state students at a four-year public college is nearly $10,000 a year. As costs continue to increase, more and more college-bound students will be responsible for all or most of their tuition, fees and room and board”, says Janice Wolters, Senior Vice President & Managing Director of Private Wealth Advisory for Busey Wealth Management in St. Louis.

According to a Discover Student Loan Survey, 85 percent of parents are somewhat worried that student loan debt will affect their child’s ability to buy a home, car or other large purchases. If you are in the majority, consider the following tips on how to manage student loans.

Get organized. Compile a list of what you owe, who you owe, when it’s due and identifying information for each loan. A reminder on your calendar can help keep you organized or use the student loan checklist from FinAid.org.

Make payments automatic. Automatic loan payments are a smart

bet for two reasons: they ensure the payment is made on time and they often come with an interest rate reduction.

Consider consolidation carefully. Federal loans can be consolidated, but offer no incentive; private loans can be consolidated, but sometimes at the expense of a higher interest rate. A loan

specialist can help identify your options.

Claim the student loan interest deduction. The deduction can be worth up to $2,500 per year, according to the IRS, on both private and federal loans. The above-the-line deduction is an important one, so build that reminder into your calendar, too.

Keep your lender in the loop. If you lose your job and/or ability to pay, speak with your lender. Federal student loans offer temporary suspensions for shortterm financial difficulty. Keep in mind, however, interest continues to accrue, so you may need to consider an alternate repayment plan that will give you a lower monthly payment, but a stretched out term.

Don’t skip payments. Not paying your student loans is not an option. Even if you declare bankruptcy, private and federal student loans are almost impossible to discharge.